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THE UFC COUNTER STRIKE? [editorial]
1 day ago
Counter Strike?
The word strike has very different meanings in the world of sports. In some cases, it has completely opposite connotations. In baseball, if you're trying to score, a strike is a bad thing. But in bowling (and no I did not get to vote on this even being considered a sport), a strike is a very positive result.
In a recent post on MMAPayout.com, Yahoo News is referenced as having posted that Dana White has plans to put counterprogramming up against the next EliteXC on CBS card again.The very same counterstrike plan that sure seemed to fall flat last time, when they ran Liddell-a-palooza.
Plus is it me or is this tactic a 20th century technique being applies in the 21st? A lot of people have a DVR (TiVO) and can record the Spike TV UFC card, while prioritizing the Affliction card...same plan works for the next CBS/EliteXC show. So why do it?
One plan, in the case of the Affliction show, is to damage their PPV buys. This may have a moderate impact, but in all honesty, the Affliction card is hard to outshine. And the fact that MMA is coming into homes for free on network TV is also hard to dent the numbers on. Even people who hated the first CBS card and said, "I'll never watch EliteXC again" will watch again. Even haters need to be informed so they can know what to sound off about. You know, what sucked and why.
So what does it really mean and prove when the UFC, MMA's premier promotion, jockey's into position to try and take away from shows such as EliteXC: Primetime, Affliction: Banned and now, EliteXC: Primtetime II??
Two undeniable things are clear:
- The UFC, despite being the number one promotion, is seriously threatened by the comptetion being posed by both EliteXC and Affliction. Good thing the IFL didn't rattle their cage like that, they'd be putting events on more often than the WWE and TNA combined. I know they say they're not concerned about EliteXC or Affliction - that those are farm leagues, but their actions belie that big time. You'd think a Las Vegas based company would have a better poker face.
- The UFC is a proponent for Ultimate Fighting - not MMA. Their brand, not the sport overall, otherwise they would be glad to see a sport they helped nurture, growing out of the small potter they started out with.
So in the case of the UFC countering the competition, the term strike is a lot more like baseball than bowling. It has thus far proven to amount to little more than a swing and a miss. We shall see what unfolds next, with the UFC holding July 19th's Affliction: Banned Show in its sights, the counter-programming planwill either be their second strike or their first hit.
| Counter Strike? The word strike has very different meanings in the world of sports. In some cases, it has completely opposite connotations. In baseball, if you're trying to score, a strike is a bad thing. But in bowling (and no I did not get to vote on this even being considered a sport), a strike is a very positive result. In a recent post on MMAPayout.com, Yahoo News is referenced as having posted that Dana White has plans to put counterprogramming up against the next EliteXC on CBS card again.The very same counterstrike plan that sure seemed to fall flat last time, when they ran Liddell-a-palooza. Plus is it me or is this tactic a 20th century technique being applies in the 21st? A lot of people have a DVR (TiVO) and can record the Spike TV UFC card, while prioritizing the Affliction card...same plan works for the next CBS/EliteXC show. So why do it? One plan, in the case of the Affliction show, is to damage their PPV buys. This may have a moderate impact, but in all honesty, the Affliction card is hard to outshine. And the fact that MMA is coming into homes for free on network TV is also hard to dent the numbers on. Even people who hated the first CBS card and said, "I'll never watch EliteXC again" will watch again. Even haters need to be informed so they can know what to sound off about. You know, what sucked and why. So what does it really mean and prove when the UFC, MMA's premier promotion, jockey's into position to try and take away from shows such as EliteXC: Primetime, Affliction: Banned and now, EliteXC: Primtetime II?? Two undeniable things are clear:
So in the case of the UFC countering the competition, the term strike is a lot more like baseball than bowling. It has thus far proven to amount to little more than a swing and a miss. We shall see what unfolds next, with the UFC holding July 19th's Affliction: Banned Show in its sights, the counter-programming planwill either be their second strike or their first hit. |
OH WELL-ROUNDED? [editorial]
15 days ago
well-round·ed 
[wel-roun-did] –adjective
1.
fully developed; well-balanced.
As MMA on the whole grows almost faster than its athletes can, it seems more and more common to hear a fighter refer to themself or another as 'well-rounded'. One might even suggest that the term is applied far more often than it applies.
Goal vs. Status
Every MMA fighter needs to be and wants to be a well-rounded fighter. It's become necessary to compete on the highest levels of the sport. But it remains a goal for more than it is a statement about their current status as a fighter.
Is this intended to, or even indirectly an insult to any fighter?? No way. It isn't for the same reason saying well-rounded so loosely is...because it takes time.
The Exceptions
You watch Anderson Silva, GSP, BJ Penn and even new emerging stars like Rafael Feijao and you see a complete skill set. These athletes also share another gift...incredible amounts of God given talent. Natural athleticism that allows them to move as fluidly as Silva and outwrestle more accomplished wrestlers like St. Pierre does. These special athletes come along here and there in all sports. Boxng's latest was Roy Jones Jr. This boxing prodigy went 11 plus years barely losing rounds, let alone losing no fights. It's the amazing talent these fighters possess that allows them to be more complete in less time. Most mainstream fighters need a little more time. Afterall, we're talking about developing a decent mastery of multiple fighting styles, some of which, like BJJ are nowhere near easy. If you go to a regular karate school as a kid, it takes years to get black belt or high rank in ONE discipline, so the mass majority of MMA fighters being well rounded is in the near future, but not quite yet.
Improper Use
I am in no way a detractor of Kimbo Slice or his path to stardom. I agree nuturing him along is good. A gradual build up in his level of opposition is acceptable. But - he is not yet well-rounded. Kimbo himself said, just after his CBS debut against James Thompson, "I have a long way to go...a lot to learn" - That's admirable for an athlete to say. Yet prior to that fight, Kimbo told a reporter from Sherdog.com that he was well-rounded. He is obviously working towards it, but should be declare it?...not quite yet. It is a common mixing up between what one's goal is and what one's state of being is at the time. He is certainly not alone in this.
In Closing
In the coming years, so many talented young fighters will be debuting in MMA, with years of many fighting disciplines under their various colored belts. That will be a new day in the sport. Athleticism will remain one of the few factors to differentiate between the best of fighters. Long gone will be the days of take so and so to the ground, he has no game there. What will replace it is likely aptitude. Some will simply excel in certain areas and not as much in others...similar to how some can play a guitar incredibly well, yet barely keep a beat if sitting in on the drums.
YACMAN
well-round·ed
[wel-roun-did] –adjective
| 1. | fully developed; well-balanced. |
As MMA on the whole grows almost faster than its athletes can, it seems more and more common to hear a fighter refer to themself or another as 'well-rounded'. One might even suggest that the term is applied far more often than it applies.
Goal vs. Status
Every MMA fighter needs to be and wants to be a well-rounded fighter. It's become necessary to compete on the highest levels of the sport. But it remains a goal for more than it is a statement about their current status as a fighter.
Is this intended to, or even indirectly an insult to any fighter?? No way. It isn't for the same reason saying well-rounded so loosely is...because it takes time.
The Exceptions
You watch Anderson Silva, GSP, BJ Penn and even new emerging stars like Rafael Feijao and you see a complete skill set. These athletes also share another gift...incredible amounts of God given talent. Natural athleticism that allows them to move as fluidly as Silva and outwrestle more accomplished wrestlers like St. Pierre does. These special athletes come along here and there in all sports. Boxng's latest was Roy Jones Jr. This boxing prodigy went 11 plus years barely losing rounds, let alone losing no fights. It's the amazing talent these fighters possess that allows them to be more complete in less time. Most mainstream fighters need a little more time. Afterall, we're talking about developing a decent mastery of multiple fighting styles, some of which, like BJJ are nowhere near easy. If you go to a regular karate school as a kid, it takes years to get black belt or high rank in ONE discipline, so the mass majority of MMA fighters being well rounded is in the near future, but not quite yet.
Improper Use
I am in no way a detractor of Kimbo Slice or his path to stardom. I agree nuturing him along is good. A gradual build up in his level of opposition is acceptable. But - he is not yet well-rounded. Kimbo himself said, just after his CBS debut against James Thompson, "I have a long way to go...a lot to learn" - That's admirable for an athlete to say. Yet prior to that fight, Kimbo told a reporter from Sherdog.com that he was well-rounded. He is obviously working towards it, but should be declare it?...not quite yet. It is a common mixing up between what one's goal is and what one's state of being is at the time. He is certainly not alone in this.
In Closing
In the coming years, so many talented young fighters will be debuting in MMA, with years of many fighting disciplines under their various colored belts. That will be a new day in the sport. Athleticism will remain one of the few factors to differentiate between the best of fighters. Long gone will be the days of take so and so to the ground, he has no game there. What will replace it is likely aptitude. Some will simply excel in certain areas and not as much in others...similar to how some can play a guitar incredibly well, yet barely keep a beat if sitting in on the drums.
YACMAN
MIKE TYSON VS? Enough Said.
1 month ago
ver·sus [vur-suhs, -suhz] Pronunciation Key.
1.
against (used esp. to indicate an action brought by one party against another in a competition of teams or players in a sports contest):
Really? You want to see Mike Tyson Fight? No, seriously I'm asking...because it's laughable now.
If you even have a slight desire to see Mike Tyson fight Kimbo Slice or ANYONE for that matter then I'd be pretty sure that your mind is in the 1980's and your saving yourself tons of money on hallucinogenic drugs just imagining it.
You can't be a fight fan of ANY combat sport and think this is a compelling match. Tyson hasn't been good in boxing for years, now he's supposed to fight in an MMA event with nothing but rusty boxing skills, right out of the gate and take on Kimbo? - and yet Kimbo gets slammed for being a newbie but Tyson is ok?
Now is the time we all need to patiently wait for the next Tyson in either boxing or MMA - and let the actual Mike Tyson be done. He has nothing left for us in a cage, ring or even foosball at this point. It pains me to read things about him like that...And if Kimbo Slice is the answer to the 'next Tyson' of any combat sport - and he may be - he need not take the torch from a non-competitive, other sport based No-Longer-Iron Mike Tyson.
To look for Tyson to fight nowadays is about as ridiculous as saying, "Hey what if Urijah Faber took on The Cookie Monster?" - because like The Intimidating Fighting Machine Mike Tyson, he too does not exist in reality today.
I loved Mike Tyson - he is a Hall of Fame fighter for sure but it's over people. Really it's over. Move on....go ahead...it's ok to let go now...There's always therapy...
ver·sus [vur-suhs, -suhz] Pronunciation Key.
| 1. | against (used esp. to indicate an action brought by one party against another in a competition of teams or players in a sports contest): |
Really? You want to see Mike Tyson Fight? No, seriously I'm asking...because it's laughable now.
If you even have a slight desire to see Mike Tyson fight Kimbo Slice or ANYONE for that matter then I'd be pretty sure that your mind is in the 1980's and your saving yourself tons of money on hallucinogenic drugs just imagining it.
You can't be a fight fan of ANY combat sport and think this is a compelling match. Tyson hasn't been good in boxing for years, now he's supposed to fight in an MMA event with nothing but rusty boxing skills, right out of the gate and take on Kimbo? - and yet Kimbo gets slammed for being a newbie but Tyson is ok?
Now is the time we all need to patiently wait for the next Tyson in either boxing or MMA - and let the actual Mike Tyson be done. He has nothing left for us in a cage, ring or even foosball at this point. It pains me to read things about him like that...And if Kimbo Slice is the answer to the 'next Tyson' of any combat sport - and he may be - he need not take the torch from a non-competitive, other sport based No-Longer-Iron Mike Tyson.
To look for Tyson to fight nowadays is about as ridiculous as saying, "Hey what if Urijah Faber took on The Cookie Monster?" - because like The Intimidating Fighting Machine Mike Tyson, he too does not exist in reality today.
I loved Mike Tyson - he is a Hall of Fame fighter for sure but it's over people. Really it's over. Move on....go ahead...it's ok to let go now...There's always therapy...
PUT UP OR SHUT UP DANA!
1 month ago
Damn, damn, damn...You just gotta love when life drops you a nugget like this.
Dana white was recenty quoted as saying the following:
"The amount of talent and fights we put on are second to none. Think about it, the CBS fight that they are coming up with, who gives a crap about Kimbo Slice?" White told the Press-Telegram. "This guy can't fight MMA. You know what would happen if he fought in the UFC? I'd put him in against (UFC lightweight champion) B.J. Pennand (Slice) would get annihilated. Kimbo has no credibility at all in MMA. I am telling you, B.J. Penn would beat him." (Quote courtesy of Sherdog.com).
So if BJ can beat a big man who hails from one proven fighting style, in this case - the streets - then why not put a lightweight like the winner of Sherk vs. Penn or someone else in against Lesnar? Lesnar may have a top notch wrestling background, but in MMA he is still in the cirque de solei of fighters who are more credible as a product than they are as a fighter...which I believe is his knock on Kimbo.
I think Dana should back up even the one aspect of this quote by showing he actually does believe a 155 lb. guy can beat down the 230 lb. guy. Hey the old UFC would've done it - just ask Royce.
Gary Shaw, like him or not people, is a respectable promoter. And his years of work and struggling can and will help MMA overall, for as long as EliteXC can prosper and compete. Ask any fighter who deals with Elite or even those who are close with Elite's roster and they all speak highly of how they're treated.
Plus...MMA is in many ways, run by folks who come from boxing, Dana, the Fertitas, Gary Shaw...and others.
Damn, damn, damn...You just gotta love when life drops you a nugget like this.
Dana white was recenty quoted as saying the following:
"The amount of talent and fights we put on are second to none. Think about it, the CBS fight that they are coming up with, who gives a crap about Kimbo Slice?" White told the Press-Telegram. "This guy can't fight MMA. You know what would happen if he fought in the UFC? I'd put him in against (UFC lightweight champion) B.J. Pennand (Slice) would get annihilated. Kimbo has no credibility at all in MMA. I am telling you, B.J. Penn would beat him." (Quote courtesy of Sherdog.com).
So if BJ can beat a big man who hails from one proven fighting style, in this case - the streets - then why not put a lightweight like the winner of Sherk vs. Penn or someone else in against Lesnar? Lesnar may have a top notch wrestling background, but in MMA he is still in the cirque de solei of fighters who are more credible as a product than they are as a fighter...which I believe is his knock on Kimbo.
I think Dana should back up even the one aspect of this quote by showing he actually does believe a 155 lb. guy can beat down the 230 lb. guy. Hey the old UFC would've done it - just ask Royce.
Gary Shaw, like him or not people, is a respectable promoter. And his years of work and struggling can and will help MMA overall, for as long as EliteXC can prosper and compete. Ask any fighter who deals with Elite or even those who are close with Elite's roster and they all speak highly of how they're treated.
Plus...MMA is in many ways, run by folks who come from boxing, Dana, the Fertitas, Gary Shaw...and others.
APPLY SOME ICE-MAN
1 month ago
Sources at MMANEWS.COM have reported that Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell was planning to step into the octagon and fight Rashad Evans, as scheduled, in spite of his torn hamstring injury. And that it was Dana White who apparently saved Liddell from himself and fans from a match that could've been a snoozefest. The news goes on to state the following:
"I was going to fight, too," Liddell says. But then White called and said to forget it, to heal up and come back 100 percent."
So first of all, a deserved kudos for Dana and his looking out for something besides the bottom line. And for likely saving us all from watching Chuck lose and then, afterwards going into that mode a lot of fighters in combat sports go into, "I'm not making excuses but...(INSERT EXCUSE HERE ANYWAY)..." - blaming it on his injury. Fighting through a migraine, yes, that's acceptable. Fighting minus an appendage? Come on Chuck!! How long have you been an athlete? It's differences like that which separates the athlete from the tough guy wannabe fighter guy. A distinction that MMA continues to work towards making clear.
WATCH THIS CHUCK LIDDELL HIGHLIGHT REEL
CHECK OUT THE CONTROVERSIAL CALLING OUT OF CHUCK LIDDELL, BY ELITEXC'S KIMBO SLICE
Yacman
Sources at MMANEWS.COM have reported that Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell was planning to step into the octagon and fight Rashad Evans, as scheduled, in spite of his torn hamstring injury. And that it was Dana White who apparently saved Liddell from himself and fans from a match that could've been a snoozefest. The news goes on to state the following:
"I was going to fight, too," Liddell says. But then White called and said to forget it, to heal up and come back 100 percent."
So first of all, a deserved kudos for Dana and his looking out for something besides the bottom line. And for likely saving us all from watching Chuck lose and then, afterwards going into that mode a lot of fighters in combat sports go into, "I'm not making excuses but...(INSERT EXCUSE HERE ANYWAY)..." - blaming it on his injury. Fighting through a migraine, yes, that's acceptable. Fighting minus an appendage? Come on Chuck!! How long have you been an athlete? It's differences like that which separates the athlete from the tough guy wannabe fighter guy. A distinction that MMA continues to work towards making clear.
|
WATCH THIS CHUCK LIDDELL HIGHLIGHT REEL |
|
CHECK OUT THE CONTROVERSIAL CALLING OUT OF CHUCK LIDDELL, BY ELITEXC'S KIMBO SLICE |
Yacman
DOUBLE O-BARNETT
1 month ago
(VIDEO LINKS BELOW)
Just when you may have been thinking, "Damn. Josh Barnett is fighting again but it's in Japan and I can't go watch live." BAM! He's back, slated to fight on American soil shortly after his bout against Jeff Monson, at the World Victory Road’s Sengoku II event in Japan.
In what is clearly a rematch most MMA fans would welcome, Barnett looks to even the score by grabbing a rematch win over Pedro Rizzo - keeper of a very heavy right hand.
Barnett admitted Rizzo caught him with one of those 'stop a buick' strong shots, but stated he remains willing, since that loss, to mix it up with Rizzo once again. But this time, Josh noted, he (Barnett) will be knocking Rizzo's ass out.
This could prove to be the fight of the night on the difficult to launch "Affliction" fight card, and if you ask Barnett, he is certain it is. Buddies or not, Josh Barnett says he'll be stealing the spotlight from Fedor Emelianenko on this one.
Ok, they've got my attention now. Here's to hoping Josh Barnett demolishes The Snowman so we get a high spirited, super confident Josh Barnett in the rematch with Pedro Rizzo.
THE YACMAN INTERVIEWS JOSH BARNETT AT SHOXC
THE YACMAN INTERVIEWS JOSH BARNETT AT FATAL FEMMES FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP: CRYSTAL BRAWL
Yacman
(VIDEO LINKS BELOW)
Just when you may have been thinking, "Damn. Josh Barnett is fighting again but it's in Japan and I can't go watch live." BAM! He's back, slated to fight on American soil shortly after his bout against Jeff Monson, at the World Victory Road’s Sengoku II event in Japan.
In what is clearly a rematch most MMA fans would welcome, Barnett looks to even the score by grabbing a rematch win over Pedro Rizzo - keeper of a very heavy right hand.
Barnett admitted Rizzo caught him with one of those 'stop a buick' strong shots, but stated he remains willing, since that loss, to mix it up with Rizzo once again. But this time, Josh noted, he (Barnett) will be knocking Rizzo's ass out.
This could prove to be the fight of the night on the difficult to launch "Affliction" fight card, and if you ask Barnett, he is certain it is. Buddies or not, Josh Barnett says he'll be stealing the spotlight from Fedor Emelianenko on this one.
Ok, they've got my attention now. Here's to hoping Josh Barnett demolishes The Snowman so we get a high spirited, super confident Josh Barnett in the rematch with Pedro Rizzo.
|
THE YACMAN INTERVIEWS JOSH BARNETT AT SHOXC |
|
THE YACMAN INTERVIEWS JOSH BARNETT AT FATAL FEMMES FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP: CRYSTAL BRAWL |
Yacman
New Yac & J Widget for YOUR Page!
2 months ago
CLICK OPTIONS ON THIS WIDGET, TO GET THE HTML CODE TO HAVE THIS YAC & J WIDGET ON YOUR PAGE or PC!
CLICK OPTIONS ON THIS WIDGET, TO GET THE HTML CODE TO HAVE THIS YAC & J WIDGET ON YOUR PAGE or PC!
NO LIMITS HUH? I SEE
2 months ago
lim·it
(lĭm'ĭt) Pronunciation Key n.
- The point, edge, or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed.
In the past few months of attending and working MMA events around the American Southwest, hearing the words "Team Oyama" and "No Limits" has become unavoidable.
Amidst Southern California;s pleasant weather sits Coach Colin Oyama's huge MMA and Gym facility called NO LIMTS. Imagine a COSTCO bulk products-like store filled with MMA and gym gear...tons of it, and all top quality stuff.
Then imagine a quality coaching staff and crop of talented fighters. Well, ok, no need to imagine that last thing...they've got those, just go and see.
The one thing I could not help but notice is that this camp is making it a point to do two things at all of these events.
-
Represent their gym and the sport of MMA in a disciplined and respectable way.
-
WIN!
In recent events, No Limits Team Oyama has racked up a 12 wins and 1 loss record as a whole. And not just wins when they are the victors. They score serious KO's and submissions too.
Among the win-streak entourage are Bao Quach, Brent Cooper, Giva Santana and Shane Delrosario.
Giva Santana is one of the most humble of MMA fighters you'll see. And what makes it more surreal is his 11-0 record with 10 of those wins coming by way of Arm Bar. Now add more amazement to it...those 10 arm bars came consecutively. He actually said to me, "I'm just Giva Santana. Not sure why they call me The Arm Collector" - I think I know why!!
It seemed beyond deserving of a write up to note how successful this team, one that is always media friendly and professional, has been leading into and going forward in 2008.
Their camp and gym goes by the bold name, NO LIMITS - and so far, they're doing a damn good job at seeming like they just may not have any.
lim·it (lĭm'ĭt) Pronunciation Key n.
- The point, edge, or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed.
In the past few months of attending and working MMA events around the American Southwest, hearing the words "Team Oyama" and "No Limits" has become unavoidable.
Amidst Southern California;s pleasant weather sits Coach Colin Oyama's huge MMA and Gym facility called NO LIMTS. Imagine a COSTCO bulk products-like store filled with MMA and gym gear...tons of it, and all top quality stuff.
Then imagine a quality coaching staff and crop of talented fighters. Well, ok, no need to imagine that last thing...they've got those, just go and see.
The one thing I could not help but notice is that this camp is making it a point to do two things at all of these events.
-
Represent their gym and the sport of MMA in a disciplined and respectable way.
-
WIN!
In recent events, No Limits Team Oyama has racked up a 12 wins and 1 loss record as a whole. And not just wins when they are the victors. They score serious KO's and submissions too.
Among the win-streak entourage are Bao Quach, Brent Cooper, Giva Santana and Shane Delrosario.
Giva Santana is one of the most humble of MMA fighters you'll see. And what makes it more surreal is his 11-0 record with 10 of those wins coming by way of Arm Bar. Now add more amazement to it...those 10 arm bars came consecutively. He actually said to me, "I'm just Giva Santana. Not sure why they call me The Arm Collector" - I think I know why!!
It seemed beyond deserving of a write up to note how successful this team, one that is always media friendly and professional, has been leading into and going forward in 2008.
Their camp and gym goes by the bold name, NO LIMITS - and so far, they're doing a damn good job at seeming like they just may not have any.
YACMAN'S BAKER'S DOZEN: JOEY VILLASENOR
2 months ago
13 QUESTIONS FOR ELITEXC STAR JOEY VILLASENOR
By: Ron 'The Yacman' Yacovetti
WATCH CBS & ELITEXC "SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" LIVE ON CBS MAY 31st AT 9PM ET/PT!
1. Your career started out at 15-0 – Do you feel you received the respect that kind of start deserves?
Well yeah and actually my career didn’t start at 15-0, I was 3-3 then I won 16 to 17 straight or something like that. I’ve put in a lot of hard work and I’ve been in this sport for a long time, so yeah I think I’ve earned it.
2. You’ve fought for a few of the other guys before signing with EliteXC - how important is the personal and professional treatment of the fighters to you?
I think it’s probably the most important thing - how you're treated by a company and by people in that company. We’re not a dime a dozen, we’re MMA fighters and we need to be treated with respect in all facets. It sucks when you feel treated like a robot or something.
3. What role do spirituality, family and moral values play in the career and life of Joey Villasenor?
This question is pretty easy, I think that’s why I do it. I fight, not just for the passion and the love of the sport, but for the love of my friends and my family. I want to share these things with these people. It’s the number one thing. I ain't makin' millions, ya know?
4. At what point in your career did you come into contact with Greg Jackson and how did you know you wanted to work with him?
Early on in my career - about 7 years ago. 7-8 yrs ago I heard about him, met him, then started cross training with him. The rest is history. I moved down to Albuquerque like 5 years ago and I've been with him consistently since then.
5. What changes in your work ethic, style, conditioning do you feel might not be as fine-tuned as they now are, if not for working alongside Greg Jackson?
I would have to say that the biggest thing is my mental game, then being exposed to a lot of great athletes, the physical training and the conditioning. Nutrition is something that each individual athlete does himself… its not run by the gym, it’s what works for them.
6. Of all the highly talented fighters in your camp, who pushes you the hardest and makes you dig deep during training for a fight?
I think all of us would have the same answer - Mr. Keith Jardine. He’s an animal and the team captain.
7. Which fight taught you the most, good and bad, about yourself as a fighter?
I would have to say the Ninja fight. The Ninja fight really was the biggest fight mentally and physically. I learned a lot from it. We changed my training program and added different conditioning programs. I found out where my limits were and overpushed them in that fight. Similar things happened with the Jensen fight. I think the Ninja fight helped me prepare for the Jensen fight and for these types of fights mentally.
8. Which fighter(s) do you look up to the most and why?
My girlfriend, Holly Holm. She’s a pro boxer and a two time ring magazine female boxer of the year. She trains very hard and she motivates me because she trains so hard. That makes me feel like I have to go out there and match her. She's young, tough and beautiful. She carries around the weight of being a star athlete in Albuquerque. She’s regarded as the number one female boxer in the world and she handles it great. She’s very inspiring.
9. How important is being the right type of athlete in the eyes of kids, in and out of the cage?
I think it's very important. I think it's one of the most important things out there. I think it's where the word professional comes into play as an athlete - greatness in and outside of the cage. Kids want to be champions, on TV and to do all the things the athletes want to do. We need to show them the right way to carry themselves outside of the sporting event.
10. What’s your favorite joke? – be it a joke book joke, a comedian’s joke you watched, etc.
My favorite joke…hmm, that's hard...one joke that I always tell is this:
A bear and a rabbit are taking a dump next to each other, outside in woods. The bear looks down at the rabbit and asks, "Do you have trouble with shit sticking to your fur?" The rabbit says, "No. Not at all." So the bear grabs the rabbit and and wipes his ass with him.
(A pause - then Joey Laughs Out Loud (LOL)
11. You’ve been called “Smokin’ Joe” and “The Dream-Smasher” – if you were legally allowed only ONE nickname, which would you go with 100% of the time, and why?
Well legally, if I was allowed just one, I’d have to go with 'Smokin Joe' because that is what most people know me as. The Dream Smasher will always be with me in my heart. He will always be my “aka” - but legally it'd be 'Smokin' Joe'.
12. Greg Jackson is respectfully referred to as ‘Yoda’ – if you had to liken other guys in your camp to other Star Wars Characters, who would they be?
Oh shoot let me see....um...(slightly long pause)
Keith Jardine would have to be Chewbacca.
Nate Marquardt would be C-3PO
Mike Winkeljohn (my coach) would be Darth Vader
Rashad Evans would be Jar-Jar Binks
I would be Wicket W. Warrick the little E-wok. The coolest, nicest E-wok.
13. If you could appear in ANY horror movie or franchise like Nightmare on Elm Street (a dream horror movie), which would you want to be in and what would you be doing in it?
Hands down, hands down Friday the 13th. I would be making love to a girl and then just killed, slashed. You know how Jason does it...those damn teens and their makin' love.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH 'A MUST SEE' JOEY VILLASENOR AND GREG JACKSON INTERVIEW
13 QUESTIONS FOR ELITEXC STAR JOEY VILLASENOR
By: Ron 'The Yacman' Yacovetti
WATCH CBS & ELITEXC "SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" LIVE ON CBS MAY 31st AT 9PM ET/PT!
1. Your career started out at 15-0 – Do you feel you received the respect that kind of start deserves?
Well yeah and actually my career didn’t start at 15-0, I was 3-3 then I won 16 to 17 straight or something like that. I’ve put in a lot of hard work and I’ve been in this sport for a long time, so yeah I think I’ve earned it.
2. You’ve fought for a few of the other guys before signing with EliteXC - how important is the personal and professional treatment of the fighters to you?
I think it’s probably the most important thing - how you're treated by a company and by people in that company. We’re not a dime a dozen, we’re MMA fighters and we need to be treated with respect in all facets. It sucks when you feel treated like a robot or something.
3. What role do spirituality, family and moral values play in the career and life of Joey Villasenor?
This question is pretty easy, I think that’s why I do it. I fight, not just for the passion and the love of the sport, but for the love of my friends and my family. I want to share these things with these people. It’s the number one thing. I ain't makin' millions, ya know?
4. At what point in your career did you come into contact with Greg Jackson and how did you know you wanted to work with him?
Early on in my career - about 7 years ago. 7-8 yrs ago I heard about him, met him, then started cross training with him. The rest is history. I moved down to Albuquerque like 5 years ago and I've been with him consistently since then.
5. What changes in your work ethic, style, conditioning do you feel might not be as fine-tuned as they now are, if not for working alongside Greg Jackson?
I would have to say that the biggest thing is my mental game, then being exposed to a lot of great athletes, the physical training and the conditioning. Nutrition is something that each individual athlete does himself… its not run by the gym, it’s what works for them.
6. Of all the highly talented fighters in your camp, who pushes you the hardest and makes you dig deep during training for a fight?
I think all of us would have the same answer - Mr. Keith Jardine. He’s an animal and the team captain.
7. Which fight taught you the most, good and bad, about yourself as a fighter?
I would have to say the Ninja fight. The Ninja fight really was the biggest fight mentally and physically. I learned a lot from it. We changed my training program and added different conditioning programs. I found out where my limits were and overpushed them in that fight. Similar things happened with the Jensen fight. I think the Ninja fight helped me prepare for the Jensen fight and for these types of fights mentally.
8. Which fighter(s) do you look up to the most and why?
My girlfriend, Holly Holm. She’s a pro boxer and a two time ring magazine female boxer of the year. She trains very hard and she motivates me because she trains so hard. That makes me feel like I have to go out there and match her. She's young, tough and beautiful. She carries around the weight of being a star athlete in Albuquerque. She’s regarded as the number one female boxer in the world and she handles it great. She’s very inspiring.
9. How important is being the right type of athlete in the eyes of kids, in and out of the cage?
I think it's very important. I think it's one of the most important things out there. I think it's where the word professional comes into play as an athlete - greatness in and outside of the cage. Kids want to be champions, on TV and to do all the things the athletes want to do. We need to show them the right way to carry themselves outside of the sporting event.
10. What’s your favorite joke? – be it a joke book joke, a comedian’s joke you watched, etc.
My favorite joke…hmm, that's hard...one joke that I always tell is this:
A bear and a rabbit are taking a dump next to each other, outside in woods. The bear looks down at the rabbit and asks, "Do you have trouble with shit sticking to your fur?" The rabbit says, "No. Not at all." So the bear grabs the rabbit and and wipes his ass with him.
(A pause - then Joey Laughs Out Loud (LOL)
11. You’ve been called “Smokin’ Joe” and “The Dream-Smasher” – if you were legally allowed only ONE nickname, which would you go with 100% of the time, and why?
Well legally, if I was allowed just one, I’d have to go with 'Smokin Joe' because that is what most people know me as. The Dream Smasher will always be with me in my heart. He will always be my “aka” - but legally it'd be 'Smokin' Joe'.
12. Greg Jackson is respectfully referred to as ‘Yoda’ – if you had to liken other guys in your camp to other Star Wars Characters, who would they be?
Oh shoot let me see....um...(slightly long pause)
Keith Jardine would have to be Chewbacca.
Nate Marquardt would be C-3PO
Mike Winkeljohn (my coach) would be Darth Vader
Rashad Evans would be Jar-Jar Binks
I would be Wicket W. Warrick the little E-wok. The coolest, nicest E-wok.
13. If you could appear in ANY horror movie or franchise like Nightmare on Elm Street (a dream horror movie), which would you want to be in and what would you be doing in it?
Hands down, hands down Friday the 13th. I would be making love to a girl and then just killed, slashed. You know how Jason does it...those damn teens and their makin' love.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH 'A MUST SEE' JOEY VILLASENOR AND GREG JACKSON INTERVIEW
YACMAN’S BAKER’S DOZEN: GINA CARANO INTERVIEW
2 months ago
13 QUESTIONS FOR MMA STAR GINA 'CRUSH' CARANO
WATCH CBS & ELITEXC "SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" LIVE ON CBS MAY 31st AT 9PM ET/PT!
1. If Gina Carano wasn’t a full-time fighter, what would she likely be doing for a living?
Maybe a journal photographer across seas, possibly a race car driver, a stunt woman, a writer, an artist.. ha who knows.
2. If you could be on any other reality show other than American Gladiators, which one would it be?
I wanna do Dancing with the Stars.. haa I know big surprise there huh.
3. One thing about the world you’d love to change if you could?
Tradegies.
4. What would you say is the most common mistake any fighter makes in preparation for an MMA fight?
Being mentally messed up.
5. If you could do a fight scene in a blockbuster feature film, what genre of movie would it be (Sci-fi, Action, Horror, etc) and what actor/actress would you love to do the fight scene with?
A Braveheart, Apocalypto, type movie.. fight against Steven Seagal...
6. What about a male or female fighter would make you want to train them if they asked you to?
I asked to train with Randy Couture and it happened Im pretty set. I think it would be awesome to train with Buakow the Thai fighter also and definetly more females.
7. What sports do you enjoy watching outside of MMA or Muay Thai?
I don’t really.. the X Games are cool though.
8. Where is one place you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?
Prague… Australia… South Africa
9. If you could go back in time and kick the ass of any bad person in history, at any time period, who would it be?
Hitler
10. What part of training do you look forward to the most?
The learning part. Physically, mentally, spiritually.
11. If you could dictate what three words people used to describe you as a person and fighter, overall, what three words would best do the job?
Unpredictable, Focused, Silly
12. In real life, if you come across a Freddy Krueger/Jason Vorhees from Friday the 13th monster – would your fight training make you feel any less scared then most people would?
Ya, I’de be a little freaked out but Id drag Freddy back into my world and choke him out.
13. Would you kick a monster like that even once just to see if it worked, then run?
Yeah. I don’t like to feel fear that’s why I fight, I like to get it out of my system that way.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO THIS HISTORY MAKING EVENT on CBS MAY 31st!
13 QUESTIONS FOR MMA STAR GINA 'CRUSH' CARANO
WATCH CBS & ELITEXC "SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" LIVE ON CBS MAY 31st AT 9PM ET/PT!
1. If Gina Carano wasn’t a full-time fighter, what would she likely be doing for a living?
Maybe a journal photographer across seas, possibly a race car driver, a stunt woman, a writer, an artist.. ha who knows.
2. If you could be on any other reality show other than American Gladiators, which one would it be?
I wanna do Dancing with the Stars.. haa I know big surprise there huh.
3. One thing about the world you’d love to change if you could?
Tradegies.
4. What would you say is the most common mistake any fighter makes in preparation for an MMA fight?
Being mentally messed up.
5. If you could do a fight scene in a blockbuster feature film, what genre of movie would it be (Sci-fi, Action, Horror, etc) and what actor/actress would you love to do the fight scene with?
A Braveheart, Apocalypto, type movie.. fight against Steven Seagal...
6. What about a male or female fighter would make you want to train them if they asked you to?
I asked to train with Randy Couture and it happened Im pretty set. I think it would be awesome to train with Buakow the Thai fighter also and definetly more females.
7. What sports do you enjoy watching outside of MMA or Muay Thai?
I don’t really.. the X Games are cool though.
8. Where is one place you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?
Prague… Australia… South Africa
9. If you could go back in time and kick the ass of any bad person in history, at any time period, who would it be?
Hitler
10. What part of training do you look forward to the most?
The learning part. Physically, mentally, spiritually.
11. If you could dictate what three words people used to describe you as a person and fighter, overall, what three words would best do the job?
Unpredictable, Focused, Silly
12. In real life, if you come across a Freddy Krueger/Jason Vorhees from Friday the 13th monster – would your fight training make you feel any less scared then most people would?
Ya, I’de be a little freaked out but Id drag Freddy back into my world and choke him out.
13. Would you kick a monster like that even once just to see if it worked, then run?
Yeah. I don’t like to feel fear that’s why I fight, I like to get it out of my system that way.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO THIS HISTORY MAKING EVENT on CBS MAY 31st!