mvisit1

Silva's guard is too good.

It's those ridiculously long legs. When you think about it's kind of sad because grappling and the ground game is supposed to be the equalizer for short vs. tall and it is in a sense (you're still better off on the ground vs. standing with someone who has a large reach advantage over your).

However, it still pays to have long limbs! Silva's mount escape against Lutter is a testament to this fact and so is the ease with which he throws up those triangles.

I'm pretty sure Zuffa, that owns the UFC, owns WEC too. Maybe they want them both to thrive and have their own niche and WEC's is having more lower 2 lower weight classes, and stacked ones at that.

No one wants to train with Kenny Florian with me?

UPDATE:

I called Yamasaki and the Kenny Florian Seminar IS open to outsiders. They will be charging between $40-$60 (I guess they haven't decided yet). It's from 12pm-3pm Sunday May 11th (Mother's Day...luckily we're doing dinner and I can go since it's earlier in the day). If that doesn't work for you, check his schedule, he's hitting a few other gyms in the MD/VA area that weekend.

http://kennyflorian.com/schedule.html

Been reeeeeeeally busy...What's been up fellas?

I'm happy that my family, ATT did well in UFC Fight Night 13. 2 out of 3 aint bad. My boy Din Thomas might have lost a unanimous decision (not broadcasted) but Marcus "Maximus" Aurelio won his fight by armbar, and Thiago "Pitbull" Alves rocked Karo's world and put him away with strikes, good stoppage by the ref, I don't care how pissed Karo was. When you watched the replay, his legs were gone after eating the knee.

Anyone else watch TUF? 8 fights in the first episode, pretty sweet if you ask me. I can never get enough MMA.

Did you guys know that Mario Yamasaki (UFC Ref) is a BJJ black belt and owns a school in Rockville, MD? AND, that Kenny Florian is teaching a BJJ seminar there in May? I emailed them to find out if the seminar was open to outsiders and if so, how much it costs. I'll let you guys know what the deal is once I hear back ,if anyone is interested.

Thanks for the JZ link Sebowski! I wish I understood Japanese...what the hell happened? That was the longest injury timeout I've ever seen. Was it because of an illegal strike? The elbows looked clean to me, none of them hit the top/back of Aoki's head or his spine. I'm lost.

Anyone have a link to Luigi Fioravanti's fight? It was on the most recent UFC PPV Fight Card, but they didn't show it. Instead they showed Sakara losing. American Top Team has 2 fighters on the card and they only show one of the fights, the loss. Absolute crap.

Anyone know of a link to the Dream fights from yesterday? Mostly interested about Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante's fight.

As you all know, I have trained with and love American Top Team. Be sure to check them out on Ultimate Fight Night April 2nd. They have 3 fighters on the card:

Thiago "Pit Bull" Alves

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7699030471074276677&q=thiago+pit+bull&total=27&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Marcus "Maximus" Aurelio

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2460195647830323352&q=marcus+aurelio&total=52&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=3

Din "Dinyero" Thomas

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4570393524105302386&q=din+thomas&total=198&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Jeff "The Snowman" Monson is ATT, as well. I'll be cheering for him when he eventually fights Randleman.

Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante is a beast too.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1775216350348729784&q=gesias+jz&total=55&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1

The Flying Knee around 2:43 is a MUST SEE.

JZ is fighting March 15th in Dreams. I believe it's the newly merged K-1 and Hero's. Anyone know how to watch it? I haven't heard anything about it on PPV.

He had a slump there but looks to be motivated again and he's using more kicks and even going for takedowns now, being more of a mixed martial artist and not just a guy with vicious hands.

I've noticed this too and I like it. The "sprawl and brawl" style is fine for an amatuer fighter that started their martial arts training with a striking art and is uncomfortable on the ground.

Chuck used to wrestle! That's why his takedown defense is so good. I'm surprised he doesn't like fighting on the ground. It'd be awesome to see him win by submission...just once...

have you not seen my pics yet of my partying with GSP and marquardt?

side note, GSP trains his wrestling with a good buddy of mine, who is ranked 3rd in canada.

Nah I haven't seen those pics, I guess you posted them before I joined, as you can see I've only been around for a few months.

That's awesome, GSP is quite the technician and one of my favorite fighters. I like him because he has great form in everything that he does. My other favorites are BJ Penn and Din Thomas. I like BJ because I'm from Hawaii too and his flexibility in the guard and jiujitsu are amazing. I've liked Din ever since he called out Floyd Mayweather after a win in which he showed some great boxing and his jiujitsu is nice too. I like him even more now that I'm a part of the American Top Team family and I got to roll with him.

All 3 of my favorite fighters are pretty well rounded, I think. Who is everyone elses favorites? Limit 3.

cool pics mvisit1, I like!

Thanks man. Too bad you're in Canada...you should come take my class. Better yet, you're in Canada! You can train with GSP!!!

Alright guys I may not be around much this week to discuss the big fight this weekend. So I'm gonna make my picks now.

Diego Sanchez vs. Bielkheden: I'm almost inclined to take the upset here. In fact, if the odds were right, I'd put a little bit of change down on Diego to lose. But I don't think it's happening. Diego by TKO rd 1.

Josh Koscheck vs. Dustin Hazelett: It was only 6 months ago Koscheck gave St. Pierre a really good fight. He defended St. Pierre's nasty subs well. Hazelett is pretty wirey on the ground, and it will be a different feel for Koscheck if it does go to the ground. Koscheck's boxing has improved a ton, and his takedown defense is enough to stuff Hazelett. Koscheck by G&P round 3.

Andrei Arlovski vs. Jake O'Brien: Who else wouldn't be surprised if Dana has been slipping some HGH to O'Brien? 10-0-0, is facing a departing Arlovski, Jake "could be the next big thing", as Dana likes to say. But since it is Arlovski's departure, he is going to want to go out on a good note for the fans and for marketing ability when he goes to a different organization. I think O'Brien is in a little over his head at this point in his career. But this is a big test. Arlovski by KO round 1.

John Fitch vs. Chris Wilson: Fitch is on a tear. I don't think it stops here. Wilson has good standup, submissions, and he trains with Team Quest - I think he'll put on a good showing. But Fitch is in a zone right now. I think he could give anyone in the welterweight division a run for their money. Fitch by sub round 3.

Yushin Okami vs. Evan Tanner: The image of Evan Tanner that sticks in my mind is the bloodbath that was spurting from his face against Rich Franklin. He kind of reminds me of a less diciplined Rich Franklin. He also got cut up against David Loiseau right after that. Which is why I think Yushin takes him down and opens him up. Ref stoppage TKO round 3.

Alessio Sakara vs. Chris Leben: Somebody is going down in this fight. And I don't think it's Sakara. Sakara KO round 1.

Heath Herring vs. Chieck Kongo: Cheick is very technical, and he bring the pain every so often. Herring is very powerful, but he lacks dicipline. This should make for a good fight. Will Kongo be able to control Herring with his jab, or will Herring catch Kongo with a wild strike? I can see Herring catching Kongo with something as Kongo is picking his spots, but I think Kongo will TKO him in the 2nd round.

Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson: Gosh, this fight sticks out like a strobe light in a dark room compared to the other fights. The potential quality and how meaningful it is will get my heart pumpin. If Anderson wins, there's going to be a problem in middleweight unless Wanderlei goes down there to take his crack at it. Rashad has stayed in LHW, Bisping went down, but no way he takes Anderson. If Dan wins, there's going to at least be an interesting story in that division. Silva will come out and throw his flying knees and backfists, trying to catch Hendo with something surprising while staying away from Hendo's boxing power. Silva will gladly go to the ground and hold guard. He's trained with the Nog brothers and both of them have subbed Hendo. I think this fight is going to the 4th round where Hendo will crack Anderson with a lead left and finish him off on the ground. Anderson hasn't been in many long wars. Hendo has the opportunity to drag this out whilst hurting Silva. Henderson TKO Round 4.

You missed 2 fights. What about John Halverson vs. Jorge Gurgel? And more importantly Luigi Fiorivanti vs. Luke Cummo?

More importantly because Luigi is part of my new family, the American Top Team. If you look back at the pics I posted, I put mine with him on top because he was going to on TV next out of all the other people I trained with. I'm really excited for Ultimate Fight Night April 2nd though, because that's when Din Thomas fights next.

Keep me up to date on that man.

So how was it training with Din? He has some pretty nasty jiu jitsu when he can defend his opponent's strikes. Did you tell him if you were allowed to strike it would have been a different story? :laugh:

Well if here were allowed to strike it would have been a different story because his hands are so quick he would have knocked me out before we got to the ground. He was an awesome teacher and really down to earth. All of the pro fighters were nice guys. Sure, there was that one pic of him armbarring me, but he tapped me out at least three other times. We rolled for 3 minute rounds. It was awesome. First I rolled with Din, Paul Rodriguez, then Micah Miller, then Cole Miller, then Roger Krahl, and finally with Master Liborio. I came back to the hotel sore every night. BJJ is a hell of a workout.

That is too cool, Mvisit. That makes me want to drop everything and get in the cage. I wouldn't mind training there at all, Crofton is a little too far away right now, but I'll keep it in mind. Keep kickin ass!

Yeah Silver Spring sounds far to be coming to train at 8pm Tues & Thurs, but I'll let all of you know when Master Liborio & some of his pro fighters from ATT are coming to do a seminar at my school, maybe you'll be able to make it out for a long Saturday of training in August

Wow, I didn't even realize that was Din Thomas. Nice going, Mvisit. How did you land that gig? Or is it a one-time thing. I'd be more than happy to go there.

What I completed this past weekend was a Level 1 MMA Instructor Certification. This service is offered to martial arts school owners wishing to offer an MMA program. I am certified by American Top Team to use their logo and the same systems they use to train their pro fighters. We went through an intensive training program that covers the 1 year cirriculum they have given me.

The idea is that if I train with the pros, teaching the average joe should be no problem. I don't have the okay to promote my school as a place to put out pro fighters. What I want to draw in is the 18-30something demographic that wants to train in MMA and know what's going on when they watch fights.

In about 10 months I'll go back for my Level 2 Certification. However, they won't pass me if they don't see that I've been training hard and mastered Level 1. I plan to sneak back down there whenever I can for another 3 day weekend of training.

If any of you would like to come take my class, I'd be glad to have you. My school is in Crofton. If you're too far away, that's okay too. I'm in the process of building a new 6000 sq ft. facility in Crofton and will be inviting some of American Top Team's members up for a seminar for the grand opening of the new building. I'll keep you guys updated if any of you want to come sometime in August.

A cool little known fact is that Ricardo Liborio, Owner/Founder of American Top Team is 42 and still a BJJ BEAST. None of his pro fighters (young and in their prime) can handle him on the ground. I got to roll with him too.

Dana White has been quoted as saying that there are only a handful of fighting camps that are putting out top notch fighters and American Top Team is one of them. Joe Rogan has been quoted as saying that he believes that ATT is THE best fight team of them all.

I just got back from training with them from 10am-4pm last Fri, Sat, & Sun at their school in Coconut Creek, FL. Here are some pics:

My TaeKwonDo teacher since I was 9, UFC Fighter Luigi Fiorivanti (Not a headliner but should be on PPV this Saturday), & Me

Me & Cole Miller (UFC Fighter that was on the reality show the season that BJ Penn & Jens Pulver were coaches)

Me & Micah Miller (Cole's younger brother and WEC Fighter)

Me & Din Thomas

I rolled with a ton of pro fighters but I was only lucky enough to get someone to snap some shots of me rolling with Din:

Here I am in his guard

Here I passed to side control but you can tell he's on his way out

Here he's got me in an armbar...my first professional loss...HAHAHA

Fighter Salaries for UFC 81

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=5643&zoneid=13

UFC 81 MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS

-Brock Lesnar: $250,000 (lost to Frank Mir; win bonus would have been $200,000)

-Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira: $200,000 (defeated Tim Sylvia; win bonus was $100,000)

-Tim Sylvia: $100,000 (lost to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira; win bonus would have been $100,000)

-Frank Mir: $80,000 (defeated Brock Lesnar; win bonus was $80,000)

UFC 81 MAIN CARD FIGHTERS

-Nathan Marquardt: $52,000 (defeated Jeremy Horn; win bonus was $26,000)

-Ricardo Almeida: $40,000 (defeated Rob Yundt; win bonus was $20,000)

-Tyson Griffin: $36,000 (defeated Gleison Tibau; win bonus was $18,000)

-Jeremy Horn: $25,000 (lost to Nathan Marquardt; win bonus would have been $25,000)

-Gleison Tibau: $11,000 (lost to Tyson Griffin; win bonus would have been $11,000)

-Rob Yundt: $5,000 (lost to Ricardo Almeida; win bonus would have been $5,000)

UFC 81 PRELIMINARY MATCH FIGHTERS

-Chris Lytle: $24,000 (defeated Kyle Bradley; win bonus was $12,000)

-Kyle Bradley: $4,000 (lost to Chris Lytle; win bonus would have been $4,000)

-David Heath: $6,000 (lost to Tim Boetsch; win bonus would have been $6,000)

-Tim Boetsch: $12,000 (defeated David Heath; win bonus was $6,000)

-Terry Martin: $12,000 (lost to Marvin Eastman; win bonus would have been $12,000)

-Marvin Eastman: $14,000 (defeated Terry Martin; win bonus was $7,000)

-Robert Emerson: $16,000 (defeated Keita Nakamura; win bonus was $8,000)

-Keita Nakamura: $5,000 (lost to Robert Emerson; win bonus would have been $5,000)

_____________________________________________________

Lesnar almost made $450,000. Wow. Highest fight salary of the night, more than the championship contenders? I dunno, I know he's a big name that's been making a lot of money in the WWF, but If I'm coming out of college as a champion wrestler - I go to the WWF first. It will up my ante when I go in to the UFC.

WOW. That is chump change. Crap. These guys are more talented than boxers. MMA is more popular than boxing. Has more PPV AND TV viewers than boxing. Yet, the headliners don't make NEARLY as much money. I'm suprised MORE fighters aren't complaining.

Where's Din Thomas been? He's been one of my favs since I saw him win a decisive knockout with sweet boxing skills and then call out Mayweather. He said and I quote, "Where's Mayweather at? All these boxers talking ****. You wanna fight? I'm the mother****** to fight!" That was awesome. Anyone else remember that? I'm pretty sure it was from the PPV event where Liddell lost to Rampage.

Alright man, my sig is back to normal....glad to get that thing off there!

Awesome...good times. Anyone know when Serra is fighting again? He's my second favorite after Penn. My gf is from Long Island and lives 10 minutes from his school. I'm gonna try to to train with him next time I visit.

Has the sig grown on you QBkiller? LOL...your week is up

By my calculations, you can get rid of that AWFUL sig before bed tonight or when you wake up tomorrow morning. Whichever one is easier for you. Thanks for playing, you were a good sport. Wanna do it again next UFC? Or how about Super Bowl Sig Bets?!?!?! Anyone else interested?

Watched a dvd from the early UFC days. There weren't any rules :laugh: . You could punch in the balls and almost everything else. Biting wasn't allowed, perhaps, but I watched a fight where a guy tapped out because he was getting wrecked in the balls over and over. :doh: :doh:

That and there were NO WEIGHT CLASSES! That's the one thing that you cannot fault Dana for. He came in, added weight classes and rules, and made MMA TV friendly. Everyone loves it now and it has more viewers on PPV AND TV than boxing from what I hear. I'll give him that, but I'm not okay with mistreating and underpaying the fighters.

And now it all makes sense...My parents live in Crofton so I'm familiar with the area...I'm actually moving back in soon save for a year or so until I can buy a house now that I'm done at Towson...I can't wait to get out of Baltimoron Gayvens country!

I agree with everything you said except about the Patriots. The AFC is the more dominant conference and the NFC is always the underdog. They might as well give them the Lombardi trophy now.

I don't know what it is, but all of the sudden I have a craving for milk!

That's what this thread has been missing!