Yardbarker: Chuck Liddell

How did Tito Ortiz get to where he is today?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:09:29 -0500

Tito reveals all in this very telling interview.

Top 4 Most Underutilized MMA Moves

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:59:56 -0500

4. Sticking with Side Control- Side mount or half guard is often given up for the more dominant position of of full mount. I've seen it many times, but in transition to full mount or even after they achieve full mount the fighter is often swept or gives up an easy backdoor escape. This is especially relevant when your opponent is bigger than you. Even after the smaller fighter gets the full mount he is easily bucked off by the bigger opponent. Side control, although not as dominant, can allow more control and a fighter still has many options to finish the fight. Many fights I've felt could've been ended by sticking with side control, but is lost after they are reversed in the process of going for the full mount.

Top 3 Fighters who Utilize Side Control
1. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
2. Randy Couture
3. Fedor Emelianenko

Top 3 Fight Examples
1. Quinton Jackson vs Mikhail Illoukhine- Pride 26
2. Randy Couture vs Chuck Liddell 1- UFC 43
3. Randy Couture vs Tito Ortiz- UFC 44

3. Body Attacks from Top Position- When a fighter has worked ridiculously hard to get a takedown it seems they automattically become headhunters. Of course the fighter on bottom works equally as hard to protect his face, often leaving him open for body attacks. Too few fighters, I believe, take advantage of this and continue to attack the head through their opponents hands and arm defense, instead of going for a wide open body punch. This is something, just like in number 4, that Quinton Jackson does better than any other fighter. Forcing Chuck Liddell's corer to throw in the towell in their first fight after numorous ground body blows is a prime example.

Top 3 Fighters who Utilize Ground Body Attacks
1. Quinton Jackson
2. Georges St. Pierre
3. Mark Coleman(Early Years)

Top 3 Fight Examples
1. Quinton Jackson vs Chuck Liddell 1- Pride Final Conflict 2003
2. Georges St. Pierre vs Matt Serra 2- UFC 83
3. Mark Coleman vs Akira Shoji- Pride 2000 Grand Prix

2. Offensive Front Kicks- The front kick or rear push kick, is often utilized as a defensive manuever, but fighters who can use it as an offensive weapon get the most out of it. Often billed in MMA as a "jab" to keep your opponent away, the front kick can be used to cause some serious damage instead. Two or three good front kicks to the body can be devastating to an opponent both physically and mentally.

Top 3 Fighters who Utilize Front Kicks
1. Semmy Schilt
2. Cung Le
3. Tim Boetsch

Top 3 Fight Examples
1. Semmy Schilt vs Pete Williams- UFC 31
2. Tim Boestch vs David Heath- UFC 81
3. Cung Le vs Tony Fryklund- EliteXC: Shamrock vs Baroni

1. Low Kicks- Ever since I started watching mixed martial arts, I've always thought that the low kick was way too underrated and underutilized. I remember watching Pride in the early days and hearing long time announcer Bas Rutten get extremely frustated when a fighter would land some nice low kicks and then for some reason stop not throw anymore the rest of the fight. Of course Bas used the low kick in his career more often and more effectively than maybe any other fighter in history. The low kick has even been a measuring stick to see if someone is tough enough for MMA in local gyms, as stated in an ESPN the Magazine article on the Militech camp awhile ago. Just recently at UFC 86, Forrest Griffin was crowned the new UFC light heavyweight champion because of some well-placed low kicks on then champ Quinton Jackson that changed the whole flow of the fight. Bottom line, low kicks hurt, alot.

Top 3 Fighters who Utilize Low Kicks
1. Mirko Crocop
2. Thiago Alves
3. Ricardo Arona

Top 3 Fight Examples
1. Mirko Crocop vs Hidehiko Yoshida- Pride Critical Countdown Absolute
2. Bas Rutten vs Ruben Villareal- WFA: King of the Streets
3. Pedro Rizzo vs Randy Couture 1- UFC 31

Randy Couture Will Fight Fedor Emelianenko in 2009 - True or False

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:46:14 -0500

Rear Naked News takes a look at all the MMA questions and provides answers. Get your #2 pencils ready.

UFC 88 Fight Card Leaked

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:36:29 -0500

The UFC has lined up some good matches for the September 6th event. Chuck Liddell will face Rashad Evans in a match to see who will get the first shot at newly crowned Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin. Check out Rear Naked News for the rest of the card.

Rampage Jackson's Next Step: Bankruptcy?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:39:50 -0500

1. Overview : In less than two weeks, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has gone from the top of the world to inside a jail cell and out. As such, Rampage has : A. Lost his UFC light heavyweight title. B. Lost his freedom and possibly his driver's license. However, compared to what may happen next, A and B are nothing. Because if he doesn't watch out, Rampage has a good chance at : C. Losing his money. 2. The Brain Infection : Rampage is clearly letting the fame and bling get to his head. Two years ago, he was fighting in the World Fighting Alliance, which has since been bought out by the UFC. Then, in UFC 71, Rampage knocked out Chuck Liddell to become UFC light heavyweight champion, and proved his mettle once again by successfully defending his title against Dan Henderson in UFC 75. His consecutive wins against two of the world's greatest fighters sent him to the top of the world. Rampage's colorful personality and exciting fighting style always gave him a marketability. Now he had the big wins in the Octagon to prove it. As part of the fastest growing competitive sports organization in the league, Rampage's growth potential was nearly unlimited. However, it is only when you stay grounded and focused that you continue your success. 3. Don't be fooled : Losing his title against Forrest Griffin in UFC 86 didn't start Rampage's fall from grace. In fact, it was just a byproduct of something that was evident long before. When he was not underestimating his upcoming opponent, he was flaunting his "wealth" : ( On the surface, Jackson might come off as a spoiled star. Consider the $20,000 he spent on his Adronicus Mastiff puppy. Or the $110,000 Audi R8, complete with signature "Rampage rims," parked in the driveway of his rented log cabin. ) Rampage claimed he was "still the same guy," except three things : ( "I just dress differently, got more money and drive different cars." ) When he wasn't spending lavishly, he conjured illusions of grandeur, comparing his status to Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. : ( "I'm hoping for '$30-million-Oscar-De-La-Hoya cheese,'" he said. "I think if MMA was at the same level as boxing, why not be one of those $30-million fighters? If I was boxing right now, and I was a champion the way I fight, I'd be making that money. I think I'd be one of the De La Hoyas or [Floyd] Mayweathers." ) 4. The Remedy : What Rampage Jackson needs right now is a class in money management and a wise advisor in professionalism. Players in the NBA and MLB, guys who make money that make Rampage look like a homeless man, go broke due to their poor financial skills. Even NFL players, the lowest paid amongst major leaguers, make more money than Rampage. As the saying goes, infantrymen win battles; logistics win wars. If Rampage loses his title, then he can get it back by adjusting his training regimen. If Rampage loses his driver's license and has to spend some time in prison, he can get his freedom back with good behavior. However, once he throws all his money away on stuff that don't matter, he will wither away his entire support base (food, trainers, equipment, access) that made his stardom possible. You don't have to have the most money to be champion; but you do have to allocate the dough to the right places. You will definitely not become champion if you are starving. You will not be physically ready nor will you have the psychological and emotional morale necessary to become an elite fighter. 5. Our Best Wishes : Here's to hoping that Rampage heeds the lesson. We don't want him to become like the Raging Bull Jake LaMotta, all fat and slobby, doing his standup comedy routine in some seedy club somewhere.

Matches that NEED to happen: Rampage-Griffin 2

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:12:10 -0500

One of the great things about MMA is the endless list of possible fights. Even if two fighters aren't in the same organization, you can still stack them up and have a relatively good idea of how the fight might go or who would win. I decided I'm going to play match-maker and start a series on In the Cage of matches that need to happen. Some, like the first installment, will be re-matches, some will be fights that may happen in the future and others will be fights that will likely never happen for one reason or another. The first fight I will talk about is a re-match between current UFC Light-heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin and the man that he beat for the title, Rampage Jackson.

History: What is MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)?

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:48:44 -0500

The history and evolution of MMA to current date.

Quote of the Day: Mauricio Shogun Rua on Possible December Return

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:21:50 -0500

After a long layoff due to a ruptured ACL suffered in training for Chuck Liddell, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua weighs-in on a time-table for his return to the cage. He recently spoke with Tatame.

"My knee is very good, thanks to God. I was going to begin my hard train this week but I spoke to my doctor and he decides to make the exams this week. I have been doing Boxing and physical train, and I think next week I will return to the Jiu-Jitsu and gradually train more"

"I will train hard to face anyone. I had a defeat on my debut and I can't choose my opponent. It is not settle yet, but I expect to return on December, it's better for me"

Lets hope he comes back with a purpose, I would love to see a rematch with Forrest.

(Props Cage Today)

Dana White is afraid of Lyoto Machida

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:46:54 -0500

I've been accused several times of being a Dana White mark and writing for him. Although I am a fan of White and what he's done with the UFC, that is hardly the case. I have criticized him several times, most notably for being tight with the UFC's wallet when it comes to paying his fighters.

Rampage Will Contest Descision

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:59:49 -0500

Not as injured as first thought and trainer is contesting decision.

Quote of the Day: Lyoto Machida "I Think the UFC wants a Champion that Chuck Liddell can Beat"

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:48:51 -0500

Undefeated light heavyweight contender Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida was recently interviewed by TATAME News and had this to say about the light heavyweight title bout at UFC 86 between Forrest Griffin and Rampage Jackson.

"Look.. to me, Quinton beat Forrest, but they gave it to Forrest. I think the UFC wants a champion that Chuck Liddell can beat, so he can win the belt again.. he is an ex-champion, sells more and has more marketing."

Some strong words from The Dragon, who is looking for a title shot himself.

Lyoto Machida Comments on Grffin's Win

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:50:25 -0500

Lyoto sees the big picture!

Is Anderson Silva taking on too much?

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:07:46 -0500

Anderson Silva is widely considered one of the best fighters in the world. Most people consider him the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Silva is currently preparing to step-up in weight classes and try his luck in the light-heavyweight division while simultaneously defending his middleweight title. Is fighting in two weight classes for Silva too much and will it ultimately result in his downfall?

Rich Franklin vs Matt Hamill Set for UFC 88

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:53:10 -0500

MMA Rated first reported and more recently confirmed that Rich "Ace" Franklin will move up in weight to the 205lb light heavyweight division to face three-time NCAA Division III national wrestling champ and "The Ultimate Fighter 3" standout Matt Hamill.

Franklin makes the move after middleweight champ Anderson Silva, whom he was beaten badly by twice, made the same decision to move up to the light heavyweight division just a week or so ago. UFC 88: "Breakthrough" will take place at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA with a main event featuring Chuck Liddell vs Rashad Evans.

The 205lb. division, which was already stacked now has what many consider to be the best pound for pound fighter in the world in Silva and Franklin who many consider the best middleweight around besides Silva.

Who's the Baddest in MMA

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:35:55 -0500

This isn't about the top 10 best fighters in the world based on skill. It's the top 10 fighters you would want by your side when the s*!t hits the fan. Keep in mind that appearance is half the battle when a hairy situation needs defused. let's proceed with caution. 1. Chuck Liddell - He's big, has a mohawk, and a reputation for being pretty damn good street fighter. Is there another choice for number one? 2. Kimbo Slice - Kimbo is one of the most intimidating.................