New Sports Blog Nation MMA Blog: WatchKalibRun.com

by Kid Nate on Jan 12, 2009 4:37 PM EST in News Comment 74 comments

I just wanted to give a shout out to the newest member of the Sports Blog Nation MMA family: Watch Kalib Run.

Zak of WKR has been a long-time poster here at BE and started WKR up early last year to cover MMA with an emphasis on the action in his home state of Ohio and the greater Mid-west.

Here's an example of the kind of stuff you can find over at WKR an exclusive interview with former University of Pittsburg punter turned MMA fighter, Dave Brytus:

Watch Kalib Run: So you are fighting at the Ultimate Warrior Challenge (UWC) on Feb. 21st, do you know who your opponent will be?

Dave Brytus: I will be fighting Brendan Schaub at the Ultimate Warrior Challenge on Feburaury 21, 2009. Brendan trains out of Tees KO gym in Denver, Colorodo and is undefeated as a professional fighter. I have a ton of respect for Brendan. He is a great fighter and he will be a tough opponent. However, I am very confident in my training and I will be prepared to fight whoever I have to in order to be the best heavyweight fighter out there.

WKR: How long have you been training for?

DB: I have been training in MMA for about 2 years now. However, I was not able to train full time though because of football. Now that I am done with college football, I am able to come into this fight training full time and I will be fully prepared. I have also been in karate since I was 10 years old and I am an ex Golden Gloves Boxing Champion.

Swing on by Watch Kalib Run and welcome them to the SB Nation family.

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Comments

First MMAmania, now WKR. All you guys need are two more and you can form a giant MMA blog Voltron.

by Tonley on Jan 12, 2009 3:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Big welcome to the WKR, but it’s T’sKO not Tees KO.

by Luke Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 3:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

On a side note, Schaub kicked the crap out of some 265 lb Militech fighter Saturday night at Ring of Fire.

Eliot Marshall: Bader won. Like I said in the episode, I'm not going to make any excuses. It's my job to be able to deal with when somebody's doing that. It's not his job to change up his tactics.

http://eliotmarshall.com/

by BJJDenver on Jan 12, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

News about UWC not brought to us by Luke?

by szucconi on Jan 12, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

When you have to get permission from the promoter to post stuff, it sometimes takes a little longer.

by Luke Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

thanks for the correction

watchkalibrun.com

by Zak Woods on Jan 12, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cool. But what happened to MMAMania? They still aren’t listed on SB?

by Kierkegaard on Jan 12, 2009 3:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Nothing. They are 100% part of SB Nation.

by Luke Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I just wondered why they still don’t show up and WKR was able to get listed so quickly. Kid Nate’s answer below is what I was looking for.

by Kierkegaard on Jan 12, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mania will take longer to move to the new platform.

by Kid Nate on Jan 12, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, way to hit on that phenomenon at it’s peak.

"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard

by Brett Jones on Jan 12, 2009 3:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

lol

A blog about Ohio and midwest named after a fighter from Ontario… makes perfect sense to me!

by smoogy on Jan 12, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The mid-west focus is something that evolved as well.

by Kid Nate on Jan 12, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

On the plus side, the site’s manager is a Steelers fan. I guess that’s reason enough to give the site a chance, despite the ridiculous name.

"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard

by Brett Jones on Jan 12, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You guys are all so friendly. How touching.

by Luke Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

But yeah, what’s the problem with more MMA goodness on SBNation?

by Tonley on Jan 12, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think I’m being unfriendly by stating that I think the name isn’t good. If my friend tried to name his kid “Joker” because he liked The Dark Night, I’d point out how ridiculous it was.

"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard

by Brett Jones on Jan 12, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am naming my kid Gumbercules. Awesome or what?

by szucconi on Jan 12, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

WKR has been up and running for months, I believe he launched in the aftermath of the infamous Kalib/Quarry fight.

by Kid Nate on Jan 12, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I noticed that. I guess he just felt the incident would resonate a little longer than it has.

"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard

by Brett Jones on Jan 12, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Run, Kalib, run.

by subo on Jan 12, 2009 3:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

by Nick Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 4:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I love when Kalib gives the finger at the end…

by Tonley on Jan 12, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that’s my favorite part. He’s running away as fast as he can back-pedal, but he has the presence of mind to give the finger. Classic!

by Kierkegaard on Jan 12, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The best part of it is how, in taking the time to give the finger, he loses track of running and gets caught for his trouble. After that, even when Quarry does the Screech attack, Kalib does nothing but move away.

by Michaelthebox on Jan 12, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, but “Watch kalib Run”? Seriously? Very short sighted choice of title.

by Benicio on Jan 12, 2009 4:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’m not sure what everyone’s problem is. I’m sure the theme of a title having permanence is wonderful, but its by no means requisite and of little significance. Yet, rather than congratulating WKR, everyone wants to squeeze a lemon about the name – a nonissue itself. Seriously, this is really, really disappointing. I expected a lot more than this.

by Luke Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You have a history of poor blog names and exceptional content, but a name is very important to the first time veiwer generaly. As a writer you focus on content, but as a reader we hear such a short sighter name and its shows little forethought. I mean, your email addrerss would make a wonderful blog name and is general and descriptive. WKR is an assult to my design sensibility. I design sofeware for a living and elegance and resue are key.

by szucconi on Jan 12, 2009 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry

I made the site afterwards in the spirit of kissingsuzykolber.com and firejoemorgan.com

I mean is there any more infamous event in recent MMA?

watchkalibrun.com

by Zak Woods on Jan 12, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think your content is good and in time it will gain readers, but it only makes it harder with a poor name. At least in my opinion anyway and that really doesn’t count for much. I mean I favor MMAMaina over MMAJunkie (UFCJunkie) because I like the name better and they largly have similar content. I think MMAWeekly’s content is sub-par in a lot of cases, but they have a good name. Sherdog has an awful name.

by szucconi on Jan 12, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

When I saw the name I was expecting a Fightlinker type site. The name doesnt do it justice. A serious and credible site deserves a name more befitting the content.

by Benicio on Jan 12, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You expected the internet to be nice?

I’m down with the name, but I was initially expecting the site to be a more satirical slant on MMA, similar to Fightlinker. Still, it’s awesome to have another decent site out there for the sport – it’s better than the “Joe’s Sports Blog” crap most people put out.

Welcome to the fold, WKR! I promise not to confuse you with WKRP in Cincinnati too often.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Jan 12, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i can't support this blog

One of the many reasons bloodyelbow.com stands out among MMA blogs is the approach from management to keep the comments and content on this site respectful. Kalib Starnes has suffered enough from his poor showing against Quarry and I hope he files some legal action against this blog to get them to change their name.

I just read Luke’s comment and I couldn’t disagree more… WKR is really, really disappointing.

by I don't wear mma t-shirts on Jan 12, 2009 4:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Nah. I don’t support fighter bashing. But the mockery Kaleb receives isn’t bashing, its a rational response to his behavior and attitude.

by Michaelthebox on Jan 12, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fine. Don’t visit the site, but can someone be congratulatory around here or is everyone going to be a prick today?

by Luke Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Congrats to WKR for taking the title from Martial Farts for “worst MMA-related blog name”

by smoogy on Jan 12, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thats..

mean.

by Johann on Jan 13, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was just kidding

Nothing is worse than Martial Farts.

by smoogy on Jan 13, 2009 1:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

While we’re talking about blog names, when is the last time you actually saw a “bloody elbow” anyway? Even when somebody uses an elbow to nicely open somebody up, you rarely see the elbow itself bloody, and even if it is it’s pretty much always the other guy’s blood anyway.

I’ve never really thought about it much, but now I’m a little pissed about the name of this blog. How about something like “bloody forehead” or “blood stained mat” or something like that.

Oh.. and congratulations to WKR — the site is actually pretty good, and more places for good content are always a good a thing.

by Kierkegaard on Jan 12, 2009 4:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’ve never really thought about it much, but now I’m a little pissed about the name of this blog.

Dude…seriously?

by Tonley on Jan 12, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve never really thought about it much, but now I’m a little pissed about the name of this blog.
Dude…seriously?

Here’s some "Whoosh Temple Balm to help those comments that are going right over your head, though:

by Kierkegaard on Jan 12, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks. I needed that. My sarcasm detector ran out of batteries.

by Tonley on Jan 12, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lush makes some really good stuff… :-/

by Chris Nelson on Jan 12, 2009 5:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Huge congrats to Zak and WKR! (I’ve always liked the name personally…)

SB Nation adding more MMA content to the fam can only be a good thing.

by Chris Nelson on Jan 12, 2009 5:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ditto.

Every time that performance slips to the back of my mind, I see that blog name and it brings a little sunshine into my life.

Eliot Marshall: Bader won. Like I said in the episode, I'm not going to make any excuses. It's my job to be able to deal with when somebody's doing that. It's not his job to change up his tactics.

http://eliotmarshall.com/

by BJJDenver on Jan 12, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think its funny as hell and will visit the site just because of the name.

by Heenan on Jan 12, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hate hate hate hate hate

by Discman2 on Jan 12, 2009 7:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

At least Chapelle was funny.

by Luke Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hahaha so true. A whole site built around hating on one guy over one fight.

by EazyEismydad on Jan 12, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You may need to borrow some of that “WHOOSH” (see above). Luke is directing those comments to us haters.

by Benicio on Jan 12, 2009 10:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

With all the talk about site names and logos, I’ve been wondering: whose elbow is getting bloodied in our picture?

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Jan 12, 2009 7:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s Josh Neer.

(formerly TheFightJournal)

by Lucas2 on Jan 12, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t have any problems with WKR, but I am wondering exactly how bloodyelbow, mmamania, and WKR are supposed to be on the same platform (SBNation).

For example: I go to Bloodyelbow for breaking news, analysis, and its strong set of commentators; Sherdog, for their radio programming, well-researched articles, and interviews; Fightlinker, for humor, insanity, and the fresh look those guys bring to the table; and I go to Fiveouncesofpain for…spelling errors.

What exactly are the niches that WKR and MMAmania supposed to fill?

by Rundownloser on Jan 12, 2009 9:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

WKR does look and feel very much like a smaller and younger BE.

by Benicio on Jan 12, 2009 10:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What the blogosphere is supposed to be about in one critical respect is strong voice. That sense of ownership and identity of thought is lost somewhat in the MMA blogosphere. The good news, though, is that a unique voice can be cultivated and groomed. WKR is a new site, but as long as the writer(s) there speak their thoughts and identity, the content can be as fresh as they like it to be.

by Luke Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How come MMAmania isn’t formatted like other SB sites?

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Jan 12, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Patience. Changes are coming.

by Luke Thomas on Jan 12, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Shiney

“Changes are coming” does sound a bit ominous, though…

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Jan 13, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Changes is code for bannings.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Jan 13, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You wield your banhammer with a steely gaze.

by Rundownloser on Jan 13, 2009 12:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I haven’t banned anyone.

by Richard Wade on Jan 13, 2009 12:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No, you just mention it a lot. :)

by Rundownloser on Jan 13, 2009 1:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have no idea what you’re talking about.

by Richard Wade on Jan 13, 2009 7:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mania will remain the pre-eminent MMA news site. BE will focus on commentary and community. WKR will emphasize mid-western MMA and comment on the national scene.
We’ll be adding more regionally focused MMA blogs in the near future as well.

by Kid Nate on Jan 12, 2009 10:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

by Rundownloser on Jan 12, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Stay classy, MMA blogosphere.

by George Lucas on Jan 12, 2009 11:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Oops, I meant to include this in my post above:

Congrats to the WKR folks.

by Rundownloser on Jan 13, 2009 12:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like watching Kalib run. It makes me smile. If WKR is a midwestern based site, what is the regional focus of BE? I see articles posted about smaller shows on the Atlantic coast, but most of the posts are listed as being in the PST timezone. Is BE an east or west coast site?

by Ubernoober on Jan 13, 2009 12:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs