Please Welcome Gals Guide to MMA to the SB Nation Family

by Luke Thomas on Dec 23, 2009 11:27 AM EST in MMA News Comment 46 comments

The Takeover continues.

Another MMA blog has joined the SBNation Combat Sports League: Gals Guide to MMA. If you're looking for a site with a completely unique perspective and writing style, leave it to these ladies. So many MMA blogs ape each other as they try to out cover the same topics day in day out. GGtMMA absolutely covers the major topics with skill and precision, but they also give you a look into the sport through the eyes of a very important group that often gets neglected: women.

Anyone who regularly goes to live MMA shows knows the popularity of this sport is growing among young women. Their place in the sport is growing and we owe it to them to pay attention to how they change this sport. That we now have our own fantastic female bloggers to share their insight about MMA and their place in it seems only fitting.

On behalf of the BloodyElbow staff and SBN's Combat Sports League, I say welcome to the family, ladies! We're happy to have you and look forward to working together in the future.

As for the readers, do yourselves a favor and head on over to their site. You won't be disappointed.

P.s. If you want to follow them on Twitter, please do so: @galsguidetomma.

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Comments

Hell yea!

Joining right now…

I'm the kind of girl who loves to watch a GOOD fight!
--------
Join the DC Area UFC Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/DCUFCGroup

by funnytiger on Dec 23, 2009 12:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Welcome aboard

I’ll make sure to check out their site.

"It ain't over till it's over." - Yogi Berra

by 49er16 on Dec 23, 2009 12:12 PM EST reply actions

LOL…. awesome and twisted blog. can’t say that i’ll become a regular reader… a little bit too much focus on breaking down how sexy the fighters are.

but hey, if girls dig it and start to like mma, that’s great. SB nation taking over!

www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology

by GregS123 on Dec 23, 2009 12:17 PM EST reply actions

Hah!

I checked out the site, and I love how original they are. Obviously it’s not my cup of tea, but it’s a welcome addition to the SB Nation.

"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate

by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 23, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions

Head Scratcher !!!

I am an avid bloodyelbow reader and find that it is hands down one of the best MMA websites on the internet (mmajunkie is a very close second). When the Bloodyelbow writers recommend something I am all for it. I don’t think i’m sexist but, Gals Guide to MMA is terrible. When you recommend the site my first impressions was this was a serious journalistic site that had the unique female point of view on MMA. The site is nothing but a bunch of fan girls rating the do ability of fighters. Their articles have zero to no meaning. Which begs the question of why reccommend them? Maybe i caught the site on a bad day. I was just expecting more from it.

"I was not impressed by your performance"

by wiggie on Dec 23, 2009 12:47 PM EST reply actions 9 recs

I hate to disagree

So I won’t. I joined thinking the same thing and it’s really quite unbearable after browsing through the articles.

I'm the kind of girl who loves to watch a GOOD fight!
--------
Join the DC Area UFC Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/DCUFCGroup

by funnytiger on Dec 23, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

it’s really not a big deal. the site is obviously written by and for females.

a sister-site to bloody elbow launched, so they wrote an article to help promote it. it’s their obligation to help promote their company.

if this is the the biggest worry you have in the world that it makes you go on a head-scratching rant… well maybe it’s time to apply your energy to better causes.

www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology

by GregS123 on Dec 23, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

I am a female Greg

And your point is?

I'm the kind of girl who loves to watch a GOOD fight!
--------
Join the DC Area UFC Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/DCUFCGroup

by funnytiger on Dec 23, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

point is:

if you’re a male, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to want to read “gal’s guide to mma.”

if you’re a female, you still might not want to read it. i don’t care if you are man, woman, or tiger.

either way, it’s not a big deal for bloody elbow to say go check it out. for people to be up in arms about this is stupid.

www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology

by GregS123 on Dec 23, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

i feel like you kind of made it a bigger deal than it was

A few people said it wasn’t their cup of tea not, “OH MY GOD! BE is promoting a lame ass site!! I’ll never post here AGAIN!!”

I agree, no big.

I'm the kind of girl who loves to watch a GOOD fight!
--------
Join the DC Area UFC Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/DCUFCGroup

by funnytiger on Dec 23, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions

yeah no problem and perhaps i did. was just trying to stick up for BE and the new site.

www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology

by GregS123 on Dec 23, 2009 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

and i’m responding more to wiggie than anything else. just happened to put it under yours.

www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology

by GregS123 on Dec 23, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions

Really?

the site is obviously written by and for females.

What kind of women are you around?

Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade

by Deo Wade on Dec 23, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

ha… obviously not enough women like funnytiger…

www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology

by GregS123 on Dec 23, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

"you won't be disappointed"

Yes, I will. Site was lousy.

by Mr. Reynolds on Dec 23, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions

Is there anything SB Nation WON'T add?

Seriously. That’s a compelling site? They already have like four MMA blogs. How many does it take?

Although detractors decry (MMA) as a brutal, bloody form of human cockfighting, aficionados know it is a brutal, bloody, totally fucking awesome form of human cockfighting. -The Onion

by The Kittitas Kid on Dec 23, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

Even newspapers have sections dedicated to what is stereotypically considered female. I don’t see a problem with it. It’s doubtful I’ll ever visit the site, but if it pulls in some new fans or sparks some interest, I think it’s great. It would be better with more substantive articles, but let the marketplace decide.

by cmsove on Dec 23, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

Thank you Wiggie (Mr. No-Fun)

Seriously? It looks like they are having fun on that site. They aren’t taking themselves too seriously. You should try it some time.

"Stop smiling you are about to be punched in the face !"

by Warhand on Dec 23, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions

Some people prefer breathless reports of Jim Miller’s next undercard match to people actually enjoying men fighting in a cage for our entertainment.

by JonathanSnowden on Dec 23, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed and rec'd

I was expecting something more interesting; I even mentioned the site to my gf when I was just on the phone with her before actually looking through it. If I had waited, I wouldn’t have bothered.

I don’t mind occasional jokes about guys being hot or girls being cute; just like bloodyelbow occasionally has an article about a ring girl or female fighter photoshoot, but jeez. This site proves girls are about a hundred times more superficial than what they complain about men being. Seems like every fighter is do-able lol, although I didn’t look at them all, maybe they reviewed Roy Nelson and gave him a 1, who knows.

But I thought in all of that there would be some interesting articles mixed in, but there were not.

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

by JeremyShane on Dec 23, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

I feel like we’ve been hit by the same marketing team that tries to push Sony products on women.

Really now?

I do wish them luck. If they can seriously provide commentary through our eyes instead of the LOL ~~twirling my hair~~ quality of writing right now, I’ll join.

by Gong on Dec 23, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry, i stopped reading after you said “mmajunkie is a very close second.”

Sorry, he Jason Bourned me.

by MMAussie on Dec 23, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions

I understand that "You attract more bees with honey" but...

Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade

by Deo Wade on Dec 23, 2009 1:08 PM EST reply actions 4 recs

I hear SBNation is about to become self aware

Some people think I am a dumb, ugly human being, but really I am a beautiful ape, with exceptional verbal skills.

by szucconi on Dec 23, 2009 1:13 PM EST reply actions

Woah… lol O_o Yeah it really is for gals. Good for them!

Mauricio Shogun Rua #1 LHW in the World. The TRUE Champion.

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."

by xFenixKnightx on Dec 23, 2009 1:16 PM EST reply actions

Well, like others, my first impression of the site wasn’t the best. I mean, I’m all for eye candy, and I’m secure in my manhood to admit when another man is attractive, but it’s not for me. That being said, it’s not like BE isn’t guilty of a pictorial of a ring girl here and there, so we shouldn’t cast stones in that regard. I just didn’t notice a heck of a lot of substance, or analysis, which is what I was hoping for, but I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt and hopefully they will grow and offer more indepth analysis from the female point of view. Regardless, it’s nice to see women getting into MMA. I did like their analysis of Hendo leaving the UFC and Hoelzer Reich.

I love me some Sexyama!

by pud333 on Dec 23, 2009 2:05 PM EST reply actions

We're Not All Eye Candy and Pantydroppers, We Promise!

Hi, everyone. I just wanted to let you know that we’re not only about the superficial stuff, we promise. We watch all the events and provide commentary (probably not what you’re used to, but it’s how we see it), stay up on all the news, love going to events and really are interested in more than fighter hotness. If we weren’t we never would have posted about Dan Henderson. :) Anywho, with the switch to SB Nation and a move to New York City we’ve kind of slacked a little in the posting department, and most of what’s been going up is the Eye Candy/Pantydropper weekly feature stuff. You can definitely count on posts with more substance coming up soon and we’d love it if you gave us another shot. That being said, Pantydropper of the Week is hilarious and if you can’t see it as suck there’s nothing we can do for you. Cheers!

by Beth on Dec 23, 2009 2:50 PM EST reply actions

I meant "if you can't see it as such". Freudian slip? Definitely not.

by Beth on Dec 23, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions

Unfortunately, some people did see it as suck.

by JonathanSnowden on Dec 23, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

Which could be an addition to Pany Dropper: Do You See It as Suck?

by JonathanSnowden on Dec 23, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

Gee, do you see a rating scale for the type of thing or a simple yes/no answer?

by Beth on Dec 23, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

Men all use a scale, but it is one where 4 inches magically becomes 8.

by JonathanSnowden on Dec 23, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

Ah yes, I am aware of that scale. That’s why I never ask a man how big something is. He’ll show you something the length of his thumb and tell you it’s 12 inches.

by Beth on Dec 23, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

hey

At least it’s MMA by girls for girls. All the “Hey I’m a hot girl pay attention to me, guys” mma content makes me want to drill a hole in my head.

I love to hate

by fightlinker on Dec 23, 2009 4:40 PM EST reply actions 4 recs

This

by Luke Thomas on Dec 23, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

I can rec that.

"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito Ortiz on Vitor Belfort at Affliction:DOR

by Rundownloser on Dec 23, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

Request for Gals Guide to MMA

I have already voiced my criticism for Gals Guide to MMA. Now i want to ask if Gals would listen to some suggestions that I thought would make their site unique and better.

1: I love the Get Schooled section. It is done fairly well. I would recommend anyone that does not know mma look at that section.

2: I felt that the analysis that I wanted to be on your main page was on Random thoughts and Ramblings section. I want to hear your opinions on Dan Henderson going to strikeforce or UFC banning a sponsor. I want to hear major news brokedown by the female perspective.

3. Where is the section on female fighters ? I love female mma but, it gets little to no coverage. Tell me who you think is #1 ranked female fighters. Who is the next rising star? This is something I think not only belongs on your site but, it should be a big part of it.

4. as a guy its hard for me to stay on your site because i find obviously to be fairly girly. Now this isn’t much of a problem but, I wouldn’t mind a different color scheme. If you could fine a color scheme that would keep its feminie touch and be a little more guy friendly that would be nice.

This site has a lot of potential. I would love to have this site grow and become very popular.

"I was not impressed by your performance"

by wiggie on Dec 23, 2009 6:05 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

meh (to number 4 anyway)

On the gender specificity of colors…

I really don’t think there’s anything about pink that is unfriendly to guys that is anyplace outside the head of the viewer.

dig 1-3 though, but I don’t particularly care if you implement it. There’s good content up as it is.

My motto,
As I live and learn,
is:
Dig and Be Dug
In Return.

-Langston Hughes (no relation to Matt)

by loboplata on Dec 23, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

1-3 I agree on

I can do without. I grew up in Bermuda, and pastel colours are common place amongst the houses and mens clothing.

Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade

by Deo Wade on Dec 23, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions

4*

Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade

by Deo Wade on Dec 23, 2009 6:56 PM EST up reply actions

Holy hell, that site is awful

Apparently a pink theme, “sassy” logo, and content presented in the voice of a 14 year old girl is supposed to attract a female audience… it looks like Cynical Marketing 101 in action.

by smoogy2 on Dec 23, 2009 6:53 PM EST reply actions

4. I thought if it was a different color it would become more gender friendly but, it is a female mma site so i would understand. Their perspective on mma is … interesting to say the least, however the idea of a female drive mma site is unique. I really want them to focus on number 3.

"I was not impressed by your performance"

by wiggie on Dec 23, 2009 7:13 PM EST reply actions

I've never been a fan of pink

Or the notion that because I’m a girl I should like pink. I understand a lot of people like pink and a large majority of them are female. Honestly, I think it is a conspiracy by Barbie to make every little girl want something that is pink! narrows eyes I’m looking at you Mattel…

I'm the kind of girl who loves to watch a GOOD fight!
--------
Join the DC Area UFC Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/DCUFCGroup

by funnytiger on Dec 24, 2009 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

Pretty weak…

I find myself liking this tattoo… Or, maybe it’s his outstanding back. Next week, we’ll take a peak at the front!

I mean, i could name 10-20 people who FanPost who deserve a blog, not these two chicks who don’t seem to serious.

by MBreezy on Dec 24, 2009 1:53 PM EST reply actions

quick tip

there are plenty of fanposters who have showed some talent and done great posts, but the number of fanposters I see cranking quality content out every single day — several times a day — have already been recuited to blog for BE or SBN. I’m always on the look out for new talent but the #1 thing I scope for is dedication. #2 is originality. I’m not seeing as much of either as I like.

Follow me on Twitter @KidNate

by Kid Nate on Dec 25, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions

We totally get it if you don’t like what we do. We’ve stated from the beginning that we are most definitely not for everyone. But please don’t doubt that we take our site and MMA very seriously. We put in a ton of work, on our own, and built up to where we had thousands of reads a month. I think SBN brought us on cause, whether or not you like it, we do things quite a bit differently then the other MMA blogs out there.

by Donna on Dec 25, 2009 9:20 PM EST up reply actions