UFC 102 Analysis: Nogueira Defeats Couture in an Epic Fight
by Michael Rome on Aug 30, 2009 1:02 AM EDT
in News
179 comments
It was a long time in the making, but Couture-Nogueira truly lived up to its billing. It was one of the most dramatic fights in UFC history, with near-stoppages for Nogueira in all 3 rounds, and some valiant escapes from Couture. Couture was slightly ahead standing in the first on my card until Nogueira creamed him with an overhand right to the temple that sent him to the floor. Couture never truly recovered from the shot, you could see he never really got his legs under him again. From there, Nogueira dominated the fight, but Randy was able to hang in portions with nice combinations, but at all times he seemed seconds away from being knocked out after the first knock down.
I don't want to jump to any rash conclusions, but Randy's chin is now clearly feeling the effects of his age. Perhaps Nogueira had brand new power, but he's never been one to destroy opponents with an overhand right, which is what he did tonight. Would Couture have done better with a grinding strategy up against the fence? Probably, but Nog was prepared to pull guard in order to make sure it didn't get there.
Couture was out of his league on the ground with Nogueira, but he was able to avoid three very close submissions. The fight was so exciting that a partisan hometown crowd did not boo mercilessly when the outsider won. It was a one-sided fight after the first knock down, but it was still a war that lived up to the billing.
The big question now is whether Randy should retire. Surely people will immediately demand it. Me? Like most fighters, I'm going to take my time and think about it. I'm hardly going to jump and demand the retirement of someone who was just in the best fight of the year. His chin truly is diminished, but I think he wants to keep fighting. A return to 205 is probably in the cards, though it's sure a murderer's row of strikers down there, and you can't get a chin back by training. There will be those that try to diminish Randy's career by pointing to his record, but anyone who knows anything knows what he's accomplished. I hope he hasn't taken too much damage.
For Nogueira, there are so many options. A rematch with Mir for December makes a lot of sense. Frankly, they were stupid to announce Carwin-Lesnar, because Nogueira-Lesnar has all the momentum in the world right now, especially with Brock yelling for Randy from ringside. If it was up to me, I'd hold him out of competition and have him fight the winner of Brock/Carwin.
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First off
I got a flawless stream that never quit on me……I love Russian announcers now.
I thought Couture was doomed when he got dropped in the 3rd. That was almost Chuck/Randy III like the way he fell. How he ended up getting Minotauro on his back is beyond me.
At 46 he’s still got it.
One of the best fights I’ve ever seen on a fantastic fight card. Still a little peeved we didn’t get to see the Gonzaga fight.
Beverly Hills 90210.......Denver Broncos 7.
by SSreporters on Aug 30, 2009 1:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Must be nice, all my streams sucked
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Aug 30, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good, order that shit next time.
=P
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 Aug 30, 2009 2:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
It figures that one of the cards I was least interested turns out to be one of the best ones of the year! I don’t think Portland deserved the honor of watching those two ICONS fight. That was a really weak crowd, but I’m happy that Couture got to fight in front of his hometown.
by BONESJONES on Aug 30, 2009 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
?
I thought the crowd was okay, except booing Nog.
weoweoweo is the best and brandon vera is a pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh??
What fight were you watching?
The crowd was outstanding and Randy couldn’t suppress an enormous smile on his face during introductions brought on by the cheers. That image was a highlight of the night for me.
by Django Z on Aug 30, 2009 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The size of the crowd is what I'm talking about
What I was getting at was that the place didn’t even sell out and it’s the first one there! Yes the fans that were there, we’re pretty good. Just a weak venue to me. I don’t think the UFC will go back there. The place was half empty for god’s sake!
by BONESJONES on Aug 30, 2009 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least the refs didn’t suck this time. Seems everytime the UFC goes to a new place, there’s at least one ref who does the “gotta work… gotta work… gotta work…” thing,
weoweoweo is the best and brandon vera is a pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I didn’t know they didn’t sell out. Smallish market, but still they should have.
by Django Z on Aug 30, 2009 1:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mir is already scheduled against Kongo in December, but of course that could be changed
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Aug 30, 2009 1:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anybody clamoring for Randy’s retirement is out of it. Maybe if he looks bad in the next few fights, but he survived some crazy submissions and has more heart than anybody else.
by HizaGiri Nightmare on Aug 30, 2009 1:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He needs to move down to LHW. He can still hang tough at 205 but he’ll never be anything important at HW
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Randy looked good. He was beaten by a better fighter. It’s really unfair to say Randy has lost it just to downplay the winner’s accomplishments.
I didn’t believe in Nog, but he made a believer tonight. I take back every bad thing I said about him. If he can look good, then there is some hope for CroCop’s resurgence.
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No interest in seeing Nog vs Mir II.
I want to see Nog get a teetle shot next.
I specializes in grammar fail.
by a tommy point on Aug 30, 2009 1:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Guys at Blackhouse have a history of finding new found power (anderson, machida) now maybe Nog?
Couture will probably move to light heavy.
Nog needs to win one more fight to get to the title.
upcoming line up:
Cain vs Ben
Dos Santos v Crocop
Mir vs Kongo
Who would have that the HW division would be more exciting than WW, MW
by mmalogic on Aug 30, 2009 1:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I want Nog vs. Cain in Los Angeles for a title shot. Fuck a Ben Rothwell.
by Michael Rome on Aug 30, 2009 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A bit of a quick turn around but I like it
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who would have that the HW division would be more exciting than WW, MW
Me.
Those other two divisions have been somewhat thinned out, if only by virtue of two supremely dominant champions beating everyone in sight.
Lesnar is a good champion, but he’s no where close to the level of those other two guys. So, naturally, the title seems more attainable in the HW division. Lots more contenders vying for a shot.
I specializes in grammar fail.
by a tommy point on Aug 30, 2009 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It really is remarkable how much the UFC’s HW division has grown in such a short time.
I specializes in grammar fail.
by a tommy point on Aug 30, 2009 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to take too much away from Lesnar, but seeing fighters who are more well-rounded like Nogueira or Fedor really shows me that MUCH of Lesnar’s success is his size. Yes, he does have great wrestling ability, but it seems to be helped greatly by his massive size (I don’t think the half-nelson he did to Mir would be as effective for anyone in any other division except Heavyweight because of the huge weight difference). While I feel this way towards Lesnar, I do feel with his two assets, his size and wrestling, that he would beat many of the current UFC Heavyweights nonetheless.
by chrisbboy82 on Aug 30, 2009 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
power too..
those short punches in the half nelson wouldn’t hurt if you were a pansy.
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
zomg!!!
I have been saying the exact same thing! His size is a huge advantage… wow so nice to be able to say that without getting jumped on these days!! :)
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it really is a huge advantage..
but it’s different to say that he ONLY wins by size and not technique.. well at least you won’t have much to say now he’s facing carwin right?
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Woah, talk about being on the same page.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by kyfm621 on Aug 30, 2009 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never said he didn’t have any technique… clearly his wrestling pedigree says otherwise. You just bought into the BS from the un-mentionable and his sidekick. I always said he’s a great wrestler (clearly!!) but his size and strength give him the advantage that he doesn’t have to be particularly good at striking or BJJ/defense. That became “you’re just a hater!” during the Time of Brocks Brigade. To say anything other than “Lesnar is the best that ever was and will be” became “you’re a hater!”.
But it’s clearing up now :)
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re obviously a hater. Just embrace it, why to pretend otherwise? It’s okay, we understand. =)
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
The irony being that there are fighters I dislike much more than Lesnar (Mayhem Miller and BJ Penn, for example).
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough, but
why don’t i see you bring them up as much?
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 2:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do, when it’s relevant. But nobody jumps on me and turns it into a bru-haha when I do so it kind of goes unnoticed.
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know better than to argue with you about Brock.
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
about who?
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BROCKBROCKBROCKLESNAR
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 2:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh right, him
nearly forgot about him ;)
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s quite the character. You should check him out.
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 2:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brock Lesnar has gotten to the Fedor level of annoying over-discussion on the internet. Heck there was even a fan post making fun of it a while back.
by who me on Aug 30, 2009 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
well if you said he has good technique then it's cool..
cause his size really poses a lot of interesting problems for anyone.. and carwin is the guy that negates most of it, so it should be a great fight.
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup, obviously the boy knows how to wrestle. :)
oh and also, contrary to the BS Bunch, I had and have no problem with him being a former pro wrestler (I used to watch WWE and remember him well)
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was more you bringing it up over and over again and then playing the victim.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Aug 30, 2009 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brock's real secret sauce
is his freakish speed.
Lots of guys are as big and strong as he is. No one is both as fast and as strong.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Aug 30, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think anyone disagrees that it’s a huge advantage, but there are plenty of big guys who can’t do what Lesnar does because Lesnar has good technique.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by kyfm621 on Aug 30, 2009 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is because of this that I don’t feel that he will be a champion like a GSP or Anderson Silva. There is just a lot to expose with Lesnar, and with young fighters and huge Heavyweights with huge potential like Todd Duffee coming into MMA, I can only wonder how long Lesnar can get by with just being bigger than everyone else and having one good skill in wrestling.
by chrisbboy82 on Aug 30, 2009 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell...
dominant champs with holes in their game.. It isn’t that impossible..
but lesnar is improving so i guess we’ll see.. carwin possesses a unique threat to him cause he has the power, size and wrestling skills to somewhat negate brock’s usual advantages.
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 2:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is nowadays. Seriously, Maia just showed, the days of being dominant in MMA with only one strategy are over, unless you have some advantage that let’s you. Brocks size and strength would be one of those advantages.
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true..
also, maia shouldn’t have tried two kicks. haha.
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 2:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That fight…not much to learn from it other than Maia is correct on his striking level and Nate hits hard. Here is to his revenge in ADCC.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Aug 30, 2009 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If size is the greatest asset, how come Bob Sapp and HMC aren’t champs?
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 2:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did I say his size was his greatest asset?
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have been saying the exact same thing! His size is a huge advantage… wow so nice to be able to say that without getting jumped on these days!! :)
Are you going to play semantics now?
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His size is a huge advantage, are you denying that?
See, this is how the BS starts… After all I said above about his wrestling, you focus and misinterpret that his size is his greatest asset… * sigh *
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brock Lesnar!
Brock Lesnar?
Brocklesnar………
by who me on Aug 30, 2009 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, let me rephrase my question. If size is such a huge advantage, how come Zulu and HMC aren’t more dominant in MMA?
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because they didn’t have the wrestling background and athleticism that Lesnar does.
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we had that demonstrated tonight, what was the biggest difference in Nog? He dropped 15 lbs and looked better than he has since he came to the UFC. The whole weight issue is way over-rated, it’s more important to be at a ideal fighting weight than to just be heavy.
by who me on Aug 30, 2009 2:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look when they were dominant because it is now a much different time in MMA and the UFC
Because of how badly diminished Liddell and Hughes has been lately, I don’t feel that they are good examples anymore for being a dominant one-dimensional fighter especially in this day-andage in MMA. It is just a different time in MMA and the UFC, but in regards to Lesnar, we will see. Like I said, I still think that he could beat most Heavyweights in the UFC with the tools that he has.
by chrisbboy82 on Aug 30, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it is also unfair to compare hughes and chuck now, from the time that they were on their primes..
but yeah, i get your point.
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 2:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was never so happy to be proven wrong, welcome back Minotauro!
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Aug 30, 2009 1:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gotta give credit to Fagan… called it to a T.
by mmalogic on Aug 30, 2009 1:18 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
To be fair he called the Nog fight well but picked Rosholt and Maia too. Not everyone is perfect but you win some and lose some.
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah but when conventional wisdom says one thing but someone calls whats gonna happen to a T in the other direction is pretty good.
by mmalogic on Aug 30, 2009 1:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brent Brookhouse: It’s a battle of two guys with defensive liabilities. While Jardine works an awkward counterstriking style he has a very dentable chin and Silva is the hard charging all out guy who just leaves himself open to countershots. If I had more faith in Keith’s chin I’d pick him by easy decision, but I think Thiago’s power will catch him at some point and it will be the end. Thiago Silva by TKO, round 2.
Brent called that one perfectly too.
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah that was excellent analysis as well.
by mmalogic on Aug 30, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasnt like Fagan and Brent just took the contrarian approach to be different… their entire analysis for “why” was to a T.
by mmalogic on Aug 30, 2009 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Appreciate the props.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Aug 30, 2009 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rosholt WON
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Aug 30, 2009 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He picked Leben. I’m just an idiot. =(
Mike Fagan: I love prospects, and I’ve been interested in Rosholt ever since I heard about him on the Jordan Breen Show. Unfortunately, after seeing Nissen Osterneck tee off on his face, I’m not sure how he will escape a big Leben left. Chris Leben by TKO, round 2.
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Leland was the only one who got that fight right.
Leland Roling: I’m going to go out on a limb in this fight. While Leben has the KO power to put Rosholt in his place, I don’t think his BJJ skills are enough to stop the three-time NCAA D-I wrestler from smothering Leben and pressing his conditioning over the three rounds. I’m going with the upset bid. Jake Rosholt via unanimous decision.
Grats Leland. Note to self: Never pick Leben to win
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its fights like what i watched tonight that makes me proud to be an MMA fan. Two legends locked horns and neither of them looked bad in that fight. this could have one of those special 5 round main event fights that was mentioned like a month ago.
by Riley_96 on Aug 30, 2009 1:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
^^
I would have been so friggin happy if this was a 5 round fight.
weoweoweo is the best and brandon vera is a pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i love you sig line myth.. but it's supposed to be..
"weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.."
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ooops
ok, changing it now
weoweoweo is the best and brandon vera is a pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hah! you love Brandon Vera!
I guess he has bland good looks just like Kevin Kostner
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There ya go
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The ground positioning of both fighters was a class on MMA techniques. Amazing hips, reversals and leverage. I want to watch it again!
by Django Z on Aug 30, 2009 1:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Randy/Cro Cop, no matter the outcome of dos Santos/CC.
http://www.fourouncestofreedom.com
by Beer Monster on Aug 30, 2009 1:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A hardcore’s dream but I’m thinking Randy will drop to 205.Cro Cop would be sick though. Anderson Silva anyone? =)
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just announced on the press conference – Randy signed a new deal. 28 months, SIX FIGHTS. Wow.
http://www.fourouncestofreedom.com
by Beer Monster on Aug 30, 2009 1:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wHaT =O
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said NOBODY is leaving while everyone creating hypothetical jumping ship to run after Fedor scenarios.
TITO signing was a major indicator to whats up.
by mmalogic on Aug 30, 2009 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Makes sense. I’m just surprised at the # of fights. Not that it matters, he’ll retire after 1-2 anyway. But you’re right, this means he’ll hever get over to SF.
http://www.fourouncestofreedom.com
by Beer Monster on Aug 30, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i want vera vs thiago silva too..
I think vera would win.. and that could make him a legit top10 fighter..
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Which part of his fight tonight makes you think he could beat Thiago Silva?
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
cause thiago is always sloppy.. and gets hit a lot..
he has real bad defense..
also, Vera has a better chin than jardine you know.
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vera has no power and throws pitty pat punches
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was 2006 Vera
2009 Vera couldn’t bust a grape
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lets ask k-sos how he felt?
the man toyed with him with his hands… and he’s not even that good a boxer..
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What fight are you talking about? K-Sos/Vera never happened.
[i’m supressing the memory]
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can I suppress my memory? If I do it, can I erase my new sig?
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes :(
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What would have been Weo’s sig if you won (I’m guessing you picked K-Sos)
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was like “Mythbuster is always right and I want to rub jello on Sozynsksis head” or something,
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they match Hamill against Vera. Pick Hamill =P
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be more than happy to bet against another slow puncher with no defense and never uses his takedowns.. :)
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m with Weo on that one…Hamill is a bit inconsistant with perfomances, and I don’t then he can pull it off. I really wanted a finish from Vera though.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by kyfm621 on Aug 30, 2009 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could never find it in myself to pick Vera tho. It’s all about the dance when he wins…
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah, thats right up there with Brett Rogers “Grim Dance”.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by kyfm621 on Aug 30, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but i thought you think that's hot? ;)
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
* grumblegrumble *
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You should include another line in your sig “The Polish Experiment was a failure, Curse you K-Sos!”
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will do
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Supress the memory of the fight. You just have that signature because you find Vera attractive.
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why you, I oughta....!
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
where do you find these things?
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A series of tubes called the interwebz.
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Vera is gun-shy; if he gets rushed by Thiago, I see him cowering away.
Shameless self-promotion! http://twitter.com/scb0212
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Aug 30, 2009 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeh, Vera is no Machida
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thiago has been impressive in all of fights. He lost only to the current, and seemingly unbeatable LHW champion. Vera has been unimpressive and unable to follow up his shots in every single fights since the lahyway. There is no way he can grind out a decision against Thiago like he did tonight. If he wasn’t impressive against Soszynski, then there’s no way he’d look any better against a top fight like Silva. Once Thiago socres the first hit, he finishes. Vera is happy to sit back and ride it out. That’s not a winning plan at the top. Silva is top ten for sure. Vera will never break the top ten again. He’s lost his mojo.
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 1:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
show me a fight where he was impressive in his striking..
he ALWAYS gets hit, even by really poor strikers.. he has a good ground game, but his striking is overrated.
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Show me a fighter he lost against whose name is not Machida. I can name three fighters who beat Vera. One of them just got KTFO by Silva.
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so it’s about a record? cause i thought we were breaking down the fight stylistically.. cause i could just bring up a former two time Heavyweight champion he ate up.. but that’s not important cause styles make fights.
here’s what i think will happen, thiago will come forward and continually eat shots as usual. although this time, it’s gonna be by a guy more technical, with a decent chin to boot, and who does better when countering.
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Records show who he’s lost against. Throw away the records for a second and you tell me one fighter who’s he lost against that shows he’s vulnerable? Machida fell on him with a punch. This punch would KO anyone. 9.8m/s^2 is the force of gravity. Machida makes anyone look bad. Machida would eat Vera alive.
Now you’re going to bring up the Mir fight right after he recovered from an motorcycle accident? That’s pretty weak if you’re using that as support for the fighter Vera is. That was also a fight at HW, a division he ran away from because he couldn’t hang. He hasn’t look good against top fighters since the layoff, HW or LHW. But it’s obvious that he’s your ido so. I won’t argue anymore. However, I am willing to bet Vera loses against anyone they put him up against next.
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thiago looks bad ALL the time.. except when fighting bums like houston alexander
he just has the power to compensate for it.. he isn’t technical at all and gets tagged a lot.. If jardine had a good chin, that would’ve been a different fight.
hell even other cans hit thiago a lot.. Silva’s only decent opponents he has faced are Machida and Jardine.. he looked stupid against machida, and was getting tagged by jardine too..
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vera has looked invincible against his competition too, right? Wow, you have it hard for him.
Jardine defeated Vera in a competitive fight. Silva destroyed Jardine. Don’t let facts get in the way of a good argument.
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
again, it’s the styles that makes fights.. Thiago has good power and if he catches a guy with a chin like Jardine, he’s going down.. Vera’s style is more on countering and landing body and leg kicks..
I just think that the perfect style of a fighter to beat thiago is one who is technical and can avoid those loopy punches. He will always come forward and throw bombs without much defense and a good technical counterstriker could take advantage of that.
I don’t see vera beating guys like evans, rampage, or shogun, i just think stylistically he is a good matchup for him.
but i won’t convince you cause i guess MMA Math is universal right? haha.
we’ll see then. :)
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 2:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thiago Silva is a murderer. That’s all you need to know.
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So is Wanderlei Silva! 
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 2:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wandy was pretty badass back in the day. Today is Thiago Silva’s day.
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 2:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thiago silva is the new Wanderlei?
oh cmon now..
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 2:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way, but he’ll still kick Vera’s arse into a different time zone.
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 2:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yyyyyuppers.
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 Aug 30, 2009 2:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vera has no kill instinct anymore.
He dicked around against Jardine, K-Sos, and anyone else he’s fought since returning (I overlook Sylvia because that was due to a size disadvantage & broken hand). He will have to finish Silva, or else Silva will continue to bull-rush him.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Aug 30, 2009 2:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mir was actually pretty much healed by the time he fought Vera
He went on to a 3 fight win streak after losing to Vera and came in against Brandon in great shape.
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by Kid Nate on Aug 30, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That doesn’t make sense.
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mir actually was in good shape for the Vera fight. If you look at his body against Christison (the previous fight before Vera) and the Vera fight, you see a huge difference. Vera just kicked Mir’s ass in that one.
On a side note, Vera’s one of my favorite fighters since he is a fellow Filipino, but he that wasn’t an amazing performance last night. It does look like he’s lost his killer instinct and seems more than willing to outpoint fighters instead of go for the finish.
by filipinomix2oo0 on Aug 30, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
T.Silva>Jardine>Vera
You only think Vera could win because he’s Filipino.
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no, i really think he could win..
not cause i’m filipino.. I really think he can win it if he fights smart.. Thiago has power, but his striking is really overrated, and he is easy to hit..
Also, I don’t call you out on being American if you think Randy can win against Nog right?
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not a Randy Fan =/
I know BLASPHEMY! I’ve failed as an American.
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vera gets mollywhomped
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Randy isn’t going to retire but that may be the end of him as a title contender. Gate-keeper, “super-fights”, whatever you want to call it I would say that is what is in Randy’s future.
I’d like to see Nog vs Cro Cop 2 with the winner getting a future title shot but that’s just purely the old guy in me. Nog vs Cain or Mir would make more sense going towards a title shot.
by who me on Aug 30, 2009 1:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Minotauro showed that he still has plenty of fight left in him. Screw this Mir II bullcrap, he earned the winner of Lesnar?Carwin with that fight. And oh man would Lesnar/Nogueira be an incredible fight to look forward to.
by Zack Gobie on Aug 30, 2009 1:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
For Lesnar fans, it sure would be.
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, i think he gets crushed by Lesnar too..
but i’d still want to see how Nog handles him in his guard.
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 30, 2009 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Letting BROCKLESNAR hang out in your guard is a bad idea.
Keep firing Assholes!
ZE GOGGLES! ZAY DO NOZING!!!!
by Ubernoober on Aug 30, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The idea that Brock would even step foot in Nog’s gaurd is laughable. I think Brock would stand and trade a bit, then work from side mount against the fence.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by kyfm621 on Aug 30, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or just lay on him and hold him down with one hand like he did to Mir. Hard to do your ju jitsu when you can’t move.
weoweoweo is the best… and I <3 Vera cause he is pogi.
by mythbuster on Aug 30, 2009 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harder to hold down a full grown 200+ man. =)
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by kyfm621 on Aug 30, 2009 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
200lbs +
Gah, I’m tired.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by kyfm621 on Aug 30, 2009 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe,
unless you happen to be a 280lb+ man who has trained his whole life in a style that focuses on controlling your opponent. Then, in that situation, it might be possible.
by Shaun32887 on Aug 30, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was a fun night, the Jardine loss has special significance =D
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Aug 30, 2009 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that was hilarious when that happened. "MAN, WHATEVER IT’S FUCKING RIGGED!! "
by Zack Gobie on Aug 30, 2009 2:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why are there always people like that shouting overly loud every time I go see a fight in public.
The Nate KO was awesome, everyone but me was watching the fight in the bar when it happened.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Aug 30, 2009 2:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t mind that much, it made for a specular environment for the main event. I don’t think a single person wasn’t clapping at the end of that fight.
by Zack Gobie on Aug 30, 2009 2:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh the main event was awesome, I just got tired of:
GET HIM JARDINE
THAT’S MY BOY, THAT’S MY BOY
HIT HIM JARDINE, HIT HIM HIT HIM
STAND THEM UP REF (the instant Jardine was on his back)
This from two guys right next to us, one who was actually discussing omoplatas earlier.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Aug 30, 2009 3:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was shocked when they threw out the omaplata comment.
by Zack Gobie on Aug 30, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was alone in my room and I was still clapping
by Shaun32887 on Aug 30, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
re: Nogueira’s “new” power.
Antonio beat up on Werdum pretty good in Pride, and if you look at the picture of Heath in my gambling post, you’ll see a similar face to Randy’s after this fight. The guy’s been increasing his power over the past few years, though I’m not sure he’ll ever have the oomph to KO heavyweights with one punch.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
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by Mike Fagan on Aug 30, 2009 1:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This sport is so unpredictable. One moment Nog’s shot, now he’s close to a title shot. His striking looked so bad against Mir and in this fight he looked great.
by Sokonojudo on Aug 30, 2009 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re right, though…I don’t know, he doesn’t have a long history of decking guys multiple times with overhand rights. But yeah, I think it’s a combination of improved power and Randy’s diminished chin.
by Michael Rome on Aug 30, 2009 1:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, but Nog’s boxing looked very good, and he did well in the clinch.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by kyfm621 on Aug 30, 2009 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nog has never had any power, but what he realized after getting tooled by Fedor 2 1/2 times is that he needed to improve his boxing, and he did that with the Cuban boxing team and now with Team Blackhouse. He doesn’t have power, but he has boxing. There is a difference between the two. He beat Werdum, Barnett, and now Randy with his Boxing skills, and his opponents fearing going to the ground with him.
by MMASuPreMaCy on Aug 30, 2009 2:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hope they
put on nog vs mir 2, perhaps to determine the challenger for the winner of the lesnar/carwin fight
nog vs mir 1 was an aberration
by theblade on Aug 30, 2009 1:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Right Click > View Image for Full Size
Shameless self-promotion! http://twitter.com/scb0212
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Aug 30, 2009 1:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Big Nog tops Tiger Woods AND Tom Brady.
All is right with the world.
I specializes in grammar fail.
by a tommy point on Aug 30, 2009 1:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
An older Brazilian BJJ specialist on the FRONTTTTT page of ESPN. Life is good.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by kyfm621 on Aug 30, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nog’s BJJ in fights are epic… the sweeps were right out of the video game.
by mmalogic on Aug 30, 2009 1:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
’scuse me, thanks for mount =D
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Aug 30, 2009 2:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh, I turned away for a millisecond and all of a sudden Nog was on top, I was like WTF awesome! Such an epic performance by both guys.
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 Aug 30, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nog looked slow as hell and his striking defense was nonexistent. Good fight tough.
by dancingChicken on Aug 30, 2009 1:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Please put the haterade down and walk away.
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 Aug 30, 2009 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh come on, next you’ll tell me is Vera will beat Thiago Silva. ;)
by cyph on Aug 30, 2009 2:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not a clairvoyant. But also I’m not blind… ;)
by dancingChicken on Aug 30, 2009 2:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t want to jump to any rash conclusions
Because MMA journalists dont ever do that…
by -Sam on Aug 30, 2009 7:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man, that full guard sweep to mount… so awesome. You rarely see technique like that pulled off in high level MMA, so to pull it on a guy of Couture’s caliber has got to feel good. It certainly made me feel good!
I too would prefer that Nog be given the chance to settle the score with Mir.
by JRN on Aug 30, 2009 9:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yup, Nog should get Carwin/Lesnar winner early next year.
Nog’s been taking 10 months off between fights anyway.
by GoldenOldie on Aug 30, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAH
Man, I am so happy. I was right all along. Even though I was ridiculed and told I was “only going with NOG to spite BE staff”, all the Randy ’huggers now have to EAT THEIR WORDS, something I said I would gladly do if wrong.
Can we please STOP treating Randy like a God now? Why the hell doesn’t Nog get a new contract? Oh yeah, because nobody seems to care about Nog in comparison to Randy.
by TDITZ on Aug 30, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Randy more than proved his mettle last night
Nog outclassed him in every aspect except wrestling — which has been the conventional wisdom for the past decade. It was only his crappy performance against Mir that made people think he’d lost it — that and Couture’s string of incredible performances since returning to heavyweight.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Aug 30, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kill the WAR-TORN HYPE
This is the only fight I called correctly. Happy for Big Nog! I just hope people kill all that noise about how he’s on the end of the rope just because of all the past punishment he took.
Check out my recent MMA drawings on my blog, drop a comment, or subscribe via RSS for updates http://www.scritchandscratch.com/blog
by VeeisAnimated on Aug 30, 2009 3:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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