UFC 133: Rashad Evans Working With Kickboxing World Champions to Prepare for Tito Ortiz
by Fraser Coffeen on Jul 27, 2011 1:00 PM EDT
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Interesting photo here as Rashad Evans prepares for next weekend's UFC 133 main event against Tito Ortiz. To prepare for the fight, Evans has spent some time training with top ranked kickboxers Tyrone Spong and Cosmo Alexandre at Imperial MMA in Florida. For those unfamiliar with the names, both Spong and Alexandre are among the elite in kickboxing and Muay Thai, claiming multiple world title between them. Spong may be best known to MMA fans as Alistair Overeem's opponent at last year's K-1 Grand Prix, where he gave The Reem his toughest challenge of 2010.
I'll be very interested to see how this work impacts Evans, as in my eyes, it is a fantastic choice of training partners for him. Rashad's greatest strengths in MMA have always been his wrestling and his hands. His striking game is solid from the waist up, but has some gaps elsewhere, as he does not use many kicks, and could still improve his footwork at times. Working with two kickboxing experts may help tighten up that footwork, while expanding his striking repertoire to include kicks and knees. Meanwhile, both Spong and Cosmo are looking at making a transition to MMA, and working with a wrestler and excellent all around fighter like Evans will greatly benefit them.
Will we see a new and improved stand-up game from Rashad at UFC 133?
Check the full entry for another photo of Rashad at Imperial MMA alongside Kamal Shalorus, Gesias Cavalcante, and others.
Rashad Evans, Tyrone Spong, Cosmo Alexandre, and the rest of the crew at Imperial MMA.
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This is one of the big reasons I like Rashad. He is never content with his current skill set. I still wish he would go down to MW, but I’ll keep routing for him at LHW.
I agree
I have advocated for him going to MW even prior to Jones’ ascension, as have others, but now more than ever I think he should – he has the skillset to grind out a win against even Anderson imo.
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Definetly
Evans could probably make the cut with some difficulty on his first go at it. If he does then he will probably own that Division. He will probably be the most well rounded fighter in the MW division when Silva retires. Also if he does go down I would love to see him and Silva fight
Yeah! Real nigga. ALL day! Just me. By myself. On the block. Holdin it down. Gun in my waist. Straight face. All day. Not a game. In jail. By myself. 1 bed. No pillow case. 1 pillow. You didn’t write me. It was early. Woke up. Went back to sleep. Took a nap. You ever go night night nigga? Everybody go night night nigga!
I think if you get kicked in the face you deserved it because that means you watched the foot come to your face.
If you out and some dude comes up and slaps you in the face while you with me? Than you just been slapped!
I’m a biased Anderson Silva fan, so I’ll get that out of the way.
Grind out a win against Anderson? I don’t know about that, I just don’t see. Evans had issues with Machida’s speed, well just like many other fighters. Sure Evans is surely becoming a GSP (in style) at 205 but his recent victories (Thiago Silva and Rampage) doesn’t say much about how he will perform against faster fighters. Honestly I think a rematch with both fighters would produce different results. Thiago Silva’s hampered back won’t be too much of a problem. I just don’t see him being taken down at will like that by Evans. I really don’t need or want to get into a rematch with Jackson. In the end, they just lost a competition, neither Silva or Jackson got they’re a** beat.
I tend to be biased towards strikers . . . exciting strikers.
- - - - -
VEe is ANIMated!
by VeeisAnimated on Jul 27, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
What you said is all valid,
and since he doesn’t have Sonnen’s chin, I certainly wouldn’t guaranty a win over a 5-round fight (much more confident of one in a 3-rounder), but for whatever reasons, Anderson’s TDD is nothing like what it sometimes was in his pre-UFC days (knee/other injuries? age? both?), and for all of his flaws on the feet, Rashad has a very effective takedown game.
Yes, his top control is weaker than ideal, but that wouldn’t be much of a factor against Anderson who has very little chance of submitting Rashad from the bottom imo.
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Didn’t he have bruised ribs during the Sonnen fight? Just having bruised ribs sucks when doing nothing, I wouldn’t want a 200 pound man trying to throw me on to the floor.
The thing about Rashad is that I still think his BJJ defense is untested. He hasn’t fought anybody that can really threaten off their back. He did beat Forrest but that was because Forrest was pretty much out on his feet before getting finished on the ground.
By all reports he went into the fight with a soft tissue injury to his ribs (surely numbed with lidocaine or similar, as almost all pro athletes would be treated), but he also suffered broken ribs in R1. The first Sonnen fight went almost exactly as I predicted it on here, and I suspect a rematch will as well (should it happen).
As for Rashad, he is a BJJ BB too (under Rolles Gracie iirc), and although I can’t recall seeing him seek any submissions, he is surely rather submission savvy. I can’t see Anderson having any better luck stopping Rashad’s takedowns than he did/will Sonnen’s, in addition to being older still.
He could absolutely win, because Rashad has not shown him self as having a chin like Sonnen does, but…
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Lidocaine (and all local anesthetics, which are actual generally injected in a solution with adrenaline), when administered by a physician, are allowed, in and out of competition. Adrenaline use, other than when used as part of such a solution, is otherwise prohibited.
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
As far as I know it is legal for sale for physician use everywhere, although probably not over the counter.
You might be remembering Kizer banning its use in boxing for the week prior to a fight a few years ago as a result of Mayweather reputedly using it in his hands prior to fights.
If there are any other bans, someone please chime in as I am unaware of them.
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
That was my belief
But you are entirely correct. I can’t find anything that mentions Xylocaine and MMA.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Rashad has attempted 0 submissions
in the UFC. That’s why a lot of people(myself included) have questioned that BB.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Didn't another Gracie criticize it too?
I kind of remember someone saying whoever gave Rashad that BB generally gave them out like candy.
"Kickboxing is great. It combines the style and grace of boxing with... kicking." -- Norm MacDonald
by Anthony Pace on Jul 27, 2011 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Braulio Estima did an interview with Tatame
and he basically vouched for Rashad’s black-belt
by StillUnknown on Jul 27, 2011 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Am I thinking of Renzo?
I feel like I’m just confusing tons of shit right now.
"Kickboxing is great. It combines the style and grace of boxing with... kicking." -- Norm MacDonald
by Anthony Pace on Jul 27, 2011 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
its easy to get confused
here’s what Braulio said
“"When I knew Rolles have given him the black belt I also thought about it for a while," Estima tells Sensei Sportv. "But then I went there and I saw it. He’s on a black belt level, he’s good. Man, I can say for sure I’ve trained with over 50 black belts that he could actually kill. I swept, caught him, but I’m on my best and I only do this. He knows how to sweep and passes the guard very well, he’s very good."
if its good enough for Braulio, its good enough for me lol
by StillUnknown on Jul 27, 2011 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Renzo said that he doesn’t approve the way Rolls awarded Rashad with black belt.
"... All reined up in old language and old assumptions, straining to jump clean-hoofed on to a whole new track of being I only suspect is there. I can't see it, because my educated, average head is being held at the wrong angle..."
by dancingChicken on Jul 27, 2011 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If I remember correctly
Rashad went straight from purple to black belt. But in full disclosure, I know very little about BJJ, and don’t know if that’s common or not.
"Kickboxing is great. It combines the style and grace of boxing with... kicking." -- Norm MacDonald
by Anthony Pace on Jul 27, 2011 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I kinda remember the interview
Renzo basically said that you should have to represent your school and actually compete in BJJ to earn a black belt.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
And its funny because
the perceptions of what a lot of guys have is all over the map.
Mayhem, who survived against Jacare and held his own against Shields (mainly on the ground against both) just finally got his black belt a few months ago.
Nate Diaz is still a brown belt iirc, and I don’t think Joe Lauzon is a BB either.
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe Rashad and Rolls had a llittle agreement going on. Rashad would attest that Rolls has the cardio to fight, and Rolls would give him a BB.
…
Now lets hope that Rashad BJJ is better than Rolls’ cardio.
"... All reined up in old language and old assumptions, straining to jump clean-hoofed on to a whole new track of being I only suspect is there. I can't see it, because my educated, average head is being held at the wrong angle..."
by dancingChicken on Jul 27, 2011 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
You had better not turn your back on
this spicy chicken wings guy…just sayin’ as a friend…
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. He’s probably from this Goeorge Romero’s Chicken Farm. These guys scare me.
"... All reined up in old language and old assumptions, straining to jump clean-hoofed on to a whole new track of being I only suspect is there. I can't see it, because my educated, average head is being held at the wrong angle..."
by dancingChicken on Jul 27, 2011 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Its been said before
But Diaz’ brown belt holds more weight than a lot of black belts(like Rashad’s IMO).
Pettis only has a purple belt and Clay Guida said he has the trickiest guard he’s ever been in.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Isn't Randy Couture a black belt too?
I think it’s better to categorize fighters by who they’re instructor is compared to their belt level.
I think it is
a modified catch wrestling system crossed w/ a no-gi judo system. I think his trainer has a black belt from Karo in his no-gi judo system.
There was some interview w/ him where he discusses his background in some depth from not to long ago.
Me, too
I definitely want to see Rashad make that move – and after more is revealed as to just how exceptional Jon Jones is, the whole LHW division is going to be “hollowed out,” with Rashad and any other smaller LHWs out there (although they have pretty much all left already – Alexandre Ferreira, Todd Brown, Tim Boetsch, Wanderlei Silva, David Heath; and Jason Brilz is likely next) going down to MW, and any bigger ones like Alexander Gustafsson, Phil Davis, and even Forrest Griffin going the other way and moving up to HW.
And if Rashad does go down to MW, by the time he works his way into position for a title shot, Anderson Silva might very well be gone from the scene – either because he will have retired, moved up to LHW (quite possibly under pressure from Dana White after every other decent LHW fighter has moved up or down), or simply gone bad without any warning just like Chuck did when he was only very slightly older than AS is now (36).
But one highly interesting MW opponent for Rashad would be Brian Stann, given Stann’s membership in Greg Jackson’s camp. Think of it as a kinder, gentler version of what Evans-Jones would be, if it ever happens – but every bit as emotional on both sides, especially Rashad’s.
by CalicoTomcat on Jul 28, 2011 5:53 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
I thought he was in the shape of his life for the Page fight but I think he’s in even better shape now
A burning passion from a burning mass reaches up for the sky
by Shoguns Hairy Forearms. on Jul 27, 2011 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
In a recent video I saw of him he looked in very good condition. Looked like he put on some muscle and dropped a few unneeded pounds. I’ll try and find it and post it if It hasn’t already been.
Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. - Bruce Lee
Looks like Rashad has gotten bigger, both in height and weight. Spong is 6’2, 230lbs.
"... All reined up in old language and old assumptions, straining to jump clean-hoofed on to a whole new track of being I only suspect is there. I can't see it, because my educated, average head is being held at the wrong angle..."
Spong bulked up to compete with the super heavyweights in K-1.
He started his career as one of those super-skinny nak muays, at the equivalent of welterweight.
Yeah, I know. I’m just surprised by Rashad size. He looks bigger than Tyrone.
"... All reined up in old language and old assumptions, straining to jump clean-hoofed on to a whole new track of being I only suspect is there. I can't see it, because my educated, average head is being held at the wrong angle..."
by dancingChicken on Jul 27, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
After really looking
It appears Rashad is a couple feet closer and that Spong is standing at an angle.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Yeah, you’re right, but considering that Tyrone is 3 inches taller and about 15lbs heavier, I’d guess that the difference will more noticable. Or I’m just fucking blind.
"... All reined up in old language and old assumptions, straining to jump clean-hoofed on to a whole new track of being I only suspect is there. I can't see it, because my educated, average head is being held at the wrong angle..."
by dancingChicken on Jul 27, 2011 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions
The angle
and Rashad being a bit in front make Evans seem taller, although Spong still seems taller IMO.
The 15lbs wouldn’t really be noticeable because of the height difference. For every inch in height, it takes about 5lbs to remain in similar hand weight proportions.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Rashad is really 5'9"
First, he was listed at 5’9" on the UFC’s own web site while his run on Season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter was on the air.
Second, I’ve personally met both Rashad and his older brother Lance, at the same time, multiple times; Lance is definitely about 1" bigger than Rashad, and Lance is listed at 5’10" on Sherdog.
And third, without revealing my own rather embarrassing vital statistics in this area, I’ve stood next to Rashad dozens and dozens of times – and I can vouch for the fact that no way is he any 5’11"; maybe 5’9 1/2" on his best day.
by CalicoTomcat on Jul 28, 2011 5:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Hopefully, with these training partners, Rashad’s standup will skyrocket from its current “abysmal” status all the way up to merely “below averasge”.
I think Rashad has very good stand up.
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by Jonathan Snowden on Jul 27, 2011 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The thing that most MMA fans criticize about Rashad’s standup is his footwork. Otherwise, it really isn’t that bad.
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by chrisbboy82 on Jul 27, 2011 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rashad’s standup is only “abysmal” because he’s way, way too small for LHW.
Move him down to MW and it rises to about a 4 on a scale of 10; and move him down to WW – totally doable given the fact that Rashad and Josh Koscheck both wrestled at 174 when they were seniors in college – and it jumps to at least a 6.
And I bet that Mike Dolce could literally make a LW out of him!
by CalicoTomcat on Jul 28, 2011 6:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Rashad appears to have considerably more lean mass now than he did in college (or than he did earlier in his career). He could certainly make MW with a combination of diet and cutting imo, he would have to sacrifice considerable muscle mass to make WW, and LW is utterly out of the question.
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 28, 2011 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Who needs Greg Jackson?
I think Rashad leaving the Jackson camp could mean incredible things for his career. Not that Jackson was bringing him down at all, but he can take all the tools that he had from years and years at Jackson’s camp as well as the intense game planning and use them with new skill sets he can acquire at other camps.
This is also great training for Spong and Cosmo if they do ever make the trip over to MMA.
“Train with world champion kickboxers.
Wrestle for three rounds”……. I realy couldn’t agree more
Rashad is looking huge and ripped in those pictures
He looks like he’s in theb est shape of his life and training with world class kickboxers is going to do nothing but make him even more dynamic on his feet. I think this change in camp is really going to help Rashad out…he’s going to get training more customized to his needs.
You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who make people happy, but inside he's real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.
Everyone in that pic is fucking ripped
He’s either in fantastic shape or he’s on the Brazilian Horsemeat with Tibau and Alves
A burning passion from a burning mass reaches up for the sky
by Shoguns Hairy Forearms. on Jul 27, 2011 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
'ken Murders row
Good to see he’s moved on. Takes courage to train at other camps after getting comfortable in one place.
Good to see he didn;t take no bulshit from Jackson/Bones. He up held his end and moved on when they didin;t.
TRT FTW!
Kidding, probably just some good old fashioned HGH.
"This is the best BJ we have seen in a long time" ~ Joe Rogan
Although I would estimate that a significant majority, probably more than 70% of high level combat athletes and NFL/NBA players (at most positions) have used some form of PED, there is no reason to think Rashad has more or less than any other.
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Look at NBA players
and tell me they aren’t the best athletes in the world.
I have to believe that a good percentage of them are on something.
When you see guys playing 13+, 82-game seasons(and playoffs) before wearing down you have to believe they have some great resources as far as recovery.
That and their bodies. A lot of these guys look like 6’8" body builders. Even 5’5" 135lb Earl Boykins benched 350lbs. Some of them have legit world class speed and jumping ability. After all, why would you do track and field when you can get paid 5 million a year to sit on the bench?
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Completely agree
Frankly, if I view things with my inner economist, it would be a very irrational decision not to use PEDs to maximize one’s abilities and longevity (and thus income) as a professional athlete, given the minimal risks vs. high rewards if one does it correctly.
How one feels about cheating is a totally separate topic…
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Derrick Rose said the NBA has a PED problem
David Stern would disagree. :)
We all know that a huge percentage of NBA players smoke weed. Somehow, almost no one ever tests positive(for anything). I’m not sure that NBA players are even tested regularly or effectively.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Every major sport
has a PED problem. From my POV testing is mainly a PR move, and to weed out the particularly ignorant and/or stupid.
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Chris Anderson....
I’m lookin’ at you, son.
I was saying that David Stern doesn’t doesn’t see it as a problem at all. 1, he doesn’t test them and 2, it makes the game more exciting.
You are entirely correct. Testing is purely a PR thing.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
David Stern is a douche
I thought he was going to breakdown and cry every time he got booed during the draft this year.
Stern is a genius
The man who won’t allow upside down headbands let Gilbert Arenas come back a year later after brandishing a few guns in the locker room during a dispute over a high stakes card game.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Don't forget about hand movements
waving your arms is supposedly equivalent to saying fuck you to the ref to him.
Look at NBA players and tell me they aren’t the best athletes in the world.
Okay. They are not the best athletes in the world.
1. Anderson Silva is waiting for you to punch him.
2. That guy is Anderson Silva.
3. Don't fucking punch that guy.
by Chris Barton on Jul 27, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I’m trying to say(in a terribly worded way) that almost any NFL player would be an NBA player, if he could. Some of the best athletes in the NFL played basketball and couldn’t make a D league team.
I can’t see how NBA guys can be that much better without taking the same drugs we see NFL/MLB plares getting popped for.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
If someone was chasing me down, to kill me with their hands....
Id be most scared of
1. Elite MMArtist
2. Elite NFL D End
3. Elite NFL Safety
A true MMA fan from the great state of Arkansas.
(no longer a) Proud BElitest.
by MMArazorback on Jul 27, 2011 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Best athletes in the world...
Elite NFL defensive ends.
Size, Speed, Strength.
A true MMA fan from the great state of Arkansas.
(no longer a) Proud BElitest.
by MMArazorback on Jul 27, 2011 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Not really....
There’s about a dozen more components to being a great athlete. Size is irrelevant in this context as well.
Hand eye coordination, skill, balance, timing, cardio/endurance, IQ, change of direction, reaction time, flexibility, mentality.
Just based on your criteria, the NBA has the best athlete alive. Lebron James is the size of a big DE, has the speed and jumping of a receiver, the explosion of a running back, the arm of a quarterback and he plays 40+ minutes 100 times a year.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Lebron also has the added dexterity that comes from having zero NBA championship rings to slow down his nimble fingers.
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
by Snatchl on Jul 27, 2011 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Lebron diss = auto rec, still.
"Kickboxing is great. It combines the style and grace of boxing with... kicking." -- Norm MacDonald
by Anthony Pace on Jul 27, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you kidding?
Swimmers, wrestlers, rowers and fighters are all in better shape than most basketball players.
by kick_puncher on Jul 27, 2011 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
There's a lot more to it than cardio/endurance
Hand eye coordination, skill, balance, timing, cardio/endurance, IQ, change of direction, reaction time, flexibility, mentality, speed, quickness, strength, agility etc.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Most NBA players are actually pretty skinny
Even LeBron isn’t really bulky like you see DEs or whatever, he’s 260ish but he’s 6’8. They have to be pretty skinny to be that tall while still being able to run up and down the court for 40 minutes. If anything, they’d be on EPO or the like.
Not afraid to nitpick
They're still huge guys
and pretty comparable to NFL players in size.
Most DE’s aren’t nearly as lean as Lebron either, and he could obviously bulk up if he wanted to.
NFL players aren’t nearly as big as they look 99% of the time. Even Derrick Rose at a supposed 6’3" 190lbs would be a good sized receiver or DB.
To put it in perspective, this guy is 7’ tall
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
That's why I said most
There are some jacked dudes in the NBA, but someone like Dwight Freeney is built like a fucking tank and he’s undersized:
100% lean or not, DEs are just bulkier than any NBA player, it’s the nature of the sport, let alone a 3-technique. A lot of NBA guys could theoretically put on the mass required, but it’s still not totally certain that they could possess the actual strength some of those guys have. So much of basketball is pure height (well not “so much”, but a lot more than people give it credit), so it’s hard to really do a one for one comparison.
Ultimately I’d think football players would be better at more track events than non-LeBron basketball players just because being 6’6+ is a hindrance in most other sports. I mean it’s a 1A 1B thing they are all freak show athletes, but football throws in a much bigger strength requirement on top of quickness/speed.
Not afraid to nitpick
I agree
They’re bulkier cause they have to be.
Its hard to say what sport has the fastest or quickest athletes. A lot of the best football players quit playing in high school to pursue basketball. I’d say football has the more explosive athletes, but basketball has much more complete athletes. Meaning the skill, cardio, hand/eye and timing aspects are more heavily favored in basketball. At least compared to the non-skill positions in football.
Like you said though, it’s 1A and 1B.
Freeney is a freak among freaks.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
On a side note
The NBA is becoming a shorter man’s league.
A lot of the most dangerous scorers and play makers are 6’4" and under these days. Wade, Rose, Wall, Paul, Nash, Arenas(when he was healthy), Derron Williams, Brandon Jennings, Rondo, Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker. A lot of these guys are barely 6’ or 6’1" and have their whole offense planned around them. Iverson was the first guy 6’ or under to completely dominate the game since Isiah Thomas.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
i just want tito to beat him for the clusterfuck that happens
although rashad vs jones is still the fight that needs to happen
"I have smoked weed with alot of UFC champions" - Joe Rogan
"Você ta fudido. Se vai levar muita porrada, ta ligado?" - Anderson Silva
by milk72 on Jul 27, 2011 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
haha same here!
Anderson Silva, Edson Barboza, Jose Aldo, Charles Oliveira, Thiago Alves = Muay Thai wrecking machines!
by SentientAndroid on Jul 27, 2011 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah..
That would surely cause a cluster.One that NOBODY would have seen coming a couple months ago. War Tito!
by Spicy Chicken Wings on Jul 27, 2011 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
No cluster at all – if Tito wins I would think he’ll get a title shot. Strike while the iron’s hot, and that iron would be red hot for the final time.
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by Fraser Coffeen on Jul 27, 2011 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Unless Tito blows the doors off Rashad I don’t see Joe Silva giving him a title shot. I believe Tito and Rampage have both stated they wouldn’t fight each other and as much as I dislike Jones,he would take Tito to the woodshed.
With that said,I see Rampage reclaiming gold at UFC 135.
by Spicy Chicken Wings on Jul 27, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Joe makes a lot of decisions, but I think the decision about Tito and a title shot in this case would be made above his level.
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by Jonathan Snowden on Jul 27, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess I have always just assumed all title shots and most, if not all, #1 contender fights were made by the guys with higher pay grades than Joe Silva, is that not so?
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Especially Tito of all people
That is a serious move with huge possible implications.
That would be some Vince McMahon/Stone Cold shit going on between him and Dana.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
He’s involved in just about every major decision.
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by Jonathan Snowden on Jul 27, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Count me OUT of that one!
I’m well aware of what happened to Jens Pulver after he lost to BJ, Ken Shamrock after he lost to Tito, Vernon White after he lost to Chuck, Wanderlei Silva after he lost to Rampage, David Heath after he lost to Babalu – I could go on and on and on.
I’d hate to see Rashad, 18 months to 2 years from now, fighting at the same kind of venues that guys like Jeremy Horn and Travis Wiuff are fighting for now – and that’s exactly how it will turn out if he ever fights Jones, who will utterly destroy him, and it will totally break Rashad, just like it broke the others whose names I’ve reeled off.
by CalicoTomcat on Jul 28, 2011 6:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Wonder what the strategy is here, if he's committing fully to keeping this on the feet
Evans has KO power but only in high-risk punches (uppercuts, over-committed overhands). He’s not a counter-striker and his footwork is still undisciplined.
Judging from his last handful of fights, he’d started pairing hook/fake flurries into TD attempts with good results. This requires his opponents to either fear his stand-up or have weak TD defense. Either way, he doesn’t like getting pressured and wants his opponent on their heels.
Looking at Tito, I wonder if he’s banking on his stand-up and gas tank keeping him ahead on the feet. I can’t imagine he’s too excited about using his weak top control game against Tito’s deceptively strong guard.
by Forbidden Psychological Technology on Jul 27, 2011 1:56 PM EDT reply actions
Rashad's Striking Game?
I’ll be very interested to see how this work impacts Evans, as in my eyes, it is a fantastic choice of training partners for him.
Note: Unless he’s been training with world-class kick-boxers for quite some time prior to this training camp . . . it will take quite a while for any skills (or information) to soak in and show up during a fight.
Ehhh . . . Rashad’s striking game is stil OK in my opinion.
I tend to be biased towards strikers . . . exciting strikers.
- - - - -
VEe is ANIMated!
Like I said, I think Rashad’s striking game is pretty good in a lot of areas, weak in others. People tend to want to either write him off as ABYSMAL~! or THE BEST STRIKER~! when the truth is, of course, firmly in the middle.
And yeah, obviously I don’t expect a sudden Cosmo style flying knee out of Rashad (though it would be pretty great!) but if he sticks with either these guys or other kickboxers, it can only help.
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by Fraser Coffeen on Jul 27, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
This
Rashad is a mix of good and bad w/r/t striking—e.g., Bad footwork, good hands and power.
Really enjoyed the article by the way.
Rashad's footwork isn't bad at all
Its unique. His footwork makes him extremely hard to read and counter.
Its not like he doesn’t have experts around to point out his flaws. He’s been fighting at the highest level for years, there’s no way that his coaches wouldn’t have noticed if he had bad footwork. Especially considering the success he’s had, its far more likely that he’s learned to move that way because it works for him.
Even the best boxers cross their feet at times when they feel the need to. I could find pictures of Manny Pacquiao with his feet crossed or too close together. That doesn’t mean he has bad footwork.
I’ve been wrestling lately with a 4 time state champion and he always tell me to let my rear leg trail(‘walk backwards’) before a shoot because it gives me a much better angle. As a quick person, I can readjust my stance easily if I feel the need to.
Lyoto Machida says the same thing. Its OK to break the rules when you are aware you are breaking them.
MMA stances/footwork is extremely subtle and every fighter should have their own stance/footwork. What works well for a wrestler probably won’t work as well with a Muay Thai fighter.
"Run and tweet THAT, homeboy."
Lyoto Machida says the same thing. Its OK to break the rules when you are aware you are breaking them.
This, exactly. When you know the rules, and understand the reasoning behind them, you know when to follow them and when you can do things differently.
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
Death before dishonor, drinks before lunch.
Never send sheep to kill a wolf.
by The American Ronin on Jul 27, 2011 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah,
and Pacquiao gets shit from experts when he crosses his feet.
Just b/c you have the highest level of trainers, doesn’t mean you will have perfect technique. Bad habits can be hard to erase, particularly in the pressure of a real fight.
This is true of boxers (insert pretty much any boxer here, they all have some bad habit or another, such as Pacquiao’s sometimes sloppy footwork—seriously, head over to badlefthook.com and search for pacquiao and footwork, they mention it as a negative (though maybe not a huge one) all the time). It is way more true of MMA fighters who have to train 5 or 6 different disciplines. They just simply can’t get rid of every bad habit, because they don’t have the time it takes.
Lyoto is breaking the “rules” purposefully because he has a different style, and so has a different ideal he is aiming at. Rashad is breaking the rules not because it is ideal, or his trainers like it, but because he has the habit, and because he compensates with his quick hands and power.
Side note about Cosmo:
If anyone is interested, he has a fight on Aug 20 against one of the best Muay Thai fighters of all time, Sakmongkol. Battle in the Desert 3 in Las Vegas. Not sure if it’ll be broadcast anywhere, but if you’re in the area…
Rashad = ???
After such a long layoff it’ll be nice to see where Rashad is at. 205 is one of the more interesting divisions right now with a lot of fighters up for title contention and a handful of potential great match ups.
by Spicy Chicken Wings on Jul 27, 2011 3:02 PM EDT reply actions
i agree
It would be nice to see a fighter defend the title at least 3 times in this division
"If your not the best im not impressed"
by letter19 on Jul 27, 2011 3:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It would be an accomplishment...
Whoever defends that belt successfully for an extended period of time definately deserves praise.The top of that division is packed full of former champions and top notch talent.
by Spicy Chicken Wings on Jul 27, 2011 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't worry about that!
Jon Jones will defend it at least 30 times.
by CalicoTomcat on Jul 28, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
One thing to note
Cosmo Alexandre wasn’t brought in for this camp. He’s one of Rashad Evans’ teammates full time. Tyrone was brought in to round it out as a larger kickboxer.
Rashad’s fulltime team is: JZ, Jorge Santiago, Michael Johnson, Cosmo Alexandre, Danillo and Yuri Villefort. He was training with Bigfoot as well who just joined Team Noguiera.
If you want to know what I think go to HeadKickLegend.com
Managing Editor of HeadKickLegend.com
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Rashad can't catch a break!
The ring rust, the change in camps – and now there could be another one of the latter in the offing, with Bigfoot bailing out: That whole camp might now unravel, with the other Brazilian ATT expatriates (JZ Cavalcante, Jorge Santiago, the Villeforts etc.) following Bigfoot to Team Nogueira. Then Rashad figures to depart for IFA or maybe Roufusport, and Anthony Johnson to AKA.
And why do I keep reflecting on how Tito vastly outperformed Rashad against the best common opponent they both faced (Lyoto Machida)? That, and the fact that Tito won the first meeting with Rashad, in everything but name.
I kind of hate to admit it, but I actually think Tito is gonna win. Then hopefully Rashad will see that he has no future at LHW, and he’ll move down to MW.
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