We're going to do something a little different in this Judo Chop. I'm going to talk for the first time about a submission that didn't get a tap out and the guy featured lost the fight.

I'm talking, of course, about the Tyson Griffin vs Rafael dos Anjos bout from this Wednesday's Ultimate Fight Night 18. In the middle of the first round, dos Anjos had been working various attacks from his back, pulling guard, going for a heel hook, trying an electric chair sweep, but Griffin repeatedly escaped. Then suddenly dos Anjos got his right shin behind Griffin's left knee, Griffin got off-balance, dos Anjos locked his arms around Tyson's waist, and suddenly Griffin was trapped in a calf-slicer.

The sound of casual MMA fans saying "what the heck is that?" was certainly heard across the land Here's what wikipedia tells us about the family of submission holds that includes the calf slicer:

A compression lock (also known as a muscle lock, muscle slicer or muscle crusher) is a grappling hold which causes severe pain by pressing a muscle into a bone. A compression lock can cause a joint lock in a nearby joint when it is applied by squeezing a limb over a fulcrum. A forceful compression lock may damage muscles and tendons, and if accompanied by a joint lock, may also result in torn ligaments, dislocation or bone fractures. Compression locks can be used as pain compliance holds, and are sometimes featured in combat sports as submission holds.

A leg slicer (depending on the affected muscle also called for instance calf slicer or thigh crusher) is a compression lock that involves pressing the calf and/or thigh muscle into one of the bones in the leg. Similarly to the biceps slicer, a leg slicer can be applied by inserting an arm or leg in the on the backside of the knee, and flexing the opponent's leg to apply pressure to the muscles surrounding the fulcrum. Generally, the direction of the shin in the leg acting as a fulcrum will determine where the larger part of the pressure will go. Such leg slicers can be used as effective leglocks to the knee through a separating and elongating motion. Similarly to the biceps slicer, the calf slicer listed as a banned technique in the lower levels of some major Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions.

Its important to note that the slicer family of holds is a somewhat lower percentage move than the chokes and joint attacks we so often see finish fights. It relies on pain and damage to a muscle rather than cutting off blood to the brain or air flow or putting pressure on a joint, making it easier to resist for a fighter with a high pain tolerance. Fight adrenaline makes it easier for fighters to resist tapping out to compression holds that would make them tap in practice.

More in the full entry, including some gifs from the fight with commentary by UFC fighter Dale Hartt (who'll be facing Denis Siver UFC 99 in Germany), Frank Mir explaining the move, and a fight in which Joe Lauzon tapped out to a slicer.

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UPDATE: I didn't want White to be put in a position to apologize, but the issue ballooned far beyond the MMA media and White's hand was forced. I also didn't want to see an apology because, in truth, I don't really care if White does or does not personally care for gays or women or BloodyElbow.com or whoever. It'd be nice, of course, but all I really am asking for is professional standards of public conduct from an executive officer. No more, no less. This apology is more damage control than remorse, but, quite honestly, it's a sufficient response at this point. As far as I am concerned, the issue is over. Let's all move on.

As for the lack of video blogs going forward, it is regrettable. But I'm also glad that Dana will have one less distraction in his life so he can get back to doing what he does best: making the UFC (and hopefully MMA) as popular as possible. That's what he's good at it and that's all he should be concerned with. Time to get back to business.

A separate storyline emerged during last night's high-level, back-and-forth fight between Martin Kampmann and Carlos Condit: who would the judges give it to?

In the Bloody Elbow live thread, opinions differed on each individual round.  Even Sherdog's team had wildly different scores.  Lotfi Sariahmed scored the first round for Condit and the final two for Kampmann, Jordan Breen gave rounds one and three to Kampmann (my card as well), while Mike Fridley gave the first two to Condit.

FightMetric's system scored the fight a draw (both on the ten-point must system and their total fight algorithm) and provided this analysis:

It's hard to advocate for draws. They're usually the worst resolution to a contest because no one feels like anything was settled. It's not fair for someone to work so hard and have "nothing" to show for it. But what's more unfair is to lose when you don't deserve to. Last night's main event between Martin Kampmann and Carlos Condit was a fight so evenly-matched that neither fighter deserved to lose. Looking at the in-depth report on the fight, we see a first for a match posted here: Both the ten-point must system and the overall score call this fight a draw. Each round was exceedingly close, with both Round 2 and the overall score falling within our four-point margin for error.

A draw is not a No Contest. In a No Contest, it's functionally as if the fight never happened. A draw means a hard-fought effort that was equal to the other fighter's. In a sport filled with disappointing matches where guys just fight not to lose, it's sad that one of two people really fighting to win has to lose because judges won't consider the third way.

Objectively, I think a draw is the most fair result.  I think a part of the problem is that when you usually think of the "typical" ten-ten scoring, you think of a scenario where neither fighter did enough to win the round.  In this fight, however, you can make a case for either guy in every period, including the third which saw Condit fighting most of the round off his back.

How did you score the fight at home?

Fans were treated to an 11-bout event that couldn't have happened in Tennessee before last summer. That's when the state legislature established the Tennessee Athletic Commission to regulate combat sports, effectively legalizing ultimate fighting.

It might have been the UFC's first time in Tennessee, but the fans appeared as knowledgeable as any who have watched the sport during its 20-year history, said the organization's president, Dana White.

Sitting ringside of the fenced octagon mat were disgruntled Denver Broncos and former Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler and state senator Doug Jackson (D-Dickson), a key player in the bringing the UFC event to Nashville.

"Anybody that thought that this wasn't worthwhile legislation, then they're not here tonight,'' Jackson said. "And this sport will get bigger and bigger. It will bring millions upon millions of dollars here to Tennessee every year. It's a wonderful sport but more importantly, it's going to bring a lot of money to the economy."

Indeed, the gate generated $626,077, in the middle of the week, organizers said.

When asked if the UFC would return to Tennessee, White said: "Hell yes we're coming back to Tennessee. We'll probably do a pay-per-view in Memphis.''

-- Mike Organ, The Tennessean, April 2, 2009

Okay, so lets say you have two fights on a card.  Fight A is reasonably lopsided with the exception of a single deep submission attempt and has an obvious decision at the end of the fight with all three judges cards reading 30-27.  Fight B is a back and forth affair featuring a mix of all the techniques that make up mixed martial arts and it too goes to the judges scorecards but this one is much closer resulting in a split decision.

Obviously when picking Fight of the Night you'd go with Fight B right?  ...right?  Apparently not if you're the UFC who awarded Fight of the Night honors to Tyson Griffin vs. Rafael dos Anjos rather than the main event of Martin Kampmann vs. Carlos Conditt.

Maybe it's just the nerdy "purist" in me coming out but the main event had much more drama as well as diverse techniques on display and was one of the better fights I've watched this year let alone tonight.  While I can appreciate the drama of dos Anjos' deep calf cutter (at least I think that's the correct technical term) the fight was more or less dominated by Tyson's mildly sloppy striking from bell to bell.  Compared to the nice transitions, deep submission attempts, clean technical striking and close rounds of Kampmann/Condit it seems that $30,000 found its way into the wrong pockets tonight.

It's a continuation of the trend toward "just stand and punch more than in the other fights and you get the bonus" that has been taking over FotN bonuses in the UFC for several events running now.  There were moments where Griffin/RdA went to the ground but they were not frequent and did not last long (with the exception of the submission attempt in the first round) while the majority of the fight was stand up fighting with relatively poor technique.

In fact, the only thing I can think of that Griffin/Anjos had more of than Condit/Kampmann was time spent on the feet and that time was not nearly as crisp and technical as what took place in the main event.  Griffin's new boxing happy style results in him dropping his hands when he throws power shots in a way that, barring correction, will get him KO'ed soon enough by a striker with powerful counter striking and dos Anjos' striking technique is actually much worse.

I'm sure the answer to this from a lot of our readers is going to be "Kampmann and Condit probably got a nice locker room bonus" but that's besides the point.  I just want to see the UFC move away from simply awarding guys for standing and striking if it does not actually make for the best fight that took place that evening.  Maybe tonight is the night that finally gets me to buy into the conspiracy theory that the UFC is trying to manufacture a specific type of style by setting up this very specific type of reward system.

As with every major show we'll be here to bring you live results and commentary from UFC Fight Night 18: Condit vs. Kampmann.  The real live blog will start with the beginning of the Spike broadcast so make sure to Bloody Elbow is your home for this event.

As always we have our one rule: NO SPOILERS!  In the interest of not ruining anything from the undercard that may make the broadcast we ask that you do not discuss the results of the undercard in the comments until either the broadcast ends or the fight makes the air.

So again, join me for the show and share your thoughts as the event unfolds.

As always, major props to Baudelaire who makes such awesome indy rock style posters for these events.  They've become one of my favorite parts of each event.

Update: A source within Arizona Combat Sports has confirmed with Bloody Elbow that Steve Steinbeiss was paid his contractually promised money as well as his win bonus following the cancellation of his fight with Ryan Jensen after Jensen was not medically cleared due to use of Adderall.

The show has started.

Opened with a tribute screen for Mask of the Tapout crew.  Classy move.

Cole Miller vs. Junie Browning - Pre fight video shows Cole calling Junie a "big douche" and then overstating how impressive Junie was against Kaplan. Round 1 - Cole is looking to use his reach early with jabs and front kicks.  Junie throws a hook and it was slow.  Uppercut from distance followed by a hook by Cole.  Junie goes for a takedown and Miller gives up his back in an effort to lock up a kimura.  Cole gets out of having his back taken and stands up frun under Junie.  Right hand lands flush for Cole and his striking looks a lot better than I expected.  Sloppy shot from Junie and he gets his head caught in a guillotine and is forced to tap out.  Miller screams at Browning after the fight and I've got to say that Cole looked great in every aspect of the game.  Cole Miller by submission (guillotine), Round 1.

A tribute video for Mask is shown.

Tyson Griffin vs. Rafael dos Anjos - Round 1 - Griffin is throwing big punches and lands a really solid right.  I don't like how much he lowers his hands when he throws his power shots but Rafael hasn't been able to get distance or timing down.  A nice combo from Rafael but he doesn't really land.  Right hand by Griffin lands solid.  Right hand from Griffin rocks RdA.  Leg lock attempt from the bottom as they go to the ground and Griffin escapes.  Interesting leg lock using his own legs by Rafael and he uses it as a sweep and they end up standing and Griffin's leg keeps buckling.  He's hurt for sure and it looks to be hurting his concentration.  Rafael is taking over the stand up a little bit here.  I'm actually going to give it to dos Anjos as he did significant damage with the sub attempt that will impact the fight going forward.  10-9 dos Anjos.  Round 2 -Griffin is still moving odd on his left leg  Right hand counter by Anjos as Griffin's hands were down as he punched.  Nice straight right by Griffin.  It's a striking battle and Griffin can't really get his game fully on track but he's still winning exchanges as Rafael is hesitant to pull the trigger.  Tyson punches and comes in for a single and dos Anjos is looking for a kimura and he almost locks it in.  Nice body shots by Griffin and a sloppy overhand right to follow.  Right hand by Griffing and the two are exchanging reckless punches here with Griffin winning the exchange.  The round ends with a solid right from Griffin.  10-9 Griffin to tie the fight on my card at 19-19.  Round 3 - Griffin looks a bit more steady on the leg and is pressing forward.  Some big shots by dos Anjos land and Griffin fires back to back him off.  Nice leg kikc from Griffin, Anjos throws a kick and is countered with a right hand.  Griffin is really working the leg kicks, flying knee by Rafael almost lands.  Griffin with another right hand.  Very good fight so far.  Anjos looks to be slowing down and it's costing him the round.  Right hand by dos Anjos lands now as I type that.  Big punches land for both guys now.  Griffin is going to win the fight unless something happens in the last 40 seconds here.  Kimura is in deep by Anjos!  But Griffin gets out and ends with some ground and pound.  My final scorecard is 29-28 Tyson Griffin.  Official Scorecards:  30-27 across the board.  Tyson Griffin wins by unanimous decision.

Ryan Bader vs. Carmelo Marrero  - Round 1 - Nice double by Bader and he quickly gets to side control but Marrero gets guard back.  Again passing to side control now looking for an arm but he can't lock it up.  Small scramble and right back to Bader on top.  Now he passes to side control, traps an arm and attempts to lock in the armbar but Marrero defends and ends up on top now.  Some elbows from top by Carmelo but Bader is doing a good job of being defensive from buttom.  Now they're back to standing.  Quick takedown by Bader but he does look like he's got his mouth open pretty wide, quick pass to side control though.  Marrero uses the fence to spin and get back to standing and he looks tired as well.  Takedown by Bader yet again with about 50 seconds to go.  Marrero is doing a good job of not taking damage even though he is getting taken down and passed quite easily. 10-9 Bader.  Round 2 - Right hand now by both guys early.  Low kick by Bader.  Marrero charges in but gets taken down and now Bader with a front headlock and he spins to try to get Carmelo's back.  Finally Bader gets the back and he is throwing selective punches here.  Now it's back to guard and Marrero spins for a leg but can't finish it off.  The round ends with Bader on top landing punches as he takes another 10-9 round on my card.  Round 3 - They're exchanging and Marrero with some weak kick attempts. Another takedown from Bader and he is in guard throwing short arm punches. Now Bader is looking for a head and arm traingle which Carmelo defends but ends up getting mounted.  He turns and now Bader has his back.  Marrero turns and regains guard.  Back to standing and Carmelo is throwing some hail mary type shots but they're not working.  Finally Bader doesn't get a takedown off of a shot.  Down to the ground they go again.  The round and fight ends and I've got it an easy 30-27 for Bader.  Official Scorecards: 30-27 across the board.  Ryan Bader wins by unanimous decision.

Carlos Condit vs. Martin Kampmann - Round 1 - Jab by Condit early.  They clinch up and Kampmann gets underhooks and a takedown to side control.  Kampmann locks in a guillotine quickly and rolls over but Condit jumps to side control and gets out.  Now Condit is in Kampmann's half guard.  Punch lands for Condit as Kampmann stands up.  Takedown by Condit now.  Excellent job by Kampmann to get on top and this is a really interesting fight half way through one round.  Kampmann looks for a heel hook now and Condit pops out to end up on top in half guard.  Elbows from Carlos open up a nasty cut under Kampmann's left eye and Condit is starting to pick him apart as they go back to standing.  Kampmann throws a few shots back but he isn't really landing much of significance. Knee by Condit lands but not too hard.  Kampmann looks for the guillotine again as the round comes to a close.  10-9 Condit in my books for better damage.  But VERY close round.  Round 2 - Low kick from Condit early.  They clinch up again after some striking exchanges.  Kampmann gets the takedown now and lands an elbow from the top.  High guard by Condit.  Kampmann postures up but can't really land anything.  Condit stands back up.  Elbow from Carlos, right hand by Kampmann.  Nice striking combo by Condit and Kampmann looking for the guillotine again but just ends up on bottom.  Back to standing and Kampann with another guillotine as Condit tries for the takedown.  Condit gets out AGAIN and now has Kampmann's back!  What a great fight.  Kampmann turns and now is in Condit's guard.  The round ends and I have the fight even 19-19.  Round 3 - Poke to the eye by Condit to start the round.  The action is restarted and Condit with a body kick.  Kampmann now with a solid takedown.  Condit is the more active of the two even though he is on bottom right now throwing punches and elbows upward and looking for armbars.  Finally Kampmann with a punch.  Back they go to standing and Kampmann takes Condit's back but they just end up back on the ground with Condit on bottom.  Condit tries for a leg lock they stand and he lands a flury but a high kick attempt ends with Condit on his back again.  Condit with a guillotine as they stand up and that's how the round ends.  I think Condit did better from the bottom that round than Martin did from the top.  I know no one else will agree but I've got it 29-28 Condit.  Official Scorecards:  29-28 Kampmann, 29-28 Condit, and 29-28 Kampmann.  Martin Kampmann wins by split decision.  Very good fight and I'm not upset to see either guy win.

Quite aggressive, but I actually like that he gives info. White gives an answer (that this has always been policy) then makes the case for why managers shouldn't be back stage. Provided fighters aren't being asked to sign deals or strong armed into other contractual obligations with representation, I'm not sure why this couldn't have been said upfront to avoid this.

When Hunt asked the UFC for information, why didn't they just tell her this has always been their policy (if that's true)? To save material for a video blog?

However, Dana, is the homophobia necessary? It's not. The use of the other "F" word can be forgiven, but it's completely unacceptable for anyone to use those sorts of epithets, much less the president of a modern billion dollar company in 2009. Seriously unprofessional and not even remotely cool.

BloodyElbow.com Staff Predictions for UFC Fight Night 18: Condit vs. Kampmann

Carlos Condit vs. Martin Kampmann

Luke Thomas: I will give Kampmann credit for the Thales Leites win, insofar as he demonstrated an ability to work around an opponent's superior skill set both by staying active with damage and finding a way to avoid obvious pitfalls. And while Kampmann is clearly very talented, he's mostly defeated lower tiered UFC opposition with highly exploitable flaws. Condit has foibles, too, and while he denied nerves would be a factor on MMA Nation, I don't buy it. This is his first UFC fight with a new corner after training in a new camp and is in front of the biggest audience ever to watch him fight. This will be close and with back and forth and both guys can get stronger as the fight wears on (Condit a little more so). But Condit is a trickier grappler and absorbs punishment far better. Condit edges Kampmann in a close decision.

Kid Nate: They're throwing both of these guys in at the deep end here. Condit is making his UFC debut and this is Kampmann's first high profile fight as a welterweight. They're clearly hoping that the winner will be someone they can groom for a title shot in fairly short order. Both guys are well-rounded with wrestling as the weakest part of their game. Could be a shootout here. I'm going to assume that Kampmann will have the edge in striking, but he's no powerhouse and Condit can throw some strikes. Likewise, I'll give Condit the top rating on jiu jitsu but not by much. I'm hoping for a back and forth war and I think Condit will squeek by. Condit by decision.

Michael Rome:  Loving this fight.  Kampmann is very underrated, people forget the Leites fight too quickly.  He was undersized at 185, so he's finally at the right weight.  Condit has a slightly better ground game, but I think this is going to stay standing, so I'm going to give the slight nod to Kampmann. Kampmann via TKO, round 3.

Mike Fagan: First off, big ups to Joe Silva for the fight.  Probably the best Fight Night main event since Sanchez/Parisyan.  It's interesting that they aren't giving Condit a bit more of a "introduction" fight in the UFC because Kampmann is the real deal.  He went 4-1 as a middleweight (including a vicious beating of current title challenger Thales Leites) despite being well undersized.  I'd go so far as saying he's probably the most overlooked guy in the UFC, if not MMA.  And I like him in this fight.  Kampmann by decision.

Cannon Jacques:  The general consensus is that this is a tough bout to call.  I agree.  Kampmann is an excellent striker who was a bit small for middleweight while Condit is the big fish moving from a small to a much bigger pond.  Condit is not one of the few elite fighters in the welterweight division, but he is amongst the top ten.  I don't know how Kampmann will look at welterweight, and that gives me additional cause to lean toward Condit.  The former WEC champ has pulled out many competitive fights, and I believe he will here also.  Condit via submission, round 3.


Tyson Griffin vs. Rafael dos Anjos

Luke Thomas: Griffin style of complete negation can get tiresome, but it's more than enough to defeat the very limited dos Anjos. The Brazilian obviously has excellent jiu-jitsu, but he doesn't have a special skill set Griffin hasn't seen before. And when it comes to boxing and athleticism (with speed), Griffin is too much. Griffin, TKO, round 2.

Kid Nate: Griffin has exceptional wrestling and decent boxing. Dos Anjos has good bjj. I doubt Griffin will allow the fight to get in the zone where he's at a disadvantage. I also doubt he'll score a convincing win. Griffin by decision.

Michael Rome:  I think this will be Griffin keeping it standing and winning on points.  He's looked flat for a while, hopefully the Sherk loss motivates him.  I don't think an upset is out of the question, but I'm going with Griffin via decision.

Mike Fagan: Griffin's a guy with the talent to be a top 5 lightweight.  Dos Anjos isn't there yet.  'Nuff said.  Griffin by TKO, round 3.

Cannon Jacques:  The wrestling advantage held by Griffin should be the difference.  I don't see dos Anjos getting his first UFC win against Griffin, but I also don't see him becoming the victim of another highlight reel knockout either.  Griffin will probably pick his spots and avoid his biggest threat - a submission.  Griffin by decision.


Ryan Bader vs. Carmelo Marrero

Luke Thomas: Marrero is better than he's being given credit, but this is an example of graduated matchmaking for Bader. And that tells you most everything you need to know. Marerro is good and can win, but Bader has the comparative advantage everywhere. Bader by TKO, round 1.

Kid Nate: Two wrestlers turned MMA fighters here. Marrero used to be a heavyweight but isn't that huge at Light Heavy -- this seems to be his natural weight class. I think Bader might be a little more athletic and quicker with his strikes. This one could be a fun fight if both guys are willing to shoot in and transition to multiple phases of the game rather than indulge in bad kickboxing. I'm going pick Bader but Marrero is almost the perfect test for him. Bader by TKO.

Michael Rome:  I originally thought this might be an upset, but upon further thought, I think Bader will power his way to a decision.

Mike Fagan:I agree with Cannon (even though you'll read his bit after mine) that the fight should be closer than the betting line.  Marrero, for all his faults, is still someone who has experience at this level.  Bader should prove to be too big and strong though.  Bader by decision

Cannon Jacques:  I'm inclined to believe that this fight should be closer than what the betting lines suggest, but I still like Bader, nonetheless.  He's a really good wrestler with excellent power.  I believe "Darth" Bader's power will eventually bite Marrero.  Bader by TKO, round 2.


Cole Miller vs. Junie Browning

Luke Thomas: Miller is the super technician, but he's also in love with his own jiu-jitsu a la Charles McCarthy. I don't think he takes punishment very well and while Junie is not the BJJ player Miller is, he's got enough anti-BJJ to withstand most of Miller's attacks. Provided he's in shape and can constantly pressure Miller on the feet, this is Browning's fight to lose. Browning by decision.

Kid Nate: As much as I'd like to pick Cole Miller in a rout, I think Junie has a big power advantage over Miller and enough ground skills to avoid getting submitted. Browning by TKO.

Michael Rome:  I wouldn't be surprised to see Browning win, but I think Cole is just going to overpower and outwork him everywhere.  Miller via decision

Mike Fagan: Yeah, Junie Browning looked good against Dave Kaplan.  But that's Dave Kaplan.  And while I'm a little worried that Junie might be a little smarter about this MMA thing than we thought after reading his comments about Shinya Aoki, he's still a guy that struggled against some poor opposition on the reality show.  I like Miller by submission, round 2.

Cannon Jacques:  Cole Miller is not Dave Kaplan.  While I wouldn't be surprised to see Browning take this one, I've got more confidence in Miller's skills and mental fortitude.  Browning should have a difficult time with the length of Miller, and that may be enough to derail the controversial TUF alum's gameplan.  Miller by submission, round 3.

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Arizona Combat Sports teammates Ryan Bader and Aaron Simpson train in preparation for Ultimate Fight Night 18.

Photo by Tracy Lee at www.combatlifestyle.com

The UFC really needs to train their fighters on what prescription drugs to avoid. From MMA Weekly:

Independent sources have confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that the alleged medical issue stems from Jensen's use of Adderall, which is not allowed under standard athletic commission rules.
...
According to sources, Jensen disclosed his use of the drug to the commission and the bout was held up pending further approval. Obviously, the commission decided to scrap the bout all together, and Jensen vs. Steinbeiss will no longer happen... at least in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday night.

Really regrettable. Totally preventable. Major downer for Steinbeiss who trained, prepared and didn't do anything wrong. I wonder if the UFC will still pay him.

Tim Credeur ran into this very same situation at the TUF 7 finale. It is totally unprofessional that Jensen was not aware of this possibility and I believe the UFC really ought to do more drug awareness training with their fighters.

Too many fighters seem to believe that if they have a prescription for something (or if their cousin has a prescription for something) then that means its ok for them to have it in their system come fight time.

I also have to question Jensen's doctor's wisdom in prescribing Adderall to a professional athlete.

Photo via mmajunkie.com