Found this gem and can’t help but say this is one of the best compilations I’ve seen in a while that isn’t purely a knockout reel.  Enjoy.

Look, I understand it’s hard to cut weight, believe me. But when it’s your PROFESSION as a PROFESSIONAL boxer, it’s PART OF THE JOB that shouldn’t be skipped.  And that goes double for the top paid fighters.  Which is why YES, Mayweather coming in 2 pounds overweight is a big deal! And yes, I’m still bitter.

If you wanna be fat and box, fight at heavyweight where you’re cooler by the pound.  Like…

Belt property of Andre Ward, not guy on left

Andre Ward brought a smart gameplan and a hard head (literally) to batter Mikkel Kessler on Saturday.  The fight was stopped in the 11th and sent to the scorecards after some cuts originally caused by unintentional headbutts were reopened and the doctor said “no mas” for Kessler, who stated after the fight that he felt the headbutts were intentional due to the manner in which Ward would lead with his head.  The former champ also seemed confused during the bout as to the referee’s directions on continuing the fight while clinchedas opposed to immediately stopping. The judges scored the bout for Ward 97-93, 98-92, 98-92.

Andre Ward’s next bout is expected to be against Jermain Taylor, who has been contemplating retirement after back-to-back KO losses, but might take this unexpected chance to regain a title.

You can’t be right all the time.  That would be stupid.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Forrest Griffin def. Tito Ortiz via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
• Josh Koscheck def. Anthony Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:27
• Paulo Thiago def. Jacob Volkmann via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Luiz Cane via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:56
• Amir Sadollah def. Phil Baroni via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS

• Ben Saunders def. Marcus Davis via knockout (knees) – Round 1, 3:24
• Kendall Grove def. Jake Rosholt via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:59
• Brian Foster def. Brock Larson via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 3:25
• Caol Uno vs. Fabricio Camoes declared majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
• George Sotiropoulos def. Jason Dent via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 4:36

Tito Ortiz reminded us that ring rust is a serious issue… or that he lost his balls.  For three rounds Tito thought about maybe throwing some strikes, and inevitably decided that the good ol’ double leg takedown was the best way to win this one.  Forrest, after having suffered a humiliating defeat to The Spider, took this opportunity to end the year on a positive note and worked in some nice stand-up work.  For a moment there, it looked like we might see a repeat of the last fight with Tito sneaking a decision with his take downs, but the judges got it right this time, or at least redeemed Forrest for last time.

Josh Koscheck showed the hole in Johnson’s otherwise solid game, finishing him out with a half-effort rear naked choke in the second.  As I told my new friends at the bar (shout-out!), “If Koscheck wants to win this he’ll NOT try to box with a beast and  remember he was a D-1 champion wrestler!”  Wasn’t rooting for him, but damnit he did the right thing.  Hmmm… potential matchup with Hardy if GSP’s croth still needs a fixing? …Overall, great night of fights.  I was on a hot win-streak until the last three.  Kendall Grove just won’t go away.

Blinking contest FTW!

Champ Mikkel Kessler (42-1) and Andre Ward (20-0) are set to do battle on Saturday for the WBA Super middleweight title.  Showtime will be doing the televising, so those of you luckier than me will probably have to wait your asses before I find it online to read my thoughts on it.  This is stage 1 of the super six tournament, and betting odds have Kessler as the favorite, though I wouldn’t put it past ward to fight a tough one considering it’s in his hometown of Oakland.

When in doubt, be a patriot and root American!

The future of the UFC’s heavyweight division might be awaiting an interim belt as it seems Lesnar is in bad shape.  With Noguiera out with super staph, this SHOULD point to a Shane Carwin vs Cain Velasquez fight (though Junior Dos Santos could rightfully make his way into the picture), and with big Brock out for a while, an interim belt would be splendid and add some much-needed headlining help to the UFC 108 card.  Love him or hate him, Brock always puts on a show and brings a fuckload of fans, so hope he gets well soon and his career can keep on keepin’ on, à la Joe Dirt.

this ma angry face!!!

photo courtesy of MMAjunkie

Ah, Karo.  Way to ruin my post from a few days ago.

MMAjunkie.com is reporting that “The Heat” contacted Dana White and bullshitted his way out of the fight, prompting Dana to Twitter (tweet? WTF) his anger out and announce that Karo’s done.  Karo argued that he’probably’ wasn’t going to be able to receive his license due to his debt with the NSAC over the fine and suspension for the painkillers, but the commission responded back on video saying that they had already set up a payment plan with him.  Sounds like someone might still be hooked on those painkillers.  Sad really, as that’s known to be an issue for recovering fighters and Karo showed a lot of talent before the injuries.  Video of the NSAC’s response below.