The Mata-Leao Choke: King of Fighting - Rear Naked Choke Effective?

A Breakdown of the Rear-Naked Choke in MMA


On the horn:
Ty Silva
SR WRITER
Brazilian Correspondent

Royce Gracie looking to sink in a rear naked choke at UFC 1

       In the fantastic sport of MMA, or in fighting in general, there are many ways a fight can end, including a knee to the body, a punch to the chin, or even an armlock.

       The ultimate goal for anyone in a fight, including most high level MMA fighters, is to put an end to it by any means necessary.

       Even fighters who are gritty and willing to take punishment such as Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit still want to finish the fight as quick as they can while receiving the least damage.

       To that extent the “Mata-Leao” (“Lion Killer” in Portuguese), or Rear Naked Choke, is unarguably the safest and surest way to victory.
(CONTINUED)...

Denis' Standing Elbows Destroy Sandoval, KO of the Night

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. . . THAT WAS BRUTAL

On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

UFC Batamweight Nick Denisafter his brutal destruction of Joseph sandoval. 

       By now I am positive you have heard about Josh Neer finishing Duane Ludwig and Jim Miller coming back to choke out the ever deadly Melvin Guillard for "Submission of the Night" honors.

       Some other things that UFC on FX 1 gave us include Canadien Nick Denis' KO elbows, Kamal Shalorus losing to a UFC newcomer, and Jorge Rivera calling it quits after a beautiful KO victory. We start with the Elbows that got the night going.

       Denis absolutely rocked Joseph Sandoval (6-2) with short, powerful right elbows that had him out for the count, so to speak, just 22 seconds into the opening fight of the card in Nashville, Tenn.

“But my punches were landing really hard. Even though he was shelling, he was feeling the power of my strikes. So I kept it going,” Denis said.
(CONTINUED)... GIF INCLUDED

Jim Miller Overcomes to win Submission of the Night

GUILLARD IS A TRUE TEST FOR JIM MILLER


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER


Jim Miller

       The main event played out in very similar fashion to the co main event, with Melvin Guillard (29-10-2) landing early knees to Miller as he came in for the shot. Guillard looked very calm and composed, which is understandable for a fighter with over 50 fights.

       Guillard was aware of Miller's plan to take him down and was able to use that to his advantage when he wobbled Miller with a knee to the head. Miller stepped back only to look for another take down while Guillard was hunting like a hound for the finish.

(CONTINUED)... GIF INCLUDED

Josh Neer Finishes Duane Ludwig with a Guillotine

THE CO MAIN EVENT GOES DOWN IN "SLEEPY" FASHION FOR LUDWIG


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

Josh Neer (blue tape on gloves) putting to sleep Ludwig at UFC on FX 1.

       UFC on FX ended with a back and forth lightweight battle that saw a Rocky Balboa like comeback by Jim Miller who got stunned by the powerhouse Melvin Guillard. We also got to enjoy the endurance of Josh Neer (33-10-1), who survived some painful shots by "Bang" Ludwig.


       Duane Ludwig (21-12) was solid in the early going of the fight and hit Neer with several flush body shots before landing a well timed counter left that clearly caused Neer to step back and reassess his attack.


       Neer said post fight that he planned on taking Ludwig down if he was beginning to lose in the stand up exchange and the fight was moving toward Ludwig's advantage on the feet so Neer did what he said he was going to do on the mat.
(CONTINUED)... GIF INCLUDED

Pat Barry does the "Plank" after knocking out Morecraft

PAT BARRY OUT PLANKS THE INTERNET WORLD AFTER KO VICTORY


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

Pat Barry (left) facing off against Christian Morecraft (right) at the UFC on FX 1 weigh ins.

       To be honest about something right off the bat, Jon Anik is not a very good sound for the UFC or their product. Anik, the newest UFC commentator, has a voice that doesn't give the UFC viewer a truly excited and knowledgeable voice.

       It lacks the impact and force we as fans we are accustom to hearing. Anik seems like a great guy but his commentating seems very planned out and lacks that's genuine fight fan flavor that brings the reality of the fight together. 


       As for what just happened minutes ago on FX, let's get started. Pat Barry increased his record to 7-4 with a huge first round knock out of the 6' 6 Christian Morecraft (7-3).
(CONTINUED)... GIF INCLUDED

Does Guillard have the Ground game to Match Miller? UFC on FX Preview

UFC on FX1: Main Event Preview and Prediction for GUILLARD vs MILLER


On the Horn:
Ty Silva
SR WRITER
Brazilian Correspondent

Melvin Guillard (left) facing off against Jim Miller (right) at the UFC on FX weigh ins yesterday.

    Usually reserved for Saturday nights, the latest UFC card will air live Friday night on FX. Although this free card is probably going to pass unnoticed by casual fans, MMA die-hard fans are sure to be excited about UFC on FX1 main event: Melvin Guillard vs Jim Miller.

       This match up is quite important for the Lightweight division. This truly is a fight where the winner will move up the rankings significantly while the loser will have his stock drop down dramatically.

       Guillard is one of the most explosive fighters in the game and his athleticism usually allows him to keep the fight standing, where he always stands a good chance of turning the lights out on any opponent. 
(CONTINUED)... Miller vs Guillard Breakdown           

UFC 141 Behind the Scenes: The Reem Season 2 Episode 10 Review

A "By Minute" review of the latest THE REEM episode


On the horn: 
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

UFC number one heavyweight contender, Alistair Overeem.

      The Reem is an online documentary about UFC number one contender Alistair Overeem (36-11). Overeem is set to take on UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos (14-1) for the title sometime this summer.


      This documentary follows Overeem throughout his training and fights to record the behind the scenes footage used in the documentary. This episode follows Overeem backstage at UFC 141 and beyond. Here is a break down of some interesting things about the episode.


By Minute Two:

The music is Epic, His Lady is Beautiful

(CONTINUED)... The Reem Episode Included

Siver vs Pearson not on after all, is Siver too big to cut?

Denis Siver not fighting Pearson. Is feather weight TOO MUCH for him?


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

Denis Siver

       UFC on FUEL TV 2 is out of a rather exciting match up now that rumors have been unsubstantiated by news outlets. This is actually a rather unpleasant loss in the UFC line up this calendar year that they apparently haven't made yet. Now the question is should this match up be made? Mmajunkie.com reported a retraction of a previous article reporting the fight between Pearson and Siver was in the works by the UFC. 

       The official UFC twitter account made some mention of the bout but sources confirmed that the fight isn't happening and the fighters in fact were never contacted about the fight.       
(CONTINUED)... Siver vs Pearson potential, Steroid talk.

Munoz has surgery for elbow - St. Pierre's surgeon used

What is the real problem with Mark Munoz?

On the horn: 

Johnny Waugh

LEAD SR WRITER

UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT MARK MUNOZ

       Mark Munoz had an opportunity to take on a number one contender for a shot at gold when he was set to fight Chael Sonnen at UFC on FOX 2 next month. 

       Munoz injured his elbow during a training session of wrestling and was replaced by Michael "The Count" Bisping. Munoz's outlook of the future is one that Munoz is still staying positive about this year.

"So now it's just being confronted with what's in front of me, going about it the best I can and seeing what the future holds for me," Munoz said to mmafighting.

(CONTINUED)...

UFC on FX 1: Ludwig vs Neer Preview and Prediction

Can "The Dentist" do enough to "Bang" out a victory?


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

UFC Welterweight Josh Neer

     The co-main event of the evening tomorrow night, Jan. 20, on the UFC on FX 1 card is a welterweight  showdown that has fight of the night potential written all over it.

       The Bridgestone Arena will be the venue for a fight that looks to bring either Ludwig or Neer a bigger pay day and an opportunity to jet pack their rise through the ranks with an impressive nationally televised performance.


      Duane "Bang" Ludwig (21-11) has won two fights in a row but has lacked the finishing touch in both. He won each bout by decision and hasn't finished a bout since 2009.

       On the latter, he is the officially recognized holder of the Fastest Knock Out in UFC history in just six seconds of his UFC Fight Night 3 bout against Jonathan Goulet.
(CONTINUED)...

UFC on FX 1 PICK - Christian Morecraft vs Pat Barry

Barry vs Morecraft: The Fight Breakdown


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

UFC Heavyweight Fighter, Pat Bary (6-4)

       The lightweight division is about to get that much sweeter now that top contender Jim Miller (20-3) has a chance to prove he lost to Benson Henderson, but he isn't on the way down. Miller is fighting fellow contender Melvin Guillard at the UFC on FX 1 card this Friday, Jan. 20, and the anticipation has almost reached a boiling point for fans and fighters alike.


       What else does UFC on FX 1 have to offer the viewers outside of the lightweight main event? Christian Morecraft (7-2) hasn't had the best luck so far inside the octagon (1-2), but he feels the entertainment of fans is most important to obtain on his journey to the upper escelon.


"...if you sit there and pitter-patter and stay away from the guy the whole time, everyone's going to boo," Morecraft said to mmajunkie.
(CONTINUED)...

ZUFFA / UFC Implement Pre-Contract PED Screening

White and McCorkle disagree, UFC should or shouldn't test for Substances?

On the horn:

MattZilla &

Johnny Waugh

SR WRITERS

       In the wake of King Mo's positive-resulting test for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), the UFC has decided to be proactive about it's testing policies.

       ZUFFA has introduced a new policy for new UFC and Strikeforce competitors: you must pass a drug test before your contract takes effect.

“We’re committed to the health and safety of our athletes and we take it very seriously.”

       That is what UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said regarding the new testing policy, however, not everyone is taking this seriously.


"It's complete illusory and obviously intended to be that way," Attorney Dick Pound said.
(CONTINUED)...

Weidman vs Maia at UFC on FOX 2, Prospect vs Practitioner

Weidman steps in to replace Bisping

On the horn: 
J. Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

Chris Weidman
(photo courtesy of chrisweidman.com)

       With middleweight contender Mark Munoz injured and unable to compete at UFC on FOX 2, the UFC put Michael Bisping in the co-main event against Chael Sonnen. That only presented the problem of finding a fighter to throw down with Damien Maia (15-3) on the main card of the second FOX channel event for Zuffa. UFC match maker Joe Silva chose undefeated prospect Chris Weidman (7-0) to face Maia at the huge event on national television. Other fighters were rumored to fight Maia including Rousimar Palhares (14-3). 

(CONTINUED)...

Munoz Out: Chael Sonnen vs Michael Bisping at UFC on FOX 2

Sonnen vs Bisping you say? Let the trash talk begin


On the horn:
Schroe &
Johnny Waugh
SR WRITERS

Michael Bisping

       UFC President Dana White tweeted that Mark Munoz is now injured and is withdrawn from the UFC on FOX 2 card in Chicago later this year. 


       Michael Bisping will be pulled up from his fight against Damien Maia on the main card to the co-main event against Chael Sonnen witht he winner taking on Anderson Silva for the middleweight crown.


"Munoz is injured and out of the FOX fight," White Tweeted. 


"Now it's Chael Sonnen vs. Mike Bisping Jan. 28, and the winner will fight Anderson for the title."


(CONTINUED)...

Wladimir Klitschko Shows Interest in MMA Training

No interest in fighting professionally, however


On the horn:
MattZilla
SR WRITER


       In an interview with Jim Rome on his radio show, heavyweight boxing multi-champion Wladimir Klitschko shared his interest in MMA.


       "To be honest I didn't really like [MMA] before," Klitschko said. 


"But when I was watching it, I got into the style of MMA and I think I have a lot of respect for MMA fighters."


       The Ukrainian fighter holds titles in the IBF, IBO, WBO & WBA, the various boxing organizations. 


       Though at 35, Klitschko believes that it wouldn't be practical to make a career shift, especially with the success he's seen in boxing.


        I know that I personally wouldn't be willing to give up that many belts that late in my career.


“It's a very tough sport [MMA]. I don't think I'm ready to practice it and fight in the cage, I think I'm too old for it, but I have a lot of respect.”
(CONTINUED)...

Dana White okay with Aldo at Lightweight (155 lbs)

"Tonight's my mother's birthday," Aldo said. "I have to dedicate this fight to her.

On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

Jose Aldo celebrating in the Brazilian crowd at UFC 142 after his KO victory over Chad Mendes

       Jose Aldo finished another featherweight contender at UFC 142 to continue his unbeaten streak in the division, his only loss was in 2005 at lightweight.

       Aldo looked to be the superior striker that he was hyped to be as he hit Mendes (11-1) early and often and finished the fight at 4:59 of the first round.

       Mendes looked confident and incredibly conditioned for his title shot at the open workouts early last week, but couldn't transfer that over to fight night.

       Mendes was finished by a brutal knee to the jaw that sent him to the canvas, never to recover as the fight was stopped just one second before the end of the round might have saved him.

       Now that the fights is over I can't help but wonder who is left at featherweight worth waiting for Aldo to defend his belt against?

       Should Aldo following the foot steps of Anderson Silva and fight at a higher weight class as well?

(CONTINUED)...

"King Mo" Lawal tests positive for Steroids, Another Bites the Dust

WHEN DOES IT STOP, ANOTHER FIGHTER TESTS POSITIVE


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

MUHAMMED "KING MO" LAWAL

       Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal (8-1-1) is the next big name fighter to test positive for a banned substance in the last two weeks. 


       After his second round knock out victory at the Strikefore: Rockhold vs Jardine event, Lawal tested with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).


       The NSAC announced today that the former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion tested positive for an anabolic steroid named Drostanolone.


       MMAjunkie contacted Lawal to confirm his used of banned substances but Lawal denied using them and will most likely appeal the decision.


       Drostanolone, also called Masteron, has been used successfully in breast cancer treatment. It also has the ability to stop free testosterone from transforming into estrogen in the body.


(CONTINUED)...

UFC on FX: Guillard vs Miller this friday night. Who Wins?

What can we expect from the main event on FX


On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

      UFC will be making it's debut on the FOX owned channel FX this Friday night, Jan. 20. The main event is going to be a lightweight throw down with many things on the line for both men involved. 

      Jim Miller (20-3) is coming off of losing his shot at UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) when he lost his last fight to number one contender Benson Henderson (15-2) at UFC Live: Hardy vs Lytle.

       Guillard (29-9-2-1) was on the rise again after having trouble early on in his UFC career and becoming resurgent after winning in fan favorite fashion on multiple cards.


(CONTINUED)...

DANA WHITE RESPONDS TO OUTSIDE THE LINES REPORT

(CONTINUED)...

Erick Silva Loses via Suspicious Disqualification, Yamasaki explains

Ref Yamasaki explains his decision to Joe Rogan and Brazilian fans


On the horn:
MattZilla & 
Johnny Waugh
SR WRITERS

Mario Yamasaki speaking post fight about his decision
(Zuffa)

       In the welterweight bout between Erick Silva (13-2-1) and Carlo Prater (30-10-1), Silva landed a powerful combination which included a hard right hand and a knee to the body, before finishing Prater with a hail of hammer-fists within 30 seconds.

       The energetic crowd was cheering so loud that it became difficult to hear Joe Rogan, which seems to be Brazilian custom at sporting events (perhaps SR Writer Ty can confirm this).

       This excitement was shortly stifled by the announcement that Prater was deemed the victor via disqualification, due to illegal blows to the back of the head.


(CONTINUED)...

BOXING QUICK Hits- The Outlook on 2012, Hopkins, Klitschko

First and foremost Happy Birthday to MLK Jr. He fought with his mind and changed the world for the better.


On the horn:
Scottie 2Piece

LEAD BOXING WRITER

Manny Pacquiao

       I was running through the champions in the different divisions that I've seen throw down and frankly there are only a few good ones left. The heavyweight scene belongs to the Klitschko brothers entirely. 

       Sad thing is they can be beaten by the likes of a willing puncher with quick feet and the heart to stay within their elbows ala Chris Byrd. Since every fighter seems to assume they will be pummeled by the brothers brute force, many tend to languish on the outside.


       This is basically making it easy work for WBA, WBO, and IBF champ Wladimir  Klitschko (56-3, 49KO's) and his WBC chamipon brother Vitali (43-2, 40KO's) who are showing no signs of being defeated this year.


(CONTINUED)...

Brazilians Dominate UFC 142: Belfort, Aldo, Barboza finish. Silva robbed

BRAZILIANS SHINE

On the Horn:
Ty Silva
SR WRITER
Brazilian Correspondent

Jose Aldo celebrating his UFC 142 win in the crowd.
AP/ Felipe Dana

       UFC 142 in Rio lives up to its potential and showcased national athletes' skills against high level foreign competition, in front of an increasingly raucous crowd.


       The fights were great, with six first round finishes. Three of those finishes were by TKO and three by submission. The audience was as enthusiastic as they could possibly be as Rio is the birthplace of MMA.


       Whenever the UFC hosts a card there with fighters like Vitor Belfort, Jose Aldo or Anderson Silva, there will usually be a sold out arena packed with passionate fans.

       Last night, Jan. 14th, at the HSBC arena would have been perfect if not for human error.  It appeared at the event in the form of bad officiating by referee Mario Yamasaki.

       Yamasaki disqualification of Erick Silva's excellent TKO, which was a blatant mistake that not even Joe Rogan could ignore and publicly challenged.

       Edson Barboza's (10-0) highlight KO coupled with Rousimar "Toquinho" Palhares' devastating leg lock were a perfect precursor to the perfection of Belfort and Aldo.

(CONTINUED)...  GIFS INCLUDED 

UFC 142: Gonzaga and Palhares Sub Fest, Johnson Cut from contract

Gonzaga and Palhares move up while Johnson moves out after UFC 142

On the horn:
Johnny Waugh
LEAD SR WRITER

Palhares (black shorts, right( sinking in a heel hook on Massenzio (left).

     At UFC 142, two fighters sunk in submissions that put their battered past behind them while placing themselves further forward in the upside of their careers.

       Gabriel Gonzaga (13-6) and Rousimar Palhares (14-3) used their jui jitsu abilities to exploit positions of weakness and capitalize for victories. While Anthony Johnson (10-4) wasn't as lucky and became the newest free agent released by the UFC after his loss.

       Gonzaga was cut from the UFC not long ago and after showing the UFC he can win outside the octagon, he was signed to the UFC 142 card in Rio de Janeiro.

       Gonzaga took advantage of his stage in Brazil and choked out a growing talent in the division who was previously undefeated, Ednaldo Oliveira (13-1-1) in the first round.

"I want to focus on my Brazilian jiu-jitsu," Gonzaga said. "Sometimes I don't have the time to go to the ground game, but I try my best."

(CONTINUED)...  JOHNSON CUT, PALHARES VICTORY