Johnny Toetags
04-18-2005, 06:28 PM
TOTAL ELIMINATION 2005 PREVIEW
Hey there and welcome again to a preview edition of Toetags & Bodybags. It?s Grand Prix season again folks, and while the merits of having these events on a yearly basis are debateable what?s not is the sheer buzz and excitement the Grand Prix format creates; especially with a deep talent pool such as the one on display this go around. Potential dark horses abound, interesting rematches lie on the horizon and marquee matchups will highlight every round, let's take a look...
Wanderlei Silva (Brazil) vs. Hidehiko Yoshida (Japan)
The right cross. The left uppercut. The high kick. The stomps. The soccer kicks... the knees. Dear god, the knees! These are the weapons of the reigning "king" of MMA - and the former middleweight Grand Prix champion - Wanderlei Silva. Few have escaped a match against Wanderlei Silva without ending up in the hospital after the final bell is rung. Hidehiko Yoshida is one of the elite few that have. Back at Final Conflict 2003, these two met in what was labelled a classic styles fight, except it didn't turn out that way. Throwing caution to the wind, the John Wayne of the Judo world came out hard and he came out swinging. Silva won the first fight, but Yoshida opened allot of eyes back then, so both guys will have allot to prove this go around.
A product and figurehead of the Chute Boxe Academy in Curibata Brazil, Holding numerous accomplishments and titles in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Wanderlei is a master striker and competent ground fighter. Yoshida, by comparison, has spent much of his life in the Dojo and on the mats, training in the classical Judo style that earned him Olympic gold. Though many still question his dedication to MMA and the glaring weaknesses in his overall game ? he showed some true grit when last these two met. This should be more of the same, but somehow I don?t see either man settling for a decision a second time.
Dan Henderson (USA) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Brazil)
What a match-up, right off the bat. Dan Henderson?s had a touch time of late ? his last three fights went his way, sure ? but they weren?t exactly head turners. Close decisions, injuries and controversial head butts all marred his performances so expect the Team Quester to be motivated to end this one right out of the gate. Not to say he?ll be brash and headstrong ? because he won?t risk making a stupid mistake against such a dangerous opponent ? but Dan?s on a mission here. Legitimacy and a top ranking have eluded him for too long in the eyes of many, so this tournament is his chance to rectify that. Standing directly in his way is Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, the former heavyweight champ?s twin brother.
Another BTT star, the smaller of the Nogueira twin?s record is just as if not more impressive. His game is near flawless, as is his conditioning. While his boxing is not on par with his brother?s, it should stand up to Henderson?s striking effectively? so it?s safe to assume this one will be settled on the ground. Henderson?s trademark high-tempo wrestling versus the legendary icy calm of the Nogueira?s Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The winner of this one will be a serious, serious threat to any other participant in this tournament. Mark my words.
Quinton Jackson (USA) vs. Mauricio Rua (Brazil)
Hold on to your butts for this one folks? it could be a doozy. Every once in a while a fight comes along with so many subtle implications that you just cringe up thinking about the ?what if?s? and ?if so and so happens??. This is that kind of fight, make no mistake about it. Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua, who I like to refer to as ?Air Rua?, is the most aggressive fighter to come out of Chute Boxe Academy ? and when you consider their membership ? that?s saying something! Still a relative rookie with some definite room for improvement, Rua challenged the seemingly drifting Jackson at Fists of Fire a few months back. Jackson, dealing with some personal matters and taking the fight on relatively short notice, eeked out a very close Split Decision victory over Shogun?s brother Murilo in a lacklustre fight. Jackson hasn?t been the same in and outside of the ring for quite sometime, and many were wondering if Wanderlei Silva had beaten the competitive spirit out of him. Supposedly refocused and re-energized, the powerful wrestler will have to deal with the Chute Boxe style yet again ? something he?s proven to have trouble with in the past. If Rua can keep the pressure on and fight mistake free ? he may have a shot.
Regardless, the winner of this fight faces many interesting consequences. If Rua pulls it out, it?ll be a career defining moment. Then again, he may be paired up with his stable-mate Wanderlei in the semi-finals ? an epic confrontation to say the least. If Jackson pulls it out, it could be a sign that his life and career are now back on track and he could be in good position to take the rest of the tournament, maybe even getting a third rematch with Silva.
Igor Vovchanchyn (Ukraine) vs. Yuki Kondo (Japan)
The Ukraine Freight train, ?Ice Cold? Igor Vovchanchyn is as tough as they get and ever since his return to Pride?s 205 lbs division the veteran has looked good. Damn good. Here, he?s paired up with another veteran, the under-rated Yuki Kondo. The Pancrase icon has been dealt the short end of the stick during his Pride tenure, but he?s showed a lot of heart and though he?s struggled with strikers of Igor?s level you?d be a fool to think Kondo isn?t going to put up a fight. While this one may look like a train wreck on paper, this is the toughest test the Ukrainian kick boxer?s had to pass since his return, and Kondo?s slick ground skills may be the deciding factor here. If he can take his opponent down sometime during the opening barrage?
Kevin Randleman (USA) vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura (Japan)
It?s become a clich? at this point (but what the hell I have to write something), the outcome of this fight depends solely on Kevin Randleman. Not to take anything away from the skilled Judo player Kazuhiro Nakamura, or any other opponent Kevin?s ever faced ? but bottom line is this: Kevin is skilled. He?s gifted. He has all the tools. It?s just his head, his mental game so to speak, isn?t always in the fight. When he?s on ? we all know what he can do. Serious wrestling skills, power and explosiveness. Nakamura the Yoshida Dojo and former World Judo star on the other hand is a bit lower profile. A patient tactician having faced tough competition since his debut in MMA, Nakamura has all the basic skills that it appears Randleman lacks from time to time ? and for such a seasoned veteran that?s a mystifying thing. So if Nakamura can be patient and handle Randleman?s power early on, he could catch the American with a submission? if not, Randleman will be moving on with a head of steam?
Kazushi Sakuraba (Japan) vs. Yoon Dong Sik (Korea)
The living-legend-former-pro-wrestling-chain-smoking-heavy-drinking-Gracie-killin' Kazushi Sakuraba returns after yet another injury lay-off to face none other than... errr, ummm... some, Korean guy. I guess. Moving on.
Pride and K1 have, over the last year and a half, activly competed against each other for the biggest of untapped asian markets - Korea. South, Korean that is. I don't think the commies are into MMA all that much. The signing of Sik is just another move towards capturing the Korean market. Anyways, I'm babbling here and for good reason - I have no idea who Yoon Dong Sik is. Varying sources credit him with being some type of outh Korean Judo (oi, again with the Judo??) sensation who's made quite a name off of beating Japanese Judoka - so there you have it. Judo + Korea = Pride contract. So, yeah. Saku rules.
Vitor Belfort (Brazil) vs. Alistair Overeem (Holland)
To say it?s been a rough couple of years for the former golden boy Vitor Belfort would be an understatement of unfathomable magnitude. Personal troubles, family tragedies, professional conflicts and poor in-ring performances have tarnished Belfort, some believe, beyond repair. Still under UFC contract, Belfort is present in this tournament on behalf of Dana White and Zuffa ? think of it as yet another olive-branch on the UFC?s part. His opponent is tough Dutch kick boxer Alistair ?The Demolition Man? Overeem. Overeem brings a wide array of striking skills to the table ? something Vitor can overcome with speed and technique if he avoids the famed flying knees. It would only logical for the former time and again BTT member to take Overeem to the ground, but Vitor?s in ring performances have defied logic of late so this one?s up in the air in my opinion.
This is one fight I hope Vitor wins. Let?s face it, he needs to win. I?m no fan of either man, honestly ? but this should be an exciting bout that could, again, open up some very interesting contests further in the tournament?
Dean Lister (USA) vs. Ricardo Arona (Brazil)
Long time rivals in ADCC grappling fighting, Ricardo Arona and Dean Lister finally meet in the great equalizer of great equalizers ? the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Perennial contender and BTT stand-out Ricardo Arona?s performances aren?t everyone?s cup of tea. He?s a patient and slick jiu-jitsu player who takes few chances but generally comes out on top because of it. He?s facing an equally skilled ground tactician in Dean Lister, and the two already know each other very well. Coming out on top of the 4 man tournament a few weeks ago at Bushido 6, Dean Lister finally gets a shot at the big boys of the middleweight division as the last entrant in the tournament. Look for this one to be ultra competitive...
As always, thanks for reading and have a great show.
Hey there and welcome again to a preview edition of Toetags & Bodybags. It?s Grand Prix season again folks, and while the merits of having these events on a yearly basis are debateable what?s not is the sheer buzz and excitement the Grand Prix format creates; especially with a deep talent pool such as the one on display this go around. Potential dark horses abound, interesting rematches lie on the horizon and marquee matchups will highlight every round, let's take a look...
Wanderlei Silva (Brazil) vs. Hidehiko Yoshida (Japan)
The right cross. The left uppercut. The high kick. The stomps. The soccer kicks... the knees. Dear god, the knees! These are the weapons of the reigning "king" of MMA - and the former middleweight Grand Prix champion - Wanderlei Silva. Few have escaped a match against Wanderlei Silva without ending up in the hospital after the final bell is rung. Hidehiko Yoshida is one of the elite few that have. Back at Final Conflict 2003, these two met in what was labelled a classic styles fight, except it didn't turn out that way. Throwing caution to the wind, the John Wayne of the Judo world came out hard and he came out swinging. Silva won the first fight, but Yoshida opened allot of eyes back then, so both guys will have allot to prove this go around.
A product and figurehead of the Chute Boxe Academy in Curibata Brazil, Holding numerous accomplishments and titles in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Wanderlei is a master striker and competent ground fighter. Yoshida, by comparison, has spent much of his life in the Dojo and on the mats, training in the classical Judo style that earned him Olympic gold. Though many still question his dedication to MMA and the glaring weaknesses in his overall game ? he showed some true grit when last these two met. This should be more of the same, but somehow I don?t see either man settling for a decision a second time.
Dan Henderson (USA) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Brazil)
What a match-up, right off the bat. Dan Henderson?s had a touch time of late ? his last three fights went his way, sure ? but they weren?t exactly head turners. Close decisions, injuries and controversial head butts all marred his performances so expect the Team Quester to be motivated to end this one right out of the gate. Not to say he?ll be brash and headstrong ? because he won?t risk making a stupid mistake against such a dangerous opponent ? but Dan?s on a mission here. Legitimacy and a top ranking have eluded him for too long in the eyes of many, so this tournament is his chance to rectify that. Standing directly in his way is Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, the former heavyweight champ?s twin brother.
Another BTT star, the smaller of the Nogueira twin?s record is just as if not more impressive. His game is near flawless, as is his conditioning. While his boxing is not on par with his brother?s, it should stand up to Henderson?s striking effectively? so it?s safe to assume this one will be settled on the ground. Henderson?s trademark high-tempo wrestling versus the legendary icy calm of the Nogueira?s Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The winner of this one will be a serious, serious threat to any other participant in this tournament. Mark my words.
Quinton Jackson (USA) vs. Mauricio Rua (Brazil)
Hold on to your butts for this one folks? it could be a doozy. Every once in a while a fight comes along with so many subtle implications that you just cringe up thinking about the ?what if?s? and ?if so and so happens??. This is that kind of fight, make no mistake about it. Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua, who I like to refer to as ?Air Rua?, is the most aggressive fighter to come out of Chute Boxe Academy ? and when you consider their membership ? that?s saying something! Still a relative rookie with some definite room for improvement, Rua challenged the seemingly drifting Jackson at Fists of Fire a few months back. Jackson, dealing with some personal matters and taking the fight on relatively short notice, eeked out a very close Split Decision victory over Shogun?s brother Murilo in a lacklustre fight. Jackson hasn?t been the same in and outside of the ring for quite sometime, and many were wondering if Wanderlei Silva had beaten the competitive spirit out of him. Supposedly refocused and re-energized, the powerful wrestler will have to deal with the Chute Boxe style yet again ? something he?s proven to have trouble with in the past. If Rua can keep the pressure on and fight mistake free ? he may have a shot.
Regardless, the winner of this fight faces many interesting consequences. If Rua pulls it out, it?ll be a career defining moment. Then again, he may be paired up with his stable-mate Wanderlei in the semi-finals ? an epic confrontation to say the least. If Jackson pulls it out, it could be a sign that his life and career are now back on track and he could be in good position to take the rest of the tournament, maybe even getting a third rematch with Silva.
Igor Vovchanchyn (Ukraine) vs. Yuki Kondo (Japan)
The Ukraine Freight train, ?Ice Cold? Igor Vovchanchyn is as tough as they get and ever since his return to Pride?s 205 lbs division the veteran has looked good. Damn good. Here, he?s paired up with another veteran, the under-rated Yuki Kondo. The Pancrase icon has been dealt the short end of the stick during his Pride tenure, but he?s showed a lot of heart and though he?s struggled with strikers of Igor?s level you?d be a fool to think Kondo isn?t going to put up a fight. While this one may look like a train wreck on paper, this is the toughest test the Ukrainian kick boxer?s had to pass since his return, and Kondo?s slick ground skills may be the deciding factor here. If he can take his opponent down sometime during the opening barrage?
Kevin Randleman (USA) vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura (Japan)
It?s become a clich? at this point (but what the hell I have to write something), the outcome of this fight depends solely on Kevin Randleman. Not to take anything away from the skilled Judo player Kazuhiro Nakamura, or any other opponent Kevin?s ever faced ? but bottom line is this: Kevin is skilled. He?s gifted. He has all the tools. It?s just his head, his mental game so to speak, isn?t always in the fight. When he?s on ? we all know what he can do. Serious wrestling skills, power and explosiveness. Nakamura the Yoshida Dojo and former World Judo star on the other hand is a bit lower profile. A patient tactician having faced tough competition since his debut in MMA, Nakamura has all the basic skills that it appears Randleman lacks from time to time ? and for such a seasoned veteran that?s a mystifying thing. So if Nakamura can be patient and handle Randleman?s power early on, he could catch the American with a submission? if not, Randleman will be moving on with a head of steam?
Kazushi Sakuraba (Japan) vs. Yoon Dong Sik (Korea)
The living-legend-former-pro-wrestling-chain-smoking-heavy-drinking-Gracie-killin' Kazushi Sakuraba returns after yet another injury lay-off to face none other than... errr, ummm... some, Korean guy. I guess. Moving on.
Pride and K1 have, over the last year and a half, activly competed against each other for the biggest of untapped asian markets - Korea. South, Korean that is. I don't think the commies are into MMA all that much. The signing of Sik is just another move towards capturing the Korean market. Anyways, I'm babbling here and for good reason - I have no idea who Yoon Dong Sik is. Varying sources credit him with being some type of outh Korean Judo (oi, again with the Judo??) sensation who's made quite a name off of beating Japanese Judoka - so there you have it. Judo + Korea = Pride contract. So, yeah. Saku rules.
Vitor Belfort (Brazil) vs. Alistair Overeem (Holland)
To say it?s been a rough couple of years for the former golden boy Vitor Belfort would be an understatement of unfathomable magnitude. Personal troubles, family tragedies, professional conflicts and poor in-ring performances have tarnished Belfort, some believe, beyond repair. Still under UFC contract, Belfort is present in this tournament on behalf of Dana White and Zuffa ? think of it as yet another olive-branch on the UFC?s part. His opponent is tough Dutch kick boxer Alistair ?The Demolition Man? Overeem. Overeem brings a wide array of striking skills to the table ? something Vitor can overcome with speed and technique if he avoids the famed flying knees. It would only logical for the former time and again BTT member to take Overeem to the ground, but Vitor?s in ring performances have defied logic of late so this one?s up in the air in my opinion.
This is one fight I hope Vitor wins. Let?s face it, he needs to win. I?m no fan of either man, honestly ? but this should be an exciting bout that could, again, open up some very interesting contests further in the tournament?
Dean Lister (USA) vs. Ricardo Arona (Brazil)
Long time rivals in ADCC grappling fighting, Ricardo Arona and Dean Lister finally meet in the great equalizer of great equalizers ? the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Perennial contender and BTT stand-out Ricardo Arona?s performances aren?t everyone?s cup of tea. He?s a patient and slick jiu-jitsu player who takes few chances but generally comes out on top because of it. He?s facing an equally skilled ground tactician in Dean Lister, and the two already know each other very well. Coming out on top of the 4 man tournament a few weeks ago at Bushido 6, Dean Lister finally gets a shot at the big boys of the middleweight division as the last entrant in the tournament. Look for this one to be ultra competitive...
As always, thanks for reading and have a great show.