It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 8

In a special Thursday edition, the gang talks about Alistair Overeem's NSAC hearing, Chael v Anderson II being moved to Vegas, the new UFC 147 main event, Hector Lombard signing with the UFC and preview the UFC on Fox 3 card.

BREAKING NEWS: Alistair Overeem Withdraws NSAC License and Explains High T/E Ratio

Image via txmma.com

Coming on the heels of the UFC officially pulling him from a May 26th title bout against Junior Dos Santos, Alistair Overeem has broken his silence on his failed pre-UFC 146 drug test. In a statement released to the press, "The Reem" explained why his T/E ratio was so high and announced that he was withdrawn his application to fight in Nevada. You can read the full statement below:

"To my friends and fans,

I am deeply saddened to announce that on Friday, April 20, I respectfully withdrew from the May 26 event so that I can request a continuance until my situation with the Nevada State Athletic Commission is resolved.

I cannot express how sorry I am to the Commission, Junior Dos Santos, the fans, the owners and employees of the UFC, my friends and family and anyone else who this has affected.

I absolutely do not believe in, nor do I use performance-enhancing drugs. I am a clean fighter and I will do whatever it takes to prove this to everyone.

Prior to the UFC 146 press conference in March, I aggravated an old rib injury on my left side. My doctor prescribed, and I accepted, an anti-inflammatory medication that was mixed with testosterone. I was completely unaware that testosterone was one of the ingredients in the medication. Although I was unaware, I do realize it is my job to know what I am putting into my body.

I respect the Nevada Commissioners and Executive Director Keith Kizer and what they are doing to keep the sport of mixed martial arts regulated and safe for athletes. I look forward to working with them in the days and weeks ahead.

Friends and fans, I ask for your patience as I work through this matter. Please support me. I promise to return to the Octagon soon."

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 7

The gang breaks down the most recent episode of TUF and Bellator 66. They also go in depth about all things UFC 145 and break some news about former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez's next opponent.

UFC 145 Predictions

Image via UFC newsletter

UFC Light Heavyweight Championship:
Jon Jones (c) v. Rashad Evans

Doctor Law: Well, it’s finally here. Jon Jones defends his belt against former teammate, mentor, friend, compadre, homie, homeboy, brosef, and individual he jacks swagger from, Rashad Evans. This fight has been 13 months in the making and everybody is either really excited to see this fight, or completely sick of hearing about it. I’m basically at the point where I’m looking forward to the fight, but pretty sick of the narrative. Rashad has been telling the same story for a year and Jones pipes in with his bullsh*t about Muhammad Ali and beating Lyoto Machida in a karate match (lots of guillotines in karate matches Jones?). The fight itself, though, could be far more compelling. Jones is a massive favorite over Rashad, and while I think that Jones is going to win, I don’t exactly think Evans is going to get completely outclassed. Rashad is the fastest fighter that Jones has ever fought and is the best MMA wrestler in the LHW division, if not the entire UFC. That being said, Jones is probably the second best fighter in the world (I still prefer Anderson) and has been on an absolute tear for a while now. It won’t be easy, but I think Jones takes this. Jones by submission in the 4th round.

Kid Presentable: For a little while here, I was starting to think this fight might never happen. For about two years, Rashad has had one of the worst runs of luck with injury and timing, being the perennial top contender for the belt, but things never being quite right for him to finally get the shot. The only thing standing in his way, unfortunately, is the biggest phenom this sport has ever seen. You can never say a person has no chance in MMA, but chances don't look good. This is being billed as the grudge match of the century, but with the rate at which Jones' game has improved, I don't know how much credit you can give to their past training together. What Rashad does have going for him is possibly the best MMA wrestling in the sport, and if he can put Jones on the mat, Rashad showed just how vicious his ground and pound could be in his Tito fight. Jones is a pretty complete fighter, but it is always interesting when his challenger might have an advantage in some facet, so I think this fight has a lot of potential to be good, but that said, Jones is about two fights from having wiped out this division. On Saturday, the Martian Manhunter is going to keep on rolling. Jones by submission round 4.

Image via cagepotato.com

DJ Mark with a “K”: I don't think you'll ever see me picking anyone opposite of Jon Jones at LHW. I know that we give Jon a lot of sh*t because of how he comes off in interviews and hype videos, but the cold hard fact is Jon Jone's hype has been nothing short, of completely true. I don't see Rashad pulling out the win here even though, style wise, I think it's Jon's toughest fight yet. Jon's bottom game is the only thing we haven't seen a lot of yet, but I have a feeling it won't be his downfall (already prepared to eat those words fyi). This one's going to end a little bit deeper, but it'll be by choke and it'll be impressive. Jon Jones via Submission (guillotine choke or a variation of said choke) 3rd Round.

Lavender Gooms: After lots of delays, injury replacements and bad blood, we finally get to see this fight! Like we discussed on the podcast a few weeks back, Jones is the real deal like no one has ever been the real deal before. He has shown no weakness. When the biggest critique people can give is that he hasn’t been tested yet, that’s scary when you consider he fought Shogun, Rampage and Machida in the last calendar year and none of them made him break a sweat. Evans is coming in a massive underdog in this fight. I would like to say that Evans’ familiarity gives him a chance, but I would be kidding myself. I think Rashad’s determination allows him to take Jones the distance. Outside of a flash knockout, there is no chance Jones loses. Jones by Decision.

Picking Jones: Dr. Law, Kid P, DJ Mark, Gooms
Picking Evans:

Image via mmajunkie.com

Rory MacDonald v. Che Mills

Doctor Law: Showcase fight! Showcase fight! Showcase fight! Did I mention that this is a showcase fight? Rory MacDonald is the future at 170 lbs and is coming off of impressive victories over Mike Pyle and Nate Diaz. Che Mills knocked out a guy from the Ultimate Fighter that absolutely no one thought was good. So to recap…Rory has already beaten guys that are better than Che Mills already. Hmmm…this kinda looks like a showcase fight to me. Rory MacDonald by TKO in the 1st round.

Kid Presentable: This card is suffering from major GSP card laziness. Though I am a big fan of Rory (NOT a fan of his attempted new nickname Ares though), this is hardly a co-main event worthy fight. For what the fight is though, is another chance to showcase a future contender of the division. Rory has been very impressive in his UFC run, and was all but 3 seconds away from likely having defeated the current interim champ of the division. I look for Rory to give his best GSP impression, except that he will finish the fight with ground and pound. Rory by TKO round 1.

DJ Mark with a “K”: No offense to these fine athletes but this is a pretty weak Co-Main Event. I know the former venue before the switch was a big part of it but still. Either way, Rory MacDonald has looked very impressive during his UFC career and I think this could really be his coming out party into the top title contenders. Rory via GnP TKO 2nd Round.

Lavender Gooms: Like the other MacDonald, Rory is a prospect that everyone (myself included) is in love with, who excels at nothing but is great at everything. He’s also gotten the greatest nod a young fighter can get, having GSP praise him calling him the future of the division. Now on to his opponent, how did Che Mills get this fight? After wins against Mike Pyle and Nate Diaz, Che Mills seems like a step down in competition for MacDonald. On paper this fight doesn’t make for a competitive co-main event fight, but at least more people can see MacDonald dominate a lesser fighter. MacDonald by TKO in 2nd.

Picking MacDonald: Dr. Law, Kid P, DJ Mark, Gooms
Picking Mills:

Have You Been “Wondering” About The Newest MMA Sensation?

Image via thetanddcom

The following is a guest post by Jason "Orange Dawg" Helm. As you will see below, Orange Dawg has a unique perspective on this up and coming star in the UFC welterweight division.

This post is going to provide a little background info on the newest rising star in the UFC, Stephen “The Wonderboy” Thompson. Before I go any further, I just wanted to say thank you to Doctor Law and everybody else at It’s MMAzing for allowing me to post about this up and coming fighter.

By way of information about yours truly, I have four black belts in various styles of martial arts. I hold the rank of third degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and a first degree black belt in American Jiu-Jitsu. I studied martial arts at Upstate Karate in Simpsonville, SC. This just happens to be the same studio that has produced the Wonderboy. His father, Ray Thompson is the owner and founder of Upstate Karate. I grew up training with Stephen and followed his amateur kickboxing career with great interest. After all, it’s not every day that someone who used to kick my ass on a weekly basis was taking the kickboxing world by storm.

Wonderboy got his first black belt a couple of years before I did and I can tell you first hand that even the adults who studied under Ray Thompson did not want to spar with Stephen because even at ten years old he would whoop the sh*t out of them. As I advanced further up the ranks in my training, I was forced to train with Stephen more and more and every time I had to spar with him, I came home with fresh bruises that would take days to heal. You see, Karate was his life. He was born for it and excelled in every aspect of his training. His father was a world champion in his youth and was so talented that other instructors throughout South Carolina would no longer fight him in competition. Stephen embraced this heritage and longed to one day be better than his father.

When I got my black belt, we had to choose a partner who would help test us during the trials. The black belt exam at Upstate Karate used to take a week, with every candidate being tested on a certain aspect every day. For example, Mondays used to be combinations, punching and kicking, etc. Tuesdays used to be katta days. Thursdays were always the sparring days. My best friend at the time, Bobby Schmidt, had picked Stephen to be the one to test with him all week and Stephen did his job better than most. During the sparing day, Stephen broke my friend’s nose, almost causing him to fail his exam. That was just the type of fighter Wonderboy was. There was no quit and no taking it easy. He made you prove yourself every time you stepped into the ring with him. During that same exam, I was rotated in front of Stephen and ended up with a black eye for my trouble. He was the best and it seems that that has not changed all these years later.

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 6

The gang (or at least half of it), breaks down the UFC on Fuel TV 2 results, talks about the of the #RallyForMarkHunt, shares Dana White's disappointment in Alistair Overeem and previews UFC 145: Jones v. Evans.

UFC on Fuel TV 2 Predictions

Image via UFC newsletter

Alexander Gustafsson v. Thiago Silva

Doctor Law: Thiago Silva is back! After spending the last year suspended for submitting “non-human” urine for a post fight drug test, Silva makes his return to the UFC in the main event of their second offering on Fuel TV. Silva takes the place of Lil Nog, who bowed out due to injury. Welcoming him back the octagon will be Alexander Gustafsson, the perceived future of the 205 lb division. Gustafsson has been since losing to Phil Davis two years ago. If I was picking with my head, I would certainly pick Gustafsson. He’s smashing guys and Silva’s layoff could be a huge factor. However, Silva is one of my favorite fighters and I really want to see him do well here. I hope he wrecks this kid. Silva by 2nd round TKO.

Kid Presentable: I have been back and forth in my head all week with this fight. Thiago while active was one of my favorite fighters in the division. He has exciting fight style and he just outright looks mean and scary, but 15 months is a long time to be out. He was popped more for painkillers than steroids, so I don't scrutinize his positive drug test in the past as much as I might with others. Gus however, has been on a bit of a roll lately and is looking to be one of the most promising prospects in the division. No doubt that Silva was a top 10 lhw, but can he jump back into it after such a long layoff? I have wanted to pick him all along, but my head kept telling me no. Go with the kid on fire in his home country. Mauler by mauling. Gustafsson by TKO 3rd round.

Image via bloodyelbow.com

DJ Mark with a “K”: Sometimes when fights get changed the replacement fight isn’t as appealing as the original, this isn’t the case here. While a Gustafsson v Lil Nog is nice and good on paper, I’m much more excited that Gustafsson is now facing Thiago Silva. While Silva has been on the side lines after getting caught with his hand in the dopping cookie jar (there’s a lot of hands in there now a days) Gustafsson has been busy making a decent name for himself with some solid wins. I got Gustafsson in this one. I think the layoff is going to hurt Silva and the momentum Gustafsson has been gaining will carry him though this fight as well. Gustafsson by decision.

Lavender Gooms: Alexander Gustafsson. The chosen one (sort of). The 205 super-prospect that is supposed to challenge Jon Jones in a couple fights (….and lose). This is going to be a cake walk for Gustafsson. In Silva he’ll be fighting a guy who’s talented, but not setting the world on fire and who has endured a long layoff as a result of suspensions and a back injury. The Swede will wait and pick apart Silva with his clinch game and striking. After he win s(and Evans loses) we can start the talk about how he’s the next best shot to beating Jones. Gustafsson by Decision.

Picking Gustafsson: Kid P, DJ Mark, Gooms
Picking Silva: Dr. Law

Brian Stann v. Alessio Sakara

Image via mmagif.blogspot.com

Doctor Law: I think we all got a little too excited about Brian Stann. He knocked a questionably chinned Jorge Santiago and a candy overdosed Chris Leben so everybody started talking title shot. Uncle Chael took care of that one. After that loss, this Marine needs to come back with a vengeance. A stand up fight with Sakara should give him the opportunity to do so. This should be a fun battle, but Stann should be able to finish off Sakara standing. Stann by 2nd round TKO.

Kid Presentable: Stann is a tough warrior who you would normally never think to quit, but Chael straight Shang Tsung'd him and took his soul. I think this fight represents a clear bounce back show case kind of fight for Stann. Sakara is a bit of back end journeyman type who is a striker, but no so otherworldly at it that Stann should have any great trouble. This should be a nice way to get the soldier back on track. Stann by TKO round 2.

DJ Mark with a “K”: This should be a fun match. Their styles match up perfectly to create an exciting match up, on paper at least. I think Stann is the stronger puncher but Sakara has the better technical stand up. However, I’ve never been too high on Sakara and I have a hard time picking him here as well. Stann by TKO 2nd Round.

Lavender Gooms: Stann has had a rough camp dealing with family issues and training with Greg Jackson via video. Even with the difficulties, Stann’ s power should be enough to give Sakara fits. If he presses forward aggressively but not stupidly he’ll finish Sakara by the third round. Stann by TKO in the 3rd.

Picking Stann: Dr. Law, Kid P, DJ Mark, Gooms
Picking Sakara:

It's MMazing Consensus Staff Rankings for March 2012 (a little late)

**Note: For an explanation of how we came to these rankings, please listen to Episode 5 of It's MMAzing Radio.**

Image via mmamania.com

HEAVYWEIGHT:

1. Junior Dos Santos
2. Cain Velasquez
3. Alistair Overeem
4. Frank Mir
5. Fabricio Werdum
6. Josh Barnett
7. Shane Carwin
8. Daniel Cormier

Image via province.com

9. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
10. Mark Hunt

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

1. Jon Jones
2. Rashad Evans
3. Dan Henderson
4. Mauricio Rua
5. Lyoto Machida
6. Ryan Bader
7. Phil Davis
8. Alexander Gustaffson
9. Quinton Jackson

Image via queenofsports.com

10. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

MIDDLEWEIGHT

1. Anderson Silva
2. Chael Sonnen
3. Mark Munoz
4. Vitor Belfort
5. Michael Bisping
6. Tim Boetsch
7. Yushin Okami
8. Rousimar Palhares
9. Hector Lombard

Image via indpendent.co.uk

10. Chris Weidman

WELTERWEIGHT

1. Georges St-Pierre
2. Carlos Condit
3. Nick Diaz
4. Jake Ellenberger
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Johny Hendricks
7. Jon Fitch
8. Jake Shields
9. Martin Kampmann
10. Ben Askren

Image via risporter.com

LIGHTWEIGHT

1. Benson Henderson
2. Frankie Edgar
3. Gilbert Melendez
4. Gray Maynard
5. Nate Diaz
6. Jim Miller
7. Clay Guida
8. Anthony Pettis
9. Shinya Aoki

Image via independent.co.uk

10. Michael Chandler

FEATHERWEIGHT

1. Jose Aldo
2. Hatsu Hioki
3. Pat Curran
4. Chad Mendes
5. Diego Nunes
6. Dustin Poirer
7. Chan Sung Jung
8. Marlon Sandro
9. Mark Hominick
10. Erik Koch

Image via mmaweekly.com

BANTAMWEIGHT

1. Dominick Cruz
2. Urijah Faber
3. Renan Barao
4. Brian Bowles
5. Scott Jorgensen
6. Miguel Torres
7. Michael McDonald
8. Bibiano Fernandes
9. Brad Pickett
10. Winner of Makovsky v. Dantas

Image via fiveouncesofpain.com

FLYWEIGHT

1. Joseph Benavidez
2. Ian McCall
3. Demetrius Johnson
4. Jussier Da Silva
5. Yasuhiro Urushitani
6. Mamoru Yamaguchi
7. Darrell Montague
8. Shinichi Kojima
9. John Dodson
10. Darren Uyenoyama

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 5

The gang takes time out on Easter to debate rankings in EVERY weight class, the Alistair Overeem testosterone issue and the viability of Mark Hunt as a heavyweight title challenger.

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 4

The gang, minus Lavender Gooms, talks about Bellator 62, whether Dr. Law is Nostradamus, Bellator 63, TUF Live, the debut of TUF Brazil and the upcoming UFC on Fuel TV: Gustaffson v. Silva card.