It's MMAzing 2015 Year End Awards

For information on how we came up with these wonderful selections please listen to Episode 164 of It's MMAzing Radio

The trophies look just like this.
I promise.

Fighter of the Year (Male):

Doctor Law: Conor McGregor
Kid Presentable: Conor McGregor
DJ Mark with a K: Conor McGregor
Lavender Gooms: Conor McGregor

Fighter of the Year (Female):

Doctor Law: Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Kid Presentable: Holly Holm
DJ Mark with a K: Holly Holm
Lavender Gooms: Joanna Jedrzejczyk

UFC 195: Lawler vs. Condit Predictions

After a banner 2015, 2016 kicks off with a big time championship fight, with "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler defending his title against the former interim champ Carlos Condit.

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 164

The gang comes together to give out the official It's MMAzing Year End Awards for 2015. They give out awards for Fighter, Fight, Event, Story, Moment, KO, Submission and Performance of the Year. The gang next previews UFC 195: Lawler v. Condit and make their predictions. All that and another edition of "Stuff We Like."

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The It's MMAzing Top 5(?) Christmas Movies

Happy Holidays to all

On this Christmas-eve I give to you all gift, a top-five list.  We all love them and it's an easy way to get a post out.  We haven't done a list in while and what better topic than counting off the best Christmas movies.
To make this list a little different we won't include the obvious G.O.A.T.s(A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas) since we can all agree those movies are great and anyone who disagrees is ISIS.  This list will be either Christmas-centric movies or movies set during Christmas.

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 163

The gang talks about the results of UFC on Fox: Dos Anjos v. Cerrone. They talk about Dos Anjos's huge and dominating win over Cowboy Cerrone. The gang also talks about Overeem's big win over JDS and his impending free agency. They then focus on the true star of the card: Nate Diaz. They discuss all things Diaz before rounding out their discussion about the card. At this point, the gang goes into full Star Wars. Starting at 47:35 of the podcast. For the sake of continuity, this is this week's "Stuff We Like." The gang has a full on discussion about Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens. This conversation is FULL of spoilers so be aware.

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UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cerrone II Predictions

Coming off a maddening week of UFC events is the last card of the year...and what a card it is! Fox is hosting the first title defense of the newly crowded UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos when he rematches the surging Donald Cerrone. Also we'll get the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between the former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos and former K-1 Grand Prix Champion Alistair Overreem. In addition there's a solid lightweight scrap between Michael Johnson and fan favorite Nate Diaz.

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 162

The gang presents a super-sized episode of It's MMAzing Radio. Was this an intended super-sized episode? No, but deez tings happen when Conor McGregor goes out there and beats Jose Aldo in 13 seconds. The gang spends a great deal of time discussing Mr. McGregor's massive victory over the greatest featherweight in MMA history. They discuss Conor's future at 145 and 155 pounds and whether Aldo gets an immediate rematch. The gang also discusses the new middleweight champion of the world, Luke Rockhold. They also talk about the other huge fights from this past weekend including Edgar's win over Mendes and Namajunas's win over VanZant. They next preview and make predictions for UFC on Fox: Dos Anjos v. Cerrone. All that and another edition of "Stuff We Like."

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UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor Picks and Predictions

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, people of all ages... we are finally here! Well... almost. It wasn't all long that ago that we said the featherweight division was devoid of stars and now it houses quite possibly the biggest fight the UFC can make on quite possibly the best card the UFC has ever put together. Anticipation for Aldo and McGregor is palpable after an initial postponement at what was supposed to be an It's MMAzing event out in Vegas. Mendes stepped in to fight McGregor as we all know and the legend continues. Somehow lost in all of this hullabaloo is a spectacular middleweight title fight between Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold. Rockhold has been on one of the most impressive tears in recent memory while Weidman is the Anointed One, Vanquisher of Spiders, and reigning greatest fighter on the planet. Saturday night is bringing a stacked card with great fighters, but let's be real here... there is only ONE Conor McGregor.

UFC Featherweight Championship
Jose Aldo (c) vs. Conor McGregor (ic) 

@thenotoriousmma you look great

No... Notorious! It's a real credit to the man Conor that he managed to steal center stage from a monster of a man who has been without peer for nearly his entire Zuffa run in Jose Aldo. Aldo has been a human highlight reel of violence in his reign, yet in struts this brash Irishman who has stolen the hearts (and betting lines) of the masses. Aldo is a killer in the cage, yet something about McGregor seems so effortless and masterful. Listen to Conor long enough and you will surely hear about the art of movement and that is precisely what Conor is in the cage: an artist. Could the hype train come crashing down? Absolutely. Could we see the coronation of the one true king? I'm expecting it. It's not that long ago we saw what movement and fluidity could do to stifle a heralded Brazilian killer in Renan Barao, Jose Aldo's teammate no less. McGregor by third round TKO. Bust out the red panties.

Aldo:
McGregor: U... Unanimous!

The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale: Edgar v. Mendes Predictions

Day 2 of UFC-palooza in Vegas continues with The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale. Good lord...there has been 22 seasons of TUF? FS1 is clearly starved for programming. On a related note, none of us watched this season of TUF so we didn't waste your time (you didn't watch either, be honest) picking those fights. Don't worry, this card is really about determining the next challenger at 145 pounds as Frankie "The Answer Edgar" takes on Chad "Money" Mendes.

Frankie Edgar v. Chad Mendes

Would it be weird if they renamed this event "TUF 22 Finale: Insurance Policy"? It's clear that the UFC had the possibility of either a Aldo or McGregor injury (let's be honest: Aldo injury) when they booked this fight. Edgar and Mendes are the top two contenders in the featherweight division outside of the gentleman in Saturday's main event. Beyond being a plan B, this fight will establish a clear contender to fight for the featherweight title. At this point, there are very few secrets with either of these men. Frankie Edgar's use of movement to set up his strikes has made him a champion before. Mendes will clearly be looking to land one of his big power shots. Both of these men are very capable of winning this fight, but I'm going to go with Edgar. When Mendes throws, Edgar wont be there. Edgar by decision.

Picking Edgar: All of us
Picking Mendes: (well that's surprising)

UFC Fight Night: Namajunas v. Van Zant Predictions

Whew baby this is going to be a busy week and a half.  Not counting other promotions, between December 11th and the 19th there are FOUR UFC cards and three alone this week.  But there isn't a bad card among the four and anyone who is even a remote fight fan is absolutely giddy and it all kicks off this Thursday with some of the UFC's youngest and brightest fighters.

Bellator 147 Post-Fight Analysis

via bellator instagram

Last Friday Bellator held another event in San Jose. but this time it took place at San Jose State University instead of at the SAP Center. A fitting venue for a smaller Bellator card that, while not having a lot of the better known fighters on the roster, still delivered an exciting night of MMA action. We'll break down the main card and discuss where some of these fighters might be headed and who they may face next.

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 161

The gang comes together to discuss their experience covering Bellator 147: Thomson v. Villaseca live in San Jose. They discuss the the big winners, including Thomson and Weichel and discuss young prospect A.J. McKie. The gang next discusses the UFC's super weekend of fights. They preview and give predictions for The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale (really Fight Night: Mendes v. Edgar). The gang then gets into the best (on paper) UFC card ever and preview UFC 194: Aldo (hopefully) v. McGregor. All that and another edition of "Stuff We Like."

http://podcasts.itsmmazing.com/Episode%20161%20-%20December%208,%202015.mp3

Bellator 147: Thomson vs. Villaseca Live Fight Blog

Main Card

Josh Thomson vs. Pablo Villaseca

Round 1: Pablo looking overmatched quickly here. Big body kick by Thomson, and a foot sweep takedown. Josh posturing up from the guard and landing some big rights. Pablo trying to roll into a kneebar, but loses it and Josh rolls into a triangle attempt. Thomson switches into an omoplata and uses it to scramble up. Some nice body kicks and both men clinch into the fence. Pablo takes Josh's back but can't complete the takedown. Josh circles, but takes a knee to the groin from Pablo. Josh recovers and secures a late takedown to end the round. 10-9 Thomson.

Round 2: Pablo throwing strong off the bat. Thomson tries to work the Thai clinch, but gets pushed into the fence. Josh circles out into a front headlock and now he has half guard. Josh works some short elbows and is working for an arm triangle. Pablo is blocking Josh from stepping over to complete the choke, and Josh gives it up.  He postures and is flurrying punches now from the top.  The ref steps in to stop it and the fight is done. Thomson by TKO.

Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Daniel Weichel

Round 1:  Georgi coming up looking real calm, but definitely throwing with some intent here. Weichel is getting some good shots of his own. Maybe too good though, because we have another dick kick. The crowd is definitely more liquored up at this point. Nice straight right from Weichel lands. Georgi shoots a takedown but is stuffed. Weichel using his reach advantage here, slips a nice right under Georgi's guard. No power shots, but Weichel scored a lot more. 10-9 Weichel.

Round 2: Picking up right where we left off. Georgi misses a flying knee. Georgi lunges in with hook combo and finally connects some, but Weichel returns fire and backs up Georgi. Georgi starting to activate Diaz taunt mode, and both are exchanging in the pocket. Both guys getting some pot shots in, but no big power yet. Weichel starting to put a bit more behind his punches now. He throws a nice front kick to the mouth of Georgi. Another round for more accurate striking. 10-9 Weichel.

Round 3: Both guys coming out with a bit more urgency now. Big spinning kick to the head just misses by Georgi. Weichel continues to control the distance with his jabs and push kicks. Georgi starting to look a little frustrated. Georgi just can't find the range on his punches. He finally lands a hook and an uppercut, but it doesn't seem to have phased Weichel much. The Stockton Slap has now made it's first appearance. Frustration is reaching its apex. We're even throwing BS spinning kicks now. Very technical display from Weichel. This should be a clear decision. 10-9 Weichel.

Daniel Weichel by unanimous decision.

Bellator 147: Thomson v. Villaseca Predictions

Bellator returns to San Jose for another show and the It's MMAzing crew returns to Bellator to provide you with live event coverage. Josh "The Punk" Thomson take son Pablo Villaseca in front of Thomson's home crowd with Georgi Karkhanyan and Daniel Weichel doing battle in the co-main event with the winner likely getting the next crack at Daniel Strauss's featherweight title. All that an a "Professional Predator" sighting. Check out our predictions below

Josh Thomson v. Pablo Villaseca

Josh Thomson fights for the fourth time in 2015 as he takes on Pablo Villaseca, a relative unknown. "The Punk" is fighting again in his backyard of San Jose, California where he is quite the fan favorite. Thomson, one of the best lightweights in the world for a decade, is rightfully a massive betting favorite over Villaseca. We talked about how excited we were to see Josh Thomson possibly fight "Ill" Will Brooks, but it sounds like Thomson has his sights set on former lightweight champion Michael Chandler. Either way, I expect this victory to be a relatively (it's still cage fighting) easy night at the office for "The Punk." Thomson by one-sided decision.

Picking Thomson: All of us
Picking Villaseca:

It's MMAzing Radio - Episode 160

The gang, minus Lavender Gooms, discusses the results of UFC Fight Night: Henderson v. Masvidal. They discuss Bendo's big win over Masvidal and his impending free agency. The gang also talks about the other fights on the card including Doo Ho Coi's masterful performance against Sam Sicilia. They then preview Bellator 147: Thomson v. Villaseca and discuss "The Punk's" road to a Bellator title shot against Will Brooks. They then preview UFC Fight Night: Namajunas v. Van Zant. All that and another edition of "Stuff We Like."

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