Ultimate Knock Out Discussion

[Adam Ryland]

This thread is for any discussion regarding the Ultimate Knock Out \ "win a free copy of WMMA" competition that we are currently running.

[RAMPAGE_4LIFE]

A tournament pick'em for a free copy? It's on!!!

[Derek B]

Just want to add my input and say that I'd have nightmares trying to pick a winner from this field. Having had lots of matches between many of this lot, it's gonna be tough. :) Also, as Adam says the screenshots have lost a little of their crispness from the change to jpeg format but even so, they still look pretty. Jenny, I love yoooooooo!!

Derek B

[James Casey]

That makes two of us - I'm torn between DeNeuve and Kikuchi for my pick. Hmmm...

[Thriller]

Great idea. The fight pics looks awesome. :)

Do we need to include any information in the e-mail, forum username, for example?

[Adam Ryland]

Nope, just the prediction in the subject line. We'll contact the winner via their e-mail address, no other info is needed.

[Tommy J.]

Oh the irony. And Adam said tournaments won't be in :).

Anyways a relevant question - do we get to see the draw/bracket?

[Adam Ryland]

No, I was planning to randomize the brackets the day before the tournament begins.

[jamie1989]

Cool idea.

I know who i'm picking :P. From the screens the game is looking pretty darn good. I look forward to the results.

Cheers, Jamie.

[falling_star]

The scouting reports look awesome! This game should be great, I just hope it doesn't overtake my current love of TEW2007. Between those two, and Rising Star my fiancee is going to end-up grounding me from the computer!

[Undertaker666]

Eight women enter, one woman leaves.... they're all deadly in their own right, it'll be tough to pick the overall winner!

Have fun guys. :)

[Jacko00]

From the sounds of it the release can not be too far away!!!

Does anyone want to start revealing their picks?

Mine is Sarah Vaughan.

Wonder if Adam could start putting up some bios and pictures of the fighters from now till the release?

[Undertaker666]

Mine is Sarah Vaughan.

What swayed your decision to Sarah Vaughan over the others?

[Dark Storm]

Just want to add my input and say that I'd have nightmares trying to pick a winner from this field. Having had lots of matches between many of this lot, it's gonna be tough. :) Also, as Adam says the screenshots have lost a little of their crispness from the change to jpeg format but even so, they still look pretty. Jenny, I love yoooooooo!!

Derek B

Jenny's got her appeal, but Sayoko would make me turn my car around (if I didn't smack a pole first). I realize she's one of the favs, but I'd have picked her regardless.

[Jacko00]

What swayed your decision to Sarah Vaughan over the others?

Well she has a good chin, good experience, good on the ground and decent striking. Therefore i dont think a striker will ko her and i believe she will take the fights to the ground for a sub.

[D16NJD16]

what is going on here?

[mystic]

what is going on here?

win a free copy of the game
http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26375

[rjhabeeb]

Katherine Williams FTW

[DeleTe]

I bet on the hot one... Jenny DeNeuve

[VBigB]

I have a thing for the underdogs. My money would go on April Watson. Plus I like strikers and knockouts.

My second choice would be Jenny but only because she's Canadian.

[Capelli King]

I went for Karen Curtis.

Her main competitor has a problem where does not. I do not know, i just have a feeling she is going to kick some ass!:p

[Capelli King]

what is going on here?

A bunch of chicks are going to kick each others ass!:eek:

[Jacko00]

What will happen if nobody votes for a certain fighter and she wins?

[Greek]

I thought long and hard on who I would pick. I thought about all the match-ups that could happen and pictured how those fights would end up. Eventually I got myself one name that stood out. She has a stand of wining every single oponent in the competition, she may be the underdog in a couple of fights, but in like 5 fights I saw her as a clear winner. So she's a strong pick. There were some fighters I thought had no chance against a certain opponent and I didn't want to leave anything pending on the tournament bracket.

So who I picked? You know I can't help you guys out!

[SirFozzie]

I chose Rachel McGuiness.

She doesn't have huge fight-stopping ability.. but she can hang with anybody. Standing or on the mat. She can grind out results. For a lot of other fighters in the tourney, it all depends on matchups. Kinda Rock Paper Scissors ish

[SirFozzie]

Just want to add my input and say that I'd have nightmares trying to pick a winner from this field. Having had lots of matches between many of this lot, it's gonna be tough. :) Also, as Adam says the screenshots have lost a little of their crispness from the change to jpeg format but even so, they still look pretty. Jenny, I love yoooooooo!!

Derek B

Please A) Provide your address and B) Step away from your computer and make no sudden moves. We're all coming to steal your game.

[Number0513474]

I voted for the hottest one. Logic be damned!

[D-Lyrium]

I picked the one with the coolest tattoo ¬_¬

[asdfx3]

Rachel McGuiness is going to decision her way to the top.

[Thriller]

What will happen if nobody votes for a certain fighter and she wins?

That's where the bribing comes into play. ;)

[SadisticBlessings]

Interesting to see only one person has mentioned Karen Curtis so far. I know she's one of the favorites, but seeing as some people are liking Rachel McGuinness I don't see why more people haven't thrown her name out yet. She's capable of beating every other opponent in the tournament, with the only true threats being getting caught in a clinch or hit with a quick knockout by Ebisawa or Kikuchi.

If I were participating, I'd definitely have to go with her, hands down!

Now the agonizing part - waiting till November to see the fights themselves! :p

[eayragt]

I tell you what, this is a difficult one to predict. I eliminated Ebisawa, DeNeuve, Kikuchi and Watson, as I think they might lack the patience to win all three matches. From the rest, Karen Curtis is obviously the number one pick, and it's hard to see beyond her. It'd be an upset if Sarah Curtis could manage to win it though.

[Capelli King]

Interesting to see only one person has mentioned Karen Curtis so far. I know she's one of the favorites, but seeing as some people are liking Rachel McGuinness I don't see why more people haven't thrown her name out yet. She's capable of beating every other opponent in the tournament, with the only true threats being getting caught in a clinch or hit with a quick knockout by Ebisawa or Kikuchi.

If I were participating, I'd definitely have to go with her, hands down!

Now the agonizing part - waiting till November to see the fights themselves! :p

Everyone is picking KC, but they are trying to put everyone else off by saying they picked someone else!;)

[PoisonedSuperman]

In one the ladies bios in the tournament it says that she is a throw back to the old days but isn't this at the begining of MMA? Back in 96 weren't most people one dimensional? Not complaining, I know that you think everyone puts your games down when they say something negative, I'm just asking.

[Adam Ryland]

In one the ladies bios in the tournament it says that she is a throw back to the old days but isn't this at the begining of MMA? Back in 96 weren't most people one dimensional?

There are no bios, the "Adam says" part is me giving information to help people decide the winner - and obviously I'm in 2007, not in 1996, as I've misplaced my Delorean.

[MaxxHexx]

I've misplaced my Delorean.


Hate when that happens!

I went for Curtis as she can stand and wrestle.

[jamie1989]

Sambo all the way baby!

She's my female Fedor for this tournament :p

[Tara Clover]

What will happen if nobody votes for a certain fighter and she wins?

That will not happen as every fighter already has atleast one vote!

[Capelli King]

So there is the answer to that one!:p

[MaxxHexx]

I would mark if Capelli King won.

The person most likely to be the first to buy the game gatting the one free copy...lolz

[Mr T Jobs To Me]

I picked Kikuchi, hoping for the KO's!

[Blackman]

I picked McGuiness because I like the beverage. :D

[thedraem41]

Ebisawa

I think she is really vulnerable going into a tournament like this her reckless style could cost her. Especially if she charges in against ground specialists like Vaughan or Williams.

Curtis

Her height will pose a huge challenge for her, especially if she fights Ebisawa or Kikuchi. She wouldn't have the ability to get anywhere near Kikuchi and would probably get knocked out in the first round. Against anyone else besides these two, she seems to have them outclassed.

DeNeuve

She seems to be a little less refined version of Ebisawa, with her lack of experience anyone that can manage to take her down has her beat. She is a dangerous fighter in the tournament though. Unfortunate for her I feel Curtis and Ebisawa could beat her at her own game. I even think Watson could defeat her if she keeps off the ground.

Vaughan

I believe it would take a miracle for her to win this tournament. She only really has a positive match up against Watson, but Watson could surprise her with strikes. For her to get any victories her opponents are going to have to make a ton of mistakes and fight a slow pace. A fight between her and Williams would be great though.

Williams

Will struggle badly if she faces any of the Muay Thai. She will have to depend on taking everyone down to stand a chance, I can't see her doing well. But I will go out on a limb and say she will defeat Ebisawa by decision if the two fight. If she shows some heart she could pull a major surprise.

Kikuchi

Her reach alone gives her a major advantage, she may have her issues from the ground, but I just can't see anyone able to get her on the mat. She's too long and is very dangerous with all areas of striking. Maybe someone like McGuiness can give her some problems, but probably couldn't finish her. I actually see Kikuchi matching up well against Ebisawa. If Curtis has the heart to overcome the size difference she could get Kikuchi on the mat and submit her. I just can't see that happening. Williams is someone that could be a match for her, if Williams can survive Kikuchi's barrage.

Watson

She's small and has a terrible ground game. I can't see her winning, but I have a good feeling she won't be losing in the first round of any fight either. She will put up a great fight against anyone, as she seems to have a lot of heart. I think a fight between her and DeNeuve would be a GREAT fight. Her best chance to pick up some wins is to out last her opponents and make the fights go the distance. Or hope her opponents tire out, and land one of her kicks getting a late knockout.

McGuiness

The most interesting fighter out of the bunch, she doesn't have any glaring weakness. I think she would struggle against Ebisawa unless she got her on the mat constantly. She doesn't seem outclassed by anyone in the tournament. A great fight would be her against Curtis. McGuiness has the skills to defeat anyone, so she will be interesting to watch.

My Winner

Kikuchi, she seems to have the major advantage over anyone in this tournament with her stand up and reach. I can't see anyone really getting the opportunity to take her down, so things do look good for her.

[MckHick]

I would pick Kikuchi too but lately that KO power and stand up game with the take down defense hasn't been working too well with Chuck Liddell. I went out on a limb and picked Williams just to have a better shot at winning the game if she wins, just because fewer people would have picked her.

[thedraem41]

Williams to me is a long shot. With her bad stand up defense, struggles within the clinch, and lack of competent striking, I can't see her defeating the great strikers.

I think if she faces someone like Vaughn, McGuiness, or Watson she has a decent shot.

[thedraem41]

The competition is just a few days out, this I can't wait for :D

[Thriller]

Good luck guys. :)

[RingofHonorGuard]

Honestly I've got Rachel McGuiness winning this for a couple of reasons...

I based my pick solely off of what I've seen from Greco-Roman wrestlers in real MMA. They're able to tie up almost anyone, pressing them against the fence or ropes. It's all about control. One problem I had is there's a lot of strong Muay Thai fighters it seems... which means clinching is sort of a double-edged sword. So most likely Rachel is going to eat some knees from the MT Plum if she wants to take the fight to the ground.

However, there's quite a few MT fighters in this tournament who have no real clinch game, which is a shame. Regardless, with a good chin and possibly one of the best styles in MMA, I can't see Rachel losing barring a brutal highlight reel knockout.

[thedraem41]

She is definitely the wild card in the tournament, she isn't in serious danger against anyone. She will give anyone in the field a tough fight.

[Bossman]

Today is the day. Which fight will be the first?

[thedraem41]

Good question, I'm ready to see the fight engine. Hopefully I won't be the only one marking at the fights haha

[Dustin]

Even though I didnt enter the compettion, I think Karen Curtis wins it all.

[thedraem41]

April Watson vs. Naora Kikuchi

Kikuchi takes this one in the second round by knockout. I don't think Watson will be able to do much, she'll fight hard but will get taken down.

Jenny DeNeuve vs. Sarah Vaughan

This is my upset I think Vaughan submits DeNeuve in the first round. DeNeuve will rush in, get taken down, and have no chance against Vaughan

Katherine Williams vs. Rachel McGuiness

I think this will be the most competitive fight and I pick McGuiness by Split Decision. This fight should be a war.

Sayoko Ebisawa vs Karen Curtis

I believe this will be a great fight, that will have some very exciting moments. I think Curtis wins this by submission in the latter stages of the second round.

[Undertaker666]

Now that voting's over i'll throw my predictions out there just for fun of it:

April Watson vs. Naora Kikuchi:
Naora Kikuchi wins by Knockout in the first round.

Jenny DeNeuve vs. Sarah Vaughan:
Jenny DeNeuve by Unanimous Decision.

Katherine Williams vs. Rachel McGuiness:
Katherine Williams by Submission in the third round.

Sayoko Ebisawa vs Karen Curtis:
Fight of the tournament! Sayoko Ebisawa by Knockout in the third round.

Overall: I think Jenny DeNeuve will get the win, but who knows what could happen in this crazy sport?! :D

[Greek]

April Watson vs. Naora Kikuchi
Neither of the fighters is especially good on the ground. So this match good be a good slugfest. If Watson can hang with Kikuchi and avoind the clinch and defend the takedowns through the first round I see the match going to Watson because of her Great Conditioning and better patience. Watson will eventually ware down Kikuchi and move in for the kill.

Winner by KO in the 3rd round: April Watson!

Jenny DeNeuve vs. Sarah Vaughan
DeNeuve has a dangerous stand up, but her lack of experience will cost her the match. DeNeuve will rush in and get takendown by Vaughan and will receive a beatdown.

Winner by submission in the 2nd round: Sarah Vaughan!

Katherine Williams vs. Rachel McGuiness
This one is a close call. Williams has exellent submissions, but McGuiness has really good submission defence. Both are very good at grapling and both are rather poor while standing. If the match remains standing I see Williams getting the upper hand. The only way I see this match going to McGuiness is if she can get Williams on the ground and keep her there... I see Williamshaving more ways to win, but as I said: This is a close one!

Winner by split decission: Katherine Villiams!

Sayoko Ebisawa vs Karen Curtis
This one will go to Sayoko Ebisawa because of her exellent clinch. Eventually Curtis will get caught in the clinch and get hit by those vicious knees of Ebisawa.

Winner by TKO in the 3rd round: Sayoko Ebisawa!

[Undertaker666]

Well my Kuichi prediction was right, I just got the round wrong! :p

[thedraem41]

Same here..

I knew Watson would put up a fight, but that lethal high kick caught her good. That kick alone give her the opportunity to win any fight.

I'm pretty surprised Watson won the second round, and Kikuchi was actually a lot more patient than I expected. She didn't really just try to attack without a plan, she picked her spots very well.

[Sensai of Mattitude]

A question to Adam or any of the testers, was that there exactly how the reports will read in the game (as in, did Adam C&P them from the game)?

[Adam Ryland]

It was cut and pasted directly from the screen, yes.

[Bossman]

Does the text appear one sentence at a time or do you get the whole report instantly?

[Sensai of Mattitude]

Awesome, I'm impressed. I like the scoring at the end of each round.

[Undertaker666]

Does the text appear one sentence at a time or do you get the whole report instantly?

It's instant.

[Bossman]

That's a bit disappointing. It would have been more exciting if all the text didn't appear right away. In most sport managers you don't get the match result instantly. You have to watch the match and hope that the result is good.

Perfect solution would be adding couple playback buttons: Pause(pauses the text flow), Play(starts "playing" the match with the default speed of 1 sentence in 5-10 seconds) and fast forward(super fast speed).

I think this would be really great for those big championship matches, where both fighters are equally skilled. You just don't get so pumped up from the fight if you see the winner right away.

[Adam Ryland]

That's a bit disappointing. It would have been more exciting if all the text didn't appear right away. In most sport managers you don't get the match result instantly.

That's because most sports management games use straight play-by-play. As you can see, WMMA doesn't.

[Bossman]

That's too bad. I think you should change the FAQ, because from it you get the idea that you can actually watch the fight.

Currently the plan is to incorporate the most detailed MMA match simulator ever made, and allow the player to watch the fight develop in a detailed play-by-play manner.

[Adam Ryland]

You can watch it unfold, in a round by round manner.

[xvnukervx]

have to be honest, I was hoping it would be a play-by-play system like the NHB simulator or Ultimate MMA simulator as well. I guess we will find get a final verdict in when we get to try the demo in december, but I was really hoping for some highly detailed play-by-play.

I still think Rachel is going to take it though :D

*EDIT*

Also I have to admit that I never played TEW etc, so this might turn out to be a superior system for this type of game. Either way..I'll be the first to buy it when its released LOL.

[thedraem41]

TEW and WMMA are two completely different games when it comes to how results will be put out. I was thinking line by line match results would be exciting and having the option to have instant results too.

In a game where a lot in determined by the fights, I don't think it'd hurt to add that in. But, I definitely do like how the results do come out looking. Definitely quality stuff.

[Jacko00]

I would like to see bold letters when someone gets hurt or knocked down like in NHB, but it dont really matter.

[GardnerFTW]

Just figured it was worth mentioning, in Adam's defense, when he posted a poll, the style of results he went with won by a fairly large majority.

http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22252

[Bossman]

I guess those voters haven't played many sport manager games. In games like TEW you don't really need a play-by-play because you know the result before the match ends.

[Mr T Jobs To Me]

Great draw for Kikuchi! Feels good to be in the 2nd round.

[Tag01]

I guess those voters haven't played many sport manager games. In games like TEW you don't really need a play-by-play because you know the result before the match ends.

Every sports management game i've played, especially any of the sad MMA simulators out there, pails in comparison to this. I love the depth and realism.. But if you're really hurting that badly for the typical:

Attacker A punches, but it's blocked by B!
.
.
.
B taunts A!
.
.
.
B applies a gogoplata, A taps!

Then maybe you should stick to the old simulators. Nobody is forcing you to buy this. And suggesting that those of us who voted for the magazine style of results only did so because of a supposed limited experience in sports manager games is ignorant. I, for one, love it the way it turned out.

[Sensai of Mattitude]

I guess those voters haven't played many sport manager games. In games like TEW you don't really need a play-by-play because you know the result before the match ends.

To be honest, even though I voted for PBP back then, I'm glad that it wasn't selected after playing The Wrestling Game rather repetitively. I thought that it would add excitement, which it would the first few times, but it gets boring reading the same lines over and over again. The only way it could work if literally hundreds and hundreds of unique lines were included.

[SadisticBlessings]

To be honest, even though I voted for PBP back then, I'm glad that it wasn't selected after playing The Wrestling Game rather repetitively. I thought that it would add excitement, which it would the first few times, but it gets boring reading the same lines over and over again. The only way it could work if literally hundreds and hundreds of unique lines were included.

My thoughts exactly, SoM.

I mean, honestly, asking for a play-by-play feature after reading the Kikuchi - Watson fight makes no sense to me. Maybe other people don't see it this way, but the match write-up I was reading felt more like a professionally written recap than a randomly generated match. It was a great narrative; it has momentum. It just flows right.

Trading that for a Promotion Wars-esque play by play feature would be insane, especially when Adam says you can view the fights round-by-round. This means you can read through the match without knowing who's going to win the whole time, maintain your sense of excitement about the match... and get to read a single, cohesive ongoing story rather than one bland, uninspired sentence at a time.

I voted for the magazine-style write up, and this is exactly what I was hoping for. Awesome job Adam, can't wait for the rest of the fights to see just how much variation we can expect in the recaps. :D

[Thomnipotent]

I'm very impressed with the format. Just hoping my pick can move to the next round. :)

[xvnukervx]

all these people saying the magazine style is superior is definately givng me hope about the fighting system in this game. :D one thing I dont really understand though, is if its magazine style...with basically a short paragraph describing each round..when do all these stats come into play with the fighters? I mean seriously, each fighter has a TON of stats, but each round is roughly4-5 sentences..are all the stats really being used in this type of a system?

Again I have NOT played TEW or any game that uses this type of system, so excuse my ignorance. It just seems like the magazine writeup style limits possibilities in gameplay.

But maybe I'm wrong.

And also, may an optional add-on later for people who want a P-B-P option? :D

[djthefunkchris]

all these people saying the magazine style is superior is definately givng me hope about the fighting system in this game. :D one thing I dont really understand though, is if its magazine style...with basically a short paragraph describing each round..when do all these stats come into play with the fighters? I mean seriously, each fighter has a TON of stats, but each round is roughly4-5 sentences..are all the stats really being used in this type of a system?

Again I have NOT played TEW or any game that uses this type of system, so excuse my ignorance. It just seems like the magazine writeup style limits possibilities in gameplay.

But maybe I'm wrong.

And also, may an optional add-on later for people who want a P-B-P option? :D

On TEW we have a ton of stats as well... Although with WMMA you have specialty specific stats as well.

With TEW all the stats come into play, but it's all of course Pre-Determined outcomes (even if you don't choose, the AI will pick whichever one it thinks should win based on all stats, and especially popularity). You will however, have them Change their style of wrestling if other stats become more prominant. The length of Match's, the style of match you use them in, their strengths vs the opponants strenths/weakness's all come into play very nicely, and you get what you genuinely would think you would get out of them (by their stats).

I think WMMA will be using all the stats. Age, all their general stats will probably be the biggest, but the specialty (Ground, Clinch, etc) will probably be more predominant during the rounds (announcer/commentary/magazine, or whatever). We will probably see one's speed be effective against opponants that are slower, or if a lucky strike gets someone on the ground, and one is a good Ground and Pound guy, he will probably get the edge, etc.

Bassically, with TEW, you don't really watch it like you do this one. You make the match, then read a small summery of how it went "over" with the crowd. With WMMA, I'm betting that all the little things you put in their will be noticeable, and moreso when your matching up people with totally different styles.

More then anything, I think you should play the demo, and see what you think (looking at their stats before the fights, etc.) and see if it's up to your expectations. It took me all of about..... two match's to see how the stats effected the worker's in TEW, for example. I don't see WMMA being any different.

Of course, the biggest obstacle in TEW is, if the worker's actually work well together. In WMMA, we don't care if they work well together, just if they have a great match that makes people want to come back and watch them again.

As a TEW player, I couldn't believe the stats wouldn't have 100% to do with just about everything in the game.

Now, that being said, I have took people with no skills "0", and built them up in TEW to be pretty popular. I don't see that being reasonable in WMMA, as they will need lots of practice, lol... At least to get a crowd to care/watch, etc.

[deadboy]

I was also kinda hoping for a play by play style, but after reading the match results, I gotta say, they really do paint a nice picture. But, I feel that when a complete paragraph shows up to describe all the action of the round, it really takes away from the flow of a fight.

I do also agree with the people who think normal play by play comments get repetitive incredibly fast.

I think by using the writeup style that Adam is already using for WMMA, but breaking it down so one sentence appears at a time. This would provide the play by play people with what they want, as well as giving the people who want a detailed magazine style write up what they want.

For example:


Round 1

.............

The fighters touch gloves, then circle.

.............

Kikuchi throws a low kick, but it was without any conviction, it seemed designed more to keep Watson from coming inside.

..............

Kikuchi works an angle, then comes in with a one-two combination, Watson responds with a crisp uppercut that wasn't far off from connecting. Kikuchi backs off slightly, maybe a bit relieved not to have taken that one on the chin.

.............

Neither fighter appears to be looking for any sort of takedown or grapple, this is all about the striking.

.............

Watson circles and throws a series of high jabs, but Kikuchi blocked them with ease, using the gloves. Kikuchi fakes a high kick, then storms in with a wild looking right hand and a series of body shots.

.............

Watson covers up and rides out the storm, clinching to stop any further blows. It was a nice attack from Kikuchi though, best action of the round.

.............

They stay clinched for a while, exchanging occasional punches to the ribs, then are separated by the referee.

.............

It looks like we're going to the judges though, as there's only a few seconds remaining.

.............

Kikuchi throws a leg kick that connects, albeit without too much force, and the round is done.

.............

The 1st round ends.

.............

Blurcat.com scores 10-9 Kikuchi.


Since this idea uses the same text already in the game, maybe it wouldn't be that hard to implement it in a patch down the road.

[Bossman]

Yes that would be a good system.

[teakle]

I'm liking Deadcat's idea as well.

[Bossman]

DeNeuve really dominated that fight.

[Blackman]

Yes it would. I wouldn't need it personally, since when you read it, you obviously read one sentence at a time so... I don't really see the relevance of the function.

Anyhow, so far so good for the tourney. No upsets yet, and as far as I read, no submission attemps yet.

Hopefully we'll see them in the next fight (or not, since i took mcguiness) :D

[Bossman]

Yes it would. I wouldn't need it personally, since when you read it, you obviously read one sentence at a time so... I don't really see the relevance of the function.



Well, it's easier to read that way and you don't see the winner immediately.

And of course you get the feeling that the fight is happening right now and hasn't finished yet.

[Jacko00]

Bollocks!! Its over for me. Oh well i would rather buy the game anyway.

[Pampero Firpo]

I love the writeups -- the way they flow and present the action in a realistic manner is beyond my expectations. Very impressive. I also like that Adam can continue adding scripts to help prevent redundancy. All that said, it would be nice to have the text displayed in a manner similar to how deadboy described. I don't know if it's technically feasible, but it seems to me (a non-programmer) that you could code stop points into the text that require the player to click to continue. To me this would greatly increase the drama. Now when I read the output I carefully avoid looking at the end of the round so the outcome is always in doubt. Overall though I am very pleased with the fight write-ups -- a gradual display method would be an added bonus.

[Dartell]

Looks like the BUZZSAW is cutting through the competition!

[thedraem41]

That was a snooze fest of a fight, Vaughn and DeNeuve didn't do much to impress me. I'm not sure what Vaughn was thinking, she didn't even try a takedown which was her only real chance at winning.

Going into the DeNeuve v Kikuchi fight you have to think Kikuchi is the favorite as you expect it to be a stand up fight and DeNeuve couldn't put Vaughn out, and Vaughn has a terrible stand up.

[deadboy]

Going into the DeNeuve v Kikuchi fight you have to think Kikuchi is the favorite as you expect it to be a stand up fight and DeNeuve couldn't put Vaughn out, and Vaughn has a terrible stand up.

That's my hope, as I'd love to see my pick make it to the finals.:D

[thedraem41]

As do I, Kikuchi is also my pick.

And I'm doing a special semi final post when we find out the other two participants. Should be funny.

GO KIKUCHI!!

[SadisticBlessings]

I'm hoping for a Curtis - Kikuchi final, if only because I think that'd be one of the more interesting matchups of the tournament. Kikuchi has a huge amount of reach on Curtis, but Curtis is a great, more patient striker herself and one of the few people who might be able to take Kikuchi to the ground and neutralize those big kicks.

DeNeuve impressed today though - she made a couple mistakes, but didn't let Vaughan capitalize on any of them. If she can maintain that aggression and keep Kikuchi on her back foot, we may have an upset on our hands.

If I had to make a quick prediction on what the rest of the tournament would look like, it'd be:

McGuiness over Williams (decision)
Curtis over Ebisawa (submission)

Kikuchi over DeNeuve (TKO)
Curtis over McGuiness (decision)

Kikuchi over Curtis - by decision, since if Kikuchi keeps her cool Curtis will likely never land a punch.

[Mr T Jobs To Me]

As do I, Kikuchi is also my pick.

And I'm doing a special semi final post when we find out the other two participants. Should be funny.

GO KIKUCHI!!

Damn, I didn't expect so many other people to be on my dark horse! :mad:

[thedraem41]

She's not much of a dark horse if you really study the fighters, her reach, kicks, and striking ability make her a challenge for anyone to defeat.

She matches up well against everyone, and at this point I can't see her being the underdog against anyone.

Unless Ebisawa completely wrecks Curtis in the first round. Which I don't see happening.

[Mr T Jobs To Me]

She's not much of a dark horse if you really study the fighters, her reach, kicks, and striking ability make her a challenge for anyone to defeat.

She matches up well against everyone, and at this point I can't see her being the underdog against anyone.

Unless Ebisawa completely wrecks Curtis in the first round. Which I don't see happening.

Well, that's what I thought. But with her getting the 6th best odds in an 8-person tournament, I hoped other people wouldn't feel the same way!

[Imarevenant]

Damn, I didn't expect so many other people to be on my dark horse! :mad:

Haha, she's my pick too :p

[Capelli King]

My girl Curtis is in the 1st round against the joint favourite!

Damn!

[trypio]

Haha, she's my pick too :p

And mine! :D

[Apupunchau@optonline]

Kikuchi was my pick as well.

[thedraem41]

My girl Curtis is in the 1st round against the joint favourite!

Damn!

Don't look at the gambling odds...Curtis matches up EXTREMELY well against Ebisawa. It should be a great fight, but I honestly think Ebisawa is the true underdog going into the fight.

[Thomnipotent]

I'm afraid my pick, Williams, isn't going to do too well... it'll probably go to decision like SadisticBlessings was saying, but hopefully Williams will take it. We'll have to see tomorrow, eh?

[Dragonmack]

Kikuchi was my pick as well.

Looks like i jumped on the Kikuchi bandwagon as well. And here I though it was going to be a longshot pick :D

[deadboy]

Wow...seems Naora is the favorite amongst the forum. Well, hopefully she takes the tournament and we all battle it out in the random drawing. :D

WAR KIKUCHI!

[xvnukervx]

I think tommorrow we are going to see a prime example of well rounded athletism by Rachel McGuiness, who is my pick. There are ALOT of standup strikers in this tournament, matter of fact...NONE of these fights have even come close to hitting the mat.

Rachel McGuiness is a solid well rounded and STRONG grappler, and her FIRST fight is actually her toughest tommorrow. Katherine Williams is ANOTHER ground fighter with formidable submission skills and ALOT of cardio. But I think we are going to see Rachel bully Katherine around, and control the tempo of the fight on the ground.

Katherines best bet in this fight is a submission, but strength is going to be a big factor, and Rachel is VERY tough to submit. I think tommorrow is going to be a ground clinic with Katherine spending much of the fight on her back looking for a submission that isn't there, and Rachel taking a rather lopsided decision.

I think the fight after this is really going to determine how well Rachel is going to do. Sayoko is the obvious favorite to win due to her difficulty to be taken down, and her frightening standup. Karen is a great ground fighter, and while many people are saying that Karen is the dark horse to beat her, I disagree. She does not have the TAKEDOWN ability to get past Sayoko's sprawl and get this fight on the mat. I think Sayoko wins this fight by BRUTAL ko and this is actually PERFECT for Rachel.

Rachel has the takedowns to put Sayoko on her back, and while I doubt she will be able to finish, I think she can outscore Sayoko and win that fight. Rachel is DEFINATELY the underdog to look at in this thing, as she has a VERY good chance of beating any of the other girls. STRONG takedowns, hard to submit, tough to put on her back, definate points fighter that has a great chance.

But again, Rachel's toughest fight is her first one, if she can get past Katherines submissions tommorrow, I don't think anyone else in the tournament has the skillset to stop her.

[Dynamite Kid]

well after my picks first fight and a victory i will say i was a little underwhelmed like an everest clinton washington match at the theatre of dreams.

i dont know...i mean, you got to be in it to win it but it looks like my lady is a one trick pony and some of the better fighters i believe are going to take her out, it is indeed a crying shame like TCW falling to regional size and using Mark Smart and Lazy Joe as their top earners. :(

But hey, I cant be too nervous, certain folks are already out of this bad boy :cool:

[Thomnipotent]

It's on, xvnukervx. We'll just have to see who voted for the better woman.

[Adam Ryland]

Rachel McGuiness is a solid well rounded and STRONG grappler, and her FIRST fight is actually her toughest tommorrow. Katherine Williams is ANOTHER ground fighter with formidable submission skills and ALOT of cardio. But I think we are going to see Rachel bully Katherine around, and control the tempo of the fight on the ground.

Katherines best bet in this fight is a submission, but strength is going to be a big factor, and Rachel is VERY tough to submit. I think tommorrow is going to be a ground clinic with Katherine spending much of the fight on her back looking for a submission that isn't there, and Rachel taking a rather lopsided decision.

I think this speaks very highly of the match engine - somebody read the stats, made an educated guess as to how it would play out in real life, and the game got it ridiculously spot on. :)

[Thomnipotent]

Damn it. I was really, really hoping that... well. If Williams had been up against anybody else in the draw... but it's okay. Looks like you'll be getting my money, Adam.

[SirFozzie]

THAT... was domination. Wow.

Best possible matchup for Lady Mac, but damn.. her odds or winning gotta go way up after that :)

[Undertaker666]

So Katherine Williams lost to Rachel McGuiness eh.... i've still got two out of three predictions correct so far though. :p

[Capelli King]

I think who will win tomorrows match will go all the way to win it!

Well hope so as my baby Caren is in it!:rolleyes:

[Undertaker666]

My money's still on DeNeuve to go all the way.

[xvnukervx]

Well todays matchup went pretty much exactly the way I thought it would. This tournament is setup very good for Rachel.

Tommorrows fight is much closer, and a little harder to call. Mostly because its unknown how GOOD Ebisawas takedown defense is. IF this fight hits the ground at any point, it will spell BIG trouble for Ebisawa...as curtis is very good on the ground, and personally...I would HATE to see a curtis win because she stylistically matches up better with Rachel.

But I'm going to go out on a limb here. I think that Ebisawa's takedown defense is going to be too much for Curtis, I don't see this fight going to the ground at any point. I thnk that Ebisawa is going to FORCE the clinch and punish curtis with brutal knees and elbows.

Curtis is weak in the clinch, where Ebisawa stops people from that position. Truth be told, this fight will end up in the clinch before it hits the ground. I dont think Curtis has the takedowns to impose her ground game on Ebisawa, and Ebisawa is going to keep this thing standing where she has a monsterous advantage. But, the LONGER the fight goes, the more the advantage shifts to Curtis.

My prediction: Ebisawa via TKO / KO stoppage in the 1st.

[xvnukervx]

but Curtis does have the prize :) If she somehow manages to take out Ebisawa (who is a HEAVY favorite to win this whole thing) she GREATLY increases her chance to win, and her toughest fight will be her next. Against my girl Rachel.

[Blackman]

All right Rach'. :D

[thedraem41]

So far I've only been wrong once, after tomorrow I do my semi final post and Williams got destroyed. McGuiness will be more than an handful for either Ebisawa or Curtis.

I feel McGuiness will be able to defeat either Ebisawa or Curtis unless they knock her clean out. It will go the distance and will have the opportunity to be a great fight.

I'm excited for a possible McGuiness against Kikuchi match...DeNeuve against Kikuchi shouldn't be a great match since DeNeuve couldn't even stop Vaughn, who had an awful approach.

So, I'm thinking DeNeuve is one high kick away from a Buzzsaw nap...

Now tomorrow's fight..

If Curtis can somehow get Ebisawa on the mat..game over, plain and simple.

If the fight stays standing up it's pretty even unless Ebisawa keeps dragging Curtis into a clinch. If they start grappling or wrestling, Curtis will own the match.

I think Curtis has more weapons, but on the other hand Ebisawa has the reach advantage. So it all depends on their strategy.

Curtis will probably when this match by submission in the late second round. If that doesn't happen it will probably go the distance and Curtis will win by points.

[thedraem41]

Ebisawa via TKO / KO stoppage in the 1st.

If that happens I will be shocked...

Curtis is very well schooled and has a ton of weapons. Ebisawa will probably rush in and probably expose herself too much.

If she wrecks Curtis like that..she'll brutalize McGuiness, unless she just tries takedown after takedown, until she takes her down. Other than that she would have no chance.

Then if she faces DeNeuve or Kikuchi she'll be the favorite..ESPECIALLY if it's DeNeuve...

But a first round stop for Ebisawa against Curtis is a long shot.

[xvnukervx]

I feel McGuiness will be able to defeat either Ebisawa or Curtis unless they knock her clean out. It will go the distance and will have the opportunity to be a great fight.


Ill agree with this. However I doubt that either fighter will knock McGuoiness out. Ebisawa would need to do it from the clinch, and with Mcguiness's roman greco background...she will easily take Ebisawa off her feet.




If the fight stays standing up it's pretty even unless Ebisawa keeps dragging Curtis into a clinch. If they start grappling or wrestling, Curtis will own the match.


Ebisawa will dominate the standup position. And Ebisawa WILL drag Curtis into the clinch, I highly doubt Ebisawa has any interest in grappling with Curtis.


I think Curtis has more weapons, but on the other hand Ebisawa has the reach advantage. So it all depends on their strategy.


She has more weapons on the ground. And I doubt we will see any of that tommorrow. If this fight stays standing, expect Ebisawa to win via BRUTAL highlight reel KO.


Curtis will probably when this match by submission in the late second round. If that doesn't happen it will probably go the distance and Curtis will win by points.

I doubt this fight is making out of the first. I see Curtis eating ALOT of knees and absorbing a clinch-clinic throughout the entire first round. If she SURVIVES the first, the cutman is going to have his work cut out for him. No pun intended

[xvnukervx]

If she wrecks Curtis like that..she'll brutalize McGuiness, unless she just tries takedown after takedown, until she takes her down. Other than that she would have no chance.

Difference between Curtis and McGuiness is takedown ability. Understand, Ebisawa has fantastic takedown defense, she is VERY hard to put on her back. Mcguiness's takedowns are top notch. Curtis is basically a a slightly stronger version of the fighter McGuiness just beat, with better wrestling switches and reversals, just not WORLDCLASS takedown ability.

Mcguiness matches up VERY well with Ebisawa. Curtis is a long shot to beat Ebisawa, she will be forced to stand with Ebisawa...and Ebisawa is VERY strong in standup positions where Curtis is weak.

[thedraem41]

We shall see what happens, I think if Curtis imposes her will on Ebisawa, she can get the victory.

It will take a lot granted...

[Thriller]

Well, I'm out. :o

[Blackman]

My prediction: Ebisawa via TKO / KO stoppage in the 1st.

All right Adam. Enough with the fake account already. :D ;)

[xvnukervx]

Its not psychic ability guys :p Its understanding these stats and understanding these matchups LOL

Arguing with me is futile LOL.....THE FREE COPY OF WMMA IS MINE!!! :cool:

[Blackman]

Yes, but there's still a decent amount of chance involved (I hope, with the upsets feature). So, should you get the next one, it'd be super. :p

[xvnukervx]

Well I know the second semi final fight between Mcguiness and Ebisawa is going to be a VERY hard fight to call. I picked Mcguiness to win this whole thing because I feel shes the ONLY one who has the ability counter Ebisawa's strength.

Yes, fighting Ebisawa is the ONLY reason I picked Rachel Mcguiness, and Rachel has a trial by fire in her semi final fight. Again, I think as far as upsets go, Mcguiness is the one to upset Ebisawa, and the second semi final fight is going to determine the winner of this thing.

Neither DeNeuvue or Kikuchi are on Episawa's level when it comes to striking, or on Mcguiness's level on the ground. So, if my girl Rachel is able to control and defeat Ebisawa like I think she can, Im 90% sure she has this thing in the bag.

I'll do an 'official' prediction on Episawa vs Mcguiness before the fight :p Im much more curious who is going to win in the Deneuvue and Kikuchi fight at this point.

Mark my words: Mcguiness vs Episawa will determine the winner of this whole thing. Either one of these two will walk through either DeNeuvue or Kikuchi fairly easily.

[Tommy J.]

So with Karen Curtis out does that cut in half the number of people in contention for the prize? :)

[Capelli King]

Well i think we all got a taste of Ebisawa!

I guess she will probably go all the way. Can't see anyone stopping that kind of menacing force.

If Caren could not get any control on her, i doubt any one can.

[xvnukervx]

Well i think we all got a taste of Ebisawa!

I guess she will probably go all the way. Can't see anyone stopping that kind of menacing force.

If Caren could not get any control on her, i doubt any one can.

Well the first thing I noticed about Caren is lack of any pronounced takedown ability. No one is going to beat Episawa standing...period. (not including fluke shots etc)

Mcguiness IS Episawa's toughest competition in this tournament. While Mcguiness's ground game isnt as TECHNICALLY solid as Curtis, Mcguiness has SOLID takedown ability to offset Episawa's great takedown defense.

Again, this fight is in NO means a gimmie...it can go either way. Unfortunately, Mcguiness is disadvantaged in the clinch as Curtis was...the difference is Mcguiness has worldclass Roman Greco upper body takedowns. Meaning, any time Episawa tries to engage Mcguiness in her sweet spot (The clinch) she runs the risk of being flung to the ground.

Mcguiness likely wont be able to STOP Episawa on the ground, But I think Mcguiness is going to be able to stack takedowns, control Episawa on the ground and score points. Im sure Mcguiness will take some punishment during the fight, I just hope she doesen't get injured before the final.

This fight is going to be the show stealer. Expect a competitive fight with some good back and forth action.

But I think its going to end one of two ways: Mcguiness by Split decision, or Mcguiness by Ground and Pound stoppage in the 3rd round.

[Dartell]

I need Episawa to lose against Mcguiness. The Japanese buzzsaw can't stand up to Episawa.

[xvnukervx]

I need Episawa to lose against Mcguiness. The Japanese buzzsaw can't stand up to Episawa.

Not to rain on your parade but McGuiness would easily pound Kikuchi out :D Probably in the first round. Kikuchi has a much better chance of a flash KO against Episawa.

Im actually hoping Kikuchi makes it to the finals, BEST matchup in the entire tournament for Mcguiness

[jamie1989]

So much for my female Fedor :D

Looks like I'll have to fork out the dosh for this one :( :p

[Nightshadeex]

Oooh, Curtis out in round one. Looks like I'm out.

[Dartell]

Well the first thing I noticed about Caren is lack of any pronounced takedown ability. No one is going to beat Episawa standing...period. (not including fluke shots etc)

Mcguiness IS Episawa's toughest competition in this tournament. While Mcguiness's ground game isnt as TECHNICALLY solid as Curtis, Mcguiness has SOLID takedown ability to offset Episawa's great takedown defense.

Again, this fight is in NO means a gimmie...it can go either way. Unfortunately, Mcguiness is disadvantaged in the clinch as Curtis was...the difference is Mcguiness has worldclass Roman Greco upper body takedowns. Meaning, any time Episawa tries to engage Mcguiness in her sweet spot (The clinch) she runs the risk of being flung to the ground.

Mcguiness likely wont be able to STOP Episawa on the ground, But I think Mcguiness is going to be able to stack takedowns, control Episawa on the ground and score points. Im sure Mcguiness will take some punishment during the fight, I just hope she doesen't get injured before the final.

This fight is going to be the show stealer. Expect a competitive fight with some good back and forth action.

But I think its going to end one of two ways: Mcguiness by Split decision, or Mcguiness by Ground and Pound stoppage in the 3rd round.

I've seen some of your posts, and it seems like you know your stuff. I however no nothing about MMA, but wouldn't Episawa's muay thai style match demolish Mcguiness if they get in a clinch?

[thedraem41]

Well the first thing I noticed about Caren is lack of any pronounced takedown ability. No one is going to beat Episawa standing...period. (not including fluke shots etc)

Mcguiness IS Episawa's toughest competition in this tournament. While Mcguiness's ground game isnt as TECHNICALLY solid as Curtis, Mcguiness has SOLID takedown ability to offset Episawa's great takedown defense.

Again, this fight is in NO means a gimmie...it can go either way. Unfortunately, Mcguiness is disadvantaged in the clinch as Curtis was...the difference is Mcguiness has worldclass Roman Greco upper body takedowns. Meaning, any time Episawa tries to engage Mcguiness in her sweet spot (The clinch) she runs the risk of being flung to the ground.

Mcguiness likely wont be able to STOP Episawa on the ground, But I think Mcguiness is going to be able to stack takedowns, control Episawa on the ground and score points. Im sure Mcguiness will take some punishment during the fight, I just hope she doesen't get injured before the final.

This fight is going to be the show stealer. Expect a competitive fight with some good back and forth action.

But I think its going to end one of two ways: Mcguiness by Split decision, or Mcguiness by Ground and Pound stoppage in the 3rd round.

Disagree, McGuiness and Ebisawa aren't the end all be all. I think both have serious wholes in their game. Ebisawa at this point is the favorite to win.

I'll be doing my semis post on Monday now that I have an extra day.(They start Tuesday)

But, by no means will McGuiness attempt to stop Ebisawa. She'll just want to get the takedowns...

Ebisawa is a bit of a hot head, and that will frustrate her. I'm still not afraid of Ebisawa when it comes to Kikuchi, who Ebisawa wouldn't be able to throw around like a doll.

Back to McGuiness and Ebisawa, it will definitely be a interesting fight. McGuiness can definitely be caught and dominated standing up. McGuiness is still the wild card in this tournament, but she has the toughest road as I can't see her actually stopping Ebisawa.

Ebisawa can definitely physically sling around McGuiness, this one will be a great fight.

So far the only flashy knockout was by Kikuchi and she can catch ANYONE..especially on a counter attack like she did to Watson.

[xvnukervx]

Disagree, McGuiness and Ebisawa aren't the end all be all. I think both have serious wholes in their game. Ebisawa at this point is the favorite to win.

I'll be doing my semis post on Monday now that I have an extra day.(They start Tuesday)

But, by no means will McGuiness attempt to stop Ebisawa. She'll just want to get the takedowns...

Ebisawa is a bit of a hot head, and that will frustrate her. I'm still not afraid of Ebisawa when it comes to Kikuchi, who Ebisawa wouldn't be able to throw around like a doll.

Back to McGuiness and Ebisawa, it will definitely be a interesting fight. McGuiness can definitely be caught and dominated standing up. McGuiness is still the wild card in this tournament, but she has the toughest road as I can't see her actually stopping Ebisawa.

Ebisawa can definitely physically sling around McGuiness, this one will be a great fight.

So far the only flashy knockout was by Kikuchi and she can catch ANYONE..especially on a counter attack like she did to Watson.

Lot of crow is going be eaten when Mcguiness manhandles Ebisawa :p

[xvnukervx]

I've seen some of your posts, and it seems like you know your stuff. I however no nothing about MMA, but wouldn't Episawa's muay thai style match demolish Mcguiness if they get in a clinch?

Its possible, I have to admit that. HOWEVER Mcguiness has very strong wrestling with above average takedowns...FROM the clinch. Episawa has a great spawl (takedown defense) but its going to take Episawa more then a few knees to put away Mcguiness, she naturally will have much more stamina then Curtis.

I think The first round will be close, possibly even a round Episawa will win. But after that its going to be another athletic display by Mcguiness, and she will likely win by points. But I won't count out a possible 3rd round Mcguiness TKO stoppage.

[thedraem41]

Its possible, I have to admit that. HOWEVER Mcguiness is a very strong wrestling with above average takedowns...FROM the clinch. Episawa has a great spawl (takedown defense) but its going to take Episawa more then a few knees to put away Mcguiness, she naturally will have much more stamina then Curtis.

I think The first round will be close, possibly even a round Episawa will win. But after that its going to be another athletic disply by Mcguiness, and she will likely win by points. But I won't count out a possible 3rd round Mcguiness TKO stoppage.

Exactly my point, Ebisawa can physically dominate McGuiness..and I never said who I was picking for the fight ;)

Fights like this are decided by the fighters, there's more variables in this fight than any other. So we'll definitely see what happens.

[xvnukervx]

Exactly my point, Ebisawa can physically dominate McGuiness..and I never said who I was picking for the fight ;)

Fights like this are decided by the fighters, there's more variables in this fight than any other. So we'll definitely see what happens.

She wont physically dominate Mcguiness. Mcguiness is much stronger, has better wrestling, and more tools to win the fight then Ebisawa. Curtis COULD have beat Ebisawa and I would have picked her to win if her takedowns were better.

Mcguiness has the takedowns to bring Ebisawa down. And once it hits the ground, its an asswhoopery on the buttox of Ebisawa. Mcguiness will control her, and dominate position and score all the points.

Standing, its HIGHLY doubtful that ebisawa will land anything meaningful from the outside, the clinch is her only real threatening weapon. But again, every time Ebisawa clinches...she risks getting greco-roman tossed on her ass, where she will be handily ground and pounded for the rest of the round.

Ebisawa always has a punchers chance, as she is a proficient striker. But her inability to put Mcguiness away, and her inability to stay on her feet will = a loss for her.

And in beating Ebisawa, Mcguiness would have taken out the most dangerous striker in the tournament, and regardless who wins the other semi-finale...Mcguiness will match well.

And I get a free copy of WMMA :p

[thedraem41]

You don't automatically get the copy either way...You're not even looking at the variables...What if Ebisawa can keep the fight staying up?

McGuiness will ALWAYS have a fighting chance against anyone because of her style. Now saying Ebisawa will simply get thrown around, I believe is wrong.

McGuiness has a huge advantage on the ground, and Ebisawa has to be wary of takedowns. If I were McGuiness I'd hardly throw a punch so I wouldn't risk a counter attack.

This should be a five star fight and be a challenge for whoever wins... Also, Ebisawa is extremely aggressive will McGuiness be able to withstand a flurry? What if McGuiness takes a clean shot, will she be able to eat it? What if it goes to a clinch and McGuiness takes a few knees?

Those are just a few questions you have to ask for McGuiness, Ebisawa has a lot of questions to answer as well.

But, I definitely think Ebisawa has the power advantage. She also could be too strong for McGuiness..we don't even know about that...Ebisawa did dominate Curtis.

[xvnukervx]

You don't automatically get the copy either way...You're not even looking at the variables...What if Ebisawa can keep the fight staying up?

McGuiness will ALWAYS have a fighting chance against anyone because of her style. Now saying Ebisawa will simply get thrown around, I believe is wrong.

McGuiness has a huge advantage on the ground, and Ebisawa has to be wary of takedowns. If I were McGuiness I'd hardly throw a punch so I wouldn't risk a counter attack.

This should be a five star fight and be a challenge for whoever wins... Also, Ebisawa is extremely aggressive will McGuiness be able to withstand a flurry? What if McGuiness takes a clean shot, will she be able to eat it? What if it goes to a clinch and McGuiness takes a few knees?

Those are just a few questions you have to ask for McGuiness, Ebisawa has a lot of questions to answer as well.

But, I definitely think Ebisawa has the power advantage. She also could be too strong for McGuiness..we don't even know about that...Ebisawa did dominate Curtis.

Beating Curis does not make Ebisawa a PHYSICALLY STRONG fighter. It just means she was able to get Curtis in the clinch where Curtis was WEAK, and end the fight. Again, Curtis has practically NO takedown ability. You want to talk about strength? Read over the way Mcguiness ragdolled her last opponent and practically nail gunned her to the mat.

Being a Thai fighter, I doubt we are going to see very many wreckless flurrys from Ebisawa, and I fully expect Ebisawa to get the clinch and start trying to knee McGuiness. But I also fully expect Mcguiness to take Ebisawa down from the clinch position everytime and beat on her ;)

[thedraem41]

I wasn't talking about her fighting style necessarily..I meant physically..Williams had no real shot if she wasn't going to try and get a submission.

Ebisawa's scouting report reads her as being really aggressive and that she rushes in. So, I wouldn't be shocked if Ebisawa did try to press the issue and test McGuiness.

If we're not doing anything we're definitely hyping up this fight..

Place your bets! lol

[xvnukervx]

I wasn't talking about her fighting style necessarily..I meant physically..Williams had no real shot if she wasn't going to try and get a submission.

Ebisawa's scouting report reads her as being really aggressive and that she rushes in. So, I wouldn't be shocked if Ebisawa did try to press the issue and test McGuiness.

If we're not doing anything we're definitely hyping up this fight..

Place your bets! lol


LOL true that :) This all part of the fun.

I really do hope Ebisawa rushes in, because it just opens up more opportunities for Mcguiness to take her down. I'm 100% sure that Mcguiness is PHYSICALLY stronger then Ebisawa, and I'm sure that she is technically the "Counter-Ebisawa."

This is definately the most 'risky' fight for Mcguiness, but honestly...Rachel has all the tools to win it. I think shes going to come out, execute and this fight will be pretty lopsided. Probably not as lopsided as her first fight...but Mcguiness will win handily.

Mcguiness is not a NOOB at the standing position eather. She has good hands, and will fight a very defensive standup game looking for a takedown. The chances of Ebisawa landing anything damaging from the OUTSIDE is very small.

Of course, this is coming from the guy who called the prelim matches at 100% down to ROUND and method of stoppages...and I think ebisawa is in for a beating :)

[thedraem41]

I doubt Ebisawa will get it handed to her..there's a lot of varibles in the fights. I wasn't bad on my choices either. If Vaughn would have fought a smart fight she would have won..lol.

I don't think it will be a complete domination, I'm hoping for a good fight for the fans sake..lol. McGuniess does have a lot of things that can defeat Ebisawa. But, who knows?

I hope some surprises/upsets happen in the tournament. So far things have been pretty predictable. I took my upset picks with Vaughn and Curtis..but they both got it handed to them.

If Ebisawa can avoid the takedowns, she'll be alright...If not..she has NOOOO chance against McGuiness.

[xvnukervx]

I doubt Ebisawa will get it handed to her..there's a lot of varibles in the fights. I wasn't bad on my choices either. If Vaughn would have fought a smart fight she would have won..lol.

I don't think it will be a complete domination, I'm hoping for a good fight for the fans sake..lol. McGuniess does have a lot of things that can defeat Ebisawa. But, who knows?

I hope some surprises/upsets happen in the tournament. So far things have been pretty predictable. I took my upset picks with Vaughn and Curtis..but they both got it handed to them.

If Ebisawa can avoid the takedowns, she'll be alright...If not..she has NOOOO chance against McGuiness.

Im kinda curious how the upsets are going to work too. I would lose my mind if Ebisawa wins by a submission!! LOL...that would screw everyone up.

"Ebisawa wins by flying oma plata off the top of the cage! 1 minute into round 1"

bwahahah

[NickC13573]

All right, I am still in it

[Thomnipotent]

I'm just watching to see who actually gets it.
Ebisawa was just plain scary in that last match... does everybody really think McGuinness can hold out for another win by decision?

[thedraem41]

Im kinda curious how the upsets are going to work too. I would lose my mind if Ebisawa wins by a submission!! LOL...that would screw everyone up.

"Ebisawa wins by flying oma plata off the top of the cage! 1 minute into round 1"

bwahahah

haha..that'd be hilarious. Or Ebisawa wins with a Flying Armbar..haha

[thedraem41]

I'm just watching to see who actually gets it.
Ebisawa was just plain scary in that last match... does everybody really think McGuinness can hold out for another win by decision?

She definitely can, if she does is a complete different story.

[xvnukervx]

I'm just watching to see who actually gets it.
Ebisawa was just plain scary in that last match... does everybody really think McGuinness can hold out for another win by decision?

I think this next matchup we may see Mcguiness get the stoppage. Its a longshot possibility, but she may Ground and Pound Ebisawa into la la land.

[Undertaker666]

Well I predicted Curtis would get knocked out in the third round, at least I got the knock-out right! :D

Im kinda curious how the upsets are going to work too.

During testing i've had some HUGE upsets when putting a great fighter against someone who's pretty much useless if it wasn't for their punching power. In one of the rounds, *BOOM*, a stinging right hand came in and knocked out the better of the two. I was left with this expression on my face -> :eek:

The results took me by surprise but I was giddy with excitement because you simply can't guarantee you'll know the outcome of the fight! :D

[Blackman]

I think Rach' will directly go for the takedown and get knocked out cold by a vicious kick to the head by Ebisawa after 10 seconds. :P Though I hope not.

Not that nuker set his prediction, Adam's gonna sim the match until Ebisawa wins. :D

[thedraem41]

Well I predicted Curtis would get knocked out in the third round, at least I got the knock-out right! :D



During testing i've had some HUGE upsets when putting a great fighter against someone who's pretty much useless apart if it wasn't for their punching power. In one of the rounds, *BOOM*, a stinging right hand came in and knocked out the better of the two. I was left with this expression on my face -> :eek:

The results took me by surprise but I was giddy with excitement because you simply can't guarantee you'll know the outcome of the fight! :D

You rule..lol

[Capelli King]

McGuiness has gotten far to much credit if you ask me!

Eisawa will knock her out and this will happen pretty fast!

[thedraem41]

Why do you think so?

[xvnukervx]

McGuiness has gotten far to much credit if you ask me!

Eisawa will knock her out and this will happen pretty fast!

Even if by some LONGSHOT chance Ebisawa wins, she wont stop rachel. This badboy is going to decision.

In all honestly, Ebisawa's best chance is to avoid the takedown and lock in that thai clinch and force damage on Rachel from the inside. I think that Rachels resilience is going to surprise A LOT of people.

If someone is going to beat Ebisawa....Rachels that chick. :p Ebisawa has GLARING holes in her game, and all of those holes are on the ground. Rachel is the only person in the tournament with the takedowns to put Ebisawa on her back.

LOVE IT OR HATE IT THE UNDERDOGS RIGHT THERE!!

[thedraem41]

I think Kikuchi matches well against Ebisawa as well, but for different reasons.

I'm starting to think the Media portion of the game is a lot like what we're doing. Building up the fighters and making the fight a must see event, no matter who wins.

[SirFozzie]

So here's Fozzie's Keys to the Match:

Ebisawa
Controlled Agression
Keep the fight standing
Work the clinch and the knees

McGuiness
Keep the Standup Fight on the outside,Timing of takedowns a priority
Do enough on the ground to avoid the standup
Draw the fight out, use the cardio advantage

Correct?

[xvnukervx]

So here's Fozzie's Keys to the Match:

Ebisawa
Controlled Agression
Keep the fight standing
Work the clinch and the knees

McGuiness
Keep the Standup Fight on the outside,Timing of takedowns a priority
Do enough on the ground to avoid the standup
Draw the fight out, use the cardio advantage

Correct?

partially. Mcguiness can also take Ebisawa down from her sweet spot. (the clinch) Mcguiness has a roman greco background, which is takedowns FROM the clinch. Shes not effective with strikes in the clinch, but she can throw biatches down with the best of them :p

Actually Im going to go as far as to say that the clinch position is going to determine the winner of this fight. Either Ebisawa is going to land fight ending damage, or Mcguiness is going to throw her on her ass. Im betting on the latter

[paulskln]

so what do the experts(or people that think they are experts) think will happen in the other semi final

Naora Kikuchi v Jenny DeNeuve

[xvnukervx]

so what do the experts(or people that think they are experts) think will happen in the other semi final

Naora Kikuchi v Jenny DeNeuve

Well if the same Jenny shows up that barely Grinded out a decision against Vaughan, she will be brutally KOed. Im actually surprised that vaughan...someone with practically NO striking skills, was able to survive STANDING THE ENTIRE TIME against Jenny, and even WIN a round.

Kikachu has shown 1 shot KO power and was very proficient in her first match, ending it with a brutal kick. Im still undecided on who Im going to pick, but judging by their prelim fights, its HARD to pick Jenny the winner.

[RingofHonorGuard]

Greco-roman wrestlers are tailor-made to face strikers... They're usually tough & rugged, not caring if they have to take a punch/kick/knee to get inside... Once they are able to get inside and secure a clinch against the ropes or cage, it's all them. There's so many techniques that a Greco can implement once they've got a cage/rope clinch... They can push off for dirty boxing... they can work over a striker's legs with short knee strikes(mostly to score points to make up for whatever damage they took coming in for the clinch)... They can sweep very, very easily from this positioning.

Any of these fighters have a "puncher's chance". They're all trained fighters and even though they have holes in their game, it doesn't mean they're completely worthless. That being said, in a perfect world Rachel wins this easily. And the only way she's going to lose is by a lucky shot or against a well-versed submission fighter that can make her pay for taking them down.

[xvnukervx]

Greco-roman wrestlers are tailor-made to face strikers... They're usually tough & rugged, not caring if they have to take a punch/kick/knee to get inside... Once they are able to get inside and secure a clinch against the ropes or cage, it's all them. There's so many techniques that a Greco can implement once they've got a cage/rope clinch... They can push off for dirty boxing... they can work over a striker's legs with short knee strikes(mostly to score points to make up for whatever damage they took coming in for the clinch)... They can sweep very, very easily from this positioning.

Any of these fighters have a "puncher's chance". They're all trained fighters and even though they have holes in their game, it doesn't mean they're completely worthless. That being said, in a perfect world Rachel wins this easily. And the only way she's going to lose is by a lucky shot or against a well-versed submission fighter that can make her pay for taking them down.

This is a guy who knows his **** :p

[xvnukervx]

Alright heres my breakdown/prediction for tommorrows matchup:

Deneuve was NOT impressive in her preliminary fight. She showed that a fighter with even elementary level striking can survive standing with her. Most importantly...Deneuve has ZERO knockout ability. While she is very good as far as TECHNIQUE goes, she just doesen't have anything that is going to surprise Kikuchi.

Kikuchi on the other hand is coming off a stoppage. While it was a back and forth fight, Watson has VERY good thai fighting and knockout power. Kikuchi showed she can hang with another powerful striker, avoid big shots and eventually get the stoppage. It was a very technical and brutal affair, and Kikuchi has been tested and certified as the real deal.

Deneuve also has a MAJOR weight and reach disadvantage. She is a lot smaller then Kikuchi, and her reach isn't as pronounced, in order to do ANY damage Deneuve is going to have to get in that midrange and catch Kikuchi who will no doubt be picking her apart from the outside looking for that knockout high kick. And sadly, if if Deneuve does land some shots on Kikuchi, I don't think she has the power to hurt her.

Deneuve does have the advantage on the ground if she is able to get on top, She has a very well developed strikes from the top. Unfortunately, I think the ONLY way this fight hits the ground is if Deneuve puts Kikuchi there with a strike.

I think we are going to see Kikuchi picking Deneuve apart from the outside throughout the fight, and landing the occassional brutal high kick. We may see the clinch engaged frequently by Kikuchi and some strikes delivered from that position.

Deneuve is going to be struggling to catch Kikuchi with something...anything...from any position standing, and she might land a shot or two. But again, lack of KO power and her short reach is going to work against her and Kikuchi is going to punish her throughout this fight.

My official Prediction: Kikuchi via TKO/KO stoppage in the 2nd or 3rd round.

[RingofHonorGuard]

I'd have to more or less agree with nuker on this one. Although, alternatively the fight could be a major upset. I think this year in MMA has pretty much made a lot of people scratch their heads and think "Hey, anything can happen." But I will always stand back and think from my "In a perfect world" stance.

That said, I think Deneuve is probably the more complete fighter, but I don't think there's anyone in the tournament aside from McGuinness that can take Kikuchi out of her game plan and element. I think this is fight's going to go along the lines of Deneuve picking and moving, peppering in a very Nick Diaz-esque kind of way with jabs and possibly some leg kicks... basically trying to survive rather than go for the kill... And I believe that once Deneuve starts scoring the confidence will show and she'll make an error. Kikuchi will probably land a highlight reel head kick or a brutal combo flurry of knees and kicks for the TKO, I'm thinking third round.

[MaxxHexx]

I love how deep and interesting the picking for the matches are. It is so realistic feeling.

Never the less my pick Curtis went out in round one so I got to hope McGuinness gets knocked out in the first minute.

[xvnukervx]

I love how deep and interesting the picking for the matches are. It is so realistic feeling.

Never the less my pick Curtis went out in round one so I got to hope McGuinness gets knocked out in the first minute.

LOL such sour grapes!

[xvnukervx]

Curtis was actually in my opinion a favorite to win this thing. Its too bad she got matched with "The Phenom" as a preliminary match. Ebisawa's aggression and laser-like precision + stoppage power with her knees made her a horrible matchup for Curtis.

That said, the fact that Ebisawa almost lost her footing and went to the ground during that match shows that Ebisawa CAN be taken down, and doesent have the best footing. Look at the Curtis sacrifice as a blueprint :) a manual if you will on how to NOT fight Ebisawa. LOL

[VBigB]

Man with all this dicussion, I can hardly wait to see how the semi-finals are going to play out. I was actually checking all day today to see the next match results ...and then I realized I forgot to read and the first semi-final is tomorrow, doh.

[thedraem41]

[The scene opens up in what looks to be a news room, a man with an obvious fake grey haired wig is piled on the top of his head. He's also wearing a dark blue suit, with cream colored dress shirt with red tie. A goofy grin sits on his face as a black chalk board sits behind him, two steel legs hold the board up.]

[The word, "Striking" sits on the top of the board, with "Heart" underneath, and finally "Desire" underneath those two words. All wrote in orange chalk. Several feet in front of the goofy guy is a small make shift cage and ring. Three teddy bears sits inside. The have small name tags taped on them. One has, "xvnukervx" on it, another says "Capelli King" and the last says, "RingofHonorGuard." The goofy guy reaches behind him picking up a pointer. He speaks with an obvious fake pundit accent.]

Goofy Guy: Thedraem41 here!! Woooo! We're a few hours away from the first Semi Final fight of the Ultimate Knockout Tournament! The tension and hype over the competition haven't been this tense since the last Bikini contest held at my house last month. Let me tell you..those girls were scratchin', clawin'...

[Thedraem41's eyes get big and he moves his eyes from one side of the room briefly.]

Thedraem41: Anyway! Look at what I have behind me..

[He turns around and slams the pointer so hard on the board it breaks, he drops it quickly pretending nothing ever happened. He points at the top word on the chalkboard.]

Thedraem41: Striking, three of the fighters that remain in the Ultimate Knockout Tournament are known for potent striking skills, almost as potent as my mom's chili. DeNeuve, Ebisawa, and Kikuchi can earn blink of an eye knockout. Now this does not mean one of those three have a clear path to raising the Ultimate Knockout Trophy...

McGuiness has held the trump card since this tournament began...and I don't mean a baseball card of that guy that has worse hair than I do...

[The draem41 runs his hands through his hair, the camera slows down and plays the appropriate diva music. He then winks at the camera as the speed returns to normal.]

Thedraem41: If anyone can avoid the takedowns of McGuiness they may have a good opportunity to overwhelm her with a stern stand up. Which means the extremely hyped Ebisawa against McGuiness fight depends on how aggressive Ebisawa is, and how intelligent McGuiness is.

If Ebisawa can avoid McGuniess' takedowns she has a decent shot at winning this fight.

[The draem41 points to the second word on the board.]

Thedraem41: Heart, that's something Rachel McGuiness definitely has, to go along with her Greco Roman Style that tore Katherine Williams to pieces. Katherine was embarrassed, I was surprised she got of the corner for the third round. After two rounds of utter booty kickin' you think she would of had enough...

For anyone to defeat McGuiness they will probably will have to eat a takedown and have to fight back to their feet, and have enough energy to score some points through striking. That will be a very difficult task...Many call McGuiness, "Yellow Peril." I think the nickname, "Boogeywoman" would be more appropriate...Her takedowns are just scary...

[The lights dim as The draem41's eyes look full of fear, a deep voice says, "I'm Coming To Get Ya" and creepy music plays in the room. After a few moment the lights raise and the music stops. His eyes remain full of fear, he shoots a hand behind him pointing at the final word. He turns around slowly.]

Thedraem41: Desire is something these fighters are going to have to show, DeNeuve did not have a impressive showing against Sarah Vaughn. If she stands a chance against Kikuchi, she's going to have to show a lot more. This fight has been overlooked by most of the WMMA fans out there, much like the girl that finishes second in the homecoming.

Which in my high school was my girlfriend...

[Thedraem41 takes a deep breath and he raises his eyebrows, a look of fear almost in his eyes.]

Thedraem41: If I had a choice I would have rather taken Karen Curtis' place in her fight against Ebisawa and get my nose busted; than have to go back and deal with those days again. Talk about a Phenom, that girl was vicious...

[He pauses and moves his eyes around the room again.]

Thedraem41: Anyway! If DeNeuve wants to impose her will on Kikuchi she's going to have be patient and look for her spots, if she rushes in we could see another, "Watson Moment" when Kikuchi counters with a High Kick and that's the last we'd see of Jenny DeNeuve as well.

Now, a few prominent WMMA experts have added their input on the Semi Finals..and we have their bear personalities with us.

[He takes a few steps forward to the bears in the small cage.]

Thedraem41: Welcome x..x...vnu..ker..vx...(cough) Lets just call him x...Capelli King...and RingofHonorGuard...

All have been adding their input on the fighters and who will win, loose, in what round, and how..But there greater question is...Who would win a fight between any of those three...

[The camera zooms in on the cage, an animated screen pops up and the modern version of, "Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting" plays the three bears begin to battle. An animated Thedraem41 turns to look at the battling stunned. After a few moments the scene turns back until real time, Thedraem41 has a towel and throws it over the cage almost stumbling. He turns back to the camera.]

Thedraem41: Anyway! Here are my predictions for the Semi Finals...I feel Kikuchi defeats DeNeuve by knockout in the second or third round. I do not see DeNeuve fighting a strong battle, and Kikuchi will impose her will on DeNeuve. The Buzzsaw will come out and kick threw DeNeuve much like she did Watson. Her reach will be a little too much to overcome.

Finally...in the much talked about battle...I see McGuiness defeating Ebisawa by split decision. Even though I could see Ebisawa catching McGuiness, but I think Boogeywoman has just a bit too much...Join me for my finals prediction in a few days. WOO!

[Scene fades]

[xvnukervx]

WOW. Jenny really stepped up her game....made kik look really bad. EVEN STOPPED her...speechless...

well a solid 80% is out of this tournament I'm guessing lol. Fortunately my girl is still fighting tommorrow, so I'm still in this thing. Who would have thought Jenny was going to explode like that?

Screws up my whole perfect scenario for the way this tournament SHOULD have gone...

But more then anything this shows that even the dominant fighters in this tournament can be beat. Ebisawa is no different.

WAR MCGUINESS!!

:EDIT: Deneuve showed some SERIOUS concussive power in those strikes. BEAUTIFUL counter punching, and that leg kick that dropped kik was a thing of beauty. The raw POWER in Jenny's punches once she was in Kiks guard was absolutely amazing, and that was exactly where Jenny needed to put the fight.

One thing I was right on however....was the fact that I said the only way Deneuve gets this thing to the ground is if she puts Kik there with a strike...which she did..and followed up with 4 of those assassin-like blasters.

But now that Jenny has shown what she is capable of, its much easier to gauge her potential in the finals. After a stoppage like that...regardless of who wins between Ebisawa and Mcguiness...this final is going to be tricky to call.

[Number0513474]

I really hope Deneuve wins, because right now, this is my only chance of getting the game at launch. :p

[xvnukervx]

I really hope Deneuve wins, because right now, this is my only chance of getting the game at launch. :p

LOL. Well jenny has shown she does have stoppage power standing. However, I think this was the "upset" of this tournament session. Mcguiness will test Jenny across the board if she can get past Ebisawa, and even Ebisawa possesses a striking game that is in a completely different realm then Kik.

I think jenny did well, she is definately a tough competitor. However, she has only fought people who want to stand and trade with her, and Vaughn showed that Jenny struggles with those with a strong chin that she cant stop.

Mcguiness has a chin of iron just like vaughn. We just haven seen Mcguiness take any serious punishment yet. I think Jenny matches better with Ebisawa than Mcguiness.

Mcguiness is wearing her dark horse armor in this whole thing, 10-1 underdog but I believe all the girls that could have beat her have already been eliminated. Just two more strikers to ground and pound.

[thedraem41]

I don't think it was the chin that stopped Kikuchi..she was winning the second round. That was just one those stroke of luck things for her, that could have went either way..

And no comments about my post? lol

[xvnukervx]

I don't think it was the chin that stopped Kikuchi..she was winning the second round. That was just one those stroke of luck things for her, that could have went either way..

And no comments about my post? lol

Kik showed a bit of a glass jaw. Which actually...in hindsight was a definate possibility. She didnt really get caught SOLID in her first fight, Jenny put that chin to the test, and it coulden't deliver.

My overall opinion on Jenny actually hasn't changed much, evaluating that fight...I think that Jenny was just landing where kik was a bit wild...and just kept missing with blows that would have been meaningful.

I still say kik beats Jenny 7 out of 10 matchups. So Im thinking Jenny is actually a GOOD thing for the finals. It means the finalist has a less dangerous opponent come friday.

[VBigB]

One thing you will notice is that Jenny, Sayoko and Kikuchi all have (had) the potential to make match ending mistakes ("Completely reckless, rushes in all the time", "Lacks self-control and patience"). Jenny very nearly took an uppercut from Kikuchi that could have ended the fight. Then Kikuchi threw that bad punch and it was the begining of the end. I think this bodes well for McGuiness.

[xvnukervx]

well Mcguiness is solid. Its going to take a lot more then "catching" her to stop her. I honestly dont really see anyone except Ebisawa having the ability to 'finish' Mcguiness.

Again, a Mcguiness Vs Deneuve match will look alot like a Mcguiness Vs. Kik match...Mcguiness securing multiple takedowns and dominating on points. Jenny has a better ability to defend herself on the ground and get back up, but nothing really explosive in her striking, so i doubt the few punches she will land in the standup position would play a role in a final fight with Mcguiness.

Mcguiness Vs Ebisawa is much closer, because Ebisawa is dangerous at all times on the feet. She has a fight ending arsenal and can end a match at anytime. Again, I think that Mcguinesses chin is going to be the determining factor in Ebisawa vs Mcguiness tommorrow. I'll do my "official" prediction later, but I think Ebisawa is a longshot to win tommorrow.

[xvnukervx]

Okay so here we are on the eve of what is probably the most important fight in this tournament. Ebisawa Vs Mcguiness. Before even getting into this fight, I will be the first to admit this is the TOUGHEST match to call. There are so many variables and so many potential ways this match could go, and either fighter can win. As many of you know I’m pulling for Mcguiness to be victorious in this tournament, its just a shame she’s the one who is going to have to defeat Ebisawa. So, lets jump right into it. :D

Every fight starts standing so Ebisawa will have the advantage right from the start. I seriously doubt that in evaluating Mcguiness, Ebisawa is going to want to take ANY chances with Mcguiness taking her down, so I expect Ebisawa’s best plan is to work an outside game, avoiding the clinch unless Mcguiness is hurt. The key here is for Ebisawa to NOT give into her nature and start blasting away at Mcguiness with all her firepower, and playing a patient game avoiding Mcguiness’s world class takedowns. The second Ebisawa loses her cool, or engages in the clinch too soon…starts the beginning of the end for her. Unfortunately for Ebisawa, I don’t think she has this patience.

For Mcguiness, she needs to keep her hands up, and protect her chin. While it will take several solid blows to rock Mcguiness, Ebisawa has solid blows available on tap, and one good shot could easily become a brutal combination and end Mcguiness’s hopes of winning this thing. Mcguiness must NOT try to beat Ebisawa in the striking game, and look to make this a ground fight. Mcguiness is also going to need to be prepared to eat some shots, because getting Ebisawa to the ground is not going to be easy, and every outside takedown attempt risks eating nasty flying knees. I think for Mcguiness to take Ebisawa down, is going to require engaging Ebisawa in the clinch, where Ebisawa no doubt feels she has the advantage. From this position Ebisawa will throw her patented knees and be standing on one leg, giving Mcguiness the tools she needs to utilize her Greco skills and drag the tournament favorite to the ground, and on the ground is where this “fight” becomes a “beating”.

This fight is going to come down to whether or not Mcguiness can drag Ebisawa down. If stuck standing, Mcguiness needs to press Ebisawa against the fence (much like Sylvia did to Vera) and utilize her upper body control and dirty boxing. While she wont be able to STOP Ebisawa from this position, she will be able to neutralize the knees, and score points standing without risking getting Ko’d. It also buys some extra time for Ebisawa to make a mistake in the clinch, and be taken down.

This is a rough fight to call and its also a classic Grappler vs Striker matchup, and will likely be the show stealer. I predict the winner of this fight will go on to defeat Jenny and be the tournament winner. Also, the chances for injury in this fight are EXTREMELY high. Its going to be hard for Mcguiness to come out of this unscathed, and the same goes for Ebisawa….this is going to be a WAR.

My prediction: Mcguiness Round 3 via TKO stoppage. (the fact that I have this whole thing riding on Rachel has NOTHING to do with this!!! LOL really!!) Its going out on a limb, but I think that once Mcguiness gets this thing on the ground she will pound the hell out of Ebisawa, and Ebisawa’s lack of defense on the ground will have her either tapping, or counting sheep in round 3.

WAR MCGUINESS!!!!!

[thedraem41]

This is the most hyped match, I do think it has a lot of variables..It just comes down to how each fighter fights.

I called McGuiness too, but who knows in this sport.

I don't think Kikuchi showed a glass jaw she just shocked..Jenny got very fortunate in that fight. Kikuchi does need to refine some things, if she goes train at a Jujitsu camp in the game she can become the best fighter around. She's still my favorite character.

But the Boogeywoman will be a test for the Phenom.

[xvnukervx]

Ebisawa's "superior chin" makes me a little nervous. I'm expecting nothing short of the Terminatrix tommorrow. Mcguiness might just need to take her down and hold her there. Ride her like Seabiscuit to a decision.

They were both just so dominant in their last fights. Stuck perfectly to their games, and showed very little weakness. I just wonder if the injuries carry over to the finals.....if they do and Mcguiness or Ebisawa get hurt, they might actually be at a disadvantage against Jenny.

[thedraem41]

Phenom vs Boogeywoman! Get your tickets!!

$20 a pop!! Come and get em!

[James Casey]

:( I forgot to vote - and I would have picked Deneuve... Oh well, I hope someone enjoys my copy of the game if she wins :D

And I love how detailed the match reports are. Lots of useful information about strengths and weaknesses, which with a little study should help us make some interesting matches.

[Mr T Jobs To Me]

Phenom vs Boogeywoman! Get your tickets!!

$20 a pop!! Come and get em!

Any chance of getting your prediction early so I can bet the house the other way? :D

[xvnukervx]

BAH!!! Ebisawa's takdown down defense was too good. Mcguiness only gets one takedown? How irritating :p That did not play out the way I was hoping. If it was 5 rounds, there would have been more time for mcguiness to get the takedown...Ebisawa's striking was definately exposed however. Like expected, she strikes lack "umph."

Owell.....

Waterbottle

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t220/boomshalock/Alexander4.gif

[xvnukervx]

Ebisawa makes some pretty serious countering mistakes Jenny might be able to capitalize on...but ebisawa has such a good chin. The fight with Mcguiness definately did not prove Ebisawa to be the better fighter. Couple jabs and some body kicks does not = asswhipping.

Ebisawa has created the stand and pray. Scoring shots for points from the outside with no real willingness to end the fight, and hoping to avoid the takedown. Hard to respect that kind of style. I hope jenny is able to effectively counter Ebisawa and knock her into tuesday.


GOD I hate losing. :D

[thedraem41]

That was one hell of a fight and Ebisawa really showed her physical strength I was harping about. I didn't think she'd be able to pull it off, but she was able to keep the fight standing and not take a pounding on the mat.

I was really impressed with Ebisawa, looks like almost everyone missed the calls for the semis. McGuiness took a beating and Ebisawa showed her power. It's a shame the high dollar Kikuchi v Ebisawa match won't go down.

Jenny v Ebisawa should be a good fight though.

[Greek]

Ebisawa has created the stand and pray. Scoring shots for points from the outside with no real willingness to end the fight, and hoping to avoid the takedown. Hard to respect that kind of style. I hope jenny is able to effectively counter Ebisawa and knock her into tuesday.


GOD I hate losing. :D

Ebisawa is the one advancing now, using a left hand jab to lead. She steps forward and fires off a big kick, aimed at the head. McGuiness ducks and moves out of range, but that was clearly intended to be a match-ender, Ebisawa was going for the knock out.

Ebisawa advances and throws another head kick, but it is mostly blocked by the hands of McGuiness.
Ebisawa did go for a couple of knockout kicks. And you can't call Ebisawa's fighting lay and pray! That's exactly how she was supposed to fight. There's no point in trying to rush for the KO when there's a big chance of the match going to the ground.

If the match would have gone to the ground and McGuiness would have controlled it from there without doing much damage and winning by decission I would imagine you saying that it was excatly what McGuiness needed to do...

Don't be a bad loser :p Ebisawa deserves to be in the finals. She has had to good fights in this tournament and I see her having a third one in the finals :)

[RingofHonorGuard]

I'm going to start calling Ebisawa the "Tim Sylvia Enthusiast" if she keeps putting out performances like that. The whole time Tim Sylvia was UFC Heavyweight champion he pretty much stayed outside the pocket and jabbed his way to decision victories. Bah, rubbish. I think that was Rachel McGuinness' twin sister, Mediocre McGuinness that showed up to fight today. It's a conspiracy against Nuker and I! A conspiracy I say!

[xvnukervx]

Jenny v Ebisawa should be a good fight though.

It will be good if Jenny comes into this thing with a SOLID game plan. She lacks Ebisawa's KO power unless shes able to get Ebisawa to the ground.

EVERYTHING jenny does Ebisawa does better....Ebisawa does EVERYTHING better then her :D

[Blackman]

Awesome match. It got me on the tip of my chair... :D

But alas me was no winner :p

[Dark Storm]

BAH!!! Ebisawa's takdown down defense was too good.

I don't feel it needed to be that good. McGuiness didn't go for any shots. Only trips from the clinch. Very different defense techniques for that. And it says she is difficult to takedown. If you're on your sprawl game, only a first-class wrestler is going to be able to take you down, even then with limited success.

And I realize that Tim Sylvia's matches can be snore-fests, but he won with the style. Not saying I'm a fan of that style, but you can't argue about the result.

Not arguing about this result either, as I'm hoping to ride Boogeywoman to a free copy of a game that will have me wearing my keyboard and mouse out in very short order.

[Thomnipotent]

I'm glad Rachel got taken out.
That'll teach her to hold people down for the decision.
Poor Williams.. *sniff*

[xvnukervx]

God, this Deneuve Vs Ebisawa fight is so lopsided on paper. Even if we get an "A" game Jenny on Friday its hard to imagine her beating Ebisawa. Jenny has NO known standup KO power, and Ebisawa has a fantastic chin.

I guess that as far as technique goes, Jenny might possibly have the cleaner long range strikes, and might be able to store points on Ebisawa..but will that be enough?

Rough, uphill fight for Jenny on Friday. Its so easy to see Ebisawa just overwhelming her with aggression, and a steel chin....and ending the fight in the first round with brutal knees.

[Blackman]

I give her 20 seconds :D

[Mr T Jobs To Me]

I'm thinking Jenny starts the fight in the "Crane" position... Karate Kid style.

[Dark Storm]

I'm not sure that will work. Ebisawa has seen Karate Kid 2, she knows the defense.

[xvnukervx]

Okay well this is going to be my final fight summary/prediction, as this is the final fight in the Ultimate Knockout Tournament. As I have stated in previous posts, I think that Jenny is at a severe disadvantage in this fight. It doesn’t mean she can’t pull out a win, but I think that in order for her to grind out a victory shes really going to have to step up her game.

Lets start with with Ebisawa. Her style can be summed as in one word: Brutal. Her two fights have consisted of two SOLID wins over 2 world class (and favorite) fighters. Karen Curtis was definitely not a pushover for any contestant in this thing, and Ebisawa made a victory over her look easy. Total domination throughout the first round followed by a brutal series of knees that no doubt landed Curtis in the hospital with that broken nose. It definitely highlighted what Ebisawa was all about, and her ability to end fights. Also, Ebisawa showed fantastic physical strength by muscling in that thai clinch, and finally landing those fight ending knees. This was a very closely matched fight on paper, and again…Ebisawa was dominant.

In Ebisawas second fight, she met with another heavy favorite in Rachel Mcguiness. This fight had all the workings of a final in itself. Ebisawa showed world class takedown defense, the ability to remain patient, and superior use of angles to stop the roman Greco from putting the fight on the ground. Again, Ebisawa showed her physical strength in the clinch by neutralizing Mcguinesses takedown attempts, and managing to keep the fight where she wanted it. On the feet. Ebisawa was not able to put Mcguiness away, and in terms of damage the fight was extremely close. But in the hands of the judges they scored it a unanimous decision for Ebisawa, awarding her a win over who was probably the strongest candidate to take her out.

So in a short summary, Ebisawa has been tested. She has knockout power, a steel jaw, and very good takedown defenses. If Mcguiness was having a hard time putting Ebisawa on her back, Deneuve probably won’t be able to outside of a strike.

Jenny Deneuve has not had as impressive of a showing. Her first fight had her against the Overmatched Sarah Vaughn. Sarah Vaughn was able to hurt Jenny, swelling her eye something nasty, and would have probably put Jenny away if there was another round. Deneuve was able to barely win the match by a decision, but her lack of KO power left many in doubt of her abilities in her next matchup.

In her semi final matchup, Deneuve showed that she did have some striking ability, effectively counter punching Kikuchi throughout the first round, but once again showed lack of stopping power on the feet. Kikuchi picked up the pace in the second round, and began landing some damage on Deneuve. A well placed leg kick knocked Kikuchi off balance, and Jenny was able to hurt her with strikes on the ground. Kikuchi was unable to defend herself forcing the ref to stop the match. Which basically means Deneuve at this point has 1 unimpressive decision victory, and 1 fluke TKO due to a well timed leg kick. While showing a high level of technique with her strikes in the second matchup, Deneuve still have not shown any REAL damaging ability on the feet. Her chances of dropping Ebisawa like that are EXTREMELY small.

In this matchup both fighters are extremely aggressive, and will come after eachother right from the start. This match will likely come down to who is landing the harder strikes. Again, Ebisawa has a steel chin and I fear that she can absorb the damage that Jenny throws, I don’t feel that Jenny will be able to absorb the damage that Ebisawa returns. On paper Deneuve should have KO power in her hands, but we have not seen it, but we know that Ebisawa has deadly knees, and with her Muay Thai background..she also has more weapons at her disposal then Deneuve.

I would be surprised to see this match go much farther then the second round. With these two throwing bombs at eachother, I’m predicting an early knockout.

I would LIKE to see Jenny pull it off…but my wallet is with Ebisawa.

My prediction: Ebisawa round 1 via KO/TKO due to knees.

[thedraem41]

Ebisawa will wreck Jenny..The previous post summed it up. Ebisawa is going to break Jenny's nose, put a cut over her eye, and it will be a blood fest.

Jenny..well umm...might make Ebisawa break a sweat..MAYBE.

[thedraem41]

Not arguing about this result either, as I'm hoping to ride Boogeywoman to a free copy of a game that will have me wearing my keyboard and mouse out in very short order.

He used my coined Boogeywoman for McGuiness phrase..you rock :)

[Undertaker666]

And Jenny DeNeuve wins, just as I predicted! :D

[thedraem41]

You're kidding, somehow Jenny won..and kept Ebisawa from doing ANYTHING in the clinch. I don't understand Jenny, she looks bad in her fights and wins. Albeit she looked a lot better in this fight.

I guess the game engine does provide for surprise victories and head scratching wins. This tournament definitely proves the game is a must buy, and that Jenny hangs out with Leprechauns. :)

[Mr T Jobs To Me]

And Jenny DeNeuve wins, just as I predicted! :D

Cheater.

[Undertaker666]

Cheater.

lol! How could I cheat when i'd predicted she'd get the win from the very beginning?! :D

[Mr T Jobs To Me]

lol! How could I cheat when i'd predicted she'd get the win from the very beginning?! :D

I suppose that's true... *cough* beta tester *cough*

[Undertaker666]

I suppose that's true... *cough* beta tester *cough*

That might've given me an 'educated guess' but as we've seen, anything can happen!

(I must admit that I did have my doubts about DeNeuve when I saw she was going to be facing Ebisawa but she did me proud :D)

[thedraem41]

I had my doubts about Jenny when Sarah almost knocked her out, she got a fluke victory over Kikuchi when Kikuchi was starting to roll..

Now she shows she's strong in the clinch..and even still with that she didn't really hurt Ebisawa until a fluke punch when it was looking Ebisawa was about to open up on her..

The next fight Jenny in, she'll probably get dominated up until the last 30 seconds of the fight when her opponent trips, hit their head on the mat, and Jenny hits a final punch to end it. She's THAT fortunate.

Now I just wish Adam would run a male Heavyweight Tournament, not for a free game, but so we can still have these discussions :)

[Bossman]

Yeah, this tournament has been really great so he should do another one. The game won't be released for a while, so it would give us something to do.

[Blackman]

Yeah, this tournament has been really great so he should do another one. The game won't be released for a while, so it would give us something to do.

ditto. We can't fill up the time till release with nothing. :)

[Mr T Jobs To Me]

Dibs on Buddy Garner! Nobody else can pick him! :p

[Blackman]

I preserve Khoklov. (he'll learn the trade soon enough) :D

[thedraem41]

(begs to Adam) Please give a Heavyweight Tournament..lol

That'd be awesome!

Or even an openweight tournament to make it even more interesting!

[Thriller]

Congrats to the winner, you lucky bastard. :D

[thedraem41]

Jenny is true "lucky" one, I don't even believe in luck but there's something about her. There must be a hidden "will to win" attribute or something

[xvnukervx]

jenny did what she needed to do,and stepped up her game. stopped Ebisawa in a very similar manner to the way she stopped kik. But her punching power came through, powerful right hand to the jaw that dropped Ebisawa.

Very nice showing by Jenny!

Waterbottle.