Affliction's Last Stand

[madstork]

Affliction's Last Stand

Back Story
Affliction emerged on the scene in early 2008, promoting the idea of the mega-show. A "build it and they will come" approach that forgoes the usual growth process needed to make a company successful. For the most part ignoring the less expensive, lighter weight classes, they signed every high-level heavyweight available, often paying them two or three times more than their market value. Their first show alone included top heavyweights Fedor, Barnett, Arlovski and Sylvia, light heavyweights Nogueira and Babalu and middleweights Belfort and Lindland. With their huge payroll, low name ID and lack of television exposure, Affliction struggled on PPV. Getting around 100,00 buys on both of their shows, well under what they would need to break even.

Now, even as Affliction prepares to promote card headlined by what many people believe are the two best heavyweight in the world, Fedor and Josh Barnett. dwindling finances and a nervous parent company have promotion on the brink of folding. A last gasp change in strategy seems to be its only chance at survival.

[madstork]

Database

I'm using the Tap or Snap Version 2 Database with the following Mods for added realism. (Note: This was supposed to start in July not August, but I had already put to much time in to the game to fix it and start over.)

Promotion Changes

Affliction
Added PPV with In-Demand 2 70% to In-Demand 2

Added Affliction Live in the Late Night slot on HDNet
90% of revenues to HDNet, 90% of the costs to Affliction

Deleted Affliction Live on FSN contracts

Bellator
Added Bellator on ESPNDeportes in the Late Evening
90% of revenues to ESPNDeportes, 90% of the costs to Bellator

Dream
Lowered Japanese Popularity for High Level International to Low Level International

Added DREAM Live in the Prime Time slot on Tokyo Broadcast Systems
80% of revenues to TBS, 50% of the costs to DREAM

Added DREAM Live in the Graveyard slot on HDNet
90% of revenues to HDNet, 90% of the costs to DREAM

Sengoku
Added Sengoku Live in the Graveyard slot on HDNet
90% of revenues to HDNet, 90% of the costs to Sengoku

Strikeforce
Added Strikeforce on CBS in Late Evening
100% of revenues to CBS, 20% of the costs to Strikeforce

Added Strikeforce on Showtime in the Late Evening
80% of revenues to Showtime, 50% of the costs to Strikeforce

UFC
Added (To Simulate their PPV on free TV deals):
Sky Box Office 1 90% to SBO1
IB Sports 1 90% to IBS1
WOWOW 1 90% to WOWOW1

Changes in American Popularity
H=High M=Mid L=Low I=International N=National R=Regional

Increased
Jens Pulver MN
Miguel Torres MN
Mike Swick LN
Shinya Aoki HR
Vitor Belfort LN
Jeremy Horn HR
Jon Jones HR
Junie Browning LN
Matt Hamill HR
Nate Marquardt LN
Ryan Bader HR
Spencer Fisher MR

Decreased
Jose Canseco HN
stephan Bonner HN
Alekander Emelianenko HR
Caol Uno MR
Houston Alexander LN
Blake Bowman LR
Brad Blackburn MR
Carmelo Marrero MR
Gabe Ruediger LR
Jason Chambers MR
Jason Von Flue LR
Justin McCully MR
Sean Salmon LR
Tiki Ghosen MR
Tom Lawlor LR

Contract Changes
EC=Exclusive, SC=Standard, AC=Associate, x(x)=fights remaining(guaranteed)

Affliction
Andre Arlovski Released
Matt Lindland 2(2)
Rameau Sokoudjou AC
Renato Sobral AC
Roy Nelson Released
Tim Sylvia 2(2)
Vitor Belfort 1(1)

Bellator
Bryan Baker SC
Eddie Alvarez SC

Dream
Abel Cullum SC
Akiyo Nishiura SC
Alavutdin Gadzhiyev 2(0)
Andrews Nakahara SC
Artur Oumakhanov 2(0)
Atsushi Yamamoto SC
Bibiano Fernandes SC
Bob Sapp SC
Chase Beebe SC
Daisuke Nakamura SC 2(0)
Hayato Sakurai SC
Hidehiko Hasegawa AC
Hiroyuki Takaya SC
Joachim Hansen SC
Katsuyori Shibata SC
Keita Nakamura SC
Kuniyoshi Hironaka SC
Masakazu Imanari SC 3(2)
Micah Miller SC
Ralek Gracie SC
Ryuki Ueyama 2(0)
Tae Hyun Lee 2(0)
Takeshi Yamazaki SC
Tatsuya Mizuno 2(0)
Yoshiro Maeda SC
Zelg Galesic SC

Sengoku
Alexandre Riberio SC
Chris Manuel SC
Chris Rice 2(0)
Dong Yi Yang SC
Eiji Mitsuoka SC
Evangelista Santos 2(0)
Fabio Silva SC
Fabricio Monteiro 2(0)
Hatsu Hioki SC
Ian Schaffa 2(0)
Jeff Monson SC 1(1)
Josh Barnett Released
Kazuhiro Nakamura SC
Kazunori Yokota SC
Kazuo Misaki SC Lucrative
Kiuma Kunioku SC
Kwang Hee Lee 2(0)
Marlon Sandro SC
Maurice Smith Released
Michihiro Omigawa SC
Mizuto Hirota SC
Moise Rimbon SC
Muhhammed Lawal SC 1(0)
Naoya Ogawa 2(0)
Nick Thompson AC
Ryo Kawamura AC
Satoru Kitaoka SC
Sergey Golyaev SC
Siyar Bahadurzada SC
Yuki Kondo SC
Yuki Sasaki SC

Strikeforce
Allistair Overeem SC
Benji Radach SC
Billy Evangelista SC
Bobby Southworth SC
Clint Coronel SC
Duane Ludwig SC
Eugene Jackson SC
Gilbert Melendez SC
Gina Carano EC
Jake Shields SC
Joe Riggs SC
Josh Thomson SC
Kin Couture SC
Luke Rockhold SC
Luke Stewart SC
Miesho Tate 2(0)
Nick Diaz SC
Nick Thompson SC
Renato Sobral SC
Ryan Healy 2(0)
Scott Smith SC
Steve Berger 2(0)
Tiki G 2(0)
Trevor Prangley SC

UFC
Demian Maia 2(1)
Matt Brown 2(1)
Mathew Riddle 2(0)
Sam Stout 2(1)

WEC
Akitoshi Tamura EC
Charlie Valencia SC
Damacio Page EC
Mike French Released
Rani Yahya EC

[madstork]

Blurcat Random News and Notes

August Week 1
- We've heard from several agents that there will be rash of fighter signings in the next few days, with Affliction, Strikeforce, DREAM and Adrenaline being the most active promotions

- Affliction is rumored to be holding a press conference on Monday the 15th to discuss, among other things, the rumored changes upcoming "Trilogy" card

- Aleksander Emelianenko has rejoined his brother at the Red Devil camp

- The MMA world is going to lose one if its great technicians, as Butterbean will be hanging up his size 86 trunks soon

- King Mo is rumored to have signed an exclusive contract with Affliction

- The UFC has been strangely silent during this frenzy of activity, appearing to be content to stand pat with the roster they have


August Week 2
- Call off the search parties, Ricardo Arona has apparently been located and has signed an exclusive deal with DREAM

- Strikeforce seems to be getting a stranglehold on Women's MMA, as they've signed Tara LaRosa to an exclusive deal to go with Carano and Cyborg

- SportsFan Magazine have declared, in their infinite wisdom, that Josh Barnett, Miguel Torres, Mike Brown and Rampage Jackson are the only current "locks" for the MMA Hall of Fame

- Roger Huerta's retirement talk seems to have been a negotiating ploy, as he is in talks with several promotions

- Sengoku has secured a PPV deal with WOWOW 3 and is now looking to take DREAM head-on for Japanese supremacy.

- DREAM has countered by signing Aleksander Emelianenko, no word yet on if they've contacted big brother.

- Vitor Belfort has been surprised by the lack of interest in him by other promoters as he has hit the free agent market

- Strikeforce has announced "Up In Flames" card for September 8th will be headlined by Overeem vs Rogers and Misaki vs Villasenor

- The UFC announced UFC 101 will take place September 12th and will be headlined by GSP vs Fitch 2 and Rampage vs Evans

[madstork]

Blurcat's August 15th Affliction Press Conference Recap

- Affliction President Tom Attencio, Lil Nog, Gegard Mousasi, Vitor Belfort and Jorge Santiago are in attendance at the press conference

- Attencio first announcement was that Affliction had signed a Network TV Deal (hopes raised)...with My NetworkTV (not so much)

- Because of the new TV deal, the Fedor vs Barnett fight has been postponed to September 27th. Attencio said the delay will allow them give the fight, which he called "the biggest high in MMA history", the exposure it deserves.

- Attencio said that August 27th show was still on and it would be headlined by Nogueira vs Mousasi for the Affliction Light Heavyweight Title and Belfort vs Santiago for the Affliction Middleweight Title. He listed the acomplishments of each fighter. He then ran down the entire main card:

Affliction: Nogueira vs Mousasi on August 27th
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs Gegard Mousasi ( Affliction Light Heavyweight Title)
Vitor Belfort vs Jorge Santiago ( Affliction Middleweight Title)
Dan Lauzon vs KJ Noons (Lightweight)
Alexander Shiemenko vs David Loiseau (Middleweight)
Alexandre Franca Nogueira vs Boa Quach (Featherweight)
Roger Gracie vs David Herman (Heavyweight)

- Nog, Mousasi, Belfort and Santiago all gave the usual pre-fight hype statements (it's going to be an exciting fight, I've had a great camp and I'm ready to go, this is a fight that fans have been wanting to see, etc.)

-Next, it was announced that the inaugural episode of Affliction Saturday Night Fights on My NetworkTV would debut on September 13th. Headlined by Blurcat's #1 lightweight, Eddie Alvarez vs Chris Horodecki and former WWF star Bobby Lashley taking on explosive striker Gilbert Yvel, as well as a preview of the upcoming Fedor vs Barnett fight. He ran down the main card

Affliction: Saturday Night Fights on September 13th
Eddie Alvarez vs Chris Horodecki (Lightweight)
Bobby Lashley vs Gilbert Yvel (Heavyweight)
Lyman Good vs Jay Hieron (Welterweight)
Wilson Reis vs Bibiano Fernandes (Featherweight)
Jeremy Williams vs Antwain Britt (Light Heavyweight)

- Alvarez joined the conference by phone. He said that he was looking for fights while Bellator was in its off season and this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. He thought it would be great fight.

- Lashley also joined by phone. He stated that he had signed a multi-fight deal with Affliction and that this was a big step in his career. On his upcoming fight with Gilbert Yvel he said, "Say what you will about Gilbert, but he always comes to fight. He's got some nasty stand up and he'll be a good test for me to see where I'm at."

Attencio opened the floor to questions:

- He was asked why they didn't move the entire "Trilogy" card to the new date. He responded that Nog vs Mousasi or Vitor vs Santiago could headline any card, anywhere in the world, including the UFC. He also said one of things that was hurting their growth was taking so long in between shows, saying "It's hard to maintain momentum when you disappear for three or four months at a time."

- When he was pressed, Attencio admitted that if they had run the card as scheduled it would have been their last show.

- He was asked why Alvarez vs Horodecki and Good vs Hieron weren't title matches. He said Good and Alzarez were both contractually tied to Bellator and he wanted to make sure his champions could defend their belts on a regular basis.

- When asked if he thought calling Fedor vs Barnett fight "the biggest fight in MMA history" was hyperbole, he responded, "That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard".

- Nog and Mousasi both said they are excited to headline a card and don't feel like they are on the"B" card at all.

- Attencio was asked about King Mo and if they have made any other major signings. He confirmed they had signed King Mo. On signing other fighters, "We've signed several fighters but we aren't looking to sign the biggest names. We are looking to sign the best fighters."

- Attencio closed the press conference with a plug for "Affliction: Nogueira vs Mousasi" on August 27th.


Blurcat Random New and Notes
Week 3 August

- Sengoku 8 will take place on September 14th and will be headlined by Yoshida vs Fujita and Antonio Silva vs Ishii

- Tito Ortiz apparently refused to even talk to Affliction, feeling they were beneath him. With his high asking price, rift with Dana White and low name recognition in Japan. The only thing he'll be fighting is his ego. (p.s. He's losing)

- DREAM has signed a PPV deal with WOWOW 4, one-upping Sengoku

- Affliction apparently got outbid by DREAM for Aleksander Emelianenko, Arona and Monson. Somebody must of hired an accountant.

- Adrenaline has scheduled Arlovski vs Rothwell II for September 12th. It will be headlined by the title bout and Tim Sylvia vs Don Frye. Affliction must of hired away Adrenaline's accountant.

[PoisonedSuperman]

I'll be giving this a read, I think you should bring in Butterbean to fight Fedor in his last match! Lets hope he doesn't die during the match. But seriously, give him someone!!

[madstork]

Blurcat Random News and Notes

August Week 4

- DREAM have announced that DREAM 10 will take place on the 19th of September. It will be headlined by Bob Sapp vs Hong-Man Choi and Kid Yamamoto vs Hiroyuki Takaya

- Affliction have inexplicably reached out to the retiring Butterbean. When The Bean's family was asked for their reaction to this exciting news they said, "We're worried", and hung up.

- The NYBA Phil Baroni will be fighting nowhere near The Empire State, as he has signed an exclusive deal with Sengoku

- WEC 42: Torres vs Bowles will take place on the 14th of September and will be headlined by the title bout and Akitoshi Tamura vs Joseph Benavidez



BlurCat's Affliction: Nogueira vs Mousasi Preview


10 Question to be answered by Affliction: Nogueira vs Mousasi


1. Can Nogueira and Mousasi headline a PPV?
With Affliction trying to run more shows, they are going to have to find out what a Fedorless PPV card means for them. This show, headlined by two relatively unknown fighters who made their names in Japan, will give them their baseline. If they come close to the numbers they did on the their other cards, then their future is looking up. However, a precipitous decline in PPV buys could mean the end of the promotion.

2. How much does Nogueira have left?
His twin brother has shown a lot of wear and tear in his UFC run. Tough fights age fighters, and though he might be his early 30s, his "fighting age" might be considerably higher.

3. Who will show up in Belfort vs Santiago?
Belfort's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde act is both legendary and lamented in MMA. Though his time at Extreme Couture seems to have has helped his focus, its still anyones guess if he'll show up ready to fight. Jorge Santiago also seems to be two different fighters. The Sengoku Santiago is a killer, a top level middleweight who has run through his division. The UFC Santiago was a mediocre middleweight who was no where near title contention. Has he improved or has he benefited from weaker opposition?

4. Will the streaks survive?
Two of MMA's most impressive streaks will be on the line in the two main events. Mousasi is carrying a twelve fight winning streak coming into his Light Heavyweight Tile fight and Santiago is bring a nine fight streak into his title tilt with Belfort. This is a step up in competition for both men and both are slight underdogs

5. Has KJ Noons been improving his MMA skills during is sojourn into boxing?
With his EliteXC contract problems behind him, Noons is leaving his flagging boxing career behind to return to MMA. The question is, has he moved past his boxer with decent take down defense skill set, or is he still the same one-dimensional fighter he was when he left.

6. Does David Loiseau still want to fight?
People have been waiting for Loiseau to return to form ever since his brutal loss to Rich Franklin. However, his performances have been listless and his explosive muay thai seems to have abandoned him.

7. Can Affliction build competitive Batamweight and Featherweight Divisions?
At Affliction's first two shows, any fights at welterweight or below seemed to be filler. They didn't seemed to be aimed at setting up future fights or creating stars. Their attitude seemed to be, "we have a few of these guys, their fights are usually exciting, so lets throw them on the card". With their new emphasis on divisions and running more shows, you would think that building their two lightest divisions would be a priority. However, there is only one featherweight and one batamweight (on the undercard) fight on the card and there aren't a lot of name fighters available at featherweight or batamweight you can build a division around. We would have to say this isn't a good start.

8. How will Nogueira (the featherweight) look after sitting out a year on a steroids suspension?
Fighters generally go two ways after a suspension. Either they come back improved, with a point to prove or they come back as shell of themselves, rusty and missing their "help".

9. Is Roger Gracie a great prospect because of his skills or his name?
MMA insiders have been raving about Gracie's wrestling and, of course, jiu-jitsu. We just wonder, would people be as excited about him if his name was Roger Jones?

10. Can Affliction make their belts mean something?
Affliction will be awarding its first two belts at this show. If you're being charitable, you could argue that there are nine belt in MMA that mean anything (the five UFC titles, the Batamweight and Featherweight WEC titles, Fedor's WAMMA Heavyweight title and DREAM's Lightweight Title). With seven divisions, Affliction will eventually seek to almost double that number. Can they create true World Champions? Or will they just be "Here is the best guy in this weight class, in this promotion" titles.


Affliction: Nogueira vs Mousasi Predictions

(#8 LHW) Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs Gegard Mousasi ( Affliction Light Heavyweight Title)
Nogueria has the better technical striking and jiu-jitsu, but he will have to contend with Mousasi's superior punching power and athleticism. We see Gegard dominating round one and possibly even flooring is opponent. However, we see Nog performing one of his patented family recipe comebacks to pull out a sub in the second.
Nogueria via 2nd Round Submission

(#9 MW) Vitor Belfort vs (#4 MW) Jorge Santiago ( Affliction Middleweight Title)
We see this as a striking battle as neither man has skills to take the other down. After a close first round, Vitor catches Jorge clean in the second and then pound him out.
Vitor by 2nd Round TKO

Dan Lauzon vs KJ Noons (Lightweight)
We don't see Lauzon being able to take down Noons and if this doesn't hit ground, it's going to be a rough night for Dan. Noons will be able to keep it on the feet and will deliver a KO late in the first.
Noon via 1st Round KO

Alexander Shiemenko vs David Loiseau (Middleweight)
"The Crow" has technical advantages in almost every facet of MMA. So Loiseau should win this fight, but how long have we been saying that? After watching his "UFC comeback" we're going with Shiemenko via UD.
Shiemenko via Unanimous Decision

Alexandre Franca Nogueira vs Boa Quach (Featherweight)
A matchup of two almost identical fighters, (great, exciting grapplers who can't strike to save their lives) this fight is a complete toss up. The one advantage for Quach is that Nogueira could be rusty after sitting out a year on a steroid suspension. However, we think Nogueira does his namesake proud and ekes out a close decision.
Nogueira via Split Decision

Roger Gracie vs David Herman (Heavyweight)
Herman's only chance is to keep this standing and exploit Gracie's weak stand up. However, Gracie's take downs are relentless and Herman is going to have a tough time staying off his back. We'll take Gracie by first round sub.
Gracie by 1st Round Submission

[madstork]

BlurCat's "Affliction: Nogueira vs Mousasi" Live Results


Preliminary Fights

(Affliction Heavyweight Division) Jay White defeats Gary 'Big Daddy' Goodridge by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Poor)

(Affliction Batamweight Division) Atsushi Yamamoto defeats 'Ox' Coty Wheeler by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Average)

(Affliction Light Heavyweight Division) Emanuel Newton defeats 'Tiger' Vernon White by Submission in 4:59 of round 2 (Average)

(Affliction Lightweight Division) Bendy Casimir defeats Nick Agallar by Submission in 4:17 of round 1 (Good)

(Affliction Middleweight Division) Daniel Acácio defeats 'Pachuco' Art Santore by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Poor)

(Affliction Welterweight division) Edilberto 'Crocota' de Oliveira defeats Erik 'Bad' Apple by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Average)


Main Card Fights


>Next up is a match in which Roger Gracie will battle 'Pee Wee' Dave Herman in the Affliction Heavyweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Gracie chooses to shoot in on Herman.
>Gracie gets the takedown! Herman pulls guard.
>Herman is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Gracie off of him.
>The clock runs down as Herman is being smothered against the ground by Gracie.
>Gracie looks to pass guard and get side control.
>Herman finds his opponent too skilled, and Gracie passes guard into side control.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Gracie tries to ensare Herman in an armbar.
>Gracie gets the armbar fully applied and Herman has to tap out!
>Roger Gracie takes the victory by way of Submission!

>Official Result: Roger Gracie defeats 'Pee Wee' Dave Herman (Submission in 2:57 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.


>Another match is about to begin; 'Pequeño' Alexandre Franca Nogueira fights 'The Taz' Bao Quach in the Affliction Featherweight division.

>The fight begins!
>Pequeño throws a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Quach tries to avoid Pequeño.
>Pequeño gets the takedown! Quach pulls guard.
>Pequeño tries to pass the guard.
>He passes the guard well, gaining side control.
>Pequeño hits a knee strike to the ribs.
>Pequeño begins trying to get himself into mount.
>Pequeño shifts to mount.
>Pequeño attempts an americana.
>Quach gets caught by the americana, and once Pequeño moves to side control for leverage he has to tap!
>'Pequeño' Alexandre Franca Nogueira takes the win by Submission!

>Official Result: 'Pequeño' Alexandre Franca Nogueira defeats 'The Taz' Bao Quach (Submission in 2:31 of round 1). The match was rated as being Fantastic.


>Next up is a match in which 'Storm' Alexander Shlemenko goes up against David 'The Crow' Loiseau in the Affliction Middleweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Shlemenko bobs and weaves.
>Not letting up, Loiseau steps in closer to pressure Shlemenko into action.
>Loiseau throws a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>The takedown is stuffed, so Loiseau has to go to settle for pushing Shlemenko up against the ropes.
>Loiseau smothers Shlemenko against the ropes, then uses his dirty boxing skills to his advantage.
>Loiseau smothers Shlemenko against the ropes, then uses his dirty boxing skills to his advantage.
>Loiseau steps back to achieve some separation from Shlemenko and gets ready to strike.
>Shlemenko counters a wayward jab with a crisp jab.
>Shlemenko tries for a jab but Loiseau moves out of range.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Shlemenko throws a combination but doesn't do any damage.
>Not letting Shlemenko settle at all, Loiseau comes in closer.
>Loiseau comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Shlemenko.
>They start grappling, Shlemenko looks happy to engage Loiseau at close quarters.
>Shlemenko separates from Loiseau and we're back to a stand-off.
>There's a takedown attempt from Loiseau.
>Loiseau finds his takedown countered, and Shlemenko ends up on top, in guard.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Shlemenko stands and gets out of guard, then backs off, wanting the fight standing.
>Loiseau slips out of the way of a jab.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>Incredibly close round, but Shlemenko came out just ahead on my score card.

>Round two begins!
>Shlemenko throws a combination but doesn't do any damage.
>Loiseau presses in closer to attack.
>Loiseau throws a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>The takedown doesn't work, Shlemenko stuffed it.
>An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage.
>Shlemenko fakes a lunge.
>Not letting Shlemenko settle at all, Loiseau comes in closer.
>Loiseau looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Shlemenko.
>He pulls Shlemenko into a grapple.
>Shlemenko gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Loiseau uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment.
>David Loiseau doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>Loiseau hits Shlemenko with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Loiseau hits Shlemenko with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling.
>Loiseau is trying to muscle Shlemenko up against the ropes.
>Loiseau does it, Shlemenko is stuck with his back to the ropes.
>Loiseau smothers Shlemenko against the ropes, then uses his dirty boxing skills to his advantage.
>Alexander Shlemenko is breathing very hard.
>Loiseau pins Shlemenko up against the ropes and uses dirty boxing to inflict some damage.
>David Loiseau looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion.
>Loiseau moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike.
>Shlemenko stings Loiseau with a series of quick punches.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Shlemenko throws three punches in quick succession, but Loiseau was out of range.
>Loiseau presses in closer to attack.
>Loiseau comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Shlemenko blocked Loiseau.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>That round goes to Loiseau, 10-9 on my card.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Shlemenko attacks Loiseau with a series of quick jabs.
>Shlemenko scores with a jab.
>A speculative waist-high kick by Loiseau finds nothing but air.
>Shlemenko doesn't press the issue, allowing Loiseau to circle.
>Shlemenko snaps off a crisp jab.
>Shlemenko scores with a series of quick punches.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Shlemenko uses a jab to sting Loiseau.
>Loiseau circles as he plans his next move.
>The fight slows as Shlemenko sits back and allows Loiseau to circle.
>Alexander Shlemenko looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.
>Shlemenko is looking to pull Loiseau down into his guard.
>The attempt is successful, Loiseau is sucked into his guard.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Shlemenko tries to ensare an arm.
>A kimura attempt almost catches Loiseau, but Shlemenko eventually has to settle for using it to sweep to side control.
>Shlemenko lets go of side control and stands up, then backs off, wanting the fight standing.
>Shlemenko comes in quick and hits a quick series of punches.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Shlemenko.
>Here come the official scores.
>Judge #1 scores the match as 29-28 to Shlemenko.
>Judge #2 has given 29-28 to Shlemenko.
>Judge #3 has scored it 29-28 Shlemenko.
>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is 'Storm' Alexander Shlemenko!

>Official Result: 'Storm' Alexander Shlemenko defeats David 'The Crow' Loiseau (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good.


>Moving on, Dan 'The Upgrade' Lauzon competes against KJ Noons in the Affliction Lightweight division.

>We are underway!
>Noons hits a jab.
>Lauzon throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Noons.
>Lauzon eats a stiff counter punch and almost goes down!
>Noons counters a missed punch with a clean jab.
>Lauzon throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Noons.
>Noons tries to avoid the takedown.
>Lauzon can't get the takedown, Noons was too quick to back away.
>Noons hits a crisp jab.
>Noons snaps off a crisp jab.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Noons stings Lauzon with a series of quick punches.
>Lauzon throws a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Noons stuffs the takedown attempt.
>A quick one-two combination from Lauzon only finds gloves.
>The fight slows as Noons sits back and allows Lauzon to circle.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Noons avoids a straight right and hits a sequence of quick punches.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Noons.

>And here we go, round two!
>Noons catches an oncoming Lauzon with a crisp jab.
>Noons jabs Lauzon as he advances.
>Noons counters a wayward jab with a punch.
>Noons throws a jab but Lauzon avoids it.
>Lauzon chooses to shoot in on Noons.
>Lauzon doesn't get the takedown, Noons was equal to it and pulls them into a clinch.
>The grappling doesn't last long, as they soon break away from each other.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Lauzon comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Noons.
>Noons uses his strikes to stop Lauzon from getting close enough to grapple.
>Lauzon shoots in for a takedown.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Noons blocked Lauzon.
>Noons catches Lauzon with a solid jab.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Noons uses a nice jab to prevent Lauzon from getting closer.
>Noons takes a jab to the cheek.
>The time runs out on round two.
>I have to give that round to Noons, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Noons catches Lauzon moving in with a jab.
>Lauzon uses a combination of three punches to get Noons to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>The takedown doesn't work, Noons stuffed it and then works into a clinch position.
>The grappling doesn't last long, as they soon break away from each other.
>Lauzon switches stances, throws a speculative punch, then switches right back again.
>It seems that Noons is happy to let Lauzon circle for the moment.
>Noons scores with a jab.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Lauzon comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Noons.
>Noons uses his strikes to stop Lauzon from getting close enough to grapple.
>Moving in closer, Lauzon looks like he may want to wrestle Noons.
>A counter punch catches Lauzon hard, almost putting him down!
>Noons counters a jab with a flurry of quick punches.
>Lauzon comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Noons stuffs the takedown attempt and then pulls Lauzon into a clinch.
>The grappling doesn't last long, as they soon break away from each other.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Lauzon fires off a looping punch, but Noons avoids it.
>It seems that Noons is happy to let Lauzon circle for the moment.
>Lauzon looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Noons.
>Not wanting to grapple, Noons uses strikes to keep Lauzon at a distance.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>I think Noons took that round, 10-9 on my score card.
>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>Judge #1 gives a score of 30-27 in favour of Noons.
>Judge #2 has scored it 30-27 Noons.
>Judge #3 has scored it 30-27 Noons.
>Making KJ Noons the winner by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: KJ Noons defeats Dan 'The Upgrade' Lauzon (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good.


>The co-main event is up next. Jorge Santiago will battle 'The Phenom' Vitor Belfort in the Affliction Middleweight division.
>This contest is for the Affliction Middleweight Title title.

>And here we go!
>Santiago chooses to shoot in on Belfort.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Belfort blocked Santiago.
>Belfort counters a weak leg kick with a nice punch.
>Belfort catches a weak leg kick and uses it to go for a takedown, getting it! Santiago pulls guard.
>Belfort is trying to pass guard.
>Santiago comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Belfort in guard.
>Santiago tries to ensare Belfort in a guillotine.
>Belfort stops Santiago from applying it.
>Belfort tries to pass the guard.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Belfort doesn't let Santiago pull him in close to be smothered.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Belfort attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Santiago is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Belfort firmly in guard.
>Santiago tries to pull Belfort into a guillotine choke from the bottom of the guard.
>Belfort pulls his head free before the hold can be applied properly.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Belfort smothers Santiago with his body by pushing forward and down.
>The lengthy period of stalemate results in the referee standing them both back up.
>Santiago throws out a quick jab.
>Belfort doesn't let Santiago settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Belfort.

>And here we go, round two!
>Moving in closer, Santiago looks like he may want to wrestle Belfort.
>Belfort waits for Santiago to step in, then he scores with a quick takedown.
>Belfort tries to control Santiago against the ground, but finds it a struggle.
>Belfort doesn't let Santiago pull him in close to be smothered.
>Belfort attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Santiago tries to ensare Belfort in a triangle.
>Belfort pulls his arm free before the triangle can be locked in.
>Belfort keeps Santiago guessing with a few quick strikes.
>In guard, Belfort begins working to pass to side control.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Santiago attempts a triangle choke on Belfort from the bottom of the guard.
>Belfort blocks the attempt.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Belfort attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Vitor Belfort is breathing very hard.
>Santiago grabs Belfort and draws him in close, smothering him.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>The lengthy period of stalemate results in the referee standing them both back up.
>Santiago sneaks a glance at his corner.
>Belfort seems to be waiting for Santiago to make a move.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>I have to give that round to Belfort, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Santiago comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>The takedown is stuffed, so Santiago has to go to settle for pushing Belfort up against the ropes.
>Santiago looks for a trip takedown.
>Belfort keeps his composure, and Santiago cannot get past his takedown defence.
>Santiago tries to maintain control, but Belfort wrestles his way out of trouble and turns it so that Santiago ends up backed against the ropes.
>Santiago is trapped against the ropes and held there by Belfort for roughly thirty seconds.
>Breathing very hard, Jorge Santiago is looking ragged.
>From the looks of things, I don't think Vitor Belfort has much energy left.
>The referee decides that the grappling against the ropes has been going on too long, and he brings them back to the center.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Santiago chooses to shoot in on Belfort.
>Belfort tries to avoid Santiago.
>Belfort avoids the takedown attempt.
>Santiago gets Belfort with a right hand to the ribs, but it lacked power.
>It seems that Belfort is happy to let Santiago circle for the moment.
>Belfort hits a flurry of quick punches on Santiago.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>A quick one-two combination from Santiago only finds gloves.
>Time slips away as Belfort doesn't press Santiago, allowing him to circle.
>Santiago throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Belfort.
>Belfort sees the takedown coming and tries to move.
>Santiago can't get the takedown, Belfort was too quick to back away.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round three.
>That round goes to Belfort, 10-9 on my card.

>We are back underway!
>Santiago catches Belfort with a kick to the inside of the thigh.
>Santiago tries for a high kick but Belfort moves out of range.
>Jorge Santiago looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.
>Belfort circles as he plans his next move.
>Santiago quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Santiago uses a combination of three punches to get Belfort to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>Belfort catches Santiago coming in and knocks him out cold with a vicious hook to the jaw!
>The winner, by Knock Out; Vitor Belfort!

>Official Result: 'The Phenom' Vitor Belfort defeats Jorge Santiago (Knock Out in 1:46 of round 4). The match was rated as being Poor.


>It's time for the main event of the evening! Antonio 'Minotoro' Rogerio Nogueira will battle 'Yerevan' Gegard Mousasi in the Affliction Light Heavyweight division.
>The Affliction Light Heavyweight title on the line in this match.

>There's the opening bell!
>Mousasi circles, looking for an opening.
>Not letting Mousasi settle, Nogueira moves in closer.
>There's a takedown attempt from Nogueira.
>Mousasi tries to avoid Nogueira.
>Nogueira gets the takedown! Mousasi pulls guard.
>Nogueira looks to pass guard and get side control.
>Nogueira is too much for Mousasi, passing guard and gaining side control.
>Nogueira tries to ensare Mousasi in an americana.
>Nogueira gets the americana, wrenches it back, and Mousasi has to tap!
>Antonio Rogerio Nogueira takes the victory by way of Submission!

>Official Result: Antonio 'Minotoro' Rogerio Nogueira defeats 'Yerevan' Gegard Mousasi (Submission in 2:20 of round 1). The match was rated as being Fantastic.

[madstork]

Affliction: Nogueira vs Mousasi Post Fight Press Conference Notes

- Attencio announced a paid attendance 6,681 for a gate of $334,050 and the following post show awards:
Fight of the Night: Shlemenko vs Loiseau
Submission of the Night: "Minotoro" Nogueira
Knock Out of the Night: Belfort

- Attencio said he thought the show delivered across the board. The general feeling was that the show had been "excellent".

- When asked who was next for the new champion Nogueira, Attencio floated the names of Babalu and King Mo. He also said they might try and talk to Tito and see if they can get a deal done.

- Nogueira said he was pleased with his performance and he would prefer Tito next because that is a fight fans have wanted to see for a long time.

- Mousasi gave props to Nogueira and said he was still kind of shell shocked. He promised to give a better performance in his next outing.

- The list of possible opponents for Belfort was long, including Jason Miller, Joey Villasenor, Nick Diaz, Robbie Lawler, Jacre and Hector Lombard. Attencio said it would come down to how they perform in their upcoming matches and whether they would be contractually available.

- Belfort seemed to be very pleased with the victory and to once again be a champion. He said the deliberate pace of early rounds was part of game plan, saying "I wanted to let the fight come to me and not try to force things".

- Santiago said that he was obviously disappointed and that he wasn't sure if his next fight would be for Affliction or back in Japan.

- Attencio talked about what a great fight Shlemenko and Loiseau had. He said Loiseau, in defeat, looked better than he had in years.

- When asked about their contractual status, Attencio said Nogueira and Belfort were both exclusive to Affliction. He said Vitor has just signed a new contract.

- Attencio announced that second main event on "Affliction: Barnett vs Fedor" would match Nick Diaz and Nick Thompson. He said the full card will announced on Monday.

- Attencio closed the press conference by plugging the debut in two weeks of Affliction: Saturday Night Fights on My NetworkTV.

[majesty95]

Very cool! Lots of depth. I like the changes to the database. I'll be watching!

[maudlin career]

The things majesty liked are the things I might not like. Let me ask, did you File Edit to get your current roster, or did you negotiate contracts?

I feel like with these kind of Diaries, File Editing cheapens the effect. I would have been more interested if you started the game in July. Set it up to where Josh Barnett failed his test (or not...up to you). And continue with Affliction Trilogy, and go from there.

All in all, since I did dig the hell out of Affliction, I will be reading.

[madstork]

Maudlin,

I edited the database before the game started, but I did it to make the game harder, not easier. For example most of Strikeforce's key fighters were on Associate contracts and I changed them to Standard contracts. That prevented me being able to just swoop in and steal whoever I wanted from them. The same applies to a lot of the DREAM and Sengoku contracts.

The only changes I made to my own promotion in the database follow: (from the database change log, 2nd post)

Affliction
Andre Arlovski Released- His fight with Rogers was the last on his Affliction contract

Matt Lindland 2(2)- I think they signed him to a three fight deal before the Belfort fight

Rameau Sokoudjou AC- He was on a Standard Contract but he was brought in as a last second replacement for the second show. So I thought the Associate Contract fit better.

Renato Sobral AC- Babalu is Strikeforce's LHW champ and he has a fairly iron clad contract with them. The original data had him with an Associate Contract to Strikeforce and a Standard Contract with Affliction. I switched them (I just switched the contract type, he still cost me three times what he costs them).

Roy Nelson Released (He was already shooting TUF before Affliction folded)

Tim Sylvia 2(2) The Fedor fight was the first on his three fight deal.

Vitor Belfort 1(1) It was fairly well known that Vitor was going to be a free agent after the Santiago fight

So to make a long answer short (way too late), any fighters who I have that weren't with Affliction in the original database, I signed through negotiations. Almost all of them are with me on associate contracts (ex. Nick Diaz, Eddie Alvarez, Lyman Good, Jason Miller), so they are also still with their original promotions.

I also let those promotions book their first shows before I used any of their fighters, even though the game allows you freeze the promoters out by constantly scheduling their fighters.

[madstork]

Blurcat Random News and Notes

Week 1 September

- Butterbean has turned down Affliction's offer for a farewell match, saying he wishes to quietly ride off into the sunset. Apparently, his family staged an intervention when they heard the promotion was planing to match him with the nearly seven foot tall, 3-time K-1 champion Semmy Schilt. With his plans foiled, Affliction's matchmaker will turn himself toward less cruel pursuits, like clubbing baby seals.

- Strikeforce on CBS will debut October 3rd with Josh Thompson vs Mike Aina in the main event (smell the ratings).

- Early reports on the buys for "Affliction: Nogueira vs Mousasi" indicate that the promotion got around 70,000 buys. This is down almost a third from their last PPV. Despite the lower buyrate, this was their most finacially successful PPV because the promotion nearly broke even on the show.

Week 2 September

- Results from Strikeforce "Up In Flames" include Brett Rogers knocking out Allistair Overeem in the 2nd and Kazuo Misaki decisioning Joey Villasenor

- The main card for "Affliction: Fedor vs Barnett" has been released via Affliction's official website:

Affliction: Fedor vs Barnett, September 27th
(#1 HW) Fedor Emelianenko vs (#2 HW) Josh Barnett
Nick Diaz and Nick Thompson
Jason Miller vs Hector Lombard
Joe Warren vs Ryota Matsune
Andrei Semenov vs Benji Radach
Alexandre Ribeiro vs David Heath

- "Adrenaline: Arlovski vs Rothwell II" saw Arlovski force the tap in round three and Tim Sylvia KO Don Frye in the second



Friday September 12th
GSP Goes Down!
Fitch Stops St. Pierre Late in the 5th, Rampage rolls over Evans


Consensus #1 Welterweight Georges St. Pierre was upset today in his rematch with Jon Fitch at UFC 101. The referee stoppage came with only 90 seconds left in a five round war. This not only shakes up the welterweight rankings but also BlurCat's P4P rankings where GSP is currently maning the third spot. The good news for fans is that completing this trilogy now seems inevitable, as 48.5 minutes have settled nothing.

In other action from UFC 101, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson quickly dispatched of rival Rashad Evans via first round TKO. UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida might have something to worry about.



BlurCat's "Affliction: Saturday Night Fights" Preview


Five Questions that will be answered at "Saturday Night Fights"

1. Will Alvarez make a statement?
Alvarez seems to have gotten his #1 Lightweight Ranking by default. His two main rivals for the spot (Penn and Aoki) both recently lost Welterweight bouts. However, both men are coming back to their natural weight divisions and have a lot better competition in their promotions. If Alvarez wants to hold on to #1, he can't just win, he has to dominate.

2. Is Horodecki at Alvarez's level?
Chris comes in with a 13-1 record and a reputation for having exciting fights. What he doesn't have however, is a victory that he can hang his hat on, the kind that would show he is ready for top ten consideration. He will certainly get his chance with Alvarez, but is he up to the task?

3. Is Lashley's wrestling as good as advertised?
Lashley looked like a very pedestrian fighter in his last tilt with the lightly regarded Jason Guida. If he has trouble taking down the grappling challenged Yvel, Lashley's hype train might be leaving the station without him.

4. How "Good" is Lyman?
After running through a fairly weak field in the Bellator Welterweight Tournament, Lyman Good extended his record to a sparkling 10-0. However, he'll be facing, by far, the toughest test of career in veteran Jay Hieron, who riding a six fight winning streak of his own. This fight will show him where he's really at.

5. Can Affliction springboard from this show into "Fedor vs Barnett"?
Affliction seems to have set this card up to draw the most eyeballs possible. They brought in Alvarez to appeal to the hardcore MMA fans and they added Lashley to, they hope, bring in some of those fans that have made Brock Lesnar such a huge draw. Will they draw a good rating? And if they do, can they convert those watchers into PPV buyers?


BlurCat's Affliction: Saturday Night Fights Predictions

Eddie Alvarez vs Chris Horodecki (Lightweight)
Horodecki seems to be outgunned in every aspect of MMA in this fight. Something wholly unexpected would have to happen for Alvarez to lose. In this one we are expecting the expected, Eddie, early, by TKO.
Alvarez 1st Round TKO

Bobby Lashley vs Gilbert Yvel (Heavyweight)
Lashley will have to avoid Yvel's headhunting striking at the beginning of each round and secure the takedown. After that he will just have to stay busy enough to not get stood back up. Rinse, wash and repeat to a decision victory.
Lashley by Unanimous Decision


Lyman Good vs Jay Hieron (Welterweight)
Lyman is the better striker and will look to keep this standing. Look for Hieron to use some of Coach Couture's dirty boxing to crowd Good and force the take down. We'll take Hieron is closely fought UD.
Hieron by Unanimous Decision

Wilson Reis vs Bibiano Fernandes (Featherweight)
This should be a great ground war, as Reis and Fernandes are world class grapplers. Reis does have a small advantage in striking but we see Bibiano springing the slight upset with a submission in the 3rd.
Fernandes by 3rd Round Submission

Jeremy Williams vs Antwain Britt (Light Heavyweight)
This match up of two young, explosive light heavyweight strikers should be fun while it lasts. Williams has the better boxing technique and, if he's smart, he'll keep this from turning into a brawl. We've got Britt going down hard in the 2nd.
Williams by 2nd Round KO

[madstork]

BlurCat's Live Results from "Affliction: Saturday Night Fights"

(Affliction Batamweight Division) 'Kamakazi' Chris Cariaso defeats 'Ashikan Judan' Masakazu Imanari by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (poor)

(Affliction Featherweight Division) Henry Martinez defeats 'Wicky' Akiyo Nishiura by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (poor)

(Affliction Light Heavyweight Division) 'Professor X' Xavier Foupa-Pokam defeats Vladimir 'The Janitor' Matyushenko by Knock Out in 2:35 of round 3 (great)

(Affliction Heavyweight Division) 'The Russian Hammer' Roman Zentsov defeats 'The Stalker' Mike Kyle by TKO in 1:39 of round 3 (great)

(Affliction Welterweight Division) Norman Paraisy defeats Jesse 'Water' Bongfeldt by Submission in 2:57 of round 1 (fantastic)

(Affliction Lightweight Division) 'The Eraser' Derrick Noble defeats '20 Diddy' Alonzo Martinez by Knock Out in 0:28 of round 2 (good)

(Affliction Batamweight Division) Mamoru Yamaguchi defeats Masakatsu Ueda bv Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Average)


>Moving on, 'Half-Man, Half-Amazing' Jeremy Williams will battle 'The Juggernaut' Antwain Britt in the Affliction Light Heavyweight division.

>And here we go!
>Williams smashes Britt with a huge punch and he goes down hard!
>Moving quickly, Williams tries to grab the opportunity and secure mount.
>Britt has recovered enough to pull Williams into a tight clinch on the ground, preventing him from firing off any strikes.
>Williams pounds away from the mount, but is unable to land many clean shots on Britt.
>Williams pounds away on Britt, but few of the shots lands clean.
>Williams fires away with punches, but Britt deals with them fairly well.
>Williams unloads with big punches from the mount, but Britt is able to deal with most of them.
>Williams pounds away from the mount, but is unable to land many clean shots on Britt.
>Williams tries to pound on Britt, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Britt tries to move Williams out of mount but can't.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Williams tries to pound on Britt, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Britt tries to sweep Williams out of mount but can't do it.
>Williams attempts an americana.
>Britt blocks it.
>Britt tries to move Williams out of mount but can't.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Williams tries to pound on Britt, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Britt tries to move Williams out of mount but can't.
>Williams tries to set up Britt for an americana.
>Britt defends himself well.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Williams.

>And here we go, round two!
>Williams uses a nice jab.
>Britt keeps out of range, assessing the situation.
>Williams doesn't press the issue, allowing Britt to circle.
>Williams hits a flurry of quick punches on Britt.
>Williams fakes a lunge.
>Not letting Williams settle at all, Britt comes in closer.
>Williams side-steps a barrage of big punches and hits a solid punch.
>Williams comes in quick and hits a quick series of punches.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Britt gets hit with a crisp jab.
>Britt slams a crisp punch into the gloves of Williams, but can't follow up.
>It seems that Williams is happy to let Britt circle for the moment.
>Britt glances a right hand strike off the side of the left shoulder.
>Williams doesn't press the issue, allowing Britt to circle.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage.
>The time runs out on round two.
>That round goes to Williams, 10-9 on my card.

>Round three begins!
>Williams scores with a solid jab.
>Britt comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Williams attempts to avoid Britt as he shoots in.
>Britt can't get the takedown, Williams was too quick to back away.
>Britt throws out a quick jab.
>The fight slows as Williams sits back and allows Britt to circle.
>Jeremy Williams is looking really tired.
>Williams moves in and uses a flurry of quick punches to sting Britt.
>Britt looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Williams is pulled into a grapple.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Britt looks to scoop his opponent up for a slam.
>Williams doesn't allow himself to be lifted, and he gets away from Britt.
>Antwain Britt looks very tired out there.
>Britt comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Williams tries to avoid Britt.
>Britt doesn't get the takedown, Williams avoided it.
>Williams uses a jab to keep Britt back.
>Britt steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>The fight slows as Williams sits back and allows Britt to circle.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Britt takes a jab to the cheek.
>Britt gets Williams with a right hand to the ribs, but it lacked power.
>Williams seems to be waiting for Britt to make a move.
>The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.
>I have to give that round to Williams, but only a 10-9.
>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>Judge #1 scores the match as 30-27 to Williams.
>Judge #2 has scored it 30-27 Williams.
>Judge #3: 30-27 Williams.
>Williams wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: 'Half-Man, Half-Amazing' Jeremy Williams defeats 'The Juggernaut' Antwain Britt (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.


>Moving on, Wilson Reis will battle Bibiano 'The Flash' Fernandes in the Affliction Featherweight division.

>The fight begins!
>A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Fernandes.
>Fernandes gets the takedown! Reis pulls guard.
>Fernandes looks to get past the guard.
>Reis comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Fernandes in guard.
>Reis tries to pull Fernandes in close and smother him, but doesn't get anywhere with it.
>Fernandes lies on top of Reis, basically smothering him.
>Fernandes smothers Reis with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Fernandes lies on top of Reis, basically smothering him.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Fernandes begins trying to pass the guard.
>Fernandes isn't able to pass guard on this attempt.
>Reis tries to get double underhooks on Fernandes so that he can get some control, but can't get them.
>The lack of progress forces the referee to stand the fighters back up.
>A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Fernandes.
>The takedown is completed, Reis is on his back and pulls half guard.
>Fernandes begins trying to get his leg free of the half guard.
>He finds himself unable to get past the half guard on this attempt.
>Reis tries to transition to full guard, but can't manage it.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Fernandes fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>I have to give that round to Fernandes, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Reis shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>Reis doesn't get the takedown, Fernandes saw it coming and was equal to it.
>Reis glances a right hand strike off the side of the left shoulder.
>Fernandes doesn't press the issue, allowing Reis to circle.
>A straight jab by Reis keeps Fernandes from advancing.
>It seems that Fernandes is happy to let Reis circle for the moment.
>Fernandes comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Fernandes gets the takedown! Reis pulls guard.
>Fernandes lies on top of Reis, basically smothering him.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Time slips away as Fernandes successfully keeps Reis stuck against the ground.
>Time slips away as Fernandes successfully keeps Reis stuck against the ground.
>Reis is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Fernandes off of him.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Fernandes fires off a few punches as he catches his breath.
>Reis tries to pull Fernandes in close and smother him, but doesn't get anywhere with it.
>Fernandes smothers Reis with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I think Fernandes took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>And here we go, round three!
>Reis uses a combination of three punches to get Fernandes to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>Fernandes stuffs the takedown attempt, but can't do anything about being pushed up against the ropes.
>Reis attempts to wrestle Fernandes to the ground.
>Fernandes shows excellent takedown defence and works his way around so that it is Reis who ends up backed against the ropes.
>Fernandes tries to take Reis down.
>Reis keeps his composure, and Fernandes cannot get past his takedown defence.
>Reis is controlled up against the ropes for about thirty seconds.
>With the fighters having been stuck against the ropes for quite a while, the referee bringing them back to the center.
>Fernandes comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>It looks like Reis is trying to grab a guillotine.
>Reis cannot stop the takedown, and only catches Fernandes in half guard.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Fernandes fires off a few punches as he catches his breath.
>Reis tries to move from half guard to full guard, but Fernandes doesn't allow it.
>Fernandes looks to pass half guard and get side control.
>He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt.
>Fernandes blocks Reis as he tries a transition to full guard.
>Fernandes looks to pass half guard and get side control.
>He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt.
>Reis attempts a guillotine choke from the bottom of half guard.
>Fernandes defends it well.
>We reach the time limit and this fight is over.
>I think Fernandes took that round, 10-9 on my score card.
>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>Judge #1 has given 30-27 to Fernandes.
>Judge #2: 30-27 Fernandes.
>Judge #3 has given 30-27 to Fernandes.
>Making Bibiano 'The Flash' Fernandes the winner by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Bibiano 'The Flash' Fernandes defeats Wilson Reis (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Very Poor.


>Next up, Lyman Good squares off with Jay Hieron in the Affliction Welterweight division.

>And here we go!
>Good scores with a jab that stops Hieron getting too close.
>Hieron uses a combination of three punches to get Good to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>Good tries to avoid Hieron.
>The takedown doesn't work, Good saw it coming and got out of range.
>Good catches Hieron with a barrage of big punches!
>Good scores with a series of quick punches.
>Hieron shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>Good stuffs the takedown, so Hieron has to settle for pushing him up against the ropes.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>With Good stuck against the ropes, Hieron tries to complete a takedown.
>Hieron tries hard but cannot get Good off of his feet, and winds up reversed and with his back to the ropes.
>Good breaks the grapple and prepares to launch some strikes at Hieron.
>Hieron gets hit with a crisp jab.
>Hieron throws a flurry of punches but Good steps back and avoids them.
>Hieron uses a combination of three punches to get Good to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>A counter punch catches Hieron above the eye.
>Hieron throws a flurry of punches but Good steps back and avoids them.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Good uses a jab to sting Hieron.
>Hieron throws a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>A counter punch catches Hieron above the eye.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Good.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Hieron looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Good.
>Good ends up grappling for supremacy with Hieron.
>Hieron hits Good with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling.
>Hieron attempts to pick Good up for a slam.
>There's the slam! Good is planted onto his back, and pulls guard.
>Time slips away as Hieron successfully keeps Good stuck against the ground.
>Hieron lies on top of Good, basically smothering him.
>Hieron fires off a few punches as he catches his breath.
>Good tries to get double underhooks on Hieron so that he can get some control, but can't get them.
>Hieron keeps Good guessing with a few quick strikes.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Good is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Hieron off of him.
>With no progress being made, the referee stands them back up.
>Hieron slams a crisp punch into the gloves of Good, but can't follow up.
>Good seems to be waiting for Hieron to make a move.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Good counters a punch by hitting a crisp punch.
>Good snaps off a crisp jab.
>The time runs out on round two.
>That round goes to Hieron, 10-9 on my card.

>And here we go, round three!
>There's a takedown attempt from Hieron.
>Good tries to avoid Hieron.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Good avoided Hieron.
>Hieron takes a jab.
>Hieron looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Good.
>Good finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.
>Using his wrestling skills, Hieron is trying to push Good up against the ropes.
>He does so, and now has Good pinned to the ropes.
>Hieron uses dirty boxing to punish Good while he is pressed up against the ropes.
>Lyman Good is looking really tired.
>Hieron tries to take Good down.
>Good does get taken down, unable to grab the guillotine that he was looking for.
>Time slips away as Hieron successfully keeps Good stuck against the ground.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>The clock runs down as Good is being smothered against the ground by Hieron.
>Hieron throws a few punches, but they appear to be more of a prelude to something bigger.
>Hieron begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>Good finds his opponent too skilled, and Hieron passes guard into side control.
>Jay Hieron doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Hieron is trying to move from side control to mount.
>He does it, and has the mount on Good.
>Hieron tries to pound on Good, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Hieron.
>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>Judge #1 has given 29-28 to Hieron.
>Judge #2 has scored it 29-28 Hieron.
>Judge #3 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Hieron.
>Making Jay Hieron the winner by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Jay Hieron defeats Lyman Good (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Good.


>The co-main event is up next. Bobby Lashley fights 'The Hurricane' Gilbert Yvel in the Affliction Heavyweight division.

>The fight begins!
>Lashley waits for a flurry of punches to stop, then hits a stinging jab
>Lashley comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Yvel cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.
>Lashley looks to get past the guard.
>Lashley is too much for Yvel, passing guard and gaining side control.
>Lashley pounds away on Yvel, landing several great shots that threaten to knock Yvel out!
>The referee pulls Lashley away, stopping the match!
>Bobby Lashley takes the victory by way of TKO!

>Official Result: Bobby Lashley defeats 'The Hurricane' Gilbert Yvel (TKO in 1:47 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.


>It's time for the main event of the evening! Eddie Alvarez goes head to head with 'The Polish Hammer' Chris Horodecki in the Affliction Lightweight division.

>And here we go!
>There's a takedown attempt from Alvarez.
>The takedown is completed, Horodecki is on his back and pulls guard.
>Alvarez fires away with big punches, but Horodecki keeps the guard secure and doesn't take any undue damage.
>Horodecki tries a sweep from the bottom of the guard, but doesn't budge Alvarez.
>Alvarez begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Alvarez blocks an attempted sweep.
>Alvarez unloads with some big punches, but Horodecki deals with them comfortably.
>Horodecki tries to sweep Alvarez but doesn't get anywhere.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Alvarez starts trying to work to get past the guard.
>Alvarez isn't able to pass guard on this attempt.
>Alvarez blocks Horodecki as he tries a sweep from the guard.
>The referee decides that there is a lack of progress being made and stands them back up.
>Alvarez uses a jab to sting Horodecki.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Alvarez looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Horodecki.
>Seeing an opportunity, Horodecki avoids the grapple and goes straight for a takedown, but Alvarez is equal to it.
>Alvarez uses a combination of three punches to get Horodecki to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>Horodecki looks to grab a guillotine off the takedown.
>Alvarez has the takedown! Horodecki pulls half guard.
>Alvarez attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position.
>He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt.
>The time runs out on round one.
>That round goes to Alvarez, 10-9 on my card.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Alvarez moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a sequence of quick punches.
>Horodecki comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Alvarez stuffs the takedown attempt and then pulls Horodecki into a clinch.
>Alvarez tries to take Horodecki down from the grapple.
>Alvarez can't get the takedown, as Horodecki wrestles his way into a dominant position.
>Horodecki attempts to pick Alvarez up for a slam.
>Alvarez doesn't allow himself to be lifted, and he gets away from Horodecki.
>Alvarez shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>Horodecki tries to hook a guillotine as Alvarez comes in.
>The takedown is successful, Horodecki pulls guard.
>Time slips away as Alvarez successfully keeps Horodecki stuck against the ground.
>Alvarez fires away with big punches, but Horodecki keeps the guard secure and doesn't take any undue damage.
>Horodecki tries to sweep Alvarez but doesn't get anywhere.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Alvarez lies on top of Horodecki, basically smothering him.
>Alvarez fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves.
>Alvarez blocks an attempted sweep.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Alvarez smothers Horodecki with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Alvarez punches down at Horodecki, but they are easily taken on the gloves.
>Horodecki tries to pull Alvarez in close and smother him, but doesn't get anywhere with it.
>With no progress being made, the referee brings the fighters back to their feet.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Alvarez.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Horodecki shoots in for a takedown.
>Alvarez attempts to snare Horodecki in a guillotine off the takedown.
>Horodecki gets the takedown! Alvarez pulls guard.
>Horodecki attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Horodecki feels Alvarez prepare to scramble for position and makes sure it doesn't happen.
>Horodecki throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move.
>Alvarez gets the double underhooks in and pulls Horodecki close, controlling him well.
>Horodecki begins trying to pass the guard.
>Alvarez is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Horodecki firmly in guard.
>Alvarez tries to sweep Horodecki but can't do it.
>Eddie Alvarez looks very tired out there.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Horodecki fires off a few punches as he catches his breath.
>Horodecki doesn't allow Alvarez to lock him up with double underhooks.
>The lack of progress forces the referee to stand the fighters back up.
>Horodecki fires off a looping punch, but Alvarez avoids it.
>Alvarez doesn't press the issue, allowing Horodecki to circle.
>Chris Horodecki is breathing very hard.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Horodecki shoots in for a takedown.
>Alvarez stuffs the takedown attempt.
>The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.
>I have to give that round to Horodecki, but only a 10-9.
>The official scores are being reported now.
>Judge #1 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Alvarez.
>Judge #2 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Alvarez.
>Judge #3 has given 29-28 to Alvarez.
>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is Eddie Alvarez!

>Official Result: Eddie Alvarez defeats 'The Polish Hammer' Chris Horodecki (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.




BlurCat's Notes from the "Affliction: Saturday Night Fights" Post Fight Presser

- Present were Affliction President Tom Attencio, Eddie Alvarez, Chris Horodecki and Bobby Lashley. Gilbert Yvel apparently no-showed the press conference after getting stopped in his second consecutive fight. Attencio announced a paid attendance of 2,571 for a gate of $128,550 and the following post show awards:

Fight of the Night: Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs Vladimir Matyushenko
Submission of the Night: Norman Paraisy for his Triangle Choke on Jesse Bongfeldt
Knock Out of the Night: Derrick Noble for his brutal head kick on Alonzo Martinez

- Attencio said the general feeling was that the show had been "fantastic". He was especially effusive in his praise of several of the undercard fights. "We give the guys who fight on the undercard a chance to show that they deserve the spotlight, a chance to seen all over the world. Sometimes they deliver and sometimes they don't, but tonight a lot of guys stepped up in a big way." He specifically mentioned Xavier Foupa-Pokam, Norman Paraisy, Derrick Noble and Roman Zentsov as fighters who probably earned their way on to the main card in their next fights.

- Alvarez gave his thoughts on his fight with Chris Horodecki. He said he was pleased to get the "W" but he wanted to finish the fight

- Alvarez was asked if he thought he had underestimated Horodecki. Alvarez said he didn't think so. He said Chris was a tough fighter who doesn't have a lot of holes in his games to exploit.

- When asked what was next, Alvarez said he was still under contract to Bellator. His next fight would probably be with them, defending his Bellator Lightweight Title.

- Horodecki was asked if he felt he had won a moral victory by taking a round from the world's #1 lightweight. He replied that moral victories are meaningless. He said that he's a fighter. He gets paid to win fights and tonight he didn't get the job done.

- Lashley said it was great to bounce back after such a poor performance in his last fight. He said that Yvel was a step for up for him in competition and in his next fight he wanted to take another step up. When asked about what changed between this fight and his last fight, he said nothing had really changed. He just didn't fight well versus Guida.

- Attencio said they were mulling over options for Lashley's next fight but he said he would be fighting "a big name fighter".

- Attencio wrapped up the press conference by hyping the upcoming Fedor vs Barnett megafight, coming up on the 27th.

[madstork]

Blurcat Random News and Notes

September Week 3

-WEC 42 saw Miguel Torres decision Brian Bowles and Akitoshi Tamura submit Joesph Benavidez in round one

- The fallout from UFC 101 continues as lightweights Tyson Griffin and Clay Guida, who were both victorious, have only one fight remaining on their contracts. Their agents have started fielding calls from interested promotions. Also entering the last fight of his contract is middleweight ground wiz Damian Maia, who suffered his first loss when he was decisioned by Jake Rosholt. Dana White has made it clear that he intends to re-sign all three of his fighters.

- Sengoku 8 finished with Hidehiko Yoshida getting the decision over Kazuyuki Fujita and Satoshi Ishii submitting Antonio Silva in the second

- The UFC is planning doubleheader shows. On August 5th, Ultimate Fight Night, headlined by Frank Trigg vs Thiago Alves and Gabriel Gonzaga vs Cain Velasquez, will take place. The next night will be UFC 102, headlined by Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin and Cro Cop taking on Randy Couture.

- Strikeforce "Livin' Dirty", taking place on October 9th will be headlined by the female superfight Gina Carano vs Cyborg Santos and Mitsuhiro Ishida taking on Jorge Gurgel

- On the same day, DREAM Live will have Joachim Hansen vs Victor Ribeiro and Ricardo Arona vs Allan Goes

- Dream 10 saw Hong-Man Choi KO Bob Sapp in the second and Kid Yamamoto sub Hiroyuki Takaya in the 1st

- Uriah Faber vs Jose Aldo will headline WEC 43 on October 12th


BlurCat Special Report
Right Back Where We Started
The Future of Affliction Still Hinges on the Fedor vs Barnett Show


Some things are unavoidable; death, taxes, another Ken Shamrock comeback fight. You can try to plead or connive your way out of them, but they'll always return, rearing their ugly heads. Tom Attencio saw a day of reckoning coming for his company and he tried to avoid it. He postponed a monster card headed by Fedor vs Josh Barnett, fearing its high cost could break his company. He set out to expand his roster and run more shows. Thus far he's run two and, while they received critical praise, they haven't done anything to expand the company's bottom line

The extra shows haven't been a complete loss. Affliction's name ID is up and there is a buzz about the promotion. Future stars may have been found, as audiences seemed to take to fighters like Roger Gracie and Alexandre Franca Nogueira. Also, putting fighters Vitor Belfort and Gegard Mousasi on a separate card cut around a quarter of a million in fighter expenses off of the Fedor vs Barnett show.

All of that said, it could be argued that Affliction is in worse shape then they were two months ago. They've spent about half of the 2.5 million they had on hand at the beginning of August, almost all of it on signing bonuses for new talent. This leads us to the unavoidable problem, we are approaching Fedor vs Barnett and the equation hasn't changed much. This card will still make or break the company.

The equation breaks down something like this. They are hoping for, combined with a good live gate, 100,000 or more PPV buys. This would get the show to the break-even point or better. If that happens, then Affliction will be in the clear and they can prepare to take a run at UFC's North American crown.

However, if the show performs like the Noguiera vs Mousasi show, and pulls in less then 70,000 buys. Affliction will take a heavy loss. With their finances scraping the bottom of the barrel, they'll have to shelve their expensive talent and stay out of the free agents wars to try and build up their balance sheet. That means time and opportunities lost as rival promotions pass them by. Attencio just hopes that isn't unavoidable.


.

[madstork]

BlurCat's "Affliction: Saturday Night Fights" Preview

10 Questions to be Answered by "Affliction: Fedor vs Barnett"


1. Can Fedor claim the mantle?
While the criteria for pound for pound rankings are arbitrary at best (BlurCat's P4P list, which I can proudly say I have nothing to do with, has Quinton Jackson currently holding the #1 spot), gaining a stranglehold on the top spot is really the last thing Fedor has to accomplish in his career. A decisive win will probably find him topping the poll, a dominating win will keep him there at least until the Rampage/Lyoto fight.

2. Can Barnett be Barnett circa 2006?
When he entered PRIDE in late 2004, Barnett already had the credentials to be a legitimate contender to champion Fedor Emelianenko. He had been the UFC Heavyweight Champion and held victories over Randy Couture and Semmy Schilt. The 2006 Open Weight GP moved him from being a contender to someone who might actually beat Fedor. His run through Fedor's brother, Aleksander, Mark Hunt and Minotauro Nogueira before succumbing to Cro Cop in the final had a lot of fans talking about the hypothetical championship matchup.

The folding of PRIDE and Barnett's almost year and half long layoff took a little steam out of the fight. But it's been Barnett's not so impressive run of victories after his return that has people questioning whether he is still a threat to the heavyweight king. The return of the focused and in shape Barnett of a few years ago will be needed for the fight to be competitive.

3. Are big wrestlers Fedor's kryptonite?
Kevin Randleman and Mark Coleman, neither of whom are on Barnett's level skill wise, were able to take Fedor down and had him in trouble early in their fights. While he doesn't have any weaknesses, Fedor's takedown defense defiantly seems to be his weakest strength.

4. Who wins, the tortoise or the hare?
Nothing Nick Thompson does is flashy. His style fight style is vanilla and he lacks a singular career defining fight. He just quietly goes about his business, being one of the best welterweights in the world, outside of the UFC. Meanwhile, Nick Diaz does nothing quietly; whether its trashing his opponents before the fight, delivering highlight reel performances or publicly declaring his love for his favorite herb. This contrast in both personalities and fighting styles makes this an intriguing fight.

5. Will Nick Diaz finally solidify himself as a welterweight?

Diaz is a natural welterweight. He's missed weight fighting at lightweight, even at the Japanese 160 lb class, and he's dwarfed at middleweight. However most of his greatest successes have come outside of his natural division. If he wants be considered one of the best, he's going to have to find a division to claim for his own and only one make sense.

6. Can Hector Lombard put in a good showing for Bellator?

While Bellator has been putting on a series of low profile events DREAM, Sengoku and Affliction have been scheduling many of their best fighters. With both Lyman Good and Eddie Alvarez under performing in their Affliction fights, it up to Lombard to represent Bellator with an impressive showing.

7. Is Joe Warren the future king of the batamweight division?

Warren got peoples attention by TKOing Chase Beebe and decisioning Kid Yamamoto in his first two fights in DREAM. He now will make his stateside MMA debut in what may people believe is a "showcase fight" against Ryota Matsune. This will be Warren's first time being favored in a fight and he will be expected to dominate.

8. Will Benji Radach ever get over the hump?

Skilled? Check
Exciting? Check
Radach is everything a promoter would want a fighter to be, except every time he approaches being a main event level competitor, he suffers a setback. Most recently he lost to a fight to Scott Smith in EliteXC, a fight where the win would have given him a title shot. Before that he lost in the IFL Grand Prix Finals. If he can get past Semenov, another chance to get over that hump will await him in his next fight.

9. Who on the undercard will grab people's attention at this show?

The most notable thing coming out of debut of "Affliction: Saturday Night Fights", other than Lashley's performance, were all the highlight reel fights and finishes coming from the undercard. While this undercard isn't as stacked with exciting fighters, look for middleweight Uriah Hall and the fight between featherweights Brad Pickett and Nick Denis to turn heads.

10. Will this be Affliction's last show?

As spelled out in the our feature, "Right Back Where We Started: The Future of Affliction Still Hinges on the Fedor vs Barnett Show" earlier this week, this show will make or break Affliction. If the show is true financial disaster, it could well be their last.



Affliction: Fedor vs Barnett Predictions

(#1 HW) Fedor Emelianenko vs (#2 HW) Josh Barnett
Fedor is facing arguably the toughest test of his career, in Barnett, and we see the fight living up to hype, for a while. Barnett will be able to secure the take down the first two rounds and will be able to steal the first two rounds with positioning and some light ground and pound. However Fedor's tremendous submission defense will keep him out of real trouble. By the third Barnett will start to gas and Fedor will start to pick him apart, setting him up for the big KO,

Fedor via 3rd Round KO


Nick Diaz and Nick Thompson
Diaz has a huge advantage on the ground and if he fights a smart game plan, he'll try to get the fight down as soon as possible. However, we see Diaz coming out striking and the majority of the fight being fought on the feet, making it a lot closer than it needs to be. Still, Diaz prevails.

Diaz via Unanimous Decision


Jason Miller vs Hector Lombard
Mayhem is going to try, at all costs, to get this fight to the ground, as he is going to want nothing to do with Lombard's power standing. If he can get it to the ground his superior submission skills should win the day, However, we see Lombard landing a big punch and then pounding out the slight upset in the second.

Lombard via 2nd Round TKO


Joe Warren vs Ryota Matsune
Warren will be able to take Matsune down at will. Once he's there look for Warren to quickly mount and get the easy TKO victory.

Warren via 1st Round TKO


Andrei Semenov vs Benji Radach
On paper, Radach has a decided advantage in every area in this fight. His biggest advantage is in wrestling and he'll probably use it to keep the fight a stand up battle. In said stand up battle, Radach's power will eventually prevail.

Radach via 2nd Round KO


Alexandre Ribeiro vs David Heath
Ribeiro vs Heath fight presents an interesting clash of styles. The UFC veteran Heath brings an exciting brawler/ground and pound attack into the ring, while the more methodical Riberio combines strong wrestling and a high level ground game to take his opponents out. Both fighters are fairly even in their wrestling ability and that's where the fight will be decided. We've got Riberio getting the takedown and submitting Heath late in the first.

Riberio via 1st Round Submission



.

[madstork]

"Affliction: Fedor vs Barnett" Live Results

Preliminary Fights

(Affliction Featherweight Division) Nick Denis defeats Brad Pickett by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Poor)

(Affliction Welterweight Division) Jeff Joslin defeats Steve Bruno by TKO in 1:40 of round 2 (Decent)

(Affliction Batamweight Division) Tyson Nam defeats Charlie Valencia by Submission in 4:43 of round 1 (Good)

(Affliction Middleweight Division) Jason Lambert defeats Damien Stelly by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Good)

(Affliction Featherweight Division) Albert Rios defeats Jean Silva by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Poor)

(Affliction Middleweight Division) Uriah Hall defeats Jorge Patino by Knock Out in 4:56 of round 2 (Good)


Main Card Fights

>Another match is about to begin; 'Xande' Alexandre Ribeiro goes head to head with David Heath in the Affliction Light Heavyweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Heath throws a combination but doesn't do any damage.
>Not letting Heath settle at all, Ribeiro comes in closer.
>Ribeiro shoots in for a takedown.
>Heath stuffs the takedown attempt.
>Ribeiro gets hit with a crisp jab.
>Heath hits a crisp jab.
>They come together and throw strikes, both miss.
>Heath counters a missed punch with a clean punch.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Ribeiro tries for a jab but Heath moves out of range.
>There is an exchange of strikes, but neither fighter does any damage.
>Ribeiro uses a combination of three punches to get Heath to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>The takedown is successful, Heath pulls guard.
>The clock runs down as Heath is being smothered against the ground by Ribeiro.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>The clock runs down as Heath is being smothered against the ground by Ribeiro.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>Incredibly close round, but Ribeiro came out just ahead on my score card.

>We are back underway!
>It sounded like his corner told Ribeiro to attempt to get Heath to the floor in this round.
>There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up grappling.
>Ribeiro tries to wrestle Heath backward and up against the ropes.
>Ribeiro manages it, and controls Heath up against the ropes.
>With the ropes trapping Heath, Ribeiro looks to try and take him down.
>Ribeiro struggles at first, but once he manages to get a good grip Heath is unable to do anything further to stop the takedown.
>Ribeiro attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Ribeiro gets past the guard with a certain degree of ease and gains side control.
>Ribeiro throws a few half-hearted punches as he takes a moment to plan ahead.
>In side control, Ribeiro throws a couple of punches designed to keep Heath guessing.
>Ribeiro blocks Heath as he tries a sweep from side control.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Ribeiro looks to roll Heath slightly and slip behind.
>He rolls Heath over a little...and slips behind to take the back!
>Breathing very hard, Alexandre Ribeiro is looking ragged.
>Ribeiro tries to hook Heath in a rear naked choke.
>Heath blocks it by turtling up.
>Ribeiro blocks an attempt to roll him off of the back.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Ribeiro attempts an armbar.
>Heath doesn't allow the armbar to be applied.
>Ribeiro blocks an attempt to roll him off of the back.
>The time runs out on round two.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Ribeiro.

>And here we go, round three!
>It sounded like his corner told Ribeiro to attempt to get Heath to the floor in this round.
>Heath hits a jab.
>A ragged-looking Ribeiro is having problems keeping his hands raised to offer a solid guard.
>A drained-looking Ribeiro tries to close the distance between them.
>Ribeiro can't get close enough to grapple, Heath keeps him away with strikes.
>A straight jab by Heath keeps Ribeiro from advancing.
>Ribeiro quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Slowly moving in closer, a ragged-looking Ribeiro wants to wrestle Heath.
>Heath counters with a punch that catches Ribeiro flush, rocking him!
>Heath counters a punch by hitting a jab to the cheek.
>Heath avoids a jab and scores with a nice jab.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Heath counters a flurry of punches with a punch.
>Heath counters a missed punch with a straight punch.
>Heath counters a punch by hitting a jab to the cheek.
>Heath counters a jab by hitting a solid punch.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Ribeiro is looking to pull Heath down into his guard.
>Ribeiro isn't able to get close enough to grab Heath.
>Heath moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a clean jab.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Heath.
>The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced.
>Judge #1: 29-28 Heath.
>Judge #2 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Ribeiro.
>Judge #3 has given 29-28 to Ribeiro.
>Making 'Xande' Alexandre Ribeiro the winner by split decision!

>Official Result: 'Xande' Alexandre Ribeiro defeats David Heath (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Great.



>Moving on, 'The White Shark' Andrei Semenov goes up against 'Razor' Benji Radach in the Affliction Middleweight division.
>We've heard rumours that Semenov was not happy with how his training for this fight went.
>Whether it will have any effect on how he performs tonight, we'll soon see.

>The fight begins!
>Radach looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Radach cannot get close enough to the elusive Semenov to grapple.
>Radach looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Not keen on wrestling Radach, Semenov uses movement to keep out of reach.
>Radach is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Semenov.
>He pulls Semenov into a grapple.
>Radach is trying to push Semenov so that his back is up against the ropes.
>He does so, and now has Semenov pinned to the ropes.
>Radach moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike.
>Radach avoids a punch and scores with a flurry of quick punches.
>Radach chooses to shoot in on Semenov.
>Semenov sees the takedown coming and tries to move.
>Radach can't get the takedown, Semenov was too quick to back away.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Radach looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Semenov ends up grappling for supremacy with Radach.
>Radach is trying to force Semenov into a Muay Thai clinch.
>Radach manages it, and now controls Semenov by the back of the head.
>Semenov tries to wrestle free of the Muay Thai clinch, but cannot.
>Semenov tries to wrestle free of the Muay Thai clinch, but cannot.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Semenov tries to wrestle free of the Muay Thai clinch, but cannot.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>I think Radach took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>Round two begins!
>Semenov steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>The fight slows as Radach sits back and allows Semenov to circle.
>Radach looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Semenov.
>Semenov uses movement to keep out reach, meaning Radach cannot get close enough to grapple.
>Andrei Semenov is breathing very hard.
>Semenov narrowly misses Radach with an uppercut.
>Radach comes in closer to press the issue.
>Radach counters a punch by hitting a quick series of punches.
>Benji Radach is looking really tired.
>Radach, who looks drained, throws a couple of slow jabs as cover so that he can go for a takedown.
>Semenov tries to avoid the takedown.
>Semenov avoids the takedown attempt.
>A quick one-two combination from Radach only finds gloves.
>The fight slows as Semenov sits back and allows Radach to circle.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Radach hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening.
>Time slips away as Semenov doesn't press Radach, allowing him to circle.
>Andrei Semenov seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>A tired-looking Radach approaches, looking for a takedown.
>Semenov attempts to avoid Radach as he shoots in.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Semenov avoided Radach.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Radach, who is visibly tired, looks like he might want to get in close and wrestle with Semenov.
>Radach grabs Semenov and pulls him into a grapple.
>Radach hits Semenov with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round two.
>I have to give that round to Radach, but only a 10-9.

>Round three begins!
>Semenov circles, looking for an opening.
>It seems that Radach is happy to let Semenov circle for the moment.
>Semenov misses with a punch.
>Radach seems to be waiting for Semenov to make a move.
>Semenov switches stances, throws a speculative punch, then switches right back again.
>Not letting Semenov settle, Radach moves in closer.
>Andrei Semenov looks exhausted.
>Benji Radach seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>Radach catches Semenov with a flurry of small strikes.
>Radach hits a jab.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>A visibly tired Radach is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Semenov.
>Radach grabs Semenov and pulls him into a grapple.
>Radach is trying to push Semenov so that his back is up against the ropes.
>Radach achieves it, pinning Semenov to the ropes.
>Semenov is controlled up against the ropes for almost an entire minute, unable to break free.
>Benji Radach looks like he is almost out on his feet with exhaustion.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Semenov is controlled up against the ropes and takes a few punches via some dirty boxing.
>Radach attempts to wrestle Semenov to the ground.
>Radach tries hard but cannot get Semenov off of his feet, and winds up reversed and with his back to the ropes.
>Semenov keeps Radach up against the ropes with wrestling, retaining solid control for the remainder of the round.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>I think Radach took that round, 10-9 on my score card.
>The official scores are being reported now.
>Judge #1 gives a score of 30-27 in favour of Radach.
>Judge #2 gives a score of 30-27 in favour of Radach.
>Judge #3: 30-27 Radach.
>The winner, by unanimous decision, is Benji Radach!

>Official Result: 'Razor' Benji Radach defeats 'The White Shark' Andrei Semenov (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.


>Next up is a match in which Joe Warren squares off with 'The Shooto Junkie' Ryota Matsune in the Affliction Batamweight division.

>And here we go!
>Warren uses a combination of three punches to get Matsune to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>Matsune looks to grab a guillotine off the takedown.
>He has the takedown! Matsune pulls guard.
>Warren attempts to pass guard.
>Warren gets past the guard with a certain degree of ease and gains side control.
>Warren attempts to move to mount.
>He does it, and has the mount on Matsune.
>Warren attempts an armbar.
>The armbar is locked in, tight enough that Matsune has to tap out!
>By Submission, the winner is Warren!

>Official Result: Joe Warren defeats 'The Shooto Junkie' Ryota Matsune (Submission in 2:35 of round 1). The match was rated as being Fantastic.


>Next up is a match in which Jason 'Mayhem' Miller competes against Hector Lombard in the Affliction Middleweight division.
>According to the latest rumours, Mayhem had his camp for this fight disrupted by illness, and may not be 100% coming in.
>We'll see if it has any effect on his performance tonight.

>There's the opening bell!
>Lombard avoids a flurry of punches.
>Moving in closer, Lombard looks like he may want to wrestle Mayhem.
>Mayhem moves in too, and they start to grapple.
>Using his wrestling skills, Lombard is trying to push Mayhem up against the ropes.
>He does so, and now has Mayhem pinned to the ropes.
>Lombard moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike.
>Lombard avoids a flurry of punches.
>Lombard is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Mayhem.
>Mayhem seems happy to grapple with Lombard.
>Lombard is trying to muscle Mayhem up against the ropes.
>Lombard does it, Mayhem is stuck with his back to the ropes.
>Lombard keeps Mayhem up against the ropes with wrestling, racking up almost a minute of solid control.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Mayhem is trapped against the ropes and held there by Lombard for almost a minute.
>Lombard pins Mayhem up against the ropes and controls him for almost a full minute.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>The referee decides that the grappling against the ropes has been going on too long, and he brings them back to the center.
>Mayhem comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Lombard sprawls, stopping the takedown and forcing Mayhem down to the ground into a type of turtle position.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Lombard.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Lombard has been instructed to try and pick Mayhem off with counter striking in this round.
>Mayhem throws a flurry of punches but Lombard steps back and avoids them.
>Mayhem tries for a series of strikes but Lombard moves out of range.
>Mayhem chooses to shoot in on Lombard.
>Lombard tries to counter Mayhem with a big punch, but it doesn't hit the target.
>Lombard switches stances, throws a speculative punch, then switches right back again.
>Not letting Lombard settle at all, Mayhem comes in closer.
>Mayhem slips past an attempted big punch and counters with a clean jab.
>Lombard avoids a flurry of punches.
>Lombard avoids a quick jab and hits a crisp jab.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Mayhem throws a jab but Lombard avoids it.
>Lombard circles around Mayhem.
>Not letting up, Mayhem quickly steps in closer to attack Lombard.
>Jason Miller is breathing very hard.
>Mayhem chooses to move forward and try to take Lombard down.
>Mayhem is stopped by a good sprawl, and is pulled down to the ground in a loose front facelock until he is on his knees.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Mayhem is rolled over onto his back, where Lombard secures side control.
>Lombard begins trying to get himself behind Mayhem.
>He rolls Mayhem over a little...and slips behind to take the back!
>Hector Lombard is looking really tired.
>Lombard tries to hook Mayhem in a rear naked choke.
>Mayhem rolls to face up, and then manages to spin over so that he is in guard.
>Mayhem punches down at Lombard, but they are easily taken on the gloves.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>That was a very close round, but I think Mayhem just about edged it.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Mayhem steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>Lombard presses in closer to attack.
>Lombard slips out of the way of a flurry of strikes.
>Jason Miller looks very, very tired.
>Lombard counters a jab by hitting a series of big punches, trapping Mayhem against the ropes!
>The referee pulls Lombard away, stopping the match!
>The winner, by TKO; Hector Lombard!

>Official Result: Hector Lombard defeats Jason 'Mayhem' Miller (TKO in 1:10 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent.



>The co-main event is up next. 'The Goat' Nick Thompson battles Nick Diaz in the Affliction Welterweight division.

>The fight begins!
>A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate.
>There's a takedown attempt from Diaz.
>Diaz doesn't get the takedown, Thompson saw it coming and was equal to it.
>Diaz catches Thompson with a flurry of small strikes.
>Diaz avoids a quick jab and hits a sharp kick to the shin.
>Diaz comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Diaz doesn't get the takedown, Thompson was equal to it and pulls them into a clinch.
>Thompson is trying to push Diaz so that his back is up against the ropes.
>Diaz isn't going anywhere though, and manages to slip out of the grapple entirely.
>Thompson looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Diaz.
>Thompson walks into a big jab, landing right on the cheek.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Diaz comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Thompson tries to avoid Diaz.
>Diaz can't get the takedown, Thompson was too quick to back away.
>Diaz fires off a looping punch, but Thompson avoids it.
>It seems that Thompson is happy to let Diaz circle for the moment.
>Thompson gets caught with a series of quick punches and has to back off.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Diaz throws a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Diaz can't get the takedown, Thompson defends it well and pulls them into a clinch.
>The grappling doesn't last long, as they soon break away from each other.
>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Diaz.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>It sounded like his corner told Diaz to attempt to get Thompson to the floor in this round.
>Diaz attacks Thompson with a series of quick jabs.
>Thompson looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Not wanting to grapple, Diaz uses strikes to keep Thompson at a distance.
>Thompson looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Diaz.
>Diaz moves in too, and they start to grapple.
>From the grapple, Diaz tries a takedown.
>Thompson cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.
>Diaz looks to pass guard and get side control.
>Diaz isn't able to pass guard on this attempt.
>Diaz deflects a couple of punches that Thompson threw from below.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Diaz looks to get past the guard.
>Diaz is too much for Thompson, passing guard and gaining side control.
>Diaz hits a knee strike to the ribs.
>Diaz pounds away with elbow strikes on Thompson, but few of the shots lands clean.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Diaz throws a few half-hearted punches as he takes a moment to plan ahead.
>Diaz begins trying to get himself behind Thompson.
>He shows excellent control to move Thompson over and take his back.
>Diaz tries to set up Thompson for an armbar.
>Thompson defends himself well.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round two.
>I have to give that round to Diaz, but only a 10-9.

>And here we go, round three!
>It sounded like his corner told Diaz to attempt to get Thompson to the floor in this round.
>Thompson circles, looking for an opening.
>Diaz doesn't press the issue, allowing Thompson to circle.
>Thompson steps back to avoid a jab.
>Thompson circles as he plans his next move.
>Diaz seems to be waiting for Thompson to make a move.
>Diaz counters a jab with a hard leg kick.
>There's only so many of those strikes to the legs that can be taken before they become an issue.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>A straight jab by Thompson keeps Diaz from advancing.
>Diaz seems to be waiting for Thompson to make a move.
>Thompson sneaks a glance at his corner.
>Diaz seems to be waiting for Thompson to make a move.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Backing out of range, Thompson circles tentatively.
>Not letting up, Diaz steps in closer to pressure Thompson into action.
>Diaz catches Thompson with a solid jab.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Diaz.
>Here come the official scores.
>Judge #1 scores the match as 30-27 to Diaz.
>Judge #2 scores the match as 30-27 to Diaz.
>Judge #3 has scored it 30-27 Diaz.
>The winner, by unanimous decision, is Nick Diaz!

>Official Result: Nick Diaz defeats 'The Goat' Nick Thompson (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.

After the fight Diaz went on a profanity laced tirade, challenging KJ Noons.


>It's time for the main event of the evening! 'The Last Emperor' Fedor Emelianenko will take on 'The Babyface Assassin' Josh Barnett in the Affliction Heavyweight division.
>The WAMMA Heavyweight title is on the line.

>And here we go!
>Fedor fires off a barrage of big punches, forcing Barnett back up against the ropes!
>The referee is forced to jump in and stop the match!
>By TKO, the winner is Fedor!

>Official Result: 'The Last Emperor' Fedor Emelianenko defeats 'The Babyface Assassin' Josh Barnett (TKO in 0:25 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.



BlurCat's Notes from the "Affliction; Fedor vs Barnett" Post Fight Presser

- Present were Affliction President Tom Attencio, Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, Nick Diaz and Nick Thompson. Attencio announced a paid attendance of 6,222 for a gate of $311,100 and the following post show awards:
Fight of the Night: Alexandre Ribeiro vs David Heath
Submission of the Night: Joe Warren
Knock Out of the Night: Fedor Emelianenko

- Attencio said it had been a historic night, as Fedor had once again added to his legacy. He said overall it was another "fantastic" night of fights.

- Attencio was asked about the financial state of the company. He promised that they would continue to put on shows and that the preorders for this PPV were substantially higher than they were for the last one.

- Fedor was asked for his thoughts on his fight. Through an interpreter he said that he was pleased with the quick finish. He said he has wanted to fight Barnett for a long time and that this was a match up of the world's top two heavyweights.

- When asked if this solidified him as the top P4P fighter Fedor said, "That's not my decision. I just fight."

- Barnett said he was very disappointed. He thought he came in well prepared and ready to go and he just got caught. He said that eventually he would like a rematch but he knew he was going to have go out an earn one after this performance.

- When asked who was next for Fedor. Attencio said they were trying to set up a fight with Strikeforce champion Brett Rogers. When he was pressed on why Strikeforce would allow it's champion to fight for a rival promotion. Attencio said that he doesn't view Strikeforce as "the enemy". They share a lot of fighters and right now Strikeforce doesn't have a legitimate contender for Brett Rogers, after he's already defeated Overeem. He continued, "There is only one World Heavyweight Champion. If you're Rogers or (UFC Heavyweight Champion Shane) Carwin, the only way you can honestly call yourself the Heavyweight Champion is to beat Fedor. So Rogers would get that shot and Strikeforce would get a chance for their champion becoming the true Heavyweight Champion."

- Diaz was asked about his post fight call out of KJ Noons. He said, "He (Noons) thinks he's a fighter because he hit a lucky punch. He ain't #&%@. I'm going to knock his %@# out and get him out of my sport, because he doesn't belong here."

- When asked about his fight with Thompson, Diaz said that Thompson was a good fighter and that he was glad to get the win. He said after he got finished "taking out his trash", he wanted to fight more tough guys like Thompson.

- Attencio said that if Diaz's next fight was in Affliction, that he would match him up with Noons.

- Attencio closed by saying that they would be holding a press conference on the 8th of October to announce their next event.

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[madstork]

Blurcat Random News and Notes

October Week 1

- Affliction are said to be privately disappointed with their last show. The early returns are showing about 80,000 PPV buys, this would leave the event over a million dollars in the hole. With Affliction tied to their horrible PPV agreement for another ten shows, they are going to have to retrench and figure out a profitable strategy if they want to survive.

If their looming financial problems weren't enough, they were also hoping for a more competitive main event, wanting to build momentum for Barnett vs Fedor II. After getting run over like he did, Barnett is probably 4 or 5 victories away from getting another shot and Affliction is running low on compelling fights for Fedor.

- Strikeforce's debut on CBS saw Josh Thompson defeat Mike Ania via second round submission and Torrance Taylor doing the same to Billy Evangelista

- John Franchi edged out a split decision over Cole Province and Phil Cardella submitted Sergio Gomez in the third on "WEC on Versus"

- "UFC Fight Night Live" was headlined by a pair of decisions with Thiago Alves defeating Frank Trigg and Cain Velasquez over Gabriel Gonzaga

- A new UFC Heavyweight champion was crowned at "UFC 102", as Shane Carwin TKOed Brock Lesnar in the second round. Other action saw Randy Couture TKO Cro Cop and Dan Henderson stopping Yushin Okami. Dana White also announced at the post show press conference that two title fights will be headlining UFC 103. Anderson Silva will be taking on Nate Marquardt and BJ Penn will be defending against Frankie Edgar.

- Another crop of UFC free agents have hit the market after their last shows. Martin Kampman, Chris Lytle, Kurt Pellegrino, Matt Wiman and Jonathan Goulet all have one fight remaining on their contracts. The UFC is said to be interested in re-signing all of them.


BlurCat's Notes from the 1/8/09 Affliction Press Conference

- Present at the press conference were Affliction President Tom Attencio, Bobby Lashley and Roger Gracie.

- Attencio announced that on October 27th in Anaheim, California, "Affliction: Gracie vs Lashley" would take place. The main event will pit, "the new standard-bearer for the first family of MMA", Roger Gracie against, "the fastest rising star in MMA", Bobby Lashley. The co-main event will match UFC veteran Din Thomas versus submission specialist Alexandre Franca Nogueira for the newly created Affliction Featherweight championship. Attencio then ran down the entire card:

Affliction: Gracie vs Lashley

Main Card Fights
(HW) Roger Gracie vs Bobby Lashley

For the Vacant Affliction Featherweight Championship
(FW) Din Thomas vs Alexandre Franca Nogueira

(WW) Pete Sell vs Ben Askren

(LW) Evan Dunham vs Jorge Masvidal

(LHW) Jarred Hamman vs Jeremy Williams

(LW) Jeff Lawson vs Ryan Schultz


Under Card Fights
(LHW) Darrill Schoonover vs Cyrille Diabate

(BW) Pat Runez vs Rambaa Somdet

(BW) Coty Wheeler vs Mark Oshiro

(MW) Andrew Riddles vs David Terrell

(FW) Antonio Duarte vs Art Arciniega

(FW) Bryan Caraway vs Chan Sung Jung

- Attencio said this card was made to showcase the stars of the future, saying "In a couple of years, you're going to look back at this card and wonder how we got that many great fighters on one card."

- Lashley said he was excited to be in the main event and he's looking to put on a show against Gracie.

- Lashley was asked if he thought he deserved to be in the main event. "The main event is supposed to get people to watch the card. So if they watch, I do and if they don't, I don't."

- Gracie was asked if he is where he is only because of his name. He said he had won numerous Jiu-Jitsu tournaments all over the world. Adding, "I can't control how famous someone else made my name. I can only tell you I have skills of my own, that I worked hard for, and that it will be those that are going to win me this fight."

- Attencio said that he had another major announcement. Affliction was always looking to bring in top fighters from all over the world and they had recently signed two important additions to their lightweight division, former UFC stars Clay Guida and Tyson Griffin. They would be debuting as early as next month.


Blurcat Random News and Notes

October Week 2
- The reaction to Affliction's Gracie vs Lashley card by fans on the Internet has been extremely negative, with many people accusing the promotion of trying to scam its fans. While the online reaction to the card had been harsh, nobody does harshness like UFC President Dana White:

"The entire promotion is a #@^%$# joke. They're out there ripping the fans off. Why is Gracie main eventing exactly? His last name? It's not even his real $#@%% last name! What if I came out and said, 'Hey, GSP has a cousin. GSP is a great fighter, so his cousin obviously is too. So we're going to put him in the main event at our next show.' Our fans would kill me. Actually, they wouldn't have to, because I would #%$@^ kill myself."

- "Strikeforce: Livin' Dirty" saw Cyborg Santos knock out Gina Carano in 2:50 of the first round and Mitsuhiro Ishida submit Jorge Gurgel in the first.

- At "DREAM Live" Victor Ribeiro wrested the DREAM Lightweight title away from Joachim Hansen with a first round submission and Ricardo Arona won his DREAM debut, submitting Allan Goes in the first.

- The real story about the origins of the "Affliction: Gracie vs Lashley" card have started to come to light. The card was originally supposed to be headlined by Lashley vs former UFC champion Tim Sylvia, with the co-main event being Gracie vs Paul Buentello. The plan was that the winner of these two fights would meet for the right to fight Fedor, while Fedor was fighting Strikeforce Champion Brett Rogers Likewise, the undercard was going to have two featherweight fights with the winners meeting at a later event for the vacant featherweight title.

The financial disaster that was the Fedor vs Barnett card changed everything. The company, rumored to be down to it last half million, took high priced fighters like Sylvia and Buentello off the bill and focused on creating the most profitable show possible. With the main event and co-main event squeezed to a single fight. The Featherweight fights had to be moved up and, with one day tournaments being illegal in America, none of the featherweight fights had the juice for the co-main event. When original participant Yoshiro Maeda took a fight in Japan, the two fight concept was scratched completely and Din Thomas vs Nogueira was made a title match to give it some added prestige.

- An Article in SportFan argued that Jon Fitch's win over GSP made him a sure fire MMA Hall of Famer

- "WEC: Faber vs Aldo" saw Jose Aldo hand Uriah Faber his third loss in four fights with a third round knock out and Kenji Osawa decisioning Antonio Banuelos.

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[madstork]

Blurcat Random News and Notes

October Week 3

Cung Lee to Defend at "Strikeforce: Blown Away"

On November 11th, "Strikeforce: Blown Away" will feature Cung Lee finally defending his title versus Scott Smith. Frank Shamrock and Robbie Lawler will also meet in a fight to get back into title contention.


Fajita: "One More Fight"
"Ironhead" Kazuyuki Fajita, no longer feeling the need to test his much referenced abnormally thick skull, has said his next fight will be his last. Sengoku has yet to release his opponent for his final fight.


Sakurabba triumphs at DREAM 11
DREAM 11 saw Sakurabba beat Funaki by first round submission in the matchup of fading Japanese legends. The under card featured Aleksander Emelianenko defeating Sokoudjou, also by first round submission.


DREAM in Turmoil, Sasahara Out
DREAM has apparently found another scapegoat to pin the fading popularity of Japanese MMA on. DREAM president, Keiichi Sasahara, has been forced out by the promotion's ownership group. This comes as DREAM has been slowly fading in popularity and losing its hope at becoming the world's number one promotion.


October Week 4

World Victory Road Announce Pair of Shows
WVR have announced the dates and main events of Sengoku 9 and 10. Sengoku 9 will take place on November 5th and will be headlined by Phil Baroni taking on Abdul Mohamed and Masanori Kanehari versus Scott Lightly. Sengoku 10 will take place later that month on the 21st where Pawel Nastula will be fighting fellow heavyweight Naoya Ogawa.


Affliction to Crown Its First Welterweight Champion on Upcoming "Saturday Night Fights" Show
On November 27th, Affliction will be holding their second "Saturday Night Fights" card. The main event will see Jay Hieron will be taking on the world's #4 welterweight, Jake Shields, for the vacant Affliction Welterweight Title. The co-main event will feature Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson taking on former UFC contender Tyson Griffin. The entire main card follows:

#4 Jake Shields vs Jay Hieron (Affliction Welterweight Title)
Josh Thomson vs Tyson Griffin (Lightweight)
Derrick Noble vs Richie Whitson (Lightweight)
Alex Schoenauer vs Phil Davis (Light Heavyweight)
Enoch Wilson vs Javier Vazquez (Featherweight)


Dream 12 Headlined by Monson vs Sapp
The currently leaderless DREAM will put on DREAM 12 on November 19th. The card will be headlined by Jeff Monson versus "The Beast" Bob Sapp and Tatsuya Mizuno versus Tae Hyun Lee.


Pulver and Assuncao Will Meet at WEC 44
On November 10th, Jens Pulver will face Raphael Assuncao and Jeff Curran will meet Seth Dikun at WEC 44.

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[madstork]

BlurCat's Complete "Affliction: Gracie vs Lashley" Preview


10 Questions for "Affliction: Gracie vs Lashley"


1. Will anybody pay for this?
Other than Lashley, who didn't build his star power in MMA, this card lacks any name to draw casual PPV viewers. Nor is this a card aimed at "hardcore fans". It lacks the accomplished, but relatively unknown, fighters who have proven their skills outside of the US that can appeal to people who follow the sport closely. This seems to be card without a target audience.

2. Is Jiu-Jitsu enough?
There's only one way Gracie can finish this fight. Gracie knows it and Lashley knows it too. He has yet to display any kind of stand up game and his ground and pound looks tepid. This isn't 1993, fighters, even as inexperienced as Lashley, have a working knowledge on how to defend submissions. Without being able to threaten on any other front, Gracie will have to hope that Jiu-Jistsu will be enough, even with Lashley waiting for it.

3. Will Lashley try to stand?
With the danger that Gracie will pose to Lashley on the ground and the punching power advantage Lashley has, he might be forced to show how far his stand up has come along. While fighting his instincts to go for the takedown might be Lashley's best chance to win, a wrestler trying to be kick boxer is not always a pretty thing.

4. Is Din Thomas a high level featherweight?
After a solid career at lightweight, which included wins over Jens Pulver, Clay Guida, Matt Serra and Jeremy Stephens, former UFC mainstay Din Thomas will be fighting for the third time at featherweight. Many people are expecting Thomas to be a major player, as he now fighting in his natural weight division. Noguiera is an established featherweight, who will give Thomas a better idea of where he fits in the division.

5. Will fans buy the title?
This featherweight title fight is really missing that title match feel. Din Thomas is making his Affliction debut and Nogueira is coming off a quick submission of Bao Quach. Neither fighter has amassed the kind of momentum that demands a title match. The quality of the fight itself will have to bring the fight up to a title fight standard. Otherwise, if a title belt is awarded and no one cares, is its wearer really a champion?

6. Is Ben Askren as good as advertised?
Everything points towards Askren being a "can't miss" prospect, two Division I National Titles and a birth on the US Olympic Team will do that for you. However, skeptics point to fighters like Mark Munoz and Sean Salmon to show that great wrestling credentials don't necessarily translate into MMA success. A quick destruction of UFC veteran Pete Sell could turn some of those skeptics into believers.

7. Can Jeremy Williams make a run to a title shot after starting his career in his mid-thirties?
Williams is one of the better professional boxers to try his hand at MMA. Now at the age of 37, he is getting his first chance to prove himself as an MMA fighter in a major promotion. After scoring a decision over Antwain Britt on the first "Saturday Night Fights" card, he will face well rounded veteran Jared Hamman on this card. With a dominating victory here, Williams could find himself in a title eliminator in his next fight.

8. Why is Darrill Schoonover on the undercard?
In card that is purported to showcase the stars of tomorrow, Affliction has relegated one of its top prospects to the untelevised undercard. Schoonover, an exciting, undefeated light heavyweight from Texas, will be taking on veteran Cyrille Diabate in final undercard fight of the night. With Nogueira lacking challengers, it might not be be a bad idea to showcase someone who could become a future star in the division.

9. How many of "The Undefeated" will be left standing?
This card featured eight undefeated fighters, most are early in careers and have yet to be seriously tested. We know that one "0" will go in the main event and with all of the undefeated fighters fighting established veterans, we doubt the loser of the main event will be alone.

10. How much is the windfall?
The payroll for this card, bonuses and all, is rumored to be south of $150,000, about 8% of the cost of the Fedor vs Barnett card. So, no matter how poorly the show does, it's going to make money. The question is, will it be enough to help pay for more expensive cards down the road?



"Affliction: Gracie vs Lashley" Main Card Predictions

Roger Gracie vs Bobby Lashley
Lashley brings his amateur wrestling credentials, athleticism and his WWE star power into this fight against Gracie. After looking lackluster in his first few fights, Lashley finally looked somewhat Lesnar-like in his last tilt, running through Gilbert Yvel in less then two minutes. One thing we haven't saw from Lashley yet is his submission defense, which we get the strange feeling could be useful in his matchup with Gracie.

On the other side, while he has yet to develop a stand up game, Gracie is not as one dimensional as his famous uncle. He's added strong wrestling to go with the family craft. That ability to dictate the realm in which the fight will take place is what has MMA insiders excited about his future.

While neither of the fighters are technically proficient standing, Lashley does have superior punching power and the smart money seems be on him trying to keep the fight on the feet. We see Gracie actually being able to secure the takedown on the former NAIA National Champion and Lashley, on his back, is not long for this world.

Prediction: Gracie via 1st Round Submission


Din Thomas vs Alexandre Franca Nogueira (Affliction Featherweight Title Fight)
Long time UFC lightweight Din Thomas will continue his run in the featherweight division against Alexandre Franca Nogueira. The submission specialist Nogueria, who's coming off an impressive win against Bao Quach, can give Thomas fits on the ground

Everything in this fight point toward a victory by Din. He has a huge striking advantage and the takedown defense to keep it there. However, we see Din having Nogueira in trouble in the second, only to fall into a flash submission when he moves in to finish him off.

Prediction: Nogueira via 2nd Round Submission


Pete Sell vs Ben Askren
The highly touted, former Olympian, Askren will get a tough test in his first fight with a major promotion. His opponent Pete Sell, a protege of Matt Serra, is long time UFC veteran who has passable skills in all facets of MMA. We look for Askren to get the early takedown but then have problems getting past Sell's guard. Late in the round, Askren finally gets the mount and finished Sell off via TKO.

Prediction: Askren via 1st Round TKO


Evan Dunham vs Jorge Masvidal
The undefeated Dunham is taking on the up and coming Sengoku and Strikeforce lightweight Masvidal. Masvidal will look to keep this fight standing where he has a huge advantage. Dunham doesn't have much in the way of wrestling to force it on to the ground where he would fare much better. We think Dunham's solid chin will get him to the third, where Masvidal will finally put his lights out.

Prediction: Masvidal via 3rd Round KO


Jarred Hamman vs Jeremy Williams
The former professional boxer Williams will be taking on the EliteXC veteran Hamman. Williams will, of course, look to keep it standing. He will need to get the quick knock out, because his weak wrestling and Manhoef-like lack of a ground game will be his undoing. We see the solid but unspectacular Hamman getting an early takedown and quickly submitting the undefeated Willaims.

Prediction: Hamman via 1st Round Submission


Jeff Lawson vs Ryan Schultz
Fresh off of being on Team UK on the Ultimate Fighter, Lawson makes his Affliction debut against the former IFL champion Schultz. This is a very even matchup with Schultz having a slight advantage on the feet and Lawson being a little better on the ground. We see Schultz neutralizing Lawson's ground game and doing more damage standing to take the close decision.

Prediction: Schultz via Split Decision

.

[madstork]

BlurCat's"Affliction: Gracie vs Lashley" Live Results


Preliminary Bouts

(Featherweight) Chan Sung Jung defeats Bryan Caraway by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round (Poor)

(Featherweight) Antonio Duarte defeats Art Arciniega by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Decent)

(Middleweight) Andrew Riddles defeats David Terrell by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round (Decent)

(Batamweight) Mark Oshiro defeats Coty Wheeler by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Decent)

(Batamweight) Rambaa Somdet defeats Pat Runez by TKO in 2:50 of round 2 (Great)

(Light Heavyweight) Darrill Schoonover defeats Cyrille Diabate by Submission in 4:46 of round 2 (Great)


Main Card Bouts

>Next up, Jeff 'The Law' Lawson goes head to head with 'The Lion' Ryan Schultz in the Affliction Lightweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Schultz steps back to avoid a jab.
>Lawson tries for a series of strikes but Schultz moves out of range.
>There's a takedown attempt from Lawson.
>Schultz tries to avoid Lawson.
>Lawson can't get the takedown, Schultz was too quick to back away.
>Schultz avoids a jab.
>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.
>Lawson shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>Schultz tries to counter Lawson with a punch, but it only thumps into the gloves.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Lawson throws a jab but Schultz avoids it.
>Lawson throws a jab but Schultz avoids it.
>Schultz steps back to avoid a jab.
>Schultz avoids a jab.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Lawson shoots in for a takedown.
>Schultz tries to avoid the takedown.
>The takedown doesn't work, Schultz saw it coming and got out of range.
>Lawson has to cover up and back off after a barrage of big punches!
>The time runs out on round one.
>That round goes to Schultz, 10-9 on my card.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Schultz has been instructed to avoid getting taken down at all costs.
>Lawson moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a solid jab.
>Lawson throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Schultz.
>Lawson doesn't get the takedown, Schultz saw it coming and was equal to it.
>Lawson fakes a lunge.
>Schultz seems to be waiting for Lawson to make a move.
>A straight jab by Schultz keeps Lawson from advancing.
>Lawson doesn't let Schultz settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.
>Lawson is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Schultz.
>Schultz ends up grappling for supremacy with Lawson.
>Lawson attempts to take down Schultz from the grapple.
>Schultz blocks the takedown attempt and takes control of the grapple.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>The grappling doesn't go anywhere, and they break apart.
>Schultz steps back to avoid a jab.
>Lawson chooses to shoot in on Schultz.
>Schultz tries to avoid the takedown.
>Lawson can't get the takedown, Schultz was too quick to back away.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Schultz avoids a jab.
>Schultz slips out of the way of a flurry of strikes.
>Jeff Lawson is looking really tired.
>Backing out of range, Lawson circles tentatively.
>Schultz doesn't press the issue, allowing Lawson to circle.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>I have to give that round to Lawson, but only a 10-9.

>Round three begins!
>Between rounds, his corner told Schultz to use his movement more in this round.
>Schultz fakes a lunge.
>Lawson steps in closer to force the issue.
>Lawson comes in, looking to drag Schultz into his guard.
>Lawson can't grab Schultz to pull him down, he is too elusive.
>Schultz uses the jab.
>Schultz uses a stiff jab to stop Lawson from advancing.
>Lawson tries for a series of strikes but Schultz moves out of range.
>Schultz counters a punch by hitting a sequence of quick punches.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Schultz uses a nice jab to prevent Lawson from getting closer.
>Schultz avoids a straight right and hits a punch.
>Schultz scores with a solid jab.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Schultz counters a jab with a series of quick jabs.
>Schultz keeps out of range, assessing the situation.
>Lawson quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Lawson, who looks drained, comes forward looking for a takedown.
>Schultz stuffs the takedown, so Lawson has to settle for pushing him up against the ropes.
>Jeff Lawson seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Schultz.
>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>Judge #1 scores the match as 29-28 to Schultz.
>Judge #2 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Schultz.
>Judge #3 has scored it 29-28 Schultz.
>The winner, by unanimous decision, is Ryan Schultz!

>Official Result: 'The Lion' Ryan Schultz defeats Jeff 'The Law' Lawson (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.


>Next up is a match in which Jared Hamman goes head to head with 'Half-Man, Half-Amazing' Jeremy Williams in the Affliction Light Heavyweight division.
>There have been internet rumours that Williams has not been taking the training for this fight very seriously.
>Whether it will have any effect on how he performs tonight, we'll soon see.

>And here we go!
>Hamman uses a jab to keep Williams back.
>Hamman comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Williams.
>Williams is pulled into a grapple.
>Hamman is looking to muscle Williams back against the ropes.
>Hamman achieves it, pinning Williams to the ropes.
>Hamman smothers Williams against the ropes, keeping solid control for almost a full minute.
>Hamman tries to smother him against the ropes with wrestling, but can't keep control of Williams who is fighting it.
>Hamman steps back to achieve some separation from Williams and gets ready to strike.
>An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Williams throws out a quick jab.
>Hamman quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Hamman looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Williams ends up grappling for supremacy with Hamman.
>Hamman is trying to muscle Williams up against the ropes.
>Hamman manages it, and controls Williams up against the ropes.
>Hamman tries to take Williams down.
>Hamman struggles at first, but once he manages to get a good grip Williams is unable to do anything further to stop the takedown.
>Williams pulls half guard.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Hamman begins trying to get his leg free of the half guard.
>He does brilliantly, getting out of half guard straight into a mount.
>Hamman pounds away with punches, but doesn't do much damage, if any, Williams covers up well.
>Williams tries a sweep from the bottom of the mount, but gets rolled and Hamman has his back!
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Hamman.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Hamman narrowly misses Williams with an uppercut.
>Williams doesn't let Hamman settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.
>Williams avoids a flurry of punches and hits a solid jab.
>Hamman avoids a jab and scores with a straight punch.
>Hamman tries for a jab but Williams moves out of range.
>Williams hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening.
>Hamman steps in closer to force the issue.
>Hamman throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Williams.
>Williams tries to avoid the takedown.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Williams avoided Hamman.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Williams moves in and uses a flurry of quick punches to sting Hamman.
>Hamman has to cover up and back off after a barrage of big punches!
>Williams comes in quick and hits a quick series of punches.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Williams narrowly misses Hamman with an uppercut.
>Time slips away as Hamman doesn't press Williams, allowing him to circle.
>Jared Hamman is breathing very hard.
>The time runs out on round two.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Williams.

>And here we go, round three!
>Williams gets Hamman with a nice jab.
>Williams hits Hamman with a flurry of jabs and straight punches.
>Williams avoids a punch and scores with a quick series of punches.
>Williams attacks Hamman with a series of quick jabs.
>Hamman needs to raise his hands, fatigue has set in and they're far too low at the moment.
>Williams scores with a jab.
>Hamman throws a couple of ragged-looking jabs as a set up, then attempts a takedown.
>Williams tries to avoid the takedown.
>Hamman can't get the takedown, Williams was too quick to back away.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Williams counters a wayward jab with a solid jab.
>Williams avoids a quick jab and hits a flurry of small strikes.
>Williams avoids a punch and scores with a nice jab.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Hamman, who looks drained, throws a couple of slow jabs as cover so that he can go for a takedown.
>Williams attempts to avoid Hamman as he shoots in.
>Hamman can't get the takedown, Williams was too quick to back away.
>Hamman snaps off a jab that catches Williams stepping in.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>That round goes to Williams, 10-9 on my card.
>The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.
>Judge #1: 29-28 Williams.
>Judge #2 gives a score of 28-28.
>Judge #3: 29-28 Williams.
>The winner, by majority decision, is Jeremy Williams!

>Official Result: 'Half-Man, Half-Amazing' Jeremy Williams defeats Jared Hamman (Majority Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent.


>Another match is about to begin; Evan Dunham goes head to head with Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal in the Affliction Lightweight division.

>And here we go!
>Masvidal counters a wayward jab with a crisp punch.
>Dunham comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>To counter, Masvidal fires off a strike but only finds the gloves.
>Masvidal avoids a jab.
>Dunham looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Masvidal.
>He pulls Masvidal into a grapple.
>Using his wrestling skills, Dunham is trying to push Masvidal up against the ropes.
>Dunham manages it, and controls Masvidal up against the ropes.
>Dunham tries to keep Masvidal up against the ropes for some dirty boxing, but Masvidal reverses so that he is the one in control.
>Masvidal breaks the grapple and prepares to launch some strikes at Dunham.
>Dunham gets hit with a crisp jab.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done.
>Dunham tries for a leg kick but Masvidal moves out of range.
>Dunham comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Masvidal attempts to avoid Dunham as he shoots in.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Masvidal avoided Dunham.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Masvidal narrowly misses Dunham with an uppercut.
>Not letting Masvidal settle at all, Dunham comes in closer.
>Dunham looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Dunham grabs Masvidal and pulls him into a grapple.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Dunham.

>We are back underway!
>Between rounds we could hear the corner of Dunham telling him to watch for strikes but to look for takedown opportunities.
>Dunham avoids a jab.
>Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage.
>Dunham throws a flurry of punches but Masvidal steps back and avoids them.
>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither gets past the gloves of the other.
>From the missed strikes they clinch.
>Dunham tries to take Masvidal down from the grapple.
>Masvidal blocks the takedown attempt.
>Dunham attempts to take down Masvidal from the grapple.
>Masvidal blocks the takedown attempt.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Using his wrestling skills, Dunham is trying to push Masvidal up against the ropes.
>Masvidal ends up backed against the ropes.
>Breathing very hard, Evan Dunham is looking ragged.
>Dunham tries to keep him up against the ropes with wrestling, but Masvidal reverses so that he is the one in control.
>Dunham is trapped against the ropes and Masvidal punishes him with some dirty boxing.
>Dunham is trapped against the ropes and Masvidal punishes him with some dirty boxing.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Masvidal uses dirty boxing to punish Dunham while he is pressed up against the ropes.
>Masvidal takes a short step back and prepares to strike.
>Masvidal comes in quick and hits a quick series of punches.
>Masvidal avoids a straight right and hits a series of quick punches.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Masvidal.

>And here we go, round three!
>Masvidal hits a crisp jab.
>Dunham, looking very tired, has let his hands drop dangerously low, that's why he got caught.
>Masvidal counters a missed punch with a jab.
>Evan Dunham looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion.
>Slowly moving in closer, a ragged-looking Dunham wants to wrestle Masvidal.
>Dunham can't get close enough to grapple, Masvidal keeps him away with strikes.
>Dunham, who is visibly tired, looks like he might want to get in close and wrestle with Masvidal.
>Dunham grabs Masvidal and pulls him into a grapple.
>Masvidal smothers Dunham when he tries to use some dirty boxing, and gains the upper hand in the grapple as a result.
>Jorge Masvidal looks very tired out there.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Dunham gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Masvidal uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment.
>Masvidal and Dunham separate and we're back to a stand-off.
>Masvidal scores with a series of quick punches.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Masvidal moves in and uses a flurry of quick punches to sting Dunham.
>Slowly moving in closer, a ragged-looking Dunham wants to wrestle Masvidal.
>Masvidal counters with a jab that catches Dunham hard.
>Masvidal avoids a straight right and hits a punch.
>The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Masvidal.
>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>Judge #1 scores the match as 29-28 to Masvidal.
>Judge #2: 29-28 Masvidal.
>Judge #3 has given 29-28 to Masvidal.
>The winner, by unanimous decision, is Jorge Masvidal!

>Official Result: Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal defeats Evan Dunham (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent.


>Next up is a match in which 'Drago' Pete Sell will take on Ben Askren in the Affliction Welterweight division.

>We are underway!
>Askren circles, looking for an opening.
>Not letting up, Sell steps in closer to pressure Askren into action.
>Sell chooses to shoot in on Askren.
>Askren attempts to avoid Sell as he shoots in.
>Sell can't get the takedown, Askren was too quick to back away.
>Askren comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Askren gets the takedown! Sell pulls guard.
>Askren attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>He does excellently, getting past the guard and into side control.
>In side control, Askren begins working to get a mount.
>He can't get the mount as Sell rolls away to stop it, but does take his back instead.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Askren pounds away, and Sell struggles to deal with them.
>Askren pounds away with punches and Sell is in big trouble!
>Askren tries to pound on Sell, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Sell tries to turn over and sweep Askren but can't do it.
>Askren fires away with big punches, but Sell covers up and doesn't take any undue damage.
>Sell tries a roll, but doesn't budge Askren.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Askren fires away with big punches, but Sell covers up and doesn't take any undue damage.
>Sell tries to turn over and sweep Askren but can't do it.
>Askren unloads with some big punches, but Sell deals with them comfortably.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>I think Askren took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>We are back underway!
>Moving in closer, Askren looks like he may want to wrestle Sell.
>Sell tries to counter with a takedown, but Askren defended it well.
>Askren uses a jab to sting Sell.
>Askren is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Sell.
>Seeing an opportunity, Sell avoids the grapple and goes straight for a takedown, but Askren is equal to it.
>Askren comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Sell.
>Sell seems happy to grapple with Askren.
>Askren is trying to push Sell so that his back is up against the ropes.
>Askren does it, Sell is stuck with his back to the ropes.
>Askren smothers Sell against the ropes, easily keeping solid control for a minute or more.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Sell is trapped against the ropes and held there by Askren, with apparent ease, for over a minute.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>With the fight having been stuck against the ropes for a lengthy period of time, the referee restarts them back in the center.
>Askren is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Sell.
>Seeing an opportunity, Sell avoids the grapple and goes straight for a takedown, but Askren is equal to it.
>Pete Sell is breathing very hard.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Askren.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>Askren comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Sell.
>Sell tries to take down Askren as he steps in, but he blocks it.
>Ben Askren is looking really tired.
>Askren counters a jab by hitting a straight punch.
>Askren throws three punches in quick succession, but Sell was out of range.
>Not letting up, Sell quickly steps in closer to attack Askren.
>Sell throws a couple of jabs, a set up for a tired-looking takedown attempt on Askren.
>Sell is stopped by a good sprawl, and is pulled down to the ground in a loose front facelock until he is on his knees.
>From the looks of things, I don't think Pete Sell has much energy left.
>Askren pounds away on the body and side of the head, Sell struggles to deal with them.
>Sell takes a few punches on the way, but manages to get back to standing.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Askren.
>Askren gets the takedown! Sell pulls guard.
>Askren keeps Sell guessing with a few quick strikes.
>Sell attempts a triangle choke on Askren from the bottom of the guard.
>Askren pulls his arm free before the triangle can be locked in.
>Askren punches down at Sell, but they are easily taken on the gloves.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>In guard, Askren throws a couple of punches designed to keep Sell guessing.
>Sell raises his legs and tries to get Askren into a triangle choke.
>Askren defends well against it.
>The clock runs down as Sell is being smothered against the ground by Askren.
>Ben Askren looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Askren.
>Here come the official scores.
>Judge #1 has scored it 30-27 Askren.
>Judge #2 has given 30-27 to Askren.
>Judge #3 has scored it 30-27 Askren.
>Ben Askren wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Ben Askren defeats 'Drago' Pete Sell (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.



>The co-main event is up next. 'Pequeño' Alexandre Franca Nogueira goes head to head with 'Dinyero' Din Thomas in the Affliction Featherweight division.
>The Affliction Featherweight title is on the line.

>The fight begins!
>Thomas counters a punch by hitting a flurry of quick punches to sting Pequeño.
>Thomas uses the jab.
>There's a takedown attempt from Pequeño.
>Thomas tries to step away from the takedown.
>Thomas avoids the takedown attempt.
>Thomas jabs Pequeño as he advances.
>Pequeño keeps out of range, assessing the situation.
>It seems that Thomas is happy to let Pequeño circle for the moment.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Pequeño shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>Thomas tries to step away from the takedown.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Thomas avoided Pequeño.
>Pequeño comes in, looking to drag Thomas into his guard.
>The attempt is unsuccessful, Thomas is too elusive for Pequeño to catch.
>Thomas avoids a quick jab and hits a series of quick, sharp punches.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Thomas keeps Pequeño back with a crisp jab.
>Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I have to give that round to Thomas, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Thomas counters a jab by hitting a crisp punch.
>Thomas scores with a jab that stops Pequeño getting too close.
>Thomas scores with a solid jab.
>Pequeño shoots in for a takedown.
>Thomas stuffs the takedown, so Pequeño has to settle for pushing him up against the ropes.
>Pequeño pins Thomas up against the ropes and controls him for thirty seconds or so.
>Pequeño attempts to wrestle Thomas to the ground.
>Thomas digs in and manages to defend the takedown.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Pequeño looks to try and maintain control via his wrestling skills, but Thomas proves too good and manages to turn them around so that he is in the dominant position.
>Thomas smothers Pequeño against the ropes, keeping solid control for almost a full minute.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>With the fight having been stuck against the ropes for a lengthy period of time, the referee restarts them back in the center.
>Thomas keeps Pequeño from advancing with a crisp jab.
>Pequeño comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Thomas tries to avoid Pequeño.
>Pequeño doesn't get the takedown, Thomas avoided it.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round two.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Thomas.

>Round three begins!
>Between rounds, his corner told Pequeño to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities.
>A straight punch from Thomas fails to land.
>Not letting Thomas settle at all, Pequeño comes in closer.
>Thomas counters a wayward jab with a body kick.
>Moving in closer, Pequeño looks like he may want to wrestle Thomas.
>Thomas counters with a jab that catches Pequeño hard.
>Pequeño moves in closer but takes a crisp jab to the face.
>Thomas comes in quick and hits a quick series of punches.
>Thomas steps back to avoid a jab.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Pequeño steps in to attack but takes a stiff jab.
>Thomas attacks Pequeño with a series of quick jabs.
>Thomas throws a combination but doesn't do any damage.
>Pequeño quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Pequeño comes in, looking to drag Thomas into his guard.
>Pequeño can't bring Thomas down, he defended it well.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Thomas avoids a punch and scores with a solid jab.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round three.
>I think Thomas took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>Round four begins!
>Between rounds, his corner told Pequeño to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities.
>Pequeño narrowly misses Thomas with an uppercut.
>Time slips away as Thomas doesn't press Pequeño, allowing him to circle.
>Thomas hits a jab.
>A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Pequeño.
>Thomas tries to step away from the takedown.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Thomas avoided Pequeño.
>Thomas uses the jab.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Thomas counters a punch by hitting a jab to the cheek.
>Pequeño circles, looking for an opening.
>The fight slows as Thomas sits back and allows Pequeño to circle.
>Thomas steps in and unloads with a nice sequence of jabs.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Thomas hits a crisp jab.
>Thomas avoids a straight right and hits a straight punch.
>Pequeño avoids a jab.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round four.
>I have to give that round to Thomas, but only a 10-9.

>And here we go, round five!
>From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Pequeño has been instructed to aggressively chase the takedown in this round.
>Pequeño comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Thomas.
>Thomas finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.
>Pequeño, controlling the grapple with Thomas, goes for a takedown.
>Pequeño can't get the takedown, Thomas defended it well.
>Alexandre Franca Nogueira doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>Din Thomas doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>Pequeño, controlling the grapple with Thomas, tries to scoop him up for a slam.
>Thomas slips out of the attempted lift and takes the back of Pequeño as he falls!
>Thomas tries to pound on Pequeño with elbows, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Pequeño tries to turn over and sweep Thomas but can't do it.
>Thomas attempts a rear naked choke.
>Pequeño stops Thomas from getting the hooks in or flattening him out.
>Pequeño tries to move Thomas off his back but can't.
>Alexandre Franca Nogueira looks very, very tired.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Thomas tries to flatten Pequeño out for a rear naked choke.
>Thomas flattens Pequeño out with the rear naked choke in deep and forces the tap!
>The winner, by Submission; Din Thomas!

>Official Result: 'Dinyero' Din Thomas defeats 'Pequeño' Alexandre Franca Nogueira (Submission in 3:04 of round 5). The match was rated as being Decent.



>It's time for the main event of the evening! Bobby Lashley will battle Roger Gracie in the Affliction Heavyweight division.

>The fight begins!
>Lashley looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>They start grappling, Gracie looks happy to engage Lashley at close quarters.
>Using his wrestling skills, Lashley is trying to push Gracie up against the ropes.
>Lashley does it, Gracie is stuck with his back to the ropes.
>Lashley looks for a knee strike, but Gracie out-wrestles him and switches them around so that he is in the dominant position.
>Gracie attempts to wrestle Lashley to the ground.
>Gracie gets the takedown, but almost got caught in a guillotine on the way to the ground.
>Gracie looks to pass guard and get side control.
>He can't quite manage to get past guard on this attempt.
>Lashley tries to pull Gracie in close and smother him, but doesn't get anywhere with it.
>Gracie tries to pass the guard.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Lashley tries to get double underhooks on Gracie so that he can get some control, but can't get them.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Gracie looks to pass guard and get side control.
>After a struggle, he gets to half guard.
>Gracie fires off a few punches as he catches his breath.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Gracie starts trying to work to get out of half guard and into a better position.
>Lashley comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Gracie in half guard.
>Round one ends as time expires.
>I have to give that round to Gracie, but only a 10-9.

>We are back underway!
>Lashley avoids a jab.
>Lashley gets Gracie with a right hand to the ribs, but it lacked power.
>Gracie seems to be waiting for Lashley to make a move.
>Lashley comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Gracie.
>Gracie tries to catch him by surprise with a takedown attempt, but it is blocked.
>Lashley gets caught with a series of quick punches and has to back off.
>Lashley comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Gracie.
>Seeing an opportunity, Gracie avoids the grapple and goes straight for a takedown, but Lashley is equal to it.
>Roger Gracie doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Lashley gets Gracie with a nice jab.
>Lashley gets Gracie with a right hand to the ribs, but it lacked power.
>Time slips away as Gracie doesn't press Lashley, allowing him to circle.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Gracie comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Gracie can't get the takedown, Lashley defends it well and pulls them into a clinch.
>Lashley tries to wrestle Gracie backward and up against the ropes.
>Gracie ends up backed against the ropes.
>Lashley keeps Gracie up against the ropes with wrestling, retaining solid control for the remainder of the round.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That round goes to Lashley, 10-9 on my card.

>Round three begins!
>Between rounds, his corner told Lashley to be aggressive and really let his hands go.
>Lashley moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a barrage of big punches!
>The referee is forced to jump in and stop the match!
>Bobby Lashley takes the win by TKO!

>Official Result: Bobby Lashley defeats Roger Gracie (TKO in 0:23 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent.


BlurCat's Notes from the "Affliction: Gracie vs Lashley" Post Fight Presser

- Present were Affliction President Tom Attencio, Bobby Lashley, Roger Gracie, Din Thomas and Ben Askren. Attencio announced a paid attendance of 8,678 for a gate of $520,680 and the following post show awards:
Fight of the Night: Rambaa Somdet vs Pat Runez
Submission of the Night: Din Thomas
Knock Out of the Night: Bobby Lashley

- Attencio was beaming at the post fight press conference, saying that the show was the most successful in the promotion's history. He called reports that the show had been "poor" ridiculous, saying that they had their highest gate and were projected to also have their best showing on PPV.

- Lashley said that he thinks this victory puts him into title contention and that he would like to fight "Fedor or a top heavyweight contender" in this next fight. He also said one of the things he wanted to show was how his Jiu Jitsu had been progressing, and the fact that he was able to neutralize Gracie's ground game showed how far he had come.

- Roger Gracie said he was disappointed with his performance. He said in order for him to get to "the next level" he knew he was going to have to improve his striking.

- Din Thomas said he was ecstatic, after his many years in the sport, to finally be a champion in major promotion. He thought he was clearly winning the fight, going out for the 5th, but he wanted the finish because you never know what the judges are going to do.

- Attencio said he wasn't sure who Thomas' first defense would be against. He cited Bibaino Fernandes or the undefeated Marlon Sandro as possibilities. He also said they are actively trying to sign top featherweights from all over the world.

- Ben Askren said that he really wanted to finish the fight but Sell was a really good, experienced fighter. When asked about his next opponent, he said he would fight whoever Affliction put in front of him.


10 Questions for "Affliction: Gracie vs Lashley" (The Answers)

1. Will anybody pay for this? Yes (It even beat Fedor/Barnett)

2. Is Jiu-Jitsu enough? No (Gracie never even had Lashley in trouble)

3. Will Lashley try to stand? Yes (At least in the third)

4. Is Din Thomas a high level featherweight? Probably ( Nogueira is no joke)

5. Will fans buy the title? Probably not (He'll need to defend it a few times against top guys before it becomes more than a piece of metal)

6. Is Ben Askren as good as advertised? Maybe (He didn't blow right through Sell but he beat a tough veteran in one of his first fights)

7. Can Jeremy Williams make a run to a title shot after starting his career in his mid-thirties? He's on his way (Next stop: title eliminator match)

8. Why is Darrill Schoonover on the undercard? Because the matchmaker is a moron

9. How many of "The Undefeated" will be left standing? 5 out of 8 (Dunham and Runez joined Gracie in getting their first L)

10. How much is the windfall? Around $600,000 after all expenses paid for the month


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[madstork]

Blurcat's Random News and Notes

November Week 1

DREAM's new president.....Marcus Hicks?

In a shocking move, DREAM has tapped Marcus Hicks as the new president of their organization. (Don't think the Marcus Hicks of TUF minor-fame, instead think the 8-15 Canadian Marcus Hicks, who's last key victory was...never.) While the owners of DREAM didn't explain their reasoning for hiring "The Loudmouth Assassin", the speculation is that this is an extension of the strategy of pushing the company further away from sport and more toward pure entertainment. Hicks is expected to only be a mouthpiece for the promotion and isn't expected to make decisions or wield any real influence behind the scenes.


Silva and Penn Both Successfully Defend Titles at UFC 103
At UFC 103 Anderson Silva continued his string of cautious performances, as he again won by decision, this time against Nate Marquardt. BJ Penn had a dominating return to lightweight after his loss to GSP, as he submitted Frankie Edgar in the second. There is rumored to be only one fight left on the contracts of Edgar, Drew McFedries and James Irvin. All three are expected to draw interest from several promotions.


Baroni, Kanehara pick up wins at Sengoku 9
Sengoku 9 saw Phil Baroni submit Abdul Mohamed in the second and Masanori Kanehara earn the decision over Scott Lightly.


November Week 2

Affliction Announces December Plans: Highlighted by Lashley vs Fedor
Affliction has announced via their website the main cards for two upcoming shows in December. The first card will take place on HDnet and will feature match ups between two welterweight contenders in Ben Askren and KJ Noons and two lightweight contenders in Rich Clementi and Duane Ludwig. The entire main card follows:

Affliction Live on HDNet, December 20th
Ben Askren vs KJ Noons
Rich Clementi vs Duane Ludwig
Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs Alexandre Ferreira
LC Davis vs Mark Hominick
Andre Galvao vs Jason High
John Allesio vs Pat Miletech

The second show will be shown only on PPV and will pit the worlds #1 fighter, Fedor Emelianenko versus one of the fastest rising stars in MMA, Bobby Lashley. The card also features the Affliction debut of Clay Guida against Jorge Masvidal and a light heavyweight title eliminator between Jeremy Williams and Alexandre Riberio. The full main card follows:

Affliction: Fedor vs Lashley, December 27th
(#1 HW/P4P) Fedor Emelianenko vs Bobby Lashley For the WAMMA Heavyweight Title
Clay Guida vs Jorge Masvidal
Jeremy Williams vs Alexandre Riberio
Alexander Shiemenko vs Demian Maia
Tyron Woodley vs Dan Hornbuckle
Chris Cariaso vs Joe Warren


Pulver Returns to Form With Victory at WEC 44
Jens Pulver ended his four fight losing streak by decisioning Raphael Assuncao at WEC 44. The victory couldn't come at a better time for Pulver because, with only on fight left on his contract, he is set to test the free agent waters. The night also saw Seth Dikun decision Jeff Curran.


Lee is "Blown Away" by Smith, Lawler Wins
"Strikeforce: Blown Away" saw Scott Smith wrest the title away from a rusty Cung Lee by second round TKO. The night also saw Robbie Lawler hand Frank Shamrock his third consecutive defeat, this time by decision.


November Week 3

Say It Ain't So: MMA Pioneer Don Frye to Hang It Up
Frye, one of the UFC's biuggest stars in the Post-Gracie/Pre-Zuffa era, has said he will be finally calling it quits at the age of 43. He expects his last match be under the Adrenaline banner, where he is currently employed.


Affliction/Strikeforce Working Relationship Over?
Months of harmonious relations between Affliction and Strikeforce, which saw the two promotions share much of their rosters with one another, might have come to an end today. Today Affliction announced that they have signed new Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Scott Smith to an exclusive contract, which would block Smith from defending his newly won belt in Strikeforce. Strikeforce President Scott Coker is said to be fuming at this turn of events and trying to plot his promotion's response. When reached by phone Affliction President Tom Attencio dismissed rumors that Josh Thomson and headliner Jake Shields would be pulled from the upcoming "Friday Night Fights" card, saying that he already had signed contracts for the fights and Strikeforce's contracts allow their fighters to fight elsewhere. He also hinted at a "Champion vs Champion" fight between Smith and Affliction Champion Vitor Belfort.


Despite Financial Problems, Affliction Goes On Spending Spree
With rumors flying around that the promotion is on shaky financial ground, one would expect Affliction to batten down the hatches and cut costs where ever possible. However, Affliction has been aggressively targeting other promotions' free agents and signing them to exclusive contracts. The newest additions include Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Scott Smith, former UFC fighters Frankie Edgar, Drew McFedries and James Irvin and WEC fighters Jens Pulver and Jeff Curran. Add these to the already acquired Clay Guida, Tyson Griffin, Chris Lytle, Demian Maia and Kurt Pellegrino and it would appear that Affliction is returning to its free spending ways of the past.

These tactics have brought repercussions from multiple promotions. Strikeforce has declared they will no longer sign fighters to contracts that aren't exclusive and the UFC is counter programing Affliction's show on HDNet with an Ultimate Fight Night.


Monson and Lee Victorious at DREAM 12
Jeff Monson was able to submit Bob Sapp in less than 90 seconds and Tae Hyun Lee decisioned Tatsuya Mizuno at DREAM 12. DREAM's brass apparently has had enough of the human mascot Bob Sapp and they have told him that his contract will not be extended after his fifth straight loss.


November Week 4

Sengoku 10 An Ugly Night of Fights, Pawel Wins
Pawel Nastula decisioned Naoya Ogawa in an event, Sengoku 10, that many are calling the worst show put on by a major promotion in years. The top four matches all went to decision and the usually reserved Japanese crowd expressed their displeasure at the "very poor" fights.


BlurCat's December Fight Schedule
1st
Sengoku Live (Maximo Blanco vs Mizuto Hirota, Sanae Kituta vs Fabio Silva)

4th
Strikeforce on Showtime (Jeremiah Metcalf vs Donnie Liles, Nik Theotikos vs Terry Martin)

5th
UFC 104: Impending Doom (Patrick Cote vs Michael Bisping, Mark Coleman vs Rich Franklin)
Dream 13 (Masakatsu Funaki vs Dong Sik Yoon, Mark Hunt vs Hong-Man Choi)

8th
Strikeforce: Raw Power (Babalu Sobral vs Bobby Southworth for SF LHW Title, Bao Quach vs Chance Farrer)

12th
WEC on Versus (Rob McCullough vs Marcelo Brito, Jameel Massouh vs Rafael Dias)

14th
WEC 45: Brown vs Grispi (Mike Thomas Brown vs Josh Grispi for WEC FW Title, Jamie Varner vs Ricardo Lumas for WEC LW Title)
Adrenaline: Newton vs Stiebling (Carlos Newton vs Alex Stiebling, Tim Sylvia vs Jefferson Silva)

20th
UFC Ultimate Fight Night (Matt Serra vs Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Cheick Kongo vs Junior Dos Santos)
Affliction Live on HDNet (Ben Askren vs KJ Noons, Rich Clementi vs Duane Ludwig)

27th
Affliction: Fedor vs Lashley (Fedor Emelianenko vs Bobby Lashley for the WAMMA HW Title, Clay Guida vs Jorge Masvidal)


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[madstork]

BlurCat's Official "Saturday Night Fights" Preview

Questions To Be Answered By "Saturday Night Fights"

1. Can Jake Shields start to make a case for #1?
With the fall of GSP, Shields has an opportunity to become the #1 welterweight fighter in the world by the end of 2010. The biggest knock against Shields, the level of his competition, seems like it will be remedied. If he can get by Hieron, fighters like Martin Kampmann, Ben Askren, Chris Lytle and KJ Noons await him. If he keeps putting up Ws, then it will just be a mater of time until the ultra-deep UFC Welterweight Division cannibalizes its fighters records and Shields takes the #1 spot.

2. Can Jay Hieron cement a place in the top ten?
While Shields might be eying the number #1 slot, Jay Hieron has spent his career just trying to get in the conversation. Seemingly always in the wrong promotion at the wrong time, he's had a hard time piling up the kind of victories that would establish him as top ten fighter. However, it would be hard to deny him a spot with a victory over the #4 ranked Shields

3. Would Josh Thomson be a top lightweight in the UFC?
Thomson has been competing outside of the stacked UFC and DREAM lightweight divisions for several years. This has lead to a debate over where he fits into lightweight division as a whole. He gets a chance to prove that he would be factor in any promotion when he fights former UFC contender Tyson Griffin.

4. Can Derrick Noble go back-to-back?
Noble has guaranteed he will repeat as Knock Out of the Night recipient, adding another knock out to go with the one he gave Alonzo Martinez. He'll have a decent chance of doing so against recent TUF Team USA fighter Richie Whitson, who's a wrestling/gnp specialist.

5. Is this the last harrah of the Strikeforce/Affliction partnership?
This card has the Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson and Strikeforce's highest ranked fighter, Jake Shields. With the fallout over the Scott Smith signing, this could be the last time Strikeforce fighters are featured prominently on an Affliction show.



"Saturday Night Fights" Predictions

#4 Jake Shields vs Jay Hieron (Affliction Welterweight Title)
Shields comes in riding a twelve fight win streak, including an impressive win in his last fight over top middleweight Robbie Lawler. He seems to have more ways to finish the fight, whether it be by his great submission or ground and pound skills or by his decent punching power. Hieron has a six fight winning streak of his own and a slight advantage on the feet, especially in the clinch. The wrestling skills are even and both fighters seem to cancel out what the other does best, Hieron has very strong submission defense while Shields has a good chin.

We see this title fight being a back and forth matchup, taking place for extended periods on both the ground and the feet. In the end, we see Hieron crowding Shields, utilizing his clinch work and dirty boxing, to spring the upset in a close decision.

Prediction; Jay Hieron via Split Decision


Josh Thomson vs Tyson Griffin (Lightweight)
Strikeforce Champion Thomson, who coming off of a defense against Mike Aina, is taking on Griffin, who won his last two fights in the UFC before joining Affliction. This is a fight that could see the winner fighting to become the first Affliction Lightweight Champion in his next fight.

Thomson appears to do everything better than Griffin, the gap is especially large in the striking department. We see Thomson being able to keep this fight on the feet and dominating Griffin, flooring him and pounding him out in the second.

Prediction: Josh Thompson via 2nd Round TKO


Derrick Noble vs Richie Whitson (Lightweight)
Noble is coming off of a "Knock Out of Night" performance against Alonzo Martinez at the first "Saturday Night Fights" show. Whitson is fresh off of being on Team USA on the latest version of The Ultimate Fighter. Noble is a pure brawler who's completely lacking a ground game and Whitson is decent wrestler/GnP specialist who has a strong chin. This is all about whether Whitson gets the takedown before Noble knocks him out.

We think Whitson's ability to take a shot will get him through the first. He'll get the takedown in the second and get the TKO victory.

Prediction: Whitson via 2nd Round TKO


Alex Schoenauer vs Phil Davis (Light Heavyweight)
Former NCAA wrestling champion Phil Davis will be stepping up in competition to to take on the veteran Schoenauer. Davis will be able to take this fight to ground at will, but once he does he will have to be wary Schoenauer's ground game. Still, Schoenauer looks outclassed here and we expect Davis to pick up the quick TKO victory.

Prediction: Davis via 1st Round TKO


Enoch Wilson vs Javier Vazquez (Featherweight)
Wilson and Vazquez meet in match up of featherweight ground specialists. The key for this fight is which fighter will be able to establish top position. This is especially true for Vazquez, who needs to avoid the strong ground and pound of Wilson. We think that Vasquez's more refined submission game will win out late in the fight.

Prediction: Vazquez via 3rd Round Submission

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[madstork]

BlurCat's "Affliction: Saturday Night Fights" Live Results

Undercard Fights

(Welterweight) Brett Cooper defeats Jason Chambers by Submission in 3:30 of round 1 (Good)

(Lightweight) Billy Evangelista defeats Clay French by Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Good)

(Featherweight) Shawn Bias defeats Un Sik Song by Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Decent)

(Heavyweight) Lavar Johnson defeats Jay White by TKO in 0:43 of round 1 (Great)

(Light Heavyweight) Emanuel Newton defeats Hector Ramirez by Submission in 4:09 of round 3 (Good)

(Middleweight) Doug Marshall defeats Daniel Acácio by TKO in 3:21 of round 1 (Fantastic)

(Middleweight) Jeremy Horn defeats Dennis Hallman by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round (Poor)


Main Card Fights

>Moving on to the next match, in which Enoch 'The Animal' Wilson will take on Javier 'Showtime' Vazquez in the Affliction Featherweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Javi throws a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Wilson tries to avoid the takedown.
>The takedown doesn't work, Wilson saw it coming and got out of range.
>Javi avoids a quick jab and hits a solid jab.
>Javi avoids a quick jab and hits a punch.
>A straight punch from Wilson fails to land.
>Not letting Wilson settle, Javi moves in closer.
>Javi chooses to shoot in on Wilson.
>The takedown is stuffed, so Javi has to go to settle for pushing Wilson up against the ropes.
>Wilson is controlled up against the ropes for almost an entire minute, unable to break free.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Javi attempts to wrestle Wilson to the ground.
>Wilson tries to get a guillotine as a counter, but Javi shrugs it off and completes the takedown.
>Javi attempts to pass guard.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Wilson tries to pull Javi in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't.
>We're into the final minute of the round.
>Javi lies on top of Wilson, basically smothering him.
>The time runs out on round one.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Javi.

>Round two begins!
>Wilson keeps out of range, assessing the situation.
>The fight slows as Javi sits back and allows Wilson to circle.
>Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage.
>A straight punch from Wilson fails to land.
>Javi steps in closer to force the issue.
>Wilson throws a jab but Javi avoids it.
>Wilson uses a stiff jab to stop Javi from advancing.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Wilson waits for Javi to step in, then hits a nice jab.
>Wilson throws out a quick jab.
>Javi doesn't press the issue, allowing Wilson to circle.
>Javi throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Wilson.
>Wilson tries to step away from the takedown.
>Wilson avoids the takedown attempt.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>A straight jab by Wilson keeps Javi from advancing.
>Javi doesn't press the issue, allowing Wilson to circle.
>Round two ends as time expires.
>I think Wilson took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>There's the bell and round number three begins!
>From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Javi has been instructed to try and get Wilson to the floor in this round.
>Javi counters a missed punch with a solid jab.
>An exchange of strikes doesn't lead to any real damage.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.
>From the grapple, Javi tries a takedown.
>He has the takedown! Wilson pulls guard.
>In guard, Javi begins working to pass to side control.
>Wilson comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Javi in guard.
>Javi blocks an attempted sweep.
>Javi looks to get past the guard.
>Wilson is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Javi firmly in guard.
>Javi blocks an attempted sweep.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>The clock runs down as Wilson is being smothered against the ground by Javi.
>With no progress being made, the referee brings the fighters back to their feet.
>Wilson steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>Javi doesn't let Wilson settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Javi throws a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>Wilson tries to avoid the takedown.
>Javi doesn't get the takedown, Wilson avoided it.
>Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up grappling.
>Javi tries to wrestle Wilson backward and up against the ropes.
>He does so, and now has Wilson pinned to the ropes.
>The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.
>I have to give that round to Javi, but only a 10-9.
>The judges' scores are now being announced.
>Judge #1 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Javi.
>Judge #2 has scored it 29-28 Javi.
>Judge #3 has scored it 29-28 Javi.
>Javier 'Showtime' Vazquez wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Javier 'Showtime' Vazquez defeats Enoch 'The Animal' Wilson (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Very Poor.


>Next up is a match in which Alex Schoenauer takes on 'Mr. Wonderful' Phil Davis in the Affliction Light Heavyweight division.
>The talk going around is that his team had some motivation issues with Schoenauer leading into this fight.
>We're about to see whether it will have any bearing on his performance tonight.

>Round one begins!
>Davis chooses to shoot in on Schoenauer.
>Davis has the takedown! Schoenauer pulls half guard.
>Davis tries to pass the half guard.
>Schoenauer finds his opponent too skilled, and Davis passes half guard into a full mount.
>Davis pounds away from the mount, Schoenauer is barely able to offer any defence at all!
>With Schoenauer taking a beating, the referee has to stop the match!
>Phil Davis takes the victory by way of TKO!

>Official Result: 'Mr. Wonderful' Phil Davis defeats Alex Schoenauer (TKO in 1:22 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.


>Moving on to the next match, in which 'The Eraser' Derrick Noble takes on Richie Whitson in the Affliction Lightweight division.

>And here we go!
>Whitson comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Noble.
>Noble finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.
>Whitson is trying to push Noble so that his back is up against the ropes.
>Noble ends up backed against the ropes.
>Noble is controlled up against the ropes and takes a few punches via some dirty boxing.
>Noble is controlled up against the ropes and takes a few punches via some dirty boxing.
>With Noble stuck against the ropes, Whitson tries to complete a takedown.
>Noble shows stubborn resistance to the takedown, and eventually turns it so that Whitson is the one with his back to the ropes.
>Noble uses dirty boxing to punish Whitson while he is pressed up against the ropes.
>Noble moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike.
>Noble steps in and unloads with a nice sequence of jabs.
>Noble avoids a quick jab and hits a series of hard punches!
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>Noble steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.
>Noble steps back to avoid a jab.
>Whitson counters a jab by hitting a clean jab.
>Noble throws a combination but doesn't do any damage.
>Not letting Noble settle at all, Whitson comes in closer.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Moving in closer, Whitson looks like he may want to wrestle Noble.
>Whitson grabs Noble and pulls him into a grapple.
>Whitson is trying to push Noble so that his back is up against the ropes.
>He does so, and now has Noble pinned to the ropes.
>Whitson smothers Noble against the ropes, then uses his dirty boxing skills to his advantage.
>The time runs out on round one.
>I think Whitson took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

>There's the bell for the start of the round!
>Whitson shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>Noble attempts to avoid Whitson as he shoots in.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, Noble avoided Whitson.
>Moving in closer, Whitson looks like he may want to wrestle Noble.
>Whitson can't get close enough to grapple, Noble makes sure to keep out of range.
>Whitson looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Noble.
>Noble finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.
>Whitson is looking to muscle Noble back against the ropes.
>Whitson manages it, and controls Noble up against the ropes.
>Noble is controlled up against the ropes and takes a few punches via some dirty boxing.
>Whitson smothers Noble against the ropes, then uses his dirty boxing skills to his advantage.
>Derrick Noble is looking really tired.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Noble is trapped against the ropes and Whitson punishes him with some dirty boxing.
>Whitson moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike.
>Noble throws a flurry of punches but Whitson steps back and avoids them.
>An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage.
>They wind up in a tight clinch.
>Whitson uses some dirty boxing as he grapples with Noble.
>Whitson looks for a takedown from the grapple.
>The takedown is successful, Noble pulls guard.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Whitson throws a few half-hearted punches as he takes a moment to plan ahead.
>Whitson is trying to pass guard.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Whitson.

>We are back underway!
>Noble hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening.
>Whitson doesn't press the issue, allowing Noble to circle.
>Whitson tries for a jab but Noble moves out of range.
>Breathing very hard, Richie Whitson is looking ragged.
>Whitson narrowly misses Noble with an uppercut.
>Noble doesn't press the issue, allowing Whitson to circle.
>Whitson gets caught with a series of quick punches and has to back off.
>Derrick Noble looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Whitson, who looks drained, comes forward looking for a takedown.
>Noble tries to avoid the takedown.
>Noble avoids the takedown attempt.
>Looking tired, Whitson comes in closer, attempting to wrestle with Noble.
>He pulls Noble into a grapple.
>Whitson is looking to muscle Noble back against the ropes.
>Noble ends up backed against the ropes.
>Whitson smothers Noble against the ropes, keeping solid control for almost a full minute.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Whitson moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike.
>Whitson avoids a jab.
>Whitson throws a couple of jabs, a set up for a tired-looking takedown attempt on Noble.
>The takedown is stuffed, so Whitson has to go to settle for pushing Noble up against the ropes.
>Richie Whitson seems to be fighting against exhaustion.
>The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight.
>That round goes to Whitson, 10-9 on my card.
>The official scores are being reported now.
>Judge #1 has given 30-27 to Whitson.
>Judge #2 gives a score of 30-27 in favour of Whitson.
>Judge #3 gives a score of 30-27 in favour of Whitson.
>The winner, by unanimous decision, is Richie Whitson!

>Official Result: Richie Whitson defeats 'The Eraser' Derrick Noble (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Decent.


>The co-main event is up next. Josh 'The Punk' Thomson will take on Tyson Griffin in the Affliction Lightweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Griffin throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Thomson.
>Thomson stuffs the takedown attempt, but can't do anything about being pushed up against the ropes.
>With the ropes trapping Thomson, Griffin looks to try and take him down.
>Thomson will not go down, he blocks the takedown despite the best efforts of Griffin.
>With Thomson stuck against the ropes, Griffin tries to complete a takedown.
>Thomson will not go down, he blocks the takedown despite the best efforts of Griffin, but does give up his back in the struggle.
>With the ropes trapping Thomson, Griffin, holding him from behind, looks to try and take him down.
>Thomson keeps his composure, and Griffin cannot get past his takedown defence.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Griffin looks for a trip takedown while holding Thomson from behind.
>Thomson will not go down, he blocks the takedown despite the best efforts of Griffin.
>With the fight having been stuck against the ropes for a lengthy period of time, the referee restarts them back in the center.
>Thomson uses a combination of three punches to get Griffin to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.
>Griffin looks to grab a guillotine off the takedown.
>The takedown is successful, Griffin pulls guard.
>Thomson looks to pass guard and get side control.
>Griffin is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Thomson firmly in guard.
>Thomson leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Griffin.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Thomson throws a few strikes, but they are without venom.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>I have to give that round to Thomson, but only a 10-9.

>We are back underway!
>A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate.
>Thomson is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Griffin.
>Thomson grabs Griffin and pulls him into a grapple.
>Thomson is looking to muscle Griffin back against the ropes.
>Thomson does it, Griffin is stuck with his back to the ropes.
>Thomson looks for a trip takedown.
>Griffin digs in and manages to defend the takedown.
>Thomson tries to maintain control, but Griffin wrestles his way out of trouble and turns it so that Thomson ends up backed against the ropes.
>Griffin attempts to wrestle Thomson to the ground.
>Griffin can't get the takedown, but does get behind Thomson when he attempts to wriggle free.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Griffin keeps Thomson up against the ropes with wrestling, racking up almost a minute of solid control.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>The referee decides that the grappling against the ropes has been going on too long, and he brings them back to the center.
>Griffin comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Thomson.
>Thomson moves in too, and they start to grapple.
>Thomson is trying to muscle Griffin up against the ropes.
>Griffin ends up backed against the ropes.
>Thomson attempts to wrestle Griffin to the ground.
>Griffin does get taken down, unable to grab the guillotine that he was looking for.
>The time runs out on round two.
>I have to give that round to Thomson, but only a 10-9.

>And here we go, round three!
>Griffin circles around Thomson.
>The fight slows as Thomson sits back and allows Griffin to circle.
>Griffin throws three punches in quick succession, but Thomson was out of range.
>Not letting Griffin settle, Thomson moves in closer.
>Griffin catches a weak leg kick and uses it to go for a takedown, and gets it, Griffin is in half guard.
>Breathing very hard, Josh Thomson is looking ragged.
>Griffin attempts to arm triangle Thomson from the top of half guard.
>Thomson blocks it.
>Thomson reaches over and tries to lock Griffin in a guillotine.
>Griffin pulls his head free before the hold can be applied properly.
>Griffin begins trying to get his leg free of the half guard.
>He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt.
>Thomson attempts to guillotine Griffin from the bottom of half guard.
>Griffin stops Thomson from applying it.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Griffin begins trying to get his leg free of half guard and get a better position.
>He finds himself unable to get past the half guard on this attempt.
>Tyson Griffin doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>Thomson tries to transition to full guard, but can't manage it.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Griffin begins trying to get his leg free of half guard and get a better position.
>Thomson doesn't let Griffin get his leg free, and so half guard remains in place.
>Thomson attempts to secure an arm.
>Griffin doesn't let his arm get taken.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Griffin.
>The official scores are being reported now.
>Judge #1 has scored it 29-28 Thomson.
>Judge #2 has given 29-28 to Thomson.
>Judge #3 has scored it 29-28 Thomson.
>Making Josh 'The Punk' Thomson the winner by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Josh 'The Punk' Thomson defeats Tyson Griffin (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Average.


>It's time for the main event of the evening! Jake Shields goes head to head with Jay Hieron in the Affliction Welterweight division.
>The Affliction Welterweight title on the line in this match.

>Round one begins!
>Shields throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Hieron.
>It looks like Hieron is trying to grab a guillotine.
>Hieron cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.
>Shields looks to pass guard and get side control.
>He passes the guard well, gaining side control.
>Shields uses side control to hit a knee just above the hip.
>Shields begins trying to get himself into a mount.
>He doesn't get the mount, but only because Hieron rolled over and gave up his back instead.
>Shields pounds away with elbows, but doesn't do much damage, if any, Hieron covers up well.
>Hieron tries to turn over and sweep Shields but can't do it.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Shields pounds away with punches, hitting several big shots.
>Shields tries to ensare Hieron in an armbar.
>Hieron doesn't allow the armbar to be applied.
>Shields blocks Hieron as he tries to roll over.
>Shields pounds away with punches, hitting several big shots.
>Shields attempts to set up an rear naked choke on Hieron.
>The rear naked choke is in deep, Hieron has to tap out!
>Jake Shields takes the victory by way of Submission!

>Official Result: Jake Shields defeats Jay Hieron (Submission in 4:26 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.



BlurCat's Notes from the "Affliction: Saturday Night Fights" Post Fight Presser

- Present were Affliction President Tom Attencio, Jake Shields, Jay Hieron and Josh Thomson.

- Attencio welcomed everyone to the press conference and announced a paid attendance of 2792 for a gate of $139,600. He also announced the following post show awards:

Fight of the Night: Emanuel Newton vs Hector Ramirez
Submission of the Night: Jake Shields
Knock Out of the Night: Doug Marshall

- Attencio thought the show had been "excellent". With the Shields victory, Affliction has crowned five of its seven champions and once the last two were decided he said, "We'll put ours against anybody's".

- Shields said he had wanted to come out very aggressively and continually pressure Hieron. He also said he saw the belt as way to fight the best fighters and that's what he wants, to fight the best fighters in the world. When asked about when he would defend his title and what his contract situation was like, Shields said he didn't worry about those kinds of things. He leaves them to his his agent and the promoters.

- Attencio tried to clarify the situation with the Strikeforce fighters. "Basically, if their under a non-exclusive contract and they're not scheduled to be in a fight for Strikeforce, we can use them. Legally, there's really nothing he (Scott Coker) can do about it. By the way, it works both ways. They're using a lot of fighters that we signed to standard contracts, but you don't hear anything about that because I'm not complaining. So we fully expect to use fighters like Jake Shields and Josh Thomson again."

- When asked who Shields might defend against in his return, Attencio said recent signee Martin Kampmann and the winner of the upcoming fight between Ben Askren and KJ Noons would be under consideration.

- Hieron said he really never got started in the fight. The quick takedown put him put him in a position where he was scrambling to survive and he wasn't able to mount any kind of offense. He said that you hadn't seen the last of him and that he planned to starting climbing back up the division in his next fight.

- Thomson said he was glad to get the win over a fighter as accomplished as Grffin. He was planning on defending his title for Strikeforce in his next fight, but he said one of his ultimate goals was to hold the belts in both promotions.

- Attencio on how the lightweight division was shaking out: "Our lightweight division is absolutely nuts right now. We have champs from other organizations, like Josh and Eddie Alvarez, coming in and fighting for us. We signed Tyson along with Clay Guida and Kurt Pellegrino from the UFC. Duane Ludwig and Rich Clementi are fighting on the HDNet card. Gudia and Masvidal are meeting on the Fedor vs Lashley card. We are probably still a ways from crowning a champion because we have so many great contenders."


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[madstork]

BlurCat's Random News and Notes

December Week 1

Royce Gracie: "I'm Probably Done Fighting"
During an exclusive interview with BlurCat, Royce Gracie said that his fighting days are probably over. He said that he was going to leave his options open for a few months but with nothing on the horizon, it didn't appear like he would be competing again. Royce promised to return to BlurCat when he made his official retirement announcement.


Sengoku Live: Blanco and Silva Outlast Opponents
It was another rough night for World Victory Road as their main events both went uneventful decisions in front of a crowd of less than 500. Maximo Blanco earned a unanimous decision over Mizuto Hirota and Fabio Silva defeated Sanae Kituta by split decision.


Mark Coleman: "Franklin Will Be My Last Fight"
Upon arriving in Georgia to prepare for UFC 104, Mark Coleman made some news when he announced that his fight against Rich Franklin, in the co-main event, would be his last. He said that at his age his body just couldn't take the punishment that high level MMA training requires. While he didn't guarantee a victory, he did promise to leave everything he has in the cage.


The Tito Ortiz Sweepstakes Is On
Last night, Tito Ortiz held a press conference where he announced that he has been given a clean bill of health and he is now looking for a promotion to work with. It's rumored that DREAM and Affliction have already contacted Ortiz.


Strikeforce Results: Liles and Theotikos Victorious
Thursday's Strikeforce on Showtime card saw Donnie Liles decision Jeremiah Metcalf and Nik Theotikos edging out Terry Martin by split decision.


UFC 104: Bisping Prevails, Franklin Puts Away Gutsy Coleman
UFC 104 belonged to man who didn't leave with a win Friday night. The main event saw Michael Bisping quickly submit Patrick Cote but it was the co-main event between Coleman and Franklin that stole the show. Despite being over matched in almost every area, the 44 year old Coleman gave Franklin everything he could handle until finally succumbing to a submission with less than minute left in the third. With career full of ups and downs, the UFC Hall of Famer left the stage with a effort he could truly be proud of.


Dream 13: Yoon Rolls Funaki, Hunt Wins
Those who stayed up long after UFC 104 ended to watch DREAM 13 saw Dong Sik Yoon submit Japanese legend Masakatsu Funaki in the first and Mark Hunt defeat Hong-Man Choi by decision. It is rumored that after losing five of his last six fights, DREAM is choosing not to renew Funaki's contract.


Couture To Retire...But Not the Couture You're Thinking Of
Randy Couture's ex-wife, Kim, is saying her next fight, against Cyborg Santos, will be her last. Many pundits were shocked when California sanctioned this fight and are worried Couture might not make it to her retirement in one piece.


December Week 2

Babalu Retains Belt at "Raw Power"
At "Strikeforce: Raw Power" Babalu again defeated the man he first won the belt off of, Bobby Southworth, this time by third round submission. Other action saw Chance Farrer decision Bao Quach.


McCullough, Massouh Pick Up Victories
At the latest WEC on Versus Rob McCullough picked up the decision against Marcelo Brito and Jameel Massouh TKOed Rafael Dias in the second.


WEC 45 Brown Defends, Lumas Crowned
Mike Thomas Brown successfully defended his title at WEC 45, defeating Josh Grispi by first round submisssion. Lightweight champion Jamie Varner was not so fortunate, losing his title to Richardo Lumas via a second round TKO.


Newton, Sylvia Win At Adrenaline
The latest Adrenaline card saw Carlos Newton and Tim Sylvia both pick up victories which should help their flagging careers. Newton won by first round submission over Alex Stiebling and Sylvia TKOed Jefferson Silva in the second.


December Week 3

Chuck Liddell: "I Want One More Fight"
After his loss to Shogun, Liddell's career has been stuck in a state of purgatory with UFC boss Dana White controlling the exits. Tired of waiting, today Liddell offered a proposal. He wants one more fight, an opportunity to go out with a win, and then, win or lose, he will retire. He set a three month time limit for the bout. The ball is now in White's court.


And The Winner Of The Tito Ortiz Sweepstakes is...Nobody?
Ortiz is sitting at home, ready to fight and he might be sitting there for quite some time. Ortiz apparently rejected the offer from DREAM outright, as he did not want to fight in Japan. With his ongoing feud with Dana White still intact, this left him with only the smaller US promotions as options.

With Strikeforce rumored to be operating in the red and promotions like Bellator and Adrenaline not being big enough players to take a run at Ortiz, Affliction seemed like the natural fit. However, Affliction is having financial issues of their own and they balked at the huge salary and signing bonus that Ortiz wanted because it would make any show he was fighting on unprofitable.

So Ortiz's options seem to be dwindling. He can either lower his asking price, try to mend his rift with White, get his passport ready for Japan or wait until another US promotion emerges that is strong enough to afford him. The wait could be quite a while.


"Rumble" Signs With Affliction
Affliction has won the bidding war with the UFC for top welterweight prospect Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. Johnson who has already built a name for himself with his exciting style and athleticism, will immediately be in the title mix in the growing Affliction welterweight division.


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[madstork]

BlurCat's "Affliction Live on HDNet" Preview


Questions to Be Answered On "Affliction Live on HDNet"

1 Will Askren dominate?
Many expected Ben Askren to run over UFC veteran Pete Sell. While he did pull off the 30-27 unanimous decision, his inability to finish Sell took a little bit of the steam out of his hype. Noons would seems to be a tougher match up for Askren. His striking prowess and strong takedown defense are often the antidote for an high level wrestler. If Askren can take Noons down and put him away early, the whispers of "future welterweight champion" will get much louder.

2. Can KJ contend at welterweight?
Noons came up to welterweight to prepare for his much talked about rematch with Nick Diaz. With Diaz currently unavailable, Noons is trying to insert himself into the welterweight title mix. It will be interesting to see how his punching power translates at a higher weight class and if he can avoid being taken down by the bigger wrestlers.

3. Has Ludwig shored up his overall game?
Duane "Bang" Ludwig has been somewhat of an enigma in his career. He can strike with any lightweight but, despite fighting for many years he hasn't developed even passable ground skills, nor has he developed the takedown defense that can turn a fight into a striking match. Clementi, who is a tough fighter with a solid submission game, is the kind of fighter who has given Ludwig problems in the past. He will be good test to see if Ludwig has moved to fix the gaping holes in his game.

4. Is the best welterweight on the card not in the main event?
Andre Galvao makes his Affliction debut on this card against Jason High. The Brazilian wrestling/jiu-jitsu specialist is already drawing comparisons to fellow countrymen Demian Maia and "Jacare" Souza for his ground wizardry.

5. Can Pat Miletich still fight at a high level?
Miletich has spent the last seven years focusing on running the Miletich Fighting Systems camp, only fighting twice during that period. Now, with his once much vaunted MFS a shell of its former self, he has returned his attention to his own fighting career. Seven years is a long time and sport has evolved a great deal since then. It will be interesting to see where the once great Miletich fits in the modern MMA pecking order.


"Affliction Live on HDNet" Predictions

Ben Askren vs KJ Noons
Askren, who was disappointed in his last performance against Pete Sell, will be looking for the takedown early and often in this fight, as he doesn't want to stand with Noons. Noons, who's making his welterweight debut, is going to have to go for the early knockout because he will eventually be taken down by the former NCAA National Champion. We see Noons getting taken off his feet in the opening minute of the fight and getting pounded out in the first frame.

Prediction: Askren via 1st Round TKO


Rich Clementi vs Duane Ludwig
Like the main event, this match is very much a contrast in styles. Ludwig, who's coming off of a win over Maximo Blanco in Sengoku, is almost a pure kick boxer while Clementi specializes in submissions. We see Ludwig bum rushing Clementi at the opening bell, putting him out before he can get his bearings.

Prediction: Ludwig via 1st Round KO


Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs Alexandre Ferreira
This is a yet another classic striker vs grappler fight. Neither man has particularly strong wrestling skills, so it's hard to tell who will be able to impose their will on the other. We see Ferreira being able to withstand Professor X's striking assault in the first, securing a takedown in the second and picking up the submission.

Prediction: Ferreira via 2nd Round Submission


LC Davis vs Mark Hominick
Davis seems to possess advantages both in standing and on the ground against the veteran Hominick. The disparity is particularly large in the wrestling department and we see Davis taking him down at will and getting the TKO stoppage in the first.

Prediction: Davis via 1st Round TKO


Andre Galvao vs Jason High
This is a match up wrestlers/ground specialists known for putting on exciting fights, but the similarities end there. Andre Galvao is, skill wise, miles ahead of High and the Brazilian should make short work of his opponent. We see the overmatched High getting quickly taken down and submitted in the first.

Prediction: Galvao via 1st Round Submission


John Alessio vs Pat Miletich
Alessio would seem to have the MFS leader outgunned in every area. Mileich's best strategy would be to keep it on the feet, where the fight is closer to even. However, we don't see Miletich being able to stop the takedown. We see Alessio getting it to the gound early in the first and picking up the submission.

Prediction: Alessio via 1st Round Submission

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[madstork]

BlurCat's Live Results From "Affliction Live On HDNet"


(Middleweight) Joe Doerksen defeats Nate Loughran by Submission in 4:42 of round 1 (Good)

(Lightweight) Koutetsu Boku defeats Bryan Travers by Submission in 4:14 of round 3 (Good)

(Welterweight) JJ Ambrose defeats Omar de la Cruz by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Good)

(Batamweight) Abel Cullum defeats Rolando Velasco by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Decent)

(Middleweight) Jared Hess defeats Jason Lambert by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3 (Very Poor)

(Lightweight) Bendy Casimir defeats 'King' Bobby Green by Submission in 2:15 of round 1 (Fantastic)


>Another match is about to begin; John 'The Natural' Alessio fights 'The Croation Sensation' Pat Miletich in the Affliction Welterweight division.

>And here we go!
>Moving in closer, Alessio looks like he may want to wrestle Miletich.
>Miletich tries to take down Alessio as he steps in, but he blocks it.
>Alessio chooses to shoot in on Miletich.
>He has the takedown! Miletich pulls guard.
>Alessio begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>Miletich comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Alessio in guard.
>Miletich throws out some punches, but Alessio leans back to avoid them.
>Alessio is trying to pass guard.
>He passes the guard well, gaining side control.
>Alessio tries to ensare Miletich in an americana.
>Miletich blocks it.
>Alessio blocks Miletich as he tries a sweep from side control.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Alessio attempts the mount.
>Alessio shifts to mount.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Alessio unloads with big elbows from the mount, but Miletich is able to deal with most of them.
>Alessio pounds away from the mount, but is unable to land many clean shots on Miletich.
>Alessio attempts an armbar.
>Miletich doesn't allow the armbar to be applied.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I have to give that round to Alessio, but only a 10-9.

>Round two begins!
>Judging from what we heard from his corner, Miletich is looking to avoid takedowns as much as possible in this round.
>Alessio catches Miletich with a crisp jab.
>Alessio chooses to shoot in on Miletich.
>The takedown is completed, Miletich is on his back and pulls guard.
>The clock runs down as Miletich is being smothered against the ground by Alessio.
>Alessio attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.
>Alessio leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Miletich.
>Miletich is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Alessio off of him.
>John Alessio is looking really tired.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>The clock runs down as Miletich is being smothered against the ground by Alessio.
>Time slips away as Alessio successfully keeps Miletich stuck against the ground.
>Alessio looks to get past the guard.
>Miletich is ready for the attempt though, and keeps Alessio firmly in guard.
>Alessio doesn't allow Miletich to lock him up with double underhooks.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>The lengthy period of stalemate results in the referee standing them both back up.
>Miletich uses a right hook, but misses.
>Time slips away as Alessio doesn't press Miletich, allowing him to circle.
>The time is up, and that's the end of round two.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Alessio.

>And here we go, round three!
>Miletich avoids a straight right and hits a series of hard punches!
>Alessio throws a barrage of big punches but Miletich moves out of range.
>Miletich throws a combination but doesn't do any damage.
>Alessio steps in to put some pressure on.
>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.
>Miletich steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>The fight slows as Alessio sits back and allows Miletich to circle.
>John Alessio looks very, very tired.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Alessio throws a barrage of big punches but Miletich moves out of range.
>Alessio, who is visibly tired, looks like he might want to get in close and wrestle with Miletich.
>Alessio cannot get close enough to the elusive Miletich to grapple.
>Alessio slips past an attempted big punch and counters with a solid jab.
>Pat Miletich is breathing very hard.
>Miletich gets Alessio with a nice jab.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Miletich avoids a jab.
>Alessio slips past an attempted big punch and counters with a flurry of quick punches.
>Miletich slips out of the way of a jab.
>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.
>That was a very close round, but I think Alessio just about edged it.
>The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced.
>Judge #1: 30-27 Alessio.
>Judge #2 has scored it 30-27 Alessio.
>Judge #3 scores the match as 29-28 to Alessio.
>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is John 'The Natural' Alessio!

>Official Result: John 'The Natural' Alessio defeats 'The Croation Sensation' Pat Miletich (Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.


>Moving on to the next match, in which Andre Galvao goes up against Jason High in the Affliction Welterweight division.

>The fight begins!
>Galvao throws a jab but High avoids it.
>There's a short stalemate as both fighters advance and throw strikes, but neither hits.
>Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt.
>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up grappling.
>High gets a couple of ineffective strikes in, but ultimately loses control of the grapple after being caught off-balance.
>From the grapple, Galvao tries a takedown.
>High blocks the takedown attempt and takes control of the grapple.
>The grappling doesn't last long, as they soon break away from each other.
>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.
>High slips out of the way of a flurry of strikes.
>They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage.
>High catches an oncoming Galvao with a crisp jab.
>An exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>Galvao looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>High ends up grappling for supremacy with Galvao.
>Galvao, controlling the grapple with High, goes for a takedown.
>The takedown doesn't work, High blocked it and then takes control of the grapple.
>The grappling doesn't last long, as they soon break away from each other.
>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.
>There was very little to separate them in that round, but I'll give that one 10-9 to High.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Galvao throws a couple of jabs as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.
>High tries to avoid Galvao.
>High avoids the takedown attempt.
>Galvao steps back to avoid a jab.
>Galvao throws a combination but doesn't do any damage.
>It seems that High is happy to let Galvao circle for the moment.
>High steps back to avoid a jab.
>Galvao chooses to shoot in on High.
>High tries to avoid the takedown.
>Galvao doesn't get the takedown, High avoided it.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>An exchange of strikes goes nowhere.
>A quick one-two combination from High only finds gloves.
>The fight slows as Galvao sits back and allows High to circle.
>High avoids a punch and scores with a sequence of quick punches.
>There's under a minute left in this round.
>High avoids a flurry of punches.
>High gets Galvao with a right hand to the ribs, but it lacked power.
>Time slips away as Galvao doesn't press High, allowing him to circle.
>The time runs out on round two.
>That has to go down as a 10-9 round to High.

>And here we go, round three!
>A quick one-two combination from High only finds gloves.
>Galvao quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Galvao shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>High attempts to avoid Galvao as he shoots in.
>The takedown is unsuccessful, High avoided Galvao.
>High avoids a quick jab and hits a quick series of punches.
>High circles as he plans his next move.
>Galvao presses in closer to attack.
>Galvao comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>The takedown is successful, High pulls guard.
>Galvao lies on top of High, basically smothering him.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Galvao lies on top of High, basically smothering him.
>High is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Galvao off of him.
>Time slips away as Galvao successfully keeps High stuck against the ground.
>Andre Galvao doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Galvao looks to pass guard and get side control.
>After a struggle, he gets to half guard.
>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.
>I have to give that round to Galvao, but only a 10-9.
>The official scores are being reported now.
>Judge #1 gives a score of 29-28 in favour of Galvao.
>Judge #2 has given 29-28 to Galvao.
>Judge #3 has scored it 29-28 High.
>Andre Galvao wins by split decision!

>Official Result: Andre Galvao defeats Jason High (Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3). The match was rated as being Poor.


>Next up is a match in which LC Davis goes head to head with 'The Machine' Mark Hominick in the Affliction Featherweight division.
>The talk going around is that his team had some motivation issues with Hominick leading into this fight.
>We'll soon see if his performance is affected by it in any way.

>And here we go!
>A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Davis.
>The takedown is successful, Hominick pulls guard.
>Davis unloads with some big punches, but Hominick is able to deal with them.
>Davis gets pushed back, and is left standing in front of Hominick, no longer in guard.
>Hominick is hit with a sharp kick to the calf.
>Hominick is hit with a sharp kick to the calf.
>On his back, Hominick watches as Davis comes in looking to get a dominant ground position.
>Davis attains side control.
>Davis tries to slip behind and take the back.
>He rolls Hominick over a little...and slips behind to take the back!
>Davis fires away with punches, and Hominick is taking powerful shot after powerful shot!
>The referee jumps in and saves Hominick from taking any more shots!
>By TKO, the winner is Davis!

>Official Result: LC Davis defeats 'The Machine' Mark Hominick (TKO in 2:05 of round 1). The match was rated as being Fantastic.


>Moving on, 'Professor X' Xavier Foupa-Pokam goes head to head with Alexandre 'Cacareco' Ferreira in the Affliction Light Heavyweight division.

>And here we go!
>Professor X does some damage with a barrage of big punches on Cacareco!
>Professor X explodes on Cacareco with a barrage of big punches!
>Professor X scores with a body kick
>Professor X misses with a punch.
>Cacareco quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Cacareco shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>The takedown is stuffed, so Cacareco has to go to settle for pushing Professor X up against the ropes.
>Cacareco tries to maintain control, but Professor X isn't letting himself get bullied like that.
>Cacareco tries to keep him up against the ropes with wrestling, but Professor X struggles and doesn't let himself get controlled.
>We pass the halfway mark of this round.
>Cacareco tries to take Professor X down.
>Cacareco gets the takedown, but almost got caught in a guillotine on the way to the ground.
>Cacareco attempts to pass guard.
>Professor X finds his opponent too skilled, and Cacareco passes guard into side control.
>Cacareco tries to lock Professor X into an armbar.
>The armbar is locked in, tight enough that Professor X has to tap out!
>By Submission, the winner is Cacareco!

>Official Result: Alexandre 'Cacareco' Ferreira defeats 'Professor X' Xavier Foupa-Pokam (Submission in 4:01 of round 1). The match was rated as being Excellent.


>The co-main event is up next. 'No Love' Rich Clementi takes on Duane 'Bang' Ludwig in the Affliction Lightweight division.

>We are underway!
>Clementi shoots in for a takedown.
>A counter punch catches Clementi hard, almost putting him down!
>Ludwig catches Clementi with a barrage of big punches, trapping him against the ropes!
>The referee jumps in and saves Clementi from taking any more shots!
>The winner, by TKO; Duane Ludwig!

>Official Result: Duane 'Bang' Ludwig defeats 'No Love' Rich Clementi (TKO in 0:33 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.


>It's time for the main event of the evening! KJ Noons goes up against Ben Askren in the Affliction Welterweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Askren comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>The takedown is successful, Noons pulls guard.
>Askren pounds away from the guard, but Noons isn't troubled by the strikes.
>Noons throws out some punches, but Askren leans back to avoid them.
>Askren pounds away from the guard, but is unable to land many clean shots on Noons.
>Askren deflects a couple of punches that Noons threw from below.
>Askren tries to pound on Noons, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with.
>Askren leans back to avoid a couple of wild swings from Noons.
>In guard, Askren begins working to pass to side control.
>Noons finds his opponent too skilled, and Askren passes guard into side control.
>Askren looks to get a mount.
>Askren shifts to mount.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Askren pounds away with punches from the mount, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage.
>Askren pounds away from the mount, but is unable to land many clean shots on Noons.
>Askren unloads with big punches from the mount, but Noons is able to deal with most of them.
>Askren attempts to set up an americana on Noons from the mount.
>The americana is locked in and Askren moves to side control to get leverage, Noons has to tap out!
>The winner, by Submission, is Ben Askren!

>Official Result: Ben Askren defeats KJ Noons (Submission in 4:07 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.


BlurCat's Notes from the "Affliction Live On HDNet" Post Fight Presser


- Present were Affliction President Tom Attencio, Ben Askren, KJ Noons and Duane Ludwig.

- Attencio welcomed everyone to the press conference and announced a paid attendance of 4016 for a gate of $240,960. He also announced the following post show awards:
Fight of the Night: Koutetsu Boku vs Bryan Travers
Submission of the Night: Ben Askren
Knock Out of the Night: Duane Ludwig

- Attencio thought the show had been "fantastic" and he also thought both Askren and Ludwig came out determined to show that they belong at the top of their respective divisions.

- Askren said he knew that this was going to be a tricky fight for him and that he had to get it to the ground as soon as possible, because Noons was a professional boxer. He said he wanted to face Shields for the belt in his next fight saying, "The things that he doses best, I do better."

- Attencio said, baring injuries or scheduling problems, that Askren would be next in line for a shot at the title. He said that because Shields is currently also contracted to Strikeforce and has also had contact with WVR, if he is unavailable to defend he would put Askren in against another contender for the title shot.

- Noons said that he knew that he was over-matched in the wrestling department but he thought if he could keep it standing through the first, he could get the knock out. He said he wants Diaz in his next fight and he promised to "do the same thing I did to him last time".

- Ludwig said he came into the fight expecting to get the knock out. The game plan was to pressure Clementi and get him off his game. He said he didn't care who he fought next, as long as it was a fight that would put him in the mix for a title shot.

- Attencio said the lightweight division was still in flux but "Bang" would certainly be fighting one of the top lightweights in the promotion in his next fight.

- Attencio closed the press conference by reminding everyone to watch "Affliction: Fedor vs Lashley" next Saturday, only on PPV.

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[madstork]

BlurCat's Random News and Notes

December Week 4

Ultimate Fight Night: Yoshida and Kongo Pick Up Wins
Yoshiyuki Yoshida earned the unanimous decision over Matt Serra and Cheick Kongo knocked out Junior Dos Santos in the third at last night's Ultimate Fight Night show on SpikeTV.

World Victory Road Eying U.S. Expansion? Sign Babalu, Targeting Others
World Victory Road announced the signing of Renato "Babalu" Sobral. The contract doesn't preclude Bablu from fighting elsewhere, so it shouldn't effect his status with Strikeforce or Affliction. WVR are also rumored to be targeting American stars Josh Thomson and Jake Shields.

Affliction Snatches Up WEC Lighweight Champion Lamas
Affliction has continued to draw the ire of its fellow promoters, this time signing WEC Lightweight Champion Richardo Lamas to an exclusive contract.



BlurCat's January Fight Calendar

5th
UFC 105: Rock City ("Minotauro" Nogueira vs Stefan Struve, Forrest Griffin vs "Shogun" Rua II)

9th
Strkieforce: Wild & Wicked ("Cyborg" Santos vs Kim Couture, Jorge Gurgel vs Torrance Taylor)

10th
DREAM Live (Marvin Eastman vs Kiyoshi Tamura, Akiyo Nishura vs Keita Nakamura)

12th
Sengoku 11 (Kazuo Misaki vs Makoto Takimoto, Hidehiko Yoshida vs Antonio Silva)

14th
Adrenaline: Ackah vs Ciesnolevicz (Bernard Ackah vs Mike Ciesnolevicz for the Adrenaline LHW Title, Kalib Starnes vs Tom Watson)

17th
WEC 46: Tamura vs Mizugaki (Akitoshi Tamura vs Takeya Mizugaki, Fredson Paixao and John Franchi)

19th
DREAM 14 (Kazushi Sakuraba vs Taiei Kin for the DREAM MW Title, JZ Cavalcante vs Masakazu Imanari)



BlurCat's "Affliction: Fedor vs Lashley" Preview

Questions to be Answered by "Affliction: Fedor vs Lashley"

1. Is Fedor invincible?
Fedor has long been considered the best heavyweight in the world, but recently he seems to have become something more than human. In his last three fights, he has dispatched Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett, all of whom were top five heavyweights at the time, in a combined
four minutes and fifteen seconds. After already taking out a who's who of potential challengers, the question might not be if he can be beaten but if he can be challenged.


2. Can Lashley pull off the biggest upset in MMA history?
It would be bigger than Mir/Nogueira, bigger than Randleman/Cro Cop, even bigger than Serra/GSP. If Bobby Lashley could find a way to beat Fedor Emelianenko, it would be the biggest upset in the history of MMA. Despite his massive popularity, Lashley is still unproven as a mixed martial artist. His biggest wins have come against one-dimensional fighters like Bob Sapp, Gilbert Yvel and Roger Gracie. Fedor isn't just a step up in competition, he's a giant leap.


3. Will Affliction be able re-sign Fedor and/or Lashley?
Affliction has spent the last few months robbing the other promotions blind, snatching up almost every significant free agent who has come on the market. In the aftermath of "Affliction: Fedor vs Lashley" they might be dealt a barrel full of the own medicine, when arguably their top both headliners join the free agent pool at the same time.

DREAM, World Victory Road and possibly the UFC are all expected to make real run at Fedor and the UFC and Strikeforce will definitely want another big American star in Lashley. Affliction is still having financial problems and the amount of money they have to sign their fighters will depend on how this show does. Even if the do have the funds, they night have trouble signing Fedor, who's agents are notoriously hard to deal with.


4. Will Clay Guida finally win a big fight?
Guida spent his UFC career perpetually stuck on the cusp of being a contender. Each time he had a fight to get into the title picture, he had a setback. The Huerta fight and the Sanchez fight both dashed his hopes of being up for a shot. With the momentum of his win over Stevenson and a fresh start with Affliction, a win over Masvidal will get him one win away from that elusive title shot.


5. Can Masvidal keep succeeding without getting any attention?
With all of the big acquisitions Affliction has made in its lightweight division, Masvidal has become the forgotten man. Despite his win over the undefeated Duhnam, Masvidal name doesn't come up in the title disccusion with people like Guida, Alvarez, Ludwig and Thomson overshadowing him. With a win over a high profile fighter like Guida, it would be hard to ignore him anymore.


6. Will the winner of Williams and Riberio get the next light heavyweight title shot?
While the Williams/Riberio fight is billed as title eliminator, rumors are swirling that Affliction Light Heavyweight Champion Antonio "Minotoro" Noguiera wants a defense before fighting the winner of this fight. He last fought in August and he isn't willing to wait until March or April to fight again. As of now, Affliction's roster of light heavyweights is thin, so it isn't apparent who he might face in the interim. A quick victory, without sustaining any major damage, may allow the winner get back on Minotoro's fight schedule.


7. Can Demian Maia get back on track?
Maia seemed to be destined for shot at middleweight king Anderson Silva, before being unexpectedly derailed by Jake Rosholt in his last fight. Now, no longer undefeated and with a new promotion, Maia has to reestablish his contender status. A fight against the one dimensional Shiemenko should be an easy fist step, but people said that about Rosholt too.


8. Should Tyron Woodley's name be added to the list of future welterweight stars?
Like Ben Askren, Woodley is a former University of Missouri All-American. And while his sills might not be as refined as his fellow alumnus, Woodley is younger, more athletic and, according to many, has more of an up-side than Askren..


9. Is Joe Warren the defacto Affliction Batamweight Champion?
Counting this event, there's been a total of two batamweight fights that appeared on the main cards, Joe Warren has been in both of them. The only reason he isn't the Affliction Batamweight Chapion appears to be the lack of a well know opponent that could justify a title fight. The promotion seems to be taking it for granted that Warren will be there waiting for him when he does emerge.


10. Will a batamweight challenger emerge from the undercard?
As explained above, Warren is looking for a challenger. Six batamweights will get their chance to impress on the undercard. These included top fighters like Yoshiro Maeda, Tyson Nam and Daniel Lima. However, it's hard to make a splash on the undercard, especially when the problem isn't your skill level, it's your popularity.


BlurCat's "Affliction: Fedor vs Lashley" Predications

(#1 HW/P4P) Fedor Emelianenko vs Bobby Lashley
Lashley could get a quick takedown on Fedor, like Randleman and Coleman did. Lashley could then pound Fedor out quickly, even though they couldn't. Lashley might even be able to knock Fedor out with one big punch. Lashley...will do none of these things. Fedor knocks him out before Lashley even get to try a takedown.

Prediction: Fedor via 1st Round KO


Clay Guida vs Jorge Masvidal
The always exciting Guida was victorious in his last fight at UFC 101, defeating Joe Stevenson. Masvidal is riding a three fight winning streak, which includes a victory over the then undefeated Evan Duhnam. Masvidal has an advantage standing but that will be somewhat negated by Guida's abilty to take punishment. We look for Guida's relentless wrestling to keep him on the offensive, wear down Masvidal and pile up points for the judges. Guida gets the hard fought decision.

Prediction: Guida via Unanimous Decision


Jeremy Williams vs Alexandre Riberio
Williams is undefeated and coming off of victories over Jared Hamman and Antwain Britt. The ground specialist Riberio is also undefeated, beating UFC veteran David Heath in his last fight. We think that Williams' lack of wrestling and ground skills will finally get exploited in this fight. Riberio quickly puts Willaims on his back and taps him without much resistance.

Prediction: Riberio via 1st Round Submission


Alexander Shiemenko vs Demian Maia
Shiemenko, who is coming off of a "Fight of the Night" performance in his win over David Loiseau, will be taking on Maia, who suffered his first defeat in his loss to Jake Rosholt in the UFC. This is a pure striker vs grappler fight. We see Maia being able to weather the early onslaught and securing the takedown. From there Shiemenko will be a fish out of water and Maia will get the easy submission.

Prediction: Maia via 1st Round Submission


Tyron Woodley vs Dan Hornbuckle
Hornbuckle, who was the RAW Combat Welterweight Champion before signing with Affliction, will be taking on former University of Missouri All-American Wrestler and current top welterweight prospect Tyrone Woodley. Woodley probably has a bigger advantage on the feet but we expect his wrestling instincts to take over and the fight to hit the gorund. He is still developing his submission and ground and pound skills, so it might take an extra round to end this one.

Prediction: Woodley via 2nd Round TKO


Chris Cariaso vs Joe Warren
Despite Cariaso's impressive 8-1 record, and his win over Masakazu Imanari in his last fight, this seems to be another "showcase" fight for Warren. Cariaso is completely overmatched here,.especially in the wrestling department, where his lack of takedown defense is not going to serve him well against an Olympic wrestler. We see Warren getting the quick takedown and then finishing by whatever he wants. We think he'll be eying that "Submission of the Night" award.

Prediction: Warren via 1st Round Submission


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[madstork]

BlurCat's "Affliction: Fedor vs Lashley" Live Results

Undercard Fights

(Light Heavyweight) Rafael Cavalcante defeats Tim Boetsch by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3. (Decent)

(Light Heavyweight) Anthony Ruiz defeats Martin Desilets by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3. (Very Poor)

(Welterweight) Charlie Brenneman defeats Edilberto de Oliveira by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3. (Poor)

(Batamweight) Mark Oshiro defeats Mamoru Yamaguchi by Unanimous Decision in 5:00 of round 3. (Average)

(Batamweight) Daniel Lima defeats Atsushi Yamamoto by Split Decision in 5:00 of round 3. (Average)

(Batamweight) Tyson Nam defeats Yoshiro Maeda by Submission in 4:04 of round 3. (Great)


Main Card Fights

>Moving on to the next match, in which 'Kamakazi' Chris Cariaso will take on Joe Warren in the Affliction Batamweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Warren throws out a quick jab.
>Cariaso doesn't press the issue, allowing Warren to circle.
>Warren comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Warren gets the takedown! Cariaso pulls guard.
>Warren is trying to pass guard.
>He passes the guard well, gaining side control.
>Warren starts trying to work to use side control as a way to get behind Cariaso.
>He shows excellent control to move Cariaso over and take his back.
>Warren pounds away, and Cariaso struggles to deal with them.
>We are now at the halfway point of the round.
>Warren pounds away on Cariaso, landing several good shots in the process.
>Warren pounds away on Cariaso, landing several good shots in the process.
>Warren attempts to set up an armbar on Cariaso from the back.
>Warren gets the armbar, sinks it in deeply, and Cariaso has to tap!
>The winner, by Submission; Joe Warren!

>Official Result: Joe Warren defeats 'Kamakazi' Chris Cariaso (Submission in 3:38 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.


>Moving on to the next match, in which Tyron 'T-Wood' Woodley will battle Dan 'The Handler' Hornbuckle in the Affliction Welterweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Woodley tries for a jab but Hornbuckle moves out of range.
>Woodley throws a couple of jabs, then chooses to shoot in on Hornbuckle.
>Hornbuckle tries to avoid the takedown.
>He has the takedown! Hornbuckle pulls guard.
>Woodley smothers Hornbuckle with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Woodley is trying to pass guard.
>Hornbuckle can't fend off the effort, and can only stop Woodley at half guard.
>Woodley is trying to get out of half guard and into a better position.
>Woodley is too skilled for Hornbuckle, passing half guard and gaining side control.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Woodley fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves.
>Woodley is trying to move from side control to mount.
>Hornbuckle can't fend off his opponent and is mounted.
>We have one minute of the round remaining.
>Woodley tries to lock Hornbuckle in an armbar.
>Woodley gets the armbar fully applied and Hornbuckle has to tap out!
>Tyron Woodley takes the victory by way of Submission!

>Official Result: Tyron 'T-Wood' Woodley defeats Dan 'The Handler' Hornbuckle (Submission in 4:20 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.


>Moving on, 'Storm' Alexander Shlemenko squares off with Demian Maia in the Affliction Middleweight division.

>The fight begins!
>Shlemenko slips out of the way of a flurry of strikes.
>Maia comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Shlemenko tries to step away from the takedown.
>Maia doesn't get the takedown, Shlemenko avoided it.
>Maia takes a jab to the cheek.
>Shlemenko avoids a barrage of big punches.
>Maia has to cover up and back off after a barrage of big punches!
>Shlemenko snaps off a crisp jab.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Shlemenko swiftly avoids a barrage of big punches.
>Maia catches an attempted body kick and goes for the takedown, getting it! Shlemenko pulls guard.
>Maia smothers Shlemenko with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Time slips away as Maia successfully keeps Shlemenko stuck against the ground.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>The clock runs down as Shlemenko is being smothered against the ground by Maia.
>Maia begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.
>He passes the guard well, gaining side control.
>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.
>I have to give that round to Maia, but only a 10-9.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!
>Between rounds, his corner told Shlemenko to use his movement more in this round.
>Shlemenko circles around Maia.
>Time slips away as Maia doesn't press Shlemenko, allowing him to circle.
>Shlemenko slams a crisp punch into the gloves of Maia, but can't follow up.
>Time slips away as Maia doesn't press Shlemenko, allowing him to circle.
>Maia grabs a body kick and goes for the takedown, getting it! Shlemenko pulls half guard.
>In half guard, Maia begins working to get side control.
>Shlemenko finds his opponent too skilled, and Maia passes half guard into a full mount.
>Maia fires away with elbows, but Shlemenko deals with them fairly well.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Maia pounds away with elbows from the mount, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage.
>Maia pounds away from the mount, but is unable to land many clean shots on Shlemenko.
>Maia pounds away from the mount with elbows, but is unable to land many clean shots on Shlemenko.
>Blood is visible on Shlemenko, that strike looks to have opened up a nasty cut above his eye.
>Maia fires away with elbows, but Shlemenko deals with them fairly well.
>Maia tries to lock Shlemenko in an armbar.
>The armbar is locked in, tight enough that Shlemenko has to tap out!
>By Submission, the winner is Maia!

>Official Result: Demian Maia defeats 'Storm' Alexander Shlemenko (Submission in 3:52 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.


>Next up, 'Half-Man, Half-Amazing' Jeremy Williams squares off with 'Xande' Alexandre Ribeiro in the Affliction Light Heavyweight division.

>Round one begins!
>Williams moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a flurry of quick punches to sting Ribeiro.
>Williams circles as he plans his next move.
>Not letting up, Ribeiro quickly steps in closer to attack Williams.
>Ribeiro comes in, looking for a quick takedown.
>Williams attempts to avoid Ribeiro as he shoots in.
>Ribeiro gets the takedown! Williams pulls guard.
>Ribeiro attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.
>Ribeiro is too much for Williams, passing guard and gaining side control.
>Ribeiro hits a knee strike to the ribs.
>Williams takes a knee strike to the ribs from under side control.
>Ribeiro pounds away with elbows from side control, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage.
>We move into the second half of this round.
>Ribeiro tries to lock Williams in an americana.
>Williams blocks it.
>Williams tries to sweep Ribeiro but can't.
>Ribeiro tries to slip behind and take the back.
>He rolls Williams over a little...and slips behind to take the back!
>Ribeiro pounds away, and Williams struggles to deal with them.
>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.
>Ribeiro attempts to set up an armbar on Williams from the back.
>Williams gets caught by the armbar, and it's deep enough that he has to tap!
>'Xande' Alexandre Ribeiro takes the win by Submission!

>Official Result: 'Xande' Alexandre Ribeiro defeats 'Half-Man, Half-Amazing' Jeremy Williams (Submission in 4:21 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.


>The co-main event is up next. Clay 'The Carpenter' Guida competes against Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal in the Affliction Lightweight division.

>There's the opening bell!
>Guida comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Masvidal.
>Masvidal is pulled into a grapple.
>Guida is trying to muscle Masvidal up against the ropes.
>Guida achieves it, pinning Masvidal to the ropes.
>With Masvidal stuck against the ropes, Guida tries to complete a takedown.
>There's a short struggle, but Masvidal simply doesn't have enough to defend it and is soon taken down.
>Guida smothers Masvidal with his body by pushing forward and down.
>Guida is trying to pass guard.
>Masvidal finds his opponent too skilled, and Guida passes guard into side control.
>Guida tries to get into the mount position.
>Masvidal can't fend off his opponent and is mounted.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Guida unloads with big punches from the mount, but Masvidal is able to deal with most of them.
>Guida attempts an armbar.
>Guida gets the armbar, sinks it in deeply, and Masvidal has to tap!
>By Submission, the winner is Guida!

>Official Result: Clay 'The Carpenter' Guida defeats Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal (Submission in 3:25 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.


>It's time for the main event of the evening! 'The Last Emperor' Fedor Emelianenko takes on Bobby Lashley in the Affliction Heavyweight division.
>This is a WAMMA Heavyweight title fight.

>We are underway!
>Lashley looks to be trying to close the distance between them.
>Strikes from Fedor keep Lashley from stepping in too close, and he is forced to step back.
>Lashley gets Fedor with a right hand to the ribs, but it lacked power.
>Fedor quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Fedor comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.
>Fedor doesn't get the takedown, Lashley saw it coming and was equal to it.
>Fedor hits Lashley with a nice jab.
>Fedor hits a crisp jab.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Moving in closer, Lashley looks like he may want to wrestle Fedor.
>Fedor is too quick, and manages to hit Lashley with a good clean jab.
>Fedor shoots in, looking for a takedown.
>Lashley sprawls to stop the takedown, then pulls Fedor up close into a clinch.
>Using his wrestling skills, Lashley is trying to push Fedor up against the ropes.
>Fedor isn't going anywhere though, and manages to slip out of the grapple entirely.
>Fedor fires off a stinging leg kick.
>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.
>Lashley comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Fedor.
>Lashley grabs Fedor and pulls him into a grapple.
>Lashley is trying to muscle Fedor up against the ropes.
>Lashley achieves it, pinning Fedor to the ropes.
>Fedor struggles back against Lashley, not allowing him to control the grappling.
>Out of the blue, Fedor finds a way to slap on a guillotine, and is able to take Lashley down with it!
>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.
>Incredibly close round, but Lashley came out just ahead on my score card.

>And here we go, round two!
>Fedor hits Lashley with a flurry of jabs and straight punches.
>Fedor hits a jab.
>Fedor gets Lashley with a right hand to the ribs, but it lacked power.
>Lashley doesn't press the issue, allowing Fedor to circle.
>Fedor comes in quick and hits a quick series of punches.
>Fedor hits Lashley with a nice jab.
>We go past the halfway point of this round.
>Lashley circles, looking for an opening.
>Fedor quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.
>Fedor scores with a jab.
>Fedor catches Lashley with a flurry of small strikes.
>Fedor explodes on Lashley, unloading with a barrage of big punches!
>With Lashley taking a lot of big punches, the referee has to stop the match!
>Fedor Emelianenko takes the victory by way of TKO!

>Official Result: 'The Last Emperor' Fedor Emelianenko defeats Bobby Lashley (TKO in 3:58 of round 2). The match was rated as being Great.



BlurCat's Notes from the "Affliction: Fedor vs Lashley" Post Fight Presser

- Present were Affliction President Tom Attencio, Fedor Emelianenko, Bobby Lashley, Clay Guida and Alexandre Ribeiro

- Attencio welcomed everyone to the press conference and announced a paid attendance of 8,386 for a gate of $503,160. He then announced the following post show awards:
Fight of the Night: Tyson Nam vs Yoshiro Maeda
Submission of the Night: Clay Guida
Knock Out of the Night: Fedor Emelianenko

- Attencio said that whole night had been epic, ending with Lashley giving Fedor the most competitive fight he'd had in years. When he was asked if the show had just been "average" he scoffed, saying that this was their biggest and most successful show to date.

- Fedor said that he doesn't listen to the pundits and he expected this to be a tough fight. He knew Lashley was a good wrestler and would be very hard to control. When asked about if he thought he was returning to Affliction, he said he lets his management handle the business side of things and he just fights whoever is put in front of him.

- Lashley said that he came in with the right game plan but Fedor just caught him. He thought he had silenced some critics by giving Fedor a tough fight but he still thought he had a lot more room to improve. He would like to come back to Affliction, but he has a family to feed and he will go where it makes the most sense for him to go.

- Attencio confirmed that both Fedor and Lashley had only one fight left on their contracts. He said that Affliction was going to put every effort in to re-signing both of them. He said if they could re-sign Fedor, he wanted to try and set up set up the Fedor vs Brett Rogers fight.

- Guida said it was always important to make an impression in your debut and he thought he was able to leave a good one. He thought he was one more win from a title shot and was ready for anyone they put in front of him.

- Attencio said that Duane Ludwig, Strikeforce Champion Josh Thomson and Bellator Champion Eddie Alvarez were all possibilities for Guida's next fight. He also said they hoped to crown a lightweight champion by mid-2010

- Riberio said he thought, coming in, that he could exploit Williams' lack of ground skills and the fight went about how he expected it to go. He said he escaped the match without injury and he would like to face Light Heavyweight Champion Antonio Nogueira early in the new year.

- Attencio said that if Riberio was ready to go in the next couple of months, he would be the next title defense for Nogueira.

- Attencio closed by saying that the company would be announcing its next shows at a press conference on the eighth of January.

.

[maudlin career]

woot! Welcome back madstork! I'm not going to lie, you really helped me decide what I should be doing as far as the weekly Blurcat news goes. This and Dawn of MMA are about the only Diaries I follow on here, so hell yes! Glad to see you back, brotha!

[Just Jack]

It has been a fun read so far. Love to see how you use Lashley in the future.