jersey tomato

The knockout victory by Liddell was no surprise. Tito's stand-up game is clearly inferior to Chuck's and, unless he loaded his gloves 5-lb weights, there was no way that he was going to win the rematch standing up. Chuck's naturally heavy hands are too much for most fighters and Tito's big head makes for a huge target. Tito's only shot was to get Chuck on the ground and try to pound him out. Though he got Chuck down once or twice, Liddell quickly got back to his feet, thereby nregating any advantage by the Huntington Beach Bad Boy. I expect this is the last time these fighters get in the octagon together. Chuck has shown himself to be the superior fighter.

The remaining challenge for the Iceman is a rematch against Quinton Rampage Jackson. Now that Rampage has signed with the UFC, you can expect to see that bout within the next year or so. I think Chuck will make one or two more defenses of his title andthen, assuming he retains the belt, it will be time to settle the score from his 2003 loss to Rampage. One has to deliver an almost inhuman amount of punishment in order to take Jackson out. Just check out his fight with Wanderlai Silva to get an appreciation for the amount of punishment he can absorb and still keep on his feet. Silva must have hit him with a dozen solid knees to the head before the ref stopped the fight (add to that a couple of kicks to the head when he was momentarily down). In their 2003 bout, Rampage ate the best that Chuck had to offer and keep on coming. He finally wore the Iceman down and then got him on the ground where he savagely pounded him out. I believe Liddell has improved his game since 2003 but a rematch against Jackson would make for a HUGE event.

On a side note, Cro Cop's entry into the UFC means Tim Sylvia's days are numbered. Mirko will eat Tim for lunch. I hope Sylvia is able to make some decent cash leading up to his eventual title bout with Cro Cop because his reign as belt-holder will be coming to an end. Mirko gave a respectable showing against Fedor last year and needless to say he has awesome skills. His left high kick is the best in the sport. Sylvia is content to use his height advantage to distance himself from his opponents and try to outpoint his opponents. That strategy would be a disaster against Cro Cop who surely would be looking to force the action. I can't wait to see Sylvia out a champ; the UFC is no place for a HW Champ lacking in killer instinct.

jersey tomato

Tito does not want to fight Rampage because they are friends??? Give me a break! This is a sport and true professionals ought to be able to step in the octagon and fight under any circumstance. Ever watch Fedor Emelianenko step into the ring?? Zero emotion. No bogus stare-down during referee's instructions. And after he kicks your @ss, he offers a hand to help you to your feet. Furthermore, he does not engage in excessive celebratory gestures in the ring. About all you see is him raise his arms in victory. No jumping up on the ropes or jumping around. A true prefessional, from start to finish.

Martial Arts philosophy teaches you to respect your opponent and carry yourself with dignity at all times. I dislike fighters who engage in excessive trash-talk or feel they need a grudge to serve as motivation for a fight. The desire to train and perform at your highest level should be all the motivation required. That is why I am glad Leben lost his fight last night (and the earlier one against Anderson Silva, for that matter). Anyone who thinks it is funny to piss on someone obviously does not carry himself with a sense of dignity. What goes around comes around, I guess. The Crippler got what was coming to him.