Can The One stand victorious over The Danger Zone at UFC 161?

Can The One stand victorious over The Danger Zone?

Facebook Prelims: #UFC161: Mitch Clarke vs. John Maguire

 
  Mitch Clarke might be the 'Danger Zone' but if there's a fighter who will trespass into this Canadian's territory, it's John Maguire.  Rightfully so, considering he's 'The One.'

   At age 30, John Maguire (18-15-0) may be 3 years older than Mitch Clarke but he has more fight experience under his belt which I believe will give him an advantage.  Along with that, Maguire is sporting his own style of grappling which he proudly refers to as 'Gypsy Jiu Jitsu' as an homage to his gypsy lifestyle back in the UK.

  Don't go ruling out the Canadian prairie boy Mitch Clarke.  With a 4 inch reach advantage he just might stay out of the pocket and strike from a distance.  It's unlikely that he'll want to be on the ground with a fighter like Maguire, who'll most likely try ruthlessly for that takedown (since that is where he is the most comfortable).  Clarke will try to keep this standing.  Who knows - maybe we'll see Mitch Clarke end the fight with his favourite move: The Ax Kick.

  Both men trying to snatch a win here and only one will go home happy. I'm hoping that Mitch Clarke (9-2-0) has found a way to mend that hurting heart of his after his devastating split decision loss to Anton Kuivanen.  His interview with Karyn Bryant nearly broke my heart!  Otherwise John Maguire will have no problem twisting Clarke with one of his Gypsy Jiu Jitsu moves.

my pick for UFC 161 prelim: Mitch Clarke vs. John Maguire

LeBron's gone and done it. #NBAFinals

Glover catches Te Huna in the octagon at UFC 160

Glover Teixeira has to wait a fight longer until his (possible) shot at UFC Lightweight Championship

 Can you believe it? At age 33 and 4 fights into the UFC, Glover Teixeira is sweeping the light heavyweight division by storm. With an impressive 19 (4 UFC) win streak , I wonder what does it take to prove to the UFC that he's done enough to earn a title shot? Apparently wait on the sidelines and then fight the winner of the matchup: Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson (UFC161).

 Could Glover Teixeira be the one to take the candy from the baby and snatch the UFC title away from Jon Jones?

Cain drops Bigfoot to the canvas ..

Heavyweights always put on a good show.

 - at least the best of them do. Cain and Bigfoot never failing to fit into that category. UFC 160 was no exception. Bigfoot went into the octagon with all the confidence you can hope to have going into a title fight. Fresh off his TKO win over Dutch kickboxer Allistair Overeem at UFC 156, Bigfoot looked as though he was ready to step with Cain.

Bigfoot's Mistake: Overeem is no Cain.

Dos Santos outdoes Mark Hunt at #UFC160

trinidyAnna's picks for UFC160: Cain VELASQUEZ vs Antonio SILVA

UFC 160 MAIN CARD:

Cain Velasquez vs Antonio Bigfoot Silva
Junior Dos Santos vs Mark Hunt
Glover Teixeira vs James Te-Huna
Gray Maynard vs. TJ Grant
Donald Cerrone vs K.J. Noons





Results:

heavyweight - Cain Velasquez TKOs Bigfoot Silva - punches (@trinidypicks 0-1)
heavyweight - Junior Dos Santos KOs Mark Hunt -spinning heel hook & punch (@trinidypicks 0-2)
light heavyweight - Glover Teixeira SUBs James Te-Huna - guillotine choke (@trinidypicks 1-2)
lightweight - TJ Grant TKO Gray Maynard - punches (@trinidypicks 1-3)
lightweight - Donald Cerrone  DEC K.J. Noons - unanimous (@trinidypicks 2-3)

@trinidypicks: Jon Jones vs. Chael Sonnen

The beginning of the end is near.  Or is it? 

Chael Sonnen will attempt to be the first to unseat Jon Jones from his Light Heavyweight throne.  It may seem impossible but that's exactly the uncertainty one needs to push himself to victory.  The sweet taste of the UFC light heavyweight championship belt may be touching to Sonnen's lips at the end of the night on Saturday (27th) at UFC 159.

Jones who is technically unbeaten in his 18 fights (the one loss being illegal elbows to the face of Matt Hamil in a full mount position) has KO'd or submitted his last 8 opponents.  If you're a fan of Jones then you know just how talented this young man has become since entering the octagon in 2008. With only three men making it into the championship rounds with Jones, a game plan with a positive outcome for Sonnen looks bleak. 

So what exactly does Chael Sonnen need to do to crumble Bones?

  Let's look back at the tape. Being that Rashad Evans was the only man to have come close (in terms of making it to the last and final round) to beat Jones, let's use him.  Although, unable to score enough points for the decision there were parts of his fight worth reviewing.  In this match up, Evans kept his distance and was in defensive mode for all 5 rounds. Barely making an aggressive effort but rather getting into what seemed like a hand holding slash 'high fiving' battle.  Making it the distance with the champ is only worth something (if anything) if damage is done. Chael Sonnen isn't one to retreat.

 Sonnen, who is known for his mouth has shown aggression in the past.  Most may relate this aggression with the steroid debacle (vs. A. Silva) however looking past the Anderson Silva fight, it is clear that Chael Sonnen is one who pushes himself to the limit.  Setting his sights beyond what many believe is possible he has returned to Light Heavyweight to face another monster in Jon Jones.  

 It's clear that the fighters who have seen themselves opposite to Jones have tended to lay back in fear perhaps?.  If Sonnen stays true to the fighter that he is, this will not be a problem.  Personally I think that this will be a promising challenge for both Jones and Sonnen.  Jones will finally get an opponent who will keep moving forward and won't lay off and Sonnen will face one of the most athletic, diverse and talented fighters in UFC pool with a chance to prove himself worthy to be called a UFC champ.

Who will I be taking in this fight?

  Those who follow me already know that: 

1) I love to go with a huge underdog.   - The moneyline on Sonnen is currently at +725.  ( How can you not love the payout if Sonnen wins?!  Sure, Jones has the odds in his favour and more than likely we could see a dull fight of 'stay away and keep my belt' but all it takes is chance, and that's what I love about underdogs - they have got nothing to lose and all to gain.)

2) I haven't bet in favour of Jones since taking Ryan Bader.  - And I can't start now. ...

 

Watch through @trinidypicks: Uriah Hall vs. Kelvin Gastelum #UFConFX

Will Kelvin Gastelum (6-0) upset Uriah Hall (8-2) and become the youngest Ultimate Fighter winner?

Round 1:

They circle the cage - Kelvin Gastelum on the hunt backing Uriah Hall to the cage. Gastelum lands a few shots, getting Hall to the cage.  Gastelum doing some work in the clinch throwing knees to the boday and some shoulder shots to Halls face. Hall begins throwing kicks, Gastelum dodges.  Applying heavy pressure with his striking, rushing in on Hall eventually getting the takedown.  Doing some damage on the ground in half guard position, Gastelum making Hall work. Bringing Hall over to the cage.  They get back to their feet and now Uriah Hall darts in for the takedown in the last few seconds on the round.

: I give it to GASTELUM

Round 2 :

Starting off with both throwing out their share of kicks, Hall throws in a spinning back kick (barely landing) but still impressive. Hall has his hands down low and Gastelum lands a hard double leg takedown.  Gastelum is aggressive landing shots from the top.  Hall gets free and gets a reversal, both getting back to their feet and into some clinch work with Hall to the cage.  Hall trips Gastelum and holds Kelvin down, not working much eventually giving Gastelum a change to get away.  Back on their feet - Hall gets Gastelum's back lifts him up only to smash him down with a suplex.

: I give it to GASTELUM

Round 3 :

Gastelum comes in for the first attack, Hall responds with a low blow.  No minutes were wasted Gastellum shakes it off.  The circle the octagon, Hall has his hands low.  Gastellum comes in and takes Hall down,  Hall gets another reversal and smashes him a bit.  He lets up and once again their on their feet.  Gastelum looking for an opening to close the distance.  They circle around, Gastelum lands and overhand left and Hall replies with a head kick but it doesn't land.  Gastelum gets another double and when trying to secure position and ends up in full guard.  Both swinging out shots, ending this bout on the ground.

: I give it to GASTELUM

KELVIN GASTELUM DEF. URIAH HALL via SPLIT DEC.

"Kelvin Gastelum kept his composure and stuck to what was working for him - the takedowns.  Uriah Hall was outworked by the kid." - @trinidypicks

Watch through @trinidypicks: Cat Zigano vs. Miesha Tate : #UFConFX

Fighting for a shot at the title, Cat Zigano and Miesha Tate look to impress in this title contender matchup.

Round 1:

Tate immediately tries for the takedown.  Unable to hold Zigano down, they find themselves back on their feet. Zigano tries to attempt a standing guillotine but can't secure it.  Both women coming towards each other going toe-to-toe.  Their standup exchange of quick combos ending with Tate landing a takedown.Tate throwing elbows from the top position, laying her weight on top of Zigano.

: I give it to TATE

Round 2:

Zigano comes in with a flying knee attempt.  Tate dodges it and takes Zigano down once again, looking for the full mount.  Tate then tries to secure an arm bar but somehow Zigano doesn't tap.  Tate releases the attempt and takes Zigano down again getting into the side mount.  Zigano reverses and Tate finds herself on her back but still in good condition as she gets Zigano trapped into a heel hook attempt.  She doesn't finish.  Zigano manages to get herself out of this round applying some ground and pound pressure from the top.

: I give it to TATE

Round 3:

Zigano now looking loose.  She drives in for the takedown.  Working furiously from the top, not giving up on the pace.  Tate looking frustrated wanted to get up and into a better position.  Zigano not letting Tate go easy.  The pressure of Zigano is non stop!  Getting to their feet, Zigano throws her piercing knees and ends the fight with a vicious right elbow.

CAT ZIGANO DEF. MIESHA TATE via TKO

[ IT WAS LATER SAID THAT TATE FELT THE REF STOPPAGE WAS EARLY. ]

"Amazing fight.  Zigano showed creative submission defence and some smooth striking." - @trinidypicks.

Watch through @trinidypicks: Urijah Faber vs. Scott Jorgensen #UFConFX

Friends Uriah Faber and Scott Jorgensen bang it out in Las Vegas

The crowd goes nuts at the drop of Uriah's entrance - California Love.

Round 1:

Jorgensen lands first with a low kick.  Faber counters with a couple strikes.  Jorgensen with double underhooks but Uriah turns him around and presses him to the cage.  Jorgensen trips Uriah to his back.  Back on their feet, Jorgensen works for another takedown - instead Uriah lands it.  Working to take Jorgesen's back, Uriah loses position and the fight is back on its feet.  Faber landing a knee to the upper body, Jorgensen drops to try for a takedown.  Faber reacts and moves to take Jorgensen's back. Looking for a choke, Jorgensen defends against the attempt. Faber not letting up, he continues to attack from behind.

: I give it to FABER.

Round 2:

Not a moment into the fight when Faber lands a dirty low blow.  Jorgensen doesn't take much time before they're back at it. Faber staring Jorgensen down, standing square quickly releasing some crisp striking.  Jorgensen is not backing up, still coming forward but not getting any shots in. Faber's movement is quick and he lands another takedown.  In full guard and off his back, Jorgensen tries for a kimura as Faber bangs away at his ribs.  Scrambling free, its back to standup.  Landed a few more exchanges before the time is up.

: I give it to FABER

Round 3:

Jorgensen and Faber still coming out with a strong fast pace. Jorgensen really putting on the pressure. Faber looking to be more loose, closing the gap and landing a few combos. Faber mixing up his combos with takedown attempts. Jorgensen has his hands low allowing for Faber to land a nice right kick to the head.  Still Jorgensen pushes forward, finally tying Faber up to the cage.  Jorgensen with double underhooks, Unable to take him down or take his back, Faber breaks free and they reset to centre. Another chance for Jorgensen to take Faber's back, but release with a nice elbow to Fabers face.  An aggressive attack of strikes ends with Faber securing a double in the final moments of the round.   

: I give it to JORGENSEN 

Round 4:

Jorgensen comes out swinging.  Faber counters with some power shots to the body and left hooks that gets Jorgensen.  Jorgensen looks like he's losing steam but still has the energy to push ahead.  Faber stands across with his hands down and at one point winding up for a right.  He sees an opening and shoots in for the takedown.  Takes Jorgensen's back and locks in a rear naked choke. Seconds later Jorgensen taps out.

URIJAH FABER DEF. SCOTT JORGENSEN via SUB.

"It took Uriah Faber 4 rounds to submit Jorgensen, at this rate how soon will he get that UFC gold around his waist?? " -@trinidypicks 

How @ManningSumner Saved Me

How Manning Sumner changed my outlook on life..

A great surprise in finding Manning Sumner as a new follower ..

  Turns out, I've found myself following him.  Accepting his #NoDaysOff movement as my new mantra.  Those three little words moved me.

"No. Days. Off.  No. Days. Off.  No. Days. Off!" (on repeat)

Manning Sumner of Legacy Fit Tweet

..story of my workouts.

 When it comes to keeping up with a routine workout schedule, I'm last in that race.  I was the type to workout on random 2 week spurts.  Enough time to go hard and trim down.  Then I would just settle and go randomly to the gym until I stop going for months.  That was the history of my entire fitness life after high school gym class!

I never had or used a motto when in fitness mode. WAIT - I do frequently tell myself "You're getting so fat, you need to workout." I believe now that saying that to myself was in turn detrimental to my goal of getting fit.

Think about it, being that negative to yourself:

Your mind is telling you that you're already fat .. well then, what's another day missed at the gym?  It's not like you're going to lose all this weight in a single workout session.  Right?  So you'll just start tomorrow - and right now, you'll go and have that extra slice of cheesecake.

Instead of putting yourself down ..

Beat yourself up physically - in the gym and mentally - hit the books!  Just repeat these three simple words:  No Days Off.  Keep it as a commitment to yourself that you are going to take care of you. Take care of your mind, body, and spirit.  Don't stop you're momentum.  Keep going.  Keep fighting for your goals and dreams.  No days off means no days off!  Time is irreplaceable - and you need time to become everything you can be.

-trinidyAnna.

Guess I'll be giving up these for awhile...

@trinidypicks on twitter.com

Kimi Räikkönen Wins Formula1 Racing Season Opener

Stayed up to see the opening of the 2013 FIA Formula One World Championship.

"Kimi Räikkönen and his team were crazy with only 2 pit stops! Really?! #Jawdrop"

This year decided that instead of going for Ferrari, I'm cheering for the Infiniti Red Bull Team of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

Sebastian Vettel took 3rd and made it on the podium, Webber came in 6th:

Colin Kaepernick's Body says it all ... Superbowl XLVII

It's that time of year again!  Super Bowl XLVII is happening in New Orleans on Sunday, February 3rd!

How exciting to find two coaches who are brothers, lead their team to this final game.  Obviously my favourite game of the year, not only for all the hoopla but also for all the prop bets! - oh you guys just know me so well. :) Once I figure everything out, I will let you know my picks for the day!  Catch it on twitter: @trinidypicks.

 vs  

Poke a little fun? Sure.. why not?

  I decided to create a little something fun to help show which quarterback I will be rooting for!

TrinidyAnna's QB Showdown:

Colin Kaepernick's Body says it all ...

caption: "You're going down Flacco! This Super Bowl is mine! I'm the future. Me. *evil laugh* "

   

"I got the moves! Oh yea!"

"I got the guns.. The beach is that way Flacco! "  

" And I got Him on my side. Amen! "

" I am so gonna lose . . . "

As you can see, I will be rooting for Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl XLVII.

Go niners!!

x,

trinidyanna.

#NHL is back - short season, but BACK!

With the NHL Lockout over, I can dust off my gear and live the hockey life once again!


Being that I am Canadian, Hockey runs through my blood. I mean, living in the 'True North' with Subarctic temperatures it's kinda hard not to love the game.

The best part of the game - if any of you out there can experience it, is : To play hockey outdoors in the chilling wind in the frozen lakes of the back country. LOVE.

Now on to business… With a short season, I've got to maximize my hockey exposure as much as possible. I've got 3 teams that I root for:

These are the greatest John Cena photos I have.

I got a nice surprise this evening when I found a memory card hidden away in a purse of mine.  Excited, I quickly ran to check out what exactly was on it.