Monday, 19 April 2010
There comes a time in a fighters career when all their battles start to take their toll and the thought of retirement looms. Walking away from the sport is a scary thought for most fighters and a harsh reality they all have to face. Reasons fighters often retire are normally health related, due to age or they just can't find a win.
As the new generation of fighters make waves in the sport it seems our old favourites have a harder time in the cage. Partly due to the fact that our sport is constantly evolving and the younger fighters are trained purely in MMA whereas the older generation came into the sport with a specific fighting style. A prime example of a fight that showed how times had changed took place at UFC 63 where the heavily favoured Jens Pulver took on Joe Lauzon, the fight was being billed as Pulver's big return and he was there to make short work of the unknown newcomer Lauzon, however once the bell rang Lauzon came at Pulver with a furious pace and scored a first round stoppage.
Randy Couture has shown over the years that age isn't the be all and end all in this sport, however it is a major factor in a mixed martial artists' fighting life. Veterans like Ken Shamrock, Mark Coleman and Gary Goodridge are all in their mid forties and are still competing in MMA today although most fans believe they should retire gracefully.
It isn't set in stone yet but it looks like former UFC champion Jens 'Lil Evil' Pulver is going to hang up his gloves after suffering his fith straight defeat at the last WEC event. It seems it has reached a point in Pulver's career where his fans would rather see him retire than see him get hurt in the cage, which was acknowledged in his post fight interview, "I love you too much to keep putting you through this".
One fighter who perhaps should have retired a while ago is crafty veteran Kazushi Sakuraba. Though still highly technical, Sakuraba isn't the same fighter who fought off the Gracie's and revolutionised Japanese MMA. His recent fights have seen him drop a decision in a lack - lustre fight against his old nemesis Royce Gracie and fall victim to a brutal KO at the hands of Melvin Manhoef. However if Japanese promoters keep giving him fighters of the same calibre as that of his last opponent (Rubin Williams) he could stick around for a while longer yet.
The current series of 'The Ultimate Fighter' sees the return of fan favourite Chuck Liddell, whether or not this is a wise move for 'The Iceman' is yet to be proven. Chuck will always be a massive draw but after going 1-4 in his last five fights even UFC President Dana White has tried to persuade The Hall Of Famer to retire. Liddell's bid to stay active in the UFC was unsuccessful against Shogun, however Dana White has decided to give him another chance, although after the Rashad Evans fight Liddell's fans can't help but be concerned for his well being when he steps in the cage.
Are there any fighters you feel should retire ? Do they make you feel uneasy when they are in the cage or are they just boring to watch ? What are your thoughts ? Send us your opinions...
Joe McNally
posted by David Kirkland at
- Read Full Post -
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
This Sunday, Dan 'The Beast' Severn steps back into the cage at Optimus Fighting Champions, and will then bid farewell to the world of competitive MMA.
Severn, who takes on UK heavyweight Darren Towler, has an amazing record of 92–16–7, and has fought on some of the biggest shows in MMA history. A cult figure with one of the most unique personalities in MMA, he is expected to attract many fans to see him wave goodbye to the sport he helped mould.
Optimus FC marks the return of MMA to the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England. This will be the first time since January 2008, when UFC 80 sold out the venue, that the arena will host be play host to professional MMA.
For information on how to get tickets go to www.optimusfightingchampionship.com or call the ticket hotline on 0844 493 6666
posted by David Kirkland at
- Read Full Post -
Thursday, 1 April 2010
This weekend sees the return of Mixed Martial Arts to Nottingham, UK.
Bushido Challenge hopes to bring the success of its first show held in Norfolk, to the more central location of Nottingham, at the Harvey Hadden Sports Complex on April 3rd. The 'New Dawn' card hosts a line up of quality fights, and is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight title fight between Danny Mitchell and Eugine Fadiora. Both athletes are undefeated so someones '0' has got to go! Other popular names on the card include Allan Love, Johnny Phillips, Alex Enlund and James Doolan.
For further information go to www.bushidochallenge.com
posted by David Kirkland at
- Read Full Post -
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Greg Nelson, coach to some of the biggest and most successful athletes in MMA is coming to the UK for one weekend of exclusive MMA coaching.
The GB Academy in Bournemouth will be hosting the event, and we caught up with Head Coach Gary Baker to find out more about the seminar.
Hi Gary, so what were your reasons for bringing Greg Nelson over to the UK?
I went to train with Greg in December last year at his seminar in Barcelona. Having had the opportunity to train with many different people all over the world, I was thoroughly impressed with Greg's teaching methods. It was a four day seminar and I came away feeling I had been exposed to a very analytical and deeply thought-out training methods. Greg's approach was refreshingly scientific and I felt certain my students back in the UK would benefit enormously.
So to anyone thinking of coming a long, what should they expect?
Those who attend the seminar can expect world class tuition in Muay Thai, BJJ and MMA. The environment will be relaxed, fun and friendly as well as conducive to learning at all levels, novice to instructor. Greg has a great way of making sure everyone at every level is learning and enjoying their time with him.
Greg Nelson is coach to current MMA stars including Brock Lesnar, Sean Sherk and Jacob Volman. To book your place or find out more info go to wwwgbacademy.co.uk or call 07886 910692
Greg Nelson also features in our 'Super Coaches' article in issue 62 of Fighters Only, on sale NOW.
posted by David Kirkland at
- Read Full Post -
Monday, 22 February 2010
Our friends at Shinobi Academy will be hosting a 1 week MMA training camp in Lagos, Portugal from April 12-17th 2010!
Operations Manager Colin Byrne filled us in on the camps success:'The idea came from going to train in Thailand. A lot of people can't get that sort of time away from work or their family, so I came across a fantastic location in the Lagos, in the Algarve, where I could bring in top level coaches and people could jump on a Easy Jet flight to Faro, bringing their partners if they so wished''. Coaching staff include: -Langsuan from Thailand, 3 time Lumpini champ with 400+ fights.
-Jovan Stojanovski, Canadian pro fighter based in Thailand with over 100 pro fights -John Kavanagh, BJJ Black Belt and European Champ. -Dave Roche, MMA fighter and coach. -Andy Watson, strength and conditioning coach.-Sports Injury specialist Dr Julian Dalby, a former Olympic squad cyclist who will be teaching interval training.'I wanted to make the camp accessible to everyone that had an interest in MMA, from fans to fighters. We've had men and women attending which is great. I had Aisling Day coming down, and she is ranked 4th in the world!'So what does the programme actually involve?''The program for the week is mornings (10am-12pm) and then afternoons (4pm-6pm). This will include a mix of stand up, take downs, ground work and some cardio. As the gym is right next to the beach, some strength and conditioning will take place there''.What about Accomodation?'The accommodation is shared apartments on site, so its fall out of bed and your in the gym!'And if you needed further convincing that this might be for you, check out the photo taken form the front of the gym (above)......For further information check out www.shinobiacademy.com or contact +351 927 379 135
posted by David Kirkland at
- Read Full Post -
