Ringworm

Ringworm is a bitch. I have been out of commission now for 3 weeks with a nasty infection on my right shin. 2 silver dollar-sized circles appeared and got progressively worse over a 3 day time-frame, despite my Lotrimin AF application before the rings completed formation. In fact, they weren't even rings; the area was complete filled in, and thoroughly disgusting. I am usually quite anal about cleaning myself after training, but apparently that has nothing to do with it, if someone else is infected and inconsiderate. I will be looking to pick up some anti-fungal soup for the future.

I saw a doctor after a week of the Lotrimin not doing anything, and the itch was unbearable, so I figured some prescription goodies wouldn't hurt. The idiot gave me some Nystatin ointment, which apparently isn't an ideal remedy. My mother is quite familiar with Nystatin, as she suffered from debilitating Candida when she was younger and she basically cured herself. I can agree with her feeling that doctors are fucking imbeciles, as after a week of this "treatment" I noticed no change -- in fact, I didn't even feel like the ointment was doing anything, as the general idea is to dry the area out and I noticed no drying effect, either.

At this point I took matters into my own hands and tried some other remedies that were easily accessible. Using common sense (read: not pouring bleach on my skin), I applied tea tree oil for 3 days and noticed a lightening and flaking of the area. I seems as though tea tree oil is a damn good fix for Tinea infections.

I saw one more doctor who provided a misdiagnosis for an unrelated issue (moron). I did however, receive a prescription for something I ASKED FOR EXPLICITLY -- Ketoconazole cream, which is the be-all, end-all for topical ringworm rape.

After about a week using both the oil and cream, I see a huge difference and I am feeling like I will be heading back to the gym soon.

All in all, a great learning experience, although frustrating. I'm certainly glad I didn't get some other mat-related goodness like MRSA.

The moral is: doctors are retarded. If you want something done right, use common sense and the internet. Roll on!

Fight for the Troops

Last night was a great night of fights as the UFC held their second Fight for the Troops event. Some thoughts:

Pat Barry is a funny motherfucker, and I'm definitely a fan of his personality and kickboxing skill; however, he fights like he doesn't give a shit. I don't know if he's more a journeyman or something, but his fight with Cro Cop was a joke, what with the high-fives and hugs throughout. They might as well have made out. I mean, there were pretty much fucking tears in Barry's eyes while he got punched in the face by Mirko. It was very gay.

This fight was kinda the same in terms of Pat's lackadaisical attitude, but minus the gay. He kept his hands down and let the retard "Mexicutioner" bloody his visage. Sure, he raped Beltran's leg/knee to the point of there *maybe* being serious damage, but otherwise it was a tired performance. Pat will need to shape up if he wants to compete with the top UFC heavies. In fact, maybe cut weight like a normal fighter and compete at LHW. I don't know. But I'm still a fan.

Hominick gets a title shot after some great technical striking TKOs George Roop. I don't care how good a striker Hominick is; Aldo will destroy him with viscous kicks and knees before the third round is over.

UFC LW picture: Evan Dunham got DEMOLISHED by a striker who was on another level of skill. Guillard was absolute fire last night and he made Dunham, a top 10 LW, look like an amateur fighter.

The problem here is that Dana White and Joe Silva FUCKED UP ROYALLY by giving a rematch to Maynard. He failed to beat Edgar, he doesn't get the belt. End of discussion. Now that division is OVERLY STACKED and as Rogan puts it, "nearly unmanageable". I really don't get why they're giving Maynard a rematch. I feel like since I'm just a fan, that I generally don't know what I'm talking about with regard to management decisions -- but this is beyond me! It made no sense and fucked up the Lightweight division big time.

Cody McKenzie's ground game sucks dick. Get back to the mats, and for fuck's sake, IMPROVE YOUR STRIKING. One more chance?

Cut Tim Hague. Mitrione is awesome.

Cut Campuzano.

Also, apparently Mike Brown lost to Rani Yahya. Color me shocked.

Lesnar - Dos Santos Announced as TUF 13 Coaches

Well Dana White finally came out with it after months and months of guessing (and eliminating). Junior Dos Santos and Brock Lesnar will be the next coaches on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter; although no Interim Title will be on the line, despite Cain being sidelined until the summer with a shoulder injury. My thoughts? I find this amusing.

Firstly, I'm not sure how much JDS's English has improved. Will he be able to accurately convey what he's trying to convey? Things like ground fighting require a certain level of detail, and I'm skeptical as to whether or not JDS can coach effectively.

Secondly....Lesnar? A coach? Seriously? I don't give a shit about his record (even though it's a thoroughly mediocre 5-2). The guy has NO skills whatsoever. People raved about his wrestling. "Oh, he's a D-1 wrestler, he can take anyone down and GnP the shit out of them!!!". Uh, no. Any moron can see that the guy doesn't actually do anything but steamroll into his opponents. No TD set-ups with strikes, and no actual thought process at all. Just the same "Hulk Smash" mentality. Who would want to be coached by him? He offers nothing. And it sickens me to think how much money Zuffa gave this guy to coach.

I don't see how this could go well for Lesnar, no matter what. His weak coaching will come through when his team gets owned as badly as Koscheck's team did, and JDS will open his face with his technical striking and lean, agile body-type.

Junior Dos Santos by TKO in the first round.

Hermes Franca Gets Shafted Overseas

Hermes Franca fought for some shitty belt in Costa Rica, away from Athletic Commission regulation.

He won a unanimous judge's decison, and the ref raised his had as the winner and new champion. Then the promoter jumped in, said the other guy won, belted him and lifted him up. As seen in the video, the ref wanted none of this corruption.

Apparently, the other co-promoter is Lu Dwyer and she is a business partner with Ferrid Kheder. When he wins, she gets money. Obviously a conflict of interest and all-around scumbaggery. She turned Franca's loss into a NC a few days ago. How a fight can be ruled a NC without illegal groin strikes or other illegal (unintentional) methods, I don't know. Her Facebook lists some of her activities as "competing both lambos in car shows" and "taking my two Lamborghinis for a walk!!!". What a grimy cunt.

UFC 155 Title Picture

So every once in a while, a division gets so stacked with potential #1 contenders that the title picture becomes a bit pissy. With the acquisition of the WEC, the lightweight division has gotten too swollen with angry people, and now someone is going to be extra pissed when they aren't given an immediate shot. Jim Miller called out the UFC after his win over Oliveira at UFC 124, practically demanding a title shot. Fuck Jim Miller. Kudos for the kneebar -- it could have been Sub of the Night if Bocek didn't hit that nasty mounted triangle -- but there are a couple of other guys that are STRONGLY in the mix as well. First off, Bocek has just called out Sotiropolous. They both have some mean BJJ, and as much as I love a great MMA grappling match, this just shouldn't happen now. G-Sot beat Lauzon and is STILL undefeated in the UFC. Instead of maybe throwing him to fucking Dennis Siver, he should have gone directly into a title eliminator against someone like Miller. Neither of these guys have strong records against top opponents, and there is no way Miller should be in the title picture just yet. As for Bocek, the man needs two more wins before he's considered for a title eliminator. Maybe only one more win if the division is less competitive and they need another contender.


1. Pettis fights the winner of Edgar v. Lay Praynard;
2. G-Sot fights Siver; if he wins....
3. G-Sot v. Miller (title eliminator)

Make it happen, Joe Silva.

Best MMA Posters Ever

So, the UFC 127 Poster was just released, and I personally find it to be AWESOME. Not bad/cheesy/poorly planned....but awesome:

UFC  on that Starsky and Hutch shit....haha. AS REAL AS IT GETS.

This got me thinking about some other great MMA posters over the years. PRIDE was known for being super creative, and UFC should definitely take some ideas from them. Here are a few of my favs.

^ Why.

^ America should have one like this. Oh, the vulgarity!!!

^ Sperm??...I guess cuz it's Openweight...

Speaking of Openweight, when the fuck will the UFC add it? Maybe if the 135 and 145 divisions do well (obviously they will), we'll see this on the horizon. I'd much rather see some Openweight action instead of Flyweight. Lesnar vs. Aldo for the win. Though it would be like throwing Lesnar to the lions, so the UFC would never do that.

Thoughts on WEC's Final Event

So tonight marks the end of the WEC's 9 1/2 year run as UFC's little, less-important sister. The promotion's Bantam and Feather divisions will be joining the UFC weight ranks in early 2011, and the Lightweight champ will face-off against the UFC's Lightweight champ, which will most likely be borefest, lay N pray extraordinaire Gray Maynard. As I sit here watching the event, there are a few things that come to mind.

1. Even when fights go to a decision, they're still fucking epic. I just love the energy shown by the lower weights, and I think the UFC casual fans will grow to really appreciate the wars these guys go through EACH time they fight.

2. I'm not a "Cowboy" Cerrone fan. In fact, I really can't stand the guy. But his opponent tonight kinda got on my nerves, and he's American, so I had no choice. Cerrone really impressed me with some great guard work, including tons of transitions from armbars, to omoplatas, to triangles and back. It was a little weird that he couldn't finish a locked-up triangle for a minute or two, because even if the arm is wrapped around the thigh (in defense) you can still finish it. But I'm just a white belt, so maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about...

3. I never was able to warm up to Dominick Cruz. I think it's because I've always been a *huge* fan of Torres, and when he lost the belt to Bowles and then Bowles lost to Cruz, I felt like Cruz didn't prove his worth against Torres, if that makes sense. Maybe if he beat Torres decisively I'd respect him more, but I don't know. Regardless, I have to give it up to Cruz for some great boxing, possibly some of the best stand-up games I've seen in MMA. He exhibited some slick footwork and head-movement, and his willingness to trade in the pocket was admirable. He even showed off some head motion that was reminiscent of Silva/Griffin. On top of this, he mixed it up to the extreme. I mean, damn! Kicks, strikes, bodyshots, takedowns -- he really kept Jorgenson guessing and created some frustration that ultimately pushed the fight in his favor. Apparently he wants Faber now, which should be awesome.

4. Pettis is the man. I really don't like Ben Henderson. He's almost too much of a nice guy that it's nauseating. On top of this, I despise fighters who thank Jesus for the ability and opportunity to hurt another living thing. I'm all for beating the pulp out of someone, but don't thank Jesus for it, asshole. Plus he throws up that stupid fucking illuminati sign. Anyway, Pettis is always exciting (such an understatement!), and I would love to see his freakishly active and creative style of fighting (and guard, especially) against Gray N Pray for the UFC Unified Lightweight Title. Some notes on the final WEC match:

- Bendo has some huge thighs. Seriously, no homo, but as a guy I have to just say "wow, I wish my thighs were that epic". As a whole, the guy is one of the most in-shape and strong fighters in MMA. Some people are just blessed with a beautifully proportional body, and Bendo was just ripped. Unfortunately for him (and much to my enjoyment as a man who loves himself some technical fighting), sheer athleticism isn't enough against a guy who has the creativity and technical ability of "Showtime" Pettis. 

- This match should be a solid contender for Fight of the Year, and most certainly FotN. Great striking, takedowns, reversals, KICKS, and a fucking Rear-Naked Choke war. Both guys had some terrific submission defense, and both worked well to make the most of their own situation. 

- Showtime's kick should get an award. I think "Kick of the Year" would be a good award to give out. This shit was just a jaw-dropping matrix move, and definitely the craziest thing I've ever seen inside the cage -- and I watch *a lot* of MMA. Props for a great fight, and fuck Ben Henderson for comments such as "well the judges gave it to him" with a smug look on his face. Give some credit, dude. You put up a good fight, but in the end, you got served!

- Pettis proves that Tae Kwon Do isn't a completely worthless McDojo "art".

Can't wait to see these guys inside the UFC cage. And I really hope the size difference doesn't affect the craziness of the fights. 

Great Grapplers Quest Match

So this is by far one of my favorite grappling matches that I have had the pleasure of watching. Anyone who isn't familiar with Jiu-Jitsu should watch this. It's pure art.

Cyborg is probably one of my top 5 favorite grapplers. He's strong, explosive, and TECHNICAL. This match is a great example of his skill. He pretty much steamrolls Rolls Gracie Jr., who's pretty talented in his own right. Gracie's sub attempt towards the end really gets your blood flowing. Give it a watch!

NSAC Judging

As much as I dislike Nam Phan (mostly because I am not impressed with his skills) I couldn't help but feel bad for the guy last night after the judges gave the fight to Garcia. Nam was a more technical fighter and I can respect that. Garcia is just about as sloppy as can be. Nothing to be proud of there. All of his fights are the same: 1st round he lands some heavy shots, and after that he loses any and all ability to be accurate. This SHOULD be a call to get some legit judges for MMA, but I don't know how political the Commissions really are.

As a side note, Demian Maia was a pleasure (as always) to watch. Very technical, and great control of a much larger and lengthier opponent. I think as far as BJJ guys go, Maia has some of the best takedown ability around. I'm always a fan.

CSAC Cuts Chael Sonnen's Suspension in Half

The CSAC has agreed to halve Sonnen's 1 year suspension for roid usage following his submission loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 117. The full story can be viewed HERE.

For someone who claims his balls don't work properly, Chael sure has some huge ones. If he wants to claim the title as Best UFC Middleweight Wrestler, he sure can. If he wants to take credit for the 23 minutes of pillow-fisted bashing of A. Silva's face, he sure can. If he wants to take Testosterone and claim he has some medical problem, whatever. But the one thing can can't do?

The Xmas sweater is a bonus (I love this image I swear to God).