Blackhawks’ Wirtz: UFC is Like Playoff Hockey
February 2, 2012 by Matt
The UFC held its first event at the home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks last Saturday, and Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz was there for the action.
In this interview for ESPN Chicago, Wirtz offers his thoughts on what he thinks about the UFC, what was most exciting about the event and if he’d like the UFC back in the United Center.
Mike Russow UFC on Fox Post-Fight Interview
January 30, 2012 by Matt
Chicago’s Mike Russow spoke to Chicago’s MMA after his victory over John Olav Einemo at the United Center on Fox. He talks about the fight, training with Comprido and who he’d like to fight next.
Bisping Brings Two Birds to UFC on Fox Weigh-In
January 27, 2012 by Matt
Michael Bisping broke out the double-bird salute for his ‘fans’ at the UFC on Fox weigh-ins.
Bisping was announced by UFC commentator Joe Rogan, and he came out on the stage to a roar of boos and catcalls. Bisping slipped off his clothes, got on the scale and gave the fans this response:
Does Bisping really mean that or is he just having some fun with the UFC fans here in Chicago? It’s probably a bit of both.
Here’s the video of how it went down.
Rashad and Phil Davis Talk Trash — Technique
January 27, 2012 by Matt
It’s hard to steal the show from Chael Sonnen at a UFC press conference, but Rashad Evans and Phil Davis might have pulled off the feat yesterday at the UFC on FOX presser downtown.
Rashad ranted rapidly about Davis’ wrestling technique being ‘trash’, and Phil Davis used some ‘Chappelle’s Show’ quotes to jibe the former light heavyweight champion.
Evans and Davis will fight in the main event Saturday night from the United Center when the UFC on FOX airs at 7 CT.
Local Fighter Zings Bisping at UFC Press Conference
January 27, 2012 by Matt
The UFC on FOX press conference featured some great zings between fighters — some coming from fighters not currently in the UFC.
Matt Giancarlo is an amateur fighter out of Gilbert Grappling, who has competed at Brawl at Bourbon Street and G2 Fight Night. He got the smack-talk rolling at the press conference yesterday with this exchange with Michael Bisping. In true Bisping form, he gives it right back.
Giancarlo has trained with Sonnen at Team Quest in Portland, and he’ll fight again locally in March or April. He’ll eventually turn pro, and maybe we’ll even see him on the same UFC card with Bisping some day.
UFC on FOX: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis Preview
January 26, 2012 by Matt
The training camps are finished, the poorly-timed Sandusky jokes have faded away and the fighters will finally enter the Octagon.
Rashad Evans and Phil Davis will battle at the United Center on Saturday night, with the winner getting the next shot at Jon Jones and his UFC light heavyweight title.
Evans lives in Chicagoland and has family here, but that’s not why I want him to win. Phil Davis is a very young fighter and he’ll have other shots at a title fight. I want Evans to win because I love a good grudge match. I think most of the MMA community wants to see Evans/Jones and I am no different.
But I think Evans just has too much for Davis at this point: Evans has too much power, too much experience and he’s a top-level wrestler, which is what ultimately might thwart Davis’ gameplan.
Here is the preview video from the UFC, as if you weren’t already pumped for this bout.
Chael Sonnen MMA Stop Seminar Video
January 25, 2012 by Matt
Chael Sonnen will fight Michael Bisping Saturday night in the co-main event of the UFC on FOX event at the United Center, but he took time to give a seminar at MMA Stop in Crest Hill on Tuesday night.
In this clip, Sonnen gives a nice motivational speech that also has everyone cracking up — including Clay Guida.
Dana White UFC in Chicago V-Log
January 24, 2012 by Matt
UFC president Dana White talks about the big UFC on FOX event at the United Center in Chicago this Saturday, and he takes fight fans behind the scenes at the recent UFC on FX event in Nashville.
Plus, Jonny ‘Bones’ Jones offers his predictions for the big fights on the Chicago card.
Couture, Forrest, Hendo Talk UFC in Chicago
January 23, 2012 by Matt
MMA:30 caught up with some of the MMA elite to get their opinions on a number of topics, including the UFC on Fox card here in Chicago.
Forrest Griffin, Randy Couture, Greg Jackson, Dan Henderson and others discuss Rashad and a possible title shot against Jon Jones, Sonnen/Silva II and Michael Bisping’s jump right back into action after his fight with Mayhem.
Gina Carano Chokes Out Radio Host Jim Norton
I’ll never understand these radio hosts and their continual desire to have fighters choke them out. I’d rather be punched in the face than have someone choke me out.
Nevertheless, we have yet another radio jock who gets his wish. Here it’s Jim Norton, choked out by Gina Carano. Her new movie “Haywire” comes out this Friday!
“When I tap, stop though, and I’m gonna tap quickly.” C’mon man — either get choked out or don’t! Gina should have left that on tight until he went to sleep!
