The Bryan & Vinny Show returns tonight with tons to talk about including Smackdown with the single worst advertisement for Survivor Series of all time, Ring of Honor with some fun action, plus Vinny’s take on ISHII VS. HONMA from New Japan on Friday night! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive returns today for two full hours to talk all the news of the weekend — Seth Rollins, the Survivor Series tournament, Bellator and UFC results and upcoming big fights, New Japan Power Struggle and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
We’re looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s New Japan Power Struggle show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on last night’s NXT show in Largo, FL at Dave Meltzer
Raw is Monday in Manchester, England. Right now nothing is announced for the show. The show will be airing on a few hour tape delay, not live.
Smackdown is Tuesday in Manchester, England. Undertaker is being advertised for this show.
Figure Four Weekly:
Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turnaround WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue
Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now. This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business. You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees. There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.
The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV. We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.
We also have an in-depth update on the situation with Alberto Del Rio, WWE, AAA, TNA, Lucha Underground, Rizin and everyone else that had interest in him. We look at how things changed in the last week, have comments from WWE regarding what he can and can’t do, both sides of contradictory stories, the big move AAA made this past week due to his leaving, what the situation is with the AAA Mega heavyweight title, the good and bad of working with WWE vs. indies from a short and long-term financial situation, what Mexican star did WWE show interest in, and how this affects AAA and Lucha Underground.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com
Rates are:
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Favorite Action Movie Star
Favorite Premium Cable Star
Favorite Social Media Celebrity
MISCELLANEOUS
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1949 – Felix Miquet beat Yvar Martinson in Paris to win the European heavyweight title
1992 – Villanos IV & V beat Doug Furnas & Dan Kroffat at the bullring in Naucalpan to win the UWA tag title
1994 – Ultimo Dragon beat Corazon de Leon (Chris Jericho) in Tokyo to win the NWA middleweight title. That match was awesome. It was also the match that got Jericho his job in ECW.
1996 – Lady Apache beat Chapparita Asari in a tournament final in Mexico City to win the CMLL women’s title
2009 – Tiger Mask beat Mistico (Caristico today) in Tokyo to win the IWGP jr. title
2014 – Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly beat Alex Shelley & Kushida in Osaka to win the IWGP jr. tag title
2014 – Takashi Sugiura beat Daisuke Sekimoto in Tokyo to win the Global league tournament
We have a packed weekend edition of Wrestling Observer Radio tonight! Tons to discuss including UFC from Brazil with the Dan Henderson vs. Vitor Belfort main event, more on New Year’s Eve in Japan with Fedor Emelianenko, New Japan Power Struggle, Alberto actually gets cleared to do a non-WWE match, Seth Rollins surgery and comeback update and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 77: Belfort vs. Henderson 3 from the Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The event is headlined by a trilogy bout as former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort takes on former PRIDE and Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson. In the night’s co-main event, it will be a light heavyweight bout between Glover Teixeira and Patrick Cummins. The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 6:30 PM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass. The action moves over to FS1 at 8 PM eastern time with additional preliminary fights before the main card kicks off at 10 PM eastern time.
UFC Fight Night 77 Weigh-In Results
UFC Fight Night 77 5 Storylines To Watch
UFC Fight Night 77 DFS Playbook
UFC Fight Night 77 By The Numbers
Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT)
BANTAMWEIGHTS- BRUNO KOREA (4-0, 0-0 UFC) VS. MATHEUS NICOLAU (10-1-1, 0-0 UFC)
First round: These two came from the recent season of TUF Brazil. The building is empty. These two are friends. Nicolau dropped him with a left. Nicolau with ground and pound Korea back up. Now they’re in a clinch. Takedown by Nicolau, but Korea right back to his feet. Nicolau with a spinning elbow. Korea tried a spin kick but Nicolau caught him and took him down again. 10-9 Nicolau.
Second round: Takedown by Nicolau timing the kick to get the takedown. Korea used an illegal up kick. It was a heel right to the face when Nicolau was down. Korea was apologetic. Korea back to his feet. Nicolau landing left hooks. He landed again. Spin kick by Korea. Left by Nicolau. Spin kick by Korea knocked Nicolau down. Nicolau working for an ambar. Korea escaped. Now Korea on top. Korea stayed on top the rest of the round. Korea’s round so 19-19.
Third round: Korea with a kick to the chest. Knee by Korea. Korea moved in and got nailed with a right by Nicolau that dropped him. Korea was going for a flying knee when he got punched. Nicolau moved to mount. Korea is now bleeding from the left eye. Nicolau has a reverse choke and Korea tapped.
BANTAMWEIGHTS- PEDRO MUNHOZ (11-1 1 NC, 1-1 1 NC UFC) VS. JIMMIE RIVERA (17-1, 1-0 UFC)
First round: Rivera got kicked low so they called for a time out. Spin kick by Munhoz. Rivera landing punches. Rivera anding a flurry. Munhoz hurt Rivera with an elbow. Munhoz with a knee and tried a guillotine but Rivera got away. 10-9 Rivera.
Second round: Rivera hurting him with punches and now now Rivera landing big punches. Munhoz landed a right that hurt him back. Rivera having trouble with his right eye. Munhoz tried a takedown but Rivera right back up. Munhoz hurt him with a right and Munhoz with a guillotine but Rivera out and he went for a guillotine. Great mound. Spin kick by Munhoz missed. Munhoz kicked the body. Nice left by Munhoz. 20-18 Munhoz.
Third round: Munhoz with a knee. Munhoz took him down. Rivera right back up. Munhoz with a right. Spin kick by Rivera. Rivera now landing punches including two left hooks. Another left hook hurt Munhoz. Left by Munhoz. Rivera shot in and landed a punch. Both swinging in the closing seconds. Rivera 29-28
Scores: 29-28 Rivera 29-28 Munhoz. 29-28 Rivera Crowd booed but the decision was sound
WELTERWEIGHTS- VISCARDI ANDRADE (17-6, 1-1 UFC) VS. GASAN UMALATOV (15-4-1, 1-2 UFC)
First round: Knee by Andrade. Boyd kick by Andrade. Elbow by Andrade. Andrade had most of the offense this round. Body shot and a knee to the body. Andrade 10-9.
Second round: Andrade’s corner told him to stop playing to the crowd and stop brawling Low kick by Andrade. Left by Andrade. He landed more punches. Andrade with more punches and a body kick. Andrade landing another flurry. Andrade with punches. Andrade landing several knees to the body at the end of the round. 20-18 Andrade.
Third round: Spin kick by Umalatov landed and hurt Andrade. Nice punches by Andrade and a knee to the body and another knee to the body. Knee and punches by Andrade. Right, left and a high kick by Andrade. Now a low kick by Andrade. Spin kick by Umalatov. Good body shot by Andrade. Body kick by Andrade. Hard right by Umalatov. Umalatov did a cartwheel guard pass. Umalatov almost won the round with that late right, but I don’t think it was enough. 30-27 Andrade.
Scores: 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 Andrade
PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)
FEATHERWEIGHTS- KEVIN SOUZA (16-3, 3-0 UFC) VS. CHAS SKELLY (14-1, 3-1 UFC)
First round: Skelly working for a takedown. Souza defending well. Skelly finally got him down. Crowd booing for the first time. The Brazilians aren’t fans of Brazilians being outwrestled. Skelly in side control. He’s looking for a D’Arce choke. Souza broke the choke to a big pop. Souza bleeding from the left eye. Souza then knocked him down with a left hook. Fans chanting you’re gonna die at Skelly. Skelly back up with a knee. Big right by Souza. Close round 10-9 Souza.
Second round: Shelly went for a takedown but Souza wound up on top throwing punches. Skelly got the takedown and has his back. Skelly working for a choke. Skelly won via submission with the choke.
FEATHERWEIGHTS- (#11) CLAY GUIDA (32-15, 12-9 UFC) VS. THIAGO TAVARES (19-6-1, 9-6-1 UFC)
First round: Takedown by Guida. Tavares going for a guillotine. Guida tapped out. That took seconds.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- YAN CABRAL (12-1, 2-1 UFC) VS. JOHNNY CASE (21-4, 3-0 UFC)
First round: Cabral went for a takedown but Case landed on top. Case let him back up. Cabral got the takedown. Case reversed to the top. Cabral reversed back to the top. Cabral working for a Kimura. Cabral 10-9.
Second round: Case with a spinning elbow. Body kick by Case. Case landing punches. He hurt Cabral. Case throwing kicks. Kicks and punches by Case. Another body kick by Case. Cabral complained of being poked in the eye and Herb Dean told him to continue to fight. Case’s round 19-19.
Third round: Cabral took him down and has his back. Cabral with a body triangle. Case reversed to the top. Case blocked an armbar attempt. Case got Cabral’s back and throwing punches late. Case battered him bloody in the waning seconds. Very close round but I think Case pulled it out in the waning seconds so 29-28 Case.
Scores: All three had it 29-28 for Case.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- GLEISON TIBAU (33-11, 16-9 UFC) VS. ABEL TRUJILLO (12-6 1 NC, 3-2 1 NC UFC)
First round: Tibau took him right down. Trujillo right back up. Trujillo has a guillotine but Tibau out and on top. Tibau has his back. Tibau working for a choke. Trujillo went out and ref Keith Peterson stopped the fight. Trujillo wasn’t happy about that stoppage. Brian Stann said it was a bad stoppage, he should have checked his arms.
MAIN CARD (FS1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#12) FABIO MALDONADO (22-8, 5-5 UFC) VS. (#14) COREY ANDERSON (6-1, 3-1 UFC)
First round: Anderson took him down. Fans booing with the Brazilian on his back right away. Anderson with some elbows. Maldonado back up. Anderson landed a lot of punches, a knee and more punches. Another takedown by Anderson. 10-9 Anderson.
Second round: Anderson landing punches. Maldonado started landing punches. Anderson working for a takedown. Anderson took him down again. Another takedown by Anderson. Anderson landed an elbow from the top. Maldonado got back up. Knee by Anderson. Anderson 20-18.
Third round: High kick by Anderson missed. Another takedown by Anderson into side control. Anderson got his back. Maldonado back up. Knee and a lot of punches by Anderson. Knee by Anderson. Punches by Anderson. Maldonado landed a nice punch. Anderson landing several more punches. Another takedown by Anderson. Anderson easy 30-27 win, any other score is a travesty.
Scores: All three have it 30-27 for Anderson.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- GILBERT BURNS (10-0, 3-0 UFC) VS. RASHID MAGOMEDOV (19-1, 3-0 UFC)
First round: Right by Magomedov. Takedown by Burns. Great uranage like slam by Burns. Magomedov landing kicks to the body. Body kick by Magomedov. Punch and body kick by Magomedov. Magomedov landing punches and a body kick. Magomedov 10-9.
Second round: Burns landed a few punches. The crowd is super loud. Burns in for a takedown but Magomedov stopped it. In a clinch. Magomedov with an elbow. Magomedov took him down and let him up. Magomedov landed a right. Punches and a head kick, Burns is in trouble. Hard body kick by Magomedov and dropped him with a right. Magomedov with punches on te ground. Magomedov let him up. Head kick and more punches by Magomedov. Big right sent Burns flying. Burns’ legs are shot. Head kick by Magomedov. Spin kick by Magomedov. Magomedov’s round easy 20-18.
Third round: Burns grabbed him and trying for a takedown. Magomedov blocking it. Magomedov took him down and then backed off and let him up. Hard body kick by Burns. Close round, little happened. Magomedov 30-27.
Scores: 30-27 across the board for Magomedov
LIGHTWEIGHTS- ALEX OLIVEIRA (13-2-1 1 NC, 2-1 UFC) VS. PIOTR HALLMANN (15-4, 2-3 UFC)
First round: Oliveira landed punches. Oliveira landing more punches. Hallman bleeding badly already. Oliveira had him against the fence. Oliveira with low kicks and an uppercut. Oliveira’s round easily 10-9.
Second round: Oliveira landing more punches from close range. Hallman caught a kick and took him down. Hallman landing punches from the top. Ref Mario Yamasaki ordered a standup. Bad call as Hallman was landing. Oliveira landed a low kick that put Hallman down. Hallman reversed to the top on the ground. Hallman landing punches and elbows. Hallman’s round so 19-19.
Third round: Oliveira with a knee to the head. Oliveira knocked him out with a right to the jaw. Oliveira struggled in the second round but he’s got those quick reflexes and some star power.
BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#8) THOMAS ALMEIDA (20-0, 3-0 UFC) VS. ANTHONY BIRCHAK (12-2, 1-1 UFC)
First round: Almeida landed some nice punches. Bichak landed a lot punches back. Elbow by Almeida. Almeida hurt him with a right. Birchak tried a takedown, Almeida landed on top but Birchak reversed to the top. Almeida back up. Almeida hurt him with punches. Almeida landed a series of punches, finishing with a right to the jaw and Birchak was knocked silly.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#4) GLOVER TEIXEIRA (23-4, 6-2 UFC) VS. (#9) PATRICK CUMMINS (8-2, 4-2 UFC)
First round: Cummins took him down. Teixeira back up. Second takedown by Cummins. Teixeira back up. Knee by Cummins. Teixeira land a right. Cummins with some uppercus. Nice left hook by Teixeira. Nice slam by Cummins and he‘s got his back but Teixeira out of trouble. Teixeira hurt him with punches. Knee by Cummins. Hard lefts by Teixeira. Another takedown by Cummins. A lot of uppercuts by Cummins. Knee by Cummins. Head kick by Teixeira. Teixeira unloaded with killer punches as the round ended. Cummins was just about done. 10-9 Teixeira.
Second round: Cummins is rocked. Head kick by Teixeira. Cummins tried for a takedown but couldn’t complete it. Big left and right and more punches by Teixeira. Teixeira was landing hard punches and Herb Dean stopped it.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS- (#4) VITOR BELFORT (24-11, 13-6 UFC) VS. (#12) DAN HENDERSON (31-13, 8-7 UFC)
First round: Nothing happened for 90 seconds, Belfort landed a head kick and Henderson went down and it was stopped. Henderson wasn’t happy about the stoppage. Head kick, two lefts and Henderson went down and it was stopped after a few punches on the ground.
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez have a full recap of this show plus all of the weekend news up in the newest Wrestling Observer Radio available now for subscribers!
UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson III airs live tonight on Fox Sports 1 (prelims at 8:00 p.m. ET, main card at 10:00 p.m. ET) from Sao Paulo Brazil. This is, on paper, probably the best Brazillian Fight Night card in a good two years or so. Dave Meltzer will be doing live coverage and Josh Nason’s preview is up with our staff picks. We also had another longer preview earlier this week, plus DraftKings best bets for tonight.
WWE runs Saturday in Leeds, England (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title, Kane vs. Big Show, Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze), Madrid, Spain (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt; Usos & Ryback vs. Braun Strowman & Luke Harper & Erick Rowan, Alberto Del Rio vs. Neville & King Barrett for U.S. title) and NXT is in Largo, FL. We’ll have a live report from James Cox in Leeds, perhaps by the time you read this.
WWE runs Sunday in Birmingham, England (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title; Kane vs. Big Show; Dolph Ziggler vs Tyler Breeze) and Liverpool, England (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Usos & Ryback vs Braun Strowman & Luke Harper & Erick Rowan, Alberto Del Rio vs. Neville vs. King Barrett for U.S. title).
UFC FIGHT NIGHT SAO PAULO, BRAZIL:
Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. Eastern —
– Matheus Nicolas vs. Bruno Korea
– Pedro Munhoz vs. Jimmie Rivera
– Viscardi Andrade vs. Gasan Umalatov
FS 1 at 8 PM EST (PRELIMS/MAIN CARD)
– Chas Skelly vs. Kevin Souza
– Clay Guida vs. Thiago Tavares
– Yan Cabral vs. Johnny Case
– Gleison Tibau vs. Abel Trujillo
– Corey Anderson vs. Fabio Maldonado
– Gilbert Burns vs. Rashid Magomedov
– Piotr Hallman vs. Alex Oliveira
– Thomas Almeida vs. Anthony Birchak
– Glover Teixeira vs. Patrick Cummins
– Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson
EVOLVE IPPV SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7 P.M.
– Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Galloway
– Johnny Gargano vs. Drew Gulak
– Caleb Konley vs. TJ Perkins
– Tracy Williams vs. Matt Riddle
– Anthony Nese vs. Peter Kaasa
– Ethan Page vs. Lio Rush
*****
Raw is Monday in Manchester, England. Right now, nothing is announced for the show which will be airing on a few hours tape delay, not live. Smackdown is Tuesday in Manchester, England, with Undertaker advertised for this show.
Figure Four Weekly:
Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turnaround WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.
****
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue
Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now. This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business. You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees. There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.
The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV. We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.
We also have an in-depth update on the situation with Alberto Del Rio, WWE, AAA, TNA, Lucha Underground, Rizin and everyone else that had interest in him. We look at how things changed in the last week, have comments from WWE regarding what he can and can’t do, both sides of contradictory stories, the big move AAA made this past week due to his leaving, what the situation is with the AAA Mega heavyweight title, the good and bad of working with WWE vs. indies from a short and long-term financial situation, what Mexican star did WWE show interest in, and how this affects AAA and Lucha Underground.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com
Rates are:
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.
SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
UFC/MMA
Other Wrestling
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back today with a very long breaking news audio show on a bunch of different stories — every bad idea fight you can imagine being put together all at once for Bellator and Rizin, how Seth Rollins going down may lead to a breath of fresh air for the entire company with so many booking options and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
In a night filled with trips back in time, Inside MMA reported tonight that Fedor Emelianenko’s opponent for the Rizin New Year’s Eve show would be Tsuyoshi Kosaka, a 45-year-old retired pro wrestler from Japan.
After the report aired, Jerry Millen, who works with Emelianenko, denied that Kosaka was the opponent. Observer sources in Japan say that Emelianenko’s opponent has not been decided and there were several different people under consdieration, Kosaka being one of them.
Kosaka who has a strong judo background, was one of the major stars with the RINGS promotion in the 90, where he had some classic pro wrestling matches, and also headlined a Tokyo Dome show for New Japan Pro Wrestling.
He also competed as a regular in Pride, and went to the semifinals of an eight man UFC heavyweight title tournament after Randy Couture vacated the title, before losing a classic fight with Bas Rutten.
Kosaka won a controversial match over Emelianenko on December 22, 2000, in RINGS, the first loss of Emelianenko’s career. It was in a tournament, and ended in 17 seconds when Emelianenko was too badly cut to continue from an illegal elbow. The match would have been ruled a no contest normally, but being part of a tournament, they declared Kosaka the winner since Emelianenko wouldn’t be allowed to continue in the tournament. Kosaka then lost in the next round via decision to Randy Couture.
It was one of the great “What if’s” in history, since, had Emelianenko not been cut and advanced, he and Couture would have faced in 2001. Fedor would eventually avenge the loss to Kosaka in a fight on April 3, 2005, in Pride, saw Emelianenko win via doctor’s stoppage at the end of the first round. Kosaka had been announced as coming out of retirement for the show last week.
*****
Dave and Bryan have a brand new Wrestling Observer Radio talking this story right now for subscribers along with the Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock 3 announcement and more!
I try not to swear in posts, because I was once taught that if you can’t say something without swearing, you probably shouldn’t be saying it. However, there are plenty of times to break that rule so I’ll say this now: stop trying to start shit on the Internet!
I’m not talking about you Twitter trolls out there, but I’m mainly talking about those that try to make stories out of something that’s not there just so they can say “Gotcha!” in today’s look-at-me social media environment. This week’s case in point was the UFC stick figure t-shirts that emerged outta nowhere this week, featuring a slew of different stick figures engaged in jiujitsu, judo, kickboxing, and other martial arts.
Yes, the shirts look stupid, and don’t make any sense, but that’s a lot of sports merchandise today. My main issue was that everyone tried to blame Reebok for the shirts, tossing more logs onto the narrative fire that is Reebok and UFC’s relationship is a disaster. It hasn’t been good, we all know that, but here’s the thing: they weren’t Reebok t-shirts.
And here’s the other thing: it took less than five minutes for yours truly to figure it out. I went to UFC.com, went to the shop area, searched around on shirts, saw a slew with Reebok logos on them, and then found the offending Terrance and Philip esque shirts sans Reebok logos. I put 2 and 2 together and voila: I debunked the myth.
I understand everyone wants to be Internet famous and be the next person who is the go-to for blistering #hottakes, but let’s not forget that just a little bit of research is the key for rounding out the most important part of the equation: being right.
Hear that and more on this week’s Punch-Out featuring MMA Fighting’s Shaheen Al-Shatti right now. Because there’s a lot of interesting fights on this show, I picked six for this week. Honestly, I could have added a few more.
*****
Our panel:
– Jack Encarnacao (90-36 | .714): Sherdog Rewind host, The Lapsed Fan podcast co-chair
– Steve Juon (85-41 | .674): AngryMarks founder, MMA Mania writer
– Mike Sempervive (82-44 | .650): Wrestling Observer Live & Big Audio Nightmare co-host
– John Pollock (81-45 | .642): Fight Network personality, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, The MMA Report host
– Front Row Brian (79-47 | .626): MMA newsbreaker, Twitter personality, podcast host
– David Bixenspan (79-47 | .626): Figure Four Weekly writer, Observer Daily Update writer, podcast host
– Dave Meltzer (77-49 | .611): Wrestling Observer founder & writer
– Mike Sawyer (74-52 | .587): Tough Talk MMA, 2014 picks panel champion
– Josh Nason (74-52 | .587): Wrestling Observer digital media and content guy, WON Twitter enabler
*****
– Vitor Belfort (24-11) vs. Dan Henderson (31-13) III
Light Heavyweights
Hey, it’s the fight you never asked to see for a third time, but you’re getting anyway! In the unofficial UFC Legends division, these two are top contenders. Belfort was last seen getting crushed by Chris Weidman in a middleweight title fight he never should have been involved in in the first place. His last fight before then? A 2013 first round head kick knockout of Henderson when his body looked…a bit different.
The 45-year-old Hendo showed us in June that he can still bang, flooring Tim Boetsch in just 28 seconds, snapping a two-fight losing streak. He’s 2-5 in his last seven, but is still a name you can main event a late-night Fox Sports One card with. At this stage of the game, that’s saying something.
Belfort (big favorite): Sempervive, Bix, Encarnacao, Juon, Pollock, Meltzer
Hendo: Nason, Sawyer, FRB
– Glover Teixeira (23-4) vs. Patrick Cummins (8-2)
Light Heavyweights
Assumingly not a relative of New York Yankees’ first baseman Mark Teixeira, past title challenger Glover snapped a two-fight losing streak by submitting Ovince Saint Preux in the third round of their August tilt. At 36, he may have one last run left in him but he’s running out of time to do so.
Give it to the 34-year-old Cummins who went from obscure last minute fill-in to current light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier to current light heavyweight prospect. Since the Cormier fight in February 2014, Cummings has fought five times with a record of 4-1. He last was seen decimating former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Rafael Cavalcante at August’s UFC 190, but Teixeira is his toughest test since D.C.
Teixeira (big favorite): Nason, Sempervive, Bix, Encarnacao, Sawyer, FRB, Juon, Pollock, Meltzer
– Fabio Maldonado (22-8) vs. Corey Anderson (6-1)
Light Heavyweights
Originally slated to be Maldonado vs. this very site’s Tom Lawlor, Anderson steps in for the biggest test of his developing career. The 35-year-old Maldonado may evoke memories of Candy Maldonado for some still-recovering Toronto Blue Jays fans, but this guy is a fighter who was last seen in a blah decision loss to “Rampage” Jackson earlier this year.
It’s a quick turnaround for TUF 19 winner Anderson, looking for his fourth UFC win and second in a row. We last saw him win a lopsided decision against Jan Blachowicz in September. Technically, he’s a prospect but hasn’t done anything yet to garner buzz among the casual fan.
Anderson (big favorite): Nason, Sempervive, Bix, Encarnacao, Sawyer, FRB, Juon, Pollock, Meltzer
– Gilbert Burns (10-0) vs. Rashid Magomedov (19-1)
Lightweights
The undefeated 29-year-old Burns has acclimated himself to Octagon life quite nicely with three wins, the last two by armbar submission. The Brazilian jiujitsu ace has two straight Performance Of The Night bonuses, and is looking for three straight Saturday night.
The 31-year-old Dagestan native has also been running wild and free in the UFC with three victories over the shallow end of the lightweight pool. He rides an 11-fight win streak into Saturday night, making this an exciting battle of 155-pound prospects that will help determine two distinctive paths in 2016.
Magomedov (favorite): Nason, Sempervive, Bix, Encarnacao, Sawyer, FRB, Juon, Pollock, Meltzer
– Gleison Tibau (33-11) vs. Abel Trujillo (12-6-0-1)
Lightweights
Did you know Tibau’s middle name was Herculano? The name of my first-born is now carved in stone. Tibau just keeps plugging away, fighting his three fights a year and maintaining his corner in the UFC’s lightweight division. He last was seen getting submitted by Tony Ferguson, snapping a three-fight win streak. However, he hasn’t lost two in a row since 2008 (Tyson Griffin, Joe Stevenson).
The 32-year-old Trujillo hasn’t been in the cage since December 2014, a victim of injuries and inactivity. All of his three Octagon wins have come over guys who are no longer in the UFC with both losses coming against guys who most definitely are (Ferguson, Khabib Nurmagomedov). Both guys physically look great, so will this be a 15-minute exercise in exhaustion?
Tibau (favorite): Nason, Bix, Encarnacao, Sawyer, Juon, Meltzer
Trujillo: Sempervive, FRB, Pollock
– Clay Guida (32-15) vs. Thiago Tavares (19-6-1)
Featherweights
Two longtime UFC vets (Guida since 2006 and Tavares since 2007) finally hook it up.
The 33-year-old Guida has turned into a .500 fighter before our eyes, and he’s looking for his first two fight win streak since 2011. Since dropping to 145, he’s 3-2 with wins over the dregs of the division and losses to Chad Mendes and Dennis Bermudez. He battles Tavares who is coming off a loss to super prospect Brian Ortega. The longtime lightweight is 1-1 since dropping to 145, but has only fought twice in the last two years.
Guida (favorite): Nason, Sempervive, Encarnacao, FRB, Juon, Meltzer
Tavares: Bix, Sawyer, Pollock
On tonight’s Bellator 145 : With a Vengeance broadcast, Bellator CEO Scott Coker brought out Kurt Angle to announce a February 19 2016 bout in Houston between Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie. This will be their third MMA match and first since a draw at UFC 5 in April 1995.
Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie first faced off at the inaugaral UFC event on November 12th, 1993. Royce defeated Shamrock in 57 seconds with a rear naked choke in the tournament semi-finals. Royce would go on to win that tournament to become the first UFC tournament champion. The two would face-off again less that 2 years later at UFC 5. The two fought to a 36 minute draw for the first Superfight Championship.
Feb. 19 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas at “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie.” will be their 3rd and hopefully last match.
Also announced for the first tentpole event of 2016 is the return of Kimbo Slice vs Dada 5000.
Kurt Angle, during his announcement, teased a match between he and Shamrock and that could be the direction they’d head, should Shamrock win.
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discuss all of these crazy fights plus more on the new edition of Wrestling Observer Radio that went up late Friday night for subscribers.