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  • WON Preview: Hogan wins Gawker lawsuit, MMA Legalized in NY

    Subscribers click here to read: MARCH 28, 2016 WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: HOGAN WINS GAWKER LAWSUIT, MMA LEGALIZED IN NY, WRESTLEMANIA WEEKEND PREVIEW, MORE

    The lead story examines the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker trial and what is next regarding the two sides and appeals. The article examines why Gawker believed they would lose in the trial but prevail in appeal, how the jury came to the $140 million verdict, evidence Gawker is looking at introducing in the appeal, the role of Bubba the Love Sponge, the stupid things Gawker said in the trial, a realistic look at loss of income for Hogan, and why playing the tape had nothing to do with it.

    Also in this issue, a complete rundown of WrestleMania weekend including lineups with many matches not yet announced for not only WrestleMania itself but for all of the different events next week in Dallas. There is also an update on the WrestleMania attendance, ticket sales for other events, plus mythical records, and people scheduled to appear that haven’t been announced.

    Big shows with are coming up for Evolve, NXT, Wrestlecon and more.

    UFC has huge plans for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz rematch, potentially at UFC 200. 

    MMA promoters are thrilled about the passing of the bill in the New York state assembly to legalize professional MMA. There are plans by both UFC and Bellator for live events in New York as soon as possible.

    There have been lawsuits filed against WWE and by WWE that have been thrown out either completely or partially earlier this week. 

    Sting and Daniel Bryan are both in the news.

    Check out the scene in Mexico with AAA losing talent, the Lucha Underground/AAA connection, how Lucha Underground stopped the main event on Elite’s first television taping, what Bellator star headlines that show, who has quit TNA, how the philosophy has changed, and the economics of all this.

    Eric Young and Bobby Roode departed from TNA. Read about the background of both men leaving, their status and history in TNA, their value to WWE, their future as well as comments made by both regarding leaving.

    This issue features the results of UFC’s Fight Night from Brisbane, Australia over the weekend, with thoughts on the Neil Magny vs. Hector Lombard officiating, ratings notes, plus match-by-match coverage.

    CMLL’s Dos Leyendas show, its first big show of the year, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, plus the revealing of family with the country’s top heel, all in this issue.

    DDT’s has its biggest show of the year, with the return of Kota Ibushi, held at Sumo Hall.

    Subscribers click here to read: MARCH 28, 2016 WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: HOGAN WINS GAWKER LAWSUIT, MMA LEGALIZED IN NY, WRESTLEMANIA WEEKEND PREVIEW, MORE

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: February 8, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Giant Baba passes away  A look at the life and times of Giant Baba, details on the Mankind vs. Rock empty arena match at WWF Halftime Heat, plus tons of news.

    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

    Also in this issue:

    • CMLL’s unique tournament going on right now and its history of creating some of the biggest stars in the company of the past 20 year
    • Perro Aguayo for the first time talks the death of his son
    • Notes on Dragon Gate’s Memorial Gate show
    • NOAH’s big show this past week with multiple title matches
    • Former WWE wrestler returns to New Japan at Invasion Attack
    • Tanahashi talks working with the Young Bucks
    • Two big weekend shows and four title matches in New Japan
    • Major woman’s star for three decades is retiring
    • Former three-time world champion moving to Canada to come out of retirement to go for the freestyle world title
    • NCAA Division I heavyweight title match and its background
    • Update on the status of Speedball Mike Bailey
    • Kurt Angle talks fighting MMA and returning to WWE
    • UR Fight show with Angle vs. Mysterio
    • The first modern wrestler to use entrance music wasn’t The Freebirds
    • What will air in early 2017 on Lucha Underground and future directions of the company
    • The next month of TNA Impact that was taped this past week
    • Business notes regarding UFC 196
    • Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice failing drug tests
    • What drugs they failed for and why they both failed the IQ test
    • Potential WWE lawsuit that is being talked about behind the scenes

    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.

    New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. 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.

    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.

  • March 28, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Hogan wins Gawker lawsuit, MMA legalized in NY, Wrestlemania weekend preview, more

    Well before the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker Media trial began, it was not a secret that Gawker believed they would lose the case before a jury, but believed they would win it on appeal.

    But in a trial that got worldwide attention, as much for the questions of what constitutes legitimate news versus invasion of privacy, as the fact Hogan was involved, Gawker never saw what was coming.

    A St. Petersburg jury of six people awarded Hogan $140.1 million, even more than the $100 million he was asking for, with one juror making it clear the figure was because they wanted to send a message to the company.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • New York State Assembly legalizes MMA

    After hours of debating, the bill to legalize mixed martial arts and put it under the auspices of the New York State Athletic Commission passed the state assembly by a 113-25 vote.

    The bill had already passed the state senate, which means it goes to Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is expected to sign, and UFC is expected to run its first event in Madison Square Garden toward the latter part of this year.

    New York had been the lone holdout in UFC’s attempt to get the sport legalized nationwide. The bill had passed the state senate for seven straight years, but it had been blocked from even being voted on in the assembly.

    UFC officials believed they had far more than enough votes last year, but time ran out in the session and once again, they could never get the legislation voted on.

    There were long impassioned pleas on both sides, with the few dissenters talking about everything from homophobia, domestic violence, violence in society to the condition of Muhammad Ali, to the idea Madison Square Garden should be for team sports.

  • Live Video: New York State Assembly hearing on legalization of MMA

    The vote in the New York assembly regarding MMA being legalized, that is expected to pass, is taking place right now.  You can watch live via the video link below.  The hearing has been a circus so far with every ignorant statement about MMA imaginable being made.

    If it passes, the tentative plan would be to run a big show in November in Madison Square Garden.

    UFC had hoped for it to pass for years now, and several times it likely would have, but it was blocked from going to a vote for a number of reasons.  Amazingly, amateur mixed martial arts is legal in New York but professional mixed martial arts is not.

    Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez talked about this situation in detail in last night’s edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

    WATCH LIVE HERE

  • UFC Fight Night 85 Brisbane live results: Mark Hunt vs. Frank Mir

    Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 85: Hunt vs. Mir from the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia. The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the heavyweight division as former title challenger Mark Hunt takes on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir. In the co-main event, it is a battle of welterweights looking to get closer to a title shot as Neil Magny takes on Hector Lombard. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

    UFC Fight Night 85 DFS Playbook

    Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer

    PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- ALAN PATRICK (12-1, 2-1 UFC) VS. DAMIEN BROWN (15-8, 0-0 UFC)

    First round:  Brown is a late replacement from Brisbane.  It’s 9 a.m. in Brisbane as this show starts.  Patrick took him down right away.  Patrick has a guillotine but gave it up.  Patrick with some elbows from the top.  Brown reversed to the top and landed punches.  This picked the crowd up.  Patrick escaped and up.  Brown took him down into side control and is riding him   Patrick backup.  Brown with a left hook but Patrick took him down and has his back.  Brown working for a Kimura.  Crowd liked the round.  10-9 Patrick but close..

    Second round:   Patrick took him down.  Brown with elbows from the bottom.  Not much happening this round.  Patrick landing some punches  Brown again tried or a Kimura from the bottom.  Patrick’s round so 20-18 after two.

    Third round:  Patrick took him down immediately off a kick.  Patrick trying for a choke but isn’t close.  Now he’s trying an arm triangle but Brown out of trouble.  Patrick moved to side control.  Patrick now has his back.  Patrick with some punches, but he’s more controlling him on the ground.  Fans are booing.  Brown got up.  Patrick took him down again.  Patrick 30-27 but could be 29-28, but Patrick has to win.

    Scores:  30-27, 30-27 and 30-26 for Patrick.        

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- ROSS PEARSON (18-10 1 NC, 10-7 1 NC UFC) VS. CHAD LAPRISE (10-1, 3-1 UFC)

    First round:  Low kick by Pearson.   Low kick by Pearson.  Low kick by Pearson.  Laprise missed a high kick.  Slow round.  Left by Pearson.  Low kick by Pearson and Laprise back with a low kick.  Laprise’s left thigh looks bad.  Laprise landed a left and right.  Body kick by Pearson.  Body shot by Laprise.  Action picked up late in the round.  Pearson 10-9.

    Second round:   Another low kick by Pearson.  Low kick by Laprise.  Body kick by Laprise.  Low kick by Pearson.  Pearson with another  low kick.  Head kick by Laprise.  Left by Pearson.  Low kick by Pearson,  Laprise with a left.  Pearson with a right.  Laprise with high kick.  Low kick by Pearson.  Laprise with a left.  Laprise with some punches.  Left by Pearson.  Low kick by Pearson.  Spin kick by Laprise.  Left by Pearson.  Pearson’s left leg is giving him trouble.  Laprise with two kicks.  Another close round, very good round.  Laprise barely so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:   Low kick by Pearson.  Right by Pearson.  Pearson is the guy moving forward.  Low kick by Pearson.  Laprise landed a series including a body kick.  Laprise with a left.  Head kick by Laprise.  Another high kick by Laprise.  Low kick by Pearson.  Laprise with an elbow.  Pearson went for a takedown but didn’t get it.  Left by Pearson.  Both throwing like crazy late.  Laprise’s round close.  29-28 Laprise.   First two rounds were close enough to where this could go either way.

    Scores:  30-28 Laprise, 30-27 Pearson 29-28 Pearson.  The 30-27 score for Pearson was bad as Laprise won the  third.

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

    WELTERWEIGHTS- RICHARD WALSH (9-3, 2-2 UFC) VS. VISCARDI ANDRADE (18-6, 2-1 UFC)

    First round:  Andrade knocked Walsh down, although some of that was as much a slip.  Andrade landing more punches.   Walsh landed.  Andrade trying for a takedown but Walsh defending well.  Andrade got him down.   Andrade landing some punches.  The ref warning  Andrade about not being busy enough from the top.  The ref stood them up.  Right by Andrade.  Andrade 10-9.

    Second round:  Big right by Walsh knocked him down.  Walsh landing punches on the ground.  Walslh brought him up against the cage.  Walsh landing elbows.  Andrade back to his feet.   Knee and punches by Walsh.  Left by  Walsh.  Andrade with a right.  Andrade with a takedown but Walsh right back up.  Walsh landing punches.  Elbow by Walsh.  Knee by Andrade.  Andrade looks tired.  Andrade took him down.  Andrade working for a choke.  Walsh survived the round.  The choke made it close but  Walsh’s round so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:  Walsh landing punches early.  Andrade took him down.  Walsh took him down.  Andrade got another takedown.  Andrade throwing punches from the top.  Andrade 29-28.

    Scores:  All three had it 29-28 for Andrade.     

    WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS- LESLIE SMITH (7-6-1, 1-2 UFC) VS. RIN NAKAI (16-1-1, 0-1 UFC)

    First round:  Smith landing punches.  Smith landing more.  Nakai couldn’t get the takedown when she tried a hip throw.  Crowd is pretty dead at this point.  Smith landing more punches.  Nakai got the takedown right as the round ended.  10-9 Smith.

    Second round:   Smith landing some punches.  Nakai got the takedown.  Nakai keeping her down but doing no damage.   Nakai is in side control.  Smith working for a triangle  but Nakai got out.  Nakai working for a head and arm choke.  She doesn’t have it.  Smith escaped with 1:16 left.  Smith landing a hard uppercut.  Smith kicked her in the face and Nakai got another takedown.  Nakai landing punches from the top.  Close round.  Smith 20-18.

    Third round:  Smith landing punches.  Nakai has the clinch.  Knee and uppercuts by Nakai.  Smith landing several punches.  Sloppy but the crowd is enjoying this.  Right to the body by Smith.  Left uppercut by Smith.  Nakai working for a takedown but didn’t get it.  Nakai  got the hip toss into side control.  Nakai is trying to get her back.  Smith 30-27 but I could see round two and perhaps three going to Nakai because of the ground control.  .

    Scores:  30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 for Smith.

    FEATHERWEIGHTS- DAN HOOKER (12-6, 2-2 UFC) VS. MARK EDDIVA (6-2, 1-2 UFC)

    First round:  Hooker is fighting at 145.  He has fought as a heavyewight before which is crazy.  Hooker going for a guillotine.  He’s squeezing.  Eddiva tapped.  Finally a finish.

    WELTERWEIGHTS- BRENDAN O’REILLY (6-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) VS. ALAN JOUBAN (12-4, 3-2 UFC)

    First round:   O’Reilly with a foot sweep and got his back.  Jouban right back up.  Jouban with knees and and elbows.  Now Jouban landing all kinds of punches and kicks.  O’Reilly also throwing.  This was tremendous.  Knees and elbows by Jouban.  A couple of elbows put him down and it was stopped after punches on the ground.  Short explosive great action fight.

    MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

    WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS- BEC RAWLINGS (6-4, 1-1 UFC) VS. SEOHEE HAM (16-6, 1-1 UFC)

    First round:  Han is undersized for this weight class but a good fighter.  Han landed a couple of punches.  Both landing punches.  Crowd is into this one.  Han landing more.  Big size difference.  Rawlings  with a nice right and hurt her with another right.  Both trading punches.  Rawlings landing harder punches.  Han landing more again.  Good right by Rawlings.  Nice left by Rawlings  Han 10-9

    Second round:   Both landing punches.  Both landing a lot of punches.  Rawlings stating to land but Han right back and landed a good body kick.  Rawlings took her down off a punch.  Han tried a triangle but Rawlings got her back and is working for a choke.  Rawlings with an armbar.  Han landing nice punches and a body kick.  Rawlings so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:   Rawlings took her down and Han trying for a triangle.  Rawlings throwing knees to the back.  Rawlings escaped and on top.  Rawlings landed  a good punch but Han back up and landed a punch.  Han landing a lot of punches.  Knee by Rawlings.  Knee and punches by Han.  Rawlings with a knee to the body.  Nice right by Rawlings.  Han 29-28.  Good fight.

    Scores:   30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 Rawlings.  Please.

    MIDDLEWEIGHTS- JAMES TE HUNA (16-8, 5-4 UFC) VS. STEVE BOSSE (10-2, 0-1 UFC)

    First round:  Te Huna from Australia, Bosse was a cult favorite in Montreal as a former hockey enforcer years back.  In other words, if they were on skates, Bosse would have a great advantage.  Bosse knoked him out in seconds.  He threw some solid shots and Te Huna went down hard.  He stopped fighting immediately before Marc Goddard stopped it.  Bosse should be getting a bonus.  It was a short right that did the job.  :52

    MIDDLEWEIGHTS- DAN KELLY (10-1, 3-1 UFC) VS. ANTONIO CARLOS JUNIOR (5-1 1 NC, 2-1 1 NC UFC)

    First round:   Carlos with a takedown and has his back.  Now he’s got the body triangle.  He tried a neck crank.  Carlos warned for hitting to the back of the head.  Carlos throwing punches from that position.  Carlos landing more punches from back position.  Carlos working for an armbar as time ran out.  10-8 Carlos.

    Second round:   Carlos with low kicks.  Carlos tried a takedown but Kelly stopped it. Kelly with an uppercut.  Kelly bleeding from the nose.  Jumping knee by Carlos.  Kelly with lefts.  Carlos shot and Kelly caught him  and landed a knee.  Right by Carlos.  Left by Kelly.  Carlos landed a few shots back.  Carlos shot in and Kelly sprawled.  Kelly got his back.  Kelly landing punches from that position and a knee to the butt.  Kelly landing a lot of punches.  Carlos got up.  Takedown by Carlos.  Carlos has his back now.  Carlos dropped down but he ref ordered him to stand up.  Carlos landing punches.  Kelly’s round so 19-18 Carlos.

    Third round:  Knee and punch by Carlos.  Carlos with a low blow and Kelly went down hard.  A time out was called.  Kelly almost threw him and landed a knee.  Kelly took him down, got his back and is pounding on him.  Kelly is hurting him now.  Kelly throwing tons of of punches and it’s over.  Great come from behind win by Kelly.

    LIGHTWEIGHTS- JAKE MATTHEWS (9-1, 3-1 UFC) VS. JOHNNY CASE (22-4, 4-0 UFC)

    First round:  Matthews in with punches.  Case with a body kick.  Case landed a nice punch.  Matthews caught a kick but couldn’t get the takedown.  Low kick by Case.  Both landing big shots.  Matthews tried for a takedown but Case ended up on top.  Case with a knee.  Matthews landed a right.  Big left by Matthews.  Matthews with a kick to the butt.  Left by Case hurt him.  Matthews 10-9.

    Second round:   Body kick  by  Matthews.  Case went for a takedown.  Case on top but Matthews working for a triangle.  Case out and on top and landed some punches.  Case landing punches .  Knee to the body by Case.  Matthews hurt him with a body shot but Case took him down into side control.  Case’s round so 19-19 after two.

    Third round:  Body kick by Case.  Body kick by Matthews.  Knee by Matthews.  Body kick by Matthews.  Matthews with  a hard left.  Trading knees form the clinch.  Case going for a takedown but blocked.  Left by Case.  Body kick by Matthews.  Now they are in a clinch against the fence.  Knee by Matthews.  Matthews has his back.  Matthews throwing punches from back position and working for a choke.  Case escaped.  Matthews is in mount.  Matthews has his back again.  Matthews got the choke and Case tapped.  Good third round.

    WELTERWEIGHTS- (#13) HECTOR LOMBARD (34-4-1 2 NC, 3-2 1 NC UFC) VS. (#9) NEIL MAGNY (17-4, 10-3 UFC)

    First round:  Still the same body.  Lombard landed hard punches up close.  Lombard pounding him on the ground.  Lombard with hard punches and elbows.  Lombad throwing hard punches from back position.  Magny back up and thrown down and Lombard is landing more punches.  Lombard in side control.  Lombard with an elbow.  Hard elbow by Lombard.  Magny back up.  Magny with a jumping knee and punches but Lombard landed a hard shot.  Lombard looks tired.  Magny tried a takedown, which was a bad idea as Lombard landed on top.  Magny up and started to land.  Left by Magny.  10-8 Lombard.

    Second round:   Magny starting to land.  Low kick by Magny.  Low kick by Lombard.  Knee by Magny.  Good right by Magny.  Magny landing jabs.  Lombard working for a takedown but Magny blocked.  Lombard dropped him with a left.  Lombard on top.  Lombard went for a leglock  which wasn’t smart.  That allowed Magny to get on top and could cost him the round.  Magny moved to mount and is working for a triangle.  Magny holding the triangle and punching from the bottom.  Magny also working for an armbar.  Lombard escaped.  Magny now in mount and pounding him.  Lombard gave up his back and Magny is throwing a lot of punches.  Now Lombard is in real trouble.  Lombard is taking a lot of punches.  Ref Steve Percival is letting this go way too long.   Magny landing a ton of punches, and now elbows.  This was ridiculous that it wasn’t stopped.  The fans were booing like crazy in the closing seconds because it wasn’t stopped .  10-8 Magny.’

    Third round:  Lombard is bad shape.  Magny landing punches and Lombard is exhausted.  Knees and elbow by Magny.  Magny with an elbow took him down into the mount.  Lombard is bleeding.  Magny with more punches and it was stopped.  :46

    HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#9) MARK HUNT (11-10-1, 6-4-1 UFC) VS. (#10) FRANK MIR (18-10, 16-10 UFC)

    First round:  Mir looks heavy.  He weighed in at 260.  Hunt is soft like usual but smaller than usual.  Hunt landed punches and blocked a takedown.  Big right by Hunt.  Antoher right by Hunt.  Hunt dropped him and walked away and it was over. 

  • Nate Diaz vs Conor McGregor rematch in the works for UFC 200

    Ariel Helwani reported this morning that UFC is working toward a rematch with Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz, at welterweight no less, as the main event for UFC 200 on July 9 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    Helwani reported the UFC is close to finalizing plans for the match. 

    This would be a major blow to Frankie Edgar, as just last week Dana White indicated the match that made the most sense going forward was McGregor defending the featherweight title against Edgar.  McGregor himself, after his loss to Diaz, said he’d decide whether more people would be interested in Edgar or Jose Aldo, and that’s he was looking at defending his title against one of them.  He gave the impression that he thought Aldo would have more interest but was leery if Aldo wouldn’t pull out before the fight.

    McGregor vs. Diaz would also eliminate the possibility of Robbie Lawler vs. Diaz, a fight that both White and Fertitta talked about for the welterweight title.

    Based on the results of UFC 196, McGregor vs. Diaz would be the best drawing fight for UFC 200 even without a title at stake.  Plus, there would be longer to build the fight.  For McGregor, he’d be facing Diaz with a full camp, making his odds of winning even longer.

    It also puts the featherweight division on hold and almost forces an Aldo vs. Edgar match for the title shot, which would eliminate a contender.

  • UFC Fight Night 85 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid

    The Octagon returns to Australia this weekend for UFC Fight Night 85 in Brisbane. The event takes place locally on Sunday, but due to the time difference, airs on Saturday night in the US. The event is headlined by a five-round heavyweight bout between Mark Hunt and former champion Frank Mir. Below are our studs, value plays and fighters to avoid when setting your fantasy line-ups for the event on Saturday.

    STUDS

    Alan Patrick ($10,800)

    Alan Patrick has a favorable match-up when he gets short-notice replacement Damien Brown in a preliminary bout fight on Saturday. Brown is taking the fight on just a week’s notice after Patrick’s original opponent, Chad Laprise, was shifted to a different bout against Ross Pearson. Brown has won five straight fights to get in the UFC, but sports just a 15-8 overall record. Patrick is coming off his first career loss and is looking to bounce back in a very big way. He has knockout power but has only finished half of his opponents. However, with the short notice that Brown has, it is very favorable for Patrick to get a finish. This could be a fight card where finishes may be hard to come by. You have to take the odds on this one, and Patrick is a very good play for Saturday.

    James Te Huna ($10,500)

    James Te Huna hasn’t fought since June 2014 and is currently on a 3-fight losing streak where has been finished in the first round in each of those fights. He has been battling injury issues but makes his return on Saturday for his second fight at 185 pounds. It is a must-win fight for Te Huna, and he has a favorable match-up when he takes on Steve Bosse. Bosse fights inside the Octagon for the second time and is looking to bounce back from a spectacular knockout loss from a head kick by Thiago Santos. Bosse probably isn’t a UFC-caliber fighter and is likely only getting a second opportunity due to stepping up on short notice to make his debut. It is a perfect bounce back opportunity for Te Huna, who owns 13 wins by stoppage. I expect him to get his 14th stoppage victory this weekend.

    VALUE PLAYS

    Ross Pearson ($9,300)

    Ross Pearson comes in as an underdog in his fight against Chad Laprise on Saturday, and that already makes him a value play as he is an underdog I think that has an excellent chance at scoring a win. Pearson has been rotating wins-and-losses in his last seven fights, and with coming off a loss, history says he should get the win this time out. He fights Chad Laprise, who was moved to this bout just over a week ago. Coincidentally, Pearson and Laprise both lost their last bouts to the same opponent- Francisco Trinaldo. It was Laprise’s first career loss and he was knocked out in the process. Pearson has power and he does good against opponents with less experience, and he racks up quite a good number of punches as he lands with a lot of volume. At his price point, he has a lot of upside if you choose to put him on your roster. He makes for great value on Saturday.

    Dan Kelly ($8,300)

    Dan Kelly has one of the lowest salaries of all the fighters on Saturday’s card, and it is interesting considering he is 10-1 in his career. He has a blue-chip prospect for his opponent in Antonio Carlos Junior, but one who struggled against a heavy takedown fighter in Patrick Cummins. Kelly is an Olympian in judo and works excellent from the clinch, and his striking has developed nicely. He doesn’t do anything flashy but he does everything well. Kelly does have an uphill battle in this bout, but he will have the crowd behind him in a huge way. Carlos Junior hasn’t scored an actual win in almost nine months, and he may not pull the trigger as much considering his last fight ended in 30 seconds with multiple eye pokes coming from him. Kelly makes a good target as an upset pick.

    FIGHTERS TO AVOID

    Richard Walsh ($9,400)

    Richard Walsh is an underdog and has some solid value at his price, but I think he is a fighter to avoid on Saturday. He has a tough opponent in Viscardi Andrade, but Walsh will have the crowd behind him. The two men are almost the same type of fighter, but Walsh has shown he can be put to sleep if a big punch lands. Andrade likes to keep the fight on the feet and strike and Walsh won’t be able to match him there. Walsh may get some takedowns and some top position, but I don’t see him landing a lot of strikes or finishing Andrade. He may get the win but I’m not sure he has enough to justify putting him in your line-up, thus I am avoiding him.

    Brendan O’Reilly ($8,200)

    Brendan O’Reilly is not getting a lot of respect heading into Saturday’s event as he finds himself as the biggest underdog on the card and has the lowest salary. It is for good reason as this seems to be a fight booked to get his opponent, Alan Jouban, back on the winning path. O’Reilly is a low-level welterweight who has a lot of holes in his game, especially on his feet. Against a big power puncher like Jouban, that is going to be a problem. Jouban is probably the smartest pick on the card in all honesty, but his salary is extremely high. I see O’Reilly being finished and finished quick. I can’t justify putting him on your roster, but anything can happen in a fight.

    OUR LINE-UPS

    RYAN FREDERICK- Alan Jouban ($11,200), James Te Huna ($10,500), Mark Hunt ($10,300), Ross Pearson ($9,300), Dan Kelly ($8,300)

    Despite Alan Patrick being my top play above, I am not having him in my line-up. I did when I originally drafted this team, but I made some changes. First off, I’m going with Alan Jouban. I think he makes quick work of Brendan O’Reilly and maximizes his points potential. James Te Huna I see as another fighter who gets a first-round finish. Steve Bosse just isn’t a UFC fighter and that will show again. Mark Hunt is an excellent pick. He has that power and Frank Mir doesn’t have much of a chin to wishstand the punches Hunt will throw. Hunt is also smart enough to avoid going to the ground. I see Hunt getting a stoppage in the first half of the fight. Ross Pearson and Dan Kelly are my two underdog picks. Pearson throws a lot of volume and can easily catch Chad Laprise, but I expect a decision win by him. Dan Kelly is a hail mary pick and he has a tough road to win, but he can get the upset.

    PAUL FONTAINE- Dan Hooker ($10,600), Mark Hunt ($10,300), Johnny Case ($9,700), Ross Pearson ($9,300), Rin Nakai ($9,000)

    Nakai has only one loss in her career and it’s to the current Bantamweight champion. Tate had more trouble with her than anyone else in her recent streak leading into the title challenge and I think her relentless style will wear down Leslie Smith, leading to a late KO or sub. Johnny Case is on a 12 fight win streak, including 4 in the UFC and I think he’ll continue that run against Jake Matthews, who was exposed in his fight with James Vick. It’s been too much, too soon for Matthews and Case is really tough. Unlike Matthews, I think Hunt will make the locals happy when he knocks out Mir early. I think Hunt is a steal at $10,300. I’m shocked that Ross Pearson is the underdog against Chad Laprise. They’re both coming off losses to Francisco Trinaldo but other than that, Pearson’s faced much tougher competition and is a battle-tested  veteran that has power and Laprise was KO’d last time out. My final pick is another hometown hero in Daniel Hooker. Hooker is unbeaten in Australia with his only two career losses coming in Japan and the US. He should be good  for finishing points as well since his last 7 wins have all been by stoppage.

    PEACH MACHINE- Dan Hooker ($10,600), Viscardi Andrade ($10,000), Johnny Case ($9,700), Hector Lombard ($9,600), Rin Nakai ($9,000)

    I like Rin Nakai. She took Miesha Tate to task in her most recent tilt. Alliteration is awesome. I like Johnny Case and I don’t like Jake Matthews. Boom. Magny will be mauled by Mombard. Or Lombard. Don’t hate Dan Hooker. Viscardi will be victorious.

  • March 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 196 breaks records, New Japan Cup, WWE Road Block

    In an appearance on the Max & Marcellus ESPN radio show on 3/11, Dana White said that UFC 196, which took place six days earlier in Las Vegas, broke all kinds of records and ended up doing 1.5 million buys on PPV.

    The number, if accurate, would be significantly up from both the November (Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm) and December (Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo and Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold) shows that are believed to have done in the 1.05 to 1.2 million buy range. It would beat every UFC event to date with the exception of UFC 100, which is estimated at 1.6 million buys. The difference is that UFC 100 was supposed to blow away all numbers, with title matches featuring the company’s two biggest drawing cards at the time, Brock Lesnar and Georges St-Pierre.

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  • Josh Nason’s Punch-Out: UFC fighter, writer & photographer Mike Jackson

    With such a major weekend and major events behind us and with so many big things to look forward to, this week’s Josh Nason’s Punch-Out features someone who has both covered the sport and fought inside the Octagon to help make sense of it all: UFC welterweight and media memberMike Jackson!

    ***This is a free show for everyone. Please share on your social network of choice!***

    Josh and Mike talked for an hour about the news of the day and his future, including:

    – His thoughts on Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz and where McGregor went wrong

    – Why he enjoyed Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate more than most

    – Who he’d like to see McGregor, Holm, Diaz, and Tate fight next

    – What fight announced during the UFC Unstoppable presser he most wants to see

    – What he learned and took in during his first UFC fight week

    – When it first set in that he had actually competed inside the Octagon

    – Why he wants to fight Artem Lobov

    – Why it bothers both Josh and Mike how much grief Sage Northcutt gets…and more!

    Click below to stream or right click to download. Thanks for sharing socially!

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  • March 14, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Diaz defeats McGregor, Hayabusa passes away

    Nate Diaz’s win over Conor McGregor and Miesha Tate’s UFC women’s bantamweight title win over Holly Holm literally changed the direction of UFC.

    Going into UFC 196 on 3/5 in Las Vegas, McGregor was the company’s money machine, expected to headline UFC 200 against Robbie Lawler for the welterweight title, or perhaps even Georges St-Pierre. The latter, which would have been the biggest fight in UFC history, was heavily rumored and talked about. It was given credence when St-Pierre showed up at ringside during the show and was coy about why he was there. After McGregor lost, Dana White denied any talk of GSP vs. McGregor, but at that point, with that fight really out the window, it does UFC no good for the story to be that the biggest fight in history got screwed up by an upset. There are those who believe St-Pierre will never return due his having no money issues and concern of the long-term effects of brain trauma from fighting. There were also rumors flying about GSP vs. Lawler for the welterweight title, which would also be a major fight. But right now there is still nothing officially said past rumors that GSP is going to fight again.

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