New to Cageside Seats, "Casual Corner" reaches out to the casual fans of mixed martial arts, touching on topics relevant to those who are interested in the sport...but have lives to tend to. I envy you.
The UFC will once again look to raise money and awareness for The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, with UFC Fight Night 23, also known as UFC Fight for the Troops 2, taking place this Saturday, January 22nd. With the first Fight for the Troops event, the UFC raised 4 million dollars for the IFHF, earning UFC President Dana White the Armed Forces Foundation Patriot Award. Here's the full fight card for the event:
MAIN CARD
- Evan Dunham vs. Melvin Guillard
- Tim Hague vs. Matt Mitrione
- Mark Hominick vs. George Roop
- Pat Barry vs. Joey Beltran
- Cole Miller vs. Matt Wiman
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Yves Edwards vs. Cody McKenzie
- Mike Guymon vs. DaMarques Johnson
- Mike Brown vs. Rani Yahya
- Willamy Freire vs. Waylon Lowe
- Amilcar Alves vs. Charlie Brenneman
- Will Campuzano vs. Chris Cariaso
Although not stacked with big names, UFN 23 looks like it could produce fireworks. My personal pick for "fight of the night" has to be Pat Barry vs. Joey Beltran, these two heavyweights have no problem meeting in the center of the octagon and looking to land whatever punch, kick, knee, or elbow that is available. Barry has some of the best kick boxing in the UFC's heavyweight division, and Beltran is incredibly durable, which are the two factors that lead me to believe this fight will be the one to watch.
This isn't a one fight card though, Mark Hominick will go on to face current featherweight champion Jose Aldo if he can get through George Roop, but Roop has no intentions of letting that happen. Matt Mitrione of The Ultimate Fighter season 10 fame returns to action after demolishing internet sensation Kimbo Slice, and the card is topped off with Evan Dunham vs. Melvin Guillard, two young lightweights looking to make 2011 their year to become serious contenders in the division. This is a quality card on free television, and should hold over fans until UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort, which takes place on February 5th
After the jump, the best damn Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix hype video on the internet today, and discuss heavyweight contender Shane Carwin's interest in training with legendary mixed martial artist, Fedor Emelianenko.
Strikeforce Grand Prix Hype Video:
The UFC's greatest competitor in North America, Strikeforce, has announced that they will be holding a heavyweight grand prix, and like all the great tournaments in mixed martial arts before it, fans are thrilled. So thrilled in fact, that some of the most talented fans have begun churning out hype videos for the upcoming tourney. NickTheFace2 has put out some of the best fan made MMA videos on the web today, and he is the creator of, in my opinion, the best damn Strikeforce HW GP trailer. Check it out.
Related posts:
- The Heavyweight War of 2011: Strikeforce and the UFC Battle for the Biggest Division in MMA
- Strikeforce Conference Call Audio: Scott Coker Clarifies Rules of the Heavyweight Grand Prix
- Scott Coker Threatens Legitimacy of Athletic Commissions with Josh Barnett
- Video: Scott Coker on Bobby Lashley, Batista, and Much More
Shane Carwin to Train with Fedor Emelianenko in Russia?:
Fedor Emelianenko recently made the comment that he'd be interested in training with UFC heavyweight Shane Carwin in preparation for his upcoming bouts in Strikeforce. Carwin responded in a thread on The Underground, saying that he "would be honoured to train with Fedor." He expressed intrigue in regards to Fedor's training techniques, complimenting the "isolation and hardcore and yet raw training," he saw in Fedor's CBS special.
Two more quotes from Shane Carwin:
"Fedor has been a good guy to me. After the Lesnar fight he sent me some very kind words that put things into perspective. He is a great guy and a great fighter. "
"I am going to be travelling for training this time around. I want to take in as much MMA as I can. I hope to make it out to Duke Rufus's and maybe even a trip to Russia if all things go as planned."
Two of the best heavyweights in the world, working together to improve each other's skills...it's a scary thought. It's also interesting to hear that Fedor contacted Carwin after his loss to Brock Lesnar. Emelianenko may be isolated, but even he was watching Lesnar vs. Carwin.