You’re doing yourself a disservice if you haven’t been watching playoff hockey this week. Close series, big hits, awesome goals, high drama. It’s a great way to keep yourself distracted while waiting for UFC 129 this weekend.
- Brent Brookhouse wondered why the UFC is afraid to promote Georges St. Pierre for what he is, that being a super dominant champion who has hardly lost a round since his upset loss to Matt Serra. It’s especially bizarre when you consider that St. Pierre is the company’s biggest homegrown star since Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell.
- Jonathan Snowden thinks the UFC is pushing Phil Davis too hard by inserting him into the spot vacated by Jon Jones in the UFC 133 main event opposite Rashad Evans. I agree with Jon on this one, but I’m sure Davis is earning some serious brownie points with UFC brass at the same time.
- Matt Bishop gave us part 5 of his series on the “magic” of Randy Couture, looking back at Couture’s title defense against Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 74. This was my first time watching Couture live, and I remember thinking Gonzaga was going to straight assault him. I felt that way right up until Couture’s takedown two minutes in to the fight.
- Grappling editor KJ Gould took a look at Jake Shields’ American Jiu-Jitsu in a GIF-heavy Judo Chop. Part one of a three-part series, so keep your eye out for more.
- In other Judo Chop news, Kid Nate broke down Georges St. Pierre’s spinning back kick. (OH MY GOD THE BLACKHAWKS JUST TIED THIS GAME SHORTHANDED!) No need for Kid Nate’s analysis, though, Joe Rogan’s got it all covered, yo.
- Word leaked that the UFC has requested the Nevada State Athletic Commission implement monitors for judges at UFC 130. There’s two hurdles in the way here. One, the notorious bureaucracy of athletic commissions. Two, the ability of MMA judges to operate a television monitor.
- Becoming a UFC fighter is now as simple as hopping on Jobbi.com and filling out an application.
- The Countdown to UFC 129 aired tonight, but you should be watching playoff hockey. Don’t worry, we have the embedded video waiting for you.
- Dave Bautista confirmed that negotiations with Strikeforce are dead. I’m sure someone somewhere is upset about that.