by: Brent Wilson
brentwilson5@gmail.com
-------------------------------------------
The production quality of this season seems to be way up, including the recaps of last week's episode where we are reminded that with the first matchmaking opportunity Jon Jones pitted his team's Gilbert Smith against the number one overall pick Luke Barnatt from Team Chael Sonnen.
The fighters arrive at the house and we hear from Bubba McDaniel and Josh Samman from Team Jones who both question the merits of Smith facing off with Sonnen's top pick so early in the show. Team Jones' coaches include Frank Mir, NCAA Division I Wrestling champion and undefetead MMA prospect Bubba Jenkins, long, long time Muay Thai coach Stonehorse Goeman, and Vegas based MMA fighter John Wood.
In early practices McDaniel and Samman continue to second guess the Smith pick expressing concern over Smith's cardio. Wood and Jenkins second these concerns in a coaches meeting. Smith feels the negativity and complains about a lack of motivation from his coaches and teammates in the van after practice, "that shit is pissing me off."
The Gilbert Smith show continues as he breaks down in the backyard with a signed Colorado state flag from his friends and family. Teammate Adam Cella takes this as Smith potentially being mentally weak and homesick already.
Team Sonnen includes former TUF finalist Vinny Magalhaes who worked with Sonnen on his grappling to much fanfare before the Anderson Silva rematch, former TUFer and Dolce diet maven Mike Dolce, Team Quest boxing coach Clayton Hines, Team Quest Tualatin head trainer Scott McQuary, and Team Quest striking coach Jamie Huey.
Team Jones confronts Smith in the locker room about his attitude and cardio issues with McDaniel and Samman telling him that he's not ready to fight. The coaches listen through the door until Jon Jones eventually steps in telling Smith to not care what anyone else says, that he's here for himself, and to have fun and to get it done.
In training Jones feels that Luke Barnatt leaves his chin high up in the air and wants Smith to exploit that with overhand lefts, then closing the range to use Smith's power to get takedowns.
Sonnen singles Uriah Hall out as someone he wants to ensure makes it to the next round on his team, seeing the potential Hall has to win the show. Hall tells Sonnen that he wants to focus on taking out one of Team Jones' best fighters early, picking out McDaniel, Cella, and Samman.
For this week Sonnen wants Barnatt to utilize his great reach advantage and keep Smith on the outside and stuck on the feet. Sonnen says he doubts Smith can take Barnatt down the multiple times he needs to to win the fight. Barnatt talks about standing with Smith for a few minutes, then flipping the script and taking Smith down.
OPENING ROUND FIGHT #1 GILBERT SMITH vs. LUKE BARNATT
Gilbert Smith (5-1), Notable Wins: None, Notable Losses: None.
Strengths: Strong as hell, a stocky powerhouse. Uses his strength to get slams and maintain top position, a solid wrestler. The southpaw has shown a little power standing. Has improving passing skills and can power some submission victories with his squeeze.
Weakness: Not much of a game plan other than getting in on your legs and trying to take you down. Very raw and rudimentary standing, throwing big blows to close the distance. Not the most exciting, often guilty of burying his head into his opponents chest in their full guard. Could be called a lay and prayer. Struggles when he can't control the fight from the top. His rocked-up build and musculature comes at the expense of his reach, very short for 185 at 5'9".
Outlook: Guys can ride being a superior wrestler pretty far through TUF, just look at Colton Smith. This Smith doesn't have a dynamic, well-rounded game to portend much success in the UFC and his wrestling isn't superlative enough to cover his weaknesses.
Luke Barnatt (5-0), Notable Wins: None. Notable Losses: He's you know, undefeated.
Strengths: Tall and long at 6'6" and he knows how to use it, pumping a strong jab, launching kicks and knees and utilizing trips from the clinch. Knows to keep his distance and shows some semblances of footwork. Has used his big frame and long legs to good effect when grappling maintaining a strong base and good posture.
Weaknesses: The Brit fights out of a strong team, the Tsunami Gym (John Maguire, Robbie Olivier, Jack Mason), but the stereotype about British fighters prevails, his defensive wrestling was not tested in the slightest on the UK scene although his long levers, footwork and strength give him some potential there. When pressed standing his footwork and defense are an issue, holding his chin straight up and moving straight back. Doesn't appear to be terribly explosive or athletic, often fights at a slow pace.
Outlook: As a prospect Barnatt has a ton of tools with his reach and understanding of how to use it. If he can keep on his feet and control distance he could be a really tough out.
'
ROUND ONE
Barnatt opens the fight pumping his jab, and keeping his distance firing inside leg kicks as well. Smith throws one overland left and ducks in for the takedown, Barnatt stopped moving and Smith is able to press him to the cage. Smith switches to a single leg and runs the pike, turning the corner and putting Barnatt down into full guard. Barnatt pops right back up and trips Smith down, who also pops right back up.
From the clinch Barnatt lands some heavy knees to the body forcing Smith to again drop for a takedown, again both fighters trade takedowns where the other immediately gets back up, with Barnatt also utilizing a very nice switch. At distance Barnatt lands some straight punches and Smith dives in again getting stuffed easily and pushed to his back.
Smith scrambles back up again and Barnatt attempts a push kick to the face and a flying knee, before stuffing another Smith takedown as the round ends.
Not a whole lot of damage for Barnatt but still his round 10-9, Smith threw and landed very little completely and unsuccessfully focused on taking Barnatt down.
ROUND TWO
Even when caught leaping in with a left hook Barnatt is able to fend off Smith's takedown, landing a few elbows to the side of Smith's head to boot. Smith is dogged on the single leg attempt and avoids a Barnatt switch attempt, as well as Barnatt's attempt to secure a back crucifix and roll through to back control. Even when Smith secures this brief advantage on top Barnatt gets to his knees and back up to his feet right away.
Barnatt trips Smith down straight to mount, but Smith in turn is able to shrimp to half-guard and easily get back to his feet. Once standing Smith starts unloading with haymakers, a few of which glance home on the possibly tired and stationary Barnatt.
Following a failed trip attempt from Barnatt the two fighters reset. Barnatt steps back then perfectly times A FLYING KNEE TO THE SIDE OF SMITH'S HEAD! Right as Smith was dropping down for a takedown! That's all she wrote as Smith is out.
WINNER: LUKE BARNATT BY KO (FLYING KNEE) AT 3:12 OF ROUND TWO
Great finish and fantastic display of defensive wrestling by Luke Barnatt showing an excellent base and counters. His top control and scramble game was real sloppy allowing Smith to easily get up, but his trips from the clinch were effective. His stand-up game wasn't especially active but his straight jab, right hand, knees from the clinch and leg kicks have real potential.
Jones blames Smith's mental state and cardio for his loss and Josh Samman says "I told ya so." Bubba McDaniel attempts to keep control by challenging Kevin Casey for next week's fight, a ploy I don't see Sonnen falling for.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT: Sonnen picks my season favorite, the man with devastating kickboxing Uriah Hall to face the relatively untested undefeatd prospect with a high workrate Adam Cella.
Cella's high workrate and active offense has involved constantly firing punches, this is exciting but has left his defense wide open which could easily result in him getting highlight reeled by Hall.
Considering the teaser involves Dana talking about the fight finishing with the nastiest KO in TUF history and them showing the ambulance showing up I'm not feeling too optimistic for Mr. Cella.
brentwilson5@gmail.com
-------------------------------------------
The production quality of this season seems to be way up, including the recaps of last week's episode where we are reminded that with the first matchmaking opportunity Jon Jones pitted his team's Gilbert Smith against the number one overall pick Luke Barnatt from Team Chael Sonnen.
The fighters arrive at the house and we hear from Bubba McDaniel and Josh Samman from Team Jones who both question the merits of Smith facing off with Sonnen's top pick so early in the show. Team Jones' coaches include Frank Mir, NCAA Division I Wrestling champion and undefetead MMA prospect Bubba Jenkins, long, long time Muay Thai coach Stonehorse Goeman, and Vegas based MMA fighter John Wood.
In early practices McDaniel and Samman continue to second guess the Smith pick expressing concern over Smith's cardio. Wood and Jenkins second these concerns in a coaches meeting. Smith feels the negativity and complains about a lack of motivation from his coaches and teammates in the van after practice, "that shit is pissing me off."
The Gilbert Smith show continues as he breaks down in the backyard with a signed Colorado state flag from his friends and family. Teammate Adam Cella takes this as Smith potentially being mentally weak and homesick already.
Team Sonnen includes former TUF finalist Vinny Magalhaes who worked with Sonnen on his grappling to much fanfare before the Anderson Silva rematch, former TUFer and Dolce diet maven Mike Dolce, Team Quest boxing coach Clayton Hines, Team Quest Tualatin head trainer Scott McQuary, and Team Quest striking coach Jamie Huey.
Team Jones confronts Smith in the locker room about his attitude and cardio issues with McDaniel and Samman telling him that he's not ready to fight. The coaches listen through the door until Jon Jones eventually steps in telling Smith to not care what anyone else says, that he's here for himself, and to have fun and to get it done.
In training Jones feels that Luke Barnatt leaves his chin high up in the air and wants Smith to exploit that with overhand lefts, then closing the range to use Smith's power to get takedowns.
Sonnen singles Uriah Hall out as someone he wants to ensure makes it to the next round on his team, seeing the potential Hall has to win the show. Hall tells Sonnen that he wants to focus on taking out one of Team Jones' best fighters early, picking out McDaniel, Cella, and Samman.
For this week Sonnen wants Barnatt to utilize his great reach advantage and keep Smith on the outside and stuck on the feet. Sonnen says he doubts Smith can take Barnatt down the multiple times he needs to to win the fight. Barnatt talks about standing with Smith for a few minutes, then flipping the script and taking Smith down.
OPENING ROUND FIGHT #1 GILBERT SMITH vs. LUKE BARNATT
Gilbert Smith (5-1), Notable Wins: None, Notable Losses: None.
Strengths: Strong as hell, a stocky powerhouse. Uses his strength to get slams and maintain top position, a solid wrestler. The southpaw has shown a little power standing. Has improving passing skills and can power some submission victories with his squeeze.
Weakness: Not much of a game plan other than getting in on your legs and trying to take you down. Very raw and rudimentary standing, throwing big blows to close the distance. Not the most exciting, often guilty of burying his head into his opponents chest in their full guard. Could be called a lay and prayer. Struggles when he can't control the fight from the top. His rocked-up build and musculature comes at the expense of his reach, very short for 185 at 5'9".
Outlook: Guys can ride being a superior wrestler pretty far through TUF, just look at Colton Smith. This Smith doesn't have a dynamic, well-rounded game to portend much success in the UFC and his wrestling isn't superlative enough to cover his weaknesses.
Luke Barnatt (5-0), Notable Wins: None. Notable Losses: He's you know, undefeated.
Strengths: Tall and long at 6'6" and he knows how to use it, pumping a strong jab, launching kicks and knees and utilizing trips from the clinch. Knows to keep his distance and shows some semblances of footwork. Has used his big frame and long legs to good effect when grappling maintaining a strong base and good posture.
Weaknesses: The Brit fights out of a strong team, the Tsunami Gym (John Maguire, Robbie Olivier, Jack Mason), but the stereotype about British fighters prevails, his defensive wrestling was not tested in the slightest on the UK scene although his long levers, footwork and strength give him some potential there. When pressed standing his footwork and defense are an issue, holding his chin straight up and moving straight back. Doesn't appear to be terribly explosive or athletic, often fights at a slow pace.
Outlook: As a prospect Barnatt has a ton of tools with his reach and understanding of how to use it. If he can keep on his feet and control distance he could be a really tough out.
'
ROUND ONE
Barnatt opens the fight pumping his jab, and keeping his distance firing inside leg kicks as well. Smith throws one overland left and ducks in for the takedown, Barnatt stopped moving and Smith is able to press him to the cage. Smith switches to a single leg and runs the pike, turning the corner and putting Barnatt down into full guard. Barnatt pops right back up and trips Smith down, who also pops right back up.
From the clinch Barnatt lands some heavy knees to the body forcing Smith to again drop for a takedown, again both fighters trade takedowns where the other immediately gets back up, with Barnatt also utilizing a very nice switch. At distance Barnatt lands some straight punches and Smith dives in again getting stuffed easily and pushed to his back.
Smith scrambles back up again and Barnatt attempts a push kick to the face and a flying knee, before stuffing another Smith takedown as the round ends.
Not a whole lot of damage for Barnatt but still his round 10-9, Smith threw and landed very little completely and unsuccessfully focused on taking Barnatt down.
ROUND TWO
Even when caught leaping in with a left hook Barnatt is able to fend off Smith's takedown, landing a few elbows to the side of Smith's head to boot. Smith is dogged on the single leg attempt and avoids a Barnatt switch attempt, as well as Barnatt's attempt to secure a back crucifix and roll through to back control. Even when Smith secures this brief advantage on top Barnatt gets to his knees and back up to his feet right away.
Barnatt trips Smith down straight to mount, but Smith in turn is able to shrimp to half-guard and easily get back to his feet. Once standing Smith starts unloading with haymakers, a few of which glance home on the possibly tired and stationary Barnatt.
Following a failed trip attempt from Barnatt the two fighters reset. Barnatt steps back then perfectly times A FLYING KNEE TO THE SIDE OF SMITH'S HEAD! Right as Smith was dropping down for a takedown! That's all she wrote as Smith is out.
WINNER: LUKE BARNATT BY KO (FLYING KNEE) AT 3:12 OF ROUND TWO
Great finish and fantastic display of defensive wrestling by Luke Barnatt showing an excellent base and counters. His top control and scramble game was real sloppy allowing Smith to easily get up, but his trips from the clinch were effective. His stand-up game wasn't especially active but his straight jab, right hand, knees from the clinch and leg kicks have real potential.
Jones blames Smith's mental state and cardio for his loss and Josh Samman says "I told ya so." Bubba McDaniel attempts to keep control by challenging Kevin Casey for next week's fight, a ploy I don't see Sonnen falling for.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT: Sonnen picks my season favorite, the man with devastating kickboxing Uriah Hall to face the relatively untested undefeatd prospect with a high workrate Adam Cella.
Cella's high workrate and active offense has involved constantly firing punches, this is exciting but has left his defense wide open which could easily result in him getting highlight reeled by Hall.
Considering the teaser involves Dana talking about the fight finishing with the nastiest KO in TUF history and them showing the ambulance showing up I'm not feeling too optimistic for Mr. Cella.
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento