Monday, 20 May 2013 07:23

Japan is in dismay still from the earth-shattering (literally) 9.0 Earthquake that happened just a week and a half ago off the Northeastern coast of Japan, triggering aftershocks that would send most of us reeling, tsunamis that we got to watch wash away entire towns and cities live across the world and finally the uncertainty that comes from fires in nuclear reactors. It has already been rated about as much of a toxic disaster as 1979's Three Mile Island incident in Pennsylvania that scared Americans to death about the future of nuclear energy. So, donate if you can, to any charitable organization you feel fit.

Secondly, if you are like me, you had a few heroes in the MMA and fighting world in general. If you did, Genki Sudo was probably on the list somewhere. The guy was simply amazing on many levels; from his insane grappling ability, to the striking skills he picked up, to his incredible dance skills and intricate entrances, to his acting, to his people skills, world outlook and of course, now his music. This guy really has done everything.

Genki Sudo's message to the Japanese people and world remains as clear as ever; WE ARE ALL ONE. In his message, he talks about the darkness of these disasters eating up the light, but wants people to remain positive; "and I also believe that no matter how strong that darkness is, we can always use light to beat it back."

This same day, he released a mind-boggling, insane new music video that tops the last one for slow-motion dance moves over a real-time world. He also asks very serious questions, apparently; "Where's the world going, won't somebody tell me? Are these thoughts illusion? Are we all one? Can this world change, is this feeling an illusion?"

Monday, 20 May 2013 07:23

Time gets the better of all of us once in a while, and for me, there has been a lot of combat sports lately, enough so to where I kept putting off discussing this weekend's It's Showtime event. Now here I am early on Tuesday morning trying to sell you on watching the fights this weekend. The big fight coming up is a 61kg MAX It's Showtime World Championship bout between the champion, Sergio Wiezlen.

Wiezlen, for a fighter at a mere 61kg (135lbs) has a ton of power to go with his speed. If you need proof, watch this video from a fighter last year, where Wiezlen faced off against a former Lumpini and four time Rajadamnern Stadium Champion (this was of course 2003 - 2006ish) and annihilated him with a right head kick.

Not sold yet? OK, in December Sergio defended his newly won It's Showtime 61kg MAX crown against a game challenger in Masahiro Yamamoto. Yamamoto was able to match him with speed, but not in power. One of my favorite moments in this fight is the left knee in the first round that puts Yamamoto down. Wiezlen looks to use those knees like a mini Ubereem, granted he is just about half the size and uses his kicks a bit more liberally.

A nice, commanding performance and what we get to look forward to this weekend. Will Wiezlen make this his 19th professional knockout?

Monday, 20 May 2013 07:23

Trust me, I know what most kickboxing fans like, and know that there are a few names that excite everyone. Names like Badr Hari, Daniel Ghita and Gokhan Saki. Well, one of them was in action this weekend and it happened to include a return from a rather major hand injury. Gokhan Saki made his return to action at the GLORY World Series Second Round where he dismantled Wendell Roche for three rounds.

Our friends at MixFight.nl were there to document the action and there is a great thread up there with photos from th event, so while we can't find full results for the event, we do have dozens of close ups of Bas Rutten in a suit. [source]

Monday, 20 May 2013 07:23

By Daniel Fletcher

Harrison, Gordon & Howson @ Future of Muay Thai 1

The main event had more sizzle than a boiling saucepan, and it duly spilled over in the third round. Kyle Fella of Bad Company (Leeds) was known as a talented youngster with a dash of impetuous recklessness, and this was clearly demonstrated in a Badr Hari/Hesdy Gerges style end to his tilt at the ISKA British title.

Fella looked the sharper of the two in the opening round. He caught a body kick early, and responded with a counter right over the top and a teep that forced opponent Loz Reilly back to a neutral corner. He almost dropped him with a sweeping low kick soon after, and dumped Reilly on his back several times throughout the opening round. A spinning elbow and flurry of punches in the corner only sealed a strong 10/9.

In the second, Reilly’s timing was much better, and he blocked more leg kicks and found the mark with straight punches down the pipe. He looked more composed, and for his part, Fella’s strikes did not carry the same snap and venom as in the first round.

The third was calamity. A clinch near the ropes caused Reilly to become unbalanced, and he fell back into the centre of the ring. As he pulled up and sat on his haunches, trying to rise quickly to his feet, Fella rushed forwards and threw a kick. Like the phantom punch of Ali in the Liston rematch; did it land? Did it graze? Or was there an element of “Bonjasky-ism” in the reaction to the kick? Either way, it was an illegal blow, and it handed the ISKA British Super-Featherweight title to the prone Loz Reilly.

Ah well. Hesdy Gerges defended his It’s Showtime World Heavyweight title against the top ranked Daniel Ghita after winning it in the same manner. There is no reason Reilly cant prove he is a worthy champion either with a solid defence.

Fella comes from Richard Smith’s highly respected camp, and with such team-mates as Howson, Harrison, Jordan Watson, Lisa Smith, Richard Cadden and James France, he will surely show some bouncebackability and recover from this slight career setback.

More after the break.

Monday, 20 May 2013 07:23

Last week's question: Is Giorgio Petrosyan the #1 fighter in the world in any combat sport?  The results surprised me a bit...

39% - No way

35% - Yes!

26% - Close, but not quite there

I didn't expect No way to be the winner here, though it was close.  I am curious who people think is so clearly ahead of him.  GSP? Silva? Pacquiao? Mayweather?

This week: I've started a new series here at LiverKick.com discussing my journey through Muay Thai training and encouraging others to share their experiences as well.  So, I am curious - do you train in any martial arts, whether it's Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA, Jiu Jitsu, or anthing else?

Vote now!