Quite simply—how can you not respect a pure boxing champion?

On the Eve of UFC 118, I sincerely believe that James Toney is being more than a little over-looked at the moment by the majority of MMA fans (is it denial?) and I am seriously worried for their collective mental health should Randy “the Natural” Couture actually lose.

[Mixture of boos and laughter]

Oh don’t worry…it’s a very real possibility.

What?!

You don’t believe me?

I guess you must have also predicted that BJ Penn was going to lose his last fight against Frankie Edgar? Or that Chael Sonnen would have dominated Anderson Silva for five straight rounds before losing by way of submission? (He tapped!!!) Or that Brock Lesnar would have submitted Shane Carwin after taking some of the hardest punches in UFC history?

Well…good for you. You clearly know your stuff.

You win a pretzel.

And I hope for your sake (and for the sake of the entire MMA nation) that you are absolutely correct about Couture man-handling Toney.

Because if you are wrong—if we are all wrong—you will almost certainly be able to hear a pin drop inside of the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, when James Toney raises both of his arms in victory.

Why the uncomfortable silence?

It’s called “shock,” and it’s probably a good idea to at least consider how you might want to deal with it, if such an emergency were to arise.

But please…no excuses. Tie Domi (Toronto Maple Leafs) said it best about Daniel Alfredson (Ottawa Senators)—“excuses are for losers.”

I can just hear the “explanations” now…

Couture was too old.

Couture should have retired years ago.

Couture had a mysterious, last-minute staph infection.

Couture was abducted by aliens and replaced by the spirit of Kimbo Slice.

Well…you get the point—don’t be a “Daniel Alfredson.”

Until now, many of you have been feeling quite confident in your thoughts of Couture defeating Toney and representing our entire MMA Nation to the world.

It’s a lock, right?

A huge victory for mixed martial artists everywhere!

Ironically, the MMA Community has a massive insecurity when it comes to boxing. We are like the prodigal son who has come back to destroy the overbearing father.

How very Shakespearean.

Realistically, if Toney only has a puncher’s chance in this fight, then I would have to give him the best puncher’s chance of them all.

Couture had better be careful in the clinch or he may find himself fast asleep after eating a very unsuspecting left upper-cut.

Feeling a bit more realistic about things?

Don’t panic!

“Many depression hotlines are available for you to call right now. Don’t be alone with your thoughts and feelings any longer—there is help for you.”

Go Leafs!
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These are my opinions. If you don’t like them…I have others. Check them out at www.mrjamesryan.com

Carried Out Fight Gear was founded in 2009 by a group of Ex-fighters who realized that the true essence of a warrior was being lost by some people giving up. The Carried Out mindset of “One Way Out—Carried Out” signifies that a fighter will never surrender, and will fight to the very end. Leaving everything he/she has in the ring, on the mat, or in the cage.

UFC 118: MMA Fans Would Not Be Wise to Underestimate James Toney is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan

J. Michael Bennett, was the supervising pharmacist at Applied Pharmacy Services and was the first to be sentenced from a group of five men who have been found guilty after a five-week trial earlier this year.

Prosecutors referred to Bennett, 44, and the others in a sentencing memorandum as “drug dealers in lab coats.”

They argued that Bennett played a key role in an enterprise involving unethical doctors and health clinics across the country who used the pharmacy to supply people with steroids.

According to court records, Applied Pharmacy Services shipped 762,388 dosages to 17 doctors and clinics from April 4, 2004, until Aug. 30, 2006.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Mobile, Alabama, claimed that did not include many other doctors and clinics that they say participated in the conspiracy as well.

The performance-enhancing drugs (PED’s) were purchased by users ranging from professional athletes to teenagers who were simply looking to build additional muscle mass.

Prosecutors cited 22 professional athletes who obtained steroids from Applied Pharmacy Services during the time that Bennett worked there.

In court today, Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Dobbins, named several athletes whose orders included Bennett’s signature or initials.

Shane Carwin, an Ultimate Fighting heavyweight was among them.

We should all be concerned about the use of anabolic steroids in athletic competition and the message that it is sending to our young children.

Personally, I hope that all of the pharmacists and doctors involved get what’s coming to them.

Please read the following:

Anabolic Steroids: A Quick Lesson in Morality and Ethics

Anabolic Steroids: An Olympic-sized Impression

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www.mrjamesryan.com

UFC Fighter Shane Carwin Linked to Convicted Pharmacist and Steroids is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan

The Dalton McGuinty government will officially sanction and regulate the wildly popular MMA, allowing matches to be fought anywhere within the Province’s boundaries.

Despite previous claims by McGuinty that permitting MMA was a “non-priority” for the Province, it would seem that Ottawa has had a major change of heart.

Tom Wright, director of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Canadian Operations, said that the organization made a significant commitment to Canada by opening a Toronto office earlier this summer, and is prepared to hold at least three or four global pay-per-view events in various major cities in the country, every year—starting with Toronto.

“We feel confident that properly managed, that we would probably take our first event to the [Toronto] Rogers Centre, understanding that no decisions have been made and really it’s premature until such a time as our sport is actually sanctioned.”

“Hamilton and even Ottawa could handle a large pay-per-view event as well.”

This is a decision that is long overdue for many fans and local business owners, who have been waiting patiently for this decision to come.

For those in opposition, they need to simply understand and appreciate that MMA is not about brutal violence as some critics have depicted it to be.

Mixed martial arts is about discipline, skill, agility, and most importantly, mental strength.

These factors make this sport more than just mindless fighting and brawling. It is about training, physical education, and perseverance, all of which are advantageous qualities for the youth of today.

To read more on the benefits of legalization of MMA, click here.
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www.mrjamesryan.com

MMA to be Legalized in Ontario is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan

Think about that for a second.

The man is 47-years-old and even though he gets very little credit from many of the fans for being able to compete with the top level talent in either the Light Heavyweight or the Heavyweight divisions, the reality is that Randy Couture could easily clean out about 90% of the fighters in the largest and most prestigious fighting organization in the world.

Maybe I’m wrong here, but Randy Couture absolutely impresses me.

In part, I guess it’s because he gives us old guys hope, but mainly it’s because of his tremendous heart and competitive spirit. It’s hard not to respect Randy Couture and what he has done for the sport of MMA.

In a recent interview with MMAFighting.com, Randy Couture offered up some of his own observations and critiques of UFC Middleweight champion, Anderson “the Spider” Silva.

In case you missed it, Silva narrowly escaped with a fifth-round victory against Chael Sonnen at UFC 117, exposing many weaknesses in his fighting style—something that many were starting to believe did not exist.

“I think Anderson needs to look at the spirit in which he’s competing,” Couture said.

“It appears to me that he’s been doing his best not to lose. Instead of doing what he did early on and competing to win, and taking guys out, he’s doing enough now to get by, be successful and keep winning.

“Eventually that kind of fighting attitude will catch up with you. You have to kind of go out, risk it and lay it all on the line. That’s the way it is. I think Anderson has strayed away from that a little bit, but I don’t think he’s getting old at all. I think he’s still a tremendous athlete with amazing ability. You know, there were some pretty interesting things he still demonstrated in the fight against Sonnen even though most of the fight, he spent on his back and got dominated.

“I’ve said all along, the guy that’s going to give Anderson Silva fits is the guy with that tenacious wrestling style. Danny Henderson had that ability, stole a round from Anderson when they fought, and kind of strayed away from that game plan and got to slinging gloves with Anderson, which I think is always a bad idea.

“I’ve said a number of times when asked if I’d like to fight Anderson that that would be a great fight. I think that I’d do well against him. He’s a very graceful, amazing athlete, and one of the best guys in our sport. Those are definitely the kind of guys you want to fight.”

Well, this is one MMA Sportswriter that would love nothing more than to watch the Natural battle the Spider.

But the big question is—at 47-years-old, can Couture actually win?

Let’s hope we get to find out.

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www.mrjamesryan.com

After UFC 118, Randy Couture Wants to Fight Anderson Silva: Can He Win? is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan

Micklewright is currently scheduled to take on Bart Palaszewski at WEC 50 on August 18th, in a bout that was originally scheduled for the preliminaries, but recently got moved up to the televised main card.

This is my interview.

Please enjoy.

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James Ryan: Hi Zack.

Zack Micklewright: Hey there, James.

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James Ryan: Thanks for agreeing to this interview. Are you ready?

Zack Micklewright: No problem, and yes.

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James Ryan: Cool, here we go.

How did you get involved with mixed martial arts?

Zack Micklewright: I was always interested in MMA when I was growing up. I watched it all the time in high school and stuff.

They started a weekly show here in Davenport, Iowa, at a local gentlemen’s club and one day I went with some friends to check it out. Well, after some discussion between my friends and I ended up signing up and fighting their ‘featured fighter,’ even though I had zero training whatsoever in MMA.

I ended up doing pretty decent, but lost a close decision. After that I was hooked.

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James Ryan: A gentlemen’s club, eh? [Laughs] Sounds like a pretty interesting way to get started.

So, when you say that you grew up ‘interested in MMA,’ did you ever compete in any combative sports as a kid, such as karate, boxing, wrestling, etc.? Or does your toughness and fighting spirit simply come from having older brothers? [Laughs]

Zack Micklewright: No, I didn’t really compete in any fighting sports. I always tried to convince my parents to let me do karate, but we didn’t exactly have the money back then.

I wrestled in seventh and eighth grade, but halfway through the eighth grade season, everyone caught ringworm and that made me lose interest really quick. [Laughs]

And yes, my older brother did beat on me a lot [Laughs] and ya, it did make me a lot tougher. He hates admitting that I can kick his butt now though! [Laughs]

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James Ryan: [Laughs] Nice. I was checking out your Facebook and obviously noticed that you were in the Marines at one time.

How has your experience in the military helped to prepare you for life as a fighter—or just life in general?

Zack Micklewright: I think that the military helped me a lot in life.

It helped me grow up and taught me that I had to take life very seriously. I think it was the right step after high school for me. Some people like to go to College, but I never liked books or school. Plus, I’ve had some of the best experiences being in the military.

I made some of the best friends that I’ve had because of it. I got to travel the world and be a part of the war in Iraq.

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James Ryan: Well, that’s certainly one way to learn responsibility—definitely not the easiest way.

What was your reaction when you found out that your upcoming fight at WEC 50 against Bart Palaszewski had been promoted to the televised main card?

Do you think that there will be any added pressure on you to perform, or have you been ready and waiting for this moment?

Zack Micklewright: I thought it was awesome! But no—no added pressure.

The cameras were going to be in my face regardless, so it being on TV basically just means that all my friends can watch without having to buy a ticket to go to Vegas.

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James Ryan: Fair enough. [Laughs] What do you know about your opponent and how do you think that you will match up against him?

Zack Micklewright: I think that we match up well together. He likes to stand and bang and so do I.

He comes in with a lot of experience and he also has good jiu jitsu. I think we’re just going to meet in the middle though and trade until one of us falls. But I’m ready no matter where the fight goes. It’s going to be an absolute war and I’m going to come out the victor.

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James Ryan: You were originally scheduled to fight Alex Karalexis at WEC 48, but you had to withdraw due to a broken ankle. How did that happen and how is it feeling now?

Zack Micklewright: [Laughs] Funny story actually.

I was hanging out with some of my friends and my cousin who had just gotten back from ship in the Navy. We had a couple of drinks and were going to meet some other friends at another bar. I was running to the car and I stopped and did a little dance—just messin’ around and acting like a fool, and I slipped on some ice and busted my ass! [Laughs]

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James Ryan: [Laughs] Wow!

Zack Micklewright: As soon as I fell I knew something bad had happened.

So I had my friend help me up and we went straight to the hospital. I ended up with a small break in my fibula, so they posted me up in a cast for six weeks. I had to really to baby my ankle for another couple weeks after that, but now it feels like nothing ever happened. I’m completely 100-percent and ready to rock on August 18th!

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James Ryan: Awesome! Just curious, what was your favourite sport to play as a kid?

Zack Micklewright: I really liked baseball when I was between eight and 12. Then I turned into a skateboarder kid. I liked baseball because all of my friends did it, and I was actually pretty decent at it.

Skateboarding though, I picked up from my older brother and it was just fun as hell. I tried buying a skateboard
a while back but I just can’t shred like I used to! [Laughs]

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James Ryan: [Laughs] I also used to skateboard when I was younger and it really is an under-rated sport as far as athleticism is concerned. Anyone who has ever tried it knows how difficult it is. It’s definitely not easy.

Okay, this final question is a true test of your character to see how honest of a person you really are. Ready?

Zack Micklewright: Ready.

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James Ryan: What’s the biggest fish that you have ever caught? I may need to speak with witnesses by the way. [Laughs]

Zack Micklewright: [Laughs] Well, I’m not sure how much they weighed…but I’ve caught some big ‘ole
suckers! I have some pictures on my Facebook that you can check out.

I’d say I’m a pretty fantastic angler! [Laughs]

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James Ryan: Sure, sure. [Laughs] Any special thanks or mentions?

Zack Micklewright: Absolutely! I would like to thank Mickey, my manger from KO Dynasty.

Also, my sponsors—BodybagMMA, Heavy Hands Knockout Wear, Eriksen Chevrolet in Milan, Illinois, and Bodywise International.

Also would like to thank all of my friends and family for supporting me, and all of my teammates that helped me train for this fight.

And thank you, James.

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James Ryan: The pleasure was all mine, Zack. Best of luck on August 18th.

Zack Micklewright: Thanks.

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This is my interview. If you don’t like it…I have others. Please check them out at www.mrjamesryan.com

Undefeated Zack Micklewright Ready for a War at WEC 50 is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan

I used to be a big Dana White fan.

No one can argue against the fact that he has done a lot to help the sport of mixed martial arts. He has brought MMA into the world spotlight, and not just in the US where he obviously did a lot to get it sanctioned, when many State Athletic Commissions wanted nothing to do with MMA.

But I don’t know what it is lately…perhaps a shift in his focus or something that maybe we didn’t notice until it started picking up momentum…

As any good businessman and CEO would do, Dana is now trying to make sure that his promotion—and his promotion only—is the only profitable major organization in the MMA game.

It isn’t the Real Fighting Championships or the million other smaller fight promotions that are out there that he seems to care about, because let’s face it, the fighters have to fight somewhere before they can make it to the UFC level. But it’s the Affliction’s, the Elite XC’s, and the Strikeforce’s that he wants to put a hurt on. Why?

Dana can say that those organizations are inferior products all that he wants, but they are still taking money that could be his. Otherwise, why would he even bother suing companies for using their “intellectual property” in their contracts?

Why would he be pressuring and extorting TapouT clothing out of a deal with Fedor Emelianenko by threatening their relationship with the UFC?

My question… is this the new face of MMA, or better yet—what’s the new motivation behind it?

Regards,
Chris

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Dear Chris,

Thank you for your great questions, although you certainly didn’t make it easy on me.

Motivation is heavily based on goal-orientated behaviour and can be rooted in the basic need to minimize pain and maximize pleasure.

In the case of the UFC, their motivation has always been pretty simple: to make as much money as possible.

With money comes power, with power comes control, and with control comes freedom. The freedom to do and say whatever they want without any potential risk or damage to their business model.

If a fan doesn’t like what the UFC is doing, then Dana White would be all to happy to tell them to F$&*% off! He knows that in this unusual stage of rapid growth, he will gain 10 new fans for every one fan that he loses.

“Guess what john if you don’t like the card DON’T WATCH IT U CRYBABY BITCH!!!”—actual Tweet by Dana White to a “loyal” fan who had concerns about spending his hard-earned money on a pay-per-view.

Dana White’s business philosophy is what is referred to as the “Revolving Door of Business,” where after a business takes a customers money, they kick them in the ass on the way out the door because invariably they know that a brand new customer will immediately be on his way in at the exact same time.

Obviously this concept can not be sustained eternally from a business standpoint, but what does Dana White care?

By the time interest fades or the fans get totally fed-up with being mistreated and taken for granted, the UFC will have become a multi-billion dollar company.

Goal achieved.

Dana White will be the first to tell you that we live in a capitalist society where the entire point of doing business is to be as successful as possible, while destroying the immediate competition in the process.

As you stated Chris, Dana White isn’t overly concerned about the smaller organizations because they really don’t cut into his profit margins. Plus, they provide an amateur farming system for up and coming fighters—at no additional cost to the UFC.

How convenient.

Unless the fans are collectively willing to stand up against Dana White and the UFC by boycotting their pay-per-views (sadly, this would affect the hundreds of smaller MMA businesses more than it would the UFC), nothing will naturally get any better on its own.

Obviously this will never happen (don’t worry, Dana knows this as well) and as such, Dana White will continue his tyrannical rule as he works his way towards world domination (am I the only one picturing Dana White sitting in a high-back swivel chair—stroking a fluffy, white cat?)

Just try to remember Dana White’s advice (but please don’t take it personal)—if you don’t like it—F$&@% Off!

Thanks Chris.

JR

This is my Q&A. If you don’t like it…ask me something else. Send an email to james@mrjamesryan.com
Ask me anything…I dare you!

MMA Q&A with Mr. James Ryan: Understanding Dana White’s Motivation is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan

What can I say?

It was an awesome event—particularly the fight between UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson “the Spider” Silva, and Chael Sonnen.

Just incredible.

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Despite eventually getting submitted in the fifth and final round, Sonnen absolutely dominated the man that is commonly referred to as the best pound-for-pound champion in the entire world. And he did it for four straight rounds.

Never before in the history of the UFC Octagon, had Silva ever been beaten up and controlled so badly. My hat is sincerely off to Chael Sonnen for putting fourth such an amazing effort against a very notable martial artist.

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Sonnen: The Positives

In round one, Chael Sonnen surprised many fight fans by immediately “rocking” the Champion and then by doing an excellent job of establishing the upper hand. I liked how Sonnen gained the advantage with his striking and then controlled the remainder of the fight with a fast-paced combination of pedigree wrestling and effective ground-and-pound striking.

Sonnen stayed very busy throughout the fight by applying constant pressure on Silva and if not for the slight fatigue suffered in the fifth and final round, we would all likely be looking at a brand new champion right now.

At the very least, Sonnen proved (to me) that he is an excellent fighter.

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Sonnen: The Negatives

Give a tonne of credit to Silva for staying conscious after getting hit by so many flushed punches to the jaw that should have probably knocked him out cold—except that they didn’t.

I’m not challenging Sonnen’s power, but it would seem that his striking skills could still use a little more work. I only say that because after dominating any man the way that he did (particularly when you consider that Silva had a rib injury in addition to his problems) it is less than impressive that Sonnen failed to put Silva away.

Sonnen had the perfect chance but he simply could not capitalize. He has no one to blame but himself.

Off topic for a second—did you see that amazing submission by Matt Hughes? And even more amazing was that Ricardo Almeida absolutely refused to tap out. He would have sooner gone to sleep, than quit. There was just too much at stake to even consider giving up.

Back on topic—Sonnen tapped.

If you are that close to pulling off one of the greatest upsets in combat history, not to mention one of the greatest performances of your career, then do not let your mind quit before your body has the chance.

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Silva: The Positives

I always knew that Anderson Silva was a great fighter. His lighting quick reflexes and agility have always appeared to be abnormally superior to anyone else who has ever stepped into the Octagon against him.

Even much bigger fighters such as Forrest Griffin and James Irvin, were made to look ridiculous at the hands of Silva.

One thing that did surprise me however (thanks mainly to Silva’s usual offensive dominance) was that Silva also happens to be a very tough individual.

Silva absorbed everything that Sonnen threw at him and yet he still managed to have some spring in his step at the start of every round.

His “never say die” attitude and obvious belief in his abilities, proved that Silva absolutely possesses the true heart of a warrior—the right “mindset” indeed.

The heart of a Champion.

No offence to Sonnen, but Silva definitely out-classed him on this particular evening.

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Silva: The Negatives

The negatives for Silva seem pretty obvious. He needs to train with the best wrestlers in the world if he plans on competing against the best wrestlers in the world.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the “blueprint” has been laid down on how to beat Silva, but you can bet that more and more world-class wrestlers are going to be stepping up to the plate for an opportunity to dethrone the King.

Silva is a true martial artist having studied a lifetime of judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, tae kwon do, boxing, and capoeira.

After that fight against Sonnen, I see no reason why Silva would be opposed to learning a little American wrestling to add to his already impressive repertoire.

This was a great fight by both men, but let’s hope that this victory by Silva silences Sonnen’s unsportsmanlike behaviour—at least, for a little while.

Now bring on Vitor Belfort.

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These are my opinions. If you don’t like them…I have others. Please check them out at www.mrjamesryan.com

ONE WAY OUT…CARRIED OUT!

Anderson Silva Defeats Chael Sonnen at UFC 117: Better Late than Never is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan

Unfortunately, things didn’t go exactly as planned.

I guess that’s what can happen when a promotion schedules an outdoor event on a dark, cloudy day.

Bradley now has an impressive professional MMA fighting record of 12-2-1, and has competed for national organizations such as Strikeforce, Ultimate Cage Fighting Challenge, and Ring of Combat. Bradley also happens to be a former NCAA Division I stand-out and a former cast member of The Ultimate Fighter—Season 7.

This is my second interview.

Enjoy.

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James Ryan: Hello again, Paul. How are you?

Paul Bradley: Very good, James. How about yourself?

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James Ryan: Great, but I’ll be even better once Anderson Silva kicks the living crap out of Chael Sonnen this weekend.

Paul Bradley: [Laughs]

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James Ryan: So Paul, what happened at your last fight against “Smile’N” Sam Alvey?

Paul Bradley: Well if you recall, that fight was kinda put together at the last minute, but I seriously had no idea that it was going to be outside until I got up there. Needless to say, I was quite surprised.

I probably should have known because ‘King of the Cage’ hosts a lot of their events outdoors—usually in deserts or in California—places where you would rarely ever have to worry about rain.

It definitely sucked that it only rained during our fight though, but it is what it is.

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James Ryan: So, they managed to make it all the way through the entire evening without any rain—right up until your fight?

What was the reaction by the fans in attendance? Were they angry? What was it like?

Paul Bradley: Honestly, the fans were pretty cool about it and we were given the choice on whether or not we wanted to fight. My manager and the promoter both came up to me and I told them that I was absolutely fighting—no ‘ifs, ands or buts’ about it.

Alvey’s camp was really hesitant to do it at first, but I had sponsors out there that I didn’t want to let down. Plus, I’m a fighter. I went there to fight. I didn’t train for two months, getting up at 6:30 every morning, five days a week, just to have something like that happen.

So we went out there but the agreement was that we would fight one round first to see how it would go. But either way, even if it went all three rounds with someone declared the obvious winner, it was still only going to be ruled a ‘no contest.’

At that point, it made absolutely no sense to continue after the first round.

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James Ryan: So the entire first round was in the pouring rain?

Paul Bradley: Oh ya, it was slippery as all hell. I actually shot a double leg and almost fell flat on my face. I still got in though and took the kid down. I completely dominated him that round but we decided that it just wasn’t worth it—way too slippery.

We were both promised to get the show money and we ended up splitting the win bonus.

But now, I’ve got this stupid ‘one’ at the end of my record.

The whole thing was very irritating. I went there to win. I don’t do this for exhibition. I do this for the ‘W’s.’

If ‘King of the Cage’ ever wanted me to come back, I highly doubt that I would ever agree to another fight outside based on this experience.

I love fighting but I’m not doing it for fun. I’m doing it to make a living and to be the best at it. I fight to win.

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James Ryan: Understandable. So, what’s next on the agenda?

Paul Bradley: Right after ‘King of the Cage,’ I asked my manager to start looking into my options for the end of August or early September. He got back to me almost right away with the offer to fight at Shark Fights in Amarillo, Texas against Johnny Rees on September 11th.

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James Ryan: That’s awesome!

Paul Bradley: Ya, I’m pretty excited about moving back down to170 pounds for the first time in about a year and a half. It feels good to get back down.

My old college Coach used to say, ‘a hungry bear fights better than a fat bear.’

The cutting weight thing kinda sucks, but it’s just one more step to help put me in the zone.

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James Ryan: [Laughs] I like that expression.

Looks like a great card too—Jardine vs Prangley, Soukoudjou vs Houston Alexander, Paul Daley will be there, Drew McFredries—the list of familiar names is very long indeed.

Paul Bradley: Ya, it should be a really good card. I’m excited about it.

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James Ryan: What do you know about the guy that you’re going up against? Are you familiar with him at all?

Paul Bradley: Oh, I’m very familiar with the guy actually. I first started my fighting career in Indiana and this kid is originally from Indianapolis.

We had fought on the same card together back then, so I know that he’s aggressive, athletic, and that overall—he’s pretty well-rounded. He’s not specifically great in any one area, but he’s pretty good in all of them.

He has good striking but mine is light years ahead from where I was in 2006.

I know a little bit about him but I plan on watching some tape as well to help in figuring him out.

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James Ryan: Good idea. Is there anyone that you would like to mention or thank?

Paul Bradley: Obviously my family, friends, and of course, my fans. I would also like to thank my sponsors—Enraged Clothing, Clinch Gear, Tap or Sleep, Carnal DaMMAge, and of course, Carried Out Fight Gear.

And thanks James for helping me to get my name out there and show the fans that I’m a definitely a ‘people’s fighter.’

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James Ryan: My pleasure, Paul. And best of luck in your next fight. Try not to get rained on.

Paul Bradley: [Laughs] Will do.

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This is my interview, if you don’t like it…I have others. Check them out at http://mrjamesryan.com/category/interviews/

ONE WAY OUT…CARRIED OUT!

Paul Bradley Talks Fighting in the Rain (KOTC) and Shark Fights 13 is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan

“He cheated, he did drugs, and he gave himself cancer. Well, instead of saying ‘Hey listen, I cheated and gave myself cancer, don’t be like me,’ he actually made himself the victim and then went out and profited something like $15 million from this ‘Hey, poor me, let’s find a cure for cancer’ campaign instead of just coming clean and saying, ‘Look, here’s what I did, I screwed myself up, and I hope people learn from my mistakes.’”

Apparently, for Chael Sonnen, it’s just not enough to say ridiculous things about Anderson Silva (among others associated with the UFC) when trying to hype his upcoming fight at UFC 117.

Sonnen has apparently decided to branch out and voice his opinions on other professional athletes as well, and was apparently answering a question about the type of people who bother him for being as much of a fraud as he thinks that Silva is.

Armstrong, an American professional road racing cyclist who is best known for winning the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, has repeatedly denied that he ever used performance-enhancing drugs and has never tested positive for any type of PED, despite dozens, if not hundreds, of tests.

Obviously, Sonnen has no evidence for his theory that using PEDs caused Armstrong to contract cancer and as easy as it is to speculate based on the massive athletic achievements of Mr. Armstrong, suspicion alone does not give Sonnen the right to say such things in the media.

Lance Armstong isn’t new to this sort of controversy, but even he would have to be surprised at how these comments have come so far out of left field.

I’m not a lawyer, but I hope that Armstrong sues the pants off of Sonnen for some type of slander.

Not to mention, Sonnen’s statements are incredibly distasteful and offensive to every cancer survivor out there.

Move over Tito—there’s a new “King Douchebag” in town, and his name is Chael Sonnen.

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Please read the following article which may help to explain Sonnen’s odd behaviour:

UFC 117 Manipulates MMA Fans with Classic WWE ‘Hero-Villain’ Psychology

www.mrjamesryan.com

UFC 117: Chael Sonnen Accuses Lance Armstrong of Giving Himself Cancer is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan

No, it wasn’t the bar of soap lodged in a place that it didn’t belong. It was more of an unholy epiphany—a nightmare really.

“What if Chael Sonnen actually won this weekend?” I wondered.

“What kind of a UFC Champion would this guy make?”

Not that I’m a big Anderson Silva fan. Quite the opposite in fact—especially after his last mockery of a performance in Abu Dhabi at UFC 112. I would love nothing more than to see Silva lose—but to Chael Sonnen?

I don’t think so.

The thing is however, if you had asked me how I felt about Chael Sonnen becoming the new Middleweight champion two weeks ago, I would have been all for it.

But that’s where things take a twist.

When I was a young boy growing up in the 80’s, I was privileged enough to be able to travel a mere five minutes over the Peace Bridge border from Canada to Buffalo every few months in order to to catch the latest live performance of the WWF (no, not the World Wildlife Fund—the other one—the wrestling one).

Now known as the WWE, I grew up fascinated by all of the uniquely different characters: Andre the Giant, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, the Junkyard Dog (suddenly that chain around Rampage Jackson’s neck doesn’t seem so original, does it?), the Iron Shiek, Jesse “the Body” Ventura, Big John Studd, Sgt. Slaughter, “Playboy” Buddy Rhodes, Ivan “Polish Power” Putski, and of course, Hulk Hogan.

Wow, those were the days, and yes—I was a ‘Hulkamaniac.’ I said my prayers and I ate my vitamins and I was resolved to forever live a clean and athletic life—and I did (still do).

One time, I even touched Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff on the shoulder as he walked past me on his way down to the ring, yelling at the audience not to touch him. I was quite proud of myself for disobeying the dreaded “villain.”

Having been a long time wrestling fan (the product has now been completely ruined by the way, and I absolutely despise what it has become) I know a thing or two about how the characters gained and lost in their popularity. The WWF was quite good at making you either love a wrestler, or hate him. In the matter of one week, they could swing the emotions of the audience from one direction to the other.

The WWF knew exactly how to “make” the fans love or hate certain characters and the fans always ate up the make-believe drama like the good little sheep that they were (I was no exception).

How did they do it?

Simple.

If there was a “hero” that the WWF wanted to switch over to the “dark side,” they would make him turn against his best friend—usually out of spite or jealousy.

If there was a “heel” or “villain” that they wanted transformed, then they would simply inject him with an unsuspecting conscience, resulting in the rescue of some other popular “hero” (an alliance which ultimately never lasted).

Think Hulk Hogan and Randy “Macho Man” Savage.

So anyway, what does all of this have to do with UFC 117?

A lot actually.

After UFC 112, Anderson Silva could not have been less popular. This no doubt disappointed Dana White, not because he was upset with Silva’s fighting performance, but because he knew that the Champions future pay-per-view draw would suffer even worse than it had previously, which lead up to that specifically designed attempt to increase Silva’s global popularity.

The UFC needs its Champions to bring in the money and someone as unpopular as Anderson Silva just doesn’t pull his weight, regardless of how good of a fighter he is. After all, this is a business, not a martial arts competition.

[INSERT THE HERO EFFECT]

Chael Sonnen to the rescue!!!

Here we have a good “American” fighter with a strong wrestling background. He is funny, handsome, and best of all—he speaks English!

He also happens to be an aspiring politician and we all know how much Americans love their politicians, right?

Yes—that was a dig.

Clearly, Sonnen is the new “hero” in town, brought in specifically to defeat the “villain,” Silva.

Not quite.

[SWITCH OVER TO THE VILLAIN EFFECT]

The only real way to describe Sonnen’s behaviour (that “u” is for you Mike D because we all know how much you secretly wish that you were a Canadian) over these past few weeks is—disgraceful.

He is arrogant, cocky, disrespectful, borderline racist, and he possesses character traits entirely unbecoming of a true Champion.

Perfect!

After all, wrestlers like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Brett “the Hitman” Hart, taught us all that the traditional storyline of the good guy vs. the bad guy was no longer relevant in twenty-first century society.

The fans seemed to be the ones who had evolved, and as such, they loved to cheer on the “heel” and boo against the “hero” (and yes—Brett Hart was quite pissed about it).

In the meantime, throughout all of Sonnen’s disparaging remarks, Silva has remained quiet, humble, and respectful. Best of all, he has promised to do the one thing that every MMA fan has been begging him to do—fight his best fight.

If Silva puts on a great performance this weekend, the UFC will automatically win because then they will finally have the Champion that the fans want, expect, and will pay big money to see fight.

If Sonnen becomes the new Champion, the UFC still comes out on top because as evidenced by the Lesnar vs. Carwin bout, the fans will turn out in droves just to watch a man lose.

In either $cenario, the UFC win$ and that’$ all that matter$ I gue$$.

Enjoy the fights this weekend.

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These are my opinions. If you don’t like them…I have others. Check them out at www.mrjamesryan.com

Best of luck to Roy Nelson and Clay Guida (click to read interviews).

UFC 117 Manipulates MMA Fans with Classic WWE ‘Hero-Villain’ Psychology is my opinion, I have more, visit my website: James Ryan