2011. szeptember 30., péntek

Spike and the UFC will not try to stay friends after break-up

Spike and the UFC will not try to stay friends after break-upSpike and the UFC are getting close to the end of their six-year relationship. They're dividing up their stuff and haggling over the little things, like their shared DVD collection. Like any break-up after a long relationship, it's getting ugly. Spike wants to move in with its new girlfriend, Bellator, but it can't do it with videos from the old girlfriend hanging around:

While Spike TV no longer will air live UFC events after this year, its existing contract allows it to air the UFC library (including past events, former "TUF" seasons, "UFC Unleashed" episodes and specialty programming) in 2012. However, as long as Spike TV has the rights to the content, it can't air programming ? including live events ? from other organizations, such as Bellator, until 2013.

The UFC could make try to buy back the library, but it's unlikely that they will make an offer. The last thing they want to do is hand over the audience they have spent six years building over to Bellator. The tournament-based promotion has been little more than a thorn in the UFC's side, but it could pick up many fans with a Spike deal that would trump Bellator's current deal with MTV2.

But Spike has its own way of dealing with the break-up. Say, counter-programming every UFC card that airs on Fox, starting with the Nov. 12 bout:

On Nov. 12, Spike TV will air a "UFC Unleashed" marathon ? dubbed "Dos Santos vs. Velasquez: Unleashed for the Heavyweight Title" ? featuring past fights with UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos.

This is likely a tactic that won't work out well for Spike in the ratings department, as fans would always prefer live MMA over taped, but it will help them work out their feelings about the break-up. It's OK, Spike. It takes time to heal. Just remember the good times, like the first "Ultimate Fighter" and the first time you had to bleep out a Dana White cuss word.

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The Downtown Throwdown Set for Seattle and San Francisco in October

The Downtown Throwdown is back for another year, this time with a bonus stop in San Francisco. Straight from the Snowboy's mouth:

"Lib Tech and Snowboy Productions are stoked to bring back the Downtown Throwdown to Seattle on October 8, as well as adding our new stop in San Francisco on October 29...it's gonna be BANANAS!

In the past 5 years this event has grown from a great local event to the biggest and most respected urban snowboarding event in the world, with a focus on the up and coming snowboarders who are shaping the industry.

 "I'm humbled at how big this event has grown, and definitely excited about its future," says Snowboy Productions President Krush Kulesza. "With Seattle and our new SF stop, plus our AM qualifier series (The Feeders!) in Portland, Spokane and Sacramento, we've got the whole west coast covered from the Bay to the Border."

The invite list is STACKED with the likes of... Scott Stevens, Forest Bailey, Johnny Lazz, Ted Borland, Jake Kuzyk, Dylan Thompson, Austen Sweetin, Jess Kimura, Chris Larson and a lot more. Each stop will feature 25 of the most progressive jibbers on the scene today. We can't wait to see who will join past winners Dan Brisse, Jed Anderson (twice), Nick Visconti and Ryan Paul as the next Downtown Throwdown champ.

Lib Tech rider and Think Thank owner Jesse Burnter will hold down the emcee duties along with Preston Strout from High Cascade Snowboard Camp and Crab Grab fame. Dinosaurs Will Die's Sean Genovese will head up the judgeMENTAL crew with the likes of Zac Marben, LNP and Chris Grenier to determine what riders will take home a share of the $20K in prize money.

 In addition to the non-stop shred action, there will also be music, food vendors, live art, autograph signings, a raffle of prizes that benefit great local charities, as well as info and prizes from all our great sponsors.

Best of all? It's still TOTALLY FREE!! So get your butt down to Pioneer Square in Seattle or the Civic Center in San Francisco and check out the action!"

We'll see you there.

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Another Strikeforce defection: Henderson vs. Rua at UFC 139

Another Strikeforce defection: Henderson vs. Rua at UFC 139Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson will reportedly meet up with former UFC light heavyweight champ Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Nov. 19. This bout should make longtime MMA fans happy, but raises even more questions about the future of Strikeforce.

Both fighters made their names while in the Pride Fighting Championships in Japan. Rua was Pride's Grand Prix middleweight winner, while Henderson held multiple titles with the now-defunct promotion. Even with that shared history, this will be the first time they meet in a fight. Ten years ago, Henderson did defeat Shogun's brother, Murilo.

Henderson's last bout was a knockout of Fedor Emelianenko in what turned out to be the last Strikeforce fight for both men. Just weeks ago at UFC 134 in Brazil, Rua KOed Forrest Griffin.

This will be Henderson's third stint with the UFC. He fought at UFC 17 before Pride, then came back after Zuffa, the promotion that owns the UFC, bought Pride. When Strikeforce offered him a better contract, Henderson defected, but Zuffa purchased Strikeforce in March.

That purchase has allowed the UFC to pick off some of the Strikeforce's champs, like Nick Diaz, who will fight B.J. Penn at UFC 137, and Alistair Overeem, who will take on Brock Lesnar at UFC 141. Three men's championship belts -- heavyweight, light heavyweight and welterweight -- now stand vacant. After his win over Roger Gracie, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champ Mo Lawal said that he was not interested in fighting for a vacant belt, so that division's future is in flux.

[Related: Win tickets to UFC 135 from Edge Shave Gel and Cagewriter]

Henderson won't be the only former Strikeforcer to fight at UFC 139, as former middleweight champ, Cung Le, will take on Vitor Belfort at 139. The fights are expected to take place in San Jose, the one-time home of Strikeforce's offices.

***

Win tickets to UFC 135 though Edge Shave Gel and Cagewriter. Click here for more information.

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? NFL player beans bystander during touchdown celebration
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? High school team punished for 9/11 tribute

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Spike and the UFC will not try to stay friends after break-up

Spike and the UFC will not try to stay friends after break-upSpike and the UFC are getting close to the end of their six-year relationship. They're dividing up their stuff and haggling over the little things, like their shared DVD collection. Like any break-up after a long relationship, it's getting ugly. Spike wants to move in with its new girlfriend, Bellator, but it can't do it with videos from the old girlfriend hanging around:

While Spike TV no longer will air live UFC events after this year, its existing contract allows it to air the UFC library (including past events, former "TUF" seasons, "UFC Unleashed" episodes and specialty programming) in 2012. However, as long as Spike TV has the rights to the content, it can't air programming ? including live events ? from other organizations, such as Bellator, until 2013.

The UFC could make try to buy back the library, but it's unlikely that they will make an offer. The last thing they want to do is hand over the audience they have spent six years building over to Bellator. The tournament-based promotion has been little more than a thorn in the UFC's side, but it could pick up many fans with a Spike deal that would trump Bellator's current deal with MTV2.

But Spike has its own way of dealing with the break-up. Say, counter-programming every UFC card that airs on Fox, starting with the Nov. 12 bout:

On Nov. 12, Spike TV will air a "UFC Unleashed" marathon ? dubbed "Dos Santos vs. Velasquez: Unleashed for the Heavyweight Title" ? featuring past fights with UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos.

This is likely a tactic that won't work out well for Spike in the ratings department, as fans would always prefer live MMA over taped, but it will help them work out their feelings about the break-up. It's OK, Spike. It takes time to heal. Just remember the good times, like the first "Ultimate Fighter" and the first time you had to bleep out a Dana White cuss word.

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Autumn in NSW

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La Nina Predicted for 2011-2012. Deja-Snow Baby!!

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2011. szeptember 29., csütörtök

Surf Artist ? Jim Phillips

[...]

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All Ultimate Fight Night 25 fights official after weigh-ins

All Ultimate Fight Night 25 fights official after weigh-ins

All of the Ultimate Fight Night 25 fighters made weight at the drama-less weigh-ins in New Orleans on Friday.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan kicked things off while honoring recently deceased trainer Shawn Tompkins by wearing a Team Tompkins shirt. Clay Harvison, who will face Setb Baczynski, got into the NOLA spirit by throwing beads and wearing a jester's hat. Shamar Bailey didn't make weight on his first try, but made it after taking off his chain. Alan Belcher, who hasn't fought in more than a year because of an eye injury, only made weight after stripping down. Main eventers Jake Ellenberger and Jake Shields made weight without a problem.

Complete weigh-in results thanks to MMA Junkie:

MAIN CARD (Spike TV)
?�� �Jake Ellenberger (170) vs. Jake Shields (171)
?�� �Court McGee (184.5) vs. Dongi Yang (186)
?�� �Jonathan Brookins (145.5) vs. Erik Koch (146)
?�� �Alan Belcher (186) vs. Jason MacDonald (185)
PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)
?�� �Cody McKenzie (155.5) vs. Vagner Rocha (155.5)
?�� �Shamar Bailey (156) vs. Evan Dunham (156)
?�� �Lance Benoist (170.5) vs. Matt Riddle (171)
?�� �Ken Stone (136) vs. Donny Walker (135.5)
?�� �Seth Baczynski (171) vs. Clay Harvison (170)
?�� �Mike Stumpf (171) vs. T.J. Waldburger (171)
?�� �Mike Lullo (146) vs. Robert Peralta (145.5)
?�� �Justin Edwards (171) vs. Jorge Lopez (171)

See a more pictures from the weigh-in at Combat Lifestyle, and a full video of the weigh-ins at the UFC website.

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MMA Top 10 Light Heavyweights: Jon Jones Continues Division Dominance

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The UFC's light heavyweight division has been so talented for so long that it's been impossible in the last few years for anyone to stay on top for long. Rampage Jackson looked like a force when he took the belt from Chuck Liddell, but it wasn't long before Forrest Griffin took the belt from Rampage. Rashad Evans then took the belt from Griffin, but Evans lost the belt in his first title defense -- at what was supposed to be the dawn of the Lyoto Machida Era. Except that Machida promptly lost his belt to Shogun Rua.

Now we have Jon Jones at the top of the division, however, and I think the belt is going to stay in place for a long time. Jones has absolutely obliterated both Jackson and Rua, and now he'll get another former champion in Evans -- with, I believe, similar results.

So as we list the top light heavyweights in mixed martial arts, we're looking at an extremely talented division. But a division with one unique talent that stands far above the rest.

Top 10 Light Heavyweights in MMA
(Editor's note: The fighter's ranking the last time we did light heavyweights are in parentheses).

1. Jon Jones (1): There was never a moment during Jones' victory over Jackson at UFC 135 that I even thought Jones was in the slightest bit of trouble. Jackson is a great fighter who appeared to be in good shape and ready for a big fight, but he simply wasn't on Jones's level. I don't think anyone is.

2. Rashad Evans (2): Evans is finally close to the title shot that he's been waiting on for more than a year, but I don't think he has much of a chance of getting his belt back. Against Jackson, Jones did a great job of using his long legs to effectively fight at a distance, and if anything Jones will have an even greater reach advantage over Evans. It's hard to see anywhere that Evans has an advantage over Jones. That title fight will not go well for Evans.

3. Shogun Rua (3): Shogun has a very big fight ahead of him against Dan Henderson at UFC 139, and if he wins that he'll have a strong case that he's the No. 2 light heavyweight in MMA. But given how thoroughly Jones beat Rua, it's almost impossible to see the UFC giving Rua another shot at the title.

4. Lyoto Machida (4): Of all the light heavyweights in the sport, Machida is probably the one whose unorthodox stand-up style would present the greatest threat to Jones. If Machida wins his next fight, he'd make a lot of sense as an opponent for Jones in 2012.

5. Rampage Jackson (5): There have been times in Jackson's career when it was fair to question his motivation and preparation, but UFC 135 was not one of those times. Jackson was well prepared for the Jones fight, he's just nowhere near as good as Jones.

6. Dan Henderson (6): Henderson has left his Strikeforce light heavyweight title behind and will return to the Octagon to face Rua. A victory over Rua would give Henderson an excellent claim that he deserves a title shot against Jones, although as much respect as I have for Henderson I have an extremely hard time envisioning any way Henderson wins that fight.

7. Forrest Griffin (7): Griffin fights nothing but a who's who of the all-time greats in the sport: His last seven fights consist of two battles with Shogun sandwiched around bouts against Rampage, Evans, Anderson Silva, Tito Ortiz and Rich Franklin. The biggest question for Griffin now is whether he wants to keep doing battle with the sport's truly elite, or if now that he's in his 30s and a husband and a father, he'd rather take a step down in quality of competition. Griffin will always be a fan favorite and a draw for the UFC, but he may no longer be prepared to fight in the upper echelon of the UFC's light heavyweight division.

8. Rafael Cavalcante (10): Feijao looked very good in his victory over Yoel Romero Palacio on the September Strikeforce card. As long as he's with Strikeforce, Feijao's options for big fights are limited, but in the UFC there are any number of big fights for him at 205 pounds. MMA fans who just want to see the best fight the best should hope one of those big fights gets booked soon.

9. Phil Davis (8): The 27-year-old Davis was a great college wrestler who's a lot of fun to watch, and he seems destined to take on Jones some day. The problem is that for as young and talented as Davis is, Jones is even younger and more talented.

10. Thiago Silva (9): We're finally getting close to the end of Silva's one-year suspension for taking performance-enhancing substances. I hope he's stayed in shape and comes back hungry, because he's a 28-year-old who's a good enough striker that he can be a threat to anyone. He should be involved in some big light heavyweight fights in 2012.

 

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Sea Venture at Discovery Cove ? the Grand Reef is Now Open!

Say ?Discovery Cove? and many things will immediately come to your mind: swimming with dolphins, wading with mysterious torpedo rays, snorkeling through reefs teeming with thousands of colorful tropical fish, or else sunbathing on a sandy beach and enjoying an all-inclusive day of discovery. Boasting a ray lagoon, aviary, coral reef, a resort pool and [...]

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Belcher?s back with a win at Ultimate Fight Night 25

Belcher?s back with a win at Ultimate Fight Night 25

Alan Belcher showed that 16 months off didn't hurt him as he took out Jason MacDonald at Ultimate Fight Night 25 on Saturday evening in New Orleans.

Belcher outclassed MacDonald from the beginning of the fight. MacDonald tried for a takedown but ended up falling backwards with Belcher on top of him. Belcher took advantage of the position, ground and pounding MacDonald. Though MacDonald tried to spin away, it was too much and MacDonald submitted to strikes at 3:48 in the first round.

This was Belcher's first fight since beating Patrick Cote in May of 2010. Belcher suffered an eye injury, and had to have surgery that put his fight career in doubt. He worked back to be able to fight in his home state of Louisiana.

"I'm so emotional right now. I've been through so many trials and tribulations. I'm back, baby," Belcher said.

This win gives Belcher a record of 17-6, while MacDonald falls to 25-15.

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Fathers Day 2010

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2011. szeptember 28., szerda

Wet and Dry

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Great October sessions

Since I am back from the PWA Slalom final on Sylt I tried to get as much time as possible on the water. The good performance on Sylt, I could finish the season with the best result of the 2010 season with a 35th, gave me a lot of motivation. Most of the sessions on [...]

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Vaude Terkum Trekking Backpack: First Backpack With Boa Closure System

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Surf Artist ? Jim Phillips

[...]

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The Opinionated Hikers on Patrol for You

Parks Canada is Off Route Visitation to Canada?s Rocky Mountain National Parks has been declining. In an effort to reverse that trend, Parks Canada has announced it will allow the construction of a via ferrata in Banff National Park, at Mt. Norquay Ski Area, above Banff townsite. Parks Canada does not construct new hiking trails [...]

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How Big a Backyard Would You Need to Live Off the Land? (Infographic)

Join Us On Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo & YouTube Functional Apparel for the Unconventional Spirit Sign up to receive our catalog

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2011. szeptember 27., kedd

Pride of Maui?s Google Places Page

Click the image above to visit our Places page for more info about Pride of Maui. Related PostsNo Related Posts

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Art directing the Quiksilver Pro NYC

[...]

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Triple threat match! Now White and Merchant are trading barbs over Mayweather postfight

Floyd Mayweather is fed up with HBO's Larry Merchant. So are some viewers including UFC president Dana White. Before UFC 135, White critiqued the postfight clash between Merchant and boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"This guy always jumps in and is always saying bad stuff about people. And he's attacking Floyd about the punch. Well, how about the headbutt? It's my big beef with Merchant for years, these guys just get done fighting and he jumps in the rings and starts saying off-the-wall, weird, rude [expletive] to these guys," said White (7:11 mark).

Triple threat match! Now White and Merchant are trading barbs over Mayweather postfightPart of the heated conversation between Mayweather and Merchant also included the announcer saying that if he were 50 years younger he'd kick the boxer's ass.

"I thought that was really embarrassing for HBO. The guy is senile. He's out of his mind," said White. "He's up there berating Floyd, but Floyd can't say anything back to you? You've been disrespecting guys your whole career. Guess what, you can go back 60 years, you're not kicking Floyd's ass. Give me a break."

Merchant was recently asked about White's comment and served him a backhanded compliment:

"Let's see, anyone who can make a multimillion dollar business out of street fighting has to be respected. My opinion is that anyone is allowed to put up a tent, put on a show, and invite people to come. And obviously he's had a lot of success," Merchant told Boxing Scene. "Good for him. I don't watch it. I don't get a so-called sport in which you can have a 6-2 record and be called a world champion. I just don't appreciate the finer points of MMA."

Check out White's other concerns about the Mayweather-Ortiz fight. He believes that referee Joe Cortes lost control of the bout (0:40-7:09 mark - NSFW).

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Videoportrait about me by Kevin Pritchard

Kevin Pritchard is one of the guys on tour, who gives me a lot of inspiration and support as well. He tought me how to circle jibes towards the marks and helped me out with several trainingsessions. While the last years event at Jinha beach, South Korea, he filmed me while sailing and took an [...]

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Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum Countdown Preview Show - Strikeforce

Fight Network previews Strikforce's heavyweight Grand Prix featuring Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum and Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers taking place on June 18, 2011 in Dallas, Texas.

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Demian Maia Prepares for UFC 131 - UFC 131

Demian Maia's journey to Vancouver starts in his home country of Brazil. Take a quick glimpse into his life as he prepares to face Mark Munoz at UFC 131

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2011. szeptember 26., hétfő

Jay Alders paints live on stage with Donavon Frankenreiter

[...]

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Happy Holidays from COTW

As 2010 draws to a close and we settle in for the festive season with family and friends, all of us at Club Of The Waves would like to wish you all the best, a Happy New Year and good vibes for 2011. Aloha :)

Season's greetings

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Junior Dos Santos Interview - UFC

Heavy-handed Junior Dos Santos steps back into the Octagon? against a man considered to be an equally dangerous striker, Shane Carwin. Will Junior's speed advantage be enough to hand Carwin his first KO loss? Watch UFC 131 Live on Pay-Per-View and www.UFC.tv on Saturday, Jun 11th at 6/9PM PT/ET.

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Dana White UFC 131 Video Blog Day 2 - UFC

Dana White UFC 131 Video Blog Day 2. Behind the Scenes of the UFC 131 press con. Dana talking to fans about fights coming up and hockey.

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New paintings by Peter Pierce

Hope you're all having a great Christmas break and ready to celebrate the New Year! :) We've just updated Hawaiian based artist Peter Pierce's profile with a few new paintings, take a look…

www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-artist/peter-pierce.php

Surf Art by Peter Pierce

www.peterpierce.com

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MMA Marketplace: Battle of the UFC 135 walkout shirts

Quinton Jackson will try to take the UFC light heavyweight belt from Jon Jones this Saturday in Denver, and we finally have the answer to the most important question. What will they wear to the Octagon?

MMA Marketplace: Battle of the UFC 135 walkout shirts

Both fighters have taken into account the changing seasons, which is kind. Among the four choices for Jackson's walkout goods is this long sleeve shirt by MMA Elite, which wins points for being bright and shiny, but is a tad busy. Jones' Form Athletics sweatshirt is made of nice, warm fleece that's perfect for a fall day. The Jackson shirt is $37.99, while Jones' sweatshirt is $65.

Based solely on sartorial factors, who wins the fight? Jackson, as I'm a sucker for anything shiny. You can see my actual fight picks, as well as the rest of the Yahoo! Sports MMA staff, right here.

***

Win tickets to UFC 135 though Edge Shave Gel and Cagewriter. Click here for more information.

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2011. szeptember 25., vasárnap

Day 5 On the River ? July 30th 2011

It is quite enjoyable starting the day at 6:00 AM with Yoga. I have never tried it before but this was a trip of firsts, so I was game. I did find it to be helpful to relax my sore and stiff body. As the sun was rising in the sky, there I was trying [...]

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The Advantage of Maui Private Charters

Whether you are interested in whale watching, scuba diving or a sunset cruise, Maui has a package just right for you. However, there is something truly special about the ability to customize your vacation plans to your specific party and needs. This is where a Maui private boat charter can enhance your tropical getaway. Private [...]

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Response to EBMUD Proposal to Raise the Level of Pardee Reservoir

As you may know, Angels Camp is working hard to brand itself as the Base Camp for Mountain Sports in the Sierra.  A lot of our rural tourism economy is based upon recreation.  Calaveras County boasts wonderful skiing, trails for hiking and mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, fishing, sea kayaking and other water sports.   Currently, [...]

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September Wind

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You tell us: What to do with Luke Rockhold?

You tell us: What to do with Luke Rockhold?

Luke Rockhold was one-fourth of American Kickboxing Academy's dominant evening at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov. He predicted an AKA sweep, then delivered with a five-round decision win over Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza to win Strikeforce's middleweight belt.

But what does that belt mean? After Strikeforce was purchased by the UFC, the promotion's future is hazy. Some of Strikeforce's biggest stars, like Alistair Overeem, Nick Diaz and Cung Le, have been cherry-picked by the UFC. With a talent pool that gets shallower with every UFC signing, what would you do with Rockhold?

Give him a bout with Tim Kennedy: He lost his last title shot, but since dropping a tight decision to Jacare, Kennedy won a decision over Robbie Lawler. He seems to be the most likely fighter to Rockhold in Strikeforce, and Rockhold told Cagewriter that he would be open to this fight.

Grant Jacare's wish for a rematch: At the post-fight press conference, Souza said he wanted to fight Rockhold again. This is not a surprise, considering how close Saturday's bout was. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker was open to the idea, but wouldn't commit either way. Rockhold said that he would like to see Jacare win another fight before a rematch.

Ship him to the UFC: At 26, Rockhold is young, talented and hasn't lost since 2007. Should he really spend the best years of his career languishing in Strikeforce, the promotion that Mo Lawal called a dying cancer patient? Rockhold told Cagewriter that he isn't quite ready for a fight with Anderson Silva, but he would love to get tested in the UFC.

So what would you do with Rockhold, Cagereaders? Tell us in the comments or on Facebook.

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Short break re-energizes Pellegrino, comes out of retirement to fight ?Pitbull? in Bellator

Short break re-energizes Pellegrino, comes out of retirement to fight ?Pitbull? in Bellator

Kurt Pellegrino is a complex character. He always has been and always will be, so to no one's surprise the 32-year-old lightweight is coming out of his short-lived retirement to fight Patricky "Pitbull" Freire in November at Bellator 59.

Pellegrino fought 11 times for the UFC before deciding to walk away from the sport in late May.

"It's hard to make a decision like this, but I feel its best for me to step away for now and time will tell what the future will bring for me," Pellegrino wrote on his website. "I don't want to retire, but I need to find myself and find my love for this sport again. Hopefully you will see me in the cage again, but if not thanks to everyone for the memories, it's been an awesome ride."

The three and half months off did wonders for Pellegrino.

"I started working out again real hard," Pellegrino told MMAjunkie. "The summer has been amazing. I fell in love again with the sport. I had some demons. I had to kind of just walk away and be with my family for once."

The fight taking place 70 miles down the Garden State Parkway from his home in Pt. Pleasant, N.J. sealed the deal.

"I have an opportunity to fight for Bellator in my backyard where I started this whole game," Pellegrino said. "I started fighting in Atlantic City. I won two championship belts in Atlantic City."

Freire and his brother Patricio, both nicknamed "Pitbull" have emerged as two of Bellator's bigger stars over the last year or so. Pellegrino, who's been in there with guys like Joe Stevenson, Nate Diaz, George Sotiropoulos and Gleison Tibau, is a great litmus test for Pitbull (9-2). Freire is 2-1 with Bellator, posting wins over Toby Imada and Rob McCullough. He lost a decision to former Missouri wrestler Michael Chandler in the most recent Bellator lightweight tournament final.

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2011. szeptember 24., szombat

UFN 25?s Three Stars: Ellenberger, Belcher and Waldburger

UFN 25?s Three Stars: Ellenberger, Belcher and WaldburgerThe UFC's first trip to New Orleans was full of decisions, then ended with a knockout that pushed a welterweight into the title picture. Below are Cagewriter's picks for Three Stars from Ultimate Fight Night 25. Tell us yours in the comments or on Facebook.

No. 1 star -- Jake Ellenberger: When Ellenberger first was matched up with Jake Shields, trash talk from Ellenberger made Shields ask, "Who is this guy?" He found out, as Ellenberger knocked out Shields in less than a minute in the main event. Shields disputed the knockout, but considering that he tried to wrestle the referee, it's safe to say it was a reasonable stoppage. With his fifth win, he is looking for a welterweight title shot.

No. 2 star -- Alan Belcher: The Louisiana-born fighter went through dangerous procedures on his eye last year that put his fighting career in doubt. Belcher didn't accept his dire prognosis from doctors. Instead, he worked hard so that he could fight again, and returned to the Octagon with a bang on Saturday night. His unrelenting strikes caused Jason MacDonald to submit in the first round.

No. 3 star -- T.J. Waldburger: If you didn't tune into the preliminary fights on Facebook, you missed out on the jiu-jitsu clinic that Waldburger put on Mike Stumpf. He submitted Stumpf in the first round with a slick transition from an armbar to a triangle choke.

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Roxy Relax Mix Typed Hoody ? Lilac

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UFN 25?s Three Stars: Ellenberger, Belcher and Waldburger

UFN 25?s Three Stars: Ellenberger, Belcher and WaldburgerThe UFC's first trip to New Orleans was full of decisions, then ended with a knockout that pushed a welterweight into the title picture. Below are Cagewriter's picks for Three Stars from Ultimate Fight Night 25. Tell us yours in the comments or on Facebook.

No. 1 star -- Jake Ellenberger: When Ellenberger first was matched up with Jake Shields, trash talk from Ellenberger made Shields ask, "Who is this guy?" He found out, as Ellenberger knocked out Shields in less than a minute in the main event. Shields disputed the knockout, but considering that he tried to wrestle the referee, it's safe to say it was a reasonable stoppage. With his fifth win, he is looking for a welterweight title shot.

No. 2 star -- Alan Belcher: The Louisiana-born fighter went through dangerous procedures on his eye last year that put his fighting career in doubt. Belcher didn't accept his dire prognosis from doctors. Instead, he worked hard so that he could fight again, and returned to the Octagon with a bang on Saturday night. His unrelenting strikes caused Jason MacDonald to submit in the first round.

No. 3 star -- T.J. Waldburger: If you didn't tune into the preliminary fights on Facebook, you missed out on the jiu-jitsu clinic that Waldburger put on Mike Stumpf. He submitted Stumpf in the first round with a slick transition from an armbar to a triangle choke.

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The Downtown Throwdown Set for Seattle and San Francisco in October

The Downtown Throwdown is back for another year, this time with a bonus stop in San Francisco. Straight from the Snowboy's mouth:

"Lib Tech and Snowboy Productions are stoked to bring back the Downtown Throwdown to Seattle on October 8, as well as adding our new stop in San Francisco on October 29...it's gonna be BANANAS!

In the past 5 years this event has grown from a great local event to the biggest and most respected urban snowboarding event in the world, with a focus on the up and coming snowboarders who are shaping the industry.

 "I'm humbled at how big this event has grown, and definitely excited about its future," says Snowboy Productions President Krush Kulesza. "With Seattle and our new SF stop, plus our AM qualifier series (The Feeders!) in Portland, Spokane and Sacramento, we've got the whole west coast covered from the Bay to the Border."

The invite list is STACKED with the likes of... Scott Stevens, Forest Bailey, Johnny Lazz, Ted Borland, Jake Kuzyk, Dylan Thompson, Austen Sweetin, Jess Kimura, Chris Larson and a lot more. Each stop will feature 25 of the most progressive jibbers on the scene today. We can't wait to see who will join past winners Dan Brisse, Jed Anderson (twice), Nick Visconti and Ryan Paul as the next Downtown Throwdown champ.

Lib Tech rider and Think Thank owner Jesse Burnter will hold down the emcee duties along with Preston Strout from High Cascade Snowboard Camp and Crab Grab fame. Dinosaurs Will Die's Sean Genovese will head up the judgeMENTAL crew with the likes of Zac Marben, LNP and Chris Grenier to determine what riders will take home a share of the $20K in prize money.

 In addition to the non-stop shred action, there will also be music, food vendors, live art, autograph signings, a raffle of prizes that benefit great local charities, as well as info and prizes from all our great sponsors.

Best of all? It's still TOTALLY FREE!! So get your butt down to Pioneer Square in Seattle or the Civic Center in San Francisco and check out the action!"

We'll see you there.

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Top 10 cave diving locations

Cave diving is one of the most challenging and potentially dangerous kinds of diving, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. It offers an opportunity to explore underwater landscapes that are otherwise entirely inaccessible and can lead to truly unforgettable experiences. Descending into the depths of a cave can be like entering [...]

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A Molokini Snorkel Tour Offers an Unforgettable Underwater Experience

Approximately three miles off the coast of Maui sits an extinct, but no less impressive, volcanic crater known as Molokini. This underwater volcano is now home to a plethora of sea life, as it has been converted to Hawaii’s only Island Marine Sanctuary. Molokini Crater snorkeling offers some of the best underwater viewing around Maui, [...]

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2011. szeptember 23., péntek

Wearing Wood

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Countdown to UFC 131 - UFC

Full episode! Vancouver is on notice - heavy hands mean a big-time main event unlikely to go the distance in Junior dos Santos vs. Shane Carwin. Plus Kenny Florian vs. Diego Nunes and Demian Maia vs. Mark Mu�oz - see what's in store!

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Dark to Light

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Delicate Nobby January 2011

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Camp Free Always

Did the universe send us a symbolic gift of encouragement? We were certain of it when, years ago, we received an Alberta license plate bearing the letters CFA. We recognized it as an acronym: Camp Free Always. Camping free has long been our creed. We wrote a book about it: Camp Free in B.C. But [...]

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2011. szeptember 22., csütörtök

Josh Koscheck Enjoyed His Time Away From MMA

Filed under: , , ,

DENVER -- MMA Fighting spoke to Josh Koscheck on Thursday about his upcoming fight at UFC 135 against Matt Hughes, why he agreed to take the fight on short notice, why he has wanted to fight Hughes for so long, his time away from MMA and whether this will be his final fight at welterweight.

 

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Inside Nippon Top Team: Kitaoka, Kawajiri and Otsuka Train for DREAM.17

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In 2008, three of the most ruthless grapplers in MMA, DREAM champion Shinya Aoki, former Sengoku champion Satoru Kitaoka and two-time Deep champion Masakazu Imanari, founded Nippon Top Team.

Three years, and a host of brutal submission victories later, a significant number of top fighters and former foes have joined the quirky trio to make Nippon Top Team the most star-studded team in Japanese MMA.

MMA Fighting was allowed inside the doors of Nippon Top Team to capture Satoru Kitaoka mercilessly piledrive and submit his sparring partner, a slimmed down Tatsuya Kawajiri prepare for his featherweight debut and Takafumi Otsuka work his wrestling with former Shooto champion Hideki Kadowaki, all in preparation for their respective bouts at DREAM.17 on Sept. 24.

 

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MMA Marketplace: Battle of the UFC 135 walkout shirts

Quinton Jackson will try to take the UFC light heavyweight belt from Jon Jones this Saturday in Denver, and we finally have the answer to the most important question. What will they wear to the Octagon?

MMA Marketplace: Battle of the UFC 135 walkout shirts

Both fighters have taken into account the changing seasons, which is kind. Among the four choices for Jackson's walkout goods is this long sleeve shirt by MMA Elite, which wins points for being bright and shiny, but is a tad busy. Jones' Form Athletics sweatshirt is made of nice, warm fleece that's perfect for a fall day. The Jackson shirt is $37.99, while Jones' sweatshirt is $65.

Based solely on sartorial factors, who wins the fight? Jackson, as I'm a sucker for anything shiny. You can see my actual fight picks, as well as the rest of the Yahoo! Sports MMA staff, right here.

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Win tickets to UFC 135 though Edge Shave Gel and Cagewriter. Click here for more information.

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No bag left behind?Join Coastal Clean Up Day!

Ingredients: 4 pieces of Styrofoam 18 cigarette butt 2 rusty nails 8 random trash items 3 shards of glass 1 old tire Directions: On Saturday, September 17th, 2011, from 9:00am until 12noon, take your 10 best friends and head down to local beach for Coastal Clean Up Day. Bring a bag to collect trash (1 [...]

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Reminder: Win tickets to UFC 135 from Edge and Cagewriter

Reminder: Win tickets to UFC 135 from Edge and CagewriterToday is your last chance to win tickets to UFC 135 from Edge Shave Gel. Here are the details: Visit Cagewriter's Facebook page, and like us. Then, post on our wall why you should have the Edge in getting to see the fights. We'll pick a random winner from the wall posts. Get your entry in by Thursday, Sept. 22 at noon ET. You also still have time to vote for the new face of Team Edge. Choose between Phil Davis, Chad Mendes, Brian Stann and Michael McDonald.

We'll announce the winner of the tickets to UFC 135 Thursday at 4 p.m. ET on the Cagewriter Facebook page. You have to be able to pick up tickets at the Pepsi Center Will Call with a picture ID. Good luck, and thank you for reading Cagewriter!

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Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov weigh-in results

CINCINNATI -- A sparse, but knowledgeable and loud crowd watched as all 20 fighters made weight at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov at the U.S. Bank Arena.

There were fireworks early, as Alexis Davis seemed to take offense to Amanda Nunes crowding her space during their staredown. Mike Kyle and Marcos Rogerio de Lima engaged in a intense staredown that lingered to the point of uncomfortableness. As Daniel Cormier and Antonio Silva squared off, Cormier was not pleased with Silva's large fists getting so close to his face.

The weigh-in results:

MAIN CARD (Showtime)
?�� �Josh Barnett (261) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (256.5)
?�� �Daniel Cormier (247) vs. Antonio Silva (264.5)
?�� �Champ Ronaldo Souza (185) vs. Luke Rockhold (185)
?�� �Roger Gracie (205) vs. Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal (205)
?�� �Maximo Blanco (155) vs. Pat Healy (155)
PRELIMINARY CARD (HDNet)
?�� �Mike Kyle (205) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (205)
?�� �Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (205) vs. Yoel Romero (205)
?�� �Jordan Mein (170) vs. Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (170)
?�� �Alexis Davis (135) vs. Amanda Nunes (134.5)
?�� �Chris Mierzwiak (185) vs. Dominique Steele (184.5)

The preliminary fights will air on HDNet at 8 p.m. ET, and Showtime at 10:30 p.m. ET.

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2011. szeptember 21., szerda

Sea Venture at Discovery Cove ? the Grand Reef is Now Open!

Say ?Discovery Cove? and many things will immediately come to your mind: swimming with dolphins, wading with mysterious torpedo rays, snorkeling through reefs teeming with thousands of colorful tropical fish, or else sunbathing on a sandy beach and enjoying an all-inclusive day of discovery. Boasting a ray lagoon, aviary, coral reef, a resort pool and [...]

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First bouldering at Stanage Plantation, Derbyshire, UK

Location: Stanage Plantation
Date: Sunday 27 July
Sunday shone this weekend. A planned trip to the gym was quickly canned and instead we made a trip out to a new bouldering spot. After a recommendation that Stanage plantation had some good climbing (thanks Jonny!) we checked my bouldering guide book and set out.
If you’re reading this wondering [...]

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Yoel Romero?s long road to Strikeforce debut

CINCINNATI -- Yoel Romero Palacio will make his Strikeforce debut on Saturday against former light heavyweight champ Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante, a tough test in just his fifth fight. But his journey to MMA was one that prepared him for any test.

Romero wrestled for Cuba, and around the turn of the century, was one of the world's best at 84 kg. He has world and Olympic medals, including a world championship in 1999, but he defected from Cuba after a wrestling tournament in Germany in 2005.

This was a dangerous decision, because top wrestlers are well-known athletes in Cuba. He had to sell all of his belongings and leave his family. His wife and young daughter are now with him in Germany, but his six-year-old son is still in Cuba. He told Cagewriter that it was a terribly difficult decision to defect from the Communist country.

"It wasn't just Cuba. It was my family."

He coached wrestling before starting to train in MMA. Though he didn't have his first fight until 2009, MMA was on his mind even when he was still in Cuba.

"It's a sport that I think God gave me the talent to be good at, and I felt that attraction when I was in Cuba and watched a few of the first UFCs, with Royce Gracie, and his wins made me really feel a passion to try the sport. I felt like it was in me to be able to try it out," he told Cagewriter.

He hopes to find the same success and satisfaction in MMA that he did in wrestling. He has yet to have a fight go to a decision, winning all four by TKO or knockout. Romero Palacio is hoping for a true test in Cavalcante.

"I haven't been able to let it go like I wanted to because those fights were just the beginners. To let it go the way I can? I will have even better satisfaction than in wrestling."

Though wrestlers are often tagged with being boring fighters, Romero Palacio promises that fans will enjoy watching him fight.

"I always fight for the public. It's always been my style to fight for the public. I like the fans to feel satisfied with what I have done," he said. "It's going to be a gladiators fight."

But that doesn't mean that he has forgotten his roots as a wrestler. With the Olympics coming up next summer, he does have the itch to compete again. His one-time nemesis, American Cael Sanderson, is returning to competition after retiring to coach. Romero Palacio smiled at the idea of wrestling Sanderson, who beat him at the 2004 Olympics, again.

"I would love to. I want to show the world who is the world's best wrestler at that weight class. I don't think [Cael Sanderson] would like it if I came back."

Romero Palacio's bout with Feijao and the rest of the preliminary fights for Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov will air on HDNet starting at 8 p.m. ET.

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How Do You Convince a Seasoned Skier to Try Snowboarding?

The following guest post is by Rory Alexander, a seasoned snowboarder and member of the Eternal Snow team. EternalSnow.com offers everything from a women?s snowboard, to all around snowboard boots, to top snowboarding gear, and much more. Alright skiers it is time to try something new, snowboarding.� ?But i have skied for years. Why snowboard?? [...]

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Surf Photographer - Shelli Bankier

Welcome to our latest featured surf photographer; Shelli Bankier from the Gold Coast of Australia. The beauty of the blue sphere…

www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-photographer/shelli-bankier.php

Teahupoo, Tahiti by Shelli Bankier

www.bluespherephotography.com

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Triple Crown of Surfing Art

Surf comps over the past few years have been increasingly using surf art in their contest marketing materials, Billabong, Roxy and Vans seem to particularly like surf art (good on 'em!). The Triple Crown of Surfing has used surf art for years, with this years umbrella event artwork done by artist Chris Lundy (below), and below that are this years six competition posters…

2010 Triple Crown of Surfing Art by Chris Lundy

Contest Posters for the 2010 Triple Crown of Surfing

What is the Triple Crown of Surfing?

If you weren't aware, there is a surfing event going on in Hawaii called the Triple Crown of Surfing, one the most prestigious of all surfing contests. The event spans 6 surfing comps with a holding period from November 12th through to December 20th. Right now is the Pipeline Masters (awesome!). The best Hawaiian local surfers take on the professional surfers from around the globe, in arguably the best waves on the planet.

www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

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2011. szeptember 20., kedd

A Molokini Snorkel Tour Offers an Unforgettable Underwater Experience

Approximately three miles off the coast of Maui sits an extinct, but no less impressive, volcanic crater known as Molokini. This underwater volcano is now home to a plethora of sea life, as it has been converted to Hawaii’s only Island Marine Sanctuary. Molokini Crater snorkeling offers some of the best underwater viewing around Maui, [...]

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Foam Boater Movie Guy Strikes again . . .

Just for fun, here’s a hilarious new video from the foam boater movie guy!� Don’t worry, no actual club boaters were harmed in the making of this video (all footage was donated–yay for people who have a sense of humor even when it comes to their boating prowress!). Bookmark This!

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Surf Artist ? Oriol Vicente

[...]

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Another Strikeforce defection: Henderson vs. Rua at UFC 139

Another Strikeforce defection: Henderson vs. Rua at UFC 139Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson will reportedly meet up with former UFC light heavyweight champ Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Nov. 19. This bout should make longtime MMA fans happy, but raises even more questions about the future of Strikeforce.

Both fighters made their names while in the Pride Fighting Championships in Japan. Rua was Pride's Grand Prix middleweight winner, while Henderson held multiple titles with the now-defunct promotion. Even with that shared history, this will be the first time they meet in a fight. Ten years ago, Henderson did defeat Shogun's brother, Murilo.

Henderson's last bout was a knockout of Fedor Emelianenko in what turned out to be the last Strikeforce fight for both men. Just weeks ago at UFC 134 in Brazil, Rua KOed Forrest Griffin.

This will be Henderson's third stint with the UFC. He fought at UFC 17 before Pride, then came back after Zuffa, the promotion that owns the UFC, bought Pride. When Strikeforce offered him a better contract, Henderson defected, but Zuffa purchased Strikeforce in March.

That purchase has allowed the UFC to pick off some of the Strikeforce's champs, like Nick Diaz, who will fight B.J. Penn at UFC 137, and Alistair Overeem, who will take on Brock Lesnar at UFC 141. Three men's championship belts -- heavyweight, light heavyweight and welterweight -- now stand vacant. After his win over Roger Gracie, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champ Strikeforce champ Mo Lawal said that he was not interested in fighting for a vacant belt, so that division's future is in flux.

[Related: Win tickets to UFC 135 from Edge Shave Gel and Cagewriter]

Henderson won't be the only former Strikeforcer to fight at UFC 139, as former middleweight champ, Cung Le, will take on Vitor Belfort at 139. The fights are expected to take place in San Jose, the one-time home of Strikeforce's offices.

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Win tickets to UFC 135 though Edge Shave Gel and Cagewriter. Click here for more information.

Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? NFL player beans bystander during touchdown celebration
? Brad Pitt's 'shameful' baseball secret
? High school team punished for 9/11 tribute

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Pride of Maui?s Google Places Page

Click the image above to visit our Places page for more info about Pride of Maui. Related PostsNo Related Posts

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Chad Griggs Wants a 'Real Big Name' Opponent Next - Chad Griggs

Chad Griggs Wants a 'Real Big Name' Opponent Next Video by Chad Griggs

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