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Rebellion MMA Radio: UFC’s Shane Roller and Dennis Bermudez, journalist Josh Nason
It’s a busy week in the MMA world between UFC on Fuel 3 and Strikeforce Grand Prix Final but Rebellion MMA Radio hosts Mitch Ciccarelli and Bryan Levick aren’t taking a break to bask in all the caged glory.
This Sunday night the show welcomes two talented competitors who call the UFC home in the form of lightweight Shane Roller and featherweight Dennis Bermudez. Also set to offer up some insight, BloodyElbow/Wrestling Observer writer Josh Nason will call in to reflect on the sport’s current landscape.
The 8-3 Bermudez, a former All-American wrestler, was a finalist on TUF 14 and recently picked up a dominating decision win over Pablo Garza earlier this month at UFC on FOX 3.
Roller (10-6) is also more-than familiar with work on the mat after being named an All-American three times during his storied career at Oklahoma State. The longtime Zuffa veteran holds wins over Jamie Varner, Thiago Tavares, Anthony Njokuani, and Danny Castillo under the company’s banner between his time in WEC/UFC. His next fight is scheduled for July 7 at UFC 148 where he’ll face John Alessio.
Interested listeners can also contribute to the show by submitting questions for guests via Twitter or email (RebellionMMARadio@yahoo.com).
Catch Rebellion MMA Radio live on Sunday at 6:30 PM EST where the guys offer their own unique takes on all-things MMA.
Rebellion MMA Radio: UFC’s Duane Ludwig, Strikeforce’s Ike Vallie-Flagg, Bellator’s Josh Quayhagen
The three main MMA organizations will come together this Sunday night when fighters from Bellator, Strikeforce, and the UFC grace the Rebellion MMA Radio airwaves!
Stopping by the show to join hosts Mitch Ciccarelli and Bryan Levick will be UFC welterweight Duane Ludwig, Strikeforce lightweight Isaac Valle-Flagg, and Bellator’s Josh Quayhagen. The trio are all scheduled for fights this month and will no doubt be itching to dish on all of their respective match-ups as well as a number of other topics.
Ludwig faces Dan Hardy at UFC 146 in hopes of bouncing back from his stumble against Josh Neer. “Bang” is not only a hard-hitting fighter with more than 20 wins to his credit but also owns the distinction of notching the fastest knockout in UFC history.
Meanwhile, Valle-Flagg will puts his ten-fight unbeaten streak on the line next weekend when he takes on Gesias Cavalcante at the Strikeforce Grand Prix Final event, while Quayhagen is 3-0 thus far in his young career and looks to keep his perfect record intact on May 18 at Bellator 69.
Interested listeners can also contribute to the show by submitting questions for guests via Twitter or email (RebellionMMARadio@yahoo.com).
Catch Rebellion MMA Radio live on Sunday at 6:30 PM EST where the guys will offer their own unique takes on all-things MMA.
Chael Sonnen defends Alistair Overeem
Even though I pegged Chael Sonnen as a pro wrasslin soundbyte spewing troll long ago, he still manages to get under my skin from time to time. This is one of those times:
“Hey. If I’m a member of the media and someone tells me that Alistair Overeem failed a drug test, the very first thing I’m going to say is: ‘Really? What substance did he test positive for?’ Now, you see, those basic questions are where the wheels begin to fall off the bus to this entire story. Alistair Overeem did not test positive for anything. End of story. So why is his name getting drug through the mud? Why are they saying, ‘Well, he’s got an elevated T-to-E ratio. Ok, fair enough. Let’s say his T-to-E ratio is outside the norm. That’s not illegal. That’s outside the norm. That’s a red flag. That is a red flag, and Alistair will owe an explanation. If it’s not against the rules, why are we having this conversation? MMA Media: Ya failed! It reminds me of a time when Ronald Reagan was President, and somebody in his cabinet had to stand trial. He gets acquitted and he says, ‘Well, great. I’ve won the trial, but who do I see to get my reputation back?’”
Sonnen is one of an elite few who gets to take testosterone out in the open because of his therapeutic use exception. But just because he’s managed to use a legal loophole to game the system doesn’t mean I view his use of performance enhancing drugs any differently. He’s a cheat, straight up. Since he’s not going anywhere, I’ll take his silly schtick and roll with it but he needs to shut the f*ck up when it comes to steroids.
Cung Le vs Dan Henderson
Here’s a clip from Cung Le’s new movie Dragon Eyes where he gets the crap kicked out of him by Dan Henderson. A real fight between the two would probably look pretty similar, so it’s a good thing Hendo isn’t interested in cutting down on carbs for anyone other than Anderson Silva.
In addition to Dan playing ‘Beating Police Officer’, the movie also features Gilbert Melendez as ‘Trey’, Trever Prangley as ‘Lord’, and Rich Clementi as ‘Devil Dog Gangster #4.’ So there’s a decent amount of MMA cameos to keep your eyes open for.
Shayna Baszler is … roller derbying?
For those of you who followed WMMA even before Gina Carano made it famous, you’ll recognize Shayna Baszler’s name. She’s a Josh Barnett’s catch wrestling protege and one of the more exciting female fighters out there. Unfortunately, she hasn’t had a fight in nearly two years. So what has she been up to instead?
Along with what she calls “the usual metal and video gaming, guitar-playing stuff,” Baszler has found an off-the-beaten-path kind of niche as the strength and conditioning coach for a local roller derby team in her hometown of Sioux Falls, S.D.
Of course, the former Strikeforce and EliteXC competitor didn’t feel comfortable assuming a coaching role without stepping into the roller derby arena herself. She came away with a newfound respect for the sport.
“I have practiced with them,” Baszler said. “I felt like I shouldn’t have any authority to tell them what things are gonna help them and why unless I’ve done it. So, I have done that. Those girls are nuts — they get injured way more than I do in a fight sport. If I didn’t have a fight career I would probably be playing some derby.”
Not to diss combat roller skating, but Shayna Baszler doin derby instead of fighting is like Jon Jones scrubbing toilets for a living instead of defending his championship belt. Shayna is one of the best submission artists in WMMA and her inactivity should give you a little perspective into how hard it is to make a career as a female fighter.
You’d think a scrappy bitch with a bad attitude and some Aoki-like tricks would be in hot demand, especially given WMMA’s supposed depth issues. Alas, that isn’t the case. Gina Carano just lamented her inability to make a living off the sport, but I figure she’s just used to the standard of life you get as the daughter of an NFL quarterback. Shayna Baszler is a much more worrisome case: an exciting fighter who’s one of the best in her field, and she can’t even land a fight. Either her manager needs to lay off the weed or the scene has some serious issues.
Shayna Baszler is … roller derbying?
For those of you who followed WMMA even before Gina Carano made it famous, you’ll recognize Shayna Baszler’s name. She’s a Josh Barnett’s catch wrestling protege and one of the more exciting female fighters out there. Unfortunately, she hasn’t had a fight in nearly two years. So what has she been up to instead?
Along with what she calls “the usual metal and video gaming, guitar-playing stuff,” Baszler has found an off-the-beaten-path kind of niche as the strength and conditioning coach for a local roller derby team in her hometown of Sioux Falls, S.D.
Of course, the former Strikeforce and EliteXC competitor didn’t feel comfortable assuming a coaching role without stepping into the roller derby arena herself. She came away with a newfound respect for the sport.
“I have practiced with them,” Baszler said. “I felt like I shouldn’t have any authority to tell them what things are gonna help them and why unless I’ve done it. So, I have done that. Those girls are nuts — they get injured way more than I do in a fight sport. If I didn’t have a fight career I would probably be playing some derby.”
Not to diss combat roller skating, but Shayna Baszler doin derby instead of fighting is like Jon Jones scrubbing toilets for a living instead of defending his championship belt. Shayna is one of the best submission artists in WMMA and her inactivity should give you a little perspective into how hard it is to make a career as a female fighter.
You’d think a scrappy bitch with a bad attitude and some Aoki-like tricks would be in hot demand, especially given WMMA’s supposed depth issues. Alas, that isn’t the case. Gina Carano just lamented her inability to make a living off the sport, but I figure she’s just used to the standard of life you get as the daughter of an NFL quarterback. Shayna Baszler is a much more worrisome case: an exciting fighter who’s one of the best in her field, and she can’t even land a fight. Either her manager needs to lay off the weed or the scene has some serious issues.
