Hobson's Ideas: July 2012

Jul 30, 2012

Jay Z's 40/40 Club Pictures

After visiting Jay Z's 40/40 Club for an article, here are some additional pictures that didn't make the cut of my Yahoo article.

Which piece of memorabilia is your favorite?

Jul 7, 2012

Khabib Nurmagomedov beats Gleison Tibau at UFC 148

After the first two fights from UFC 148 on FX went 15 minutes, Gleison Tibau and Khabib Nurmagomedov fought in a major international affair. For the sake on my sanity, I will refer to Nurmagomedov as Khabib in this write-up. Khabib was 17-0 in his career coming into the fight, including an impressive win against Kamal Shalorus in his UFC debut. Tibau, the UFC veteran came into the fight with a 25-7 record, including wins in three straight (Kurt Pellegrino, Rafaello Oliveira and Rafael dos Anjos).

First Round

Both fighters attempted strikes in the early going, but both fighters missed more than they connected. Midway through the round, Khabib worked at a takedown, but was unable to take the tough Brazilian fighter down. The younger Khabib attempted several wild strikes, but the technical Tibau avoided. The round ended with another failed takedown attempt from Khabib.

My scorecard: Tibau, 10-9

Second Round

The round began with both fighters taking it easy with strikes, as Khabib continued to work towards a takedown. Tibau prevented the takedown and kept the fight on the feet. Tibau then used his strength to get a takedown of his own, but was unable to hold the position. Once at the feet, Khabib went for another takedown, but Tibau once again blocked it. The referee separated them, allowing Khabib to attempt his wild strikes again, but Tibau danced around and avoided the contact.

My scorecard: Tibau, 10-9

Third Round

This round was more of the same from the first two. Tibau continued to block the takedown attempts from the Russian and neither fighter landed any serious strikes. In the final seconds, both fighters exchanged powerful strikes, but the round ended with both men standing.

My scorecard: Tibau, 10-9 and overall 30-27

Official Decision: Unanimous Decision (30-27x3) for Khabib Nurmagomedov

Costa Philippou defeats Riki Fukuda at UFC 148

In the second fight from UFC 148 on FX, the American, Costa Philippou took on the Japanese star, Riki Fukuda. Philippou had won three straight coming into the fight after losing to Nick Catone at UFC 128, while Fukuda came in a victor in his last fight after losing to Nick Ring in his UFC debut.

First Round

The first minute of the round was mostly uneventful as Fukuda used kids to try to keep Philippou on the outside. Fukuda quickly shot for a takedown and worked at taking the former boxer down. Philippou fought back and never went down. Once separated, Philippou started to find his stride and connected with solid strikes to the face. With about a minute left, Philippou seemed to really get comfortable inside the Octagon and finished the round with some more strikes.

My Scorecard: Philippou, 10-9

Second Round

As the round went on, Philippou began to slow a bit as Fukuda began to be more offensive. Fukuda used his kicks to keep Philippou away, which seemed to be a strategy that worked for the Japanese fighter. As the round ended, Fukuda and Philippou began exchanging strikes.

My Scorecard: Philippou, 10-9

Third Round

The round began with both fighters looking tired. They circled around each other with the occasional strike thrown. With two minutes left in the round, Philippou got poked in the eye and was in a tremendous amount of pain. He continued the fight and came at Fukuda with a newfound aggression and demeanor. In the final 10 seconds, Philippou used his striking advantage to attack Fukuda.

My Scorecard: Philippou, 10-9 and 30-27 overall

Official Decision: Unanimous Decision (30-27x2, 29-28) for Costa Philippou

Shane Roller Defeats John Alessio

In the opening fight of the UFC on FX portion of UFC 148, Shane Roller took on John Alessio. Alessio came into the fight at 34-15 in his career, but was most recently seen losing to Mark Bocek in his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The Canadian can win a fight in any facet of the sport, but had a tough test with Roller, a tough wrestler. Roller was 10-6 in his career coming in, including losses in three straight (Melvin Guillard, T.J. Grant and Michael Johnson). We have seen the UFC become more lenient when it comes to releasing fighters on losing streaks and I think Roller may continue with the promotion no matter what.

First Round

Both fighters opened the round trying to find their distance with strikes, but neither was able to garner much serious offense. More than a minute into the round, Roller landed a solid punch, but was unable to follow it up. Roller landed an inadvertent groin shot that stalled the action. After Alessio recovered, both men went straight at each other again and Roller attempted a takedown, but was unsuccessful. With about 10 seconds left, Alessio knocked Roller down with a huge punch, which stole him the round in my book.
My Scorecard: Alessio, 10-9

Second Round

Alessio opened the fight by moving straight forward and pushing Roller against the cage. Roller countered by going for a Guillotine Choke, but Alessio fought out of it, but still ended up on his back after a brief exchange. Once in the top position, Roller landed solid strikes and eventually found his way controlling the back of Alessio. Roller locked on a body triangle and then hooks in an attempt to get the finish. With the round ending, Roller went for the choke, but was unable to get it with his back to the cage.

My Scorecard: Roller, 10-9

Third Round

The round began with Alessio applying pressure and landing countless strikes to Roller. Roller took all the shots and eventually went for a takedown and succeeded. Roller maintained control on top, but Alessio fought back to the feet. Roller connected with another takedown and with about 90 seconds left, Alessio began shouting at Roller about actually fighting. With 45 seconds left, Roller locked on a body triangle and finished the round trying to get the submission, but Alessio fought out and finished the round with some strikes.

My Scorecard: Roller, 10-9 and 29-28 overall

Official Decision: Unanimous Decision (29-28x3) to Shane Roller