Rhadi Ferguson Taps Out John Richard at Strikeforce: Challengers

by Michael David SmithRhadi Ferguson has a lot going for him in the eyes of Strikeforce: He has a Ph.D., a background as a judo Olympian, and a cousin by the name of Kimbo Slice. There's plenty for Strikeforce to promote there.

And now Ferguson also has a win in the Strikeforce cage, although it wasn't the most impressive one, a second-round submission against a low-level fighter named John Richard who actually hurt Ferguson at the start of both the first and second rounds. Ferguson did manage to make Richard tap out to a knee bar, but Ferguson admitted after the fight that he hadn't fought particularly well, giving himself a grade of D-minus.

 

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The MMA sched is light: Let's watch people steal hats and Dana White dance

The fellas over at Fightlinker can always fill the slow periods in the mixed martial arts schedule. Things heat up again next weekend with Ultimate Fight Night 23 from Ft. Hood, Tx. and then Strikeforce: Diaz vs. "Cyborg" on Jan. 29. Until then, let's kill some time with these videos.

What's more entertaining? Fans stealing hats or Dana White "jamming" on stage with Snoop Dogg in Las Vegas?

Tip via Fightlinker. Enjoy the GIFs as well.

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Strikeforce's brilliant move: Overeem and his belt in heavyweight tourney

Scott Coker and company keep hitting home runs with his Strikeforce heavyweight tournament, yet there are some fans who are still complaining. Why?

Earlier in the day, Showtime's play-by-play voice @mauroranallo snapped off on some Twitter followers for the incessant bitching about the format and the participants. I don't blame him. Showtime and Strikeforce nailed this one and the fury over the bracket or Alistair Overeem's inclusion is mind-boggling. 

One of my followers on Twitter @mmafan84 sent out this tweet: 

Really? These fights were going to happen "anyway?" Strikeforce just went through a horrendous year of heavyweight matchmaking. This tournament seems like the only way to guarantee the fights that fans want to see will actually take place. Fighters are free to pull out, but that's on them now.

 

As far as the bracket complaints, who cares? Most fans have been clamoring for Fedor Emelianenko vs. Alistair Overeem and ripping Strikeforce for not getting the fight done. With Fedor and "The Reem" on the same of the bracket, and one less fight to get through, the risk of missing out on the fight is reduced. You cry for the integrity of the tournament, I'll enjoy Overeem-Fedor in the semis.

Update - It was reported earlier in the day that all Overeem fights would be five rounds. 

Showtime/Strikeforce also nailed it by not adhering to the stupid precedent that a tourney should be waged to decide who gets to face the champ.

Overeem, the Strikeforce title holder, has to be in the field. Showtime employed the same strategy with its Super Six boxing tournament featuring the elite 168 pounders in the world. Carl Froch entered the tournament with the WBC strap, lost it and then got it back. If he's good enough to take out both Glen Johnson and probably Andre Ward, then he'll emerge with the title later in 2011. The same goes for Overeem.

Frankly, any MMA media person or fan, who thinks it's smart to keep Overeem on the sidelines is insane. The guy fought MMA one time between New Year's Eve 2009 and New Year's Eve 2010. This tournament guarantees that Overeem gets fights in the U.S. In the end, that's great for MMA.

The only person who doesn't think so, is MMA television analyst Chael Sonnen. Sonnen crapped all over Overeem during a recent appearance. He's entitled to his opinion. That's what television is all about.

MMA Live is developing some of the best MMA analysts on TV, but ESPN needs to nail one or two polarizing, opinionated figures to match what the major sports already have on the network. Maybe Sonnen is that guy.

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Religion Fail

Earlier today...

MY 3-YEAR-OLD NEPHEW JACK: Why do we get presents on Christmas?

MY MOM: Well, do you know who baby Jesus is?

JACK: You mean Chuck E. Cheesus?

Uh, that'd be a no.

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Former Players Say Michigan Got the Right Man in Brady Hoke

Filed under: Ball State, Michigan, Coaching

When recruit Daniel Ifft visited the University of Michigan in 2006, he experienced the tradition and expectations that surrounded college football's winningest program. And Ifft believes the Wolverines got it right on Wednesday when they introduced Brady Hoke as the university's new coach.

Ifft should know.

Ifft played two seasons under Hoke at Ball State, and Hoke's contributions continue to be felt at the Mid-American Conference school in Muncie, Ind. Ball State was the biggest surprise in the country during Ifft's sophomore season in 2008, finishing 12-0 during the regular season and climbing to No. 12 in the country.

 

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George Karl Watches Derrick Favors, Thinks Trade Could Fall Through

Filed under: Nets, Nuggets, Pistons, NBA Rumors

DENVER -- Not that Denver coach George Karl will end up having a tremendous amount of say regarding a possible Carmelo Anthony trade, but he's always good for copy.

Want to talk about the Nuggets being close to a blockbuster deal? Consider Karl admitted he watched television Wednesday night and honed in on Derrick Favors, the rookie New Jersey forward who could be a key possible piece in an Anthony deal.

Want to talk about nothing happening by the Feb. 24 trade deadline with Anthony, who has not signed a $64.47 million contract extension and can opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer? Consider Karl saying he believes there's just as much chance the Nuggets could finish the season with a similar cast rather than make a blockbuster deal.

First Favors, who had 12 points and two rebounds in the Nets' 118-109 overtime loss at Phoenix.

"I'll be honest, (Wednesday) night was the first night I even looked at Favors,'' Karl said after Thursday morning's shootaround at the Pepsi Center in preparation for the evening game against Miami. "I had some time last night and I watched Favors play against Phoenix. This (trade speculation) has been going on for five months and I haven't even watched Favors. We played them here (Nov. 20). I watched him then.''

 

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Falcons' DB Brian Williams Likely Out of NFC Playoff Game

Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Packers, NFC North, NFC South

Green Bay has found a running game and they have used a formation that features three backs behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but the Packers will still empty the backfield and spread the field. When they do that the Falcons will have some adjustments to make. Their nickel back is down.

Atlanta corner Brian Williams, who suffered a knee injury against Carolina, is listed as doubtful for the NFC divisional game with Green Bay. That's a significant blow because Williams has played well and tackled well in space, which is a must against the West Coast offense.

Christopher Owens, a second-year corner out of San Jose State, is expected to take over as the fifth defensive back. Owens has played in all 16 games and had an interception in Week two against Arizona.

 

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Ted Williams' Story Obscures True Plight Faced by Homeless

by Pat McManamon

Filed under: Cavaliers, Sports Business and Media

Dan Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers made a grand gesture by offering to hire homeless-man-turned-Internet sensation Ted Williams, he of the golden radio voice.

Next, it might be nice if Gilbert and his other major financial holding pledged reasonable mortgages to the homeless in Cleveland and Detroit, and promised not to foreclose on those who already hold mortgages with Quicken Loans if they are laid off.

Williams' story was the Internet hot button this week. The guy stood by the side of the road in Columbus, Ohio, advertising on a homemade sign that he had a great radio voice. A Columbus Dispatch video reporter talked to him, and sent his story nationwide via the Internet. The video reporter's intentions were sincere and admirable -- to see if anyone could help one desperate man. Before long, Williams became a sensation. Less than 24 hours after his video appeared the Cavs offered him a job and to help pay his mortgage. Others, including NFL Films, said they wanted to talk to him about employment.

Helping anyone is always a good thing. It's good, kind, thoughtful, all that stuff. But there's a bigger picture at play here. A bigger picture that is obscured by the sensational story of one man.

 

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Avery Bradley Assigned to D-League by Celtics

Filed under: Celtics, NBA D-League, Maine Red Claws

The Boston Celtics will assign rookie Avery Bradley to their D-League affiliate Maine Red Claws on Friday -- barring injury -- after appearing in just 14 games with the Celtics thus far this season.

Bradley, a 6-foot-2 point guard out of Texas, is shooting just 27 percent from the field in his limited stints of NBA action.

Celtics head coach Doc Rivers told CSN Northeast that Bradley's assignment will be less for development but more so he can get into some sort of rhythm with regular minutes.

"So he can get some reps, playing basketball," Rivers said. "He needs to play basketball. Especially in the stretch where we didn't practice at all."

 

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With technical savvy, Rhadi Ferguson overcomes adversity to post third win

After a decorated career in the world of Judo, Rhadi Ferguson is making the transition to mixed martial arts. He got a lot of attention before his fight against John Richard for being a distant relative of Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, but it's pretty clear the similarities end with the last name. 

Ferguson (3-0) endured a bruising first round and allowed his superior technique to pave the way to his third career win. Ferguson scored a victory over the much larger John Richard via heel hook at 2:00 of the second round.  

"When you start going for submissions, they occur in the iterative process," said Ferguson (4:45 mark). "Just like you throw combinations with your hands, you throw combinations with submissions. You don't stop until you finish."

Ferguson said he tried for a heel hook and a knee bar then switched from the right leg to Richard's left leg where he again went for the heel hook and then knee bar. He finished the fight by cranking on Richard's ankle. 

"Doctor" Ferguson was also pleased with the way he handled the fight mentally except for one small slip. Early in the second, the Capella and Howard educated fighter was the victim of a low blow. Ferguson hesitated to allow the referee a chance to pause the fight, he didn't and he found himself on his back getting pounded. An Olympian in 2000 and 2004, Ferguson, who's also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt fighting out of American Top Team in South Florida, showed his class by eventually getting hold of the leg.

At 35, Ferguson may be a longshot to rise to the top of the light heavyweight heap, but it'll be interesting to watch his progression.

He's a fireplug at only 5-foot-8. His power was evident in the grappling game. Richard, called in on short notice because of an injury, looked to be around 230 pounds on fight night. Ferguson got blasted pretty good on the ground for the first three minutes of the match, but remained calm and allowed the bigger fighter to exhaust himself.

Working with guys like Lloyd Irvin, Jeff Monson and Ricardo Liborio won't hurt his cause.

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Ryan Mallett Declares for NFL Draft

Filed under: Arkansas, Prospects

Ryan Mallett will forgo his senior year at Arkansas in order to enter the NFL Draft, he announced Thursday.

The junior quarterback for the Razorbacks led his team to its first BCS bowl this past season and a 10-3 record. The Razorbacks closed the season with a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, 31-26.

"A year ago, when I returned to school, I said I wanted to help lead this team to a place among the nation's elite and for the Razorback community to have a mindset to expect greatness," Mallett said in a statement. "There is no doubt we got there together and this program will continue to play games on the biggest stages and when it does we'll come out swinging."

Mallett threw for 3,869 yards and 32 touchdowns this season after throwing for 3,624 and 30 as a sophomore.

"I'm very proud of Ryan Mallett, and I can't say enough about what he has done for this program," Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. "Leaders do their job extremely well and lift everyone around them to compete better and Ryan does those things."

Mallett stands at 6-foot-6 and sports a strong, accurate throwing arm, meaning he'll be very attractive to NFL teams. Expect him to go in the first round of the NFL Draft this coming April, and likely in the first half of it -- especially with Andrew Luck electing to stay in school.

 

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Japan strikes back: Kawajiri manhandles Thomson

Japanese MMA needed this one. The nation many considered the equal to Brazil and the U.S. at one time, has fallen on hard times. The stars of Japan - Norifumi Yamamoto, Hayato Sakurai, Shinya Aoki, Kazushi Sakuraba and Takanori Gomi - got old, lazy or exposed over the last few years. Tatsuya Kawajiri gained back a small measure of that lost respect by taking out former Strikeforce lightweight champ Josh Thomson. He did it pretty easily via unanimous decision at Dynamite!! 2010 in Saitama, Japan.

Sure he was representing his country, but Kawajiri (27-6-2) individually needed the win badly as well.

He was coming off an odd performance against Aoki back in July, where the submission ace took him apart on the ground. Kawajiri refused to tap to a heel hook and was badly injured. That was the same Aoki, who looked terrible just a few months earlier against current Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez. Yes, the same Melendez who split two wars against Thomson.

It should've been an easy win for Thomson this morning, right? That's not the way it works in MMA. Styles makes fights and Kawajiri's strong wrestling made it difficult for Thomson to get his standup and dynamic kicking game going.

Kawajiri didn't do anything fancy to get Thomson (18-4) to the ground. In fact, his powerful work out of the clinch was very American-like. Once on the ground, Thomson never threatened a submission and had to constantly work to keep Kawajiri from improving his position. The Japanese star scored the mount in each round and threatened with an arm-triangle submission in the first and third rounds. 

This may serve as a wake-up call for Thomson, who recently suggested that he was getting a little bored with the sport and there was a lack of challenges at lightweight. 

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Ryan Tannehill Leads Texas A&M Offense After Long Wait

Filed under: LSU, Texas A&M, Big 12, SEC, Bowl Games

ARLINGTON, Texas -- For the better part of three seasons, Ryan Tannehill believed and hoped his chance to play quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies would come.

Then he would trot out onto the football field and play the role of the Aggies' trusty wide receiver. It was something of a weird paradox Tannehill existed in, starring at receiver while holding tight to the belief his lone chance to start at quarterback would come in 2011 -- his senior season -- once Jerrod Johnson's eligibility was complete.

But about midway through this season with Johnson still struggling from off-season shoulder surgery, Tannehill was called upon to start his quarterback career early.

"I always had hope it was going to work out, but I didn't think it was going to happen this year with Jerrod coming back this year after a great year last year," Tannehill said to FanHouse. "I wasn't really expecting to have the opportunity this year so I was going to make the most at receiver while I was out there. But I always had hope in the back of my mind that it was going to happen for me my senior year."

In the meantime, Tannehill was content catching balls as a gameday receiver and hoping Mike Sherman would give him a one-year shot next season. He had become a reliable receiver in Sherman's pro-style offense, catching 112 balls for 1,596 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2 1/2 seasons.

"It was definitely tough, not being in a position you felt you wanted to play," said Tannehill, who had been the subject of transfer rumors in the past. "But the fact I was able to get on the field at receiver lightened that up for me. If I was having to sit on the sidelines, it definitely would have been a lot tougher for me. But the fact I was able to get on the field and play 2 1/2 years at receiver, I think it definitely eased the frustration of not playing quarterback."

 

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Ted Williams' Story Obscures True Plight Faced by Homeless

Filed under: Cavaliers, Sports Business and Media

Dan Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers made a grand gesture by offering to hire homeless-man-turned-Internet sensation Ted Williams, he of the golden radio voice.

Next, it might be nice if Gilbert and his other major financial holding pledged reasonable mortgages to the homeless in Cleveland and Detroit, and promised not to foreclose on those who already hold mortgages with Quicken Loans if they are laid off.

Williams' story was the Internet hot button on Tuesday and Wednesday. The guy stood by the side of the road in Columbus, Ohio, advertising on a homemade sign that he had a great radio voice. A Columbus Dispatch video reporter talked to him, and sent his story nationwide via the Internet. The video reporter's intentions were sincere and admirable -- to see if anyone could help one desperate man. Before long, Williams became a sensation. Less than 24 hours after his video appeared the Cavs offered him a job and to help pay his mortgage. Others, including NFL Films, said they wanted to talk to him about employment.

Helping anyone is always a good thing. It's good, kind, thoughtful, all that stuff. But there's a bigger picture at play here. A bigger picture that is obscured by the sensational story of one man.

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The Works: Blake Griffin Brings Back the Dunk Contest

Filed under: Bucks, Clippers, Heat, Magic, Trail Blazers, Wizards, Thunder, The Works

Today in The Works: How in the world can the Trail Blazers save themselves; dissecting the latest bizarre statement from Gilbert Arenas; and we offer up some alternatives to the Heatles.

But first, how Blake Griffin saved the dunk contest.

Let There Be Dunk!

You could make a very convincing argument that Blake Griffin, not the Heat, is the top story of this NBA season. Oh, I'll go even further: the Clippers rook has set the tone for everything that is worthwhile about 2010-11. Without Blake, there's no 2010-11. And if he weren't a part of next month's dunk contest -- in Los Angeles, no less -- it would be the kind of PR blunder fans would talk about for years to come.

Well, it looks like they made good after all. According to the LA Times, Griffin is in, along with Thunder big man Serge Ibaka; surreal Wizards center JaVale McGee; and flamboyant Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings. A totally unpredictable field, a rush of cult favorites unseen in years, and yes, a pretty good opportunity to save the dunk contest.

But what, pray tell, should each man do? Dwight Howard and Nate Robinson pushed the idea of gimmick dunks off into the rubbish heap, and if Andre Iguodala couldn't win by dunking in an out-of-bounds, off-the-backboard, alley-oop from teammate Allen Iverson, then pure skill won't cut it anymore. What the dunk contest now demands is a third way, some as of yet undiscovered combination of style, ingenuity, and showmanship.

Each of these four contestants has it in him to be that guiding light, not just Blake Griffin. The questions is ... how?

 

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Hands-On With Olympus? Brand New E-PL2 Camera, 2011 Line-Up

We had an inkling that the Olympus E-PL2 would launch this week and we weren't disappointed. The new model is a little light on spec changes but under the hood you have a larger, brighter screen, improved ISO up to 6400, and new layered effects for adding multiple effects at the same time. The new kit, priced at about $600, comes with a m14-42mm. The new camera supports the new PenPal Bluetooth, a $60 device that allows you to send HD images from your camera to any mobile device (except the iPhone, at least for now). The new lenses are movie/still compatible, a feature that considerably reduces lens noise when recording video. Read more...

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Clay Guida: 'The road to victory is built in the RV'

Our friends from Fight! Magazine bring us a look at Clay Guida and his spartan lifestyle while training in New Mexico for his UFC 125 bout with Takanori Gomi. 

While working on his fight game in New Mexico, Guida stays on an RV that he parks on a reservation. It's not the most conventional digs for a professional athlete, but it works for him.

Guida talks about how his training has changed since joining Greg Jackson's Camp. He's been doing more than officiating chicken nugget-eating contests. The training is more structured and he can constantly work on the fundamentals. Since going to Jackson's, he's 2-1, beating Shannon Gugerty and Rafael dos Anjos. Will that be enough to beat Gomi? 

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US Senator Wants Federal Investigation on Helmet Companies

by FanHouse Newswire

Filed under: Sports Business and Media

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A U.S. Senator is asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate "misleading safety claims and deceptive practices" in the selling of new football helmets and reconditioning of used ones.

In a letter dated Tuesday -- a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press on Monday night -- Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., tells FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz that helmet companies "appear to be using misleading advertising claims" and that "some helmet reconditioning companies may be falsely selling used helmets as meeting an industry safety standard."

In his letter to the FTC's Leibowitz, Udall says he is "troubled by misleading marketing claims by Riddell, a leading helmet maker that supplies the official helmet to the National Football League."

He quotes Riddell's website as saying that "research shows a 31 percent reduction in the risk of concussion in players wearing a Riddell Revolution football helmet when compared to traditional helmets."

Udall adds: "Yet there is actually very little scientific evidence to support the claim."

In the letter -- which was first reported by The New York Times -- Udall also refers to what he terms "misleading safety claims used in online video advertisements for helmets." He specifically cites Riddell and Schutt Sports.

"After reviewing Senator Udall's letter to the Federal Trade Commission, we believe his statements and allegations are unfounded and unfair," Riddell CEO Dan Arment said in a statement e-mailed to the AP.

"Riddell has consistently maintained a policy of transparency with all of our research and products and participated in any helmet test when requested. Riddell has exceeded all of the industry standards and conducts and submits to more rigorous testing than most companies in other industries," Arment's statement added.

Arment continued: "We welcome any scrutiny and review. For the public's benefit, we hope that the FTC will provide greater scrutiny of all helmet manufacturers."

A Schutt Sports spokesman said the company was aware of Udall's letter but declined comment.

In November, Udall asked the Consumer Product Safety Commission to investigate whether safety standards for football helmets are adequate to protect players from concussions. Udall serves on the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the CPSC.

His letter to the FTC's Leibowitz says the "voluntary industry standard for football helmets does not specifically address concussion prevention or reduction." That standard is set by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), a nonprofit corporation.

Helmets used in NFL, NCAA and high school football are supposed to pass a test developed by NOCSAE. The group's website says it establishes "voluntary test standards"; that "manufacturers test their own helmets"; and that "NOCSAE does not possess a surveillance force to ensure compliance with the standards."

Udall also wants the FTC to "look into potential false and deceptive practices related to the reconditioning of used helmets."

He writes: "NOCSAE and the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioning Association (NAERA) do not conduct market surveillance or follow up testing of helmets to ensure compliance with their certifications. Moreover, there is no standard for how often used helmets must be recertified. Such potentially dangerous used helmets are commonly worn by players at all levels of football."

 

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Five-Step Drop: Martinez to Return

Filed under: Ball State, Clemson, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Big 12, Coaching, Rumors, General CFB Insanity, Bowl Games

FanHouse's college football staff provides you with a personal quarterback. We do the primary and secondary reads for you so you can properly start your day.

1. Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez will return to the Huskers next season. That may seem surprising given that the freshman seemed to spend a lot of time in Bo Pelini's doghouse this season and was famously dressed down by him in public during Nebraska's loss to Texas A&M. It appears Pelini and Martinez have worked out their issues and Martinez now wants to "become a better all-around person, football player and leader."

2. Pelini, meanwhile, has some explaining to do, according to Lisa Horne of FOXSports.com. Horne reports that, during an on-ship event prior to the Holiday Bowl, the Huskers coach named naval officer Morgan Ryan an honorary captain, gave him a field pass and a jersey, and promised he'd let the Nebraska native call one play during the game. However, according to Horne, Pelini didn't actually let Ryan call a play. In his postgame press conference, Pelini told Horne, "It was a joke, ma'am," when asked about the promise. Horne says that Ryan didn't interpret it as a joke. Nebraska maintains that it was clear Pelini's offer was "lighthearted." Horne posted a video, so you can make up your own mind about Pelini's intent. I'm not sure if he was clearly joking or not.

 

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Kim grapples his way to UFC 125 decision win over Diaz

Dong Hyun Kim won a 29-28 decision over Nate Diaz at UFC 125 on Saturday, but didn't win any fans with his grappling-heavy style. 

In the first round, Diaz gestured several times to get Kim to come forward, so he did. He took Diaz down, but had trouble in trying to pass the guard. However, he still was able to control the battle on the ground, preventing Diaz from any submissions while landing punches and elbows. Diaz threatened with a heel hook late in the round, but Kim was able to spin out of it.

Kim's takedown ability was the story in the second round. Diaz had no ability to stop the takedown, and then on the ground, could not utilized his vaunted jiu-jitsu to try for any submissions. Kim landed strikes, beating up Diaz's face. Diaz had a shot near the end of the round as he took Kim's back, but Kim slipped out and back to his feet.

Controversy ruled the third round. Kim was on his feet, but bent over with his hand on the ground, making him a downed opponent. Diaz landed a knee, which is illegal. Referee Yves Levigne stopped the bout and gave Kim time to recover. Replays showed that Kim's hand was barely grazing the ground when the knee was delivered.

When action started again, Diaz was aggressive on his feet, clearly knowing that he was down on the score cards. Diaz landed several shots, including kicks, punches and a kick to the face, late in the fight.

Despite the booing crowd, the Korean asked for a title shot. "I am Stun Gun. I want GSP!" he said after the bout.

"I really wanted to stand with him, but the way he is acting in the Octagon, I just wanted to shut him down," Kim said through a translator after his bout.

This is Kim's 14th win, with five wins in the UFC. (His loss to Karo Parisyan was changed to a no contest because of Parisyan's positive drug test.) Diaz is now 13-6.

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