By Jillian Bullock
When John Quinlan, Bodybuilder, Wrestler, and Sports Model, decided to train for the NPC Jay Cutler Classic, where he will compete in the Men’s Physique Class on May 6, he wanted to get a tattoo that represented his Irish heritage. Already sporting a mix of thirteen Oriental and Irish tribal themed tattoos, Quinlan wanted to make a bold statement with his 14th and final tattoo. He sought out something that would be different, something special, to showcase to the world while he conducted his bodybuilding routine on stage at John Hancock Hall in Boston, MA. Quinlan choose a shamrock that had a tribal look to go on his right hand.

In doing research, however, he was surprised to find out that the tattoo he wanted was already taken – it was the official logo of former UFC champion Frank Shamrock’s company Shamrock Martial Arts. Quinlan had always been a fan of Shamrock and other MMA fighters because of their heart and dedication to their sport.

By Jillian Bullock

What do MMA fighters Tim Sylvia, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Mo “King Mo” Lawal, Sean Sherk, Josh Barnett, Cris “Cyborg” Santos, and several other fighters have in common? All of them have tested positive to using illegal performance enhancement drugs (PEDs) at some time during their fighting career.

Once fighters are caught and exposed the penalties are usually being stripped of the championship belt, if they won it during the bout, fined and suspension. And if their boss is UFC President Dana White, they may be banished forever from that organization.

By Jillian Bullock

Little did Ronda Rousey, who was born February 1, 1987 in Riverside County, California, ever imagine that one day she would be a mixed martial artist, let alone world champion. Fast forward 25 years and Rousey is just that – Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion.

Rousey got her start in MMA just a few years ago after she won a Bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics for Judo. Since then she has quickly made a name for herself as a serious and fierce competitor. In 2011, Rousey won many awards including, Female Rookie of the Year, Female Fighter of the Year, Female Featherweight of the Year, and Female Newcomer of the Year.

Over at Cagewriter MMA writer Maggie Hendricks wrote an interesting article about 5 All-American wrestlers who COULD be awesome in the cage. At the very least they would be excellent grapplers when compared to the average UFC fighter.

Okay guys settle down…

These guys have been working towards Olympic golds since they were 2 or 3 so they won’t be stepping in the Octagon anytime soon.

Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos has always been the type of MMA fighter who was like a speeding train that steamrolled over all opponents who stood before her. Since becoming a professional fighter, Santos has amassed a fight record of 10-1. These fights have been clear, decisive and left no doubt who was the superior athlete. MMA’s darling Gina Carano may have been the most popular among fans, mainly because of her attractive features, but it was Santos who proved that ability and skill was highly valued over good looks and a popularity contest.

So, when Santos beat Carano in August 2009, by technical knockout  in the first round, she stripped the Strikeforce’s 145-pound women’s title away from Carano. Since that fight, Carano hasn’t returned to the cage. Now, she is off in Hollywood making movies. Meanwhile, Santos has continued her destruction as she toppled everyone she encountered in the cage.

Mixed Martial Arts is just like other sports business; full of hype and all about making money. Some fighters in the UFC are all about the hype, the smack talk, and either can or can’t back it up. Nick Diaz just happens to be one of those fighters who is all about the talk, but cannot seem to walk the walk.  Many people tout Diaz as one of the best boxers in MMA and a top contender in the welterweight division, however he hasn’t defeated top level guys even though he has fought several.

StrikeForce Here He Comes!

Over the past 5 years it seems that the use of steroids by the fighters in the UFC & MMA has exploded in the news.  Maybe this is because more fighters are actually using steroids or maybe it is the fact that MMA has grown so much in popularity that fans actually hear about it more often.  Whichever the case steroid use has become a problem.

Steroids Fill The UFC MMA News

Jake Shields went 21 fights without losing before he challenged George St. Pierre for the UFC welterweight title. No he hasn’t won in his last two fights. But in that incredible streak, besides beating quality guys from a higher wieght class like Yushin Okami, Dan Henderson, and Robbie Lawlor, Jake was able to beat the current interim UFC welterweight champ Carlos Condit. With a win over Akiyama Jake could put himself closer to Fighting Condit again, this time with a lot more at stake. Shields is a ground expert with a base in wrestling and a lot of jui-jitsu experience. As testament to how dangerous he is on the mat, George St. Pierre basically avoided going to the ground with Jake throughout their entire fight.

MMA Fighter Akiyama is in an even worse position than Shields. After a great run that included wins over Melvin manhoef, Denis Kang, and Alan Belcher Akiyama is now fighting for his UFC career. He has lost three straight in the UFC to really good opponents in Chris Leben, Michael Bisbing, and Vitor Belfort. While a couple of those were fight of the night type fights Akiyama still needs a win to remain relevant in the UFC. UFC fighter Akiyama is an action fighter who throws fast combinations and is very technical on the ground. He can finish fights in a variety of ways as his record of five knockout and seven submissions
suggests.

The state of Wisconsin is in the midst of a big fight, however this fight is outside the cage.  It is amazing how many states in the U.S. are still fighting to legally have MMA in their towns and states.  When we as a nation have so much more on our plate why are we spending time and money on two guy or girls choosing to get into a ring and beat each other up?  They are both adults and they both know the ramifications of their actions and that they could possibly not be stepping out.  However, let’s spend out time as a nation focusing on much larger issues then this.

With the largest platform of political turmoil on the topic of legalized cage fighting is definitely in New York City.  The UFC has been fighting to legalize them bringing their show to the big city.

Back in the 1990’s, Mark Coleman took on the moniker of “The Godfather of Ground and Pound”. His relentless assault on his fallen foes often resulted in bloody bodies and quick stoppages. Since Coleman laid that blueprint, many a man have followed suit, adopting similar aggressive top position attacks. Fedor Emelianenko used it quite efficiently during his run in pride; Tito Ortiz carved up too many men to count; Robbie Lawler has a serious knack for smelling blood and punctuating his instincts with a violent top based barrage and recently, guys like Jon Jones and Mark Munoz have taken the tactic to new heights.

While Jones is insanely precise with his onslaught, he typically chooses to look for the appropriate openings rather than flail about wildly. The moment the slightest crease in an opponent’s defense opens “Bones” seizes the moment and unleashes perfectly placed elbows and punches that have led to more than a single shocking win. Think, if you will, about jones’ collisions with Brandon Vera, Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko and even former champion, Lyoto Machida. This man’s elbows are nothing short of vicious, and should an opponent find himself with Jones in top control, it’s be a good idea to do everything humanly possible to secure wrist control.