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.

Before you get in the ring – get a taste for the real thing!

Fans of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) are passionate about their sport and its athletes—so much so that many want to move from pure spectator to MMA fighter. MMA training is evolving constantly as coaches and athletes improve training and nutrition techniques. However, if you’re new to MMA training, you might be overwhelmed trying to keep up with the excess information and advice available to you.

That is why I’ve put together this handy Top Apps for 2012 for MMA Training list where you can find all of the pertinent information to help you train for the basics, learn new techniques, ensure you’re getting the proper protein and nutrients to build muscle, and to hear about the latest and greatest news in the MMA area, as long as you have a data plan!  If you are a Droid user you can check out the Best 6 MMA Droid Apps.

Dan Henderson is not only the modern day equivalent to the Running Man, he’s also as tough as any human being on the face of earth. This man can take a trouncing like no other, and often manages to rebound and snag impressive victories. Given his low-key demeanor, and I’d-share-a-beer-with-you-anytime attitude, Dan has painted himself as one of the coolest men competing in mixed martial arts today.

Dan Henderson’s Career

Question:

“My name is Jason G. A.K.A the playboy, A.K.A code blue. I’m a former pro boxer and I need great management as I become a pro in MMA. I’m 6’5 240 from the Bronx whats my next move?”
  -  Jason G.

Like our “Submission of the Year” piece, there were numerous knockout finishes in 2011 to illuminate, and picking a decisive winner of this little title, is no easy task. There were flashy finishes, unforeseen finishes, and a few outrageously brutal finishes.

Bellator played host to a number of spectacular knockouts this year, including Alexis Vila’s one punch leveling of promotional ace, Joe Warren, Pat Curran’s perfectly placed right high kick finish of Marlon Sandro and Patricky Freire’s well-timed flying knee that left Toby Imada in another dimension. It was a stellar year for the promotion, as I’m just skimming the surface of Bellator knockouts.

As is the case with just about any full contact sport in existence, the competing favorite is likely to emerge victorious over opposition a good eight of ten times. Even in a sport as erratic as mixed martial arts, the odds makers tend to do their homework, and usually make the right picks. However, when the cycle is broken by the resilient underdog, it’s an amazing sensation, and it echoes in the memory.

In the last 18 years many a favorite has fallen at the hands of the unsuspecting challenger; the man ushered into the cage to become little more than another tally in the favored participants win column. Sometimes upsets are squeezed out on the score cards, sometimes they arrive in fast, dramatic fashion, and now and then an unforeseen variable alters the outcome of a fight. When it comes to the truly memorable upsets, there are a few that just cannot be forgotten.

With a face that even some who’s illiterate could read, it’s not hard to tell that Erik Koch enjoys his job. What does he do you may ask? Well, in addition to watching the Food Channel non-stop, Tweeting about the Food Channel, and wanting to eat the food he sees while he’s watching the Food Channel, the guy is a UFC fighter. And a pretty damn good one to boot.

Currently Koch is a top contender in the featherweight division (145 lbs), and in between all the food watching, has compiled a solid 13-1 mark, including a KO of the Night in his UFC debut. I sat down with Erik recently to discuss training, his roots, the journey he’s on, and where he’s going.

The other day over at MMAPayout.com they had a great post on the recent deal between UFC and Fox.  The advertising for the UFC events has been sold out its debut event and fast!  Even though this is the furthest step that MMA has made into the main stream it certainly isn’t there yet even though the World Poker Championship and video poker gets shown on ESPN.  While Dana White the UFC President has even said that ESPN won’t give the UFC the time of day on it’s show even after or before a great fight.

In recent news, controversy has arisen over the criticism that Ultimate Fighting Championship’s president, Dana White, shot towards prominent MMA trainer Greg Jackson and his camp. At UFC 122 Nate Marquardt, who is trained by Jackson, was facing off against Yushin Okami for an opportunity to challenge for the Middleweight Championship. In what many people considered a slow bout, Okami was able to outpoint his opponent. While there must always be a winner and loser for every competition, the issue began during the post fight conference.

Questions still about as we wait the few hours left until the start of one of the most hyped UFC events of the year. Ultimate Fighting Championship 121 features a massive main event that pits current heavyweight champion and self appointed “Baddest Man on Earth” Brock Lesnar against the undefeated heavyweight standout Cain Velasquez. Along with this battle is the UFC debut of Jake Shields, a man who dominated the Strikeforce organization and has not lost since 2004. Both of these fights have massive implications on the UFC as an organization going into the next year. Here are some things to look for as you enjoy tonight’s event.

Does size matter?