Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Rest in Peace Gene Fabrikant

MMA Journalist has just learned that sambo expert Gene Fabrikant passed away this morning.  It was sudden, and the result of an unknown heart issue.  Fabrikant coached a few fighters here and there, and also ran a few shows out in Brooklyn, including the recent Paul Rosner memorial event as well as the infamous International Fight Night underground shows.  He will be missed.

Predictions for UFC Fight Night "Florian vs. Gomi vs. Fanboys"

Do you recognize the name “Takanori Gomi”?  If so, congrats!  You are neither a TUF Noob nor a Kimbo Noob.  However, if the name doesn’t ring a bell, this is all you need to know about the former Pride lightweight champ: he can punch, he’s a fanboy favorite, and like his opponent Kenny Florian, he loses when he fights BJ Penn.  Predictions!

    • Gomi is totally an awesome, top-level competitor.  If we take a time machine back to 2006, that is.  Though clearly not the best in his division, Florian is the better fighter, and will win via New England Clam Chowda Choke.
    • Roy Nelson is fighting Stefan Struve, which pits a fat guy against a tall, skinny guy.  Did Joe Silva let his eight-year-old nephew handle the matchmaking for this one?  Is Nelson going to take on a really short guy next?  Nelson via bludgeoning with his big TUF Lucite.
    • Not counting the referee, the combined age of those in the cage for the Nate Quarry/Jorge Rivera bout will be 214 years.  Think about that one.
    • Ross Pearson vs. Dennis Siver pits a Brit against a German fighter.  I’m picking Siver, if only because there’s a joke in there about the Blitzkrieg and Pearson getting bombed.