Monday, March 21, 2011
Liveblog: TUF Tryouts Part 4
The striking portion involved guys like Clay Guida and ROC vets James Gabert and Al Iaquinta holding pads and contestants getting looked at by Silva and White for about 15 seconds each. Then names are rattled off of those who get to move on to the interview stage.
And in case you're wondering, yes, the mats are cleaned in between tryout sessions.
And in case you're wondering, yes, the mats are cleaned in between tryout sessions.
Liveblog: TUF Tryouts Part 3
One kid was barking and growling while grappling, which begs the question: does SpikeTV screen for werewolves? Another kid got a submission and had Dana White autograph the hundred-dollar bill. Well, that's one way to increase the value of US currency.
Incidentally, MMA Journalist spoke with Joe Silva at length prior to the tryouts - a follow-up interview to our 2002 discussion. Apparently he still works for the UFC putting together fights, still prefers MMA as a hobby than as a job, and eschews the finer things in life for simpler things (i.e., cheeseburgers instead of filet mignon). Also, he and Dana have very little say in who gets into the TUF House. It's all SpikeTV, and it's all about the interview.
I also spoke with Dana briefly about the whole MMA in New York thing. He said they made progress in Albany last week, but he's not 100% confident. The issue with the unions (and how Station Casinos do not use union labor) is a stumbling block.
Incidentally, MMA Journalist spoke with Joe Silva at length prior to the tryouts - a follow-up interview to our 2002 discussion. Apparently he still works for the UFC putting together fights, still prefers MMA as a hobby than as a job, and eschews the finer things in life for simpler things (i.e., cheeseburgers instead of filet mignon). Also, he and Dana have very little say in who gets into the TUF House. It's all SpikeTV, and it's all about the interview.
I also spoke with Dana briefly about the whole MMA in New York thing. He said they made progress in Albany last week, but he's not 100% confident. The issue with the unions (and how Station Casinos do not use union labor) is a stumbling block.
Liveblog: TUF Tryouts Part 2
Dana has definitely been shelling out the hundies. The dude with one leg did well, Steve DeAngelis stalemated with a bull, and Ian McCall just tapped out ROC champ Dustin Pague with a triangle. One kid even scored two subs and earned 200 bucks. The atmosphere is friendly but competitive. Think: Rent casting call meets Grapplers Quest.
Liveblog: TUF Tryouts Part 1
MMA Journalist is here at the Marriott at Newark Liberty Airport, matside for the tryouts for upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. The menu today is all 135ers and 145ers, and according to SpikeTV reps, about 400+ aspiring TUFers have shown up. Notable fighters include: 5in Thomas (!), ROC champs Binky Jones, Steve DeAngelis, Louis Gaudinot, KOTC champ Jimmie Rivera, and some dude with one leg. Incidentally, the first component of the process (after registration and pre-screening) is grappling, and the dude with one leg did pretty well. To make things interesting, Dana White is giving out 100 bucks to anyone who nails a submission; the big question is how much will he pay to the fighter who knocks out the trainer holding the pads in the striking portion?
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