October shenanigans

 

October has been a roller coaster ride for me with beautiful highs, moments of frustration and absolute confusion, but Gooden's glass likes to be half full and October has been marked with a whacking great big tick!  On a personal level I feel I have moved forward with my ambitions in MMA by getting together a podcast and consolidating relationships within the sport.  Bigger still, the introduction of SAFE MMA is such positive progression for UK MMA and to be involved fills me with pride and purpose.  I will be blogging about SAFE  MMA after the launch on November 1st.

Just as an aside, as I write this I am being slightly put off by a middle aged lady sitting opposite me on the train that has rocked up and is currently using the table as a beauty salon.  That's ok as it actually smells pretty good, but she has definitely over done it on the moisturiser and has been rubbing her wrinkly face since we left Newport...we are now in Bristol and she still looks like a clown.  Whatsmore, the excess cream is being worked at so furiously that the back of my ipad is starting to resemble a plasterer's radio!

Anyways, so about my (very raw) podcast; its nearly cost me a PC and a door after repeatedly crashing and thus creating an inner rage that hasn't consumed me since Willy B clocked me in the back of the head with a rock hit by a hurling stick- upon reflection great tekkers, but you don't shoot your pals in the back ;o).  After failed attempts to upload to soundcloud, youtube etc, I managed to get episode 1 uploaded via videopress on this here site.  I have plans to educate myself in better ways of delivering this so thats its downloadable, so bear with me!  I'd like to think my podcast is a little bit different to the others out there as it quite simply stitches together interviews that I would normally conduct with fighters, coaches, promoters, referees, managers etc.  I hope it will give access to these people to help with honest insights into the true lives of these individuals.  Thanks to all those that have lent their time to feature.  I am now set for episode 4 with the first 3 covering Shock n Awe 12, Rosi Sexton's VADA experience and Cage Warriors 49.

Shock n Awe 12 then.  I loved working with the whole crew at this show.  From everything around the show and man love with Gareth Johnson, commentating with Ben Cartlidge, the fighters, Addicted MMA, Ricky Wright, Little Red, David Swann, the guys at Boom Boom productions and of course Brian Adams- that straight talking big hunk of a man!  Consistent with my misdemeanour trends I arrived at Portsmouth and realised I had no belt for my trousers.  This might not seem too terrible to most, but I have a ridiculous ape-like structure with short legs, massive arse and no waist.  I therefore end up buying 36 inch trousers that require a handful of material to be lost around the waist.  My successful Paul Chek/ wholefoods diet has accentuated this and I could be seen mostly walking around the venue like a yoot wearing his strides around his arse or generally holding up my trousers with a hand constantly in my pocket which always arouses suspicions when you are in the company of beautiful rings girls!!   The biggest problem was the worry of being mid flow of a post fight interview, celebrating with a fighter fresh from a hard fought victory only for me take a breath between questions and causing a trouser slippage to reveal my milky white pins to a sell out crowd!  Thankfully my worst fears were never realised and David Swanny Swann came to the rescue after the show by lending me a spare belt.  Now thats an organised man right there- cheers buddy!

Highlights of the show were being cageside to commentate Luke Dalmedo's fight.  I've trained with Luke since he was 15 and its great to see him realise his talent in cage competition.  Well done bro!  Also seeing Jack Mason and Mike Ling turn a corner in their careers was great particularly after spectating their fights from close quarters at Cage Warriors and obviously being a big fan of theirs.  I'd also like to shout out Sam Ford and Jack Currell, 2 young semi pro fights who have bright futures ahead.  It was a great contest!

Another memorable moment was being heckled as I entered the cage to interview UFC fighter Phil Harris and TUF contestant Brad Scott.  As I stepped onto the Shock N Awe apron, wearing my light grey shoes with contrasting brown soles, tweed style jacket, bow tie and slightly fierce quiff I'm happy to say I was greeted by what I can only assume is a fan by a loud cry of 'GAY'.  Brilliant! It put a bigger skip in my step as I pranced to my position in front of the camera.

Onwards to Cage Warriors. Another podcast and a speed typing exercise explaining and defending SAFE MMA.  The Welsh MMA fans seemed really excited to be hosting CW which is such a great feeling for anyone associated with the promotion.  We are all so committed to doing the very best job that we can for the good of the show and positive reaction like that is great for the team.  St Davids Hall is a great venue right in the heart of the shopping district in Cardiff.  The layout is also really good for MMA and the noise in the hall was excellent when the Welsh fighters appeared to start their ring walk.  In all, it wasn't  the best night in terms of results for the Welsh contingent and perhaps a little bit of the gloss was taken off of Tim Newman's win with the arguments over the tap.  There was much debate over the tap and its terrible for all concerned when a situation like this arises.  Lots of angles have been examined from different cameras and Marc Goddard got it right.  I have so much respect and admiration for Greg Loughran and I eagerly await his return.  Congrats to Tim, I know that this win will mean so much to him.

I'll probably get told off for mentioning this, but its pretty damn obvious if you listen to the commentary...I have no desire to be an MMA judge.  I'm not actually in the greatest position to analyse a fight around the MMA scoring system.  I personally have to consider certain production items, read notes, listen to my producer and work commentary with my partner.  Scoring at the same time is just too difficult.  You of course get a flavour from the fight, but that isn't how the 10 point must system works.

On a lighter note and a bit of gossip. I was amused to be told that a flamboyant member of the Cage Warriors crew had a suspicious incident with a glitter bath bomb that caused their Davina McCalls to sparkle like a bit of camp disco furniture.  It is not, however, the same team member that enlisted the help of Brooke and her make up.  Just sayin!  Oh and a big shout out to the 30 or so handsome bow tie wearing fellas that were staying at the same hotel. Its a movement y'know!? Respect ;o)!

The morning after the show there was an alarming complaint surrounding the suspicion of performance enhancing drugs.  The complaint was lodged by the Cardiff Central pigeons about their winged counter parts, the sea gulls.  The pigeons can get near to the rich picking of the platform food.  In fact, even I had politely ask Mr C Gull if i could squeeze past at the top of the platform stairs.  WTF are those guys on?  I know one thing, Halloween is fricking scary in Cardiff with those raptors on the loose trick or treating!

That's October done.  I'm keen to see what happens to the UK and European rankings next week.  Thanks for reading.

Oh and for those worried about the lady opposite me on the train, she managed to lose the cream in a couple of her chins and did a much better job with the lippy. Beautiful.

Cageside Podcast - Episode 1 Shock n Awe XII

[wpvideo qXMnVLva] Well has taken about 15 attempts through various different means to get this out, but we're finally there.  Apologies to the guys who featured and were waiting ton hear it back and to Shock n Awe as it would've complimented the show's build up.  However, the wider idea of this podcast is to bring you live recordings of fighters, coaches, referees, promoters and many other interesting people from the world of mixed martial arts, so all is still relevant.  Episode 1 focuses around top UK show Shock n Awe and welcomes Addicted MMA's Ben Farrelly (1-33), promoter and coach Brian Adams (33-1.04) along with fighters Phil Else (1.04-1.33), Luke 'El Nino' Dalmedo (1.33-1.51) and Alexei 'Boom' Roberts (1.51-2.3).

Ben speaks about Addicted MMA and his take on the SnA card

Brian Adams talk frankly about the South coast scene, Phil Harris at the UFC and his motivation behind SnA

Phil Else gives a very honest account of his worrying injury and how he has prepared for SnA

Luke Dalmedo talks us through his training and his regrets about the aftermath of the Callum Jones fight

Alexei will entertain you with his fine way with words, his confidence and his admiration for his coach. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts Thanks, John

Amman Jordan, CWFC Fight Night 7

It was always going to be the case, as we got deeper into the year my holiday allowance was going to disappear and it was going to make my trip times a little tighter.  Gratefully, Pat Vickers (Cage Warriors Head of Talent and co-main event match-maker) managed to arrange a late afternoon flight to Jordan so that I could join my CW MMA brethren for Fight Night 7.  Oh, and the middle weight title will be contested- big smiley face!

Heathrow Terminal 3 - so you can polish a turd!  This terminal used to be horrible but now there are high-end retailers, posh shops and even minor celebrities- though the celebs were probably just passing through, rather than making an 'appearance'.  I wanted to experience some of this high life so I touched some fabrics in Paul Smith, got attacked by at least 4 attractive women all spraying me with various effeminate fragrances (got knows why?) and I even ordered the seared tuna at Yo Sushi- you better believe it!

The 5 hour plane ride was a great opportunity to put in a solid 4 hour shift which really helped get my research notes in order.  Even with 4 unruly children playing musical chairs next to me, in front of me and behind me.  "Hey kids how do you like the UFC 10 greatest KO's of all time"...yeah, that'll learn ya!  Also on the plane was a respectable looking,young Jordanian girl reading an MMA publication.  I still find that kinda cool.  Evidence that MMA is becoming more mainstream!

After a disappointing wait at the airport I was finally in my hotel room at 2.30am, much to the relief of my on air partner Josh Palmer who was seemingly waiting up for me like a concerned parent!  At 8am we took on breakfast and I tried to get round to as many of the fighters as possible.  The GYM01 guys are always a laugh, but my stand out encounter was with Pavel Kusch and Combat Dobro.  Now I hope the following wont sound too cliche.  Kusch and his team are obviously Ukrainian and if you haven't had the pleasure of mixing with Ukrainians they all carry a kind of poker face.  Actually, they are all big and scary.  I approached their table with caution, introduced myself and was then told off by Kusch's manager for not sending across questions that I had promised- not the best start! "But I am here to make it more personable" was my rebuttal.  Kusch and I exchanged our views over the fight, his training and his background.  I particularly enjoyed our debate over what is a 'better' discipline; sambo or brazilian jiu jitsu.  I'll keep those thoughts to myself for now!  I tried to add a flavour of comedy in some parts, but much like a lot of my attempts at comedy, they weren't met with raucous laughter- tough crowd!  With all eyes on me and silence that was only broken by the response to my questions, I wrapped up the interview and stood up.  At that very moment all of the Ukrainian fellows sprung to their feet, which I had to confess was a little unsettling.  But in a twist from my paranoia they all reached for their cameras and I was passed around to have my photo taken.  There were smiles n everything!  It was a little bit like being snapped at my wedding again, only this time I felt like I was the one who should be wearing a dress!  Jokes aside, I think I understand these guys a bit better now.  They are proud competitors, deadly serious about their sport, but also very grateful for anyone who is willing to spend time understanding how they do things and they will listen intently.  For the remainder of the trip I managed to get returned smiles from all of the Combat Dobro contingent!

It wasn't long before the ironing of the shirt and the tying of the bow tie (well clipping, those self-tie ones are complicated and expensive!).  It was the first time for the new production company on foreign soil with CW.  I have to say the producer and director really made me feel very relaxed about the new formats etc, however, this was a little different now we were in the Middle East and it soon became clear that technically it was going to be a challenge for us all.  Without getting all geeky about production, there are certain tools that are required to help with the cueing and communication with the director and producer.  This is particularly important with live TV.  We didn't have some of these tools, but then we rarely do unless we are in the UK and Ireland.  So for the entire show I had to do a bit of guess work over the timing and also had to cue Joe in the cage...that is perhaps why you might catch me flailing my arms around...i'm not waving to the crowd or dad dancing, it is a  crucial, technical indication for the MC and I'm putting it on my CV under skills!!!

The fights were excellent as always.  From bright young things to experienced UFC vets.  There are very few promotions in the world who offer this package and I'm very grateful to be sitting cage side for these shows.  The amateur fights were tuned into by an electric Jordanian crowd.  Look out for young Tunisian Karkad who is developing nicely!

I was sorry to see Mike Ling lose the way he did and it was a stomach turning moment.  I know he has the qualities, mental toughness and team to get back on track.  Equally, Brett Bassett really needed a win to kick start his career on the bigger stage and I know he was struggling being away from his boy.  Not everyone can win in a fight!  In fact, even the guys who didn't get their hand raised fought like lions and that is all that you can ask of a athlete- 100%.  Sometimes, its just not your day, you are beaten by the better man/ woman and certainly in MMA the margin for error is tight.

I'm not proud to say it but the commentators curse struck not once, not twice, but about half a dozen times!  I've called hundreds of fights but it just goes to show the unpredictability of MMA.  I remember having to change commentary style in the Ptasinski vs Bahari fight as that curse just kept rearing its head.  But hey, we all live and learn, mostly by our mistakes.

The main events were very interesting.  Its always great to see Jim Alers and his coach Hank Porcher (pronounced Porché- sorry Hank).  Jim's confidence and more than that, ability, goes to show why we are all so excited to see him fight Conor McGregor for the belt.

The top of the card was interesting for slightly different reasons. Fields got past the combat sambo without too much hassle and then something happened to Kusch were he looked absolutely desperate, but in a debilitating way.  I'll reserve judgement until I find out what happened to him in there, but that aside Fields looked great.  He is now a proud champion who is discovering the fruits of his labour.  I have noticed increasing improvements in his performances every time at Cage warriors since I first saw him against Mario Stapel.  I believe raising the bar each outing will bring the very best out of Chris and I'm looking forward to seeing him defend his belt.

Its always after the fights that the shenanigans take place and Fight Night 7 was no different.  After sharing a burger with some of the team in a cafe opposite the hotel, we got involved in a few sherbets and discussed what we had just witnessed and what was next.  There are a lot of creative minds in the Cage Warriors group and with a few drinks, its good to hear their thoughts.  And whilst I was chewing the fat with Tommy and Brad, a gag was being played on a member of the CW team by members of a certain fight team.  The game went down like this: shots of high proof vodka for 1 person racing against shots of no proof water by others.  The result - 1 spandoogled vodka drinker and a very well entertained group of pranksters!  That is all I am at liberty to say.

The next morning I left Jordan in a little bit of a hurry, the catalyst being a call from Harry Selby telling me I had 5 minutes before the coach left for the airport.  My quiff was flat, my breath was stale and my travel bag was empty.  However, with the footwork of a western boxer I moved around the hotel bed and other obstacles, collecting my belonging in a big bundle using a gable grip and pretty much suplexing them into my bag as I slipped on an espadrille.  I then got back to my feet using a defensive get up whilst reaching for the door handle and escaping to the lift with my luggage.  I then had to retreat when I remembered I hadn't given Josh a kiss goodbye...I didn't really...give him a kiss goodbye. Though I did say goodbye.  Manners cost nothing!