USA Today/SB Nation MMA rankings

Compiling the rankings of twenty top mixed martial arts web sites, the USA TODAY / SB Nation Consensus MMA Rankings present the top 25 fighters in MMA for the seven major weight classes. These world MMA rankings are the most accurate reflection of how the top fighters in MMA across all promotions like UFC, WEC, Affliction and DREAM are viewed by the experts who cover the sport.

USA Today and SB Nation have the absolute best rankings for MMA, so check out the latest update here at Bloodyelbow.com.

UFC 104: The Postmortem

As you can imagine, one topic is shadowing last night’s event.  See what they’re saying the day after UFC 104…

Machida wins… but did he? – Sports Illustrated
Machid, Rua Agree to ‘Immediate Rematch’ – Loretta Hunt, Sherdog.com
Joe Stevenson continues his ascendancy in the Lightweight divsion – Zach Arnold, MMAMemories.com
Machida escapes with belt after five-round tactical battle
– Steve Cofield, Cagewriter
Shogun was robbed – Mark Chalifoux, The Baltimore Sun
Joe Stevenson Says Spencer Fisher Felt ‘Slippery’ -Ariel Helwani, MMA Fanhouse
Lyoto Machida survives scare… - MMAJunkie.com
UFC 104 Main Event Ends in Controversy… – SBNation.com
Simple Solution: Dont leave it to the judges – MMAWeekly.com
Velasquez makes case for title shot – Dave Meltzer, Yahoo Sports
Machida Edges ‘Shogun’ on Points… – Sherdog.com
Shogun vs. The Judges – Jim Murphy, TheSavageScience.com
Shogun Quiets the Machida Hype – TheGarv.com
Lyoto Machida defeats Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua in shocking decision – LA Times

Dana White thinks Shogun won…

Video by Ariel Helwani

A great interview with Dana White

Video interview by Ariel Helwani

Dana talks about Dan Henderson, referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy, Bernard Hopkins, Fedor, UFC 104 and more. Ariel Helwani does some of the best interviews out there, check it out.

UFC 104 Pool Sheet Download

UFC104-poolsheet-thmb

Finally!  It’s here, the UFC 104 pool sheet.  I did two colors this time.  The image you see here is the “Dirty Green” color scheme.  To see the “Dirty Tan” color, just click the Dirty Green image.  Personally, I like how the green one prints better, but that’s just my opinion.

I know it’s posted a little later than normal as I usually get these out a week or two ahead of time, but I’ve been busy working the full time gig still, so my free time has been very rare.  But as always, I find time for you guys, my loyal bleeders.  Please feel free to share this on MMA forums or blogs all over, I encourage it.  Have fun and good luck!

And remember, I’m posting these for all the UFC events.  A new design for each event, all for you to use and enjoy with your friends.  Now, to answer some of your questions regarding the pool sheets.

Download the hi-res sheet: Just Click Here – Dirty Green Color

Download the hi-res sheet: Just Click Here – Dirty Tan Color

1.) How does it work?

Simple.  You just circle the fighter’s name you think is going to win, then circle the round and method (or just mark on it some way, get creative).  Don’t forget to fill in your name at the top left.  Then using scissors, cut on the dotted line and carry the tab with you to fill in the actual results as the fights happen.  When it’s done, take your tab back and compare it to your picks.

2.) What are the game rules? How do you score the card?

The rules and points are printed on each card.

3.) How do I print it?  What are the best printer settings?

When I print them on my Epson, I set it for US Letter (No Borders).  I also select “scale to media“. The best paper to use is card stock, and they look really great when they’re done.

Of course, you don’t have to go through that.  You can just send them to print and it should look great, even if you have borders.  I just prefer no borders because it looks more professional.

You will notice it prints a little light.  That’s on purpose, for several reasons:

1.) It doesn’t use as much ink, saving you money on cartridges.
2.) It prints quicker, so you’re not waiting as long.  Time is money.
3.) Most importantly, it allows you to see any selections made with a highlighter or circles made with a pencil or pen.  Just makes it all around easier to see your picks.

And please, before printing out a bunch of these, check for typos.  I’m not perfect and miss things all the time.  So maybe print one, look it over, and continue with the rest if it all looks good.  If you do find a typo, read #6 below on how to contact me (or just leave a message here on this post).  I will work very fast to correct it.

4.) Are you going to make these for other events too besides just the UFC?

Sometimes, but it really just depends.  The problem with many other promotions is they just can’t seem to get their shit together.  They either announce cards really late or the card is constantly changing.  The UFC doesn’t have these problems nearly as much so I don’t have to do much editing when they do change.  But if there is enough of a request, I will certainly do so.

5.) Do you design other stuff?  How much do you charge?

I love designing promotional posters and fliers for all kinds of fight related events.  I am currently working for the TV industry, but I would love to do some work for anyone that needs some design done for their promotion or event.  Pricing is negotiable, just ask and we’ll get something worked out.

6.) Feedback?

If you have any suggestions or notice anything like a typo or incorrect fighters record, please  feel free to let me know.  You can also just post a comment here if you don’t want to email me directly.  I will try to adapt these as time goes on to your requests and needs.  Without any feedback, I wont know what to correct for you.

Bernard Hopkins is feeling insecure…

Video props to Fightlinker

This says more about him than he realizes.

Another UFC 104 Poster Design

UFC 104 Poster – 2

Click to enlarge

So I did another UFC 104 poster and I think it has turned out great.  A new favorite for me.  As an influence, I used some of the older official designs like UFC82 and UFC 94 posters, but obviously it’s not a copy.  I just wanted something that felt heavy and serious and those were a good direction to start with.  My final image is very clean and with a good mix of both art and design, which adds a lot to the ‘end users’ vision of the event.  Personally, I think it’s better than the official UFC 82 design and almost as good as 94’s hype poster.

I have one more poster design for UFC 104 that I will be posting some time over the next couple of days and it’s a throwback to old school record cover designs from the 50’s and 60’s.  It’s a real departure from this one.

To see my other UFC 104 poster design that was much more influenced by Japanese fight posters, just click here.

I hope Shane Carwin is ready…

Video courtesy of LesnarMMA

Brett Rogers talks Fedor

Props to Carlos Arias and the Keep Punching Blog for the interview

UFC 104: The debut of Ben Rothwell

Former IFL heavyweight Ben Rothwell talks about his UFC 104 debut on October 24.