JustBleed.com is evolving

Over the last several months I have noticed a big change here on the site.  It has gone from me just airing some thoughts on the sport to a place for fans to get pool sheets for their fight night parties.  We have also had some very odd steps in between including creepy gifs and MMA poster designs (that I hear make good iphone wallpapers).  I was actually hoping to pick up more business doing promotional design work, but instead find myself dedicating more and more site time to the insanely popular pool sheet designs (and some of you are rabid about it, which I am very thankful for).  And as this has been happening, I have been looking for other designers who would like to share their MMA related design ideas here on JustBleed.com (it’s a nice way to get a little bit of extra exposure, if you’re interested).  I have received a couple of submissions, and I think they’re really cool concepts that other fans will dig too.  So, as the turkey holidays wrap up here, I will begin showcasing other designers concepts and interactive designs for MMA from other artists & designers around the MMA community.  And all inspiring designers looking to show off to the MMA world should submit your work now!  You can still make it for the December launch.  I’m not really sure where this will lead the site, but it should be a fun journey.

UFC 106: The Postmortem

UFC 106 has come and gone and it’s getting weighed and measured.  Overall, I thought it was a pretty decent event as far as the fights were concerned.  A couple of upsets and some good battles balanced with a few controversial moments and a predictable main event made for an O.K. night.  Just the hardcore fans last night made it over to the house, which makes me interested in what the PPV numbers are going to be like.  It may have just been an off night here.

Now see what the press and fans are saying…

Dana White shocked by UFC 106 judging… – MMAJunkie.com
Griffin outstrikes Ortiz at UFC 106 – USA Today
‘Robbery’ victim Tito doesn’t go into the night quietly – Steve Cofield, Cagewriter/Yahoo! Sports
Judging controversy shrouds Griffin’s win – Globe and Mail
(UFC 106) A question or two about the Nevada State Athletic Commission – Zach Arnold, FightOpinion.com
After Another Loss, Sun Begins to Set on… Tito Ortiz – Mike Chiapetta, MMA FanHouse
Ortiz/Griffin 3 in the works? – MMA Weekly
UFC 106 Post-Fight Analysis and Recap – Mike Fagan, Bloody Elbow
Despite impressive win… Koscheck won’t leapfrog challenger… – MMAJunkie.com
Interesting Mix of Success for Old Guard and New Blood… The Garv
Koscheck Campaigns for St. Pierre – Loretta Hunt, Sherdog.com

UFC 106 Pool Sheet Download

ufc-106-poolsheet-thmbUPDATE 11-20-09: Karo has pulled out of his fight (and booted from the UFC). The sheet has been updated to reflect that.

The pool sheet for this weekend’s UFC 106 event is now online (hi-res download below).  If you wish to see a slightly larger preview, just click the image on the right.

I went with a dirty concrete look mixed in with a clean text layout for a good balance of both worlds.  Kind of simple but it still looks good when printed.

I was hoping to break out a few new aspects with this sheet but this UFC was scaled back a lot because the original main event was postponed.  So I’ve decided to wait until the next really big event to show off some of the new ideas.  I’m thinking the New Years eve event may be perfect.

And please feel free to share this with your friends on other MMA forums and blogs.  It really makes a difference when watching an event with a sheet because everyone feels a little more invested in the outcome of each fight.  It’s a lot of fun.  And it also helps the newer fans learn the names of some of the up and coming fighters that aren’t the Randy Couture’s or Chuck Liddell’s of the sport.

Now, to answer some of your questions regarding the pool sheets.

Download the hi-res sheet: Just Click Here

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.

WEC 44 Pool Sheet Download

wec-nov18-poolsheet-thmbThe WEC 44 event sheet is online and ready to go (hi-res download below).  If you wish to see a slightly larger preview, just click the image on the right.

This design is done with a bit of pop art inspiration.  I like the movement with the angled layout as it works nicely.  And since there are only 4 guaranteed televised fights, similar to the Strikeforce event on CBS, it allowed me to have a little more fun with the space.

And please feel free to share this with your friends on other MMA forums and blogs.  It really makes a difference when watching an event with a sheet because everyone feels a little more invested in the outcome of each fight.  It’s a lot of fun.  And it also helps the newer fans learn the names of some of the up and coming fighters that aren’t the Randy Couture’s or Chuck Liddell’s of the sport.

Now, to answer some of your questions regarding the pool sheets.

Download the hi-res sheet: Just Click Here

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.

UFC 105 Pool Sheet Download

ufc-105-poolsheet-lg-thmb

It’s ready!  The pool sheet for this coming weekend’s UFC 105 event is now online (hi-res download below).  If you wish to see a slightly larger preview, just click the image on the right.

Because this event is taking place with our friends across the pond, I thought some ‘old english’ design was needed along with some of the colors from their country’s flag.  I think the finished design looks fantastic and the printed colors turned out great.

The “note pad” area again is a little small in height, but not as small as it was for the Strikeforce event.  Since it’s really just for adding numbers, it shouldn’t be a problem.  I also added the “total points” section from that card since it worked out so well.  It makes it easier to read when determining a winner.

And please feel free to share this with your friends on other MMA forums and blogs.  It really makes a difference when watching an event with a sheet because everyone feels a little more invested in the outcome of each fight.  It’s a lot of fun.  And it also helps the newer fans learn the names of some of the up and coming fighters that aren’t the Randy Couture’s or Chuck Liddell’s of the sport.

Now, to answer some of your questions regarding the pool sheets.

Download the hi-res sheet: Just Click Here

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.

Strikeforce: The Postmortem

Strikeforce put on an event last night with some good fights.  It was the return of Saturday Night Fights on CBS and was broadcast live from Chicago.  Now see what the press is saying…

Fedor Emelianenko defeats Chicagoan Brett Rogers – Chicago Tribune
Fedor clobbers Rogers in two rounds – Loretta Hunt, ESPN
Shield picks up Strikeforce title… – Maggie Hendricks, Cagewriter/Yahoo Sports
Fedor says he was never in danger – Steve Cofield, Cagewriter/Yahoo Sports
Fedor Breaks Nose, Injures Hand – Sherdog.com
Coenen makes quick work of Modafferi… – MMAJunkie.com
Fedor Emelianenko TKOs Brett Rogers in second round – Las Vegas Sun
Emelianenko right crumples Rogers – MMAJunkie.com
Brett Rogers falls in defeat Saturday Night – Star Tribune

Scott Coker Post-Fight Interview

Interview by Ariel Helwani

Strikeforce tonight live on CBS

Saturday Night Fights are back on CBS and they’re kicking it off with a nice card. It all begins later tonight at 9 PM EST (delayed on the west coast – 9 PM PT). If you’re a fight fan, make sure to tune in because these are some fun match ups, should be an entertaining night of fights.

  • Heavyweights: Antonio Silva vs. Fabricio Werdum
  • Light Heavyweights: Gegard Mousasi vs. Sokoudjou
  • Middleweights (title fight): Jake Shields vs. Jason “Mayhem” Miller
  • Heavyweights: Brett Rogers vs. Fedor Emelianenko

Strikeforce Pool Sheet Download

Strikeforce - Fedor vs. Rogers Poolsheet

You asked for it and now you got it!  The pool sheet for this coming weekend’s Strikeforce event is now online (hi-res download below).  If you wish to see a slightly larger preview, just click the image on the right.

Since the past few sheets have been a bit ‘grungy’ in design, I wanted to clean it up a bit with this one.  And having a white background does several cool things as well.  First, it uses much less ink.  There is no white ink, so whatever color the paper is, that’s the sheet color.  Personally, I like the way these printed on my white card stock.  It looked real clean and sharp, a nice change.  If you decide to print on colored card stock paper, I would highly suggest using lighter colors or maybe recycled textured paper.  If you use darker colored paper, the print will not show up as well (and besides, it will be harder to see your marks).  I did a few test prints on some light orange and blue card stock sheets, as well as some recycled textured sheets, and they still looked fantastic.  Much better than I even anticipated.

The “note pad” area is a little smaller in height, but wider over all.  Since it’s really just for adding numbers, it shouldn’t be a problem.  It’s only temporary for now and with only four guaranteed televised fights anyway, there is not a lot of math to be done.  I also added a “total points” section for easy reading when determining a winner.

And please feel free to share this with your friends on other MMA forums and blogs.  I know most fans watching this particular event are going to mainly be the hardcore, but the more you share, the more people may get into it and realize there is more than just the UFC.

Now, to answer some of your questions regarding the pool sheets.

Download the hi-res sheet: Just Click Here

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.

Kimbo Slice is an alien

Kimbo Slice is an alien

So I was digging around the interweb and stumbled across this strange and very suspicious similarity.  Is it just a coincidence?  Or, is there a bigger alien conspiracy here with Kimbo that we have yet to understand?  That may explain his appeal with the people.  My foil hat is in full effect guys, watch out.