Moe Khan on Alouettes Training Camp

Dave Simon MMA Segment (Part 2 of 2)

Dave Simon MMA Segment (Part 1 of 2)

Top 10 MMA Rankings- June 2012
Courtesy of Dave Simon @ http://ringsidereport.net/2012/06/top-10-mma-rankings-june-2012/

This is the 11th monthly installment of the Ringside Report official Top 10 MMA rankings. These rankings were compiled and debated on the June 1, 2012 episode of Ringside Report Radio. NOTE: Results from the June 1 UFC show will be reflected in the July 2012 rankings.

Daniel Cormier moved up from 5th to 4th this month with a decision win over previously 4th ranked Josh Barnett. Barnett drops to 5th overall. 1st ranked Junior Dos Santos defended his UFC HW title versus 6th ranked Frank Mir this month, the fight did not affect either man’s ranking. 2nd ranked Cain Velasquez defeated 8th ranked Antonio Silva, neither man’s rankings were affected by the bout. 7th ranked Fabricio Werdum is the only Top 10 Heavyweight scheduled for competition in June 2012.

Heavyweights- 207-265 lbs.

1. Junior Dos Santos (15-1, UFC HW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Frank Mir on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146. Next fight: versus Cain Velasquez, date and location TBA

2. Cain Velasquez (10-1) Last fight: TKO win over Antonio Silva on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146. Next fight: versus Junior Dos Santos, date and location TBA

3.Alistair Overeem (36-11-1) Last fight: TKO win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on December 30, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

4. Daniel Cormier (10-0) Last fight: unanimous decision win over Josh Barnett on May 19, 2012 in Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Finale. Next fight: TBA

5. Josh Barnett (31-6) Last fight: unanimous decision loss to Daniel Cormier on May 19, 2012 in Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Finale. Next fight: TBA

6. Frank Mir (16-6) Last fight: TKO loss to Junior Dos Santos for UFC HW title on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146. Next fight: TBA

7. Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1) Last fight: UD win Roy Nelson on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Mike Russow on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147

8. Antonio Silva (16-4) Last fight: TKO loss to Cain Velasquez on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146. Next fight: TBA

9. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1-1) Last fight: submission loss to Frank Mir on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: versus Cheick Kongo at UFC 149 on July 21, 2012

10. Shane Carwin (12-2) Last fight: UD loss to Junior Dos Santos on June 11, 2011. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Sergei Kharitonov, Mark Hunt, Fedor Emelianenko, Cheick Kongo, Roy Nelson, Gabriel Gonzaga, Mike Russow, Travis Browne, Ben Rothwell

No movement in the Light-Heavyweight division this month. No Top 10 Light-Heavyweights were in competition in May 2012. No Top 10 LW fighters are scheduled for action in June 2012.

Light-Heavyweights- 205 lbs.

1. Jon Jones (16-1, UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over versus Rashad Evans to retain UFC LHW title on April 21, 2012. Next fight: defending UFC LHW title versus Dan Henderson on September 1, 2012 at UFC 151.

2. Dan Henderson (29-8) Last fight: UD win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Jon Jones for UFC LHW title on September 1, 2012 at UFC 151.

3. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (20-6) Last Fight: UD loss to Dan Henderson on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus TBA on July 21, 2012 at UFC 149

4. Lyoto Machida (17-3) Last fight: submission loss to Jon Jones on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next Fight: versus Ryan Bader at UFC on Fox 4 on August 4, 2012

5. Rashad Evans (17-2-1D) Last fight: Unanimous Decision loss to Jon Jones for UFC LHW title at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012. Next fight: TBA

6. Phil Davis (9-1) Last fight: UD loss to Rashad Evans on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: versus Wagner Prado on August 4, 2012 at UFC on FOX 4.

7. Alexander Gustafsson (14-1) Last fight: unanimous decision win over Thiago Silva on April 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

8. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2) Last fight: Unanimous Decision win over Ovince St-Preux on December 17, 2011. Next fight: TBA

9. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5) Last fight: TKO win over Tito Ortiz on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140. Next fight: TBA

10. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-10) Last fight: UD loss to Ryan Bader on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante, Forrest Griffin, Ryan Bader, Tito Ortiz

No movement in the Middleweight division this month. No Top 10 Middleweights were in competition in May 2012. No Top 10 MW fighters are scheduled for action in June 2012.

Middleweights- 185 lbs.

1. Anderson Silva (31-4, UFC Middleweight Champion) Last fight: TKO win over Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011. Next fight: defending UFC MW title versus Chael Sonnen on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

2. Chael Sonnen (27-11-1D) Last fight: Unanimous decision win over Michael Bisping on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: versus Anderson Silva on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148 for UFC MW title

3. Mark Munoz (12-2) Last fight: TKO win over Chris Leben on November 5, 2011. Next fight: versus Chris Weidman at UFC on Fuel 4 on July 11, 2012

4. Vitor Belfort (21-9) Last fight: submission win over Anthony Johnson at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

5. Michael Bisping (22-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chael Sonnen on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next fight: versus Tim Boetsch on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148

6. Yushin Okami (26-7) Last fight: TKO loss to Tim Boetsch on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: versus Luiz Cane on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150

7. Demian Maia (15-4) Last fight: UD loss to Chris Weidman on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. Next Fight: versus Dong Hyun Kim in first WW fight on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148

8. Brian Stann (12-4) Last fight: KO win over Alessio Sakara on April 14, 2012. Next fight: versus Hector Lombard on August 4, 2012 at UFC on Fox 4

9. Luke Rockhold (9-1, Strikeforce MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Keith Jardine on January 8, 2012 at Strikeforce: Rockhold v. Jardine. Next fight: versus Tim Kennedy on July 14, 2012 for Strikeforce: Rockhold v. Kennedy.

10. Hector Lombard (31-2-1-1NC, Bellator MW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Trevor Prangley on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Brian Stann on August 4, 2012 at UFC on Fox 4.

Honourable mentions: Mamed Khalidov, Jorge Santiago, Rousimar Palhares, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Wanderlei Silva, Chris Weidman, Tim Boetsch, Alan Belcher.

Johny Hendricks split-decision win over Josh Koscheck was enough to bump him from 8th in May 2012 to 4th overall for the June 2012 rankings. Koscheck was previously ranked 4th overall and drops to 5th. Koscheck’s drop pushes Jon Fitch down from 5th to 6th, Jake Shields from 6th to 7th and Jake Ellenberger from 7th to 8th. B.J. Penn’s lack of activity drops him out of the Top 10. Rory MacDonald jumps from 10th to 9th and Martin Kampmann enters the Top 10 at number 10. Kampmann is scheduled to face 8th ranked Jake Ellenberger on June 1. No other Top 10 WW fighters are scheduled for competition in June.

Welterweights- 170 lbs.

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2 UFC Welterweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Jake Shields on April 30, 2011 Next fight: TBA

2. Carlos Condit (28-5) Last fight: UD win over Nick Diaz on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Next fight: TBA

3. Nick Diaz (26-8-1D) Last fight: UD loss to Carlos Condit on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143 for interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Next fight: TBA

4. Johny Hendricks (13-1) Last fight: SD win over Josh Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012.

5. Josh Koscheck (17-6) Last fight: SD loss to Johny Hendricks at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012. Next fight: TBA

6. Jon Fitch (23-4-1NC-1D) Last fight: KO loss to Johny Hendricks on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141. Next fight: TBA

7. Jake Shields (27-6-1D) Last fight: UD win over Yoshihiro Akiyama on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: versus Ed Herman at on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150.

8. Jake Ellenberger (27-5) Last fight: UD win over Diego Sanchez on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 1. Next fight: versus Martin Kampmann on June 1, 2012 at TUF 15 finale

9. Rory MacDonald (12-1) Last fight: TKO win over Che Mills on April 21, 2012. Next fight: TBA

10. Martin Kampmann (19-5) submission win over Thiago Alves on March 3, 2012. Next fight: versus Jake Ellenberger on June 1, 2012 at TUF 15 finale.

Honourable mentions: B.J. Penn, Dong Hyun Kim, John Hathaway, Charlie Brenneman, Thiago Alves, Rick Story, Diego Sanchez, Tyron Woodley.

Nate Diaz jumps from 7th in May 2012 to 5th overall in June 2012 after his submission win over Jim Miller on May 5. Anthony Pettis drops from 5th to 6th and Clay Guida from 6th to 7th. No other movement in the LW division. 3rd ranked Gray Maynard is scheduled to face 6th ranked Clay Guida on June 22. No other Top 10 lightweights are scheduled for competition in June 2012.

Lightweights- 155 lbs.

1. Benson Henderson (16-2, UFC Lightweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Frankie Edgar on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 for UFC LW title. Next fight: defending UFC LW title versus Frankie Edgar on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150

2. Frankie Edgar (14-2-1) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144 to lose UFC LW title. Next fight: versus Benson Henderson on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150 for UFC LW title

3. Gray Maynard (10-1-1D-1NC) Last fight: KO loss to Frankie Edgar on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. Next fight: versus Clay Guida on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4

4. Gilbert Melendez (21-2, Strikeforce LW champion) Last fight: UD win over Josh Thomson on May 19, 2012 at Strikeforce: Barnett v. Cormier . Next fight: TBA

5. Nate Diaz (16-7) Last fight: submission win over Jim Miller on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3. Next fight: TBA

6. Anthony Pettis (15-2) Last fight: KO win over Joe Lauzon on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: TBA

7. Clay Guida (29-12) Last fight: UD loss to Benson Henderson on November 12, 2011. Next Fight: versus Gray Maynard on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4.

8. Jim Miller (21-4) Last Fight: submission loss to Nate Diaz on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3.

9. Donald Cerrone (18-4-1) Last Fight: UD win over Jeremy Stephens on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3. Next fight: TBA

10. Michael Chandler (10-0, Bellator LW champion) Last fight: TKO win over Akihiro Gono on May 4, 2012 at Bellator 67 in non-title bout. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Rafael Dos Anjos, Jorge Masvidal, Joe Lauzon, Edson Barboza, Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler, Takanori Gomi, Shinya Aoki

Chan Sung Jung’s submission win over Dustin Poirier improves him from 7th in May to 5th overall in June 2012. Charles Oliveira is bumped out of the 5th spot to 6th overall and Darren Elkins from 6th to 7th. Charles Oliveira is scheduled for competition on June 1 versus Jonathan Brookins. No other FW fighters are scheduled for action in June 2012.

Featherweights-145 lbs.

1. Jose Aldo (21-1, UFC Featherweight Champion) Last fight: KO win over Chad Mendes at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: defending UFC FW title versus Erik Koch on July 21, 2012 at UFC 149

2. Chad Mendes (11-1) Last fight: KO loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 142 on January 14, 2012. Next fight: versus Cody McKenzie on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148

3. Hatsu Hioki (26-4-2) Last fight: UD win over Bart Palaszewski on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144. Next fight: versus Ricardo Lamas on June 22, 2012 for UFC on FX 3.

4. Erik Koch (13-1) Last fight: UD win over Jonathan Brookins on September 17, 2011. Next fight: versus Jose Aldo on June 22, 2012 for UFC on FX 3 for UFC FW title.

5. Chan Sung Jung (13-3) Last fight: submission win over Dustin Poirier on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3. Next fight: TBA

6. Charles Oliveira (15-2-1) Last Fight: submission win over Eric Wisely on January 28, 2012. Next Fight: versus Jonathan Brookins on June 1, 2012 at TUF 15 finale.

7. Darren Elkins (13-2) Last fight: UD win over Diego Brandao on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146. Next fight: TBA

8. Dustin Poirier (12-1) Last Fight: submission loss to Chan Sung Jung on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel 3. Next fight: TBA

9. Diego Nunes (17-3) Last fight: UD loss to Dennis Siver at UFC on Fuel TV 2 on April 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

10. Mark Hominick (20-11) Last fight: SD loss to Eddie Yagin on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145. Next fight: TBA

Honourable mentions: Joe Warren, Marlon Sandro, Bart Palaszewski, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Pat Curran, Yuri Alcantara, Cub Swanson, Ricardo Lamas, Jonathan Brookins.

No movement in the Bantamweight division this month. 4th ranked Scott Jorgensen is scheduled to fight Eddie Wineland on June 8. No other Top 10 Bantamweights are scheduled for competition in June 2012.

Bantamweights- 135 lbs.

1. Dominick Cruz (19-1, UFC Bantamweight Champion) Last fight: UD win over Demetrious Johnson on October 1, 2011 to defend UFC BW title. Next fight: TBA

2. Urijah Faber (26-5) Last fight: submission win over Brian Bowles on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: versus Renan Barao for UFC interim BW title on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

3. Renan Barao (28-1-1) Last fight: UD win over Scott Jorgensen on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Urijah Faber for UFC interim BW title on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

4. Scott Jorgensen (13-5) Last fight: UD loss to Renan Barao on February 4, 2012 at UFC 143. Next fight: versus Eddie Wineland on June 8, 2012 at UFC on FX 3.

5. Brian Bowles (10-2) Last fight: submission loss to Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011. Next Fight: TBA

6. Michael McDonald (15-1) Last fight: KO win over Miguel Torres on April 21, 2012. Next fight: TBA

7. Bibiano Fernandes (11-3) Last fight: UD win over Rodolfo Marques and TKO win over Antonio Banuelos to win DREAM BW Grand Prix on December 31, 2011 at DREAM New Year’s Eve 2011. Next fight: TBA

8. Miguel Torres (40-5) Last fight: KO loss to Michael McDonald on April 21, 2012. Next fight: TBA

9. Brad Pickett (21-6) Last fight: submission win over Damacio Page at UFC on Fuel 2 on April 14, 2012. Next fight: TBA

10. Ivan Menjivar (24-8) Last fight: submission win over John Albert on February 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV. Next fight: versus Mike Easton on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

Honourable mentions: Eddie Wineland Antonio Banuelos, Yves Jabouin. John Dodson, Zach Makovsky, Nick Denis, Mike Easton, Takeya Mizugaki, Chris Cariaso, TJ Dillashaw

Duke Lemmens Is Chomping to Make The Montreal Alouettes Roster

On the eve of the Montreal Alouettes training camp in Lennoxville, Quebec, there are many names the fans won’t recognize on the team’s roster.

One intriguing player to keep an eye on is former Florida Gators defensive end Kristofer “Duke” Lemmens. As previously mentioned in an old article, Lemmens is a blue collar player. He was apart of a dominant four year run by the Gators which saw them win the ‘08 National Championship, and play in another BCS bowl game.

This will mark the fourth consecutive year that a Gators player will be attending Alouettes camp. The two other players to take part in previous camps were Chris Leak, and Dallas Baker.

Lemmens will have a big uphill climb to make the team. But if he continues to display the non-stop hustle on the field, it could go a long way in catching the eye of head coach Marc Trestman.

Furthermore, Lemmens has experience playing the linebacker position. If he is called upon to make the transition to the second level of the defense it could be enticing for Trestman to keep an import player who is versatile to play multiple positions on the field.

Finally, until we see the actual base formation of Jeff Reinebold’s defensive schemes, if the offseason rumour of transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 is confirmed, it could be fascinating to see Lemmens rush from the edge in this formation. His size of 6’3, 253lbs is more suited as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 formation.

But I am certain he will be more than happy to play anywhere in-order to crack this roster.

Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19

Listen to me every Sunday/Tuesday nights on Gamepoints, every Friday morning on The Midnight Snack, and various shows on TSN 990.

Photo credit: www.gatorzone.com

Five Questions On The Montreal Alouettes For 2012 CFL Season

As we inch closer to the Montreal Alouettes training camp, here are five questions that I have as they embark on a new football season.

Is Marc Trestman’s new contract imminent?

As we last left off, Trestman clearly stated at the 2011 season end press conference that he would not discuss this matter. Some media members speculated that a new deal would be consummated entering the 2012 calendar year.

Yesterday, at the first press conference of the season, Trestman continued on with his message that his contract is not for the public to know but him and management to figure out.

However, earlier this month Montreal Gazette beat writer, Herb Zurkowsky tweeted that he was informed by a team member that everything should be cleared by the July 6^th home opener.

It has been an odd affair that Trestman’s overall body of work has not resulted in a sewn up a deal. This could bring more grey clouds if there is no announcement by the beginning of the season.

Will Adrian McPherson get more playing time this year?

In the last media session of the 2011 season, McPherson was diplomatic in saying the right things in assessing his future with the team. He knows very well that it is Anthony Calvillo’s team. But how long could McPherson be a backup quarterback in this league?

He is in the prime of his career, and the clock is  ticking on whether or not he could be a starting quarterback.

So far, McPherson has been patient if he is willing to bite the bullet in 2012, next year it could be his team, his huddle, and be franchise quarterback for years to come.

Right now, he doesn’t have much leverage to demand a trade out of Montreal. His best option is to sit back and see how things unfold this training camp, and into the season. He could be on the field sooner rather than later.

Which Jeff Reinebold will we see?

Last time anyone saw the former Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach, he was riding his Harley out of the Manitoba. Sure, his first go around as a CFL head coach could be summed up as a comical roller coaster experience.

But he went away down south and tagged along with June Jones to learn the nuances of coaching at the University of Hawaii and Southern Methodist University. Now he is back, much toned down, mature, and ready to revitalize this Alouettes defense.

So far, from reading the player’s tweets on Twitter, they’re excited to see what the principals are in this defense. According to reports, it will be much more aggressive than the passive zone schemes that was employed by former defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar.

With his return to the league, Reinebold will have a lot of national media attention on him which could bode well in allowing Trestman to do his own thing.

Right now, from all indications, the schematics will be completely different, so every player needs to be on their game to crack this roster.     

Could there be more changes to the Alouettes roster?

During the winter, a number of familiar players were released from the team. In early May, general manager Jim Popp has not stopped as he parted ways with Kerry Carter, Michael Giffin, and Ramon Guzman.

Clearly, the 2011 season was a reminder to management that in their mind it was unacceptable they were ousted in a home semi-final playoff game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

It seems that Popp has already started the process to move away from the core group of players who were instrumental during their first eight Grey Cup trips.

Now he is looking at the next generation of players to carry the torch.

Could the Alouettes potentially lock up Jamel Richardson to a long-term deal?

There is no denying that “Optimus Prime” is the most popular figure amongst the fans. There is an indication that the torch is slowly being passed from Calvillo to Richardson as the future face of the organization.

Richardson has put up astronomical numbers during his four years in Montreal and is considered to be the best receiver in the CFL. With that territory, it is time to fairly reward a player for his hard work.

Already the floor of this deal will be comparable to Tiger-Cats addition Andy Fantuz. Fantuz will annually be getting at least $180,000 and with bonuses it could escalate even higher.

Popp has already locked up the likes of Brian Bratton, S.J. Green, and Brandon London. Theoretically, could he invest more money into one position group where he might need this “free” cash to sign other players? Could he potentially make an offer to Richardson’s camp that is less than the Fantuz deal?

It is not out of the norm for Popp to allow big name receivers to walk as in past instances the likes of Chris Armstrong, and Jermaine Copeland signed elsewhere for better money.

Already the team office has suffered bad publicity. Richardson is one of the few bright stars this organization has that they need to keep on-board. We’re now seeing fans at home games wearing his jersey than any other current Alouettes player.

If the unthinkable happens that the organization decides to part ways with their superstar, don’t be surprised if Richardson receives a call from the Toronto Argonauts where he has a history with their head coach Scott Milanovich.

But for now, I believe that at some point the organization will come to an agreement with their superstar to finish his career in Montreal.   

Stay tuned.

Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19

Listen to me every Sunday/Tuesday nights on Gamepoints, every Friday morning on The Midnight Snack, and various shows on TSN 990.

Photo credit: www.lapresse.ca, www.ifaf.org, www.montrealgazette.com  

Could Anwar Stewart Be Headed Back to The Montreal Alouettes?

It has been quite a 24-hours since Montreal Gazette beat writer Herb Zurkowsky first broke the news on his Twitter account that Anwar Stewart was about to re-sign with the Montreal Alouettes.

Immediately, I contacted Stewart to see if there was any truth he's re-joining the team that released him back in February. In his vintage chuckle he said; “no I did not sign with the Alouettes”.

After I tweeted he did not re-sign with the Alouettes. Throughout the day different reports from various media members were saying he will sign, and some said he would not.

As of last night in conversing with a source of mine close to the situation, he felt that there is a chance Stewart could re-sign with the Alouettes. However, the source was surprised he would ever consider going back after the way things had ended between the two sides.

Right now this story has taken many twists and turns on the future plans of the Alouettes, and Stewart. However, many will question the overall intentions of the organization on why Stewart was released earlier in the calendar year?

Throughout the offseason there had been whispers that Stewart may land with division rival Toronto Argonauts. He does have history with the team as he was coached by defensive coordinator Chris Jones where he had his best statistical output under his teaching.

As training camp approaches, this Stewart story adds more intrigue to an already morbid Alouettes offseason.

Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19

Listen to me every Sunday/Tuesday nights on Gamepoints, every Friday morning on The Midnight Snack, and various shows on TSN 990.

Photo credit: http://www.cfl.ca/