Brandon Vera talks about the upcoming fight with Tim Sylvia , witch is going to take place on 20th Oct

With the sudden departure of Randy Couture from the UFC, and not being able to secure a deal for the consensus #1 Fedor, the UFC now finds itself in a bind. There are no clear #1 contenders in the UFC for the title. We are left with a few fighters and a few issues with those fighter.

The breakdown:

Tim Sylvia: Sylvia is currently scheduled to face off against Brandon Vera at UFC 77. The winner of this bout is assuredly going to make up one half of the upcoming title fight for the vacant championship.

The Problem: No one was impressed with Sylvia while he held the belt. His fighting style is not one that plays to the fans, it actually pisses them off.

Brandon Vera: Will face off against his toughest test yet vs. Tim Sylvia at UFC 77.

The Problem: Vera has not fought in a year. Management issues prevented this fight from happening in March which gave Couture his title shot.

Minotauro Noguirea: Rumored to be facing off against Cheik Kongo sometime in early 2008. This fight will most likely determine who faces the winner of Vera/Sylvia for the belt.

The Problem: Noguiera is still virtually unknown to the average fan, only seeing him a eat a devastating kick from Heath Herring.

Cheik Kongo: If the fight with Minotauro is ever signed this would be a great opportunity to fight for the belt for this fast rising star.

The Problem: Whats a ground game? Has a glaring weakness on the ground, while his style is very appealing to fans. Still not a hot commodity.

What will happen: Vera will beat Sylvia next weekend and Noguiera will take Kongo out via submission if/ when they fight. This would set up a fight with a charismatic and well known fighter in Vera vs Noguiera, who fans don’t know but will have hours of highlights banged into their heads.

What we hope doesn’t happen: Tim Sylvia wins. That’s about the only downside I can think of to this structure.

My prediction: Vera takes the gold.

Article Source: http://MMAWriters.com

If you are interested in boxing, first you much find some place to practice. Most gyms will have the equipment you will need but there may also be clubs in your area that teach boxing. You will need to have access to the equipment necessary for the training and conditioning necessary for boxers. This equipment will include jump ropes, medicine balls, punching bags, weights, exercise mats, mirrors, and possibly a boxing ring.

After you have found the right training facility you can begin your training and conditioning program. Be aware that it will probably take you a few months to a year to actually be prepared to box. Hours of practice with jumping rope and exercises, your footwork, the punching bag, and the basic punches will be necessary.

Specific exercises that are essential for boxing include sit ups and leg raises. As with any sport, you will need to build up your endurance and strength. Working with a medicine ball and weights is also important.

You will find that practicing your footwork and punches will be an important part of your routine. Having the quickness and agility to move your feet is essential for boxing. You will learn to slide your feet across the floor, keeping them close together, and never crossing them over each other. There are four basic punches you will learn: the jab, the uppercut, the cross, and the hook. The jab is the busiest punch. You will use it to keep your opponent at a distance. It is delivered with your lead hand. The uppercut is a powerful, vertical swing that is meant to put your opponent off balance. The cross is usually a second punch done with either hand after an initial blow. The hook is thrown with your lead hand and is short, lateral punch with a twist just before impact.

It is important to use the proper equipment to help avoid injury. You will need to purchase a mouthpiece to protect your teeth, lips, and gums, a cup to protect your groin area if you are male and boxing shoes for ankle and leg protection. The facility you are practicing in should provide boxing gloves and headgear, if required. It should be noted that using hand wraps will protect the bones in your hand and also help to support the wrist.

The sport of boxing can be a great way to get exercise. You will find that the training will help you increase your endurance, quickness, and agility.

Article Source: http://MMAWriters.com

CheapBoxing.com - Your #1 Source for Boxing and UFC Equipment. Updated Health & Fitness Blog.

ProElite confirmed on Thursday 11th October that they had signed Kevin Ferguson aka Kimbo Slice to a long term contract.

The signing of Kimbo slice come about after the cancellation of the bout with Tank Abbott in the Cage Of Fury Fight.

But not just the cancellation of the Kimbo Slice and Tank Abbott fight but the whole event was cancelled by CFFC president Felix Martinez who said  “I could not overcome the loss of a major investor for (the) show who decided to pull out at the last moment.”

There is talks that Kimbo Slice and Tank Abbott will fight at Pro Elite’s Nov 10th EliteXC event at Corpus Christi, Texas.

Boxing requires you to have the ability to move quickly from left to right and backward and forward. You will find that the best exercise to develop this quickness is jumping rope. It will also help you with your coordination, agility, footwork, and endurance. Be aware that it will take time and practice to become proficient at jumping rope. Do not get frustrated and replace it with an alternative exercise. Jumping rope is the best exercise for boxers.

You will need to find the rope that works best for you. Most ropes are 9 feet in length but if you are over 6 feet tall you may require a 10 foot rope. To find the right length for your height, step on the middle of the rope. If the handles measure to your armpits you have the right length. It may be necessary to actually shorten the rope but be careful not to cut too much off. It is best to cut an inch or so off, measure, and cut more off if necessary. It is also important to keep the rope from kinking as this will affect your spinning speed.

It is also important to use the proper surface for jumping rope. You will find that a wood floor, outdoor track, gym mat, or tennis court will be the most forgiving to your ankles and feet. The boxing ring itself is an ideal surface. Do not jump rope on a concrete floor. Also choose cross training shoes for jumping rope. The shoes you use for boxing do not provide enough cushion so use them only for boxing.

To avoid frustration when learning to jump rope, start out with short sessions until you are able to jump without tripping. Practice regularly and build up to 1 to 3 minute rounds. You may want to jump several times during your work out with rest periods in between.

There are many jumping styles you can learn which will help you to not get bored with your routine. The most common pattern is just running in place. This is great for conditioning. Another pattern is double unders. This requires the rope to make two turns with every one jump. Do not attempt this until you have become proficient with running in place. Another variation is the criss-cross. You cross your arms and jump through the rope and uncross your arms and jump through the rope. Combining these and other styles will allow you to improve your coordination and agility.

Another variation is to move around while jumping rope, i.e., frontward, backward or side to side. This will help with agility and endurance and improve your footwork. Consider moving in a pattern such as a square (around the ring) or a circle.

Learning to jump rope provides a great way to work out and improves your endurance and your quickness. With its low cost, around $5.00, you will get a valuable training tool and a quality workout.

Article Source: http://MMAWriters.com

CheapBoxing.com - Your #1 Source for Boxing and UFC Equipment. Updated Health & Fitness Blog.

So you’ve decided to start boxing. It is important to obtain the proper equipment to ensure your safety.

Your most obvious need is boxing gloves but it is important to note that you actually need to wrap your hands before you put on the gloves. This process will help to protect your hands and the small bones they contain. Boxers suffer more hand injuries than any other and these injuries are the reason many boxers are side lined.

To begin, hold your hand in a relaxed position with your fingers spread. The wrap will have a thumb loop on it which, obviously, should be placed on the thumb. Bring the wrap across the top of the hand and wrap around the wrist 2 or 3 times. Make sure you wrap it in such a way to support the wrist. Do not wrap it so tight as to cut off your circulation.

Next, bring the wrap across the back of the hand, around the palm, and across the knuckles 2 to 3 times. Create an ‘x’ pattern from the knuckles, across the back of your hand, and around. Repeat this 2 or 3 times.

Wrap around the palm to the base of your thumb and then around your thumb and back toward your wrist. Do not twist the wrapping. After wrapping around the back of your hand, wrap again around your thumb from the opposite direction. Now take it from the thumb toward the back and around your wrist.

The next step will be repeated between each finger. Come over the back of your hand and between each finger starting with the space between the pinky and the ring finger. Wrap around the palm toward your wrist and continue with each finger. It is important to keep the wrap flat and do not twist it.

Now come across the palm toward your wrist. Wrap across the back of your hand. Wrap around the knuckles one more time and then across the back of your hand. Secure the wrap at your wrist snugly to ensure wrist support. Fasten with the closure provided. It is important to note that there are other hand wrapping methods. Use the method that works the best for you.

Your next step is to place your hands into the gloves. Gloves come in various styles and weights. Heavier gloves are considered safer for both you and your opponent but other options are available. When you put your hands in the gloves your hands should feel comfortable and secure. Finally, fasten the straps and tie the laces if applicable.

Other equipment you will need to obtain includes boxer trunks, lightweight shoes, a cup to protect the groin (for males), and a mouthpiece to protect the teeth. If you are sparring headgear is required, these protect the back and side of the head and the ears.

Utilizing the necessary equipment will give you the best protection and enable you to succeed in boxing by helping to alleviate injuries.

Article Source: http://MMAWriters.com

CheapBoxing.com - Your #1 Source for Boxing and UFC Equipment. Updated Health & Fitness Blog.

If you want to start boxing you will need to find a club or gym that has the necessary equipment (in addition to what you purchase on CheapBoxing.com) to help you with your conditioning and training. You will need a jump rope, medicine ball, punching bag, and exercise mats. Conditioning will also include learning breathing techniques, abdominal, leg, and arm exercises, and eventually working with a partner.

Items you will need to purchase will include lightweight shoes, boxing trunks, a mouthpiece, and a cup if you are male. Some clubs may have boxing gloves available for you to use. Eventually you will want to purchase your own pair. It should be noted that wrapping your hands before putting on boxing gloves is a necessity. This will help to protect the small bones in your hands from injury. There are several methods of wrapping. It is important to not twist the wrapping and to keep it loose enough to not cut off your circulation. The support given to the wrist is also important. When you are working with a partner some gyms may require you to wear leather helmets to protect the sides of your head and your ears.

An important element in boxing is footwork. It is helpful for a boxer to be quick and agile so jumping rope is essential. You will need to find the stance that is comfortable for you. Standing with your feet approximately a shoulder width apart will give you a stable base. You should have one shoulder turned toward your opponent. You will learn to move your feet in small steps, sliding your feet close together but never crossing one over the other. You will have your lead hand just to the side of your chin and your other hand near your shoulder. Your elbows should be tucked in to help protect your ribs.

The basic punches you will learn are the jab, the uppercut, the hook, and the straight right and left. Each punch has a specific purpose. The jab is used to help keep your opponent at a distance. This punch is done with your lead hand and is done at shoulder height. The uppercut is just what it says, a punch directed upward. It can be done with either hand. The hook is delivered with the lead hand. This short punch uses the arm and fist with the elbow bent. The wrist is twisted just before impact. The straight right or left is also delivered at shoulder height using the back hand. It is usually part of a combination and is thrown after a punch from the lead hand. Your strategy is to use these punches in combinations to keep your opponent away from you and to score points.

Practicing both punches and your footwork in front of a mirror helps you to develop your own style. You will find that the combination of quickness, strength, and physical conditioning will enable you to develop the style that will work for you.

Article Source: http://MMAWriters.com

CheapBoxing.com - Your #1 Source for Boxing and UFC Equipment. Updated Health & Fitness Blog.