Is The UFC In Trouble...?

Are UFC fans leaving? 

by Lance Levan
     
Over the past 10+ years, the UFC has had a relatively easy time achieving their Pay-Per-View (PPV) ratings quotas because of the huge names that they have had fighting for their organization.  Names like Randy "The Natural" Couture, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, Anderson "The Spider" Silva, Forrest Griffin, George St.Pierre, Rhonda Rousey have become house-hold names.  Even people that are not really MMA fans know these people and what sport they promote.  But in the past few years, and even 2013, saw a mass exodus of the "famous" fighters leaving the sport, either via retirement or injuries.  

NBA: Have The Knicks Turned The Corner? Carmelo Anthony Thinks So

Melo and the Knicks have won 4-of-5 in January.
Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

The New York Knicks may not have a winning record, but they do play in the Eastern Conference were every team seems to have a chance of making the playoffs. At 13-22 you would think they would call this season a wash, but with the new year comes a new mindset. The Knicks have won 4 of the last five games in January. We caught up their superstar Carmelo Anthony in Dallas to hear what he thinks about the Knicks turning the corner.

2014 NFL Mock Draft (First Draft)

Is Teddy Bridgewater the number one pick in the 2014 NFL draft? Photo credit Louisville 

by Brad Barrett

2014 NFL Mock Draft - First 15 positions

NBA: Celtics, Thunder and Grizzlies make a deal

Courtney Lee and Jerryd Bayless swap teams. Photo
credit NBA 

by J.T.

This week the Celtics, Thunder and Grizzlies made an under the radar deal. The big deal in the NBA was the Bulls/Cavs swap, but I think this could be beneficial for all teams involved.

RFSN: Tribes Martial Arts Radio Talks The Legend of Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee vs Muhammad Ali. Photo credit Bruce Lee

In case you missed Tribes Martial Arts Radio, the guys discussed the greatness of Bruce Lee. The also answer the question: Bruce Lee vs Muhammad Ali, who wins?

NFL: Is Johnny Football Ready?

Is Johnny Manziel ready for the NFL? Photo credit TAMU

by Brad Barrett

With Johnny Football declaring for the draft, many questions raise about his game. In college he was the first Freshman to win the Heisman, and was one of the most exciting and talented players to watch. But will he be as good at the next level?

NFC Divisional Match-Up: Seattle Seahawks vs New Orleans Saints

Saints travel to Seattle for a big game. Photo credit NFL 

by Nathaniel Herrick

Now it's time to weed out the best and worst teams of the remaining NFC contenders. Starting off the divisional weekend is the New Orleans Saints going on the road to Seattle Seahawks home field.

NFL: Andy Dalton's Future As A Bengal

What will the Bengals do with Andy Dalton? Photo credit NFL 

by Brad Barrett

After another disappointing end to the Bengals’ season, many fans are wondering if Andy Dalton is the long term answer. In his third year, Dalton had career bests in nearly every category besides interceptions. He tossed a career high 20 picks this year.

NFL: How The 2014 Pro Bowl Will Be Better Than Usual

Deion Sanders and Jerry Rice will try
to make the 2014 Pro Bowl a must see.
Photo credit NFL 

by Nathaniel Herrick

The Pro Bowl will be played a bit different this year, almost bringing the fun and entertainment back into the sporting event, hopefully drawing in more the 12.2 million views. This year, two captain’s will get a chance to draft players from both the NFC and AFC conferences in the same draft pool. That’s right, no more NFC vs AFC, but old school, backyard, pick-up style football, but with all the normal rules of the NFL to ensure safety. 

BCS: Noles' Chop The Tigers

FSU wins the BCS National Championship. Photo credit BCS 

by Brad Barrett

Sadly, the college football season has come to an end. In the last year for the BCS, we saw one of the most dramatic games in a while. At halftime Jimbo Fisher told his team that the first half wouldn't be what everyone remembered. It was the comeback they’d talk about.

NBA: Bynum Trade To Chicago For Deng Leaves More Questions

Andrew Bynum traded to Chicago for Luol Deng. Photo credit Chicago Tribune 

by +Rodney Fisher 

After all the rumors that circulated around Andrew Bynum since he was suspended by the Cleveland Cavaliers he has now been officially traded to the Chicago Bulls for three future draft picks and Luol Deng.

NFL: Can The Colts Beat The Chiefs Again?

Jamaal Charles and the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Indy to face the Colts for the NFL Playoffs. Photo credit NFL 

by +Rodney Fisher 

courtesy of Blitz Weekly

Here we go! The NFL Wildcard games kick-off with the Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) traveling to face the Indianapolis Colts (11-5) for the only game indoors on this frigid weekend. The Chiefs will be looking for revenge from a home loss to the Colts, while the Colts will be looking to use their last postseason loss as motivation.

No two franchises have made a turnaround like Indianapolis and Kansas City in recent history. One seasons ago, the Colts followed finishing last with a first round pick and new coach that led them to the playoffs the next year. The Chiefs did the exact same thing this year. That my friends is called parody in the NFL.

NBA: Chris Paul Out 3-5 Weeks

Chris Paul separated shoulder. Photo credit Dallas Mavericks Media 

by +Rodney Fisher 

Chris Paul may be out 3-5 weeks, or at least his head coach Doc Rivers thinks so. The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Dallas Mavericks tonight 119-112. In a winning effort, they may have lost their superstar to separated shoulder.

NBA: Doc Rivers “Not Surprised” By Mavericks Success

Doc Rivers speaks to us about the success of the Dallas
Mavericks this season. Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

Doc Rivers knows basketball. I believe that is safe to say. Not only has he been an NBA coach since 1999, won a championship in 2008, but he also played 13 years in the league. When I asked him about how the Dallas Mavericks have been able to have a winning record with yet another new roster, Doc says we should not be surprised at all.

2014 Orange Bowl Preview: Clemson vs Ohio State

2014 Orange Bowl - Clemson Tigers vs Ohio State Buckeyes

by +Rodney Fisher 

courtesy of Blitz Weekly

The Clemson Tigers (10-2, 7-1 ACC) will lineup to try to slow down the high powered offense of the Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1, 8-0 Big Ten). Of all the bowl games, this should be one of the higher scoring games this year.

NFL: The Chicago Bears waste no time resigning Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler gets 7 year $126 million deal to stay with Chicago
Bears. Photo credit NFL 

by J.T.

The regular season ended on Sunday and the main question coming out of Bears-land was, “Will the Bears resign Cutler or let him walk?” On Thursday everyone go their answer to the hottest question in Chicago besides, “When will Derrick Rose return?”

2014 Allstate Sugar Bowl Preview: Alabama vs Oklahoma

2014 Allstate Sugar Bowl - Alabama Crimson Tide vs Oklahoma Sooners

by +Rodney Fisher 

courtesy of Blitz Weekly

A big matchup between two of the most storied college football programs in history. The Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1) will face the Oklahoma Sooners (10-2) in the legendary Allstate Sugar Bowl. Nick Saban versus Bob Stoops is enough electricity to power the city of New Orleans. They last met in 2004 in the city for the national title.

Mavs beat Wiz 87-78; Perfect 3-0 Road Trip

Mavs improve to 19-13 after win over Washington Wizards on New
Years Day. Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

It was Monta Ellis’ turn to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a fourth straight road win, beating the Washington Wizards 87-78. They held the Wizards scoreless for four minutes late in the game to win. Ellis finished the game with 23 points to lead all scorers.

2014 Heart Of Dallas Bowl Live Coverage: UNT 36 UNLV 14

2014 Heart of Dallas Bowl. UNT vs UNLV. 

Join us all day for our live report from inside the historic Cotton Bowl for the 2014 Heart of Dallas Bowl. Live pregame, halftime, and postgame report. 

2013 Chick-Fil-A-Bowl Preview: Johnny Football's Finale

Johnn Manziel gets ready for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Will it be his final game in college? Photo credit TAMU 

by +Rodney Fisher 

courtesy of Blitz Weekly

The ACC runner-up Duke Blue Devils (10-3) will try to take the spotlight away from Texas A&M (8-4) and their star quarterback Johnny Manziel. Ironically, both teams are ranked 21st in the USA Today Coaches Poll. They will have big stage of the Georgia Dome to break the tie.

NBA: The Matrix Shows Up in Minnesota, Kevin Love "An Obvious Foul"

Shaw Marion makes a game winning defensive play to win the game. Photo
credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

The Dallas Mavericks are now 2-0 on their road trip after Shawn Marion leads them over the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-98. Marion was able to turn back the clock, scoring 32 points and playing lock-down defense that earned him the nickname “The Matrix” to win the game.

2013 Armed Forces Bowl: Navy Sails Over Middle Tennessee 24-6

by +Rodney Fisher 

The ground attack by Navy was too much for the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee to handle. The Midshipmen rushed for 366-yards total to win 24-6 in the 2013 Armed Forces Bowl.

NBA: Rockets Need Rest After Worst Loss Of Season

Rockets fall to Thunder 117-86. Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

courtesy of Blitz Weekly

All things considered, the Houston Rockets had a merry holiday with a 3-2 record this past week. After playing five games in seven nights ending with a big loss they are ready to catch their breath.

2013 National University Holiday Bowl: ASU vs Texas Tech Preview

by +Rodney Fisher 

Courtesy of Blitz Weekly

The Big-12 and Pac-12 will square off for the final time in San Diego at the annual Holiday Bowl. The Arizona State Sun Devils (10-3) will face the Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-5) in what has become one of the higher scoring bowl games in recent history. ASU is coming off a conference championship loss, while Texas Tech’s back loaded schedule crashed a 7-0 start.

NBA: Al Horford Tears His Other Pec

Al Horford out for 3 to 4 months. Photo credit NBA 

by J.T.

The Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford tore his right pectoral muscle on Thursday. This is a big blow to the Hawks.

NBA: Russell Westbrook can’t catch a break

Russell Westbrook has knee surgery. Photo credit NBA 

by J.T.

After watching Russell Westbrook on Christmas day, I thought to myself, “The Thunder are a real threat”. Westbrook was fresh off of an effortless triple double versus the Knicks. For Thunder fans it was no reason to panic, but after news their starting point guard will be out at until after the All Star break, it gives fans some reason to worry.

NBA: One-on-One With Jae Crowder of the Dallas Mavericks

Jae Crowder entered his second year in the NBA with a focus to get better. Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

Second-year player Jae Crowder ended last season with a plan. He wanted to work even harder to improve himself on and off the court. The result was showing up to training camp 20 pounds lighter, a better shooting stroke, and a new father.

Dallas Mavericks Lose To Spurs; Duncan "We Were Not Worried"

Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Dallas Mavericks 116-107. Photo credit ESPN 

by +Rodney Fisher 

DALLAS-- The Dallas Mavericks could not overcome the defending Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs tonight losing 116-107. Danny Green made a perfect 10-out-of-10 total shots for 22 points.

NBA: Christmas Day Video Recap

LeBron James soars on Christmas Day. Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher
It was another epic day in the NBA for Christmas. Aside from the new uniforms, all five games had their entertainment qualities.

Here is a video recap of all the action:

NBA: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks Beat Houston Rockets 111-104

Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Houston Rockets 111-104. Photo credit Mavs Media 

by +Rodney Fisher 

Dallas Mavericks bounce back from back-to-back losses to get a great road win over the Houston Rockets 111-104. It was vintage Dirk Nowitzki with 31 points make it an historic night.

NBA: Jordan Debuts New Charlotte Hornets Logo

by +Rodney Fisher

During halftime of the Charlotte Bobcats vs Utah Jazz game, Charlotte owner Michael Jordan unveiled the franchise's new more aggressive logo.

The Weekly Muck: NFL Picks From The Black Lagoon Week 16

by @Swampy_Swami (Gene Henke)

HO! HO! HOOOOOO! Merry Christmas from SwampaClaus everybody! It is such a great time of year isn’t it? Despite the fact that it sure does bring a tear to my eye as the season is almost over. We are currently full steam ahead on the Polar Express headed toward the Playoffs and things are indeed heating up! As we approach the second to last Holy Sunday of the year, teams are fighting for their playoff lives while others are getting their Grinch on and playing spoiler. How exciting! Last week was definitely the worst Muck of the year as the SwampMan went a brutal 1-3-1 in The Muck Five. No excuses, that is just terrible! However I vow to make it up to you with a little Holiday treat this week; five stocking stuffer picks for all the good little boys and girls! We sure do have some good ones on tap for us tomorrow and I can’t wait. It’s like Christmas Even in the Swamp today! Without further ado, I bring to you the week 16 edition of The Weekly Muck, enjoy everyone!

NFL Owners Say No To Eminem and Kanye West For Super Bowl Party

Super Bowl XLVIII will be held in frigid New Jersey. Photo credit NFL 

by +Rodney Fisher 

Reports on several websites have stated NFL owners group has decided not to pay the super-high price tag for performances from Eminem and Kanye West.

#BrokenNotBeaten

Kobe Bryant fractures left knee. Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

After returning early from his Achilles injury suffered last season, Kobe Bryant suffers another setback this season. Reports out of L.A. suggest he will miss six weeks with a lateral tibial plateau fracture in his left knee.

Robinson Cano and Roc Nation won

Robinson Cano and Jay-Z

by J.T.

The internet went nuts when reports surfaced that Robinson Cano wanted a 10 year deal worth $305 million. Yeah, he wanted the South Beach area code from any MLB team that would listen.
They say aim high and that’s what Cano and Roc Nation did. A lot of people bashed him and Roc Nation’s figurehead Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter for the original demands, but everybody even them knew the amount of $305 million would never become a reality.

NBA: Mavs Beat Undermanned Grizzlies 105-91

by +Rodney Fisher 

Mavs beat Grizzlies to improve to 15-10. Photo credit NBA 

It was all Dallas from opening tip. The Mavericks (15-10) dominated the Memphis Grizzlies(10-15) to win 105-91 and led by as much as 21 points.

Dirk Nowtizki returned to the starting lineup after missing Saturday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to sickness. He showed no signs of residual effects, hitting 14 of his 20 points in the first half.

MARCOS MAIDANA SOLVES "THE PROBLEM" WINS WBA WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

by Kendrick Johnson

For the third time this year, the Lone Star state was treated to fireworks thanks to Marcos “Chino” Maidana and Adrien “The Problem” Broner. Maidana won the WBA welterweight championship, knocking Broner down twice for first two times of his career in a unanimous decision Saturday night at the Alamodome.

Jameis Winston Wins Heisman By Landslide

by +Rodney Fisher 

Jameis Winston becomes the youngest player ever to win the Heisman Award. Photo credit NCAA 

Famous Jameis received 1,501 more points than the next eligible athlete, A.J. McCarron. This marks the seventh largest victory ever for the Heisman trophy.

The Weekly Muck: NFL Picks from the Black Lagoon Week 15

by @Swampy_Swami (Gene Henke)

Rams take on the New Orleans Saints. Photo credit NFL 

Heyyyyy everybody and welcome once again to week 15 edition to The Weekly Muck! Have no fear because your favorite SwampMan is here! First off I just want to apologize for the extremely tardy posting of this week’s Mucky 5; it has been a very busy week for the Swamper. I know last week I promised to go 5-0 and it looks like I have to apologize again for falling one short and going a solid 4-1. If you followed the five picks, I am pretty sure you won’t be too mad at me though, heheh. I am a firm believer that if not for the blizzard of the season in Philly, the Lions join the Dolphins, Vikings, Falcons, and Chargers in the week 14 Swampthing winner’s party. Don’t fret my friends, as I feel very strongly about the following plays. So without further ado, I bring to you, the week 15 edition of The Weekly Muck, enjoy folks!

LIVE: DeSoto Eagles vs Allen Eagles - Texas 5A Semifinals

Allen 42 Desoto 35

 VS

UFC 168 Puts Cap On Stellar Year For MMA

Chris Weidman vs Anderson Silva for UFC 168

by Kendrick E. Johnson

When Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman face off in the octagon for the second time this year – it will be the final match in what has been a great year for MMA in 2013.

Not bad for a sport celebrating its 20^th anniversary, which was initially compared to human cock fighting by some  back in the day. If UFC has its way, Silva-Weidman 2 will be the exclamation point they are looking for to cap off the year.

LeBron James, Kevin Durant Lead NBA All-Star Voting

by +Rodney Fisher 

LeBron James leads with Kevin Durant a close second in votes for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. Photo credit NBA 

The first ballot returns are back for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. LeBron James leads in votes for the Eastern Conference, while Kevin Durant leads for the Western Conference.

The All-Star game will be held in New Orleans on Februray 16th and voting will end on Janurary 20th. Here is the full list from the first ballot return:

NBA: Curry Too Hot For Mavs, Warriors Win 95-93 At The Buzzer

Stephen Curry hits game winner to defeat Mavericks.

Stephen Curry hits game-winner over Dallas Mavericks. Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

Everything seemed to be going well for the Dallas Mavericks. They had a 18-point lead on the road against one of the hottest shooting teams in the NBA in the Golden State Warriors. They held the Warriors to only 16 points in the first quarter and went into halftime up 55-44.

NFL: Broncos K Matt Prater makes record breaking 64 yard field goal

Matt Prater hits 64-yard field goal to break record. Photo
credit NFL 

by J.T.

Matt Prater broke Tom Dempsey's longest field goal record knocking down a 64 yarder in Denver. The ball does travel further in Denver but it's still a heck of a kick. Jason Elam (a former Broncos kicker), Sebastian Janikowski (kicked in Denver also) and David Akers tied the 63 yard field record, but Prater got the record on Sunday.

Dallas Mavericks: Monta Does It, Mavs beat Portland with Buzzer Beater 108-106

Monta Ellis hits buzzer-beater to defeat Portland
Trailblazers. Mavs win, Photo credit NBA 

by Rodney Fisher

As reporters wrote how Portland's Damian Lillard tied the game in the final seconds on a double-pump three pointer, Monta Ellis rose to the occasion with a 21-foot jumper to win it at the buzzer changing the story.

The Weekly Muck: NFL Picks from the Black Lagoon Week 14

Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings take
on the Baltimore Ravens. Photo credit NFL 

by @Swampy_Swami (Gene Henke)

Helloooooooooo everyone and welcome once again to The Weekly Muck! Week 14 has snuck up on us pretty quickly here and the SwampMan is not too happy about it. The season will be gone before we know it! So let us be sure to enjoy these last remaining weeks while they are here. Last week Swamper went a measly 3-2 again after the Amish Rifle threw an interception on the Titan’s potential backdoor covering drive and the Redskins blew a win at the end once again. That one had me ticked off as I will blame the ending on the zebras but that is an argument for another day. The good news was the Panthers romped the Bucs as planned, the Vikings overcame some unlucky adversity to get a win in OT, and the Seahawks absolutely destroyed the Saints on Monday night like we predicted to give the SwampDocta 3 winnas. This week I plan to get out of this 3-2 rut and give you a strong 5-0 week. I feel really good about these picks so without further ado let’s jump right into the swamp, enjoy everyone!

Andre Drummond is the NBA's Next Best Center

Put it on the record people, Andre Drummond will surpass Dwight Howard as the NBA’s best center by this time next year.

Predictions are a dime a dozen, but this is not a joke folks.

NBA: Houston Rockets Look To Ride Five Game Win Streak

Kevin McHale and Dwight Howard ride five game
 win streak. Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

courtesy of Blitz Weekly

It has been one incredible week of basketball for the Houston Rockets. They go a perfect 5-0 and have now won eight of the last nine games.

The Rockets five game win streak is their longest so far this season. They continue to lead the NBA in points per game, and Dwight Howard is only their third best scorer behind

40th Annual Bayou Classic: Southern Over Grambling 40-17, Heading to SWAC Championship

Southern Jaguars, winners of the 40th Annual Bayou Classic
Photo credit Rodney Fisher 

by +Rodney Fisher 

Since 1974, Southern University and Grambling State University have met in the proud city of New Orleans on Thanksgiving weekend to play the SWAC's version of a bowl game. The Bayou Classic remains the only nationally televised HBCU event, making it the biggest recruitment tool for both storied programs.