I picked this figure up recently in a lot. At first I paid this figure no mind, then I did a double take…is that supposed to be Darth Vader? LOL! What is this? So I did some searching and found this wonderful website – Toy Mania

It turns out this “Darth Vader” figure was made in the late 70′s to cash in on the Star Wars craze.

I’ve never seen one of these before and I thought it was pretty cool to learn what the story was. This isn’t really my thing but totally a cool find.

Okami looks good – let’s hope he brings it!

Round One
They come out active and each throw a few short kicks and jabs. Boetsch connects but Okami counters and connects. Boetsch is throwing strikes with bad intentions…he means business. Okami is quick to defend but his counters are short and not really effective. He keeps throwing single punches that connect but don’t really cause any damage. Boetsch keeps throwing some nice strong body kicks followed by a jab. Okami connects and looks dazed for a second.

Okami throws a super quick head kick and definitely tags Boetsch. He looks a little out of it as Okami continues to connect with short head strikes. I think Okami broke Boetsch’s nose with a straight jab. He shakes his head and touches his nose. Oh, and there’s blood. Totally broken. Boetsch throws a wicked hook and connects. Okami totally felt that.

Round Two
Boetsch is a gamer – he comes out sharp but Okami throws more jabs and connects with a wicked knee to the body. That had to hurt!

Okami pushes Boetsch against the cage and kind of holds him there. He’s not really doing anything. He is trying to take Boetsch down and he get snagged in a guillotine! Boetsch seems to have that pretty deep but he doesn’t have full guard. Okami pulls out of it and is now on top of Boetsch. Boetsch looks beat – his arms have to be tired after that submission attempt.

Okami attacks with short strikes from half guard. Okami starts to move into mount but Boetsch deflects. Okami is trying an kimora – he might get this…

Okami let go of the submission and now he is just pounding Boetsch from the mount. Okami connects with bombs from the mount but the round ends. Boetsch survives.

Round Three
The come out strong and active right away. Boetsch connects with bombs – uppercut after uppercut, head kicks and more uppercuts! OMG! He knocks Okami out after like 8 full on strikes to the face! That was SICK. Okami sure can take some punishment but Boetsch just kept connecting with those strong uppercuts. Awesome fight!!

Results: Obv. Tim Boetsch by TKO in Round 3. That was amazing!

Ok, so what’s up with Palaszewski’s hair? Is that a Vans logo?

Hioki looks ripped up and calm as hell.

Round One
They come out pretty aggressive. Hioki tags Palaszewski, but he just shakes it off. They go through more feeling-out and Hioki keeps throwing out straight front kicks like jabs.

Hioki takes Palaszewski down, though he is kind of in a guillotine. Hioki ends up on top in side control and just keeps pounding on Palaszewski’s head. Hioki tries for a mounted crucifix but really just ends up punching and elbowing him in the head. Hioki swings around for a wicked arm bar but Palascewski gets out of it somehow!

Hioki ends up on top in full guard and continues pounding Palascewski’s head. He keeps connecting – hammer fists looks so painful. Hioki is just dominating Palascewski – controlling him and definitely inflicting damage.

Round Two
They both come out a little slower this round but still very active. Palascewski throws a few sharp leg kicks but Hioki avoids them. Hioki was tagged by a nice jab and continues circling.

Palascewski’s striking looks good – he’s throwing some really big shots. Hioki throws some nice jabs and connects, but Palascewski counters with some great combos. Hioki throws a sweet high roundhouse kick but misses.

Hioki throws a bit of a low blow but Palascewski recovers. Then Palascewski hits Hioki with a low blow. The round ends in a scramble.

Round Three
Palascewski comes out aggressive and they go to the clinch against the cage. Hioki throws Palascewski down to the mat and gets him into almost side control. Hioki stays active and throws short punches to Palascewski’s head. Hioki throws some wicked elbows to Palascewski’s head and face. Brutal!

Hioki gets him in side control and then takes Palascewski’s back. He gets both hooks in and works for the rear naked choke. Palascewski defends well and starts to get to his feet. Hioki gets a body triangle on Palascewski and pulls him back on the ground. Hioki is still working for the rear naked choke but the round ends and Palascewski survives.

Results: Judges’ decision! What a fight! Hioki wins by unanimous decision. What an excellent fight – Hioki was so active throwing straight kicks, roundhouse kicks, fast jabs and nice takedowns. He tried so hard for the rear naked choke, but Palascewski did a great job defending.

Lauzon looks like he put on some more mass, which I think is great for him. He’s talented and that extra strength should help him get to the next level.

Pettis looks pumped! I love watching this guy fight.

Round One
They come out pretty active. Pettis goes for a strong kick early but Lauzon blocks it. That had to hurt though. Both fighters striking looks sharp and they are throwing a lot of combinations.

Lauzon is controlling the octagon until OMG Pettis knocks Lauzon out with a fast-as-lightning head kick! Holy crap that was fast! Lauzon is out cold before he hits the ground. Wow.

Result: Pettis wins by KO in 1 min 21 sec. WOW!

This is the first UFC we’ve purchased in a long time. We couldn’t miss this one though! The card is an homage to the Pride Fighting Championships that were so popular in Japan. So many Pride guys are fighting tonight (though I am disappointed in the lack of Wanderlei and Dan Henderson to name a few). Regardless, this is going to be awesome.

For each of the main card fights I’ll break down the action by round with some commentary. I’m going to apologize right now for any grammatical errors. I will be writing these posts live during the fights and then posting immediately, so please don’t mind the occasional mistake.

A little more than 30 minutes before the first main fight! Check back for Round By Round, Fight By Fight action breakdowns, results, and commentary. One day, I’ll do this on a live podcast or something. Fun!

I’m not sure I understand Akiyama’s entrance music…or his new over-bronzered Jersey Shore look. Seriously, what IS that?!?

Jake Shields looks normal. And kind of bored or just confounded by Akiyama’s um…Situation…

Round One
They come out slow and controlled but then Shields starts throwing quick strikes. Akiyama gets tied up and pushed against the cage as Shields goes for the single leg takedown. He keeps hold of the leg but lets go as Akiyama defends. Akiyama pushes Shields away and they separate.

Akiyama lands a short quick jab but he counters with a nice strong kick to the body. Shields goes hard for the takedown but switches to an underhook. He throws knees and possible hits a low blow but no time is called. Shields has double underhooks now and Akiyama defends and they separate.

They continue to throw quick jabs and kicks. Akiyama explodes into a takedown (LOVE Judo) and throws Shields to the ground. They scramble and end up on their feet. Akiyama is so active and fresh as the round ends.

Round Two
Akiyama throws some nice strikes early. He defends combinations thrown by Shields and tries for another awesome Judo throw but doesn’t get it. Akiyama throws a spinning back fist or elbow – whatever that was it was brutal!

They continue to trade strikes, some connect but nothing of real power. Akiyama is actively stuffing takedowns and this has to be frustrating Shields. More strikes – Shields is holding his own but would do so much better on the ground. He’s going to be too tired to do anything when he finally gets Akiyama to the ground.

Kicks and punches from both fighters. Akiyama whips out another awesome Judo throw and slams Shields to the mat. Shields rebounds and pushes Akiyama to the cage. He has Akiyama’s back but doesn’t get to capitalize on his position as the round ends.

Round Three
Akiyama throws a quick head kick right off the bat, but misses. They trade strikes again – quick kicks to the body and short jabs. Akiyama lands a solid uppercut and definitely tags Shields. Shields looks so one dimensional – he is pretty ineffective against Akiyama.

They continue to throw strike after strike – pretty good pace for the third round. Shields drags Akiyama to the ground, only to have Akiyama stand right back up. Shields can’t catch a break with the takedowns.

The ref separates them and Shields drags him to the ground and then throws him into the fence. Akiyama keeps grabbing the fence but no points are deducted. Shields gets his back and sinks in a strong rear naked choke. Akiyama doesn’t tap and the round ends.

A decision! This is going to be a hard one to judge. I think there should be a point deduction on Akiyama because that fence grabbing was SO deliberate.

Results: Jake Shields by Unanimous decision? That’s a little surprising…I can see the last round for sure but all three? I guess the points were deducted from Akiyama in the judges’ minds and finishing with a sick choke in sure didn’t hurt. That was a crazy fight!

Ah. Heavyweights. Kongo looks ripped up – man, he bulked up a bit. Hunt is huge and looks a little less soft than he has in the past. Even though he looks a little squishy, he has some serious power and can ruin his opponents day.

This fight should be brutal. And awesome.

Round One
Hunt goes in for a kick and he slips. He stumbles back and Kongo follows. They clinch against the cage and quickly separate.

They trade strikes – Kongo throws a few straight kicks and some short jabs. Hunt throws a few big overhand rights and some hooks but doesn’t connect. He throws a counter left on Kongo and really tags him. Kongo has got to be dazed. Hunt attacks and lands strike after strike until Kongo goes DOWN. WOW, what a finish! Those strikes had to hurt!

Results: Mark Hunt by TKO in Round One.

Love Hunt’s response: I feel good. No reaction or emotion whatsoever. I think he may be a robot cause that fight was killer!

Bader is in great shape – he’s basically a muscle.

Oh Rampage. I liked your silly “Crazy” face until you actually went crazy. His chain is pretty awesome though. Also, he didn’t make weight which is just whack.

Round One
They come out fast and aggressive. Bader throws short little jabs and Rampage is already showboating. That took like 15 seconds. Bader has him in the clinch and pushes him to the cage. Rampage defends the takedown and they separate.

Bader throws a wicked overhand right but just barely misses. That would have been pretty!

Bader throws another overhand right and connects. He TAGS Rampage and gets the clinch. They are against the cage and Bader tries to get the takedown.

Bader takes his time, picking his shots and once again tries for the takedown. Let me guess, he is not going to get the takedown and they are going to separate. Again.

Yep.

Now Bader has Rampage in a guillotine but lets go of that.

Round Two
Bader keeps throwing strikes with obvious intentions. HOLY CRAP! Rampage just picks Bader up and slams him to the mat…right on his head! How is Bader alive???

Bader recovers and charges, taking Rampage down. He is in Rampage’s half guard and throws short punches and elbows. Rampage slowly tries to wall walk but Bader lays him flat.

Rampage scrambles and starts to stand up against the cage. Rampage regains his feet but Bader SLAMS him back down to the mat. Wow, that was brutal!

Bader lays on some ground and pound from Rampage’s closed guard. Rampage throws up a leg like he was trying for a triangle but the round ends.

Seriously wondering how Bader didn’t snap his neck or break his arm. He has got to be hurting right now.

Round Three
Rampage throws a quick jab and it looks like Bader is poked in the eye. Rampage gets the clinch and they go to the cage. They separate and Bader goes right for the takedown. Rampage defends and throws some short strikes. Bader charges and pulls Rampage to the ground. He takes side control and stays busy, throwing short strikes and elbows.

He could be more aggressive – he’s just not doing much damage here.

Rampage struggles to get to his feet and he stands. Bader takes him right back down. Rampage looks exhausted and looks like he’s just surviving at the moment.

Bader continues to throw strikes with most of them connecting. Not much power behind them but there sure are a lot of them…

Rampage has totally just stopped caring. Bader goes for a kimora but lets it go before the round ends. Bader finishes the fight with Rampage in a weird little guillotine.

Bader dominated Rampage, especially in the third round. The slams and takedowns were a huge component of Bader’s game.

Result: Bader by Unanimous decision – Totally with this decision. Rampage looked like he just ran out of fuel and let Bader have his way.

Henderson is such a beast – I love watching him fight! Edgar is no joke. This fight is going to be ridiculous!

Round One
They come out with lots of feints and both fighters throw fast strikes, backed with lots of power.

Henderson lands two strong kicks to the body and Edgar takes Henderson down for like a second. They return to their feet. Henderson throws a number of kicks and one catches Edgar low.

They trade strikes again and so far, they seem to neutralize each other. Edgar keeps catching Henderson’s kicks. Henderson throws a nice combination. Edgar dives in for a takedown, gets it and Henderson stands right back up.

This round is so active – lots of striking and throwing and kicking. Whoa, Edgar’s left eye is messed up!

Round Two
Henderson comes out aggressive, throwing a number of punches. Edgar catches another kick of Henderson’s and Henderson counters with a quick jab to the face.

Henderson’s kick is caught again but Henderson throws a flurry of punches and lands a solid knee.
They trade strikes and Henderson lands a wicked knee to the stomach of Edgar. That hurt!

Edgar throws Henderson down and hold him down with a guillotine choke. They end up standing up and go back to exchanging strikes.

Henderson throws a head kick that somehow doesn’t knock Edgar out! They go back to exchanging and then Edgar takes Henderson down. He tries to strike from Henderson’s full guard and lands a few choice shots before standing up to try to land a strike as he goes to side control. Henderson lands a huge upkick and destroys Edgar’s face with his heel. Seriously, blood just started to pour from his nose. Totally broken.
He survives the round.

Round Three
There is going to be a ton of blood soon. They start exchanging strikes again and Edgar starts losing blood.

There are some brutal exchanges – both guys get tagged and they just keep going at each other. Edgar tries to take Henderson down but he hops it back to the cage and they separate.

Both fighters get some good combinations off and then Henderson drags Edgar down to the mat. Edgar’s eye by this point is nearly swollen shut. They stand up and separate once again.

The pace has definitely slowed down but neither fighter looks tired. They continue to exchange and Edgar takes Henderson to the ground just before the round ends.

I really don’t see how Edgar can see out of his left eye…but apparently he can.

Round Four
Edgar comes out defensive and Henderson continues to press the action. Henderson’s combinations continue to land. Edgar lands a nice punch to the face. Henderson hits a low blow and Edgar takes a minute to recover.

Edgar lands a few nice inside leg kicks but Henderson comes back with a flurry of strikes. Henderson gets slammed by Edgar but gets stuck in a deeeep guillotine. Edgar struggles but eventually gets out of the submission attempt.

They get back to their feet and trade more strikes. Henderson lands a really powerful leg kick and Edgar grabs his foot. He loses hold and Henderson separates them with a knee to the face.

They go back to circling and trading strikes. Henderson continues to land quality strikes.

Round Five
Henderson is hungry for the win and Edgar looks so beat up. He can really take some shots. Despite his battered face, Edgar comes out aggressive and throws some nice combinations.

Henderson lands a nice counter left and the blood just explodes from Edgar’s face. It’s like the Walking Dead in there.

Henderson tags Edgar but Edgar counters and drags Henderson to the ground. Henderson immediately stands back up and they separate.

Edgar is looking for a big shot but Henderson defends. Fists fly and kicks…kick. It’s really back and forth between the two fighters. It looks like Henderson slips and Edgar tries to capitalize. Henderson throws a nasty kick to Edgar’s face and lands it. Edgar is like the terminator. He just keeps coming!

Edgar tries to take Henderson down but Henderson defends and makes Edgar pay with a sharp jab and body kick combo.

Henderson lands a flying knee direct to Edgar’s face and he still doesn’t go down! Henderson ends the fight with Edgar in a guillotine.

Wow, what a fight! This is a tough one but I think Henderson really dominated the fight.

Results: Decision! Henderson by Decision – I totally get this decision. Henderson controlled the action and did a ton of damage to Edgar (‘s face). This fight was filled with crazy energy. It was violent and awesome!