Strikeforce Picks

I was torn on the Henderson Fedor fight given Fedor's recent performances (and, conversely, Henderson's recent performances), but ultimately went with Fedor because I think Henderson will try and stand and will lose that battle.

I was also torn on the Woodley Daley fight--could see Woodley taking a decision, but am going with Daley by KO.

Also, not sure re the Tate fight given her layoff....

Much uncertainty, but looking forward to a solid card tonight.

Here are my predictions via Tapology:



Fight Lawyer

MMA In West Virginia--Athletic Commission Adopting Rules that will Deter Small Promotions?

Interesting article over at the Charleston Daily Mail, "Delegate says mixed martial arts rules deter promotions," detailing how the West Virginia Athletic Commission is promulgating rules for MMA -- after the recent passage of a law in the state legalizing the sport -- that would supposedly deter small MMA promotions in the state.   

Randy Swartzmiller, a Hancock County legislator and one of the sponsors of the bill legalizing MMA in West Virginia, believes the proposed rules "make it too expensive for smaller promoters to hold MMA events in the state" and he also believes "this is a conscious effort by Athletic Commission Chairman Steve Allred, who was a vocal opponent of the sport's legalization, to keep MMA out of the state."  (Note:  for more information about Allred and his opposition to MMA in West Virginia check out this article, Wild West Virginia: A Look Inside a Commission, from last year over at Sherdog).

Specifically, according to the article in the Daily Mail:

The rules include stipulations that MMA promoters insure every fighter for $100,000, said Sam Minardi, a lobbyist with a major mixed martial arts fight promotion that pushed for legalization. Boxing promoters have to insure their fighters for $20,000 for injuries or accidental death, Minardi said.

MMA rules also include a stipulation that promoters have to put forth a $50,000 bond for an event, he said. Boxing promoters in the state have to put up a $20,000 bond to hold an event, Minardi said.

'This doesn't surprise me,' Swartzmiller said. 'Steve Allred has made comments that he would set prices so high promoters couldn't come here.'

'He (Allred) doesn't care that the people in the state want this,' he said. 'He doesn't care that the Legislature passed this and the governor signed this.  He doesn't care because he doesn't want MMA in the state,'

Check out the entire article for additional prohibitive rules.

Fight Lawyer

Muhammad Ali Company Sues Kobo Over ‘Butterfly’ Slogan (via Buisness Week)

Muhammad Ali Enterprises LLC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York "accus[ing] digital bookseller Kobo Inc. . . . of using the former boxer’s “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” slogan in an advertisement without permission."

For more on the complaint (and to read the rest of the Business Week article) click here.

Fight Lawyer

MMAPayout Article Discussing Muay Thai in New York and the Martial Arts Exception

Following up on my post here discussing the muay thai fights tonight at the Beacon, here is an article I wrote at MMAPayout describing the statutory basis for sanctioned muay thai fights in New York despite the ban on "combative sports."

Looking forward to a great night of fights.

Fight Lawyer

Battle at the Beacon -- Muay Thai Fights in the City this Friday

As you undoubtedly know by now, we are left, yet again, with no MMA in New York this year -- the bill to legalize MMA in New York stalled this year in the New York State Assembly.  This does not, however, mean that we are left without the ability to experience combat sports here in New York, including high-level Muay Thai fights. 

For the first time this Friday, July 8, my friends at Madison Square Garden (in association with TaKe On Productions-- and sanctioned by the WKA) are holding a Muay Thai event at the Beacon Theater, Battle at the Beacon.


I am really looking forward to a night of great fights. 

For more information (and to order tickets) please click on the image below.

Fight Lawyer

The Ringside Doctor -- Via The New York Times

Video interview (and article) about a New York orthopaedic surgeon, Victor Khabie, who moonlights as a boxing ringside physician in his spare time:



Fight Lawyer

UFC 132 Predictions

Here are my predictions for tonight's fights via Tapology:



I also like Klitschko in his fight with Haye.

Fight Lawyer