13 Seconds!

Last Saturday night at UFC 194, UFC interim Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor defeated UFC Featherweight Champion José Aldo by knockout in just 13 seconds of the first round! This was the fastest knockout finish of any title fight in UFC history!

It was champion vs. champion at UFC 194 in Las Vegas. The main event was a title unification match to declare an undisputed UFC Featherweight Champion. The interim champion, Conor McGregor, faced the inaugural featherweight champion José Aldo. Aldo had been champion since 2010. This marked his first defeat in over 10 years. McGregor was expected to face Aldo at UFC 189. However, a rib injury pulled Aldo out days before the scheduled bout. McGregor remained on the card, but fought Chad Mendes for the interim championship instead, which he successfully retained. 


Before the opening of the first round, McGregor and Aldo refused to touch gloves and went immediately into combat. As the fight started, McGregor took control of the center of the octagon. When Aldo got within range, the Irishman threw a straight left punch to keep him away, but missed. McGregor then landed a leg kick to the veteran's skull. As Aldo surged forward to land a right-left punch combination, McGregor moved backwards and connected with a left hook to the chin that rendered Aldo unconscious. Both punches connected, but McGregor's punch landed first. As Aldo fell to the canvas, McGregor quickly hit him with two ferocious hammer fists before the referee had to stop the match. When the fight was over, McGregor celebrated by leaping on the cage.


History was made yet again with the unification of two titles in the featherweight division, as well as the fastest knockout finish in any title match. McGregor is a rising star in the UFC. He is quick, agile, and meticulous; he has a unique fighting style. He can reach great heights in the featherweight division. However, I am not taking anything away from Aldo. He remained undefeated for over 10 years. His greatest achievement was becoming the first-ever UFC Featherweight Champion in 2010. He had 7 successful title defenses. Both of these competitors are very renown. They are each worshipped and praised in their respective nations. Seeing the rise of Conor McGregor is very exciting to all UFC fans. He is a unique athlete with great morals and a show of respect to all. The future is here!

The Rematch is Official

It's official! A rematch has been set between the current UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm and the former champion Ronda Rousey for the title at UFC 200 in July of next year. At UFC 193, Holm made history by defeating Rousey via knockout to win the bantamweight championship in stunning fashion. Rousey hasn't been the same ever since. 

Knockout kick

Rousey is currently taking a hiatus to recover from her injuries. UFC President Dana White has stated that Rousey deserves a rematch since she defended the title successfully on 6 separate occasions. She is the first in line to challenge Holm for the belt. This will be Holm's first title defense. Both competitors have roughly 7 months to train and prepare for arguably the biggest rematch in UFC history between two women. Rousey said in an interview after her fight against home that she will be taking time off to heal and rest. The injuries she sustained were so sever that she was taken to the hospital immediately after the fight. She had to get stitches for a busted lip. She also said that she was so banged up that she can't even take a bite out of an apple, let alone endure impacts of punches and kicks.

History made as Holm declared the winner

The rematch scheduled for UFC 200 will be another great fight. It is probably the most anticipated rematch in women's UFC history. I really want Rousey to regain the championship, but with Rousey's questionable status and Holm being at the top of her game with an undefeated streak (10-0), I'm not sure if Rousey is able to win. Seven months is a long time from now but it will go by very quickly, and soon enough, the world will witness the rematch. Both Rousey and Holm have adequate time to prepare for the biggest fight of their professional lives. Win, lose, or draw, these women will slug it out and give it their all. The world will witness history at UFC 200 because should Rousey lose the bout, Holm will be credited as the new "Ronda Rousey." But should Holm lose, then there would be an intense rivalry with the title changing hands. It is a very interesting and fun time in the UFC women's division, and this is just the beginning. As the women's division progresses and evolves, the biggest names today will be legends years from now. I'm excited to see where Rousey and Holm will be after their fight in July. This is just another chapter in their careers and also for the UFC itself.

New champion crowned, Holly Holm

"He Will Fight Next Year"

It was announced at UFC 181 that former WWE Superstar CM Punk had signed with the UFC in December 2014. UFC President Dana White says Punk will make his debut sometime next year in 2016. White also revealed that the UFC is currently looking for an opponent to fight Punk. This will be determined by a new reality show, which will scout potential opponents for the 37-year-old.

Punk belongs to the middleweight division, weighing 185 lbs. He has a background in kempo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, under Rener Gracie. He is currently training for his upcoming UFC debut Duke Roufus at Roufusport MMA Academy. The gym is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which is close to his home in Chicago, Illinois. In June 2015, Punk moved to Milwaukee to be closer to the training facility while still retaining his home in Chicago.

The reason Punk is making his debut match in 2016 is because he suffered a shoulder injury, which sidelined him for 6 to 10 months. His debut is highly anticipated, the reason being is because he is a wrestler transitioning to a fighter, from WWE to UFC. A lot of people want to see him win his debut match, but others want to see him get destroyed. I'm really eager to see how Punk will do in the UFC. He could either be a a breakthrough or a bust. Numerous wrestlers have gone from WWE to UFC, and vice versa. Brock Lesnar, a former NCAA Heavyweight Champion, started as a wrestler in WWE in 2002. He left the company in 2004 to pursue a career in the NFL. However he didn't make the cut, so he went to the UFC, where he became the UFC Heavyweight Champion of the World. Can similar success happen for CM Punk? The world is very interested to know when he debuts next year. I believe Punk will find some success in the UFC.

Mexico vs. Puerto Rico

Last night in an HBO pay-per-view special, the world witnessed a classic between Canelo Alvarez and Miguel Cotto, as the they battled for the vacant WBC Middleweight Championship of the World. The two contenders delivered an entertaining fight that had the crowd cheering. In the end, Alvarez defeated Cotto by unanimous decision to capture the middleweight championship at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.


Cotto gave a valiant effort, staying on his feet and moving swiftly. However, the judges liked Alvarez's brute strength, awarding him the victory. He was able to dominate most of the rounds with his heavy punches and uppercuts. Cotto tried to outbox the younger competitor, but was often on the short hand of exchanges. Alvarez's victory will go down as one of the best for Mexico in its rich and legendary rivalry with Puerto Rico, and should launch Alvarez to greater stardom in his boxing career.

Now with Alvarez being the reigning and defending WBC Middleweight Champion of the World, he is in line to face Gennady Golovkin, the owner of the WBA, IBF, and IBO middleweight titles. Furthermore, Alvarez and Cotto have mutual rematch clauses in their contracts, so this could alter the pending championship match with Golovkin.  The rematch between Alvarez and Cotto for the WBC middleweight title would surely be another amazing fight.

Canelo (left) vs. Cotto (right)

From Boxer to Champion

Last night at UFC 193 in Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, over 56,000 spectators witnessed history. The main event saw Ronda Rousey defend her UFC Bantamweight Championship of the World against the #1 contender, Holly Holm. Shockingly, there was a new champion crowned!


At the largest UFC event in history, Ronda Rousey suffered her first defeat. In the first round, Rousey began the first aggressively. Holm, with her boxing ability, landed numerous punches on Rousey. Rousey got a clinch on Holm but was unable to get the armbar submission maneuver. Holm was hitting Rousey with numerous punches. She then clinched, taking Rousey down. Holm ended up backing away. In the second round, Rousey attempted to land some strikes on Holm, but it turned out to be unsuccessful. In return, Holm threw a series of counter punches. This was the beginning of the end for Rousey. Holm later landed a swift head kick to Rousey, knocking her out in 59 seconds.

This is considered the biggest upset in the UFC Women's Division in recent memory. When I saw the fight I could not believe it. I was in shock, as well as the world was too. UFC President Dana White was also in disbelief. He said that Rousey was taken to the hospital right after the fight, receiving stitches to her lip. Social media blew up during and after the fight. People are saying that now Rousey's credibility as the greatest female fighter in the world is down the drain. They are saying that she deserves this defeat. Others are confirming that she was going to lose sooner than later. I believe Rousey does not deserve it. She trains her tail off every single day to become a better fighter. But at the same time I understand where the media is coming from. Rousey claims she will destroy anyone who gets in her way. She claims she can beat anyone, including Floyd Mayweather. This over-confidence has probably gotten the best of her.

I would like to see where Rousey's future lies. The media is now anticipating a championship rematch between Holm and the former champion. I am very interested and anxious to know what is next for Ronda Rousey as she continues her career in the UFC.

Lethal Consequences

Former MMA fighter Jamual Parks has been convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, his hands. Parks invited his friend, Juan Angel, to his apartment. Angel brought alcohol and marijuana for them to share. As soon as Angel entered his apartment, Parks viciously attacked his friend after thinking he was being "set up."

Parks drove a knee to Angel's face and then threw him on the couch where he started striking him with fists and elbows. Angel managed to escape Parks' apartment and called the police. The cops came and confronted Parks. The 27-year-old then beat up one of the female officers, L. Hoerig. After Parks was restrained, the three went to the hospital to treat their injuries.

Parks was on drugs at the time of the scene. He was sentenced 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to the charges for beating up Angel and Officer Hoerig. The decision was made last week. This situation is sort of common with professional athletes, especially those who do physical contact sports. It is very easy for fighters to injure others since they know how to fight. A similar situation occurred last year when former UFC fighter War Machine assaulted his girlfriend. He could have been on drugs or could have been juicing, which is steroid use. Roid rage happens more often than expected. Athletes, such as these, must relax and keep calm before doing something they will regret later in the future. They must think about what they are about to do before hurting someone or even themselves.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Have you ever accomplished something that you thought it was impossible to accomplish? 

I have.. Whenever I'm learning a new jiu jitsu move and can't do it, I keep on trying until I perfect that move. This always happens, I see how the move is done by my instructor and it seems easy to do, but in reality there are so many steps to it that it becomes difficult to perfect and understand. One time, my instructor taught the class a takedown maneuver that everyone, but me, mastered. I didn't know what I was doing wrong. This got me very frustrated and overwhelmed. I continued to do this move for weeks until I perfected it.

One day I was at class and it was an open mat day, meaning we could either practice any moves or have matches. I had a match with this blue belt. We started on our feet and as soon as we locked up and established grips, I did the takedown on him! I was so surprised since I couldn't get the move for weeks. At the end of our match, I was so proud of myself for finally mastering the move!

This proves to show that if you set your mind on something, you can accomplish any goal. Whether it is simple or difficult, you can achieve whatever inspires you. All you have to do is believe in yourself. Having determination and confidence will only motivate you even more. Just never give up and push forward; only good things will come about. Nothing is impossible, the word 'impossible' says "I'm possible."

A General Talk

What's up viewers?! To be honest with you I really don't know what to blog about this week, so I'm just going to talk about whatever is on my mind. 

As you may know the New York Mets will meet the Kansas City Royals in the World Series this Tuesday. I am very excited to see the Mets in the World Series this year, one reason being that they haven't been in a World Series in 15 years, and another reason is that since I'm a New York fan, it's nice to see a New York team playing for the championship. Hopefully the Mets can clinched their 3rd World Series title in nearly 3 decades. 

Another thing I want to talk about is the college application process... College applications are the most stress mail thing for me right now; I barely have time to breathe. Early action is due next week so I'm extremely nervous! My #1 college I desire to attend is the University of Miami. The reason being is because I want to spend my college years in nice, hot weather. I HATE the cold. Another reason is because I love the city of Miami. Another college I have interest in is the University of Maryland. I think this is a perfect college choice because Maryland also has nice weather and it is closer from home than Miami. I have about 8 other colleges I'm applying to, some for early action, some for regular decision. I just can't wait to see where I'll be attending in August. 

The Journey Doesn't Stop Here

This past Friday at my morning jiu jitsu class at my high school, one of my coaches earned his purple belt! This has been a long time coming! 

My coach's name is Mr. Tomaino, but I just call him Coach. Coach started practicing jiu jitsu at my school, CBA, since 2010. He and my other coach, Mr. Butler, started the CBA Jiu Jitsu team together. Mr. Butler is a 1st-degree black belt in jiu jitsu. Coach Tomaino started out as a white belt. He earned his blue belt in 2013. And now he has the honor to call himself a certified purple belt. 

Coach wrestled in high school, so that gives him a wrestling background. Jiu jitsu gives Coach an advantage since the martial art is based from grappling and wrestling. He is a quick learner; any new move Coach was taught, he would perfect on the first try. It was amazing! He is a naturally gifted athlete. Plus he is very charismatic and helpful during classes. He loves to help others with moves and gives them tips, while having fun and being energetic about it. Coach brings a positive attitude to every class, and also brings his game. He is very competitive and he NEVER gives up, no matter what. Whether losing a match or having difficulty with a certain move, Coach doesn't quit and keeps on trying. That's what I love most about him: his determination and will to win.

Historic moment in CBA Jiu Jitsu

A couple weeks ago I talked about my friend Jack and Coach Tomaino competing in the Pan No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Championship in New York City. Well, believe or not, Coach won 1st Place in his division! All of us on the jiu jitsu team at CBA are so proud of him. So during Friday's class, we congratulated Coach on his hard-fought victory and presented him with a purple belt. Now Coach's focus is on earning his brown belt, but that will take up to 2 years to earn. After a brown belt, Coach will receive the ultimate achievement by earning a black belt. 

Coach's journey to become a black belt in jiu jitsu does not stop here. Although he still has a long way to go, he will not stop trying and will never give up. I am excited to see what the future lies ahead for Coach Tomaino!

No Pain No Gain

Every Monday and Wednesday I attend jiu jitsu practice at a local martial arts academy. It is called Elite Martial Arts Academy, located in Marlboro, New Jersey. The school's jiu jitsu system is of Gracie-level training. I found that to be quite interesting. The school offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Karate, and Krav Maga classes to men, women, and children.

The chief instructor and owner of Elite Martial Arts is Chris Brough. He first started training and learning karate in Brooklyn, New York in 1985. He then expanded his knowledge in martial arts and competed nationally. As Chris got older, he developed a goal. He wanted to share his martial arts knowledge to other people. He opened EMA in 1998 in great success. He has hundreds of students; many of the original students still train with Chris to this very day. He is a very dedicated man who has a profound love and desire to teach the martial arts that impacted his life in a huge way.

I believe that this is the best martial arts school because it arguably has the best fitness and training levels of any martial arts academy in New Jersey. It teaches people all the fundamentals and skills of a fighting style, while keeping them in top-notch shape. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the best defensive martial arts on the planet. Kickboxing teaches women how to strike with their hands and feet while pushing them to their limits fitness-wise.

Not many people know the art of Krav Maga. Krav Maga is a form of martial arts where military and law enforcement tactics and methods are used. People learn how to fight "dirty," using their hands, feet, knees, and elbows as weapons from any position or stance. This martial art will prepare anyone for anything imaginable, including surprise attacks and ambushes. Krav Maga is a very effective fighting style.

In the future, as I get better in jiu jitsu, I desire to expand my knowledge of martial arts by learning Muay Thai, Krav Maga, or whatever fighting system that intrigues me. Martial arts gives people a better sense of mind and a positive attitude. It inspires people and gives them the opportunity to get rid of any stress and problems they may have. It impacts people greatly, just like how it did to Chris.


Here's a video of what goes on during EMA's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes.