Archive for the ‘Sport’ Category
New Zealand-born Kangaroos rookie James Tamou is right to expect some extra attention from the Kiwis in Friday nights Anzac rugby league test, according to New Zealand assistant coach Tony Iro.
Tamous selection has dominated talk ahead of the annual test, and Iro said this morning that the Palmerston North-born 23-year-old would attract some added attention during the match at Eden Park in Auckland.
The boys will obviously be focusing on everyone in that Australian side but Im sure there will be an extra little bit of power in those shoulders when he runs the ball up, and hell be expecting that, Iro told Live Sport today.
We expect the boys to control their emotions, but an extra one or two per cent wont go astray.
The potential Kiwi turned Kangaroo is crystal clear on what to expect.
He remembers the treatment meted out to another New Zealand-born defector, Karmichael Hunt in 2006, and coincidentally Frank Pritchard, the Kiwi responsible for hammering the former Brisbane Broncos and Queensland fullback on debut, is resurrecting his test career as Tamous gets underway.
I saw that, I saw what Pritchard did. Im sort of expecting the same, about five or six black jumpers rushing up on me. Im happy to take that on and do my best, said Tamou yesterday.
Ironically, Tamou and Pritchard might have been on the same side had New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart abandoned his campaign to convince him he was a future State of Origin star.
The 113-kilogram, 1.93-metre-tall frontrower fended off Stuarts initial approach last year but when he renewed his plea, with support from New South Wales captain Paul Gallen, Tamou reconsidered and turned his back on New Zealand five months after he was included in the Kiwis train-on squad for last years Four Nations tournament.
Tamou had earlier declared a desire to play for his birthplace and reiterated his stance as recently as April 2.
But a persistent Stuart – and memories of the 2011 Origin series – finally swayed him to switch sides.
While being invited to the Kiwis train-on squad was an honour, the prospect of playing Origin was always enticing for the former Junior Kiwi and New Zealand Maori representative, who moved to Sydney with his parents a decade ago.
The Kiwis have traditionally taken a dim view of New Zealand-born players facing the haka – England halfback Rangi Chase was the latest to experience retribution when his cousin, Kiwis hooker Issac Luke, admitted trying to break his leg during their Four Nations encounter in November.
Mario Balotelli has no intention of leaving Manchester City
Posted by: Admin
April 26th, 2012 >> Sport
While City have no intention of actively pursuing a sale of the player, BBC Sport understands the club would be prepared to listen to serious offers for Balotelli this summer.
The Italy international has been linked with a return to his homeland, with both Inter and AC Milan known to be monitoring the striker.
However, Balotelli believes his experience in England is helping him to mature. He has scored 17 goals in 31 club appearances this season, but has been sent off twice.
I am only thinking about winning the title at the moment, he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. Why do you always talk of Inter and Milan for me?
I dont have nostalgia for Italy. The Premier League is an experience that is serving me very well. When I was at Inter Milan I called my mother to solve every little problem. Now I have to go it alone.
Mancinis relationship with Balotelli has been a source of tension this season.
The City manager joked that
he would have punched his striker every day
if they were team-mates, but Balotelli insists he is lucky to work with his compatriot, who
signed him from Inter Milan for £24m
in August 2010.
I still have to improve, especially as a footballer, he told the newspaper. Above all my behaviour on the pitch, but also tactically. I have the fortune to be working with Mancini, one of the best managers in the world, if not the best.
A campaign has been launched to stop kids being bullied in sport.
It follows a report that says over half of kids in the UK have been victims of bad sportsmanship.
Children taking part in the survey said theyd seen teasing, swearing, verbal and even physical abuse.
The MCC and the Chance to Shine charity talked to 1250 children and say bad sportspeople could be copying the behaviour of sports stars like Premier League footballers.
But the report also found most children arent impressed by players who break the rules. Seven in 10 would describe someone who played unfairly as a cheat.
We asked if youve ever treated you badly while playing sport or seen it happen to your teammates.
Your comments
I have seen people being bullied just because of the sports that they do. For example, I know some boys that do ballet and have been bullied because most people think that ballet is a girls sport but thats not true, anybody can do ballet, boy or girl.
Josh, France
I have only ever once been bullied playing sport at my hockey club. I accidentally missed the ball and some boys started coming up to me and shouting.
I think its wrong to bully other kids when they are playing sport because it will discourage them from doing it, making them less active.
Grace, Dundee, Scotland
I was playing in a netball game and missed a shot and some of my team were having a go at me.
Emily, Ipswich, England
Sometimes children in younger classes than mine do get bullied and arent allowed to play because someone else in their class say that theyre not good enough. The teachers always sort it out and make sure no-one is left out.
Hannah, Rochdale, England
In football my team-mates were mean to me because I didnt save a goal as I was recovering from being kicked (by mistake). They shouted at me which made me feel sad. The referee didnt see so he didnt do anything.
Joseph, Herts, England
I dont regularly see people being mistreated during sports.
Luke, Leeds, England
When I played football someone stuck their leg out as I was about to score. I broke my leg and I dont play football anymore.
George, West Sussex, England
I know someone who got bullied because he would always do bad fouls and kick the ball over the fence.
Navid, West Sussex, England
Some boys in my class are mean to my friend, because shes not as fast as them.
Alice, Derbyshire, England
I was bullied while playing football just because I didnt have boots. Then they saw me goalkeep very well and ended up saying good things about me.
Jai, Stoke-On-Trent, England
I think people get bulled because theyre not good at sports. We should stop people bullying.
Zeba, England
In my school we have a football pitch in the playground. However, the girls arent allowed to play on it with the boys as this leads to comments from the boys about girls not being able to play as well as them. For some girls it has led to teasing or bullying by the boys.
Carmen, Leicester, England
I have people say, Oh come on! when I miss a shot. One boy says Fail!!! whenever anybody does anything a teensy bit wrong.
Simi, Hampshire, England
I was bullied for 7 years. I love to play football, its what I do 24/7 but because Im a girl people couldnt take that I was better at a boys sport…
Most of the bullies didnt make it in to their secondary schools football team. I rose above the bullying and now Im captain for the year 7 amp; 8 team. I play in a Saturday league and I play for my county.
Kate, Richmond, England
My brother and I play rugby and are both forwards so dont get bullied, physically, but I do see it a bit with others.
Annabel, England
People these days take everything to heart, its not bullying. If anyone makes a tackle in football their parents start shouting abuse. In the heat of the game things happen, it should be what happens in the game stays in the game. Just stop over-reacting to everything!
Luke, 13, England
People have treated me badly while playing football. I was at my local football club – as I loved playing football – and I was a defender playing with Year 6 boys. I accidentily let the ball pass me and the boys shouted at me loudly and aggressively. The referee didnt do anything.
Sophie, England
Sometimes I see people look disappointed when Im in their team and they look angry with me when I miss something.
Charlotte, Essex, England
I saw my friend being bullied by someone who said that my friend was rubbish at rounders. They said that they didnt want my friend on their team because they didnt want to lose. I think sport should be about having fun and not whether youre good or bad, or if you win or lose.
Neha, Bolton, England
My best friend got hit by a hockey stick on purpose because we were winning at a game of hockey.
Emmy, London, England
Ive seen loads of bullying in my school and I usually see it in the rough sports. Ive been purposely hit by a hockey stick before and recently someone pushed my best friend over on purpose during netball.
Emma, Gloucester, England
I used to get bullied but Im good at dancing. One time, no one could do the moves but as soon as they saw I could they stopped teasing me and asked for my help. Just show them what you can do better than them!
Hannah, England
I have been bullied while playing sport, some boys say things that lower my confidence so I dont perform as well as I could. They also bully me about my tracksuit length, so I try to stay away from them.
Emerald, England
Its wrong to bully because it makes sport not as fun.
Ben, Inverness, Scotland
When people get competitive they say things they do not mean, especially in sports. Dont worry if it happens to you, just talk to a teacher!
Avneet, England
I think some people get bullied because theyre not good at it or theyre not fit enough.
Asmaa, Luton, England
Starwood’s Luxury Brands Celebrate Speed and Sport, Announcing a Global …
Posted by: Admin
April 25th, 2012 >> Sport
NEW YORK, Apr 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
/quotes/zigman/410958/quotes/nls/hot HOT
+0.83%
today announces a
global partnership between Bentley Motors and the St. Regis(R) and The
Luxury Collection(R) Hotels & Resorts. The partnership underpins the
heritage and excellence of the brands, creating signature experiences
for guests, residents and customers with driving programs, special
events, brand initiatives and house fleets at flagship hotels around the
world.
“Starwood’s luxury brands continue to grow globally and so does the
global nature of our guests,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader for
the St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “We are
committed to providing experiences that far surpass their expectations,
and this partnership with Bentley enables our discerning guests to
explore must-see destinations in unparalleled style.”
As a hotel brand created for a new generation of luxury travellers, the
St. Regis brand has selected Bentley as the house fleet in hotels and
resorts around the world, from The St. Regis Singapore and The St. Regis
Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi to the brand’s flagship The St.
Regis(R) in New York. In October 2011, St. Regis hosted a bespoke Bentley
Italian Driving Tour for model owners and guests of The St. Regis Rome
and the newly opened St. Regis Florence.
Bentley models, such as The Continental Flying Spur, are the perfect fit
for St. Regis as they combine exquisite design with peerless
craftsmanship. Similarly inspired by the most desirable coupe of its
day, the Flying Spur delivers awesome performance as well as
extraordinary comfort and elegance.
“At Bentley, we are committed to maintaining our position as the
definitive British luxury car company,” said Joe Ashworth, head of
customer relations at Bentley Motors. “It is therefore important that we
partner with a pinnacle brand that underpins our own values of
craftsmanship, style and sophistication. Our current and prospective
customers recognise the heritage of both brands, and with Starwood’s
Luxury Brands, we aim to broaden the appeal and experience of Bentley.”
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a portfolio of 80 hotels and
resorts in more than 35 countries, offers authentic experiences and
unparalleled engagement in some of the world’s most exciting and
desirable destinations. Through this partnership, Bentley staged its
global media drive of the Continental Flying Spur in 2005 at The Gritti(R)
Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Venice, Italy. In February this
year, Bentley unveiled their newest Continental GT and GTC V8 at the
award-winning Marques de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Ilciego,
Spain.
This month, The Luxury Collection and Bentley will co-host an inaugural
Austrian driving program. The scenic Springtime Bentley Grand Tour from
Vienna to Salzburg will last two days and will offer guests an
incomparable way to experience the country. The journey will showcase
four iconic Luxury Collection Hotels including the Hotel Imperial in
Vienna and the Schloss Fuschl in Salzburg. The participants of the
exclusive drive will have two astonishing options to explore the route
through Austria – the Continental W12 and the Continental V8.
Through signature programs such as St. Regis Aficionado(R), Journeys by
The Luxury Collection and SPG Moments(R), Starwood will continue to create
opportunities for its guests to experience exhilarating driving programs
around the world with Bentley and offer insider access to
once-in-a-lifetime St. Regis and The Luxury Collection experiences.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel
and leisure companies in the world with 1090 properties in 100 countries
and territories with 154,000 employees at its owned and managed
properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and
franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following
internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R),
Westin(R), Le Meridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, Aloft(R), and
ElementSM. The company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty
programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG(R)), allowing members to earn and
redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no
blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership,
Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality
vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit
www.starwoodhotels.com .
About Bentley Motors
Bentley Motors is the third largest R&D investor in the UK’s automotive
sector and the 18th largest nationally. The company employs almost 4,000
people in Crewe which is home to all its operations including design,
R&D, engineering and production. The combination of fine craftsmanship,
using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside
engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury
vehicle manufacturers such as Bentley. It is also an example of
high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley exports over GBP 500m
worth of goods every year to established markets like the US, as well as
emerging markets such as China and South America For further information
on Bentley please go to
www.bentleymedia.com ,
@bentleymotors,
www.youtube.com/bentleymotors
or
www.bentleypresspack.com .
SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts:
Katie Roberts, +1-212-380-4049
Global PR Manager, St. Regis & The Luxury Collection
Katie.Roberts@starwoodhotels.com
or
Bentley Motors:
Michael Baumann, +44 (0) 1270-535-189
Communications Director
Michael.Baumann@Bentley.co.uk
or
Julia Marozzi, +44 (0) 1270-255-155
Head of Lifestyle Communications
Julia.Marozzi@bentley.co.uk
Copyright Business Wire 2012
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Add to portfolio
HOT
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.
US
: U.S.: NYSE
$
56.85
+0.47
+0.83%
Volume: 1.60M
April 24, 2012 4:04p
P/E Ratio22.08
Dividend Yield0.88%
Market Cap$11.11 billion
Rev. per Employee$36,520
Financial Glossary
Words used in this article:
(CNN) — It was a case of like father like son for Chinese Grand Prix winner Nico Rosberg, who followed in the footsteps of his famous parent on Sunday.
The 26-year-old Mercedes driver is the third son of a Formula One racer to win a race — achieving the feat 30 years after his father Keke claimed his first checkered flag at the Swiss Grand Prix.
They joined Britains Graham and Damon Hill and Canadas Gilles and Jacques Villeneuve as the only father and son duos to triumph in the 62-year history of the sport.
Rosberg is hoping to build on his long-awaited first victory after heading off McLarens Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton in Shanghai.
Its amazing to have it, the German said in a video blog on the teams website after his 111th race as an F1 driver.
Racing has to heal its own wounds after Aintree fatalities
Posted by: Admin
April 22nd, 2012 >> Sport
The British Horseracing Board says the decade since 2000 was the safest on
record for the Grand National. Evan Williams, a trainer, told the Racing
Post: I think its time for the sport as a whole to stand up and defend
it.
Bath prop Duncan Bell: my secret battle against the beast of depression away …
Posted by: Admin
April 21st, 2012 >> Sport
Bell cuts a formidable physical presence: 275lb of front-row bulk, battered by
168 matches for Bath and a further five for England.
The skin ripped off his knuckle is his latest war wound, and an image at odds
with the deep-seated vulnerability he is about to divulge.
While Marcus Trescothick and Stan Collymore have become eloquent spokesmen for
the pernicious creep of depression in sport, nobody in top-rank rugby has
documented the condition as starkly as this.
I was just going to retire this week I wasnt going to say anything about
the depression, he explains, quietly.
Its very difficult for anybody in the sporting environment, to come out and
tell people what you have been going through for the past decade of your
life. But I thought this was as good a time as any.
Bell is racked by anxiety about how his revelations will be received in the
dressing room.
He also reproaches himself, after the epiphany of how long he had harboured
feelings of depression, that he did not seek help sooner.
I know exactly why, though. Its a sign of weakness, especially in such a
male-dominated, testosterone-fuelled arena as a rugby team. Its a real
admission of failure.
In 2009, the year that Bell was selected for all three of Englands autumn
internationals, his mood shifts were manifesting themselves more overtly.
It wasnt me who highlighted the issue, it was the club doctor. He asked,
How are you feeling? Fine, why?
He said, No, youre not. I think somethings up. Clearly my
personality had changed. At that point I just broke down. I couldnt help
it.
Bell describes how his character would become polarised, so that he could
still join the frat-boy culture off the field without his colleagues ever
perceiving his private agonies.
Im a fairly positive character around the club. When Im with the boys, Im
not a different person, but theres plenty of laughing and banter.
I know now that its a complete and utter defence mechanism, against
what I know is simmering under the surface. Its an exaggeration of my true
self.
He identifies his marriage break-up as the trigger for his torment seven years
ago, when one episode proved to him how profoundly he had been affected.
On Englands 2006 tour to Australia, he had an argument with Pat Sanderson,
his captain, and dissolved in tears.
I had been out of line and he was putting me right, like a captain should. I
just put it down to being tired, so I brushed it off. But I recognise that I
wasnt happy on tour and also, I suppose, in life.
The older I grew, the lows became lower and the highs never really went much
higher. That was just in rugby.
Even when I was away from the sport, I would watch a sad film and find
myself becoming overly involved with it. I had never experienced anything
like it.
At precisely the point that Bell started to see a counsellor following the
collapse of his marriage, Baths doctor urged him to consult a specialist.
I did feel things were spiralling out of control, he admits, although he has
since tried to wean himself off the antidepressant medication.
It deadens you. It takes away a lot of what I consider to be the soul.
Whereas a normal person would have a spectrum of happiness and sadness,
it removes the extremes so that you live in the middle section, in a kind of
haze.
Thats great if youre depressed, because it brings you up, but I found
that I couldnt reach the other end even when I had the children around.
Id rather feel the intense love for my kids and have depression than be
on antidepressants.
For Bell to articulate his ordeal represents an act of courage, not least
because of his fear of being diminished in the eyes of others.
First, he worries about the response of his family in particular his father,
whom he says tutted in disapproval when he informed him flippantly that he
was taking happy pills.
Then, he frets about the prospect of jaws hitting the floor within the Bath
team. But he is unwavering in his desire to tell them.
I want the boys to know, because they have been my extended family for 18
years. Whether they know it or not, they have helped me through some of the
worst periods of my life.
It seems reasonable to ask whether Bell believes such turmoil has ever
coloured his performances on the pitch.
It has never happened during games, he says, firmly. Im in my own zone,
focused on winning.
Training is a little different I have periods thinking, Im going to
break down here. Ive had to control it so as not to show any weakness.
I remember, years earlier when I played for Sale, thinking of going to
see a local GP. Then I told myself, Toughen up.
I know someone whos a manic depressive and I used to think, Get on with it.
Smile. How hard can it be to feel happy?
Its not that simple. Its a deep-rooted issue that you cant get rid
of. Unless youve experienced it, its very hard to feel any empathy.
I used to look forward to training, to be involved with a group ethos. It
meant that I didnt have to be on my own.
When youre alone, thats when the beast that lies within rears its head
and gets to you. Thats when my mind runs away with itself.
The same beast, Bell knows, still lurks in his psyche. For that reason, he
acknowledges that a future outside rugby scares the living daylights out
of him.
Since he enrolled in Baths youth ranks at the age of 19, the sport has been
all he has ever known.
While he has trained as a mortgage and insurance adviser in his spare time, to
help set up his own business, he is deeply apprehensive about stepping away
from the clubhouse camaraderie.
Im essentially working for myself, so straight away thats a very insular
existence. Theres a great transition from being in the rugby family to
being on your own. It will be interesting to see how I respond.
He has found intense support from his partner Katie, a dentist working in
nearby Cirencester.
Contented photos of the couple adorn the living-room wall, yet Bell remains
mindful that the path ahead is strewn with uncertainties.
My contract finishes and so does my money, he says of his retirement.
My divorce wiped out everything, so it will be a case of starting again. Not
many players of my age would retire with nothing, but thats pretty much
whats happening.
Im looking at this as if Im a young player who has had a career-ending
injury after only a couple of games.
Bell wishes he was taking his leave with more winners medals on the
mantelpiece, save for his Principality Cup victory with Pontypridd in 2002
or his European Challenge Cup triumph with Bath six years later.
But he has had his fill of the fervent expectations of Baths fan base, and of
the cycle of negativity he would enter before each match.
The way I get motivated for games is to think that something terrible will
happen that I will drop the ball, get smashed in the scrum, or be taken
off after five minutes.
I know that its completely the wrong way to go about things, but Ive
done it since I was 10 years old.
Rugbys hidden cases of depression are, Bell argues, both significant and
widespread.
He is plainly troubled by that of Selorm Kuadey, the bright prospect who
played 16 times for Sale and died in January, at just 24, after an apparent
suicide.
Its scary when you read about it and think, That could have been me. Maybe
if I hadnt had kids, I would have got to that point.
I know for a fact that there are guys in the squad experiencing similar
situations to mine, and in other squads.
The consolation, as Bell unburdens himself of this anguish, lies in the
reaction of the one player who already knows: David Flatman, the Bath
loosehead and his best friend at the club.
He said, Im gutted for you. To come out like this is hard, and I never had
any intention of doing it this way.
But he also said that it would be a really good thing to end your career
knowing that you had helped someone.
Bells rugby progress
Norfolk boy
Born in Kings Lynn on Oct 1, 1974 but raised in Cotswolds village of
Hawkesbury Upton.
Collegiate life
Attended Colstons Collegiate School, which has a rich rugby tradition. Among
his classmates was Gloucestershire cricketer Chris Taylor, who is still a
close friend.
Breakthrough
First joined Ebbw Vale, before spells at Sale, Pontypridd and current club
Bath, playing in the European Challenge Cup victory over Worcester Warriors
in 2008.
National service
Has won five England caps as a prop, the first in 2005.
Now I am out of hospital, I am looking forward to continuing my recovery and spending precious time with my family.
Muambas heart stopped for 78 minutes with medics at White Hart Lane and then later at the London Chest Hospital battling to keep him alive.
His discharge, less than a month after his collapse, continues what has been a remarkable recovery.
Bill McKenna, Professor of Cardiology at The Heart Hospital in London told CNNs World Sport: Clearly it was a difficult and prolonged resuscitation and you would have feared the worst.
Its great, clearly, that hes walking, talking, moving and ready to be discharged in a very short time period.
Bolton Wanderers manager, Owen Coyle said it was fantastic news before adding his thanks to all the staff at the hospital.
Its important that Fabrice and his family are now given time and space to be together, and we would ask the media to continue to respect their privacy, Coyle said in a statement.
Some of the greatest names in the sports pantheon have held and fought for the UFCs 205lbs title since its inception in 1997, including Hall of Famers Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell and iconic fighters including Vitor Belfort, Tito Ortiz and Rampage Jackson.
The light-heavyweight title – which was called the middleweight title until May 2001 – has been contested in some of the biggest and most exciting bouts in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship organisation, but this Saturday in Atlanta, perhaps the most toxic grudge match in years will take place as Jones defends against former champion and former close friend Rashad Evans.
Below the champions of the past predict UFC 145s winner…
Mauricio Shogun Rua, champion from May 8, 2010 to Mar 19, 2011
They are two very smart, strategic athletes. Both of them fight thinking of their opponents strengths and weaknesses and think about how to fight the best possible fight to win. But I think Jon Jones has an advantage, since he is very hard to reach. He is not only long [limbed] but also fast and he can react very quickly, I know this. So, I think its going to be Jones match. However, lets not forget Rashad is also very strategic. I believe Rashad will have a good gameplan and I am very interested to see what he will try to do in this fight.
Lyoto Machida, champion from May 23, 2009 to May 8, 2010
Jones vs Evans is a big fight for the fans and a big fight for the division. It is a very interesting fight; Jones is very unorthodox and is strong in all aspects of the game, but Rashad is a great wrestler and has the hand speed to catch Jones.
Forrest Griffin, champion from Jul 5, 2008 to May 23, 2009
This is a great fight. Im glad Im not fighting Jon Jones anytime soon, but I think Rashad has the right style to give him problems. There are so many emotions between these guys going into the fight, and I know the Atlanta fans will be getting their moneys worth. Jones looks very nasty, but Im not going to underestimate Rashad. I kinda did that before once…
Rampage Jackson, champion from May 26, 2007 to Jul 5, 2008
Rashad has to go for it right from the start, for real. Rashad cant play on the outside, you cant fight no Jon Jones on the outside, believe me. Rashad is fast and can surprise you. He surprised me by faking a takedown and hitting me with a right hand which kinda stunned me. I think he can do that to Jon Jones, but he has to do it right away because the more time you give Jones, the harder it is to set him up for a punch. I think Jon Jones will win, but I think Rashad has a chance.
Chuck Liddell, champion from Apr 16, 2005 to May 26, 2007
Everyone is different but, I think, for most fighters getting into the Octagon with someone they dont like is a great motivation in training. Every time you are tired or holding a little back, you think about losing to this guy you cant stand and it helps you give 100%. Thats how I was with Tito, I couldnt stand the idea of losing to him and so I trained harder.
Id love to know who really got the best of it when these guys trained together. You get a feeling for someone when you spar with them. Thats why I was so confident against Tito; Id beat him up standing, wrestling and at BJJ when we trained together years before out fights and I knew I was in his head because of that. Listening to Rashad, it seems from watching the Primetime show that he feels hes in Jons head a little. He sounds very confident and I think thats based on experiences in the gym. Im glad he is confident, because thats something you have to have against Jones. If you dont go after Jon you are in for a bad night.
Vitor Belfort, champion from Jan 31, 2004 to Aug 21, 2004
I think this fight will be great for the sport because Jones and Evans used to train together. That changes things, now they are going to fight against each other. We are in the new era of sport with these athletes like Jon Jones and the techniques they can do. Both guys have a chance to be the winner, and it could come down to who is better on that one night. I am looking forward to seeing this huge fight.
Randy Couture, two-time champion from Jun 6, 2003 to Jan 31, 2004 and Aug 21, 2004 to Apr 16, 2005
I think it is going to be very interesting, Rashad has the speed and skills to win. Rashad has to avoid his propensity for standing up and just striking, which he has done in the past. He cant just strike with Jones; if he does he will lose because Jon has more tools in the toolbox. Rashad has to take Jones down, not just once or twice but every single time he has any opportunity. If Jones is worried about getting taken down, thats when Rashad can put his hands on him and do some damage. But he has to keep Jon guessing if it is a takedown or a strike thats coming.
I think Jones is super-talented and he is clearly getting better in each fight. He could turn into a very special type of champion. He poses some very unique problems in the Octagon – and so far no one has solved too many of them. I think this is a huge fight for the division. Bones Jones is very hot right now and with the personalities and the back story, it all hypes this up into a very interesting fight.
Tito Ortiz, champion from Apr 14, 2000 to Sep 26, 2003
Jones is looking very good. But Rashad is fast, man, and once he hurts you hes on you. Id like to see Rashad use his wrestling and takedowns and really mix it up. I think it will be a great fight.
Frank Shamrock, inaugural champion from Dec, 21 1997 to Nov, 24, 1999
This fight has a tremendous story behind it, with it having grown out of a friendship that went sour back when these two were teammates. The drama thats fueling this is incredible. Fans can expect a fight that, stylistically, will be extremely challenging for Jones to overcome, and hell have fits with Rashads wrestling if hes able to put Jon on his back. But ultimately, I see Jones being able to inflict more damage and walk away with the belt still in hand. This will be a fight that will not end as easily and devastatingly as Joness others have, but rather one of those moments in his career where hell have to pull himself up and battle until the final bell. In the end, this fight will help Jon become a better fighter and a better champion, and will endear himself to fans for years to come.
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