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Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_9227.shtml
UFC 129 is more than a record-breaking MMA event that will pack 55,000 into the Rogers Centre in Toronto to see two championship belts decided. It's also a face-off between American and Canadian fighters to decide which country is better. Cagewriter breaks it down for you. Which North American country does it better?
GSP vs. Shields: Everything is going for GSP. He's fighting in front of a home crowd, he's at the height of his hype and he's considered invincible, which is exactly why I don't think he'll win. If Shields gets it to the ground, GSP is in trouble. Advantage: Shields and the U.S.
Signature food -- poutine vs. pizza: Poutine, french fries top with cheese curds and brown gravy, sounds amazing. However, pizza -- a food with an ancestor in Italy but that is singularly American -- is much better. It is customizable, yummy when hot and cold, can be made to look like Yoda and everyone loves it. Advantage: U.S.
Mark Bocek vs. Ben Henderson: BenHen needs to erase the memory of being on the wrong end of the Anthony Pettis highlight reel. That incentive is enough to get the former WEC champ the win. Advantage: Henderson and the U.S.
National anthems -- "O Canada" vs. "The Star-Spangled Banner": The U.S. national anthem, when sung well, can tear the house down, but it's not easy for an average person to sing. That's not true of "O Canada." During the Vancouver Olympics, Canadians showed how easy it was to sing their anthem. Advantage: Canada
National animal: For America, it's the bald eagle, a strong, proud bird that can pick off prey from a mile away. Canada's, which can seen on the header of the new Yahoo! Sports Blog, The Eh Game, is the beaver. Advantage: the U.S.
Nate Diaz vs. Rory McDonald: Does Canada have a Stockton equivalent? Nah The baddest fighters come from Cali, not Quebec. Advantage: U.S.
Other sports: Well, Canada did just win a figure skating world championship and the Canucks knocked my Blackhawks out of the playoffs, and they won the gold medal in both men's and women's hockey at the Vancouver Olympics. Canadians also excel at curling. Outside of that, America rules. Football, baseball, basketball -- I'll take Derrick Rose over Steve Nash -- we're better. We'll give you hockey, Canada. We'll take the rest. Advantage: U.S.
Other fights: On the other UFC 129 Canada vs. U.S. fights, my picks are Makdessi, Patrick, Jabouin for Canada and Ellenberger, Valencia, Jensen for the U.S.
The final tally: America wins, 8-4.
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Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Affliction2/article_9269.shtml
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou Joe Son Chael Sonnen Krzysztof Soszynski
Source: http://forums.ufc.production.sparkart.net/showthread.php?t=86226&goto=newpost
Victor Valimaki Mike Van Arsdale Paul Varelans Jovany Anaconda Varela
After a blockbuster UFC 129, Cagewriter had to break "Three Stars" into two parts. See the undercard stars here, and read on for the stars of the main card.
No. 1 star -- Lyoto Machida: With Steven Seagal improbably looking on through his shooting glasses, Machida threw nearly the same kick that Anderson Silva used to knock out Vitor Belfort. Machida threw more of a "Karate Kid" spin on the kick, as he faked with the left before quickly threw the KO kick with the right. Again, he gave credit to Seagal, which was one of the memorable parts of an unbelievable night.
No. 2 star -- Mark Hominick: Yes, Hominick lost to Jose Aldo in a five-round decision. Aldo is clearly the more skilled fighter, but even in a loss, Hominick impressed. In front of 55,000 fellow Canadians, Hominick showed that smaller fighters can get crowds standing and cheering. Even with a hematoma on his head and cheek and a swollen eye, Hominick never quit. For that, he took home a $129,000 Fight of the Night bonus for his efforts, which is a nice bit of cash for a man whose wife is due this week.
No. 3 star -- Vladimir Matyushenko: All of the "this guy is old and still fighting" pre-fight publicity went to Randy Couture, but "The Janitor" turned 40 in January, and took just 20 seconds to knock out Jason Brilz. Not too bad for a guy who has been fighting since 1997.
Honorable mention -- Toronto: For months and months, we heard that UFC 129 was going to be the biggest UFC event in history. Toronto completely delivered, packing the Rogers Centre with loud and raucous fans who responded to the fantastic fights that were in front of them. Well played, Toronto. Take note, New York.
Scott Smith Renato Babalu Sobral Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou Joe Son