About the shit talking?
I can tell a story. We were doing live remote on THU nite radio, and I asked the Americans to come do interviews. I asked Chael to come, and he said 'If you need me to come, I will come and talk all the shit you want'.
I really prefer the guys be themselves, so I left it up to him, and he hung out in his room and played video games. I dont think what people know of him from the net is really him.
TTT
Miguel is correct on Sonnen. I picked him up at the airport, spent a little time with him over the week, and was made responsible to get him to the venue Saturday night. I also interviewed him pre-fight. The internet just does not do everyone justice.
On Gam and Loretta... it was great to see Loretta explain to Gam how he needs to work his takedown defense. Earlier in the week, Gam and I worked mits, after I passed up the chance the first time. He hits hard!
I could and probably will keep talking about this show for days.
As for Sonnen, I'm not quite "up" on whatever reputation he's made on the net, but at the show, he was just like Miguel said--- quiet, aloof, yet respectful. I think Gam would have been outgoing no matter what Sonnen gave him. He had great confidence going into this fight and incredible humility coming out of it.
As for my tips to Gambaryan, sitting ringside I think he knew the deal. The Russians were getting killed on the ground and it's something they ALL need to focus on. The next day in the lobby, I told him to work his sprawl and other defense well, because if he can stay standing, he's an exciting fighter to watch.
Gambaryan is not really a striker though. His main strength is his submissions, which is why I am so surprised he was so thoroughly dominated on the ground by Sonnen.
arman was my equivelant on the russian side, from what i could tell. haha. he seemed like a very good kid, someone i'd get along with, that's for sure.
Yes, Ebersole, I think you and Gami would get along well... as he is as a character too.
If the event took place on the european grounds the results would of been a lot
different!"
Yeah I know. There would probably be at least a couple dead Russians and the sport being banned.
Gambaryan and Semenov are considered the top ground guys, and Komkin was later describved as a ground specialist.
On the bottom, the RD seemed to wait for the ref stand up rather than to have any techniques that would help them get up -
With that said, wait until the next time we see those guys - they will be highly motivated!
"Gambaryan and Semenov are considered the top ground guys, and Komkin was later describved as a ground specialist."
Although Semenov can be a good ground guy, I'd actually consider him to be more of a brawler as of late.
As far as Komkin goes, he looks like a big slugger to me (judging from his fights), as he certainly isn't afraid to let his hands go.
Yep, Gambaryan was supposed to be one of their top ground guys. He just got shut down by a very hard style to face if you're not used to it. I picked Chael by decision for a reason, I knew from previous fights that Arman sometimes freezes up in the big fights (he's still really young though!). Hopefully, he will work harder on his sprawls, escapes, and reversals ... and improve immensely off this loss.
ttt
vvery cool congrats to all the US fighters!!
TTT