Rocky Arnold.

That would be Sammy boy's first title defense ever and I was pretty nervous about it. Truthfully I haven't been too impressed with Sam's abilities at the ABC level, having only won by split decision. The show this time would be in Detroit, Michigan so we had to fly back to the states while the others trained for their upcoming fights-- Other than Kevin who can act as a corner for the time being.

ABC - FLY - Sam DANIELSSON (C) vs. Rocky ARNOLD

The crowd was nearly all pro Arnold given that he is an American fighting on their soil, whereas Sam has been painted as a womanizing foreigner taking all their women. This would be the TOUGHEST challenge yet for Danielsson since this was a legitimate prospect-- The type the EFC has been eyeing as a potential option. If we want our name known? e seize this moment by crushing him.

This Arnold guy is a WRESTLER. Struck Sammy boy with a jab before executing a lovely single leg take down. Danielsson does the right thing here and goes for the triangle but is completely thrown off, getting trapped by the more experienced MMA fighter before taking shot after shot. Danielsson could BARELY move out of this, the weight and pressure of Arnold was too much and he was stuck taking fists and elbows to the face-- Luckily the round ends.

"Sam you can't be letting him take control like that, but it's pretty clear we can't best him on the ground so you have to bang with him standing. There's 4 rounds left to go so get 'im."

Even standing up this Arnold fighter was getting the best of Sam, landing a few strikes at will early. Danielsson was still a little active, getting in a sweet body shot to counter a hook. Sam slipped on something-- Seemed like sweat or blood of the precious fights but Arnold ended up on top! A knee crushes into the body, forcing Sammy boy to roll away. I knew right then and there his liver was struck hard ... I. Arnold follows up with some vicious hammer strikes and the referee steps in once he realizes the Swede isn't properly defending himself!



Devastating. Sam is our biggest star and the one that makes the Gym and other fighters the most money through sponsorship. Back to the drawing board against, but we'll have to keep Sam in ABC since his name recognition is still good-- Arnold was just too good of a fighter.

Lot of personality in these, still an entertaining read. Go Carl! Rooting for him to make it to the top.

2 Title Vacancy Bouts

Our gym has been incredible busy the past few days, but we got 2 title shots. Again for Gabe, and one for Danielsson. Gabe refuses to get off his vegan diet after finding a newfound love for animals, and Danielsson can't help but sleep around--Seriously this guy needs to stop hitting up colleges and go train!

They both take place at the same weekend, while Gabe stays in Sweden and Danielsson has to head to Canada this time with me in Manitoba. Never been there in my life, but goddamn the snow keeps piling up! Kevin and Carl will be Gabe's corners and send me the result and feedback from Gabe's fight while I, alongside Kevin head to Canada with Sam.

JSCRAP - BW - Championship Bout - Gabe ANDERSSON vs. Dusty RILEY

A 24 year old American newcomer that I thought we could match up well against. He has a wrestling background, but Andersson has really good Judo and Sambo training to help counter. I was a long, drawn out affair with great action but Gabe got roughed up a lot. Cuts and bruises, he was getting struck a lot and failed to capitalize on submissions like he has the ability to do. It ended up going to a decision from what Kevin sent me and the result? ...



Oh fuck.

ABC - FLY - Championship Bout - Sam DANIELSSON vs. Dong Wan SONG

We ended up getting the fighter I was most afraid of in the division, a fighter that is definitely going up to Preliator and potentially the EFC. Sporting a record of 17-9 many doubted Danielsson has much of a chance here--- I just hope our boy can pull through!

What in the fuck??? Song is insanely acrobatic and performing stunts in the cage that I never thought were possible. Striking at Danielsson from near impossible angles! Luckily Sammy boy fakes a take down attempt and drops the bastard to the mat with a left hook. Danielsson rushed Song and started to pummel him. "Good work Sam!" I was shouting, this will be the toughest of challenges. Shots to the ribs and elbows to the thighs, Sammy boy dominated.

The foreign fuck is still doing some spinning shit that I had never observed, forcing Danielsson to take the defensively. That's generally hot the fight went for the next few rounds, as he continues to pull wack stuff out on Danielsson. Sammy boy took a while to get warmed up to the rhythm but by now it may be too late!

Truthfully? Even though Song got off these magnificent strikes and well-timed axe kicks ... Danielsson stayed in textbook form and was starting to pick him apart. Dong Wan got taken to the mat awkwardly after being put off balance by a kick from Danielsson, but the bell saves him.

Dong Wan starts off the final round with a cartwheeling motion, driving he back of his foot against Danielsson's face--But Sammy boy blocks it partially to avoid major damage. What the fuck, is this gymnastics or MMA? They both feel each other out, until Song links an upper cut and hook together. However Sam performs an amazing double leg takedown to drop Song to the mat and the bout ends! To a decision!



I'm fuming. Danielsson clearly won 3 of those 5 rounds in my eyes, yet his acrobatics must have impressed the judges that much. I want to see a re-match some day but for now? We have one more fight left on our contract with ABC and we need to win or else we'll be in trouble!

The judges are always captivated by the sweet sweet dance moves. They're always like "Wow.. that guy got SERVED!" Those Capoeira guys steal decisions all over the place.

Not Done Yet

Sam was uncharacteristically focused this camp, and didn't even go visit any cheap hotels with girls-- Infact he hasn't mentioned a girl for over a week now. Danielsson wanted to get back where he was-- On top. He stumbled but if he keeps up all this good work, I see no reason why he can't get back to being a champion!

Watching on TV, we saw that Dong Wan Song won his Preliator debut and looks like he may be getting a title shot sooner rather than later, motivating Danielsson even more to continue his new workout regime.

LFC - FW - Borya SEMYONOV vs. Charlie VINTER

My childhood friend Charlie still worked his ass off in camp, teaches Kevin and those local kids. Such a brilliant mind, but I feel he may have started this journey too late into his life--- As his body was betraying him. He's in fantastic shape, yet still gets finished.

I've seen enough fights to know that Vinter is a finish or be finished type of MMA fighter, but he needs to pull through often to overcome this weakness. I fixed a bout up against a Russian that uses a combat sambo style, something he might be familiar with sparring with Danielsson all the time.

If Charlie fucking Vinter doesn't win this fight, we've had some discussions ... This might be the end of the road, I can't watch my best friend get beat up.

The fight starts off well, Charlie using his karate background to land a spinning back kick to the body. He sends Borya to the mat, falling into his guard. Charlie was doing well--Until it got to the ground, the Russian swept him and ended up in mount when Charlie was preparing to drop some bombs. The wind up was too much. Charlie eats several strikes and nearly struggles out, but the bell sounds the end of the round.

"Hang in there, don't engage in sambo tactics and stick to your karate. Do what's best for you."

A few strikes exchanged bythem, before Vinter counters with a knee to the body. They end up exchanging some more, before Charli--FLOORS BORYA WITH A COMBO! Vinter follows up as the crowd chants 'Finish him!' and starts raining fists against the Russian's head, before the Russian taps from the punishment and brute force of Charlie's fist.

The veteran hangs on, ready to fight another day.

ABC - FLY - Branden GRAVES vs. Sam Danielsson II

It took a good month or so to get this event together, but I have seen Sam training like NEVER before. He breathes, eats and sleeps at the Gym for this camp and looked to be in tip top condition. The weight cut went tremendously well and I believed Danielsson could bring it in the second bout after he was absolutely clowned in the first one.

Sam will get crushed if he loses this fight, especially given the amount of effort he put in. 110%. He was eerily silent through out preparation and didn't even wink at any of the girls nearby, he marches straight to the cage and was ready to fight with only one goal in mind-- Destroy Branden Graves.

Graves accepted this fight, likely thinking it would be another cakewalk and another notch on his undefeated record. Many people believe that Graves will be fighting the winner of Arnold/Taylor.

Branden walked in with 6 Swedish women, clearly mocking Danielsson and the Gym. I gripped the town tightly, Charlie was holding me back-- I was ready to step into the ring myself. Sammy boy didn't say a word, at all. He was like a killer, blue eyes cold.

The two fighters exchange punches, not any truly hitting the mark before entering a clinch-- Which is Graves specialty. But Sam lands a powerful uppercut in close, taking the back of Graves who had been attempting a Kimura. Luckily Danielsson breaks out of the hold and pushes Graves away, the fighters circle eachother.

I'm getting worried here, but Sam looks calm. Danielsson strikes the American with a right that forces Branden to tumble backwards onto the mat, Danielsson towering over him. Sam lands some solid punches standing, before Graves yanks down on his arm and pulls the Swede in. Graves tries to switch,but they both scramble and end up on their feet. Even if it wasn't intended, Graves would rather take this fight standing.

"I don't know if I can watch Charlie." What if Branden drops him? here are always what-ifs in MMA.

Danielsson plows into Graves for a double leg take down,driving him to the mat! Sam sets in a hammerl--Graves slips out! Danielsson begins to get up for some reason ... But Graves took this opening too lightly, and left himself open as soon as his guard loosens. Sam spins into a kneebar maneuver! Branden tries to punch at Sammy boy, who now sinks in the hold and ... He screams and taps in fury! It's over! Graves had taunted and toyed with Sammy boy in the first fight, only to get absolutely starched in the rematch. Graves is undefeated no more, and Danielsson might get a good crack at an elite fighter.



With how Danielsson dominated Graves, it's only natural I thought he would follow the same strict regime that helped him out but .. He went back to chasing skirts and sleeping with women! Charlie, go get him from that hotel now!

I'm proud of Sammy boy though.