‘sports’ Tagged Posts

Thule Bike Rack And Other Affordable Bike Racks

You can enjoy two types of bike racks; one that is especially made for you, attached to your car and the one innovatively made separately for other ...

 

You can enjoy two types of bike racks; one that is especially made for you, attached to your car and the one innovatively made separately for other places. All these for you to enjoy somewhere and not just in your own area.

These vehicle racks are being used for those who are into biking. In order to bring your bicycle to another area, usually, people attach them to the roof of the vehicle and put them together as long as it could fit the bicycles one would want to put. Anyone could choose from various models in different shops. Just pick the best one for you. Just like Thule bike rack. It is multi-purpose because you can use it in family-used vehicle as well as those huge one. These days, owners of vehicles with bike racks make sure of the durability and the lasting capability of the racks that they are using.

Bike racks can be seen everywhere; in public areas particularly. Usually, they are made of iron rod attached to concrete blocks so that it can be found easily by bikers for them to lock their bikes to prevent those thieves from stealing bicycles being parked on the racks.

Sometimes, there are wise thieves that could still steel the bike though it is already locked up. They would just take away the front wheel of the bicycle since there are some racks that would only attach the wheel to the frame, making it easier for the thieves to take it away. Through this, they could just sell the bicycle at once by just replacing the one wheel that was taken out.

Public bike racks are often paid by the local government, and are most popular in cities that hoist their campaign for eco-friendly and healthy lifestyles. Several European cities such as Amsterdam are known for having biking as a highly suggested mode of transport and their government provide citizens with racks.

Whether an ordinary rack, or a Thule bike rack, all bike rack designs have become an important commodity to bikers.

It could be another advantage for anyone who has bike racks to go to various places that are very ideal for adventure because they could bring their bikes without being worried of those thieves. Everybody could experience the difference if you only take a bike around your place than going somewhere else and taking the time to go sightseeing. Thule bike rack could be the answer to your fears of being the next theft victim.

These days, businessmen are offering cut-price of their bike racks in order to have a healthy competition in the market. They make sure that they produce the quality as well making it budget-friendly.

Similar to high-end bike racks, the cheaper ones also provide advantages such as safety and particularity. Furthermore, they provide flexibility by allowing an individual to attach different types of bikes such as tricycles, tandems, and trailers. If bikers purchase cheaper bikes, saving is an understatement.

Significantly, anyone could purchase lower priced bike racks yet with good quality on the internet.

Definitely, what could be better than experiencing great adventure while having confidence that you bike can not be stolen by thieves because of affordable and excellent bike racks.

Nowadays that gas prices are remarkably increasing using bikes are becoming popular. Investing on high quality Thule bike Rack is really a great thing. You may want to buy Yakima Racks.

Choosing The Right Basketball Goal

 

Participating in basketball is exciting and fun. It really is everyone’s sport whether or not one is a main player or maybe a mere spectator. The action is an excellent method of working out your system to keep fit. Enjoying the action is conducted wherever other than a regular court. Given that nearly all men are addicted to it, the basketball court is perhaps an added facility in your house. So when they feel like playing, they will no longer need to go out elsewhere since basketball goal is right on the outdoor space of the house.

Having this interested market, a basketball goal can be purchased for all who needed to place their simple basketball court at home. Personal basketball goals are generally of various sizes and shapes. All you need to do is to locate the one which accommodates your needs and budget. Toddlers and adults alike now have the time to play their treasured basketball game.

Depending on your available area where you can position your basketball goal, this shall determine the type that you should be buying. If you have a space wide enough for the whole basketball equipment, then you can buy a residential basketball ring. There is a lot of existing product brands that you can try either in stores or online that will give you the right basketball goal.

Whenever buying basketball goals, there are actually items you ought to consider. Get to know whether it is flexible in height. For mature players, a typical height of the ring is actually ideal. However, if children wish to have fun with the game also, an adaptable hoop is really a much better choice. Flexible basketball ring may go lower having an elevation of six feet.

Buy a basketball goal that is made of durable material. In this way, it can stand firm despite of rain or other climatic changes in case it is placed outdoor. The backboard should be equally durable for it to stand the test of weather too. The basketball ring should be stable in order to ensure safety and to avoid it from stumbling. There are basketball goals that are fastened in a concrete wall or placed in a high post, so make sure to have it secured.

You will find basketball rings that offer safety net on the exposed metal. Sometimes, this particular cushion is an additional feature but usually bought individually. For mature players where dunking is part of the thrilling game, purchase a basketball hoop which has a breakaway rim for versatility and also to keep the player from injury.

Along with the constant development, basketball goals are available quite conveniently as well. They are also a lot easier to set up. They are available in various forms and measurements to ensure that everyone can certainly take pleasure in the sport anywhere. Obtaining this particular loop just outside your house could be a fun location for close friends to be together and get pleasure from actively playing. Additionally, to discover more of the accessible styles and capabilities, it is possible to have your research on the internet to expand your alternatives. The web contains thorough listing of your options determined by your requirements and the actual budget which you might be ready to spend.

Basketball game is very popular team sports. Boys are taught to play this game even when they were still very young. Visit www.tophoops.com now to check these top of the line basketball goal. You may also check out the best basketball backboard.

Bengals Upset Packers At Lambeau Field

 

The Cincinnati Bengals were able to withstand a last minute Green Bay Packers comeback bid, and held on to win their first game of the NFL regular season 31-24. The Packers last drive stalled on the Bengals ten yard line, the victim of a false start penalty in the waning seconds. Both Cincinnati and Denver evened their 2009 record at 1-1. Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco scored the eventual game winning points on a 13 yard pass from Carson Palmer, after which he did his own version of the fabled Lambeau Leap into a sea of less than hospitable fans.

NFL football betting devotees who took the Bengals as +9 road underdogs easily cashed their ticket with the outright victory. Both teams are now 1-1 against the spread on the 2009 NFL season. The 55 combined points scored easily went OVER the posted total of 41. Like their ATS performance, both Green Bay and Cincinnati have split their two regular season games, playing in one OVER and one UNDER.

After the game, Ochocinco talked about his Lambeau Leap:

“It was fun. I had a little indecision on where to jump at first. I didn’t want to disrespect their tradition, so I was asking as I went along the line. I saw some Bengals fans that said it was OK.”

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis insisted that his team deserved the victory due to their performance:

“We didn’t do enough to win the game last week and you get what you deserve. Today, we were able to make one or two more plays and win the football game and that’s what counts. I think our football team understands that.”

Cedric Benson suggested that the Packers might have been a bit overconfident:

“Maybe a little, but you can’t blame them. They beat a very stout Bears team last week at home and I think they were feeling pretty good. But we’re men on this side of the football as well.”

Bengals QB Palmer gave the defense credit for the victory due to their performance on the last drive of the game:

“I kind of felt like it couldn’t happen again. It wasn’t a feeling of ‘here we go again’ at all. I know our defense is too good. They have too much pride and weren’t going to let that happen again.”

The Packers take to the road for their next two games, beginning this Sunday in St. Louis against the Rams. Green Bay is a -6 road favorite in the contest, with the total set at 41. Theyll face the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night the following week, and then enjoy a bye week. The Bengals now face a rough scheduling stretch, beginning with the Pittsburgh Steelers at home on Sunday. The Bengals are a +4 home underdog against the Steelers, with the total set at 37. Theyll then head across state to face the Cleveland Browns in their traditional rivalry the following week before heading to Baltimore for a game against the Ravens on October 11th.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

Basketball Goal: Types Of Basketball Goal

 

A lot of people love to play basketball. It is a favorite past time of adult and young alike. In almost every place, you could see basketball goals; in schools, houses, private roads, parks and so on.

Dr. James Naismith first developed basketball in 1891. He was a Canadian YMCA International Training School instructor. He liked to keep his students occupied during the long winter months; hence, he came up with the game. The first official basketball game was played in 1982, and since then, the game has evolved a lot including the equipments being used like goal, backboard, rim, pole and others.

If you would like to put-up your own basketball system, there are many different kinds of basketball goals in the market today that would suit your needs.

In buying a basketball hoop, you should consider its quality. A basketball hoop could be made in different materials such as wood, aluminum, steel, clear acrylic, heavy duty cardboard or plastic and fiberglass. It is important that this is made of quality materials. It comes in different styles like in-ground, portable or wall-mount system. It also comes in both fixed and flexible styles. Flexible hoops enable you to adjust the height of the goal according to the height of the players.

An in-ground basketball hoop is permanently fixed on the ground. It is cemented into a hole dug in the ground. It is more stable compared with portable ones so it could take strong punishing dunks. However, it has to be installed by professionals, thereby, making it more costly.

A portable basketball hoop is lightweight and easy to install. You could easily move it from one place to another. However, it occupies a much larger space because of its base. This comes in a complete package with the basketball pole, acrylic backboard, bracing and base. The pole is fixed in the base with water or sand to keep it in place, still and straight. Sand is heavier than water so it could hold the pole much better. However, it affects easy mobility of the pole unlike when it is filled by water. You just have to throw the water out, and you can freely move the system to a new place in your surroundings.

If you do not have enough space on the ground, you could choose the wall mount system. You could place it on the sidewall of your house or garage. It is also sturdier than portable hoops.

Aside from durability and stability, it is also important to consider other safety measures when installing a basketball system. To protect the players, it would be best to wrap the pole with pole padding. This would lessen the chances of injuries, at times, broken bones, due to players hitting the pole as they ruggedly play. Check first the pole height to get the right fit before buying the padding. Also, use anti-whip net to protect the players from hurting their hands when making slam dunks.

Decide on the best options when you buy a basketball system. Ensure your safety to fully enjoy playing basketball. As such, playing the game would give you other benefits. It would not only give you a healthy mind and body but also build a strong relationship with your family members, relatives, and friends and consequently acquire new ones.

Basketball game is very popular team sports. Boys are taught to play this game even when they were still very young. Visit www.tophoops.com now to check these top of the line basketball goals. You may also check out the best basketball backboard.

Ravens Use Big Fourth Quarter To Put Away Chiefs

 

The bad news for the Baltimore Ravens in their 2009 NFL regular season opener was that their vaunted defense gave up 24 points despite holding a decided advantage in every other statistical category. The good news was that their offense was more than up to the task, answering with 38 points and a franchise record 501 yards. All told, the Ravens opened their season on a winning note beating the Kansas City Chiefs 38-24. Quarterback Joe Flacco threw for a career high 307 yards in the victory.

NFL sports betting devotees who took the +13 points with the Chiefs as a road underdog were hard luck losers as the Ravens managed to cover the pointspread by a single point. The win evened Baltimore’s ATS record over the past three seasons at 18-18, while the Chiefs fell to 14-19 in the same timeframe. The 62 combined points scored easily exceeded the posted total of 37. Baltimore’s has shown a decided bias to the OVER in recent years with 22 OVER verdicts in their last 35 games.

Afterwards, Joe Flacco was clearly happy with the opportunity to throw the ball more than usual:

“It’s awesome. It’s so much fun. As a quarterback, that’s what you want to do.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed confidence in his quarterbacks ability to make plays:

“We’re going to throw more if it helps us win games. I think that we will be capable of throwing the ball more ways than we did last year. We have really good players that can make plays.”

Chiefs backup quarterback Brodie Croyle played relatively well in a losing cause. Filling in for the injured Matt Cassel, Croyle put up 177 yards on 16 of 24 passing and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions. Cassel is still listed as ‘game to game’ with a knee injury suffered in preseason practice. Despite the solid performance, Croyle was in no mood to talk about his personal accomplishments in the wake of the loss:

“Play well, don’t play well — if you don’t win, you still have the same feeling and that’s where I’m at.”

In his post game comments, Chiefs coach Todd Haley gave credit to his quarterback and the Baltimore offense:

“I thought Brodie Croyle gave us a chance to win today and that’s all I’ll ever ask my quarterback to do. I got to give credit to Baltimore. They were a throwing machine today. They threw the ball probably a lot more than we anticipated.”

The Ravens now head cross country to take on the San Diego Chargers in southern California next Sunday. After that theyll return home the following week to take on the Cleveland Browns. Kansas City will host the Oakland Raiders next Sunday before heading to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles the following week. The Chiefs are hoping that QB Matt Cassel will be able to start against Oakland.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and World Cup betting sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

Blue Bombers Rout Lions In CFL Football Action

 

After two straight wins gave the BC Lions hope that they’d turned the corner on the CFL season, they’re officially back at square one. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers Fred Reid torched the BC Lions defense all night long, and his career performance helped his team earn a lopsided 37-10 victory at Vancouver on Friday night.

After the contest, Reid gave credit to his offensive line:

“Just about every play I was in the secondary. I have to give props to the O-line. They opened some big holes tonight. Before I knew it, I was in the secondary. You know how the DBs are, they don’t really want to tackle back there.”

“We had some good play calling that caught them off guard and some new schemes that they weren’t prepared for. We just executed. It gives us something to build on going in the bye week.”

Winnipeg QB Michael Bishop praised Reid’s monumental effort:

“Fred left it on the field today. To have a guy like that can carry the ball, and do the things he did today, it was amazing. ”

“A lot of people were saying it was a make-or-break game for us. We didn’t want to go into the bye with another loss. “We went in with style and class and have something to build on.”

BC linebacker JoJuan Armour was embarrassed to have allowed Reid to run all over the field:

“They lined up and kicked our ass. That’s the bottom line. It’s embarrassing. I’m embarrassed for my performance and I apologize to my team. There was no excuse for it.”

Reid broke the previous Winnipeg franchise record of 249 set by Blaise Bryant in 1994. He finished just 27 yards short of the CFL single-game rushing record of 287 yards set over 40 years ago.

Lions coach Wally Buono is more concerned about his teams mindset than anything else:

“I’m more concerned about the collective psyche of the team after that. It’s hard to take. I was shocked. I was very, very disappointed.”

British Columbia, now has a bye week before they face a home and home series against the CFL leading Montreal Alouettes. The Blue Bombers will also enjoy a week off before a pair of back to back games against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and noted authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

Free Agent Quarterback Garcia Takes Oakland Raiders To Task

 

Veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia was released earlier this week by the Philadelphia Eagles, a victim of too many quarterbacks on the roster. Now that hes no longer under contract to a NFL team, hes letting his feelings be known about another one of his recent employers–the Oakland Raiders. There may be no team in the NFL more desperate for a quarterback than the Raiders, but Garcia quickly let it be known that he has no interest in returning to Oakland in an interview in which he slammed the teams management and suggested that current quarterback Jamarcus Russell was in over his head.

Garcia started his comments with an observation that the team is putting too much pressure on their young quarterback:

“I have no problem going into a situation and helping a young guy out and really trying to help the team out overall more so than anything. I just feel like it’s an unfortunate situation when the entire work ethic and the entire goal of the team is really put upon one guy’s shoulder.”

Garcia continued to stress that Russell’s skill level wasn’t the issue:

“When you put him on the field in a one-on-one workout session he’ll make every throw for you. But when it comes down to making things happen in the heat of the battle and rallying the troops around you and making a case for the team, that’s where maybe things aren’t where they need to be.”

Russell is currently suffering with a 39.8 pass rating–the worst in the NFL–and hasn’t shown much progress from game to game. Garcia went on to assert that the Raiders problems go much deeper than the inexperience of their quarterback:

“It was to a point where I felt like guys who walked through those doors that just were there to collect a check and not really interested in putting everything that they had within themselves on to the football field. And that was the frustrating thing for me to see.

“There were a lot of good young guys in that locker room who really want to do whatever it takes to win, but unfortunately it’s not everybody. In order to compete at this level in this game, everybody needs to be on board.”

“Maybe it’s because how things have been for a number of years now out there and they just don’t see the hope”

After his release from the Raiders, coach Tom Cable insinuated that Garcia had an issue with playing backup to Russell:

“There was some talk about how he would fit but the best way for me to approach it is the other two played so well and we are committed to JaMarcus as our starter. Whether or not Garcia was comfortable in a role as a backup, it is what it is.”

Ultimately, Garcia got to the point where he simply wanted out:

“To see the reality of the situation and realize what I may be up against staying here for the entire year, it hurt me, it broke my heart to do that to step up. But I just felt like it was something I really didn’t want to put myself through anymore.”

The 39 year old Garcia has started 110 games in the NFL in ten seasons after a standout career in the Canadian Football League. There’s a good chance you’ll see him back in action before the end of the year–though the Raiders are clearly no longer an option.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and respected authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Jets Win Their First NFL Preseason Game By Beating Giants

 

A week after being named the New York Jets starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez rewarded his first year NFL coach with a victory. Rex Ryan got his first win at the helm of the Jets as his team held off a 4th quarter comeback to nip the crosstown rival New York Giants 27-25.

NFL preseason betting enthusiasts who took the Giants as +3 point underdogs were rewarded with the outright victory. The Jets improved to 2-1 against the pointspread, while the Giants dropped to 1-2 against the money as they dropped their second straight ATS verdict.

Sanchez finished with 149 yards on 13 of 20 passing and a touchdown pass to former University of South Carolina standout receiver Chansi Stuckey. After the game, he was pleased with his effort and the victory:

“You get a little more confidence when you know your coach believes in you and has named you the starter. It was similar to that at SC. Once you’re the guy, you talk a little different, you walk a little different and you act a little different.”

Giants defender Mathias Kiwanuka thought he had a sack but Sanchez evaded him and another lineman to make the play. He had to be impressed with Sanchezs touchdown effort:

“I thought we had him. It was a great play. You have to give him credit for seeing down the field with two guys in his face.”

Sanchez gave his version of the scoring play:

“It was one of those plays where you get hit throwing it and you don’t really see what’s going on. You kind of listen. I knew if it was a big roar, it was probably a big play by the Giants, maybe an interception and I’d have to get up quick. But I heard a quiet roar and I said: ‘Oh boy, I think he caught it.’”

Winning coach Ryan was pleased with his young QBs effort:

“He was poised. He is what we thought he was.”

Giants QB Eli Manning had something of an off game, finishing with 91 yards on 9 of 21 passing with a touchdown and interception. He also had receiver Steve Smith drop a perfect pass that would have been a 50 yard touchdown play. Afterwards, he sympathized with his receiver:

“Sometimes it’s good to get those out of the way now. I know Steve feels bad about that. He hasn’t done that all training camp. I know he won’t drop it next time.”

The Giants finish up the NFL preseason slate with a trip to Foxboro, Massachusetts to take on the New England Patriots on Thursday night. The Jets wrap up their exhibition schedule by hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants will get the NFL regular season started with a big game against their divisional rivals as they host the Washington Redskins on Sunday, September 13th. The Jets will start the season on the road as they travel to Houston for a game against the Texans.

Ross Everett is a experienced freelance writer specializing in travel, casino gambling and sports handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, falconry and deep sea diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.

Pro Football Flashback: Favre Leads Minnesota To Rout Of Cowboys

 

When legendary quarterback Brett Favre announced his return to the NFL from what has become a seemingly annual flirtation with retirement, many second guessed the Minnesota Vikings’ decision to sign “The Gunslinger”. On Sunday, Favre and the Vikings answered those critics in the best way possible-with a lopsided 34-3 beatdown of the Dallas Cowboys. Favre threw 4 touchdown passes in the victory and the Vikings’ defense sacked Dallas QB Tony Romo six times in the blowout.

NFL football betting fans also cashed tickets on the Vikings as -3 point home favorites. This was the shortest pointspread of the divisional playoff weekend and many thought that Dallas’ momentum would carry them to victory. The 37 combined points went UNDER the posted total of 45. Minnesota had gone UNDER in four of six games to conclude the regular season.

After the contest, Favre boasted that a playoff run was a large part of his motivation to return to NFL action:

“”This is what I came back for. Probably the most fatigued I got today was celebrating. I feel like I’m playing the same way. I have the same enthusiasm. As long as I’m out there, the enthusiasm and the passion that you see is real. And I know the guys feed off of that. Fans enjoy that, because it is real and genuine. Today was like this season: It’s been wonderful.”

Former South Carolina Gamecock Sidney Rice caught three of Favre’s touchdown passes:

“Same ol’ Brett. He’s doing thing he’s done since he first came in the league: moving around, getting the ball out, breaking tackles and even running down the field and throwing blocks. That just shows you how big of a heart he has.”

Head coach Brad Childress mixed up a bunch of metaphors as he took a swipe at the prognosticators who picked Dallas to win:

“The Tasmanian devils were coming from Dallas that were about to bombard the state of Minnesota and run through us like Sherman through the South. All of us felt it quite palpably.”

Cowboys’ QB didn’t have much to say in defeat:

“Any time you come in with the expectations and goals we set and don’t accomplish them, No. 1, it’s frustrating. Right now, it’s just hard to think the season is over.”

Cowboys’ head coach Wade Phillips had a similar take:

“It’s like the elevator falling from the top. It’s tough when it’s over. If you don’t win it all, you have not reached your goal.”

The Vikings will now head to New Orleans for Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Saints. Minnesota is a +3′ point road underdog with the total set at 52′. The winner will advance to the Superbowl to take on the winner of the New York Jets/Indianapolis Colts contest.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and respected authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

UFC Flashback: Ultimate Fight Night Features Lauzon Vs. Stephens

 

Ever since he burst onto the MMA scene with a shocking first round KO upset of Jens Pulver at UFC 63, Joe Lauzon has been working to earn respect. Hes lost only once since then–to top contender Kenny Florian in a bout that earned fight of the night honors–but for some reason hes had trouble being taken seriously as a top contender in the UFCs lightweight division. He may not fit the classical profile of a fighter, looking more like a fresh faced kid and is often referred to as a geek due to his educational background in computer science. When the fight starts, however, hes all business. In the main event at the UFC Ultimate Fight Night in Tampa, Lauzon withstood a game challenge from late replacement Jeremy Stephens to earn a 2nd round submission victory.

Lauzon was in control of the fight throughout, but Stephens gave a good account of himself despite his opponents obvious technical superiority on the ground. Lauzon appeared to be on the verge of ending the fight midway through the second with a ground and pound assault that he attempted to transition into a rear naked choke. Stephens fought back with a vengeance despite his disadvantageous position and opened a nasty cut on Lauzon’s forehead with an elbow strike.

Lauzon gained a new sense of urgency not wanting to lose on a stoppage due to the cut. He regained control on the ground and from full mount twisted into a nasty arm bar. Stephens tried to extricate himself, but was eventually forced to tap giving the bloody Lauzon a hard fought triumph.

The semifinal matchup featured another impressive effort from Cain Velasquez, who many have pegged as the heavyweight superstar of the future. Velasquez is a formidable physical presence at 6′2″ 241 pounds, and has very well developed technical skills for a fighter with only five bouts under his belt.

Velasquez was never really threatened in the fight, but he did have difficulty finishing off tough UFC newcomer Dennis Stojnic. Stojnic displayed impressive toughness and a chin of granite, which is less surprising given his training home at Amsterdam’s Golden Glory gym where he works alongside such fighters as K-1s Semmy Schilt and DREAMs Alistair Overeem. Stojnic did become the first of Velasquez’s opponents to make it into the second round as he withstood a brutal beating near the end of the first to make it to the bell.

In the second round, Velasquez quickly caught his opponent and sent him to the canvas with a nice combination which he followed up with another ground and pound attack. Stojnic again kept trying to defend himself despite a hellacious beating, though the referee finally jumped in and stopped the contest awarding Velasquez the TKO verdict. While Velasquez continues to show all of the qualities of a future top heavyweight, he needs to improve his stopping power and ability to finish a fight.

On the undercard, Josh The Dentist Neer earned a tapout victory over the sports best known (and perhaps only) vegan, Mac Danzig. Danzig looked decent in the first round but in the second he looked listless and quickly fell victim to a nasty triangle choke.

In the opening bout of the evening, up-and-coming welterweight Anthony Rumble Johnson used his significant height and reach advantage to dispatch tough Luigi Fioravanti.

The live crowd in Tampa gave a very poor account of themselves, at times booing fighters mercilessly for no apparent reason whatsoever. This was in addition to the usual booing when the fight goes to the ground typical of uneducated MMA fans–they often turned on fighters midbout for no discernible reason. Their behavior reached a nadir in Cain Velasquez’s post fight interview, where he was booed mercilessly despite an impressive victory and informing Joe Rogan that he was about to become a father for the first time. It was somewhat surprising, since the Tampa/St. Pete area is home to a flourishing MMA scene.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer experienced in travel, poker and sports handicapping. He is a consulting handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, flower arranging and scuba diving. He lives in Southern Nevada with four dogs and a pet coyote.