UFC 110 has been dominating the MMA blogs this week, as fighter stats, rumours and predictions circulate prior to the event. Enthusiasts and commentators, bloggers and writers are all giving their two-cents’ worth on who the best fighter is, the physical and mental strategies to be employed, and who will win the fight.

The buzz created by MMA blogs has led to the massive sell-out of UFC 110 tickets for the upcoming fight in Sydney, Australia. Not to be left out are UFC fans around the world who can get a front-row view of the match albeit via pay-per-view.

UFC 110’s main event is the match between former champion Antonio Rodrigo “Minatauro” Nogueira and undefeated fighter Cain Velasquez. In the co-main event are fighters Michael “The Count” Bisping and Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva.

Nogueira or Velasquez?

Bloggers are skeptical about the return of Minotauro, perceived as an aging ex-champ who lost favour among MMA fans when he suffered a second round TKO loss to Frank Mir in December 2008. While MMA blogs reveal news and rumours circulating after that match indicated that Nogueira was suffering a bum knee and staph infection during the bout, MMA watchers are unconvinced that his loss was a fluke, for many believe that Nogueira’s age is finally catching up on him.

Nogueira, however, is not about to prove his detractors right. That’s just not his style, he says. In fact, negativity becomes his source of motivation as he welcomes the chance to show everyone that after 11 years, he still has the fighting skills to overcome a much-hyped younger opponent like Cain Velasquez.

Nogueira reveals how he conditioned himself not just periodically, but frequently, as a coach and trainer of young fighters like his own brother, Rogerio and protégés Junior Dos Santos and Mark Muñoz. Aside from his impressive fight history against MMA top contenders, Nogueira seems to be highly motivated by his true love for martial arts, something that he has been practicing since the age of 4.

Meanwhile, Velasquez has been focusing on this fight, especially winning it. Many MMA watchers believe he has the upper hand in the match against Nogueira. His undefeated record of 7-0 speaks for itself. Just like Nogueira, Velasquez has his motivations as well because the winner of the UFC 110 main event will be one step closer to the heavyweight title, a milestone for a young fighter like Velasquez.

Silva or Bisping?

In the co-main event, MMA fans will also be treated to hardcore action as cordiality is non-existent between the 2 fighters, Silva and Bisping. Wanderlei Silva makes no bones about his dislike for Bisping. And he has strong motivation, because he has lost five of his last six fights in the heavyweight division.

But all this trash talk for his opponent is just for show. As Silva later reveals, he needs to hate Bisping. He can use this hatred as it works well with his aggressive and brutal style, and could mean the difference between winning or losing his first fight in the middleweight division.

Discover how the mental aspect of martial arts is vital to success, though this MMA blog.

In our fitness-crazed society, people are always looking for the latest fad that will help them lose weight, gain muscle, and look good. Nowadays, if you go to a high-end fitness gym, you will often find a plethora of activites that will get you in shape including rock-climbing, hot yoga, as well as more standard fare as swimming and spinning classes.

Occasionally, these gyms will hold Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes as another option for conditioning. But what are the benefits that separate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) from other fitness activities.

1. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on multi-directional movements. While gym exercises generally work 1-2 muscle groups in a single range of motion, BJJ focuses on being able to use your muscles in a variety of planes of motion.
2. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu concentrates on functional fitness. The nature of the sport of BJJ will exercise both your heart and muscle groups since both are important aspects of BJJ success. You will not get overly bulky like a bodybuilder nor will you be stick-skinny like a marathon runner.
3. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu increases flexibility especially in the legs and core. Submission holds such as Triangle Chokes require your legs to be flexible and over time, you will develop increased flexibility. Other positions such as the guard, require a lot of twisting motions which will help one’s core’s flexibility.
4. You will learn effective self-defense and martial arts. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a fundamental aspects of current Mixed Martial Arts so you can rest assured that you are learning what works.

Due to these great benefits, gym members can expect to see more and more Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes being added onto the schedules of their workout center. If you are looking for a different kind of workout, definitely give it a try. If you are a gym owner, you should definitely try to get a qualified bjj instructor into your school as you can bring in some new clientele.

Adam Delbrugge played college football and currently runs a Baltimore BJJ gym.