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Raf's Recollection | Full write-up to come later.
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Raf's Recollection | I'll give you a full write up later, but all you need to know right now is Garry Tonon returns and gives us an interview for the ages.
Let us know what you guys think of it!
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Raf's Recollection | We've got a lot of great guests this week (Edwin Najmi, Gabriel Arges, Joey Hauss), but I suppose the biggest question we ask ourselves in this episode is:
Am I a kleptomaniac?
More on that later.
First up, we somehow manage to keep Edwin on the ground long enough to get him to chat with us about his upcoming match at this weekend's Submission Series Pro.
For those not in the know, Edwin is famous for his flying triangles, as his name has become synonymous with the attack. A regular staple in the world of competition, we get the chance to pick his brain about competition mindset, studying under Romulo Barral, training at the infamous Church Boys Wrestling facility, and even get to hear a little bit about his experience at this year's Copa Podio.
And if that's not enough, Edwin drops a bit of a surprise on us when he offers us a chance to talk with Gabriel Arges, another spectacular BJJ competitor who (up until last Sunday), we had yet to have the pleasure of meeting. If you've yet to see Arges in action, just check out a few of his highlights here:
And just because there are some last minute changes to a UFC card doesn't mean we forget about Over/Under Kevin. This week, we bring on Joey Hauss from The LA Jiu-Jitsu Club who challenges Kevin's ability to think under pressure (and even, somehow, manages to get under the skin of a future UFC Hall of Famer, who makes his return to the podcast after a long hiatus).
Because, as we all know, something crazy is likely to happen this Saturday. My money is on this happening.
Oh yeah, about that klepto thing, I tell a story this week about something I did after a seminar that I'm not proud of. I attended a bad-ass seminar of Brian Peterson's over at the LA Jiu-JItsu Club this weekend, made a new friend, and then... Well...
Look, basically, I ask you Verbal Tap fans, if what I did wrong. I await your judgement on our social media.
Thanks much for tuning in this week, folks!
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Raf's Recollection | This week, we meet MMA and Jiu-Jitsu bad ass Tom DeBlass.
We begin this week by addressing the Yoel-sized elephant in the room.
But first, I want to start with this: You know how much Kev and I love post-fight interviews. They're usually conducted at a time when fighters are exhausted, out-of-breath, and may not exactly be of sound mind.
In short, they give us instant quotables to work with. Sometimes a flash into the brains of our favorite athletes.
This week Jon Anik got deep into the mind of Yoel Romero when he merely presented him with a microphone and an opportunity to speak his mind. This is what happened.
So it's a little difficult to figure out who or what Yoel is exactly talking about here--which is why I printed out a transcript and had Kevin do his best cold read possible. And, by cold read, I mean Kevin had absolutely no context for any of this. He didn't watch the fights and this was the first time he had seen or read the comments Yoel made.
It's one of my favorite moments from this week's show.
Now, that's not to say, we didn't have a little fun with Yoel's comments.
Also on the podcast, we get to know a little bit more about Tom DeBlass. We've long been fans of DeBlass' cool jiu-jitsu style (and we're friends with a couple of his students), but this was our first chance to really pick his brain to get insight about his fighters' mindset, the types of things that motivate him in jiu-jitsu, and the competitive nature of the guys at Orange County Jiu-Jitsu (even getting to have some good-natured fun at the expense of his protege Garry Tonon and new killer-in-the-making Gordon Ryan).
It's a great look into the competitive championship mindset and one that's definitely worth your time, as DeBlass even recounts for us some of the moments from the only 15 points that have ever been scored on him during competition (yes, he knows the exact number).
Listen in folks and be sure to drop us a line of what you think!
Raf's Recollection | Been a bit of a whirlwind past few weeks, but happy to report that we're back up and operational for all of you good folks. This week we welcome our new friend Jorge Oliveira (from North South clothing) and our good friend Mike Hofer from Jiu-Jitsu in the Park returns. But first, let's take a moment to chat Kimbo vs. Shamrock, shall we. There are a good number of you out there who wondered if that fight was a work (or in professional wrestling terms, "staged.") We discuss that on this week's podcast in depth, but I thought I'd treat you all to my favorite take on the fight right here.
STREET FIGHTER A video posted by 💥 (@azxd) on
Absolutely one of the funniest things I've seen about it. But some of that pales in comparison to some of the comments you sent in for us to read on the show. Listen in, because we might have read some of your comments (just as the video below seems to indicate).
After we chat about that, we welcome Jorge to talk to us about his awesome clothing line, his MMA career, and what he feels about the current state of jiu-jitsu.
To close out the show, we find out what's coming up for our favorite jiu-jitsu in the park guys, as The Hof tells us a little but about what we might come to expect on out here at Griffith Park.
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Raf's Recollection | Hey guys, sorry to leave you with Kevin last week. I promise not to do it all that often.
Now that I'm on deadline constantly, I don't have as much time to write up these episodes. Hopefully that'll change in a few weeks.
But we've got a kick-ass episode for you this week.
Our pal Christos Giagos from Systems Training Center stops in to tell us about his upcoming UFC fight, who the worst person currently is over at Systems, and even give us the insight on what it's like to refuse bottle service when up in the strip club (because you're too busy prepping for your next fight). Also, he tells us why he's crazy enough to pull stunts like this:
And that's not all, we find out the gripping conclusion to the battle between purple belts guessing UFC 187, as comedian Joe Gilpin helps us recap all of of the wonder that was this weekend's fights.
If you get the chance, be sure to check out my articles I'm writing over at First Slice. Turns out, I also make UFC picks on occasion over there.
All right that'll do it for now. Let us know what you guys think of this week's episode!
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Twitter: @VerbalTapCast
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[buzzsprout episode='273958' player='true'] Kevin has the keys to the write up.....(apologies to all). Here's the thing, Raf got married, Raf got a job, and Raf needs at least 24 hours to mourn Letterman ending. But Kevin? Kevin has literally nothing going on. So.....
Kev's Recollection: Albert Morales is too skinny to do jiujitsu or fighting, but no one told him that. He stops by just in time for me to announce him winning a different fight. Albert laughs off my moronic behavior because well....he's met me. Then he explains how he put John Yoo down with punches to win at Bellator 137. Humble in victory he also gives us some seriously funny exclusives about his post fight interactions with the doctor. Albert is also a gluten for punishment, and is preparing for the IBJJF World's competition. What a warrior right? Wrong, because he believes when you wear gi pants and a rash guard you SHOULDN'T grab the pants (when Raf reads this he is going to be pissed). Albert was great, and look how attractive he is in this photo I might have added correctly:
Its going okay on this whole episode write-up thing (at least I think so). Next up is Comedian and Jiujtisu Purple Belt Joe Gilpin. I'm going to be honest with you guys, its possible Raf might replace me with Joe. I'm going to be more honest, I get that. Joe joins us for Over / Under Kevin for UFC 187 featuring Rumble vs. DC! Lets all take a second with the original poster to remember why its important not to use drugs while driving:
Joe is awesome, this podcast is awesome, you all should listen to it because that would make you all... really cool. Here is a fun photo of Joe I got from his Facebook post so you can imagine the many visual jokes that were made:
Feels like writing this will ensure Raf never lets me do this again. Cheers Verbal Tap Cast community, you all are the best (no seriously, fans of this show are unlike any other!)
-Kevin T Phillips
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Raf's Recollection | Hey gang, full write up coming later, but we've got a kick ass show for you this week.
First up, our buddy Mike Hofer talks with us about Jiu-Jitsu In The Park. Then Jeff Glover talks a little bit about the behind the scenes nature of this weekend's Metamoris show, and then Dave Contreras from Budo Videos helps us dissect the event all together.
Stop on in for a great episode folks.
And be sure to check out our latest video Please Listen Carefully!
And you can also see some of the awesome action from this weekend's Jiu-Jitsu In The Park event right here. It looked bad ass.
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Raf's Recollection | Remember how sitcoms back in the day used to have "very special" episodes, typically dealing with heavier subject matters, that would take the show outside the constraints of what you'd normally come to expect form it?
You know, stuff like this.
It seemed only fitting that we would refer to our recap of all things Mayweather vs. Pacquiao would fall under that "very special" banner, considering how many millions of people across the world who suffered from one of the biggest wastes of time we've ever had to encounter.
Except if you're Kevin. He didn't watch the fight. Because he's Kevin.
Which is why I had to bring on our pal Eric Jackman (New York Ric from the MMA Hour) to help us try to make sense of how exactly two legendary fighters, rival cable networks, the media, the Tecate girls, Jamie Foxx, and the Burger King all hit us where it hurt the most.
Our wallets.
After all, it wouldn't be a "very special episode" without a guest star.
Eric does a superb job helping recap not only the historical context of the fight, but also commentating on the farce that was the build up to the show.
So just know that if boxing isn't your jam, we'll pick right back up where we left off in the MMA world come next week. But if you were one of the pour souls who spent $100 to watch a man dance around the ring and get awarded the win, then consider this episode your catharsis and listen in to the Podcast of the (Fucking) Century.
Because that's what we're calling this one. Especially if they can call that bull shit, Fight of the Century.
Speaking of, be sure to check out my first article for First Slice about some of the direct aftermath of this big fight. I'll be covering part of the Sports Beat over there, so be sure to like the Facebook page and like and share my articles if you'd be so kind.
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Raf's Recollection | We'll get to Jon Jones in a second. But first, let's talk about what you can expect on this jam-packed episode of the podcast.
Our good friend—and certified killer— Joe Schilling (16:30) drops back into the podcast to talk a little bit about the following.
- Bellator 136
- Phil Baroni
- Shilling for Spike TV (see what I did there?)
- Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather (even taking the time to thoroughly address some of your craziest fan-submitted scenarios for the fight)
- Talking about when we can expect to see him fight next (and maybe even a clue as to what organization will be lucky enough to get him to fight next)
Let's take a moment to address that Phil Baroni thing. The background on this one is as follows. Joe Schilling goes to fight at Bellator 136. Joe Schilling gets mad after he loses a close fight at Bellator 136. Shortly after Bellator 136, Phil Baroni takes a jab at Schilling with the following tweet.
[embed]https://twitter.com/philbaroni/status/586951391177940992[/embed]
What takes place afterward is a glorious conversation for the MMA twitter ages, as Joe went on to respond to Baroni's tweets in glorious fashion, ultimately ending with this:
. @GLORY_WS confirms @PhilBaroni turned down fight vs. @Joeschilling187http://t.co/ZXHuYlTwZKpic.twitter.com/8DcSR6Wviv
— Michael Stets (@Michael_Stets) April 15, 2015
Leading us to this following meme.
Our thanks to Joe and to all of you who submitted scenarios for what was gonna happen at Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. It made for quite a lively discussion.
UFC 186 Recap
You may remember this from last week, when Dan Hubler came on the show to take on Kevin's UFC 186 predictions.
You know, the episode where Kevin and Dan outlined a set of fights that only a handful of you ended up watching.
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On this episode we not only find out the results, but sort out some of the aftermath.
About that Jon Jones thing...
So naturally, right after we finish recording this episode, the UFC decided to take action on the Jon Jones situation. We start off this weeks episode talking about how we both came to find out about it and the potential implications for the (now) former light heavyweight champ.
Listen in and let us know what you thinks, folks!
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Twitter: @VerbalTapCast
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Raf's Recollection | Admit it, you kinda missed us.
Don't worry, we missed you, too. Turns out when we take a four week hiatus, the fight and jiu-jitsu world goes completely nuts.
But more on that later. This week, we return from our month-long hiatus with a killer episode.
Not only do we recap what took place at UFC 185 with our pal John Evans (who makes a record-breaking 11th appearance on the show), but we also take a look at what happens at this week's UFC 186 show with our pal Dan Hubler, who puts Kevin's picks through the ringer.However, on our first episode back, we get to the bottom of one of the worst calls in UFC history when we speak to UFC Fighter Drew Dober.No seriously.
Google, UFC Worst Call of All Time and his name pops up.
The first three entries when you do come up with the fight that took place in Rio between Drew Dober and Leandro Silva, where a ref pulled a Judge Dredd and decided to take the law into his own hands.
Or maybe he wanted to give the fight to his friend.
Either way, fans of our show may remember my reaction when I was watching the fight live.
If not, here's a refresher.
We get the entire story behind Dober's "loss," including his own reactions, what happened when he met with Dana White after the fight, and the even more insane aftermath that took place afterwards.
Plus, we talk about Drew's next fight and get some insight as to what we can expect when we see him next in the Octagon.I knew I wanted to book Drew the minute I saw this bull shit call happen on TV. But Kev and I are stoked to call the guy a friend of the podcast.
Despite the unprofessional nature of the incident, Drew handles it in a way that's indicative of a true professional. We will definitely have him back on the show.
Last Time on Verbal Tap
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We also talk a little bit about how John opened up the doors to his new academy, Breakdown Academy, for me and a few of the folks who flew in for my wedding to come train at. We have the honor of being the first folks to ever train at the academy and we couldn't be more thrilled.
In addition to that, Kev and I talk a little bit about the groomsmen gift I got him. A few months back our pal Jon Greek at Kauai Kimonos graciously offered to make a pair of customized gis for both me and Kevin. Not only was I astounded someone would actually do that for us, but I was beyond thrilled with how it came out.
[embed]https://instagram.com/p/11JjmWj6rO/?taken-by=verbaltapcast[/embed]
The photo here is one I snagged when I picked up the gi from Jon hours before going to give it to Kevin. On the podcast, Kev describes how surprised he was and I tell him a little bit about the background of how it all came together. Needless to say, a big thanks to our friend Jon Greek as we've gotten so many compliments for the new gis.
Afterwards, John Evans tells us a little bit about his interpretation of the events that took place at UFC 185 and we discover who won that installments' Over/Under Kevin.
Be sure to check out John's new academy over in North Hollywood, CA.
If you're interested in trying out a class, you can email John at John@BJJBreakdown.com.
UFC 186: Over/Under Kevin
But we don't stop there. A new PPV means there are more predictions to be had.
This time, noted compulsive gambler (and Dream Jiu-Jitsu tournament director/Newaza Apparel marketing guru) Dan Hubler comes to set Kevin straight.
We go through the entire card and try to figure out why exactly people might want to order this PPV (especially a week out from Mayweather/Pacquiao).
Plus, Dan clues us into the latest from Newaza and Dream Jiu-JItsu.
Grapplethon
I didn't get to talk about this as much as I would have liked to, but I also wanted to take a moment to thank everyone over at this weekend's Grapplethon: Victory for Victoria for such a great event.
Once again, our pal, Montay Wiley organized a great event for people to come together for a great cause. You may know Montay Wiley from this #wwebjj gem.
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As always, Montay helped put on a great event. This time we all came together to raise money for Victoria (Tori), a young girl who was found to have a brain tumor at only three months old. If you guys get the chance, please stay updated on all the latest about Victoria's fight on their facebook page right here.
Watching Victoria's father, Brad, get out there and do twenty rolls with the community was truly awesome. He mentioned how participating in the event lifted his and his family's spirits. It's a great reminder of the good our community does when we all pull together.
Brad and his family will be in our thoughts, and now, we hope all of yours as well.
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That'll do it for this week, folks. Be sure to listen in and tell us what you thought about this week's episode!
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Raf's Recollection | Coming soon.
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Raf's Recollection | Sam "Smile'n" Alvey joins us [at the 52:10 mark] to talk about the fight life, what he does to blow off steam after big wins, AND even reveals some of advantages he has on other UFC fighters outside of the ring.
But first, our pal, Albert "The Warrior" Morales joins us right up top to review all things UFC 184. That's right, come on in and listen to a fight recap that's over fifteen times longer than the UFC 184 main event itself.
Listen in and let us know what you think folks!
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Raf's Recollection | Coming Soon
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Raf's Recollection | Coming Soon
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Raf's Recollection | Coming Soon