Bleacher Talk

Bleacher Talk June 28, 2009 MMA Anyone? MM what? MMA? Yes, MMA. It stands for mixed martial arts. You’ve most likely seen it on UFC, M1, K1, Pride or The Ultimate Fighter. It’s like boxing, but with a whole lot more than punches being thrown by the fighters. Yes, it’s a different ballgame, but one that has bright future ahead. With the current local boxing scene unusually quiet, the MMA family couldn’t have picked a better time to stand up and be counted through URCC 4: Proving Grounds. This took place last weekend at the CICC. And just like UFC, the URCC featured a complete card of MMA fights that gave fight fans a different twist to their usual dose of boxing for which Cebu is known. Let’s put the names of ALA, SGG, Braveheart, RWS (Wakee Salud) and MP Promotions aside for awhile as we present an MMA guy with a “car” as a name. Let’s all meet Renault Lao. He’s the guy behind the coming of the URCC to Cebu, and so far so good. I must admit that I was impressed with what we saw at URCC...

Bleacher Talk June 14, 2009 It’s Laker Magic! It must be magic. Correction. Make that Laker Magic. The Lakers are now up 3-1, when it could or should’ve been the other way around with the Orlando Magic up, 3-1. If only Courtney Lee made that alley-oop lay-up in Game 2. If only Derek Fisher missed that three-point basket that sent the game into OT in Game 4. If, and if and more if’s. I don’t what it is but there’s no doubt that somehow, the magic is missing, and for now, it’s safe to say it can be found somewhere in the U.S.’s West Coast. But just like the real “magic,” the Laker 3-1 lead isn’t exactly mysterious to say the least. Let’s give credit where it’s due. The Lakers earned all three wins methodically, albeit in three different ways. After a blow-out to kick things off in Game 1, the Lakers struggled for the first time in a hard-earned OT win in Game 2. Then Game 4 was a come-from-behind wonder that left an Orlando homecrowd stunned. Three wins, one to go. From the looks of it, ...