2009-04-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

I got to the Windy city on Friday, planning to meet Clay Guida but as is often the case, things didn't go quite as planned. Maybe it's me, I know that seems to be the common theme in my relations with women, "you don't know how to communicate". Well, maybe that's why I take pictures. Anyway, communication break down happened somewhere between myself, John (Clay's Manager) & Clay, needless to say, I didn't take any pictures of him that morning. I have to say this is also partly due to Delta, as my flight was delayed, ( although they do seem to be bumping me up to 1st class quite a bit lately, so I ain't complaining too loud about the delayed flight).

That evening I end up going over to MMASTOP where Clay is busy signing autographs for bunches of fans that have crowded into the store. Then Urijah shows up & more signing takes place. Where fans line up to also get their picture with Clay & Urijah in a "stare down".

Maybe 2 hours or more of this & we head off to go & eat, where Urijah is bombard by a bevvy of beautiful waitresses looking to surf The California Kid. A good night was had with a bunch of guys that train with Clay, John & Dan from MMASTOP. I ended up (being the boring bastard that I am) heading back to my hotel while Clay & others went off to plunder the local night clubs.

Saturday starts with my trying not to be a fat bastard & hitting the gym in my hotel, then off to MTC, where Clay is going to be having a morning work out. MTC (Midwest Training Center) is located in a strip mall, sharing space with a yoga studio. Inside feels a little more familiar as I pass two boxing rings tucked in a corner next to a cage. Kick bags, mat space, tractor tire, kettle bells & sweaty gloves .....everything you need.

Alex, is already barking out instructions to some of the guys on the mat, while "Izzy" is helping guys with the wrestling. Izzy looks & sounds like a character from the next season of the Sopranos.

Clay's working on the ground grappling, working his way out of a heel hook. Then back pressuring the guy on bottom. After a brief brake for water Clay enters into several periods of wrestling with David Silva an All American for Elmhurst college (sp). All the time being coached by Alex & Izzy to improve Clay's wrestling. David's job: to make Clay a better wrestler, if he wasn't good enough all ready. David is as slick & as quick as an eel, giving Guida tough time.

I get some shots of the action then head towards Chicago for the weigh-ins. Luckily this is an easy find off of the freeway in a hotel downtown......more later...tater

This was one of the better WEC's I can remember....( my memory having the retention quality of a soggy tea bag)

It had gone from sunny on Saturday to snowing the day of the fights. The fights were held at UIC. Again, I thought this was a great show. Great venue, looked like a nice crowd in attendance. A lot of good fights. Good to see my old friend & training partner Raphael get to show his skills on a larger stage. Curran's plans to challenge Torres may have been put on the back burner by Benavidez, in a tough 3 round fight.

Last of all Miguel vs Takeya was a war. Some one forgot to tell Takeya that Miguel is the champ....he took every thing Miguel threw at him & threw just as much back. Takeya had a great game plan, keeping the fight standing, knowing Miguel would have the advantage on the ground. Seeing Miguel getting cut had me wondering wether Miguel would keep the belt. Some how though Miguel was able to turn the pace up in the later rounds, especially the 5th putting on an exhibition of dirty boxing against the fence, using elbows, knees, punches & shoulders to keep Takeya on the run.

Miguel finally at the end, walked away with a unanimous decision. Maybe a take down would have made this a shorter night for my friend Miguel:)

Tales of a traveling tool