I recently participated in a 5-mile obstacle course race known as the Spartan Race which is known for its abundance of obstacles that include 6-10 ft high walls, cargo net climbs, and a spear throw to name a few. Oh, and there was some mud involved too.
(This is me nice and clean before the race)
There are three types of Spartan races you can do, with each one increasing in difficultly with more obstacles and a longer course. The Sprint, Super, and the Beast. Together they are known as the "Trifecta" and each include individual medals for completing the course that can be combined into one big medal when all three are attained.
(My medal)
The race in Houston was my second Spartan race, the first one I did was at AT&T stadium in Dallas, TX and I learned the hard way that there is a big difference between the arena race and the outdoor race. The main difference being the mud, which was multiplied during the week due to the six inches of rain leading up to the race. This made the race almost un-runnable as the mud was so deep and filled with waist deep pot-holes that by trying to run you could almost guarantee a twisted ankle or other injuries. This slowed the race down tremendously for me and the other participants as we were forced to take our time through the winding muddy trails that were flooded with water. Luckily, the obstacles on the course were able to break up the monotony of mud-wallowing and keep it fun.
(Coming out of the muddy lake)
The first obstacles were mostly walls to go up and over, then as I got deeper into the course the obstacles became increasingly difficult. There was a 60lb sandbag carry where I carried the mud soaked bag on my shoulders and completed a loop that included squatting under barbed wire while maintaining enough balance in the deep mud not to fall over. Another surprisingly tough one was the sled pull which went from relatively easy to very hard after the sled became completely stuck in the mud and it took me and another racer to pull the sled. There was also a small lake crossing which provided some entertainment just from watching the reluctance of the other racers to actually get in the cold muddy water. Other obstacles included monkey bars, a 5-gallon gravel filled bucket carry, and of course the infamous 20ft rope climb near the end of the course. I was able to complete all of the obstacles except the spear throw where I barely missed the target, and a crazy ninja-warrior type obstacle known as "the rig".
(Post-race bliss of completing the course and using the last of my energy on a victory flex pose)
Overall, I had a blast competing in the Spartan sprint and will definitely participate in more races in the future. I crossed the finish line exhausted but also proud of myself for completing the course by myself and with a respectable time. I encourage everyone to find a race near you, sign up, start training and just do it! The course was filled with people of all shapes and sizes, first time racers and veterans. The course will test your mental and physical toughness and will leave you crossing the finish line with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction!
After a night where Miesha Tate and Nate Diaz were able to turn the MMA world on its head with a pair of stunning upsets, fans around the world were reminded that victory is never guaranteed inside the octagon.
UFC 196 will go down as one of the best events in UFC history and has the numbers to prove it. Not only did the fights provide fans with high level MMA, but the night was full of captivating drama.
There are many questions, reactions, and opinions after UFC 196. Let's explore what happened and look ahead to what's next for the main event fighters and the UFC after one of the most successful nights in the company's history.
Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey III
Meisha Tate shocked the world as she pulled off a gusty last minute win by securing a rear naked choke on Holly Holm late in the fifth round. The victory earned her the women's bantamweight championship and has reignited the biggest rivalry in women's MMA history. The UFC has announced that Tate will defend her newly minted title in a rubber match against former champion Ronda Rousey. Miesha Tate is 0-2 against Rousey and hasn't lost since their last fight in 2013. Rousey hasn't fought since suffering the infamous knockout by the shin of Holly Holm. With plenty of bad blood left between the two and a built in storyline of Rousey's return with Miesha as champion, rest assured this will be one of the biggest fights of the year.
What's next for Holly Holm?
Holly Holm claimed she is going "back to the drawing board" after failing to defend her title against Miesha Tate at UFC 196. Holm may have won the fight had it gone to a decision but a last ditch effort takedown secured by Tate was too costly of a mistake and led to her eventual submission loss. In the post-fight press conference Holm claimed she wants to fight again soon and get another shot at the title. With Ronda Rousey getting the next title shot against Tate, Holm will most likely go against another top contender like Cat Zingano or Amanda Nunes to fight the winner of Tate/Rousey.
Conor McGregor lost, but did he really?
After all the stare downs, smack talk, and middle fingers- Conor McGregor finally met his match against Nate Diaz. The submission loss to Diaz marks McGregor's first loss in the UFC and slows down the incredible wave of momentum he was riding before the fight. Admirable in defeat, McGregor never hesitated to lay it all on the line. From accepting the fight against a completely different style fighter on 11 days notice, to fighting at 170 pounds which is two weight classes above the featherweight division he is champion of, credit is due for never backing down from a challenge. McGregor could have easily made excuses about why he lost. Instead, he took the loss with humility and gave Diaz the respect he deserved.
In my opinion, the loss to Diaz doesn't do much to diminish the legacy of McGregor as much as it may benefit from it. McGregor proved in defeat that he is a humble and fearless champion and will indeed fight anyone at anytime. Still, McGregor remains the ruler of the featherweight division and is it's undisputed champion and also has a realistic chance of claiming the lightweight title one day. The fight will reflect on his record as a loss, but in the eyes of many- Conor McGregor still came out a winner.
Nate Diaz is now a UFC superstar
Nate Diaz has been fighting in the UFC for nearly ten years and finally on Saturday night the entire world found out who he was. Diaz' career may as well be attached to a rocket ship now, after defeating McGregor as a short notice opponent Diaz' popularity is at an all time high. With very few mainstream stars in the UFC besides Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, Nate Diaz can insert himself as a household name if he is able to capitalize on the momentum on this win. That is a far cry from someone who doesn't "move the needle" as Dana White once described Nate. Now, nothing but big fights loom for the younger Diaz brother. Dana White says the idea of him getting a title shot against welterweight champion Robbie Lawler "makes sense" in the future. Also, if McGregor is able to capture the lightweight title from Rafael Dos Anjos in the future that could set up a blockbuster rematch for the title down the road. Nobody knows exactly what's next for Nate Diaz but one thing for certain is that the UFC has a new superstar on its hands.
If I was Joe Silva I would...
I'm going to venture into fantasy land and pretend to be Joe Silva (UFC Matchmaker) for a minute and pick the fights I would make for the main event participants of UFC 196.
McGregor vs Dos Anjos (Lightweight title)
I think this fight makes the most sense for McGregor because he was already scheduled to fight RDA and the loss to Diaz was at welterweight so it shouldn't warrant taking the title shot away. Plus, for McGregor to cut back down to 145lbs after bulking for welterweight would not be in his best interest considering he struggled mightily to make the weight before. Once McGregor fights Dos Anjos win or lose he will be able to defend the featherweight title as the cut will be easier after first fighting at lightweight.
Robbie Lawler vs Nate Diaz
I think that Nate Diaz and the UFC should immediately capitalize on his newfound star power and slot him in as the next opponent for the welterweight title. The division is at a stand still right now as a top contender hasn't been established even though Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson make great cases for the next shot. Diaz ultimately holds the trump card though after defeating McGregor.
Holly Holm vs Cat Zingano
Holly Holm vs Cat Zingano is a fight where the fighter that is victorious would put themselves square in line for the winner of Tate vs Rousey III. Zingano hasn't fought since she suffered the only loss of her career to Rousey at UFC 184 and remains a top contender and viable matchup to take on the former champ Holm. Holm will look to get back in the win column and set up a huge rematch down the road with either Rousey or Tate. If this fight is slated as the co-main event to Tate vs Rousey the UFC will ensure a blockbuster event that will establish the pecking order in the women's bantamweight division.
Nothing excites me more than change, whether it be
changes in life, or changes being made on the college football scene I am a
firm believer that all change is necessary. I’m writing you all to let you know
that some changes are being made to the SergioKosco college football page. As a
blogger I view all of you as family and I wish to keep you all updated on some
aspects of my life. Well now that I have your attention I would like to inform
you that I have moved to continue my journey in college. With that being said
nothing will change. I will still bring you quality college football updates.
Also be on the lookout for some big things coming soon. I don’t want to give
out too much information but just know here at SergioKosco we are dedicated to
our followers and wish to push out some of the best content possible. Change is
coming so wither you’re with us or against us no in between. Hop on the train
now because its leaving the station and please above all..
- "Mighty Mouse" continues his reign atop my P4P rankings after dominating his toughest challenge in a rematch against arch rival John Dodson. Johnson is now 9-0-1 in the flyweight division and has nearly cleared out all of its top contenders. Perhaps super fights loom in the future for DJ as he shows no signs of loosening his grip on the title in 2016.
2. Jon Jones
- Due to return in 2016, Jon Jones looks to reclaim his status as P4P king and pick up where he left off before his suspension. With a renewed focus and more motivation than ever, we could see the best version of "Bones" yet. He will face now champion Daniel Cormier sometime in the spring/summer months and attempt to take back the title he never lost.
3. Conor McGregor (C)
- McGregor launched himself near the top of every P4P list by capping his year off with a brutal one punch KO of former featherweight king Jose Aldo. "Notorious" was undeniably the fighter of the year in 2015 and will look to continue his ascension as the UFCs top star in 2016 by going after the lightweight title and being the first fighter in UFC history to hold two championship titles simultaneously.
4. Rafael Dos Anjos (C)
- After winning the title back in March against Anthony Pettis, RDA showed he is a legitimate champion by making quick work of the red hot Donald Cerrone in his first title defense. Dos Anjos showed some serious improvements in his overall skill set in 2015 and will continue to improve under the tutelage of coach Rafael Cordeiro. 2016 could be an even bigger year for the champ as big fights await in the most talent deep division in the UFC.
5. Robbie Lawler (C)
- Lawler has posted back to back "Fight of The Year" awards in 2014 and 2015 with his victories against John Hendricks and Rory MacDonald. He might have already claimed the award for the third consecutive time after an absolutely epic battle against Carlos Condit at UFC 195. Lawler may be the UFCs most entertaining fighter with his iron will and incredible heart and will look to continue his "Ruthless" reign as the welterweight champion in 2016.
6. Jose Aldo
- After a stunning defeat by the hands of Conor McGregor, Aldo will have to go back to the drawing board in 2016. Although he lost his title, Aldo's legacy as one of the best UFC fighters in the company's history remains intact. The former P4P king will look to return with a vengeance and get a shot back at the title or maybe even test the waters in the lightweight division.
7. TJ Dillashaw (C)
- Set to defend his title against former champion Dominick Cruz on January 17th, Dillashaw will face his toughest challenge yet. TJ left his longtime camp team Alpha Male in late 2015 and is now training full time in Denver with coach/mastermind mentor Duana Ludwig. They will look to make it three title defenses in a row and solidify Dillashaw as the best bantamweight champion in UFC history.
8. Fabricio Werdum (C)
- Heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum has one of the best heavyweight resumes in MMA history. Werdum will try to add another accolade to that resume when he defends his title in an immediate rematch against former champion Cain Velasquez in the main event of the upcoming UFC 196. After an incredible career resurgence Werdum capped off his 2015 by defeating Velasquez in Mexico City and will look to prove that it was no fluke in the rematch.
9. Daniel Cormier (C)
- As the current UFC light-heavyweight champion, DC comes in at #9 after a stellar year that included him winning the vacant light-heavyweight title after a submission win over Anthony Johnson and then successfully defending it against Alexander Gustaffson later in the year. Cormier is one of the best wrestlers in the sport of MMA and has used that as his base to get him to the top. He will face a stiff challenge against Jon Jones later in the year in a rematch of one of the biggest fights of 2015.
10. Luke Rockhold (C)
- Former StrikeForce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold can now add UFC middleweight champion to his resume after defeating previously unbeaten Chris Weidman at UFC 194. Rockhold is one of the most well rounded fighters in the middleweight division and showed his true potential for greatness with his win championship win. Some great match ups await Rockhold in the future as there are plenty of hungry contenders as well as a inevitable rematch with Weidman.
Let me know what you think of the rankings in the comments below or follow me on Twitter @FightMartian where we can discuss all things MMA. "Don't Blink"!
This past weekend was the last official weekend for
college football and boy was it a great one, with bowl season upon us there will be
many great match ups, as well as a few blow outs. I will also be doing a small give away for bowl season. follow this link (http://www.foxsports.com/fantasy/collegefootball/bowlpickem/group/join/?group=16456&password=full+speed) sign in using a google account, use the password " full speed" and enter your picks. The winner at the end of bowl season will win a special SergioKosco care package. Be sure to get your picks in before 12/19 or else you'll miss out on some games.
Weekly
Recap
The SEC champion was crowned in a rather boring
matchup. Florida tried to keep the game close while Alabama eventually walked
away with the victory behind Heisman Hopeful Derrick Henry. This solidified
Bama’s number 2 spot in the top 10 and punched a ticket to the Cotton Bowl.
While the SEC is only represented in one other New Year 6 bowl game the
conference will appear in a total of 10 bowl games, tied for most along with 2
other conferences
Michigan State Clinches the Big 10 title in the
closing seconds of the game against Iowa knocking them out of the Playoff
picture and punching their ticket to Arlington to face Alabama in the Cotton
Bowl. While many will say that Michigan State should have gotten the 4th
spot versus the number three spot. Playing a conference title game plays a
large role late in the season versus a conference that doesn’t have a title
game. The Big 10 will be represented by 3 teams in major bowl games, Ohio State
in the Fiesta Bowl, Iowa in the Rose, and Michigan State in the Cotton.
As predicted Clemson Remained unbeaten to Claim the
number one ranking in the nation going into bowl season. With a close victory
over UNC the tigers look to claim their first national title since 1981. The
tigers look to be the favorite going into the Orange bowl. Florida State will
represent the ACC in a major bowl game alongside Clemson.
While the Pac-12 doesn’t have a representative in the college
football playoff, the conference does face off in 10 bowl games tied for most
with the Big 10 and SEC for most bowl games by a conference. Stanford will
ultimately play in the rose bowl, a game that they are all too familiar with.
Lastly Oklahoma claimed the 4th and final
spot in the college football playoff rankings. In my opinion they were shorted
by not having a conference title game. Also by Baker Mayfield not being
selected as a Heisman Finalist. The conference will be represented in 7 bowl
games with 2 teams playing in a major bowl game this year.
As far as non power conferences go, both Houston, and Notre Dame found themselves in major bowl games. Houston will face off with FSU in the peach bowl, and Notre Dame will play Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.
With the final rankings released and the bowl schedule
announced, everything played out almost as expected for everyone in the world.
The Final CFP top 10 look a little something like
this:
Memphis finds themselves in the Birmingham bowl
against Alabama native Auburn. While this isn’t the picture perfect ending for
what could have been a fantastic tiger season, they at least have another bowl
game to look forward to. They have another opportunity to prove that the SEC is
no longer as the powerhouse that they once used to be. In coaching news the
replacement for Justin Fuente was named to be Mike Norvell. Former offensive
coordinator at Arizona State, Norvell has some pretty hefty shoes to fill as
Fuente set a standard pretty high for anyone to compete with.
Heisman
Watch
Heisman Finalist have been announced and boy is it a
surprise that one individual was left out
1)Derrick
Henry- The dynamic playmaker for the crimson tide. Always reliable, and the
reason Alabama still has a chance.
2)Deshaun
Watson- Leading his team to an undefeated season, and the only undefeated team
in the nation Watson is a young leader and a dynamic playmaker
3)Christian
McCaffery- The most athletic player in the nation, this kid can make plays out
of nothing.
This kid is the number one rated RB in the nation for
a reason. He is explosive, a great downhill runner, fantastic open field speed,
and can break tackles, and or put defenders on skates. This kid has huge upside
and a very high ceiling for improvement.
News
Updates
Former Florida head coach and current Auburn defensive
coordinator has been named the new Head coach for South Carolina, just one year
removed from being fired as the Head Coach at the University of Florida. Kirby
Smart long time DC at Alabama is now named to be the Head coach at the
University of Georgia, Smart looks to resurrect his alma mater back into the
national spotlight.
