VERBAL TAP (Episode 38) with Joe Williams

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Raf's Recollection |Have you, like I, been counting down the days until the return of The Ultimate Fighter? I know it's only been five months, but it's felt like an eternity.

For those new to our program (welcome), we here at Verbal Tap live for making fun of The Ultimate Fighter.  We even have a signature portion of our podcast where we review each episode of the telecast in one minute's time (coincidentally named our World Famous "One Minute Review").

What's that?  It's impossible to make fun of all things Ultimate Fighter related in just one minute's time?  Well, I'd invite you to listen to our podcast and try and tell me differently ;-)

Now before any of you TUF purists who are new to the show start trying to troll our comment boards, allow me to say this: Kev and I love the show.  We're huge fight fans and we're rooting for new talent to work it's way through the ranks (one need only to look at the roster of guests we've had come on the show to know how much we support it).

Nonetheless, it's probably important to mention we're going to tell a lot of jokes at the show's expense.  We're gonna make fun of the fighters.  And we're gonna have a blast doing it, so don't take it too seriously folks. So sit back and check out our first Ultimate Fighter review, we're gonna make it a blast for you all this season.

But that's not all we've got for you this week.  In addition to discussing last week's UFC Fight Night 28, we also talk to Fight Master's Joe Williams.

What you may know about Joe "Mongo" Williams from the show is that he's a strong competitor with a fantastic wrestling background.  What you might not know is that he is secretly a comic at heart.

You read that right.

Additionally, we talk about Joe's next fight, some pranks that happened between Team Shamrock and Team Warren that never made it to air, and we even get Joe to play a game of Rep that Tweet with us.

So download the podcast and let us know what you think, folks!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 35) with Bubba McDaniel

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Raf's Recollection | More to come later about Bubba McDaniel and Fox Sports 1.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 33): UFC 163 and Bellator 97 Review

Raf's Recollection | Stuff about UFC 163 and Bellator 97 Coming Soon!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 32): UFC on FOX 8 Review

Raf's Recollection | I don't think Kev and I have laughed more than we did on this episode.  Our new friend, TRAVIS, from HowToFightNow.com, had us in stitches the entire episode.

For those unfamiliar, Travis is the guy behind this MMA/boxing viral sensation.

Yep.  That guy.  And he's awesome!  In our EXCLUSIVE interview, we find out what makes Travis tick.  He talks about how the video came together, if people continue to ask if they can punch him in the face, and talks a little bit about the types of fun (and FREE!) instructional videos that can be found on his website.

And while the video that introduced us all to the magic that is @FightSmartTrav is hilarious (and now stands at a cool 2.2 million views online), it doesn't even come close to capturing the essence of the MMA perfectionist who wants to find new and entertaining ways to educate folks about the essence of mixed martial arts and self defense.

There truly is more to Travis than meets the eye.  Sure he's animated, he's got some great MMA training stories, and exudes the perfect type of nonsense that we indulge here at Verbal Tap, but there's a method behind the madness that can be found at his HowToFightSmart.com and I'd highly encourage you all to check out the videos he's providing for Free.99.  So get on it, before he gets the good sense to charge you a-holes for the top notch instruction he's providing.

Additionally, Kev and I take some time to talk about this weekend's UFC on FOX 8 and explain where the hell we've been for the past three weeks.  And before you ask: no, we've missed you more, America.  So stop reading this and download/listen to the podcast already!

Peace!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 30): UFC 162 Preview

Raf's Recollection  |  More to come later.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 26) with Dave "The Caveman" Rickels

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Raf's Recollection | You still can't convince me that Dave "The Caveman" Rickels is not the illegitimate love child of Will Ferrell.  Deny it all you like, but I dare you to look at the accompanying photo over on the right hand side and tell me otherwise.

Aside from the uncanny resemblance to the comic legend, Rickels also shares the same appreciation for bombast and ironic detachment.  I mean, this is the same guy who once walked out to one of his fights like this.

However, let's get one thing straight: Rickels is more than just a court jester.  This is a man who endued not one, but two Bellator tournaments and has memorably finished more than 60% of his fights.

And, as he puts it, he may not have a style that you can really define, but he'll definitely go out there and put on a show in the cage.

Which is why we were beyond stoked to have "The Caveman" join us right as news broke that he would be getting a title shot against Bellator Lightweight Champ, Michael Chandler, on July 31st.

And our EXCLUSIVE chat with the Lightweight contender goes everywhere.  In addition to giving us a preview in his title match against Chandler, The Caveman takes us on a journey that's part-discussion about strippers, part-discussion on the types of foods that the Caveman sneaks in while training for a fight (let's just say the man is a connoisseur of both).

In fact, there's a distinct moment in the podcast where Rickels was *this close* to making us second guess the name of our podcast/website (The name he throws at us in the podcast certainly has a ring to it, especially considering how much Kevin and I bicker).

And, of course, what discussion with a Combat Sports Center member would be complete without some kind of competition attached?  In here, Rickels calls out fellow CSC training partner, Joe "The Nose" Wilk, to a competition that we look forward to hosting on our website sometime later this summer.  For more details, just listen to the podcast.

In other news...

Kevin and I also decided to try out a new thing on the show.  We happened to be recording just as the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (commonly referred to as "Worlds") came to a close. A few minutes after the final results of the competition were posted, I happened to stumble upon a link of the video posted below.  Because Kevin and I are such jiu-jitsu nerds (and suckers for multitasking), we decided to take time watch the final match between Rodolfo Vieira and Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida on-air.  That's right, the beginning of the podcast features play-by-play commentary by yours truly and one K. Phillips.

No, we don't do a service to the good people who teach us jiu-jitsu, but what we lack in general knowledge, we more than make up for in stupidity and pop culture references. Frankly, we both had a blast doing it and you can definitely expect to see more of these in the future.  So go ahead and cue up the match as you listen to the very beginning of the podcast to join in on the fun (Our eternal thanks to JiuJitsuTVPR for being so quick to post this!)

CORRECTION: During the shout outs, I incorrectly gave the location for Captain Derek Herrera's fundraiser (my apologies to our good friend Mr. Phil Sparagna and company, I'm sometimes functionally illiterate).

The fundraiser is actually going down in Coronado Firehouse Bar and Grill in California.  If you're in the So Cal area and are interested in helping a wounded warrior and fellow MMA/BJJ practitioner out, give the following link a view and head on over to the bar on Saturday June 8th!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 25) with Eric Albarracin

Raf's Recollection | Coming soon!

Until then, here are some photos to help the show make sense (they'll help, promise):

VERBAL TAP (Episode 24) with Rafael Lovato Jr.

[buzzsprout episode='93633' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | In martial arts, when a Black Belt is kind enough to give you their time, you take it.  With every demonstration, every suggestion, every sparring session, they provide the kind of insight that can literally change a person’s life.

Which is why we were beyond fortunate to have Rafael Lovato Jr. stop by the podcast to give us more than an hour’s worth of his time.  Not only did the decorated American black belt talk about his own Jiu-Jitsu journey, but he also candidly discussed the struggles he’s faced over the years to achieve his dreams and "make history."

For those unfamiliar, Lovato is arguably the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor in America.  Should you need a reference, just watch this:

Honestly, we could have devoted an entire other podcast just to name the laundry list of accomplishments the man has achieved, but somehow Kev and I managed to cage our inner-bjj nerd tendencies to ask him about his competitive drive, how Chuck Norris changed his life (seriously, he did), and the circumstances that prompted him to make this terrifying face.

Already a gi and no gi World Champion, Lovato made history last month when he became the first non-Brazilian to win the Absolute division at the Brasileiro.

Take a moment to let that sink in.

Becoming the first American to win the open weight division in one of the most competitive Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in existence.  To put that in perspective, if the average BJJ enthusiast or practitioner (such as you or myself) won said competition, it’s very likely a majority of us would spend most of our days walking around like this.

The win in Brazil was an especially nice feather in Lovato’s cap, as it marked the realization of a dream that started nearly 15 years prior.  In the podcast, Lovato talked about attending the competitions as a kid, idolizing these giants of Jiu-Jitsu, and daring to think, “I can do that.”

There’s so much about Rafael’s journey that you don’t see on the mats.  It is especially true that behind every great accomplishment is a story that is every bit as exceptional—and to get to hear the man (who, himself, grew up without the guidance of a Black Belt during his formative years) describe it is nothing short of a treat.

If you’re even remotely interested in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and don’t find something that connects to your own journey in this interview, I’m gonna suggest that you have someone check your pulse.  In all my years of conducting interviews, I don’t ever think I’ve been able to gain better insight into an athlete’s mindset and drive, let alone a Black Belt’s.

There’s this part toward the end of this interview where Professor Lovato responds to one of our fan questions and drops that kind of knowledge that speaks to the heart of anyone whose ever stepped foot on the mat and thought, “I can be better.”

A day after this interview, I went to train and had a spectacularly awful day of Jiu-Jitsu.  To be specific: I gassed out, I didn’t feel I performed up to my best, and I quit on myself (while I can accept wins and losses, I don’t accept quitting on myself).  When I walked out of my training sessions, I couldn’t help but keep the last part of this interview with me.

Sure, hearing the words of an accomplished Black Belt first-hand didn’t hurt, but it was the tone and conviction of a man whose own experience and hardships in Jiu-Jitsu made it near impossible to allow a sense of negativity linger on my own performances.  In fact, Lovato’s words and/or example might even make you leave a training session thinking, “Not I can be better, I will.”

Suppose that’s why it’s important to know that when a Black Belt gives you their time, you take it.  Otherwise, you might just miss out on making your own history.

EDIT: For those wondering what Lovato's Brazilian Absolute matches looked like, simply head on over to the following link to watch Lovato break down his own matches!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 23) with Gilbert Jamal Smith

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Raf's Recollection |  There are days when I feel that Kevin shouldn't be allowed on the internet.  Sometimes he just gets so excited to post things, he kinda neglects the whole concept of context.

Which is why I'm here to tell you that, yes, there is a reason this video of a 90's slow jam rapper, Shabba Ranks, is posted alongside our interview with one Mr. Gilbert Jamal Smith (no lie, it will completely make sense if you listen to the podcast).

However, would I describe the appearance of Shabba Ranks in the podcast as a "middle school moment" (what does that even mean?) and post it above the photo of the person we actually interviewed?  Probably not, but that's just semantics and layout design people.  Kev does the best that he can with all of the obvious limitations he faces.

But that's not why you're here. You're here to listen to MMA and likely to hear what our friend Jamal has to say.  In this exclusive interview, Mr. Smith holds nothing back as he candidly discusses how he felt about fighting Bubba McDaniel on The Ultimate Fighter Finale, if he felt he and Bubba actually deserved a spot on the main FX card, and how the fight between the two of them came together.

Not only that, but we learn a little more insight into the way Jamal made the transition from grappling to MMA, what affected him the most on his fight at the Ultimate Fighter Finale, and why he is known by Jamal to some and Gilbert to others.

Oh, and don't worry, we get to the bottom of the whole "why is he so against shirts" thing AND learn what's the deal behind that whole six-shooter dance he always does.

That's right, people, we're serious journalists.

So give this fun and very honest conversation about The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC, and Shabba Ranks (?) a listen.  You won't regret it.

#SHABBA!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 22) with Adam Cella

NOTE: For whatever reason the Skype/Podcast Editing Gods were against us this week, so be sure to listen to this Podcast on your headphones.  And be forewarned the transitions may be a little loud. 

Kevin's Description: Raf and Kevin celebrate Cinco De Mayo with Professional Fighter Adam Cella from The Ultimate Fighter Season 17! They also talk a little Jon Jones, UFC 159 Payouts, Tito Ortiz vs. Jon Jones, Anderson Silva vs. Jon Jones, and finally end with your questions from twitter! Visit VerbalTapCast.com right now and get daily MMA coverage!

Raf’s Recollection : The first thing that strikes you about Adam Cella (aside from those dashing baby blues) is the fact that the man tells a mean story.

There's an inherent politeness to the timber of his voice that makes the punchlines to his stories both hilarious and friendly at the same time.

That's a rare gift.  So that even when he's having a little bit of fun at the expense of his close friends from the show, it's never mean spirited.  It's similar to that of a little brother playfully ribbing their older brothers—and really makes it easy to see why he was so popular within the house.

On the latest podcast, we get Cella to open up about some of the lighter moments in The Ultimate Fighter—including a few choice gems about roommates, cut scenes from the house, and maybe even an impression of a certain fellow cast member who may or may not have celebrated their 30th birthday this weekend (we apologize in advance Mr. The Menace; Happy Birthday!).

Among some of the other topics we touch upon with Mr. Cella in this interview: which current UFC fighter is afraid of spiders, what the future holds in store for the TUF vet, and what does Cella have to say to all of those who thought Jon Jones let him tap him out with this guillotine.

We hope you'll join us for some fun on the podcast and then drop us a note in our comment section.  And after that shoot our friend Mr. Cella a nice note over on his Twitter at (@AdamCellaMMA) to let him know what you thought!

You can download an MP3 of this episode right here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 21): UFC 159 Review with Mike Jasper

Kevin's Description: The guys argue about the most exciting moment of UFC 159, talk a little about the new song for GSP, then Mike Jasper stops by to keep the show from completely derailing. Listen in, and leave a comment telling us your thoughts on UFC 159!

Raf’s Recollection : Sometimes it is a small world after all.  As we started booking fighters to come appear on the show, I had a friend (the incomparable Melissa Benassi) offer to help us reach out to one of the folks who fought in the premiere episode of this season's Ultimate Fighter.

And even though the multi-talented, Mike Jasper, didn't make it into the TUF house (he lost in the first round to Collin Hart), he hasn't missed a beat in his still undefeated career as a professional fighter (the loss to Hart is tallied as an exhibition).

In addition to being impervious to Raiders jokes, Jasper was very candid about the behind the scenes nature of The Ultimate Fighter production.  And, believe us folks, there's a lot of stuff that you don't see on TV.  The UFC doesn't just pick 32 guys and then have them magically show up.  Jasper tells us his side of the story and, if you've ever wondered how it all comes together, this interview is a must-listen.

But that's not all.  If you act now, you'll also get to hear a little bit about the man, the myth, the legend: Bas Rutten.

Yes, this Bas Rutten.

Jasper happens to train out of Rutten's gym (MMA Elite) and talks a little bit about the way Mr. Rutten runs the gym.

So give it a listen to the podcast that we're dedicating to Melissa Benassi for making this very special episode happen.  You can check out Jasper's fight right here.

You can download an MP3 of this episode here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 20) with Joe "The Nose" Wilk

Raf and Kevin celebrate their 20th episode by brining on Joe "the Nose" Wilk to talk about the midwest and VFC Fight Night in Wichita, KS. Bellator, UFC on Fox from last saturday, and UFC 159 predictions this podcast has it all! Give a listen to the number one comedy podcast in the DC/LA combined region!

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Joe The Nose Wilk

Raf's Recollection: A great deal of our podcast is dedicated to finding out the back story behind each of the fighters we interview.  What makes them tick?  How'd they get started?  Why do they continue to want get punched in the face?

This go-round, we had the pleasure of finding out a little more about the humble beginnings of our very own Kevin Phillips' journey as a jiu-jitsu practitioner.  And who better to clue us into that insight than the man who helped Kevin learn to love jiu-jitsu, Joe "The Nose" Wilk (@JoeNoseMMA). 

In addition to waxing poetic about all things Kansas with Kevin, Joe was able to talk to us about this awesome documentary filmed about his gym Combative Sports Center.  If you've got some free time, I'd highly recommend giving a view.  Those who train will easily be able to identify with the camaraderie found in this gym and will also gain some insight into the true appeal of this fantastic training facility (hint: it might have something to do with the caliber of the folks who train there).

As our interview attests, Wilk talks a good game as an entertainer before his fights, but in the gym there is an even greater amount of respect for martial arts instilled into all of their practitioners.  One can certainly argue, Joe "Nose" training.

(I apologize for nothing with the use of that pun)

You can also download an MP3 of this episode here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 19): TUF Finale with Bubba McDaniel

Bubba stops by and talks the guys through his last fight, his future with The UFC, and his post fight interview! Stop in, give a listen to the best comedy MMA podcast on the market.

You can download an MP3 of this episode right here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 17) with Luke Barnatt and Bubba McDaniel

Title says it all folks! Raf Esparza's one minute review of The Ultimate Fighter has Bubba "the Menace" McDaniel and Luke "BIgSlow" Barnatt stopping by for some great perspective on Mike Tyson's most recent visit to the house, the crazy round of quarterfinal fights, and so much more! Tune in, you won't want to miss out on this one!

You can also download this episode right here.