Decades before mixed martial arts became popular in the United States, events matching fighters of different fighting disciplines were very common in Japan. They weren’t called “mixed martial arts” at the time, but that’s essentially what they were.There’s an entire history of pro wrestlers fighting specialists from other martial arts (particularly judo) that were leaving out, but during the’70′s Antonio Inoki began to put the concept of “mixed martial arts” on the map with his matches against fighters from other disciplines.

Before and after his matchup against Muhammad Ali, Inoki would frequently compete against other martial artists in what are widely accepted to be “worked” (ie: having a predetermined outcome) matches. Inoki fought boxer Chuck Wepner, judo Gold Medalist Wilhelm Ruska and world karate champion Willie Williams among others. His most famous match internationally, however, was against Ali.

There’s still much speculation about how Muhammad Ali came to fight Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki, and even more uncertainty about what happened immediately before and during the fight. Ali took the booking because he thought it was to be a big paycheck for little work. Most accounts suggest that his handlers agreed to the ‘worked’ finish without his knowledge, and once he found out that he was to ‘take a dive’ he refused.

Many conspiracy theorists have noted that these rules were never announced to the crowd on fight night, leaving many with the impression that they were being made up as they went along. Action in the fight would further validate this view, but there actually were rules that both camps agreed to heading into the fight. Not surprisingly, most of these were designed to protect Ali. In fact, they were so one-sided that if Inoki hadn’t been so concerned about preserving his big payday he would have been justified in not fighting. Inoki was prohibited from punching with a closed fist or striking Ali in the head (ostensibly since he wasn’t wearing gloves). Inoki was prohibited from using any sort of submission maneuver. The most absurd limitation was that Inoki was prohibited from “grappling or trying to take Ali to the ground”. A few observers noted that this was like not letting Ali throw a jab.

The result was an absolutely horrible fight. Neither man showed much interest in engaging the other, with Inoki spending most of the time on the ground doing what he could under the one sided rules. Inoki threw kicks at Ali’s legs, Ali threw an occasional jab and tried to protect himself from his opponent’s leg strikes. The fight ended a 74-74 draw, with the real losers being the fans.

An interesting postscript to the fight is that the referee was former pro wrestler “Judo” Gene Labell, a legit tough guy whom some have suggested could have beaten up both Ali and Inoki at the same time despite his advanced age. Had he chosen to do so, it would certainly have been welcomed by those watching the fight live and on closed circuit.

In the aftermath of the fight, Inoki’s popularity was greater than ever–in a perverse way he was something of a hero due to his trying to fight despite the rules being stacked so soundly against him. He remained one of the country’s most popular professional wrestlers and even enjoyed a career in Japan’s parliament. Without missing a beat, he quickly resumed his series of fights against other martial artists who were apparently all more comfortable with the “worked” environment of pro wrestling. Among his “victims” was none other than Leon Spinks, presumably serving as some sort of vindication for his draw with Ali. The popularity of these matches led to a number of promotions that were essentially hybrids of martial arts and pro wrestling, and these led to the big Japanese MMA promotions of today.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and World Cup betting sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Tags : boxing, celebrities, entertainment, history, hobbies, leisure, mixed martial arts, MMA, recreation, Sports, Travel, UFC

Former Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson got revenge on the team that let him go in the best possible way. Benson amassed 189 yards rushing and led his new team, the Cincinnati Bengals, to a 45-10 rout over the visiting Bears on Sunday. Carson Palmer threw for five touchdowns with no interceptions in the blowout victory.

The Bengals also made short work of the NFL pointspread, easily covering as +1′ home underdogs. Cincinnati improved to 4-3 against the number while Chicago evened their ATS mark at 3-3. The 55 combined points sailed OVER the posted total of 42′.

A smug Benson described his feelings after the win:

“Everybody knew it was going to be an emotional day. Everybody knew. What a wonderful day and a wonderful thing, to go out there and strut your stuff.”

Despite the evidence to the contrary, Benson downplayed the motive of revenge:

“I continue to be as graceful as I can be. I’m not shoving anything in anybody’s face. Like I say, it wasn’t a revenge day for me. I just wanted to take advantage of the opportunities.”

He said his biggest problem was trying to keep his emotions in check and play under control:

“There were a few times where I may have gotten a little too hyped up, a little too antsy. A couple of drives, I found myself having to calm myself down and gather my emotions to stay poised. Once I got past that, we were good to go. Keep it rolling.”

Bengals’ receiver Chad Ochocinco had 10 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. He shared his thoughts postgame:

“I don’t understand why it went this way today and why it didn’t go that way last week or the week before that. The offensive line played unbelievable. For Ced to run the way he did today and for us to be able to throw, we could have done what we wanted to do.”

Chicago gave up more points than in any game all season, a fact that left defensive end Alex Brown looking for answers:

“That was pretty embarrassing. It’s embarrassing to come out and play like that. I tip my hat to their whole team. Cedric ran the ball like crazy. They did whatever they wanted to do.”

The Bengals will enjoy a bye week before hosting the Baltimore Ravens on November 8. They’ll then play two games on the road at Pittsburgh and Oakland. Chicago will try to get back on track this Sunday as they host the Cleveland Browns. They’ll host the Arizona Cardinals the following Sunday before heading west for a Thursday night game against the San Francisco 49ers on November 12.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

Tags : entertainment, gambling, leisure, NFL, recreation, Sports

Some great information about some of the best movies that you may have never heard of is right here. The Seniors – 4 collegians open a counterfeit sex hospital, which mushrooms into a multi million dollar conglomerate. The movie is alternately stupid and sarcastic, with some benign nudity thrown in. Cast includes Jeffrey Byron, Gary Imhof, Dennis Quaid, Lou Richards, PrisciIla Barnes, Alan Reed, Edward Andrews, Robert Emhardl, and Alan Hewitt. (87 minutes, 1978)

Deliverance – This is an outstanding re-creation of the Dickey novel of 4 Atlanta businessmen who get more than they can handle throughout a weekend canoe trip. McKinney and Coward are two of the most horrific film scoundrels in history. The “Dueling Banjos” scene is very memorable. Film debuts of Beatty and Cox. James Dickey adjusted his own novel, and appears in the film as a sheriff. Ed O’Neill appears as a freeway watcher near end of film. Cast includes Cast includes Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox, Billy McKinney, Herbert “Cowboy” Coward, and James Dickey. (109 minutes, 1972)

Dracula Dead and Loving It – Dracula gets the Mel Brooks treatment in this mockery movie which invests so much time retelling the recognizable Transylvanian’s tale it forgets to be ridiculous. There are some good minutes for Brooks’ fans, but just not enough. Cast includes Leslie Nielsen, Peter MacNicol, Steven Weber, Amy Beck, Charlie Callas, and Anne Bancroft. (90 minutes, 1995)

Inglorious Bastards – 5 cadets getting ready to be court-martialed in WW2 take off and try to make their way through France, wanting to get to the Swiss border. Cast includes Ian Bannen, Bo Svenson, Fred Williamson, Peter Hooten, and Michael Pergolani. (100 minutes, 1978)

No Down Payment – Topical suburban soap opera of entangling complications of few young wedded couples. Cast includes Joanne Woodward, Jeffrey Hunter, Sheree North, Tony Randall, Cameron Mitchell, Patricia Owens, Barbara Hurry, and Pat Hingle. (105 minutes, 1957)

The Curse of the Cat People – Follow-up to Cat People builds incredible surroundings in tale of poor little girl who summons up vision of Simon, her father’s weird first spouse. Bodeen Prudent’s prompting debut and is additionally obtainable in pc-colored rendition Hex of the Red Altar. Cast includes Gunther von Fritsch, Robert Prudent, Simone Simon, Kent Smith, Jane Randolph, Ann Carter, and Julia Dean. (70 minutes, 1944)

Holiday in Mexico – Involving, well cast musical comedy of baby girl of ambassador dropping for professional musician. Cast includes Walter Pidgeon, Ilona Massey, Roddy McDowall, Jose Iturbi, Xavier Cugat, and Jane Powell. (127 minutes, 1946)

Rubin and Ed – Odd odyssey of 2 gentlemen on a mission to bury a dead cat. Can they ever find the right spot? Glover once made a notorious appearance on David Letterman’s Television show playing the identical personality he does here. Cast includes Crispin Glover, Howard Hesseman, Karen Black, Michael Green, and Brittney Lewis. (92 minutes, 1992)

Underworld – Evolution – The war between the Werewolves and the Vampires rage on. Now we look back to the beginning, and see how the argument between the two races began. A argument that started way in the past is about to be brought into the present day to conclude here.

Cry “Havoc” – Girl volunteers join some frustrated American nurses on struggling island of Baton throughout WW2. Exposes its level causes and integrates probable stereotypes, however additionally presents pretty candid image of battle. Robert Mitchum has a small part as a dying cadet. Cast includes Margaret Sullivan, Joan Blondell, Ann Sothern, Fay Bainter, Marsha Hunt, and Ella Raines.

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Motion pictures have been around for decades but it has only been in the past 30 years that we have been able to love motion pictures at home. There are millions and millions of videos/DVD’s etc. bought and rented in America every month but now it can be even more simple because it is now workable to download movies immediately to your computer right from your residence. So pick from the list below and enjoy!

The Choirboys – Supposedly joke adventures of LA. Cops who relieve work pressures by raunchy doings. This is a Foul-mouthed, foul-minded, heavy handed film from book by Joseph Wambaugh, who disavowed this turkey. Cast includes Charles Durning, Louis Gossett, Jr., Perry Baron, Clyde Kusatsu, Stephen Macht, Tim McIntire, Randy Quaid, Don Stroud, and James Woods. (119 minutes, 1977)

Jack of Diamonds – Hamilton plays a cat burglar who pillages jewelry from Baker, Gabor, and Palmer, who are “special guests” in this movie. Evade this one and wait for “To Catch a Robber” to be shown. Cast includes George Hamilton, Joseph Cotten, Marie Laforet, Maurice Evans, Carroll Baker, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and Lilli Palmer. (67 minutes, 1967)

Kill or Be Killed – Karate champions lock limbs as ex-Nazi tutor wants payback contrary to Japanese counterpart who bested him in a contest throughout WW2. This is a cut above the archetypal martial arts fodder. Cast includes James Ryan, Norman Combes, Charlotte Michelle, and Danie DuPlessis. (90 minutes, 1980)

Thief of Baghdad – Reeves looks for the mysterious blue rose so he could wed the Sultan’s baby girl. This is nothing like the Sabu rendition, although this is a fine piece of work. Cast includes Steve Reeves, Giorgia Moll, Arturo Dominici, and Edy Vessel. (90 minutes, 1961)

Down Argentine Way – Entertaining 20th Century Fox musical with Grable in the motion picture that raised her to prominence falling in love with slick Argentinean horse breeder Ameche. Miranda is fantastic in her first American movie, acting infectious Brazilian melodies with her own band and look out for the Nicholas Brothers, who do a dynamite forte number. Picture postcard color all the way through. Cast includes Don Ameche, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda, Charlotte Wood, Carrol Naish, Henry Stephenson, and Leonid Kinskey. (90 minutes, 1940)

Scream 3 – As the title implies this is the third motion picture in the Scream series. Sydney has run away to Northern California, and is in hiding. Back in L.A. they are filming a motion picture about Sydney’s life. When there are a series of murders on the set of the film, Sydney must return to L.A. and help the cops find the killer.

Liar Liar – Fletcher Reede is a hard working lawyer who is always disappointing his wonderful young son. Ultimately, before blowing out the candles at his birthday, Max makes his wish. He wants his father to not be able to lie for one whole day. The outcomes are extremely amusing.

The General – One of Keaton’s most excellent silent motion pictures, setting comedy different to real Civil Battle tale of a stolen train, and Union spies. Not as whimsical as other Keaton films, even if wonderfully finished. Cast includes Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Cavender, Jim Farley, and Joseph Keaton. (100 minutes, 1984)

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Traffic accidents that have the highest rate of severe injuries are usually caused by someone who was perpetrating some speeding offences. This and driving while under the influence are some of the higher causes of traffic deaths on the roads today. Just because your car can go faster does not mean you have to do it.

Going too fast and not adhering to the posted speed limit is not cool it is unsafe. You could cause a very serious car wreck and be killed or injured yourself or the worse thing you cold cause the death of an innocent person due o your recklessness and then their would not be only speeding fines to contend with but also vehicular manslaughter charges as well.

You will get a citation either as you are pulled over by the officer or within a set amount of time for a date at court to be set. Sometimes if the law was not broken by a certain mileage rate then you may be able to give the officer the money for the fine on the spot.

Speeding excessively over the limit posted on the motorway or streets can give you jail time and suspension from driving or just the license suspension for a cited period of time. This all is according to exactly how much over the speed limit you were traveling when you were caught.

You will then face a judge and they will determine whether you can keep your driving license or whether it should be suspended at that time for a certain amount of time. They may also make you take a driving course for safety and you will have to pay a larger fine as well.

Being a safe driver is important not only for teens just starting out but for us adults too. Why put yourself in a position to potentially lose your license or worse your own life or that of loved ones in the vehicle with you or cause serious harm to someone who was abiding the posted limits and obeying all traffic laws?

Speeding offences are not worth the problems they could cause even if you think no one will see you or no one will get hurt.

Do you have many Speeding Offences on your record? If you do you may have to locate some Driving Legal Advice. Make sure you aren’t required to pay more than you really should with the best help today!

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