When Japanese manga-ka Hajime Isayama first wrote and illustrated "Attack on Titan" for serialized monthly publication in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine, he had no idea that it would go on to become an international mega-hit. Basing the manga storyline on a one-shot prototype he had written when he was 19, Isayama spent years fleshing out the dangerous, combat-prone world of "Attack on Titan," where massive, man-eating beasts named Titans terrorize and devour humans. Isayama took inspiration for these giant humanoid antagonists from various sources — some aspects were a natural evolution of his pre-school sketches, while others were inspired by contemporary serialized manga, including Tsutomu Nihei's "Knights of Sidonia." However, in a 2014 interview with culture magazine Brutus, Isayama clarified that his Titans were based on Mma-themed magazines, along with several real-life WWE and UFC fighters, and mixed-martial artists.
As Isayama's Titans stand out due to their massive, rugged appearance and enhanced physicality,...
As Isayama's Titans stand out due to their massive, rugged appearance and enhanced physicality,...
- 4/2/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
The Wsof has had a string of successes of late, including a deal with NBC TV that will get a couple of their shows on network television. There’s big things ahead for the company, who now have arguably as many notable names on their roster as Bellator, thanks to picking up former Ufc fighters including Jon Fitch, Yushin Okami, Jake Shields, Melvin Guillard, Rousmir Palhares and others.
They’re the number three Mma promotion in the world at the moment, and have branched out into other countries (there’s Wsof Canada, Central America, and Japan), setting the stage for an eventual true world series of Mma. The Ufc and the Wsof have maintained a pretty civil relationship thus far, in comparison to the Ufc’s tumultuous public relations with number two Mma promotion Bellator, and to date the Ufc has brought back a couple of big names that had...
They’re the number three Mma promotion in the world at the moment, and have branched out into other countries (there’s Wsof Canada, Central America, and Japan), setting the stage for an eventual true world series of Mma. The Ufc and the Wsof have maintained a pretty civil relationship thus far, in comparison to the Ufc’s tumultuous public relations with number two Mma promotion Bellator, and to date the Ufc has brought back a couple of big names that had...
- 6/27/2014
- by Jay Anderson
- Obsessed with Film
Reed Saxon/AP/Press Association Images
Despite the numerous controversies which still exist in the sport of Mma and more specifically its premier promotion the Ufc today, anybody who has been a fan since the days of Royce Gracie, Don Fry and Ken Shamrock will know just how far the sport has come. Gone are the days of the post-fight battle royals between the trainers, the plans to have the Octagon surrounded by a moat filled with crocodiles and when the rules didn’t prohibit Keith Hackney from smashing Joe Son’s testicles. Now all bouts are sanctioned by a governing state athletic commission, all fighters are required to take part in thorough random drugs tests and a unified set of rules prevent potentially dangerous attacks like kicking the head of a grounded opponent. Since those early days the Ufc has transformed from a spectacle to a legitimate, bona fide sport.
Despite the numerous controversies which still exist in the sport of Mma and more specifically its premier promotion the Ufc today, anybody who has been a fan since the days of Royce Gracie, Don Fry and Ken Shamrock will know just how far the sport has come. Gone are the days of the post-fight battle royals between the trainers, the plans to have the Octagon surrounded by a moat filled with crocodiles and when the rules didn’t prohibit Keith Hackney from smashing Joe Son’s testicles. Now all bouts are sanctioned by a governing state athletic commission, all fighters are required to take part in thorough random drugs tests and a unified set of rules prevent potentially dangerous attacks like kicking the head of a grounded opponent. Since those early days the Ufc has transformed from a spectacle to a legitimate, bona fide sport.
- 5/15/2014
- by Sam Heard
- Obsessed with Film
There are plenty of illusions in sports that fans allow to assume reality. We’re all guilty of, at one time or another, telling ourselves that this year is the year for our team. I know I’ve convinced myself on numerous occasions that my team’s latest acquisition would not be a bust even though he is known as an underachiever. And who hasn’t truly believed that their guy could defeat the heavy favorite? That’s what being a sports fan is all about. There is one misconception, however, that we all happily accept as truth because, without it, sports would mean nothing. We can’t be faulted for accepting the blatant deception as athletes themselves fall victim to it from time to time. The professional sports that we live and breathe are not sports at all. They are all businesses that make business-driven decisions to attract the casual fan.
- 3/1/2013
- by Mitchell Stucky
- Obsessed with Film
The Ufc returns to Japan this weekend with another Fuel TV card and, in truth, this one is pretty freaking stacked from top to bottom. For the complete preview of the card, including Facebook prelims, fellow WhatCulture.com columnist, Mitchell Stucky, joined me on the Getting Lucky Mma Podcast (E030). Main card preview below.
Main Card Preview
Dong Hyun Kim (16-2-1, 1) vs. Siyar Bahadurzada (21-4-1), Ww: Kim is a world class grappler and judoka, which was evident in his utter dismantling of Paulo Thiago, Bjj black belt, on the ground back at Ufc: Macao. The only people to defeat Kim are Demian Maia, the best Bjj master in all of mixed martial arts, and Carlos Condit, a fighter that is surprisingly effective in his offense from the guard and extremely well rounded in all areas.
Siyar makes a great story as an Afghan fighter with tremendous power, 11 KOs.
Main Card Preview
Dong Hyun Kim (16-2-1, 1) vs. Siyar Bahadurzada (21-4-1), Ww: Kim is a world class grappler and judoka, which was evident in his utter dismantling of Paulo Thiago, Bjj black belt, on the ground back at Ufc: Macao. The only people to defeat Kim are Demian Maia, the best Bjj master in all of mixed martial arts, and Carlos Condit, a fighter that is surprisingly effective in his offense from the guard and extremely well rounded in all areas.
Siyar makes a great story as an Afghan fighter with tremendous power, 11 KOs.
- 2/28/2013
- by Robert Curtis
- Obsessed with Film
Ariel Helwani has just reported that Joey Beltran and Rousimar Palhares both tested positive for illegal substances in their fights back in December. Palhares faced off against Hector Lombard (32-3-1) and lost in the first round due to a Tko.
The failed test has only served to further the bad blood between the two fighters. Prior to the fight, Toquinho promised to break Lombard’s leg even if his opponent tapped. The Brazilian fighter has a long history of holding his dangerous ankle and leg locks after the fight or match has been decided, sending several Ufc and grappling opponents to the hospital for months of recovery. Even after his loss, Toquinho continued to talk saying the only reason he lost was because he broke his foot on a checked low kick by Lombard.
Palhares had already been knocked down once with a flurry by Lombard before the foot was broken at 1:38 remaining.
The failed test has only served to further the bad blood between the two fighters. Prior to the fight, Toquinho promised to break Lombard’s leg even if his opponent tapped. The Brazilian fighter has a long history of holding his dangerous ankle and leg locks after the fight or match has been decided, sending several Ufc and grappling opponents to the hospital for months of recovery. Even after his loss, Toquinho continued to talk saying the only reason he lost was because he broke his foot on a checked low kick by Lombard.
Palhares had already been knocked down once with a flurry by Lombard before the foot was broken at 1:38 remaining.
- 1/11/2013
- by Robert Curtis
- Obsessed with Film
The Ufc finished off 2012 in grand style as Cain Velasquez (11-1) retook his Heavyweight title from the very man that won it off of him a year ago, Junior Dos Santos (15-2). In episode 013 of the Getting Lucky Mma podcast, I am joined again by co-host Marcus Mitchell to review all the action and the low points of Ufc 155. In part 1, we review all of the prelims on the Facebook and FX undercards. On part 2, we move on to the main card.
Ufc 155 Prelim Review
Ufc 155 Main Card Review
Episode (#013) Summary
Facebook Card: The card started out with an exciting Flyweight match-up with John Moraga (12-1) taking a third round submission over #7 ranked Chris Cariaso (14-4). This certainly puts Moraga solidly into the top ten and likely puts him a fight away from being a true contender.
They were followed by split decision king, Leonard Garcia (15-10-1) against upcoming prospect Max Holloway (7-1). Surprisingly,...
Ufc 155 Prelim Review
Ufc 155 Main Card Review
Episode (#013) Summary
Facebook Card: The card started out with an exciting Flyweight match-up with John Moraga (12-1) taking a third round submission over #7 ranked Chris Cariaso (14-4). This certainly puts Moraga solidly into the top ten and likely puts him a fight away from being a true contender.
They were followed by split decision king, Leonard Garcia (15-10-1) against upcoming prospect Max Holloway (7-1). Surprisingly,...
- 12/31/2012
- by Robert Curtis
- Obsessed with Film
In episode #012, we’re back to preview the upcoming Ufc pay-per-view event, Ufc 155: Dos Santos vs. Velasquez 2. I’m joined by my co-host, Marcus Mitchell, as we delve into the Facebook prelims, the FX prelims, and finally the main card in what is sure to be contender for the best of the year.
Episode Summary: There are several jewels hidden away in the undercard that are definitely worth watching. One of the very best is the Flyweight match-up between John Moraga (11-1) and #7 Chris Cariaso (14-3). Both of these fighters love to stand and bang. You can expect fireworks, but we give the slight edge to Moraga with his high level wrestling pedigree.
Next comes Leonard Garcia (15-9-1) vs. Max Holloway (6-1) in a Featherweight match-up. Garcia has lost three straight and his most recent wins have come off of highly controversial split decisions over the Korean Zombie and Nam Phan.
Episode Summary: There are several jewels hidden away in the undercard that are definitely worth watching. One of the very best is the Flyweight match-up between John Moraga (11-1) and #7 Chris Cariaso (14-3). Both of these fighters love to stand and bang. You can expect fireworks, but we give the slight edge to Moraga with his high level wrestling pedigree.
Next comes Leonard Garcia (15-9-1) vs. Max Holloway (6-1) in a Featherweight match-up. Garcia has lost three straight and his most recent wins have come off of highly controversial split decisions over the Korean Zombie and Nam Phan.
- 12/27/2012
- by Robert Curtis
- Obsessed with Film
On Saturday the Ufc will return to the spiritual home of mixed martial arts for only the third time in its history, and it augurs well for Ufc 142 that on the previous two occasions upon which the organisation has visited South America, the results were spectacular.
It is well known that the Ufc was founded by the legendary no holds barred fighting family, the Gracie’s; however, it had been twelve years since the last event in Brazil when middleweight champion fought Yushin Okami at Ufc 134 and his performance- and the event as a whole- were regarded as among the finest in Mma history.
Little wonder then that company president Dana White sought a quick return to Rio, even less that he chose the young Brazilian featherweight phenom, Jose Aldo, for his flagship match-up. As with Ufc 134, a large compliment of Brazilian fighters feature on the cards but- unlike many...
It is well known that the Ufc was founded by the legendary no holds barred fighting family, the Gracie’s; however, it had been twelve years since the last event in Brazil when middleweight champion fought Yushin Okami at Ufc 134 and his performance- and the event as a whole- were regarded as among the finest in Mma history.
Little wonder then that company president Dana White sought a quick return to Rio, even less that he chose the young Brazilian featherweight phenom, Jose Aldo, for his flagship match-up. As with Ufc 134, a large compliment of Brazilian fighters feature on the cards but- unlike many...
- 1/13/2012
- by Ben Szwediuk
- Obsessed with Film
Ufc 122: Marquardt Vs. Okami
Taking place at the Koenig Pilsner Arena in Oberhaunsen, Germany, Ufc 122: Marquardt vs. Okami features the headling middle-weight match between Nate “The Great” Marquardt and Japanese star Yushin “Thunder” Okami, as well as a further nine bouts of devasting, hard-hitting, grapping action – including Dennis Silver vs. Andre Winner, Amir Sadollah vs. Peter Sabatta and Kyle Noke vs. Rob Kimmons.
Having previously enjoyed the long-running television series The Ultimate Fighter I was more than a little interested in watching my first full Ufc title card event (yes, I’m too cheap to pay the sub) but what an introduction into the world of Ufc! Featuring a mix of Us and international fighters, Ufc 122 contains some of the weakest Ufc bouts I’ve had the misfortune to see… With none of the “big” names in attendance for this German Ufc outing, it was left to some...
Taking place at the Koenig Pilsner Arena in Oberhaunsen, Germany, Ufc 122: Marquardt vs. Okami features the headling middle-weight match between Nate “The Great” Marquardt and Japanese star Yushin “Thunder” Okami, as well as a further nine bouts of devasting, hard-hitting, grapping action – including Dennis Silver vs. Andre Winner, Amir Sadollah vs. Peter Sabatta and Kyle Noke vs. Rob Kimmons.
Having previously enjoyed the long-running television series The Ultimate Fighter I was more than a little interested in watching my first full Ufc title card event (yes, I’m too cheap to pay the sub) but what an introduction into the world of Ufc! Featuring a mix of Us and international fighters, Ufc 122 contains some of the weakest Ufc bouts I’ve had the misfortune to see… With none of the “big” names in attendance for this German Ufc outing, it was left to some...
- 3/12/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
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