Shopping Cart (As 2011 is rapidly coming to an end, Silver Star looks back on some of the most epic MMA battles of the year. Due to the subjective nature of our list, we welcome all readers to tell us what fights YOU would have selected…
UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle, Dan Hardy vs. Chris Lytle
Chris Lytle spent the majority of his career slugging it out in the center of the Octagon, so it is only fitting that his final UFC swan song was a stand-up war with Dan Hardy. After going toe to toe for three rounds, Lytle finished Hardy with a guillotine choke in the final minute of the last round.
UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber, Urijah Faber vs. Dominick Cruz
UFC 132 was the first UFC pay-per-view ever headlined by two bantamweights. Billed as two of the fastest and entertaining athletes in MMA, Cruz and Faber did not disappoint. The two men furiously battled for five rounds until Cruz was ultimately awarded the decision. Luckily, the fans will be treated again when the two men face off for a third time in 2012.
UFC on FOX, Guida vs. Henderson
When the UFC announced that Clay Guida would fight Ben Henderson on the UFC’s network debut, many fans assumed that this would be the perfect fight to introduce the sport to the mainstream. Unfortunately, the fast-paced battle never saw the bright lights of FOX, but those who were smart enough to tune in on Facebook witnessed quite the lightweight war!
Bellator 58, Eddie Alvarez vs. Michael Chandler
Although the #1 spot overshadowed this fight, as they occurred on the same night, Bellator’s lightweight title fight between Eddie Alvarez and Michael Chandler had all the elements of a legendary bout. Chandler swarmed the seemingly unbeatable champion immediately. What ensued was a back and forth fight that saw both competitors within inches of victory. In the fourth round, Chandler did what no other Bellator fighter had previously done and defeated Alvarez via rear naked choke.
Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley, Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley
Although Diaz vs. Daley only lasted one round, the dramatic knockdowns and eventual finish enables it to make the list! With Dana White in attendance, the pressure was on to impress Strikeforce’s new boss. Diaz went on to finish Daley with just seconds left in the first round to retain his welterweight title.
UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann, Diego Sanchez vs. Martin Kampmann
How often are Diego Sanchez and Martin Kampmann in boring fights? When these two hard-hitting and durable welterweights took to the Octagon on Versus, fans were treated to one of the greatest pure slugfests of the year. While Kampmann used his superior striking to keep Sanchez at bay, Diego did his best to turn the scrap into a dogfight. Although Diego won a controversial decision, both men were praised for their display of heart and indomitable spirits.
UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry, Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry
What do you get when you put two of the most gifted heavyweight strikers inside a cage? Apparently one of the most spectacular comeback knockouts of all time. The smaller Barry had Kongo severely hurt on the feet. When Barry rushed Kongo to finish him off, however, Kongo landed a devastating uppercut that put Barry to sleep.
UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones, Jon Jones vs. Shogun Rua
Usually a “Fight of the Year” candidate involves a competitive, back and forth fight. Jones vs. Shogun was not one of those fights. Jon Jones put on a complete clinic, schooling Shogun in both striking and grappling. The beat-down concluded when the referee mercifully saved Shogun from Bone’s onslaught, earning Jones the title of youngest UFC champion ever. This fight showed the true brilliance of Jon Jones and his potential to have an epic title reign.
UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III, Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard
Viewers were experiencing a massive déjà vu when Gray Maynard began pummeling Frankie Edgar in the first round of their third fight. Just like in their second meeting, it appeared that Gray Maynard was about to stop the champion in the first round and take the title. Unfortunately for Maynard, history repeated itself and Edgar had a miraculous recovery; only this time the fight wouldn’t end in a draw. Edgar came back and knocked Maynard out in the fourth round. This win showed the heart and tenacity of Frankie “The Answer” Edgar.
UFC 139: Shogun vs. Henderson, Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio Rua
A fight that easily could have headlined Pride six years ago, Henderson vs. Shogun marked Dan Henderson’s big return to the UFC. The first round saw Henderson within inches of finishing Shogun, just before Shogun recovered and knocked down Hendo. The next four rounds were more of the same, with both Shogun and Henderson having the upper hand at different points. In the last round, fatigue crippled Henderson and allowed Shogun to dominate the 41 year old in the mounted position. Despite a one-sided fifth round, Shogun didn’t do enough to earn a victory. Instead, Dan Henderson made a triumphant return to the UFC and likely put himself in line for a title shot against either Anderson Silva or Jon Jones.
Have any comments or suggestions?
Give us your input on our SILVER STAR FACEBOOK PAGE (www.facebook.com/SilverStarNow)
Adam Kronengold
News/Events
News
Look Back At 2011
Facebook
Twitter
About Silver Star
Silver Star Casting Co. is a lifestyle brand that was born on the streets of So. California. What started as one man’s vision, has become a family affair: Luke Burrett, his wife and co-owner Charis B, and son Jake are the family team whose spirit and drive has made Silver Star a fashion triple threat. With apparel that dominates in action sorts, music and street culture, their love of hard-rocking, fast-driving and heavy-hitting translates into a brand inspired by their So. Cal roots.
Established in 1993, Silver Star Casting Co. originated as a jewelry and accessories line forged exclusively for Hollywood’s elite. Today, the brand is one of the most visible names in mens and women’s fashion. With an unapologetic logo and bold graphics on tees, shorts, hoodies, and jerseys, Silver Star is infused with punk-rock sensibilities that push the fashion envelope. Luke and his family run their company and their lives fueled by the belief that if you live life like a champion, anything is possible. Hard work, determination and a refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer is what Silver Star was built on. The athletes, musicians and members of the Silver Star family are reflections of this ideology, and are proud to wear apparel that is Built for Champions.
Luke Burrett
President and CEO
After dropping out of high school at fifteen, Luke started a car-detailing service that handled the cars of some of the biggest names in the apparel industry. Inspired by their success, he engaged his artistic talent and creativity to make custom jewelry for musicians and established Silver Star Casting Co. Encouraged by Hollywood's response to his jewelry, Luke expanded the company to include screen-printed tees for his friends, and soon Silver Star graduated to a full-fledged fashion and accessories brand dedicated to the So. Cal lifestyle. Luke is the man behind the brand that encourages everyone to go full throttle and live life like a champion. Whether he's cruising Pacific Coast Highway in his 1967 Pontiac Bonneville, meeting with major retailers or scouting for athletes to sponsor, Luke finds inspiration everywhere he goes. His wife and son are firmly planted beside him as he continues his quest to build Silver Star into the hottest premium brand in the business.
Charis B
Vice President
With a background in design and jewelry from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, and the notoriety of being a Playboy Playmate, Charis B. has been a force to be reckoned with at Silver Star since 2003. Integral to every aspect of the family business, Charis provides a unique perspective and prescient feel for apparel and design that stems from her creative talent and experience. While part-owner of Primacy Companies, a dominant force in the music and nightclub scene in Washington D.C, Charis was integral in designing restaurants, clubs and lounges. After the birth of her son, Jake, Charis appeared in Playboy's Book of Lingerie, and was named one of their top 10 models two years in a row. Her spot as a Playboy Cyber Girl with a huge fan following led to her February 2003 Playboy Playmate centerfold spread. Today, Charis is both brand guru, and the voice of reason that keeps the Silver Star machine running. Together the couple strives to translate their passion for travel and adventure, love of action sports, hard-rock and fast vehicles, into a lifestyle brand inspired by, and for, the reckless of all ages and the champion spirit in each of us.
Established in 1993, Silver Star Casting Co. originated as a jewelry and accessories line forged exclusively for Hollywood’s elite. Today, the brand is one of the most visible names in mens and women’s fashion. With an unapologetic logo and bold graphics on tees, shorts, hoodies, and jerseys, Silver Star is infused with punk-rock sensibilities that push the fashion envelope. Luke and his family run their company and their lives fueled by the belief that if you live life like a champion, anything is possible. Hard work, determination and a refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer is what Silver Star was built on. The athletes, musicians and members of the Silver Star family are reflections of this ideology, and are proud to wear apparel that is Built for Champions.
Luke Burrett
President and CEO
After dropping out of high school at fifteen, Luke started a car-detailing service that handled the cars of some of the biggest names in the apparel industry. Inspired by their success, he engaged his artistic talent and creativity to make custom jewelry for musicians and established Silver Star Casting Co. Encouraged by Hollywood's response to his jewelry, Luke expanded the company to include screen-printed tees for his friends, and soon Silver Star graduated to a full-fledged fashion and accessories brand dedicated to the So. Cal lifestyle. Luke is the man behind the brand that encourages everyone to go full throttle and live life like a champion. Whether he's cruising Pacific Coast Highway in his 1967 Pontiac Bonneville, meeting with major retailers or scouting for athletes to sponsor, Luke finds inspiration everywhere he goes. His wife and son are firmly planted beside him as he continues his quest to build Silver Star into the hottest premium brand in the business.
Charis B
Vice President
With a background in design and jewelry from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, and the notoriety of being a Playboy Playmate, Charis B. has been a force to be reckoned with at Silver Star since 2003. Integral to every aspect of the family business, Charis provides a unique perspective and prescient feel for apparel and design that stems from her creative talent and experience. While part-owner of Primacy Companies, a dominant force in the music and nightclub scene in Washington D.C, Charis was integral in designing restaurants, clubs and lounges. After the birth of her son, Jake, Charis appeared in Playboy's Book of Lingerie, and was named one of their top 10 models two years in a row. Her spot as a Playboy Cyber Girl with a huge fan following led to her February 2003 Playboy Playmate centerfold spread. Today, Charis is both brand guru, and the voice of reason that keeps the Silver Star machine running. Together the couple strives to translate their passion for travel and adventure, love of action sports, hard-rock and fast vehicles, into a lifestyle brand inspired by, and for, the reckless of all ages and the champion spirit in each of us.
