Gil Martinez Blog: Early Christmas Presents

I caught Saturday night’s Strikeforce event. Strange as this may sound, I’m pretty sure Cristiane Santos could beat some of the male 145-pounders. No, not anybody in the Top 20 or so, but I think she could probably take some a few guys out there. They talked about doing a fight with Ronda Rousey, maybe at a catchweight. I think at 135 it would be a good fight because I don’t think Ronda is big enough to go up to 145. I think Ronda being inexperienced on her feet benefits “Cyborg” because most girls who strike with her don’t do so well. Santos is a finisher as well and when she has someone hurt, she doesn’t mess around. Ronda is super slick and quick on the ground though.

I thought Gilbert Melendez deserved the decision and I’d originally picked him to win too. I thought he out-struck Jorge Masvidal who waited too long to really get going. The fifth round was the closest frame by far. I didn’t think Masvidal used his reach the proper way. Melendez was a lot busier and throwing combinations and I definitely think he won the fight.

I also saw the “Super Six” boxing bout between Andre Ward and Carl Froch. I knew Ward would be too fast and slick for Froch and he out-boxed him every round. Still, I was a bit shocked Ward got out so easy. I thought Froch would do a better job coming forward and saying, “Screw it, I gotta make this a rough fight” because there was no way he could out-box Ward.

Highlights of Ward vs. Forch

A few of my amateurs from the gym also had fights this past weekend. I’m very proud of my boxers, who went 3-0 this past Saturday. The last five fights we’re 5-0 and who knows before that since I never really kept track. They have never let me down though. We had some tough fights and I thought the match-ups favored the other person with experience and weight but these guys went out there and looked amazing. I’m very proud of them. These kids are going to be making noise in the future when they turn pro. I couldn’t ask for anything more from them.

The other big topic this week is of course Christmas. I’m almost done with my holiday shopping. Just a couple more people that are hard to shop, it’s driving me nuts. Unfortunately I can’t just get them gift cards.

I’m looking forward to Christmas and spending time with the family. The gym is going to be closed for most of the week. I’m taking it easy for Christmas. Just hanging out with the family and resting up. We still have to get ready for New Year’s Eve!
I’m not very materialistic so some of the best gifts have just been presents from my kids. It didn’t have to be anything major, just more of who it comes from. The worst gift was probably like socks.

I got a great gift from Michael Chandler though, who is back in Missouri. He sent me a package and I wasn’t sure I was supposed to open it before Christmas but I went ahead anyway. He sent me this amazing watch that he had engraved and it means a lot to me. He got it engraved based on his title-win against Eddie Alvarez, and I just want to thank him; to let him know that I appreciate it and I wish him the best for this upcoming year. He had a great 2011 and 2012 is going to be even better. He sent me some other stuff as well like a picture of us and the team after the fight and some coasters with the picture on it. Mike is such a super nice kid and I’m truly glad to have met him and be part of his team.

That’s it for this week. Until next time, as always, make sure to keep up with me on Twitter (@mastermitter) and make sure to have the happiest of holidays!