Tennis Tangent – Episode 1

Mark Kalriess    Podcast Episode, Tennis     Andy Roddick, ATP, Bethanie Mattek, Caroline Wozniacki, John Isner, Mardy Fish, Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic, Podcast, Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling, Roger Federer, Sam Querrey, Serena Williams, Tennis, Tennis Tangent, Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka, WTA

IvanAndreevich

Hello everyone, Mark here. This is the beginning of a little experiment. I am going to release one podcast a week for the next four weeks, each on different topic. This first one is about tennis. The other planned podcasts are about MMA, DC United, and sports videogaming. We get good response when we cover these topics. However, I am the only member of Washington Sportsjam very interested in them so they will be solo shows. The most popular one will become a regular monthly podcast to complement the regular Washington Sportsjam podcast.

There will be a poll going up once all of the podcasts have been released but you can let me know what you think at mark@washingtonsportjam.com.

Episode 1 Topics

Recap of Sony Ericsson Finals

Preview of the clay court season

Update on the Americans in the Top 50

Update 4/28/11: Check out the Tennis Tangent on iTunes!

Episode 48 – The April Fool’s Show?

Mark Kalriess    Podcast Episode     2011 NHL Playoffs Preview, Andray Blatche, Bellator, Braden Holtby, Caps regain first place in Southeaster divison, Charlie Davies, DC United, DC United 2011 Season Preview, flip saunders, JaVale McGee, Jon "Bones" Jones, Michael Neuvirth, MMA, Nationals 2011 Season Preview, Redskins 2011 Draft Preview, Semyon Varlamov, UFC, UFC 128, Washington Capitals, Washington Nationals, Washington Redskins, Washington Wizards, Wizards play 5 Rookies, Yi Jianlian

Mark is joined by Tom Threlkeld from DC Pro Sports Report for a discussion on the Redskins Draft,the Caps playoff chances, the Nats, Wizards, and United rebuilding efforts, and some MMA talk! Please check out Tom’s site at DC Pro Sports Report!

Please remember to vote and rate us on iTunes! Or if you’re not using iTunes as your podcast manager subscribe through the feed!

Redskins

• Tom from DC Pro Sports Report previews of the Redskins draft and a breakdown of their needs

Capitals

• Caps regain 1st place in the Southeastern Divison, clinch playoff spot
• Goaltending carousel – Holtby goes back and forth from Hershey to DC. Neuvirth appears to be the starter for the playoffs?
• With recent injuries and the goalies returning from inactivity will the Caps be healthy enough for the playoffs?

Wizards

• Flip tries outs 5 Rookies on the floor
• Do the Wiz have the right pieces in place for rebuilding?

MMA

• UFC Parent company Zuffa buys only remaining American rival Strikeforce
• Bellator Championships debut on MTV2
• Jon Jones beat Shogun Hua to become youngest UFC champion ever

MLB

• Preview of the Nats upcoming season

United

• United signs Charlie Davies
• Does United have the right pieces in places to rebuild?

Washington Sportsjam MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings: April 2011 Edition

Mark Kalriess    Articles, MMA     Alistair Overeem, Anderson "the Spider" Silva, Bellator, Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez, Dominick Cruz, Frankie Edgar, Georges St-Pierre, Gilbert Melendez, Jon "Bones" Jones, Jose Aldo, Maurico "Shogun" Rua, MMA, Nick Diaz, Pound-for-Pound Rankings, Shane Carwin, Strikeforce, UFC, Washington Sportsjam Pound-for-Pound MMA Rankings April 2011, WEC

Hello, welcome to the first edition of the Washington Sportsjam Pound-for-Pound MMA Rankings! Let me spell out the ground-rules before we get to our list.

Number one, we are only concerned with fighters in the UFC, Strikeforce, or Bellator organizations, the major North American fight labels .We’re a local blog, I’m one man and don’t have time to watch every Japanese fight.  Number two, only current belt-holders are eligible for the list, if you’re not the best in your weight class you’re not the best in pound-for-pound either. I know there could be many exceptions to this rule but it makes the creation of this list much easier. And lastly, a fighter must have been active in the last twelve months.

Ryan Mallard/flickr

This first list is dominated by the UFC, I’m going to start following Strikeforce and Bellator much more closely so this list could change drastically or expand to 10 spots.

1. Anderson Silva (UFC Middleweight Champion, Record 28-4)

The “Spider” is an easy pick here, being the most dominant UFC champion of all-time. Since winning the UFC Middleweight belt in 2006 Silva has defended it a record of eight times ( He has also won 13 consecutive fights in the UFC). Until someone can dethrone him and take his belt, he owns this spot.

2. Georges St-Pierre (UFC Weltweight Champion, Record 22-4)

It could be argued that St-Pierre has been an even more dominant champion. Since reclaiming his undisputed championship he has completely destroyed his opponents in his six title defenses. However six in a row is not eight in a row.

3. Jose Aldo (UFC Featherweight Champion, Record 18-1)

Since his WEC debut Aldo has been on a tear. No one in the division seems to be anywhere near his level. He’s got quickness in the stand-up to avoid shots and land his own and has great ground-and-pound. Most of all he’s a brilliant tactician who never engages in a disadvantageous position and always finds an opponent’s weak spot.

4. Jon Jones (UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Record 13-1)

Jones has looked unstoppable since he joined the UFC but many thought he would look more human once he fought the elite fighters. Turns out he doesn’t. He made just as quick work of former champ Shogun Hua as he did every other fighter he’s faced. While he still has to prove he can defend the title, he’s on a hot-streak right now and looks unbeatable.

5. Cain Velasquez (UFC Heavyweight Champion, Record 9-0)

After the reign of the hulking Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar, Velaszquez proved that winning in the UFC required more than strength, power, and wrestling top-control. When Velasquez defeated Lesnar he proved that he was better all-around fighter than Brock and that he could contest with anyone in any aspect of a fight. There are a few UFC Heavyweights in his same class, but he’ll be a hard guy to take a belt from.

Other fighters in consideration: Dominick Cruz,Nick Diaz,Frankie Edgar, Gilbert Melendez, Alistair Overeem