Weekend Hot Clicks
Frightening Fight Night
Weekend Hot Clicks
UFC 168's hyped rematch between defending champion Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva ended with the sport's greatest fighter ever, Silva, leaving on a stretcher and screaming in agony after shattering his lower leg against Weidman's knee early in the second round. Silva immediately dropped to the mat in anguish; the injury may end the 38-year-old's remarkable career, depending on the prognosis and his motivation to fight again. If you couldn't stomach the Kevin Ware injury, this gruesome Vine and animated GIF aren't for you. If you looked and now can't unsee what you saw, check out these adorable baby polar bears, courtesy @MayorBurnsy.
The most electrifying fight of the night was actually the final undercard, the women's bantamweight championship. Miesha Tate became the first Ronda Rousey opponent to survive the first round, though Tate eventually wound up as yet another notch on Rousey's Arm Bar Victim belt. Fireworks followed the fight, too, as Rousey refused to shake Tate's hand, citing Tate's alleged insults about her family. Honorable mention: Heavyweight Travis Browne's knockout of favorite Josh Barnett with a maneuver that looks like a terrifying version of a dance move you might expect from a guy who doesn't know how to dance but insists on rocking out anyway (via r/mma).
Jesse Palmer (Seriously) Saved Chris Fowler's Life
The college football play of the day was Palmer's Heimlich maneuver during halftime at the Pinstripe Bowl: The former Bachelor bachelor sprung into action when he saw Fowler with a "panicked look" on his face. Fowler, who had been choking on dry chicken, expressed his gratitude, and also thanked God that not even Deadspin would find video of the incident.
Bowl Blowout Round-up
There were four bowl games Saturday and only one remained a contest in the second half, so let's get right to the good stuff ... "GUYS, I'M GOING IN!!!" said this determined referee (I imagine) before getting swallowed by a pile of players fighting for the ball ... Louisville punter John Wallace got flagged for a personal foul for this flurry of punches to a Hurricane player's helmeted head ... The Belk Bowl dance ... The Pinstripe Bowl-winning Irish performed the NaeNae dance ... This 'Cane fan dressed as Bane ... Ridiculous throw by Teddy Bridgewaterin what was likely his last college game ... UNC head coach Larry Fedora channelled not only Drake but also his inner Tony D'Amatoin his pre-game pep talk.
Self-Loathing Bowl Game
If there's any doubt that UFC 168 was king of Saturday night, behold this sign at a Buffalo Wild Wings, and several reports about the restaurant chain's unwillingness to tune its own TVs to ... the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.
Lovely Lady Of The Day
Weekend Hot Clicks
Today's LLOD is the brunette half of the FOX Sports Florida Girls, Brazilian model/host/actress Jordana DePaula. Think of her as a sportier but still completely unattainable version of fellow Brazilian stunner Alessandra Ambrosio. You can follow Jordana on Instagram and Twitter, and see more photos at her website.
NFL Playoffs: Help Wanted
You're going to need an abacus to figure out the AFC tie-breaker scenarios, but in the NFC, the Arizona Cardinals know exactly what they need and ain't too proud to beg.
That'll Leave a Mark
More proof last night that hockey players are the toughest: The Devils' Travis Zajac scored a game-winner with a deflection off his FACE. Elsewhere, the Red Wings' Dan Cleary pulled out his own tooth on the bench.
Durant Back at the Mic
This isn't KD's first foray into rap, but he's got a lot of records to go before he can touch Shaq Diesel. (Durant's earlier work is here.)
Ill-Advised Teaser
Give me four Carson Palmer interceptions in Seattle and 100 time out of 100 I'd say that's a decisive Seahawks victory. Not so last week. Clearly I'm better at persistence than prognosticating, so I'm going to just go ahead and fire away in Week 17.
The other half of last week's teaser, the Bengals, did deliver, and I'm dialing them up again, at home against the Ravens. Cincy (-6.5) is 7-0 at Paul Brown Stadium this year and can still earn a first-round bye with a win and a Patriots loss, while Baltimore (2-5 away) has struggled through the entire season, got held to just 189 yards in its first meeting with the Bengals, and, in case you missed it, this is still the same season in which a Baltimore beat writer said Ray Ricelooked like a "little kid in a snow suit" running in the open field. I'm staying in the division for the other pick: Pittsburgh (-6.5), hosting the Brownies. Steelers can still make the playoffs with a lot of help and at least finish the season 8-8 with a W. The Browns have won one game in their last 10, Pittsburgh is 5-0 straight up in its last five home games versus Cleveland, and I just refuse to believe the Browns march into Heinz Field and win this one, which is the same stellar logic that delivered last week's teaser loss. So it's: Bengals -0.5, Steelers -0.5. (Season: 3-5)
By the way, follow me on Twitter and send tips to basmiley [at] gmail [dot] com. If you want even more, check out out ’70s glam rocker Brett Smiley and politician Brett Smiley, who’s currently running for mayor of Providence, Rhode Island.
Odds & Ends
The best Extra Mustard stories from the past week … Fiery Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig seems to have a penchant for excessive speed ... Check out what the Czech Republic's Michael Plutnar did to a linesman at the World Junior Championships ... The Cavaliers have suspended Andrew Bynum, which may or may not halt the Andrew Bynum Fathead giveaway scheduled for today ... Metta World Peaceclaimed he is an alien with a galactic mind and galactic friends ... Louisville's Russ Smith GIFterized Kentucky's Julius Randle ... According to Terez Owens, LeBron James' mother Gloria is going to marry her rapper boyfriend ... Sledding at Fenway ... Ever wonder what a bunch of NFL-ers look like trying to catch some shuteye on a flight? Wonder no more thanks to DeAngelo Williams.
Dad Gives Daughter Wrong Jersey
This latest "wrong jersey" prank is still funny because this little girl does not pout, but rages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpXPb64rWM
CNN Host Piers Morgan Wrecked By Cricket Player
Give Morgan credit for having the courage to step up after ragging on his nation's cricket team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ePx61TkXKY#t=89
The Best of Anderson Silva
A sampling, for anyone new to the sport.
