With Bellator 97 on tap tonight (Weds., July 31, 2013), Viacom and Spike TV are putting out some smart programming to drum up interest in the second largest mixed martial arts (MMA) organization in the United States.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title contender, Nate Quarry, has branched out from his duties on "MMA Uncensored Live," doing double duty as the host of the newly created show dubbed, "Round By Round."
The first episode, which featured Bellator Welterweight champion Ben Askren, appeared a few days ago and has since been posted on SPIKE's website right here. And it's actually well worth the 15 minutes of your time.
Askren isn't exactly the most impartial observer of his own fight with "Psycho" Karl Amoussou back at Bellator 86, but it is certainly worth sifting through the hype and ego to get some good insights into various little things to which only he is privy. "Funky" completely no-sells the heel hook attempt from Amoussou from the second round, points out his dislocated toe that he pops back into place later and the importance about "putting a stamp" on someone by picking up a finish (he has just one to his credit in the past three years).
Also worth noting is Askren's take on his upcoming challenger, Andrey Koreshkov, whom he will fight on a fairly stacked card that also features Lightweight champion Michael Chandler versus "Caveman" David Rickels, "King Mo" Muhammed Lawal versus Jacob Noe in the Light Heavyweight tournament finale and Ryan Martinez versus Vitaly Minakov in the finals of the heavyweight tournament.
Of course, MMAmania.com will have complete LIVE Bellator 97 results later this evening. In the meantime, go check out "Round By Round" when you have a few free minutes right here.