Time to move on

After I published the last post on The Cageside Beat recaps, I started taking a look around PreviouslyViewed. In ten days, it will have been three years since I first posted on here. Looking back over some of my old posts, my initial struggle with HTML, how my writing style has changed, the interviews I've done, the live events I've covered....well, it's a lot. But looking back at the amount of posts I've published since I've started, It's obvious that once 2010 hit, PV was no longer my top priority.

I'd like to say that there was some pivotal moment that made me want to start blogging, but looking back, I think I just stumbled across blogspot one day and said to myself, "maybe I'll start a blog". A lot has changed since February of 2009. I went from a job where I only had to work 40 hours a week to multiple jobs where I come closer to working 80 hours most weeks. I joined the first version of FightTicker.com (Pramit has recently resurrected FT with a new format), and then joined Pro MMA Now (formerly ProMMA.info). I went from interviewing fighters and live blogging regional MMA events to representing fighters and consulting for MMA promotions when I co-founded The Matthew Wellington Group.

To make a long story short, while PV was the initial vehicle for me to rant and rave, it led to some great things, and now those things have become more of my focus, so it's time to retire PreviouslyViewed.

For those of you that are fans, you know I'll still be around. From writing with Pro MMA Now to hosting The Cageside Beat, and running The Matthew Wellington Group, my involvement in the MMA world is far from over. When I started PV, I didn't intend it to become all about MMA, but that was how it naturally evolved, and I'm happy with what I did.

I won't be taking the site down - this is the only place where all of my early interviews and live blogs are available, and I want to keep them up should anyone decide they want to stop by and read them.

A special thank you to site sponsors Elite MMA and Boxing Depot. Because of their unrivaled loyalty to the site, their banners and links will also remain active - they have great gear for combat athletes, and I've been honored to receive and review many of their products.

Also, thank you to the readers - initially I started writing because I just wanted to say some things in a public forum, but when I realized people were actually finding my blog through search engines and then became repeat visitors, it gave me a whole new motivation.

I'd like to think that from time to time I'd post some things here - whether it be to highlight some exciting news about a new MWG fighter, or give readers more exposure to some great coverage from Pro MMA Now, I'd think an occasional article would pop up. But in reality, I've come to terms with the fact that my role with PreviouslyViewed is done, and I'm going to fully devote my focus to the new things which PreviouslyViewed paved the way for.

Thanks for reading.

-Furby

Pro MMA Now
The Matthew Wellington Group


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The Cageside Beat Recaps

On the most recent episodes of The Cageside Beat, the official radio show of Pro MMA Now, Brian and Mike were joined by Brett Siciliano and Charles "Chazzo" Lewis of Higherpower Industries, and the following week, Brian and Jack were joined by Ben Garber of WorkHorse Clothing.

To listen to and download the episodes (for free), visit Pro MMA Now.

Also, be sure to tune in to The Cageside Beat this Thursday, February 17 at 10 PM ET as Brian and Mike are joined by new Pro MMA Now staff writer Josh Cross.

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ProMMAnow.com Book Review: Xtreme Training

Thanks to the people at Victory Belt, I had an opportunity to review another book for ProMMAnow.com. This time, it was Xtreme Training by Randy Couture.

For the full review and information on purchasing the book, visit ProMMAnow.com.

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Pro MMA Now Products Review - BoxingDepot.com

I recently posted a review of some excellent products from Previously Viewed sponsor Boxing Depot.

To check out the products and thoughts on them from myself and a couple fighters from The Matthew Wellington Group, visit Pro MMA Now.

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The Cageside Beat February 3, 2011: Brett Siciliano and Charles Lewis.

Tomorrow night's episode of The Cageside Beat, the official radio show of Pro MMA Now will feature Brett Siciliano and Charles "Chazzo" Lewis, of Higherpower Industries. For all the information on the show and to tune in, visit Pro MMA Now.

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The Cageside Beat Recap

On the most recent episode of The Cageside Beat, the official radio show of Pro MMA Now, Mike and I were joined by UFC fighters Nate Marquardt and Krzysztof Soszynski. Both Marquardt and Soszynski will be competing at this weekend's UFC 122 event.

To listen to the show, check out the episode on the player here at Previously Viewed, and visit the full episode recap at Pro MMA Now.

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The Cageside Beat October 21, 2010: Dr. Rhadi Ferguson and Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal

On the most recent episode of The Cageside Beat, Mike and I were joined by Pro MMA Now founder Jack Bratcher, olympic judoka and new pro mma fighter Dr. Rhadi Ferguson, and former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal.

To listen to and download the episode, visit Pro MMA Now. This episode was sponsored by MMA HQ - One Great MMA Deal A Day. MMA HQ is owned by the same people who own Previously Viewed site sponsors EliteMMA and Boxing Depot.

As a special treat, EliteMMA has given listeners of The Cageside Beat 10% off everything ordered before the end of October. Looking for some great gear or equipment? Head over to EliteMMA and get 10% off your entire order. To get the code, listen to the episode (hint: it's around the 30 minute mark).

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Pro MMA Now Book Review: Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts: The Ground Game

Thanks to the good folks at Victory Belt, I have had the opportunity to review another quality publications for the readers of Pro MMA Now and Previously Viewed. This latest release, Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts: The Ground Game, is another high quality instructional manual covering many aspects of the ground game in MMA.

To read my review, visit Pro MMA Now

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The Cageside Beat October 14, 2010: UFC 120 Roundtable

On tomorrow night's episode of The Cageside Beat, the official radio show of Pro MMA Now, Mike and I will be joined by Pro MMA Now founder Jack Bratcher, and fellow staff writer John Buhl, for a roundtable discussion on this weekend's UFC 120: Bisping vs. Akiyama event.

For more info on the show and how to tune in, visit Pro MMA Now.

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MMA HQ is Live!

The brains behind Previously Viewed site sponsors Elite MMA and Boxing Depot have released another excellent site dedicated to MMA gear and news. MMA HQ is now officially live and already going with daily deals. MMA HQ sells one MMA item per day; the t-shirts typically sell for $10 with shipping at $5, and the products ship on the next business day.

MMA HQ is giving MMA fans a chance to get some quality gear that is typically hard to find or has a limited production run.

For the discerning MMA collector, this is definitely the place to go.

For MMA HQ's takes on Mixed Martial Arts News and Analysis, visit their blog.

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Video Interview with Strikeforce Fighter Jorge Gurgel

In addition to my video interview with Marcus Davis and Dustin Hazelett, I was also able to interview the man behind the JG MMA Academy himself, Jorge Gurgel.

Gurgel took the time to speak with me about his upcoming fight against KJ Noons as well as switching up his training camp and doing the entire camp at his home gym.

To see the interview, visit Pro MMA Now.

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Video Interview with UFC Fighter Dustin Hazelett

In addition to my video interview with UFC fighter Marcus Davis, I also recently had the chance to speak with UFC fighter Dustin Hazelett, who will face Rick Story at this weekend's UFC 117 event.

To check out my interview with Hazelett, visit Pro MMA Now.


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Video Interview with UFC Fighter Marcus Davis

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to catch up with UFC fighter "The Irish Hand Grenade" Marcus Davis. Davis spoke to me about his upcoming fight against Nate Diaz, what it means to be fighting in Boston, and what he thinks about his opponent.

I was also able to speak with Jorge Gurgel and Dustin Hazelett - those interviews will be posted in the coming days.

To check out my interview with Davis, visit Pro MMA Now.

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The Matthew Wellington Group

The Matthew Wellington Group is a sports management firm based in Lexington, KY and founded by myself and Lee Jacobs. We focus on the management and representation of professional and amateur mixed martial artists and consulting for local promotions.

For information on our fighters, sponsors, and corporate clients, visit our website, MWGmma.com.

You can also follow us on Twitter, @MWGroupLLC, and connect with us on Facebook.

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The Cageside Beat Update

My radio show, The Cageside Beat, the official radio show of ProMMAnow.com is continuing to bring MMA fans some of the best interviews and commentary out there. We have been lucky enough to continue to enjoy some great guests such as Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Danny "Boy" Downes (who stepped in on just a few days notice to fight Chris Horodecki in the WEC), and Zoila Frausto, one of the fastest up and coming women's fighters in MMA. Check out each of their episodes on the embedded player in the sidebar, or click on the links below.

Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal

Danny "Boy" Downes

Zoila Frausto

For an extra treat, follow the jump to see a highlight video of Zoila's dominant win over Rosi Sexton at a recent Bellator MMA event in Louisville, KY.
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For more news on The Cageside Beat, be sure to connect with The Cageside Beat on Twitter, @CagesideBeat, and Facebook.


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The Cageside Beat Episode Recaps

In the time since my last post here on Previously Viewed, there has been a lot going on, one of which is the continued success of my radio show, The Cageside Beat, the official radio show of Pro MMA Now.

Take some time and check out some recent episodes we've had. All episodes are available for free download on The Cageside Beat. You can also subscribe to The Cageside Beat (for free) on iTunes. Also, make sure to check out The Cageside Beat on Twitter, @CagesideBeat.

Follow the jump for some of our recent episodes.

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Chad Hinton and Thomas Campbell

"Showdown" Joe Ferraro

Mark Crawn

Eliot Marshall



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The Cageside Beat February 25, 2010: Roger Bowling

On the newest episode of The Cageside Beat, the official radio show of Pro MMA Now, we will be joined by MMA Big Show welterweight champ and recent Strikeforce signee Roger Bowling. This episode is sponsored by Silver Star Casting Company: Built for Champions.

The show is happening Thursday night (Feb 25) at 10 PM ET. Make sure to tune in, and take some time to subscribe to The Cageside Beat (for free) on iTunes.

For all of the details on how to tune in to the new episode, head over to Pro MMA Now. You will also find last week's episode featuring UFC fighter Matt Brown.

Enjoy.

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Pro MMA Now UFC 110 Pick 'Em Contest Sponsored By Silver Star

Pro MMA Now and Silver Star have teamed up yet again to bring you another great UFC pick 'em contest, this time, for the upcoming UFC 110 event.

Five winners will each receive his/her own Wanderlei Silva signature shirt.

For full details on the contest, head over to Pro MMA Now.

Entries will be accepted until 8 PM ET on Saturday. Make sure to enter for your chance to win!

Enjoy.


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The Cageside Beat February 18, 2010: UFC Fighter Matt "The Immortal" Brown

The Cageside Beat is back tomorrow night, Thursday February 18, with another great episode. Tomorrow's night episode will feature UFC fighter Matt "The Immortal" Brown. To find out details on how to tune in, download previous episodes and check out info on the show, head over to Pro MMA Now.

Also, The Cageside Beat is now on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Check the links in the far right column here at PreviouslyViewed to find out how to connect with us on these popular social networks.

Enjoy.


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Silver Star Expands Product Offering With New MMA Gloves

Silver Star is a name that has popped up a lot here on PreviouslyViewed and on various MMA blogs and websites around the world. They sponsor a number of the top-level fighters in MMA today and have released some of the most popular products out there, including their line of excellent signature shirts.

However, Silver Star has taken their game to the next level with the release of MMA fight gloves. I recently published a press release sent to me by Silver Star. To read up on the gloves, head over to the release on Pro MMA Now.

Enjoy.


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