The Iron Ring is getting tougher and the injuries are piling up. It seems like the brutal match between Derek Strong and Daniel Akinyemi, which saw Strong on his way to the hospital and Akinyemi with a dislocated shoulder, has set a precedent. This week’s fighters sought to top that match with hard take downs and no mercy.

Ludacris’ tryouts in the ATL were no exception. Lightweight fighter Jaral Bowman gave Amin-Hameed a beat down that saw Hameed taken away on a stretcher and out of the game. Jaral yells to Ludacris after the match, “Pick me! I need to get out the hood!”

Luda, slightly confused, asks, “What exactly are they offering these fighters?”

Someone should tell Luda that for many of the fighters, winning big on “Iron Ring” means no more rats, roaches or run-down housing, and a chance to better support their families.

The fighters at Team Dipset’s tryouts may give Luda’s fighters a run for their money. Heavyweight fighter Carlos Moreno impressed Juelz Santana’s team by quickly taking down his opponent with a strong right hook.

Moreno left his opponent dazed and confused asking, “Why do I need a stretcher? I don’t even remember being hit. I lost?” He was taken away by paramedics after failing to comprehend what had just happened to him. Moreno brought a strong standing game and boxing style, exactly what Juelz is looking for … is he the perfect choice for Team Dipset’s heavyweight spot?

Did you see it? The middleweight fight between Daniel Akinyemi and Derek Strong was the highlight of the show. Before the fight, Strong said that an MMA match should be won with a decisive victory, either a tap out or knock out. Failing to break himself free of Strong’s arm bar, Akinyemi gave Strong a body slam that rocked the ring. Landing on his shoulder and head, Strong was left in a daze, and it seemed he was having trouble moving his head.

Although Akinyemi was able to walk away from the fight, his win wasn’t a clean one. Strong’s arm bar managed to seriously injure Akinyemi whose arm hung off his shoulder like dead weight. Both fighters received medical attention after the most dangerous fight yet in the Iron Ring.

Hopefully, Strong isn’t eating his own words too hard. He possibly broke Akinyemi’s arm…or maybe not. When Akinyemi slammed Strong, his arm was still locked in the arm bar. Maybe Akinyemi’s own slam caused the injury? He saw a moment to capitalize and took it. Was it worth a broken arm? These fighters know what they’re getting into, but what do you think?

You’ll have to tune in next week to find out who won this bout and if anyone’s injuries were serious.

Many of the team owners and trainers have been vocal about their desire for strong standing fighters who can go for the knock out. So far, very little credit has been given to good ground techniques.

Enter the Bullet and Josh Key. They showed that knowing what to do when you’re down on the mat may make the difference.

Trying out for Team Luda, Bullet avoided David Brown’s punches by going straight for his legs. Once on the mat, Brown left his boxing roots behind in his bid to win, locking in Bullet’s arm. Bullet quickly recovered, and his ground and pound style left Brown stretched out on the mat.

Trying to impress Juelz Santana for Team Dipset, lightweight Josh Key fought climbing grapples from his opponent before being caught in a standing arm lock. Key countered with a body slam, leading to a tussle on the mat. Eventually, Key picked up the win on the mat with fist pounds to the face.

Will these significant ground wins change the minds of the trainers and owners? A good standing game may not always be enough against an experienced ground fighter.

Not impressed was fighter Dymond Jones, who called Bullet an animal with no real skill. Dymond was upset at Bullet’s lack of respect after the win and now a rivalry has been started. Both of these fighters have proven themselves in the Iron Ring, but how well will they fare against each other?

Can’t we just all get along? Not in the Iron Ring! Everyone has something to prove.

Floyd Mayweather and Lil Jon watched the same group of fighters to pick their teams. Shonie Carter, Lil Jon’s team trainer, arrived at the tryouts wearing a yellow suit and purple hat. Mayweather was not feeling the get up and decided to throw verbal jabs at Carter.

According to Mayweather, Carter looked more like he belonged in a pool hall than a match. Mayweather then asked if there was a pimp’s convention before comparing Mr. Carter’s color coordination to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Carter wasn’t too concerned, blaming Mayweather’s background as a boxer. He said that boxers think they’re better and that Floyd might do okay against an MMA fighter depending on the match. Floyd said that boxers train harder and that he believes he could take on an MMA opponent. For now, though, Mayweather and Carter must watch their Iron Ring fighters face off.

What started as a standing brawl quickly became a ground game as Alex Daltro and Joe Watson grappled on the ground. The fight was called when Watson’s eye became swollen, and the win was given to Daltro.

Carter didn’t want the match to end, saying that he’s seen worse in the ring. A match should end with a knock out or a tap out. Mayweather thought the call was fair because Watson couldn’t fight without being able to see. Watson was disappointed as the call was made, but at least he escapes with his eye intact.

Do you think the match should have been stopped?