Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2010/10/29/1782151/gray-maynard-welcomes-more-competition-with-wec-merger
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Top 5 Casualties From UFC and WEC Merger
Lost in the euphoria of Thursday’s watershed announcement that the UFC would swallow up the WEC was the fact not everyone benefited from the merger. Although the move has many tickled pink, 5thRound has compiled a Top 5 list of the biggest casualties from this week’s news.�
Freebie-Hungry MMA Fans - While president Dana White [...]
Freebie-Hungry MMA Fans - While president Dana White [...]
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/57390/top-5-casualties-from-ufc-and-wec-merger/
Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano Vitali Klitschko
Gabriel Gonzaga Cut From UFC Following UFC 121 Loss
Once a promising No. 1 contender, Brazilian heavyweight Gabriel Gonzaga has been cut from the UFC following his recent loss at UFC 121.The fighter announced the news on his Twitter page.
Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/10/28/gabriel-gonzaga-cut-from-ufc-following-ufc-121-loss/
Slow Sales Prompts One Analyst to Claim That the EA Sports MMA/UFC Undisputed War is Over
I?ve said a lot about ?EA Sports MMA? over the past few days/weeks. A lot of it has been positive, some of it has been negative, but at least I?m talking about it. Unfortunately for all involved in the game?s creation, I seem to be one of the few people continuously giving this game attention. [...]
Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano
Jose Aldo Added to UFC 125 on Jan. 1, Henderson-Pettis Winner Earns UFC Title Shot
Jose Aldo will defend the UFC featherweight title for the first time at UFC 125 on New Year's Day.
The winner of December's WEC 53 main event between WEC lightweight champion Ben Henderson and Anthony Pettis will face the winner of the UFC 125 main event between UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard to unify the titles.
The winner of December's WEC 53 main event between WEC lightweight champion Ben Henderson and Anthony Pettis will face the winner of the UFC 125 main event between UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard to unify the titles.
Jake Ellenberger Takes to Twitter and Launches a Viral Tirade Against Jake Shields
If you?re an aspiring Mixed Martial Artist, nothing quite gets your name out there like a little trash-talk. Stirring the pot even just a tad can go a long way, especially if you do it in one of the UFC?s most talent-rich divisions against one of its most talented performers. Jake Ellenberger of all people [...]
Strikeforce lightweight JZ Cavalcante returns in the beginning of 2011
After a disappointing and somewhat controversial return state side, former DREAM lightweight contender “JZ” Cavalcante will be returning to action in the beginning of 2011 in order to reclaim the top spot in the 155-pound division.
Once recognized as a top-3 lightweight in the world, the American Top Team product has fallen on hard times [...]
Once recognized as a top-3 lightweight in the world, the American Top Team product has fallen on hard times [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/30/strikeforce-lightweight-jz-cavalcante-returns-in-the-beginning-of-2011
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Kingpin Kevin Johnson Back with a KO Win
Working to Get Back into Title Contention after Loss to Klitschko:
Former Heavyweight Title Challenger, Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson (23-1-1, 10KO's) returned with a vegenance earlier tonight, knocking out veteran, Charles Davis in the 4th round, in the main event bout of the evening at the Blake Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Johnson, who was returning from his first career loss, a twelve round decision against WBC Heavyweight Champion, Vitali Klitscho, brutalized Davis, dropping him in the third before finishing him in devastating fashion in the ...
Former Heavyweight Title Challenger, Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson (23-1-1, 10KO's) returned with a vegenance earlier tonight, knocking out veteran, Charles Davis in the 4th round, in the main event bout of the evening at the Blake Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Johnson, who was returning from his first career loss, a twelve round decision against WBC Heavyweight Champion, Vitali Klitscho, brutalized Davis, dropping him in the third before finishing him in devastating fashion in the ...
Source: http://www.proboxing-fans.com/the-kingpin-kevin-johnson-back-with-a-ko-win_103010/
Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano
Thiago Alves: "On December 11, I want to show all the fans how much I love this still"
If anybody’s dedication to the sport should be unquestioned, it’s Thiago Alves.
Since his inception into the UFC over 4 years ago, “The Pitbull” has done nothing but impress. However, his best days in the welterweight division appeared to be behind him when the American Top Team product dropped back-to-back decisions to current champion Georges St. [...]
Since his inception into the UFC over 4 years ago, “The Pitbull” has done nothing but impress. However, his best days in the welterweight division appeared to be behind him when the American Top Team product dropped back-to-back decisions to current champion Georges St. [...]
Lawlor shows fighting maturity, getting easy win at UFC 121
Tom Lawlor is a very good grappler but between his poor execution in the cage and too much partying outside it, he was facing a winless 2010. Before his fight against Patrick Cote, Lawlor cleaned up his life and joined a more professional training camp in New England. The moves worked wonders as Lawlor took Cote down anytime he wanted. He breaks a two-fight losing streak with a unanimous decision victory, 30-27 on all cards, in the opening preliminary bout on Spike.
It was a perfect matchup for Lawlor. But only if he played to his strength. His two losses this year came because he tried to slug it out too often with Aaron Simpson and Joe Doerksen. Lawlor got tired in those bouts.
Making sure this one hit the deck was the plan. Lawlor (7-3-1, 3-2 UFC) scored a takedown 1:03 into the first and then two more in the second. It was more the same in the third when it took just seven seconds to get Cote on his back.
Cote's a good example of what used to work in the UFC in 2006 and 2007. Elite fighters could survive as one-dimensional fighter. The slugger from Montreal simply hasn't improved his game-planning or takedown defense. Now he's facing termination with the promotion after losing his second straight. Cote may get a reprieve because this was just his second fight in the last 25 months. Cote (13-7, 4-4 UFC) has struggled to comeback from the effect of several major knee injuries.
UFC 121 undercard results (Courtesy MMAjunkie):
Jon Madsen def. Gilbert Yvel via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 1:48.
Chris Camozzi def. Dongi Yang via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).
Sam Stout def. Paul Taylor via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27).
Daniel Roberts def. Mike Guymon via submission (anaconda choke) - Round 1, 1:13
Vitali Klitschko Wladimir Klitscho David Haye Cornelius K9 Bundrage
If you think your excited about the merger, ask Pettis and Henderson
As WEC 53 looms a bit closer, headliner’s Anthony Pettis and reigning, defending champion Ben Henderson have just gotten word that they’ll be moving to “the big show” following their lightweight tilt in December. While the prospects of a WEC championship is big in of itself, a little bit more has been added to the [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/29/if-you-think-your-excited-about-the-merger-ask-pettis-and-henderson
Rocky Marciano Vitali Klitschko Wladimir Klitscho David Haye
Three UFC 121 main card fighters receive six-month suspensions
As favorable as ?UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez? might have been for a number of its participants? pocketbooks, the event was equally unfortunate where health was concerned with some of the same men who earned the most money also looking at the greatest amount of potential time on the sidelines. According to the California State [...]
Jose Aldo vs. Josh Grispi Featherweight Title Fight Added to UFC 125, Roy Nelson Off Card
A featherweight title fight between incoming champion Jose Aldo and challenger Josh Grispi is in the works for UFC 125 on January 1 in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, heavyweight Roy Nelson has been pulled from UFC 125 after Shane Carwin pulled out of their scheduled matchup with a back injury.
Meanwhile, heavyweight Roy Nelson has been pulled from UFC 125 after Shane Carwin pulled out of their scheduled matchup with a back injury.
Bellator crowns a new women's champion, while Lombard retains his belt
With all this talk of the WEC-UFC merger, new dream match ups, it looks like we almost all forgot about the “little promotion that could”–Bellator Fighting Championship’s continues to impress, and once again has crowned a new champion amongst it’s ranks.
While a steady stream of new upstart prospects have claimed the titles from the [...]
While a steady stream of new upstart prospects have claimed the titles from the [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/29/bellator-crowns-a-new-womens-champion-while-lombard-retains-his-belt
Friday, October 29, 2010
What you need to know from this week on 'The Ultimate Fighter'
We're down to the final first-round bout on "The Ultimate Fighter." Team Koscheck still looks shell-shocked from losing both bouts in last week's episode, but they have to get right back at it with the final first-round bout, Team Koscheck's Sako Chivitchian vs. Dane Sayers of Team GSP. Who will win? And who will win the Coaches Challenge? Read on for a recap and spoilers.
-- Water cooler talk of the week: Spencer Paige has returned to the house after he had surgery on his hand, so he won't be able to earn the wild card spot. The only thing these fighters are talking about is the wild card. Who deserves it, who doesn't, who fought well in their bout, and who has been drinking and partying too much to show they really "want it." Aaron Wilkinson claimed that Jeff Lentz has been hitting the bottle too much to deserve the shot, calling Lentz a "professional waster." Be sure to use that term at the bar this weekend, folks.
-- Drunk of the week: Speaking of drunks, Skarbowsky is back! He dispenses pearls of wisdom, like pointing out that Sayers, a Native American, is the only one really from "the States." And that being good is not OK. If someone asks you how you are, answer perfect. Then you'll make Parisian drunks happy.
-- Cool nickname of the week: Sayers' nickname is Red Horse, which is also his Indian name.
-- Misogynistic, unfunny humor of the week: Clearly bothered by GSP's aloofness to his prank attempts, Josh Koscheck goes off on a Team GSP medic, Brad Tate, calling him a male nurse. That's a joke that would have been funny at a time when both men and women weren't nurses and doctors, but pointing out someone's profession + gender? Sorry, Josh. Not funny. You're going to have to keep working to get under GSP's sin.
-- Inspiring story of the week: Sako was shot in the leg when he was 19 by gangfire. He said that experience taught him to stop drinking, partying and running the streets. Now, just three years later, he's used the judo he learned earlier in life and is now on "The Ultimate Fighter."
-- Coaches Challenge! My favorite thing of the week: If you can't get behind the UFC forcing their fighters to play unfamiliar sports for large amounts of cash, check your pulse. It's usually hilarious, and this season, Kos and GSP are facing off in a home run derby for a prize of $10,000 to the coach, and $1,500 for each his fighters.
Needless to say, GSP is not pleased. He's Canadian. Do they play baseball in Canada? (Oh.) It shows, as GSP has no idea how to swing a bat, much less hold one. Kos is slightly more experienced, having played ball as a child, and won the prize for his team.
-- Trash talk guessing game of the week: Who said?
1. The other team is underestimating me.
2. There's no reason why I shouldn't beat him.
3. I plan to win. I plan to win this damn fight.
4. I don't know what he thinks about me, but if he thinks he's going to walk in and take me out, he's mistaken.
Sako Chivitchian (Team Koscheck) vs. Dane Sayers (Team GSP)
Round 1: Sako survived a guillotine attempt at the beginning of the round, just to get in a clinch-filled brawl. Both fighters were in defensive mode, avoiding takedowns and strikes instead of scoring their own. Even GSP was saying how close the round was.
Round 2: Sako started with the takedown. Though Sayers got back to his feet, Sako controlled him the whole time, landing knees often as they were clinched. Referee Josh Rosenthal had to warn the fighters Sako more than once not to hold onto the fence, and quite frankly, he was lucky that he didn't lose a point.
Surprisingly, the fight did not go to the third round. Sako won the unanimous decision, 20-18, but Dana White and the coaches were impressed with Sayers.
Wildcard winners of the week: Koscheck lobbied White for Aaron Wilkinson and Marc Stevens, while GSP mentioned both Wilkinson and Sayers. White made the final decision for Aaron Wilkinson vs. Stevens, both Team Koscheck fighters. This is the fight for next week.
Dana White?s Major UFC Announcement: WEC, UFC to Merge
UFC President Dana White made the major announcement on Thursday that World Extreme Cagefighting will merge with the UFC in January.
For more on the story, see: Dana White: WEC, UFC to Merge in 2011
For more on the story, see: Dana White: WEC, UFC to Merge in 2011
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/16380/dana-white-major-ufc-announcement-coverage/
Don't Worry You Guys, The Most Pressing Question Regarding the WEC-UFC Merger Has Been Answered: Brittney is Octagon-Bound, Too
(Video courtesy YouTube/MMA30)
For all of you worrywarts who upon hearing about the pending UFC-WEC merger immediately became concerned about the future of WEC Octagon Girltm Brittney Palmer, you can sleep well tonight knowing that she too will become a UFC employee as of January 2011.
Fighters Only confirmed the news today with UFC president Dana White that Palmer will join the UFC's current duo, UFC Playboy Playmate Arianny Celeste and Roger Murtaugh Chandella Powell as the promotion's female presence at events.
White stated during today's press conference that the outside apron of the Octagon will be as close as any females will get to being inside the UFC cage as there aren't enough good female fighters to make any decent division for them in his organization.
For those of you who don't know who Palmer is, what the hell is wrong with you?
For everyone else, here are some photos and a video to remind you after the jump.
New UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo defends title at UFC 125
World Extreme Cagefighting's final featherweight champion, Jose Aldo will make his UFC debut on Jan. 1.UFC president Dana White today announced that Aldo - who by virtue of the pending UFC and WEC merger is now the UFC's first featherweight champ - will defend his title against a yet to be named opponent at UFC 125.
Featuring a lightweight title fight between current UFC champion Frankie Edgar and top contender Gray Maynard, UFC 125 takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Jose Aldo Added to UFC 125 on Jan. 1, Henderson-Pettis Winner Earns UFC Title Shot
Jose Aldo will defend the UFC featherweight title for the first time at UFC 125 on New Year's Day.
The winner of December's WEC 53 main event between WEC lightweight champion Ben Henderson and Anthony Pettis will face the winner of the UFC 125 main event between UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard to unify the titles.
The winner of December's WEC 53 main event between WEC lightweight champion Ben Henderson and Anthony Pettis will face the winner of the UFC 125 main event between UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard to unify the titles.
Chris Lytle's Wish List: Match vs. Carlos Condit, Move Closer to Title Shot
Filed under: UFC
At 36 years old, Chris Lytle can see the finish line to his career. He still thinks it's far off into the future, but he knows it's coming. Ironically, though, the UFC veteran is in the midst of the best stretch of his UFC tenure.Following his unanimous decision win over former welterweight champion Matt Serra at UFC 119, Lytle has won four straight matches and five of his last six, dropping only a close split decision to Marcus Davis in January 2009. And with time ticking, Lytle wants a big fight. In fact, his sights are respectfully set on one man: the surging Carlos Condit.
Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/10/28/chris-lytles-wish-list-match-vs-carlos-condit-move-closer-to/
Bellator 34 Weigh-in Results
Bellator Middleweight Title Fight weigh in had Hector Lombard at 183.25 vs. Alexander Shlemenko at 184.75.
Bellator Middleweight Title Fight
Hector Lombard (183.25) vs. Alexander Shlemenko (184.75)
Bellator Women’s 115-Pound Title Fight
Megumi Fujii (113.5) vs. Zoila Frausto (114.5)
Televised Undercard
Mike Bernhard (185.75) vs. Dragan Tesanovic (185.5)
Tony Lopez (204.5) vs. Raphael Davis (205.5)
Non-Televised Undercard
William Kuhn (170) [...]
Bellator Middleweight Title Fight
Hector Lombard (183.25) vs. Alexander Shlemenko (184.75)
Bellator Women’s 115-Pound Title Fight
Megumi Fujii (113.5) vs. Zoila Frausto (114.5)
Televised Undercard
Mike Bernhard (185.75) vs. Dragan Tesanovic (185.5)
Tony Lopez (204.5) vs. Raphael Davis (205.5)
Non-Televised Undercard
William Kuhn (170) [...]
Video - Exclusive: Renzo Gracie's UFC 121 predictions!
MMA legend Renzo Gracie took some time this week to speak on-camera with Fighters.com in New York City. In this clip, Gracie shares his thoughts and predictions on all the main card fights at UFC 121. Find out why he is picking Jake Shields over Martin Kampmann plus his thoughts on Brock Lesnar v. Cain [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/22/exclusive-renzo-gracies-ufc-121-predictions
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Strikeforce Challengers 11 salaries and fighter medical suspensions
Main-card fighters Lavar Johnson ($10,000) and Billy Evangelista ($10,000) were the top earners at this past weekend's Strikeforce Challengers 11 event.The total disclosed payroll for the Showtime-televised event was $52,000.
MMAjunkie.com recently requested and today received the list of salaries and medical suspensions from the California State Athletic Commission.
Quick Jabs: Football Concussions Vs. Boxing Dangers; Is Manny Pacquiao Really Distracted?; Vomit And Pugilism Don't Mix; More
Above, a trailer for the well-reviewed film "Boxing Gym." Doesn't look like much, but it is... well-reviewed. It's one of a couple such boxing docs out hereabouts.
In other Quick Jabs, 'sides the headline, we have some unusual accounts of sparring, some championship-caliber trash talk and a boxing writer's daughter who's already ahead of the game.
Lesnar should go into his bag of tricks for UFC 121 entrance
As UFC 121 approaches, we're still holding out hope that the old Brock Lesnar re-appears during his prefight media work. Lesnar has restrained himself from dropping much trash talk on Cain Velasquez or speaking about the UFC's effort to deliver "the first Mexican heavyweight champion in the history of fighting". It has to be eating away at a "red-blooded American" like Lesnar, right?
Last night, we got our first glimpse that Lesnar may still come out with some incendiary statements this week to stoke the prefight flame.
"Listen, when I get done whooping your ass, I'm gonna do drink a Corona and eat a burrito just for your Hispanic heritage," said Lesnar (video -1:15 mark) during Countdown to UFC 121. "How about that?"
There you go! We know Lesnar wants to be the heel. And now we're hearing rumors that he may go into his WWE vault for an entrance theme at UFC 121.
Just kidding. Lesnar would never do this because we live in a world of fear now. It's ashame because the Mayweathers, Floyd and Roger, made a living out wearing a sombrero to the ring before many of their fights against Mexican opponents. I guess the best we can hope for the rest of the week is Lesnar mispronouncing Velasquez's name.
UFC 122 gets 9 p.m. ET/PT start time on Spike TV, Nov. 13 lineup finalized
As previously announced, next month's UFC 122 event, which is headlined by a No. 1 contender's bout between middleweights Nate Marquardt and Yushin Okami, airs via same-day delay on Spike TV. Officials today announced a start time of 9 p.m. ET/PT for the Nov. 13 event.
The show takes place at Konig Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen, Germany. It airs on approximately a six-hour delay for East Coast viewers (and nine hours for the West Coast).
Strikeforce crew bullish on Cain's chances to pull the upset
Fight night is only a few days away and it's starting to feel like a great main event is on the way. Brock Lesnar is a slight favorite at minus-160, but there are tons of people picking Cain Velasquez, especially inside the fight world. Fight Magazine caught up with some of the folks around Strikeforce and most of them like Velasquez.
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker and announcer Frank Shamrock tabbed the challenger to steal the belt. Of course, Shamrock prefaces his pick by saying that he taught the fight game to "Crazy" Bob Cook, Velasquez's trainer, at American Kickboxing Academy. Randy Couture, attending the EA MMA game intro, likes Lesnar but said Cain has the ability to tire the big guy. HDNet announcer and former UFC fighter Bas Rutten also thinks stamina is the key. Dan Henderson is in the Cain corner as well, saying that Velasquez is going to be too much for Lesnar. The capper is Fedor Emelianenko, who really doesn't make a pick and shrugs at the end.
Rick Hawn's Seoi-Nage Judo Throw
Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive, Bellator
One of the more fun finishes you'll see in MMA this year (video above) involved a ground-and-pound sequence by 2004 judo Olympian Rick Hawn last week at Bellator 33 initiated with a beautiful judo throw.
The one-arm shoulder throw, referred to in judo as a "seoi-nagi," was all instinctual, says the four-time National judo champion.
"It was just second nature," Hawn told MMAFighting.com. "He was in the right position and I took advantage of it. Didn't even think about doing it, was just a reaction. It helps when you have done that throw for 20-plus years as well."
Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/10/28/rick-hawn-s-seoi-nage-judo-throw/
Talking retirement, Couture walks fine line with EA MMA game
Over the last few years, Randy Couture's relationship with the UFC has been a wild ride, to say the least. From late 2007 into 2008, he sat idle for 15 months as he battled with Dana White and the UFC over a new contract. Couture returned and has been part of some major fights to help MMA explode into the mainstream. But there are still some remnants lingering from the squabble. This week probably opened some old wounds as EA Sports released its MMA game featuring Couture alongside Fedor Emelianenko on the cover. The 15-month holdout allowed Couture to sign on as part of EA's efforts to produce a rival product to the UFC's game with THQ.
On Tuesday, Couture joined Fedor and several fighters from the Strikeforce roster in Los Angeles to promote the release.
"It’s been delicate for sure," Couture [told the L.A. Times]. "I try and be as considerate as I can be of the position that I’m in and the position the UFC’s in. They have their own game. We managed to work around it. We try and be sensitive and not be too in-their-face about our position and where we’re at with this game."
The L.A. collaboration between the former UFC champ and Fedor must have fight fans thinking of what could've been. Couture, 47, doesn't have much time left and is now openly talking about retirement. He could walk away from the sport without ever having gotten a shot at Fedor in a much-coveted superfight.
"I'm not sure what I'm going to do," Couture told John Jay O'Regan from Fighter's Only Magazine. Couture said he'll be part of "The Expendables" sequel. That begins shooting in March.
"I don't know what's going to happen on the fight front," said Couture. "I've had my wars. I can still fight but I'm not sure I want to make another run at the title. I enjoy the sport, I enjoy the fighting but it's probably time to move on."
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez Preview and Predictions
Amidst the MLB playoffs, the NFL cutting down on head hunting and sexting, the NBA season just days away, and the NHL season being ignored comes the biggest sporting event of the fall: UFC 121. This card features one of the most intriguing heavyweight title fights in UFC history, the UFC debut of one of [...]
Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2010/10/22/ufc-121-lesnar-vs-velasquez-preview-and-predictions/
Sean Pierson replaces injured T.J. Waldburger, meets Matt Riddle at UFC 124
UFC newcomer Sean Pierson has agreed to replace injured Anthony "T.J." Waldburger and likely debuts against Matt Riddle at UFC 124. MMAjunkie.com learned of the replacement Tuesday night from sources close to the event, who said verbal agreements for the new welterweight matchup are in place.
UFC 124 takes place Dec. 11 at Montreal's Bell Centre.
Three UFC 121 main card fighters receive six-month suspensions
As favorable as ?UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez? might have been for a number of its participants? pocketbooks, the event was equally unfortunate where health was concerned with some of the same men who earned the most money also looking at the greatest amount of potential time on the sidelines. According to the California State [...]
Rocky Marciano Vitali Klitschko Wladimir Klitscho David Haye
Alan Belcher UFC Return Likely for 2011 From Eye Injury
After being sidelined in August by a career-threatening eye injury, rising middleweight Alan Belcher is now recovering following surgery for a detached retina and expects to return to UFC action next year with hopes of getting back into the title hunt.
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/16373/alan-belcher-ufc-return-likely-for-2011-from-eye-injury/
'Mayhem' Miller Still Hoping to Fight Nick Diaz After Latest Run-In
Filed under: Strikeforce
To hear Jason "Mayhem" Miller tell it, he still isn't entirely sure why he and Nick Diaz got into it again backstage after Strikeforce's October 9 event in San Jose, Calif. One minute he was minding his own business, he told MMA Fighting, and the next a water bottle went zipping past his face.The weirdest part, according to Miller, is that it all happened just as he was on the verge of congratulating Diaz on his decision win over K.J. Noons.
"I had just finished doing interviews in the back room, and I was walking the same way that he was coming down, and I was actually going to be like, 'Hey, good job, Nick.' But he's coming towards me and he starts mad-dogging me! I was like, really? You're really going to mad-dog me right now? You just fought for 25 minutes!"
3 Things We Learned/Confirmed About Cain Velasquez At UFC 121
Some thought that former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar was just too big and talented�in wrestling�for Cain Velasquez to implement his usual MMA game plan against.� In other words, the undefeated heavyweight fighter with a Mexican ancestry had been taking people down and pounding on them with a fury that has rarely, if ever, been [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/24/3-things-we-learnedconfirmed-about-cain-velasquez-at-ufc-121
"Countdown to UFC 123: Jackson vs. Machida" debuts Nov. 15 on Spike TV
The UFC's traditional pre-event preview show returns Nov. 15 with the debut of "Countdown to UFC 123."The show, which previews the Nov. 20 UFC 123 event and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Lyoto Machida headliner, airs at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV.
Replays air Nov. 17 (7 p.m. ET/PT) and Nov. 20 (6 p.m. ET/PT).
Jake Shields on Beating Kampmann, UFC Title Shot, Facing GSP and More
Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, interview
After over a decade winning titles around the world, Jake Shields finally made a trip down the aisle to the octagon at last Saturday night's UFC 121. Squaring off against the underrated Martin Kampmann, Shields held off a major scare before prevailing via split decision in the night's co-main event.With the win, Shields is likely to finally get a crack at UFC gold when he faces the winner of December's Georges St. Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck welterweight title match in 2011.
Shields spoke to MMA Fighting about the victory, weight issues and back problems, the possibility of bringing his Cesar Gracie teammates to UFC , and the prospect of facing St. Pierre on enemy territory.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Schaub jabs his way to win over Gonzaga at UFC 121
You'd think Gabriel Gonzaga had never seen a jab before. Brendan Schaub's isn't lightning quick, but he used it often enough to keep the Brazilian at bay. More importantly, it seemed to throw off his timing and stymie most of his offensive attack. Schaub, the runner-up on Season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter, got a solid victory via unanimous decision, 30-27 on all cards.
"Gabe is one of the top heavyweight in the world," said Schaub. "This was a big step up for me. I'm just glad to get out with a victory. (The jab) was the key to my success. Our gameplan was to mix it up and get him frustrated."
Gonzaga (11-6, 7-5 UFC) is a multi-talented guy with great jiu-jitsu and big punching power but he looked listless from the get-go. Schaub popped him with the jab throughout and had Gonzaga on his heels. Gonzaga's best offense came on leg kicks but he didn't throw them with enough frequence. Schaub's speed was too much. Anytime they stood toe-to-toe, Schaub usuaully got off six shots to Gonzaga's two.
Schaub delivered plus-150 as a good-sized underdog. Gonzaga is just 3-5 in the UFC since late 2007.
That makes it 3-1 with the promotion for the 27-year-old Schaub. The former University of Colorado fullback has the size (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) and power to make some waves. This should earn him a shot at a top 15 UFC heavyweight like Cheick Kongo, Stefan Struve or Ben Rothwell.
An Open Invitation (and 5 Things to Avoid) for "EA Sports MMA"
I?d like to start off this piece by saying that, above all else, ?EA Sports MMA? is still a great game. But as I?ve been so often repeating to my friends lately? fans and friends, the honeymoon is over. The cheap players and the exploiters have begun to show up in EA Sports MMA?s online, [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/23/an-open-invitation-and-5-things-to-avoid-for-ea-sports-mma
Cain Velasquez exits Anaheim the new UFC Heavyweight Champion
Fans flocking to the Honda Center for UFC 121 had an opportunity to see history in the making, as undefeated Latino heavyweight Cain Velasquez dominated Brock Lesnar throughout the duration of their headlining bout and walked away champion. Velasquez weathered an early charge from Lesnar and used technique to overcome the former title-holder?s brute strength. [...]
Cain's favorite fighter is Fedor!
Around 23:40-24:00 Cain says his favorite fighter is Fedor! Dana eat your heart...
Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/83337-cains-favorite-fighter-fedor.html
Strikeforce Challengers 11 Weigh-In Results
All fighters competing at tonight’s “Strikeforce Challengers 11 “ event in Fresno, California made weight meaning the card will go on as originally scheduled. All of the evening’s action can be caught live on Showtime starting at 11:00 PM EST. In the headlining bout, undefeated “Relentless” Roger Bowling will face “Vicious” Bobby Voelker in a [...]
Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2010/10/22/strikeforce-challengers-11-weigh-in-results/
Melvin Manhoef first fighter announced for Dynamite!! 2010
Arguably one of the best strikers in mixed martial arts today, Melvin Manhoef will be returning to action on new years day for the DREAM promotion in Japan.
The famed Dutch striker whom has part timed with Mike’s Gym in Holland and American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, will be returning to Japan for [...]
The famed Dutch striker whom has part timed with Mike’s Gym in Holland and American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, will be returning to Japan for [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/25/melvin-manhoef-first-fighter-announced-for-dynamite-2010
UFC 120 KO of the Night: Condit's left hook quiets Hardy
Dan Hardy is one of the biggest smack talkers in the game. He flat out challenges his opponents to stand and trade with him. Tonight, it all backfired on him. Carlos Condit wasn't suckered into a reckless slugfest. Instead, he used a well-rounded striking game and exhibited smoother boxing to find an opening that nearly put Hardy to sleep. In the final minute of the opening round, "The Natural Born Killer" landed a huge left hook and dropped Hardy to his back. The stunned Hardy then took a right to the middle of his face and another left across his chin.
Before Condit, did permanent damage, referee Dan Miragliotta tossed him from the helpless Brit. In front of a pro-Hardy crowd at UFC 120 in London, Condit scores a huge TKO win at 4:27 of the first.
"I was worried about his left hand. I know he's got a lot of power," Condit told UFC analyst Joe Rogan.
The normally loquacious Hardy didn't have much to say seconds after being knocked out.
"I got punched in the face," Hardy said succinctly as the crowd at the O2 Arena chuckled. "Sorry guys. That's why it's a sport. You can win or lose at any point. I'll go home and watch it, and see where I went wrong and learn from it. "
Condit (26-5, 3-1 UFC) also hauled in a $60,000 bonus for knockout of the night. Before you go slamming Hardy, keep in mind, the match could've easily gone the other way. That's how narrow your margin of error is when you step in the Octagon.
On the finishing series of punches, both Hardy and Condit threw right hands that missed and followed with left hooks. Condit's left hook landed flush and a split second earlier as Hardy's punch grazed his neck.
Against a guy with a reputation for having a granite chin, this is a huge victory for Condit. Hardy (23-8, 4-2 UFC) also fought for the 170-pound title his last time out, losing a decision at UFC 111 to UFC welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre. Does that mean Condit should be in the running for the winner of GSP and Josh Koscheck? He probably should be.
Were it not for a tight decision loss to Martin Kampmann in his UFC debut, Condit could very easily be unbeaten with Zuffa's bigger promotion. He was 170-pound champ with the WEC, its smaller promotion. Condit was 5-0 there before the WEC eliminated the weight class.
GSP defend his title against Josh Koscheck in December. If Koscheck wins, Jon Fitch has been consistent in saying that even for the title, he won't fight his American Kickboxing Academy teammate. Condit has no such issue with St. Pierre. They both work with trainer Greg Jackson and his camp based in Albuquerque, but Condit stated during the UFC 124 postfight press conference that if he was offered the fight, he'd take it GSP. That's the kind of thing the UFC likes to hear.
Another feather in Condit's cap is the consistency of his performances since his move over to the UFC. He's an action fighter who's now nabbed three postfight awards. The 26-year-old also has 25 finishes in his 26 wins.
dana white defends mexican marketing
ANAHEIM, Calif. � UFC president Dana White said the promotion simply uses what's already there when it cuts a promo.
The executive blasted critics...
The executive blasted critics...
Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/83330-dana-white-defends-mexican-marketing.html
Monday, October 25, 2010
Satisfying Photo of the Day: Kim Couture Gets Her Ass Kicked by Another 0-0 Fighter
(Props: Sherdog)
Inspiration to all women Kim Couture competed at Ring of Combat 32 in Atlantic City on Saturday, dropping a unanimous decision to Team Tiger Schulmann product Munah Holland, who was making her pro MMA debut. As captured in the photo above, the aftermath was eerily familiar. The loss dropped Couture's record to 3-4, and comes just three weeks after her submission victory over Felicia Wells at an Absolute Action MMA event in Kentucky; Wells also had an 0-0 record going into the fight, just like Couture's two previous opponents, Marianna Kheyfets (who Couture lost to by first-round submission) and Rosa Vizcarra. Couture's spotty record against inexperienced fighters is very surprising, considering what a beast she is in training.
In other somewhat-depressing weekend MMA news...
Gesias Cavalcante Says He Beat Josh Thomson, I Firmly Disagree
It was one of the best fights from the recent Strikeforce: ?Diaz vs. Noons 2? event, yet it was by far the most controversial. In a key lightweight showdown, former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson beat out feared international talent ?JZ? Gesias Cavalcante in a fight that many felt should have gone in Cavalcante?s favor. [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/18/gesias-cavalcante-says-he-beat-josh-thomson-i-firmly-disagree
Who was the drunken French kickboxing savant on TUF 12?
Josh Koscheck has brought in plenty of familiar names to assist his team on Season 12 of "The Ultimate Fighter" while Georges St. Pierre has surprised us each week. Wednesday night's episode took the cake when GSP introduced something called Jean Charles Skarbowsky. He was touted as a master of Muay Thai. But things got weird when St. Pierre, almost sounding fearful that Skarbowsky may go all Mel Gibson on one of the cast members, warned everyone about being respectful. From there, it only got more odd as they were told that Skarbowsky is drunk most of the time and only sleeps three hours a day.
At least he looked the part. Skarbowsky was sporting a good-sized beer belly, scrawny arms and was in need of some manscaping.
Skarbowsky was a topic during UFC.com's "TUF 12: The Aftermath". GSP confirmed that the drinking story was true (11:00 mark). Apparently Scarbowsky took a 14-hour flight from France to Las Vegas, got off the plane, went partying at The Rehab pool party at The Hard Rock and then came into the gym to work with the young guys.
"He reeked of vodka. I guess he mixes it with a little cranberry. I'm guessing it was a lot of vodka and a very little amount of cranberry," joked TUF 12 fighter Spencer Paige.
But Paige said working with JCS was no joke.
"From him, I got an insight into elite talent," said Paige.
With a little research, you'll find that he's a legitimate high-level Muay Thai fighter. Scarbowsky has over 100 pro fights with 80-plus wins. Good thing for Koscheck that Scarbowsky may have been battling a hangover when the UFC fighter tried to bust his chops. Kos could've learned the hard way to not judge a book by its cover.
In this video, a much-thinner and younger Scarbowsky is shown laying the lumber. Check out the 1:25 mark when he front kicks a dude into the ropes. GSP said he brought in Skarbowsky to teach his team about attitude and efficiency.
Jake Shields Pre Fight UFC121 - UFC 121
Showdown Joe Ferraro interview with Jake Shields discussing his fight with Martin Kampmann and his road to the UFC.Source: http://mmalice.com/ufc-121/jake-shields-pre-fight-ufc121-video_ff651536d.html
Matt Hamill post fight talks Tito Ortiz's Deaf Comments - UFC 121
Matt Hamill post fight talks Tito Ortiz's Deaf Comments Video by UFC 121
Schaub jabs his way to win over Gonzaga at UFC 121
You'd think Gabriel Gonzaga had never seen a jab before. Brendan Schaub's isn't lightning quick, but he used it often enough to keep the Brazilian at bay. More importantly, it seemed to throw off his timing and stymie most of his offensive attack. Schaub, the runner-up on Season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter, got a solid victory via unanimous decision, 30-27 on all cards.
"Gabe is one of the top heavyweight in the world," said Schaub. "This was a big step up for me. I'm just glad to get out with a victory. (The jab) was the key to my success. Our gameplan was to mix it up and get him frustrated."
Gonzaga (11-6, 7-5 UFC) is a multi-talented guy with great jiu-jitsu and big punching power but he looked listless from the get-go. Schaub popped him with the jab throughout and had Gonzaga on his heels. Gonzaga's best offense came on leg kicks but he didn't throw them with enough frequence. Schaub's speed was too much. Anytime they stood toe-to-toe, Schaub usuaully got off six shots to Gonzaga's two.
Schaub delivered plus-150 as a good-sized underdog. Gonzaga is just 3-5 in the UFC since late 2007.
That makes it 3-1 with the promotion for the 27-year-old Schaub. The former University of Colorado fullback has the size (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) and power to make some waves. This should earn him a shot at a top 15 UFC heavyweight like Cheick Kongo, Stefan Struve or Ben Rothwell.
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