Thursday, June 30, 2011

UFC 132 notebook: White on PSAC, Spike TV, Ortiz's future, Brown's profanity and more

LAS VEGAS - He's the first to say athletic commissions more often get it wrong than get it right.

But UFC president Dana White had nothing but good things to say about the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission following UFC on Versus 4 and Nate Marquardt's ouster from the promotion.

In a fight-week notebook, White also discusses the stakes of Tito Ortiz's fight with Ryan Bader at Saturday's UFC 132 event, the state of the UFC-Spike TV relationship, Matt Brown's profanity no-no, and Brazilian media.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/gaioVihARVE/ufc-132-notebook-white-on-psac-spike-tv-ortizs-future-browns-profanity-and-more.mma

Rocky Marciano Vitali Klitschko Wladimir Klitscho David Haye

Pros Pick: Cruz vs. Faber 2

http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Pros-Pick-Cruz-vs-Faber-2-33472


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Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/92281-pros-pick-cruz-vs-faber-2-a.html

Leon Spinks John Tate Mike Weaver Randy Couture

UFC on Versus 4 analysis: Stevenson and Griffin go small, will it work?

Joe Stevenson and Tyson Griffin are playing what could be their final cards. Once upon a time, they were both title contenders at lightweight in the UFC. With bigger and more well-rounded fighters coming from all over the world feeding the division in 2011, both fighters have fallen on hard times. Stevenson's lost three straight and 5-of-7 while Griffin has dropped three in a row. They both make their featherweight debut on Sunday at UFC on Versus 4.

Surprisingly, both UFC vets are big favorites. Stevenson (31-13, 8-7 UFC) is minus-270 in some spots against Javier Vasquez. Griffin (14-5, 7-5 UFC) is minus-180 over Manny Gamburyan. Yahoo! Sports' lead MMA writer Kevin Iole checked in with us and didn't sound super confident that either fighter would roll to a victory.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-on-Versus-4-analysis-Stevenson-and-Griffin-?urn=mma-wp3833

Mauricio Rua Anderson Silva Nate Marquardt Forrest Griffin

Rashad Evans Offers to Train Quinton ?Rampage? Jackson for Jon Jones?

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. That might not exactly be the case between rivals Rashad Evans and Quinton ?Rampage? Jackson, but it appears ?Suga? has grown sweet on the idea of Jackson reclaiming the light heavyweight throne. It certainly makes it easier for Evans to root for Rampage considering his most recent [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/80153/rashad-evans-offers-to-train-quinton-rampage-jackson-for-jon-jones/

Mike Weaver Randy Couture James Toney BJ Penn

Gus Johnson's Contract Up at CBS

by Michael David SmithGus Johnson, the lead mixed martial arts play-by-play man for CBS who has called many of the most-watched fights in the sport's history, is reportedly leaving the network.

Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated reports that Johnson, who's best known for calling college football and the NFL, is leaving after failing to come to terms on a new contract with the network. UPDATE: The New York Daily News reports that while Johnson's contract with CBS has expired, it's still possible he could reach a new deal.

It's not clear whether Johnson is also out at Showtime, where he has been both a boxing and MMA play-by-play voice. Johnson will still be part of Saturday night's Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley pay-per-view broadcast, but it seems unlikely that Johnson would stick around at Showtime, which a division of the CBS Corporation, for long.

 

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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/05/05/gus-johnson-out-at-cbs/

David Haye Cornelius K9 Bundrage Miguel Cotto Manny Pacquiao

Jake Shields vs. Jake Ellenberger Possible for UFC 138 on Nov. 19

Jake Shields will look to rebound from an April loss to welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre when he's expected to meet fellow contender Jake Ellenberger in the fall, likely at UFC 138 on November 19 in San Jose, California.

UFC 138 is expected to be headlined by heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos.

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/18988/jake-shields-vs-jake-ellenberger-possible-for-ufc-138-on-nov-19/

Matt Hughes Mirko Cro Cop Rashad Evans Frankie Edgar

Video: Ryan Bader?s KO power on display

With a background as an All-American wrestler at Arizona State University, Ryan Bader will always be tabbed as a wrestler first and foremost. That makes it easy to forget that he does have knockout power. See here?

On Saturday at UFC 132, Bader will have to find that knockout power again. He didn't have it in his last fight, a loss to Jon Jones that was Bader's first defeat in MMA. He'll have to find it against Tito Ortiz, a one-time unstoppable force who has not won a fight since 2006 (or since Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's home run record, Michael Phelps broke records at the Olympics and Plaxico Burress shot himself.)

Do you think Bader can stop Ortiz? Speak up in the comments or on Facebook.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Video-Ryan-Bader-s-KO-power-on-display?urn=mma-wp4114

Nate Marquardt Forrest Griffin Ryan Bader Thiago Alves

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Jake Shields vs. Jake Ellenberger Headlines UFC Fight Night 25: Battle on the Bayou

The recently reported matchup between Jake Shields and Jake Ellenberger is now official, as the welterweight contenders will meet in the the main event of the UFC?s return to New Orleans for "UFC Fight Night 25: Battle on the Bayou" on September 17th on Spike TV.

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/19002/jake-shields-vs-jake-ellenberger-headlines-ufc-fight-night-25-battle-on-the-bayou/

James Toney BJ Penn Shane Carwin Shane Moseley

Klitschko brothers issue challenge to David Haye

Perhaps someone pointed out that there is strength in numbers.
Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, who between them command the majority of world title belts in the heavyweight division, have started the latest round of tub-thumping with a view to one of them meeting David Haye in a boxing ring.
To read the full blog: http://boxing.bettor.com/klitschko-brothers-issue-challenge-to-david-haye/news/1337103

Source: http://www.boxing-blog.com/index.php/klitschko-brothers-issue-challenge-david-haye/

Muhammed Ali Evander Holyfield Mike Tyson Kimbo Slice

Anderson Silva gains two more wins, moves to 30-4

Jordan Breen of Sherdog, discovered two of Anderson Silva’s “missing wins” from 1997 which evidently took place in an 8-man tournament at 165 pounds (in which the final never happened). �This bumps Silva’s win total from 28, to 30, and will be reflected in our ratings upon the next update. It will be interesting to [...]

Source: http://www.fightmatrix.com/2011/06/24/anderson-silva-gains-two-more-wins-moves-to-30-4/

Mike Tyson Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson

Kenny Florian on Cut to Featherweight: 'I've Never Felt Better' - UFC 131

Kenny Florian on Cut to Featherweight: 'I've Never Felt Better' Video by UFC 131

Source: http://mmalice.com/ufc-131/kenny-florian-on-cut-to-herweight-ive-never-felt-better-video_8d2dac0f1.html

Shane Moseley Brock Lesnar Frank Mir Mirko Cro Cop

Alistair Overeem and Antonio Silva breakdown their upcoming fight - Strikeforce

At the Strikeforce Heavyweight GP in Dallas, TC Inside MMA correspondent Ron Kruck caught up with Alistair Overeem and Antonio Silva. The Reem spoke about his victory over Fabricio Werdum and the challange that lies ahead in Silva. Bigfoot spoke about how to do the impossible and beat Overeem

Source: http://mmalice.com/strikeforce/alistair-overeem-and-antonio-silva-breakdown-their-upcoming-fight-video_54151b1ca.html

Evander Holyfield Mike Tyson Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard

UFC on Versus 4 picks, Vegas-style: Smaller isn’t necessarily better

The night of the weight cut! That's not a really a catchy title for a fight card, but it certainly represents a big part of the story at Sunday's UFC on Versus 4 card.

Nate Marquardt, Tyson Griffin, Joe Stevenson, Rich Attonito, Ricardo Lamas and Matt Grice are all dropping in weight. That could wreak havoc on bettors. How many of these guys get crushed by the weight cut?

Yahoo! Sports' lead MMA writer Kevin Iole joined us to give his picks on the fights using the Las Vegas betting lines.

UFC on VERSUS 4 betting odds (courtesy Venetian Resort Hotel Casino Las Vegas):

Nate Marquardt (-115) vs. Rick Story (-115) - Welterweight

Pat Barry (+170) vs. Cheick Kongo (-200) - Heavyweight

Matt Brown (+190) vs. John Howard (-240) - Welterweight

Christian Morecraft (+150) vs. Matt Mitrione (-180) - Heavyweight

Manny Gamburyan (+150) vs. Tyson Griffin (-180) - Featherweight

Javier Vazquez (+190) vs. Joe Stevenson (-240) - Featherweight

Curt Warburton (+250) vs. Joe Lauzon (-330) - Lightweight

Rich Attonito (-115) vs. Daniel Roberts (-115) - Welterweight

Nik Lentz (+210) vs. Charles Oliveira (-270) - Lightweight

Matt Grice (-115) vs. Ricardo Lamas (-115) - Featherweight

Edward Faaloloto (+300) vs. Michael Johnson (-400) - Lightweight

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-on-Versus-4-picks-Vegas-style-Smaller-isn-?urn=mma-wp3854

James Toney BJ Penn Shane Carwin Shane Moseley

Junior dos Santos Looking to Exploit Shane Carwin's Lack of Cardio at UFC 131 - UFC 131

Junior dos Santos Looking to Exploit Shane Carwin's Lack of Cardio at UFC 131 Video by UFC 131

Source: http://mmalice.com/ufc-131/junior-dos-santos-looking-to-exploit-shane-carwins-lack-of-cardio-at-ufc-131-video_79c418aed.html

Matt Hughes Mirko Cro Cop Rashad Evans Frankie Edgar

UFC 131 Weigh in Highlight: Florian v. Nunes - UFC 131

Tomorrow night, Kenny Florian will make his featherweight debut as he takes on Diego Nunes at UFC 131

Source: http://mmalice.com/ufc-131/ufc-131-weigh-in-highlight-florian-v-nunes-video_dbd951e65.html

Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Antonio Silva And Alistair Overeem Breakdown Their Upcoming Fight

Antonio Silva And Alistair Overeem Breakdown Their Upcoming Fight In Interview With Ron Kruck On Inside MMA.




Amazon.com Widgets

Source: http://www.mmatko.com/antonio-silva-and-alistair-overeem-breakdown-their-upcoming-fight/

Vitali Klitschko Wladimir Klitscho David Haye Cornelius K9 Bundrage

Curran finishes Peruvian with Peruvian necktie; Sandro survives tough one at Bellator 46

Marlon Sandro was expected to be the guy producing a flashy finish, instead it was the usually workmanlike Pat Curran who did so during the back end of the Bellator featherweight tournament quarterfinals in Hollywood, Fla.

Sandro, a huge free agent signing for Bellator, had to go the distance with Genair da Silva Jr. to pull out a split decision win. Curran, back down at 145 after a lot of success at lightweight. finished Luis Palomino with a very uncommon submission, the Peruvian necktie at 3:49 of the first round.

Both fighters move into the tournament semifinals in July. Bellator announced that Sandro will face Nazareno Malegarie while Curran takes on Ronnie Mann. Also on that card is Bellator's featherweight champ Joe Warren, who'll battle the Season 4 tournament winner, Patricio "Pitbull" Freire at Bellator 47 in Rama, Canada.

Warren (7-1) hasn't fought at featherweight since he beat Joe Soto last September. The division has added so much talent and developed so quickly, Warren may not even be amongst the top five 145 pounders on the current Bellator roster.

Pat Curran (14-4) would certainly give the smallish Warren a run for his money. Curran was very competitive during his lightweight fights with Bellator. He upset Roger Huerta last May and began the former UFC star's demise. Then he went the distance with top six lightweight Eddie Alvarez.

Tonight in Florida, he looked awesome at featherweight. Possessing heavy hands, Curran dropped Palomino with a huge right, just over two minutes into the fight. A stunned Palomino tried to secure a takedown, but the scramble resulted in Curran eventually scoring his own along the cage and gaining top control.

With his cousin Jeff, a former WEC champ and jiu-jitsu black belt, in his corner, Curran began to show off his quickly improving submission. The 23-year-old worked a d'arce choke. When that wasn't working, he transitioned to highly unusual Peruvian necktie. The pressure of cranking back with hands, hips and legs made it impossible for Palomino to survive.

"Once I just sunk it in, I went for it. I practice it all the time in the gym," Curran told MTV2's Jimmy Smith. "I was glad I got a chance to show it off. I rocked him with the right hand. He felt a little weak while he was still getting his mind back together."

It wasn't as easy for Sandro, No. 5 in the USA Today/Bloody Elbow 145-pound rankings, against the fellow Brazilian da Silva.

The former Sengoku featherweight champ started strong. Just over two minutes into the fight, Sandro dropped da Silva with a nasty left. He jumped on top and pounded away, but the referee Jorge Alonso wisely let da Silva scramble his way out of trouble. Sandro, 34, tried a guillotine choke, but da Silva eventually got his head free.

In the second, Sandro (18-2) continued to land solid shots with front leg kicks and by getting off first with his hands. Da Silva tried to counterpunch, but was way too wild. The pace slowed in the third and da Silva landed his best punch of the fight, a right hand with 3:55 left. Da Silva tried two takedowns against a tiring Sandro and whiffed on both. Sandro made good on 1-of-2 down the stretch.

Cagewriter scored it 30-27 for Sandro, but the judges were split. The Florida trio scored it 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29 for Sandro.

The pressure's on Sandro, the highest-ranked fighter remaining in the field. Frankly, it looks like he might be a little overrated. His only losses are against new UFC signee Hatsu Hioki, and Michihiro Omigawa.

Omigawa lost a disputed decision at UFC 131, but he's been less than impressive in his second chance with the promotion.

We'll find out what Sandro has in North American fight No. 2. The Bellator semis should be explosive. This is an excellent group.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Curran-finishes-Peruvian-with-Peruvian-necktie-?urn=mma-wp3945

Nate Marquardt Forrest Griffin Ryan Bader Thiago Alves

On eve of random drug testing, NSAC looks to institute stiffer penalties for failed screens

LAS VEGAS - With the Nevada State Athletic Commission set to resume random drug testing on July 1, the commissioners also hope to soon institute stiffer penalties for those failing screens.

During the NSAC's monthly meeting, held today in Las Vegas, commissioner Pat Lundvall and Francisco Aguilar each discussed the need for increased penalties to offending combatants, particularly in the case of fighters using diuretics.

"We are seeing an increasing amount of these diuretics," Lundvall said. "I think it is getting to be almost a problem.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/a4UdFdDe7dA/on-eve-of-random-drug-testing-nsac-looks-to-institute-stiffer-penalties-for-failed-screens.mma

Georges St-Pierre Mauricio Rua Anderson Silva Nate Marquardt

Nate Marquardt announcement on failed medical exam, UFC release expected today at 1 pm ET

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2011/6/28/2248193/nate-marquardt-announcement-on-failed-medical-exam-ufc-release

Evander Holyfield Mike Tyson Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard

Noons commits to difficult cut, reluctantly visits a salon

Strikeforce in Dallas this weekend is highlighted by the heavyweight battles but one of the sleeper fights is KJ Noons and Jorge Masvidal.

This inside video look at Noons shows the lightweight contender taking care of a crucial prefight task. He checks in with the stylist. Apparently, Noons wiping away his bangs against Nick Diaz annoyed the hell out of the fighter's trainers (1:40 mark).

The Noons' video series is well made and this one provides a bonus with an appearance by the fighter's wife, Melany Lorenzo. Lorenzo is also an athlete having logged time in the Lingerie Football League.

Noons' could be fighting for a shot at Strikeforce 155-pound champion Gilbert Melendez. Does he have a chance against Melendez? Of course. Noons' boxing is as good as anyone's in the business. He's faced Diaz twice. Noons is a true lightweight, who finished Diaz on one occasion and also went the distance with the welterweight champ last year.

The first task at hand though is Masvidal, a well-rounded fighter, who may be able to slow Noons' striking game by getting the fight to the floor. Noons is listed as a minus-320 favorite. With Gina Carano dropping off the card, Noons-Masvidal is now part of the Showtime telecast (10 p.m. ET/PT).

Check out Part 1 and Part 2.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Noons-commits-to-difficult-cut-reluctantly-visi?urn=mma-wp3542

Vitali Klitschko Wladimir Klitscho David Haye Cornelius K9 Bundrage

Tyron Woodley agrees to fight Paul Daley in July

Strikeforce?s Tyron Woodley has been patiently waiting for an opponent to surface since improving to 8-0 this past January with a win over Tarec Saffiedine. Now it appears he not only has one lined up, but it also happens to be an adversary with stature similar enough to his own to make the bout worthy [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2011/06/27/tyron-woodley-agrees-to-fight-paul-daley-in-july/

David Haye Cornelius K9 Bundrage Miguel Cotto Manny Pacquiao

Charlie Brenneman: ?My Life Has Peaked at 30-Years-Old?

While most competitors are in the midst of their athletic primes when they hit the age of 30, flavor-of-the-moment Charlie Brenneman claims his upset special over 5-to-1 favorite Rick Story at “UFC on Versus 4” will forever be the highlight of his life. “Amazing,” Brenneman stated on the Versus post-fight show. ?I’m pretty sure my [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/79892/charlie-brenneman-my-life-has-peaked-at-30-years-old/

Mirko Cro Cop Rashad Evans Frankie Edgar Georges St-Pierre

Monday, June 27, 2011

Matt Brown relishing ‘second chance’ at UFC on Versus 4

PITTSBURGH -- Matt Brown is on a three-fight losing streak, something that rarely happens in the UFC. Fighters with just two losses expect an unpleasant phone call from UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, so Brown was surprised when Silva told him that he wasn't cut.

After he was submitted by Brian Foster at UFC 123, Brown was convinced that he would be released, and that experience forced him to grow as a fighter.

"It may have helped me because I've been there. I know what it feels like to be released. I was 100 percent under the impression that I've been released. I've gotta figure out something else to do. I feel like I've already seen the worst," Brown said.

Now, in preparing for his fight with John Howard at UFC on Versus 4 in Pittsburg Sunday evening, he knows that he is on borrowed time.

"I think having that in the back of my head helps a little. This is like a second chance. I'm looking at this fight like my first fight in the UFC. My first and last fight in the UFC."

Brown has grown to define himself as more than the guy whose chewing tobacco was messed with on "The Ultimate Fighter."

"One of the things I've learned in my fight career is that, fighters, all we ever do is fight and train. That becomes all you are. Now I'm a father. I own a home. I've grown up a lot, and I've come to realize that my self-worth is not based on if I win fights."

That doesn't mean he isn't craving a win on Sunday night over Howard. With both fighters' hard-hitting styles, Howard said the Fight of the Night bonus is "locked down," but Brown's main concern is a win and getting back on track.

"I think all my fights have potential to be fight of the night. Not to insult my past opponents, but they've all backed down when it comes time to do it. I don't see that in John Howard. I don't care about Fight of the Night. I'm here to do what I'm trained I'm to do. I'm not here to get bonus checks. Winning is what gets you somewhere. Winning is what makes you money. "

Brown said that he respects his opponent and got to know him at the UFC Fighter's Summit, but that won't keep him from "whooping his ass."

"When you're standing next to him, it humanizes him. It should chill our nerves a bit.� Then we'll be in there and be ready to bang right off the bat, instead of thinking, are you trying to kill me? Do you have a knife in your pocket?"

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Matt-Brown-relishing-second-chance-at-UFC-on-V?urn=mma-wp3870

Mike Tyson Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson

UFC on Versus 4 picks, Vegas-style: Smaller isn’t necessarily better

The night of the weight cut! That's not a really a catchy title for a fight card, but it certainly represents a big part of the story at Sunday's UFC on Versus 4 card.

Nate Marquardt, Tyson Griffin, Joe Stevenson, Rich Attonito, Ricardo Lamas and Matt Grice are all dropping in weight. That could wreak havoc on bettors. How many of these guys get crushed by the weight cut?

Yahoo! Sports' lead MMA writer Kevin Iole joined us to give his picks on the fights using the Las Vegas betting lines.

UFC on VERSUS 4 betting odds (courtesy Venetian Resort Hotel Casino Las Vegas):

Nate Marquardt (-115) vs. Rick Story (-115) - Welterweight

Pat Barry (+170) vs. Cheick Kongo (-200) - Heavyweight

Matt Brown (+190) vs. John Howard (-240) - Welterweight

Christian Morecraft (+150) vs. Matt Mitrione (-180) - Heavyweight

Manny Gamburyan (+150) vs. Tyson Griffin (-180) - Featherweight

Javier Vazquez (+190) vs. Joe Stevenson (-240) - Featherweight

Curt Warburton (+250) vs. Joe Lauzon (-330) - Lightweight

Rich Attonito (-115) vs. Daniel Roberts (-115) - Welterweight

Nik Lentz (+210) vs. Charles Oliveira (-270) - Lightweight

Matt Grice (-115) vs. Ricardo Lamas (-115) - Featherweight

Edward Faaloloto (+300) vs. Michael Johnson (-400) - Lightweight

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-on-Versus-4-picks-Vegas-style-Smaller-isn-?urn=mma-wp3854

Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano

Amir Khan ready for Floyd Mayweather

The smart money has said for a long time that if any trainer has a boxer who can beat Floyd Mayweather Jnr it is Freddie Roach.
And Roach would agree, except that he is not talking about a match-up with Manny Pacquiao. Instead he is promoting the claims of the man whom he believes to be [...]

Source: http://www.boxing-blog.com/index.php/amir-khan-ready-floyd-mayweather/

Vitali Klitschko Wladimir Klitscho David Haye Cornelius K9 Bundrage

?UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber II? Betting Odds

Immediately after watching Charlie Brenneman serve up an upset special last night at “UFC on Versus 4,” gamblers across the globe started inquiring about this Saturday’s investment options for “UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber II.” Although Urijah Faber submitted Dominick Cruz in the 1stRound of their initial meeting, much has changed since their featherweight affair [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/79911/ufc-132-cruz-vs-faber-ii-betting-odds/

Anderson Silva Nate Marquardt Forrest Griffin Ryan Bader

Vancouver Athletic Commission speaks on Elkins/Omigawa decision

At UFC 131, judges' decisions caused consternation in the MMA world, from the UFC president on down. The 30-27 cards in Kenny Florian and Mark Munoz's wins were confusing enough, but the decision that was truly confounding was Darren Elkins' win over Michihiro Omigawa.

Dana White responded by paying Omigawa his win bonus and treating the fight like a win for the Japanese fighter.

"We're going to pay [Omigawa] his win money," White said. "I don't care what the judge says, he won the fight. … I say he won. Overruled."

But now the Vancouver Athletic Commission is speaking out about judging in the Elkins-Omigawa bout to point out that Elkins could have reasonably taken the fight. In a statement to SB Nation, the commission's executive director explains:

"In the first round, Elkins backed Omigawa up with punches the entire round. He controlled the center of the cage. He was throwing a lot more shots, and landing more -- and in combination. If there is any controversy as to the outcome of the fight it must be because of the second round. That was a very challenging round to score. An argument can be made in favour of either fighter. Elkins landed more punches. At one point, when Omigawa came forward, he was stopped dead in his tracks by Elkins' combination punches, and at another point he was slightly buckled.� Due to Omigawa's unusual stance and balance, it was difficult to tell exactly whether he was rocked by some of these shots. However, you could see Omigawa's leg bend, and the control shift to Elkins as he landed the combo, stopping Omigawa in his tracks, taking the center of the cage, and going on the attack again. These sequences, as well as the total effective strikes landed, could reasonably warrant awarding the round to Elkins. Elkins didn't land many more than Omigawa, but he did land more. As to the blood - it represents something, but a cut can be caused by a glancing blow and some fighters just cut more readily than others.

By this description of the fight, it appears that forward movement is the most important thing in scoring a round. Punches landed are a side note. How would they score a fighter like Dominick Cruz, who constantly baits his opponents into coming forward with his non-stop movement? Chan Sung Jung, A.K.A. the Korean Zombie, should try to schedule every fight in Vancouver, as he's known to continually come forward during his bouts.

At UFC 131, the judges had monitors, a new procedure that is expected to become the norm for UFC events. In the past, judges had to rely on watching the live action in the cage -- which could be difficult when the fight hits the ground -- or look at the video boards hanging in the arena. The fact that monitors didn't quell judging controversies frustrated White.

"Something has to be done about the judging," White said. "It has to. It's so bad, and not only does it affect people's lives, it ruins everything for people that are watching. You watch it, and you're like, 'What? What ? 30-27? What are you watching?'

But monitors are a short term solution, when what is needed is more education, training and experience, but that takes time. Meanwhile, high-stakes fights still will come down to the very human judges, and the mistakes and subjectivity that comes part and parcel with their humanity.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Vancouver-Athletic-Commission-speaks-on-Elkins-O?urn=mma-wp3517

Rashad Evans Frankie Edgar Georges St-Pierre Mauricio Rua

Saul Alvarez And Adrien Broner Knock The Stuffing Out Of Their Opponents

Junior middleweight Saul Alvarez and junior lightweight Adrien Broner each scored impressive knockouts Saturday on HBO, Broner doing it quickly in the 1st round and Alvarez taking nearly as long as he could to get the stoppage in the 12th round. At the same time, though, their opponents appeared a bit too cooperative, so they probably won't get full credit for career-best wins.

Source: http://queensberry-rules.com/2011-articles/june/saul-alvarez-and-adrien-broner-knock-the-stuffing-out-of-their-opponents.html

Mauricio Rua Anderson Silva Nate Marquardt Forrest Griffin

UFC 131 "Dos Santos vs. Carwin" Results: A Solid Event Highlighted By Junior dos Santos Reigning Supreme

Another Saturday gone, another live UFC Pay-Per-View down. This time it was UFC 131, featuring a main event between Shane Carwin and Junior dos Santos. Seven free preliminary fights were made available, with several highlight-reel stoppages occurring. The Pay-Per-View portion was also interesting, with Kenny Florian beating out Diego Nunes in the co-main event to [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/06/12/ufc-131-dos-santos-vs-carwin-results-a-solid-event-highlighted-by-junior-dos-santos-reigning-supreme

Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano

Top 145er Hatsu Hioki joins UFC roster

The UFC bolstered their featherweight division this week with the signing of Japanese star Hatsu Hioki, a former Shooto/SRC champion who holds an overall record of 24-4-2 and has emerged with his hands raised the last four times he?s stepped foot in the ring. Hioki?s addition to the Zuffa roster was announced through the UFC?s [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2011/06/25/top-145er-hatsu-hioki-joins-ufc-roster/

Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano

Sunday, June 26, 2011

UFC on Versus 4's Michael Johnson rested, relaxed, retooled after "TUF 12" grind

The drain of fighting nearly once a week during the 12th season of "The Ultimate Fighter" and the quick turnaround at the show's finale took its toll on Michael Johnson.

Johnson suffered a decision loss at the hands of Jonathan Brookins at the show's finale, but in many ways, it was a blessing in disguise.

It's allowed Johnson a break from action. He's been off six months, and "The Menace," who meets Edward Faaloloto tonight at UFC on Versus 4, has made the most of his time off.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/dpy3C7AY4lo/ufc-on-versus-4s-michael-johnson-rested-relaxed-retooled-after-tuf-12-grind.mma

Thiago Alves Muhammed Ali Evander Holyfield Mike Tyson

Attonito takes decision, Lauzon gets quick sub at UFC on Versus 5

PITTSBURGH -- Like his beloved Red Sox on Sunday in Pittsburgh, Joe Lauzon was a big winner at UFC on Versus on Sunday night.

He showed off his striking abilities with a dominant display, knocking down Warburton with a straight right followed by a left. He then jumped on him top of him, and followed up with a perfect kimura to end the bout at 1:58 in the first round.

"We were working on not rushing things, keeping my balance and staying fundamentally sound. I hit pretty hard, but we had about five or six things we wanted to work in rotation. The first one I threw was the one that landed and put him away.� I'm always trying to hunt down submissions.� I never leave it to the judges," Lauzon said after the bout.

Attonito takes decision

Rich Attonito won a decision over Daniel Roberts in a bout that started strong but ended weakly. He won the bout with the odd judges' card of 29-27, 30-27 and 29-28.

Roberts started strong in the first round but slowed down considerably as the round wore on. At first he threw big, impressive kicks, but was taken down by Attonito by the end of the round. Roberts began with a takedown in the second and took Attonitio's back, but could not sink in a choke. Attonito reversed him and used the position to ground and pound, landing several big shots in the final seconds of the round.

Attonito grew aggressive in the third round, peppering Johnson with leg kicks and punches. The exhausted Roberts' only defense was to move away, but that was hardly effective. Attonito then knocked Roberts to the ground and followed up with an onslaught of punches. Roberts survived and got back to his feet, but was very wobbly. He staggered around the cage and threw strikes where he could while Attonito continued to throw intermittent strikes. Roberts tried for a takedown, but Attonito wanted to keep the fight on the ground. In the final seconds, Attonito took the fight to the ground, but was unable to do anything to put the bout in danger.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Attonito-takes-decision-Lauzon-gets-quick-sub-a?urn=mma-wp3974

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UFC 131 Weigh In Highlight: Dos Santos vs Carwin - UFC 131

Watch these two monsters of the Octagon square off tomorrow night at UFC 131 .

Source: http://mmalice.com/ufc-131/ufc-131-weigh-in-highlight-dos-santos-vs-carwin-video_bbf20ac89.html

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Strikeforce Challengers 16's Matt Ricehouse eyes improvement over title contention

KENT, Wash. - Friday night in the Strikeforce Challengers 16 co-headliner in Kent, Wash., Matt Ricehouse entered the Strikeforce cage for the third time and picked up his biggest win to date.

The 24-year-old Missouri native controlled the majority of his three-round bout with Ryan Couture to earn a hard-fought unanimous decision.

Despite his win over Couture, Ricehouse remains humble and said he has a long way to go before he is ready to challenge the top contenders in the Strikeforce lightweight division.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/uQKYuj_L48g/strikeforce-challenger-16s-matt-ricehouse-eyes-improvement-over-title-contention.mma

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All featherweights on target for opening round of Bellator ?Summer Series? tournament

After a short break Bellator is back and ready to once again entertain fans with one of the organization’s patented tournaments. Set for a start tomorrow night in Hollywood, Florida with Bellator 46, the “Summer Series” featherweight tournament will unfold over the next few months with one of eight individuals emerging as next in line [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2011/06/24/bellator-46-live-weigh-in-results/

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Strikeforce Challengers 16's Lorenz Larkin is here to entertain you

KENT, Wash. - In a prospect-vs.-prospect matchup at Friday's Strikeforce Challengers 16 event in Kent, Wash., Lorenz Larkin earned a one-sided unanimous-decision victory over former Ring of Combat standout Gian Villante.

For Larkin, who dazzled the crowd, exciting fights are the key to making a name for himself in the Strikeforce light-heavyweight ranks.

His vicious leg kicks wore down Villante over the course of their Showtime-televised fight. It was a strategy that went exactly as planned for the unbeaten Californian.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/UlOWSdxfAD4/strikeforce-challengers-16s-lorenz-larkin-is-here-to-entertain-you.mma

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The Perfect Storm: An Early Look At The Strikeforce, Bellator, And UFC Events All Planned For Next Week

In mere hours, strikeforce is set to present ?Overeem vs. Werdum?. It?s an event that I?ve spoken about at length, and one that I?m incredibly excited for. In terms of pure excitement, the only thing that really comes close is the trifecta of shows planned for next week. You read that right, fans and friends: [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/06/18/the-perfect-storm-an-early-look-at-the-strikeforce-bellator-and-ufc-events-all-planned-for-next-week

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Dana White Fires Nate Marquardt From UFC

Hopefully for Nate Marquardt, he isn?t one of the 1.4 million followers UFC president Dana White has on Twitter. If he is, then the former middleweight top contender just discovered he was fired from the world?s premier mixed martial arts promotion after reportedly failing his physical to fight Rick Story tomorrow night at ?UFC on [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/79708/dana-white-fires-nate-marquardt-from-ufc/

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Saturday, June 25, 2011

Best Of The Rest: Strikeforce "Overeem vs. Werdum"

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to another new edition of ?Best of the Rest?! I really enjoy taking the time to give my detailed thoughts on a show after watching it, but after the serious discussion and debate I?ll raise in topics like ?Top 5 Best Moments? and ?Best Performance of the [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/06/20/best-of-the-rest-strikeforce-overeem-vs-werdum

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UFC Live: By the Odds

Filed under:

Ordinarily we'd already be gearing up for fight night on the Saturday of a UFC weekend, but this time UFC Live gives us one extra day to sort through the betting odds and make some adventurous and possibly ruinous financial decisions.

I can't think of a better way to spend Sunday evening than sitting in front of the TV, watching some fights with a betting slip clutched in my sweaty little hand. Besides, now that season one of Game of Thrones is over, the Sunday night TV landscape is wide open once again, so why not?

Also, if you tune in to Versus an hour before fight time, you can catch our very own Ariel Helwani in the pre-fight show starting at 8 p.m. ET. Odds that he'll be the best-dressed man on the broadcast? I'd say at least 2-1 in favor.

Editor's Note: This article was written before the news of the removal of Nate Marquardt from the card. The new main event is Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry, and Rick Story's new opponent is Charlie Brenneman.

Nate Marquardt (even) vs. Rick Story (-130)

Oddsmakers already got fooled once by Story when they pegged him a heavy underdog against Thiago Alves. Apparently they're determined not to make the same mistake twice, though it's still a little surprising to see him as a slight favorite over the vastly more experienced Marquardt. If Story is able to work the same suffocating clinch game against Marquardt that he did against Alves, he stands a pretty good chance here. Marquardt hasn't fared all that well against aggressive wrestler-types lately, plus there's always a chance that the weight cut might sap some of his cardio and/or power. Still, it's one thing to get pushed around by middleweights like Okami and Sonnen -- both of whom are big even for 185 pounds -- and quite another thing to get handled by a welterweight like Story. It took guts for Story to jump in and agree to this fight less than a month after his last one, but I fear his reach might exceed his grasp.
My pick: Marquardt. I might save it for the parlay, but as long as he doesn't lay back looking to counter too much, Nate the Great should win this.

Cheick Kongo (-200) vs. Pat Barry (+160)

I covered this already in my Cut List article, but pause for a moment and take a look at Kongo's wins in the UFC, then tell me how many of the guys he beat are still in the UFC. Nevermind, I'll do it for you: one. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, and he's barely holding on to a UFC career by the skin of his military haircut. Kongo has plenty of athletic ability, but he has a hard time putting it to much use against quality opponents. Instead he tries to pin them against the fence in the stalled posture of a man who has taken only the first half of a 'Wrestling for MMA' class. Barry is a small-ish heavyweight who can be out-grappled, but I don't see Kongo doing that. I think he'll eventually end up in the center of the cage with Barry, where he'll get leg-kicked until he wants to cry.
My pick: Barry. I don't see a better underdog choice in here, honestly. I just wish they'd offer us odds on whether Kongo will land at least one low blow. I'll give you 3-1 he does.

Matt Brown (+190) vs. John Howard (-250)

How Brown has managed to hold on to a UFC career for as long as he has during his current losing streak, I don't know. As soon as the UFC started matching him up against the next level of fighters, Brown started showing just how far from that level he is. He's still as tough as they come and he never goes down easily, but I don't think he has the athletic ability or the overall game to compete with Howard. I think Brown gets overpowered and pounded out here, and probably cut from the UFC soon after.
My pick: Howard. Here's one for the parlay.

Matt Mitrione (-280) vs. Christian Morecraft (+220)

This line seems a little more lopsided than I would have expected, but at least it still favors the right guy. Mitrione is an excellent athlete and a good striker who only gets better with every fight, but at the same time you can't count out a guy with Morecraft's size and sheer caveman power. He was giving Stefan Struve all he wanted until he got caught with a punch combo early in the second, and in his last fight he manhandled Sean McCorkle until "Big Sexy" basically up and quit. Mitrione's ground game is still somewhat suspect, so it's not unreasonable to think that Morecraft could get him down and keep him there. Not unreasonable, but still not terribly likely.
My pick: Mitrione. I think -280 is waaaaay overblown (-180 sounds a bit more realistic to me), but I still don't see him losing this.

Quick picks:

- Javier Vasquez (+185) over Joe Stevenson (-225). With his recent decline, I'm not sure how Joe "Daddy" is favored this highly, but I think it's a mistake. Vazquez is certainly beatable, but a worthwhile underdog nonetheless.

- Manny Gamburyan (+211) over Tyson Griffin (-239).
Griffin has a better chance of revitalizing himself at featherweight than Stevenson does, but I'd still be willing to do some small action on Gamburyan with odds like these.

- Charles Oliveira (+155) over Nik Lentz (+125). Lentz has been a magnet for boos in the UFC so far, and he was on his way to a loss against Waylon Lowe before he grabbed a last-minute guillotine. My guess is he'll try to bring a little more excitement against Oliveira, and will pay for it with a submission loss.

The 'For Entertainment Purposes Only' Parlay:
Marquardt + Barry + Howard + Oliveira

 

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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/06/25/ufc-live-by-the-odds/

Ryan Bader Thiago Alves Muhammed Ali Evander Holyfield

Dana White Fires Nate Marquardt From UFC

Hopefully for Nate Marquardt, he isn?t one of the 1.4 million followers UFC president Dana White has on Twitter. If he is, then the former middleweight top contender just discovered he was fired from the world?s premier mixed martial arts promotion after reportedly failing his physical to fight Rick Story tomorrow night at ?UFC on [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/79708/dana-white-fires-nate-marquardt-from-ufc/

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Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix results, UFC on Versus 4 video preview and more on ESPN's 'MMA Live'

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2011/6/25/2243967/strikeforce-heavyweight-grand-prix-results-ufc-on-versus-4-video

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"UFC On Versus 4" Prelims Predictions

When the UFC broadcasts its ?UFC on Versus 4? event live on the Versus network, it will have been after an amazing seven-fight lead-in courtesy of the UFC?s ongoing relationship with Facebook. At one time, the UFC was set to offer eight free preliminary fights on their Facebook page, although one was recently cancelled due [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/06/23/ufc-on-versus-4-prelims-predictions

Dana White Oscar de la Hoya Matt Hughes Mirko Cro Cop

Barnett steamrolls Rogers at Strikeforce, wins via submission

Brett Rogers was no match for the experience and grappling of Josh Barnett. Barnett is one of the most controversial characters in the sport, but no one will deny the fact that he's vicious on the ground. Barnett scored a big takedown at the start of the second round and quickly slapped on an arm-triangle choke. He finished Rogers at 1:17 of the round to advance to the semifinals of the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix.

"We can talk, but I still got a tournament to fight bit by bit, inch by inch and one by one. I'm gonna take 'em down one by one," said Barnett, showing off his pro wrestling verbal chops. "I'm going to add one skull to the collection, until the next, until the next. Until I'm standing on top of a pile of bodies with a pile of gold in my hand!"

Barnett's had a terrible history with athletic commissions in the U.S. He's still not licensed in the state of California, where he tested positive for PED's back in July of 2009. He also tested positive in Nevada back in 2002. Barnett, 24 at the time, had just won the UFC heavyweight title from Randy Couture.

Tonight, Rogers (11-3) spent 5:17 of 6:17 on the floor. Barnett mounted him in both rounds. Much of the first round was spent softening up Rogers. The big man from Minnesota was gassed at the start of the second and ate a huge left hook. Barnett grabbed hold of the stunned Rogers and dumped him hard via lateral drop. It took just a few seconds for Barnett to lock on the choke and Rogers lasted only five more ticks before he tapped.

Barnett (31-5) landed both of his takedown attempts and was good on 44-of-56 strikes. He'll face Russian Sergei Kharitonov in the semifinals. Kharitonov destroyed Andrei Arlovski in the opening round back in February.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Barnett-steamrolls-Rogers-at-Strikeforce-wins-v?urn=mma-wp3686

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Strikeforce Challengers 16 results: Fodor edges Terry, Ricehouse plays spoiler

KENT, Wash. - In an action-packed and high-energy bout, Caros Fodor simply had more behind his punches and a tad more energy as he scored a unanimous-decision victory over fellow lightweight James Terry.

The bout headlined Friday's Strikeforce Challengers 16 event.

The Showtime-televised event took place at ShoWare Center in Kent, Wash., and the night's main card aired on Showtime.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/FpoVjVirZss/strikeforce-challengers-16-results-fodor-edges-terry-ricehouse-plays-spoiler.mma

Michael Dokes Leon Spinks John Tate Mike Weaver