Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/18/crash-course-everything-you-need-to-know-about-bellator-48
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Crash Course: Everything You Need To Know About Bellator 48
Hello once again and welcome to the latest edition of ?Crash Course?. ?Crash Course? is a series of articles designed to give readers a quick rundown on all the relevant information they need to know heading into an upcoming major MMA event. Everything from why you should watch, what you should expect in the co-main [...]
Anderson Silva toys with another top fighter, destroys Yushin Okami at UFC 134
If you stand with the most dynamic striker in the world, your fate is inevitable.
Anderson Silva lulled Yushin Okami to sleep early in the second, then floored him with a right hook and pounded him out from there.
Silva cruised in retaining his UFC middleweight title with a TKO victory at the 2:04 mark of the second round in the main event of UFC 134 in Rio de Janeiro.
The win was especially huge for Silva (31-4, 14-0 UFC) as the UFC returned to Brazil for the first time since 1998. The crowd in Rio chanted Silva's name throughout the fight and roared when he finished it.
The victory pushes Silva's UFC win streak to an amazing 14 straight. It also avenges his only loss in the last six years. Okami beat Silva back in 2006 via disqualification.
Silva was incredibly dominant in the striking department. According to FightMetric, he landed 52-of-71 shots (73 percent). In the finishing round, he had a 30-4 advantage.
Before the fight, Okami's strengths seemed to give him a shot at pulling a monumental upset (Silva was a minus-550 favorite). The Japanese fighter is big for the weight class and other fighters rave about his strength in the clinch. Silva never let him get into a rhythm and broke him mentally in the first round.
After following Silva around for the first two minutes of the first round, Okami (32-6, 10-3 UFC) worked the clinch for almost two minutes. Silva never wilted and looked plenty strong enough to deal with the ground-and-pound specialist. Once the fighters separated, the end of the first provided a preview of things to come.
Silva closed the round by landing a nasty head kick. Okami stumbled backwards and ate a knee as the horn sounded.
When Silva came out for the second, he meant business. He charged forward throwing punches and kicks from different angles. After a minute of that, he backed up and basically put his hands at his side, daring Okami to hit him. Okami took the bait. Instead of charging forward and attempting a takedown, Okami threw some sloppy punches. He was a sitting duck.
Just 36 seconds into the round, Silva, who switched between conventional and his more natural southpaw stance, landed a hard jab with the right and down went Okami. Silva backed up and let Okami stand up. Silva repeated the pattern and less than a minute later, he put a lot more mustard on a right hook. Okami fell to his back and his arms went to the side.
It was over. Silva, the world's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, jumped on top and threw 25-plus unanswered shots. Okami did nothing aside from cover up. Referee Herb Dean had to save him.
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? Best games of the 2011 college football season
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? No name change for Ron Artest just yet
This Coming Weekend: Friday August 26 & Saturday August 27, 2011
ProElite – Arlovski vs. Lopez August 27, 2011 Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Heavyweight (265 lbs) [#25] Andrei Arlovski (15 ? 9 ? 0) vs. [#223] Ray Lopez (5 ? 2 ? 0) Last 3 Fights:� Andrei Arlovski 2/12/2011: Loss vs. [#14HW] Sergei Kharitonov (18 – 4 – 0) (KO) via punches [...]
Source: http://www.fightmatrix.com/2011/08/26/this-coming-weekend-friday-august-26-saturday-august-27-2011/
The Best and Worst Boxing Commentators of the Past 25 Years
As a west coast boxing fan, I?ve heard many different announcers?some good and some not so good. Here are some of my favorites and some guys who left a little to be desired, as well as the guys in the middle of the pack. Everyone has their own opinions on this, so feel free to chime in with your own personal best and worst boxing commentators or announcers.
Best Boxing Announcers: My Favorite Commentators
Jim Lampley: In a brutal sport, Lampley has brought an elegant style to the table with his articulate ...
Best Boxing Announcers: My Favorite Commentators
Jim Lampley: In a brutal sport, Lampley has brought an elegant style to the table with his articulate ...
Source: http://www.proboxing-fans.com/the-best-and-worst-boxing-commentators-of-the-past-25-years_083011/
UFC on Fox: How will ?The Ultimate Fighter? change?
Thursday's landmark announcement that the UFC has a new partnership with the Fox network included the news that the UFC's relationship with Spike TV will end after the upcoming season of "The Ultimate Fighter." The revamped show will air on Fox's sister network, FX.
Its home is far from the only change that will be made for the reality show that helped kickstart the UFC's popularity but has grown stale as of late. Instead of featuring a taped, edited show with taped fights, the fights will be shown live. Packages from life in the fighter house and training will be cut from the things that happened during the week leading up to each fight.
Also, fans will have a chance to help decide the fights, as they will get to vote on upcoming match-ups. The coaches will conduct their training camps over the 12-week period of the show alongside their fighters, and fight at the end of the season. Over the course of two seasons in a year, 24 live fights will be aired on Friday nights.
Of course, there are plenty of questions that will need to be answered about how the UFC will run the show. Will the finale still be an event, like it has been for the past seasons, or just be a part of the show? Will the fight-in shows still happen, or will the cast be decided by the time the show starts?
It also will ask much of both the contestants and the coaches. The winners of the show will be decided as much by their health and ability to withstand the rigors of the show as their fighting potential. Coaches will have to move their training camps to Las Vegas, where the show is taped. Plenty of fighters like to be cloistered off from the rest of the world during training camp, and the temptations of Sin City could be a bit much to handle during camp. That could limit the pool of fighters who want to serve as coaches.
But those are minor quibbles for a show that lost its must-watch edge years ago. The UFC promised a fresh start with Fox, and the changes to "The Ultimate Fighter" shows that they're headed in the right direction.
This Coming Weekend: Friday August 26 & Saturday August 27, 2011
ProElite – Arlovski vs. Lopez August 27, 2011 Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Heavyweight (265 lbs) [#25] Andrei Arlovski (15 ? 9 ? 0) vs. [#223] Ray Lopez (5 ? 2 ? 0) Last 3 Fights:� Andrei Arlovski 2/12/2011: Loss vs. [#14HW] Sergei Kharitonov (18 – 4 – 0) (KO) via punches [...]
Source: http://www.fightmatrix.com/2011/08/26/this-coming-weekend-friday-august-26-saturday-august-27-2011/
?Babalu? talks training with Rua, credits Silva with MMA?s popularity in Brazil
Renato Sobral hasn?t been seen in the cage since a December 2010 loss to Dan Henderson but that doesn?t mean he hasn?t kept himself busy. In addition to teaching the next generation of fighters at his gym in Cerritos, California, ?Babalu? also spent some time working with Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua in preparation for his bout [...]
Tensions easing, Overeem could be back soon
The UFC wanted to send a message and it appears it worked. That's a great thing for fight fans concerning the dismissal of Strikeforce heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem.
Overeem could be on his way back to Strikeforce or welcomed into the UFC.
"We're talking to Overeem. When everything fell apart, you guys heard me come out and say, 'We can't do business with these guys the way these guys want to do business,' meaning his management. Well they've changed their opinions on how they can do business with us, so now we can," Dana White told 790 the Ticket in Miami (1:54:00 mark).
Zuffa's issue was with Golden Glory. The management group was asking all fighter checks to be sent its way and then it would pay the fighters. Zuffa refused to do it and Overeem, his brother Valentijn, Marloes Coenen and Jon Olav Einemo were released from their Zuffa deals. Fight fans were also facing the possibility of seeing another GG fighter Sergei Kharitonov, win the Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix only to be cut following the tourney.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Nedkov shows off scary power in UFC 134 slugfest against Cane
In his UFC debut, Stanislav Nedkov delivered some clear messages tonight. He's one tough dude and future opponents better look out for that right hand.
The Bulgarian UFC newcomer was getting drilled on the feet by Luiz Cane until he landed a great left hook and followed it up with an thunderous overhand right that changed everything. Cane was finished on his feet as he retreated. Twenty unanswered shots later, the Brazilian was upset on his home turf by Nedkov at the 4:13 mark of the first round at UFC 134 in Rio de Janeiro.
Nedkov looked tiny compared to the 6-foot-2 Cane and was giving up six inches of reach. The problem was, Cane kept his left hand too low. It was a matter of time before the Nedkov overhand right landed on the button.
Nedkov showed some gumption too. In the middle of the first round, it appeared that he suffered a nose injury. For about a minute before the stoppage, Nedkov's output slowed down as he kept grabbing at the nose. Then came the big punches.
Cane was so out of it, he turned his back and unleashed an odd kicking motion at the cage. When he bounced off the fence and turned around, Nedkov was there to unload with some massive lefts. A right hook dropped Cane and he was unable to defend himself as referee Mario Yamasaki stepped in to save him.
Cane (11-4, 4-4 UFC) is a skilled striker, but got sloppy in this one. "Bahna" has now lost three of his last four with the promotion. This was Nedkov's first fight in the UFC. He's a perfect 12-0 overall.
Jorge Masvidal Makes the Case for Title Shot - Strikeforce
Jorge Masvidal Makes the Case for Title Shot Video by StrikeforceSource: http://mmalice.com/strikeforce/jorge-masvidal-makes-the-case-for-title-shot-video_817181133.html
JZ Cavalcante Post Fight vs Wilcox Wants to Return to Action Soon - JZ Cavalcante
JZ Cavalcante Post Fight vs Wilcox Wants to Return to Action Soon Video by JZ Cavalcante
Sonnen goes into full WWE mode, says the Silvas abandoned the Brazilian people
Chael Sonnen is back in full force. His attack on Brazilian mixed martial arts fighters hits a new level with this video shot by redetv.com. Sonnen's latest bit calls out legends like Wanderlei Silva and Anderson Silva for turning their backs on Brazil.
"I'm attempting to pick a fight with fighters from Brazil. Not fighters that care about you Brazil. Fighters that abandoned you," Sonnen said (1:10 mark). "Fighters that claim they're from Brazil like Wanderlei Silva, but he lives in a gated community in Las Vegas. He drives an Aston Martin! Do you guys even know what that is? That's what James Bond drives. It costs two-hundred grand."
Sonnen goes on to say Silva could've been a bit more frugal and sent the money he saved back to Brazil to build schools. He also says Anderson Silva just put $2 million down on an Los Angeles condo.
Playing the role of "Mean" Gene Okerland in this doozy is Fernando Navarro.
Anderson Silva is joined by at least 12 other Brazilian fighters at UFC 134 in Rio de Janeiro. One has to wonder if Sonnen will really stir the pot by making an appearance at the event. Sonnen's scheduled return to the Octagon comes in October at UFC 136 against Brian Stann.
ProElite 1 results: Grove submits Riggs, Arlovski returns to win column
ProElite, the parent company of the now-defunct EliteXC promotion, rose from the ashes to hold its first solo event on Saturday at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu.While billed under the name "Arlovski vs. Lopez," a middleweight rematch between UFC veterans Kendall Grove and Joe Riggs headlined the event.
It proved to be a rather short main event.
OAC commends Barnett's cooperation, says Strikeforce fighter will be licensed
Josh Barnett has passed a pre-fight drug test and will be licensed to fight at a Sept. 10 Strikeforce event bearing his name. Ohio Athletic Commission Executive Director Bernie Profato today confirmed the news to MMAjunkie.com.
"In fairness to this young man, he cooperated 110 percent," the executive said.
Wladimir Klitscho David Haye Cornelius K9 Bundrage Miguel Cotto
Brazil overrun by hat thieves!
This one is hilarious because of the speed of the thief, look at him go!
Image: http://i52.tinypic.com/33mlmrn.gif
This one is hilarious because...
Image: http://i52.tinypic.com/33mlmrn.gif
This one is hilarious because...
Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/94215-brazil-overrun-hat-thieves.html
Monday, August 29, 2011
UFC 134 play by play and live results
PHILADELPHIA - MMAjunkie.com is on scene and reporting live from tonight's UFC 134 event. The pay-per-view event, which features a middleweight title fight between champion Anderson Silva and Yushin Okami, takes place at Rio de Janeiro's HSBC Arena in Brazil.
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) for the preliminary card and 9 p.m. ET for the main card.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/TMiIoRuaAlU/ufc-134-play-by-play-and-live-results.mma
Refereeing The Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Vs. Floyd Mayweather, Sr. Meltdown
People are still talking about the explosive, disturbing meltdown between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Floyd Mayweather, Sr. in the debut episode of 24/7 Mayweather-Ortiz. Some are so turned off by it they said they now would not purchase the pay-per-view for Mayweather's welterweight bout against Victor Ortiz, and with children crying in the background as the soundtrack, it was most definitely an ugly scene; some are entranced, such as myself, even if I found it to be all part of the same Mayweather good/evil/fake/real cycle; some are finding it to be comedic material, because sometimes being a boxing fan means having to have a love of gallows humor.
But a big portion of the response has been who was right and who was wrong.
So I thought I'd put on my Kenny Bayless stripes -- rather than my Russell Mora stripes, since in this father-son bout low blows definitely should result in lost points -- and referee it up. The standard isn't clean punching and effective aggression. It's about whose claims are least factual and who's most responsible for escalation of hostilities.
Has Forrest Griffin Given Up Hope? A New Article Points To "Maybe"
Since he first amazed fans on the inaugural first season of ?The Ultimate Fighter?, Forrest Griffin has always been a popular fighter. Recently, however, Griffin has struggled to regain the footing that eventually allowed him to become a UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. In his most recent fight, Griffin defeated former champion Rich Franklin in a [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/22/has-forrest-griffin-given-up-hope-a-new-article-points-to-maybe
Anthony Crolla wins British lightweight title
Anthony Crolla won the vacant British lightweight title when he stopped John Watson in the ninth round at the Olympia Hall in Liverpool.
To read the full story: http://boxing.bettor.com/anthony-crolla-wins-british-lightweight-title/news/1338935
To read the full story: http://boxing.bettor.com/anthony-crolla-wins-british-lightweight-title/news/1338935
Source: http://www.boxing-blog.com/index.php/anthony-crolla-wins-british-lightweight-title/
Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano Vitali Klitschko
Bellator 48 Picks And Predictions: Who Wins The Summer Series?
We?re now only a few days away from Bellator 48. In the main event, Pat Curran takes on Marlon Sandro in the final fight of Bellator?s ?Summer Series? Featherweight Tournament. The co-main event will also be an interesting match-up, as Bellator Heavyweight Champion Cole Konrad faces former UFC star Paul Buentello in a non-title bout. [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/19/bellator-48-picks-and-predictions-who-wins-the-summer-series
Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano
?Minotauro? credits countrymen with his success on Saturday night
It may have taken thirty-nine fights over a career spanning more than a decade but MMA legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira finally made his debut in Brazil last weekend and in the end served as testament to the saying that good things come to those who wait. When the smoke cleared in Rio de Janeiro at [...]
ProElite 1 Results: Arlovski and Grove Snap Losing Streaks, McMann-Pa?aluhi Steals Show
ProElite made its return to MMA world Saturday night at the Blaisdale Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. While the two headlining fighters, Andrei Arlovski and Kendall Grove, both ended their recent losing streaks, it was a women's MMA bout between US Olympic wrestling medalist Sarah McMann and local fighter Raquel Pa'aluhi that stole the show.
Georges St-Pierre Mauricio Rua Anderson Silva Nate Marquardt
Has Forrest Griffin Given Up Hope? A New Article Points To "Maybe"
Since he first amazed fans on the inaugural first season of ?The Ultimate Fighter?, Forrest Griffin has always been a popular fighter. Recently, however, Griffin has struggled to regain the footing that eventually allowed him to become a UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. In his most recent fight, Griffin defeated former champion Rich Franklin in a [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/22/has-forrest-griffin-given-up-hope-a-new-article-points-to-maybe
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Ask and you shall receive: Nogueira gets UFC 134 KO bonus
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira pulled a big upset on Saturday night, knocking out Brendan Schaub in Rio de Janeiro, just miles from his home and gym. Understandably, he was elated after the fight.
That $100,000 that he's asking for is the super-sized knockout of the night bonus. Good news for Nogueira is that UFC president Dana White agreed and awarded the bonus to Nog. Edson Barboza and Ross Pearson's bout won Fight of the Night. Even though the fights were in Brazil and chock-full of Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners, there were no submissions, so a submission of the night was not awarded.
Georges St-Pierre Mauricio Rua Anderson Silva Nate Marquardt
Reagan Penn vs. Paul Gardiner Fight Video ProElite
ProElite “Arlovski vs. Lopez” MMA fight video of the debut of Reagan Penn against Paul Gardiner.
Source: http://www.mmatko.com/reagan-penn-vs-paul-gardiner-fight-video-proelite/
ProElite 1 Results: Arlovski and Grove Snap Losing Streaks, McMann-Pa?aluhi Steals Show
ProElite made its return to MMA world Saturday night at the Blaisdale Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. While the two headlining fighters, Andrei Arlovski and Kendall Grove, both ended their recent losing streaks, it was a women's MMA bout between US Olympic wrestling medalist Sarah McMann and local fighter Raquel Pa'aluhi that stole the show.
UFC 135 pay-per-view main card set
The main card for the UFC's heavily anticipated "UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage" event is set.UFC 135's pay-per-view lineup features five fights, including a headliner pitting UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones against former champ and current top contender Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
Other bouts slated for the Sept. 24 main card include Matt Hughes vs. Diego Sanchez, Rob Broughton vs. Travis Browne, Nate Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi and Mark Hunt vs. Ben Rothwell.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/sQGzkSzBzJs/ufc-135-pay-per-view-main-card-set.mma
Herman works submission magic over Noke at UFC on Versus 5
MILWAUKEE -- Ed Herman has put together a fantastic summer, first TKOing Tim Credeur at the Ultimate Fighter finale in less than a minute in June, then submitting Kyle Noke in the first round at UFC on Versus 5 on Sunday.
Noke tried for an early takedown, and after being spun around by Herman, he took top position. Herman took advantage of that position and worked an armbar, but Noke's flexibility showed as he worked out of the tight lock. But Herman was not slowed, as he worked in an inverted heel hook that caused Noke to tap at 4:15 in the first round.
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
UFC 134 weigh-in: Brazil vs. the rest of the world
A pro-Brazil crowd showed up for the UFC 134 weigh-in this afternoon in Rio de Janeiro. All of the American fighters were greeted with booing and chanting. That said most seemed unphased. Forrest Griffin waved on more catcalls and Brendan Schaub just chuckled. All 24 fighters made weight and there was little drama during the staredowns.
UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva came in just under the middleweight limit at 184 pounds and said he hopes everyone comes out to back this "Brazil vs. the rest of the world card". His challenger Yushin Okami checked in at 183.
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua looked much trimmer than he did at UFC 128 against Jon Jones. Griffin nearly ran to scale. It looked like a well-managed weight cut for the American. On Wednesday, he told Dana White� he was 216. When we saw him last week at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas he couldn't have been much heavier than that. Griffin's had previous cases where he was walking around in the 220's days before the fight.
UFC 134 weigh-in:
Yushin Okami (183) vs. Anderson Silva (184) - UFC middleweight title
Forrest Griffin (205) vs. Mauricio Rua (205)
Antonio Nogueira (243) vs. Brendan Schaub (247)
Luiz Cane (204) vs. Stanislav Nedkov (203)
Ross Pearson (155) vs. Edson Barboza (155)
Spencer Fisher (156) vs. Thiago Tavares (156)
Dan Miller (184) vs. Rousimar Palhares (185)
David Mitchell (171) vs. Paulo Thiago (169)
Johnny Eduardo (135) vs. Raphael Assuncao (134)
Erick Silva (169) vs. Luis Ramos (171)
Felipe Arantes (145) vs. Yuri Alcantara (144)
Yves Jabouin (135) vs. Ian Loveland (135)
Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano
Travis Dickinson wins Prizefighter
Boxing has proved to be a rich source of material for filmmakers, with The Fighter, the next one to hit the screens but even the most fertile script writer might have struggled to come up with a plot to match the latest edition of Prizefighter.
To read the full story: http://boxing.bettor.com/travis-dickinson-keeps-it-in-the-family-in-prizefighter/news/1338412
To read the full story: http://boxing.bettor.com/travis-dickinson-keeps-it-in-the-family-in-prizefighter/news/1338412
Source: http://www.boxing-blog.com/index.php/travis-dickinson-wins-prizefighter/
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Top 5 Reasons To Watch "UFC On Versus 5"
Very soon the UFC will begin its highly-anticipated ?UFC on Versus 5? event, featuring Chris Lytle going to war with Dan Hardy. Also, Jim Miller faces Benson Henderson in what could end up becoming a ?Fight of the Year? contender. Still, some fans may be asking themselves: what are the best reasons to check out [...]
Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/14/the-top-5-reasons-to-watch-ufc-on-versus-5
?UFC 134: Silva vs. Okami? Weigh-In Results
The official weigh-ins for “UFC 134: Silva vs. Okami” took place Friday inside the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Please click HERE to stream today?s weight competition live on UFC.com. Saturday’s pay-per-view broadcast will be co-headlined by a light heavyweight match between former champions Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua and Forrest Griffin. A middleweight title [...]
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/86421/ufc-134-silva-vs-okami-weigh-in-results/
Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano Vitali Klitschko
Pairings announced for Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament
Bellator Season 5 is right around the corner and today the company announced the pairings for the Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament which kicks off at Bellator 51 on September 24 in Canton, Ohio. Among the eight fighters participating in the 135 lbs competition is the current Bellator featherweight champ Joe Warren. The self-proclaimed “baddest man [...]
Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano Vitali Klitschko Wladimir Klitscho
Dana White Q & A UStream Video Fan Chat ? Wants Tito Ortiz vs. Rich Franklin
Dana answers lots of questions from possible Brock Lesnar vs Alistair Overeem fight to what will happen to Strikeforce.
Source: http://www.mmatko.com/dana-white-q-a-ustream-video-fan-chat-wants-tito-ortiz-vs-rich-franklin/
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 131Source: http://mmalice.com/ufc-131/ufc-131-weigh-in-highlight-florian-v-nunes-video_dbd951e65.html
Brazilian Fighters Basking in Warm Reception, but Foreigners Resigned to Boos
RIO DE JANEIRO -- The good news for the Americans on the UFC 134 fight card is that at least one of them got through the pre-fight weigh-ins on Friday without getting booed. That would be Ian Loveland, who fights Canadian Yves Jabouin in the first bout of the night, also known as the only fight on the card that doesn't feature at least one Brazilian.When Loveland and Jabouin stepped on the scales, the crowd at the HSBC Arena could hardly be bothered to pay attention, which, in a way, let both fighters off the hook. The other foreigners on the card weren't so lucky.
"Vai morrer! Vai morrer!" the crowd chanted at American fighters like Dan Miller, Brendan Schaub, and Forrest Griffin. Translation: You're going to die.
Say what you will about this crowd's sensitivity, but you can't knock their passion.
More Coverage: Watch UFC 134 Live Online | UFC 134 Results
Not that this reception should surprise any of the non-Brazilian fighters. When you're fighting someone like Mauricio "Shogun" Rua or Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in Rio, and you're a gringo from the USA, you can't exactly expect a warm reception.
As Griffin put it at Thursday's press conference when it was suggested that he, Schaub, and Yushin Okami would have the entire world against them on Saturday night: "It's not the whole world; it's just Brazil."
But for many of the Brazilian fighters, facing off against a series of foreigners in their own backyard in the first UFC event in Rio is a little like taking on the rest of the world, or at least taking on the responsibility for an entire nation, as Anderson Silva explained.
"It's like Brazil vs. Argentina in Macarana Stadium," he said, putting it in soccer terms any Brazilian would understand. As he added later, "A lot of idols come and go, but we're fighting to reach our place."
The Brazilians on the card certainly had the fans at the weigh-ins firmly behind them, even if the loudest boos were saved for Chael Sonnen, who only appeared via the giant video screen during one of the pre-fight promo packages.
The most half-hearted boos? Those were aimed at Bulgarian Stanislov Nedkov and Englishman Ross Pearson, who are slated to take on Brazilians Luiz Cane and Edson Barboza, respectively.
But even then, it felt more like a perfunctory habit than anything else. Pearson very nearly managed to turn the crowd around by stepping off the scale and rehydrating with help from a coconut and a straw. At least to some degree, it worked. The boos died down, and the crowd lost the urge to inform him of his impending death.
Well played, Mr. Pearson. It might take slightly more to bring about a change of heart toward Sonnen, however.
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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/08/26/brazilian-fighters-basking-in-warm-reception-while-foreigners-r/
Friday, August 26, 2011
UFC 134 Video: Royce Gracie, Junior dos Santos Visit Christ the Redeemer Statue
Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, News, Videos
RIO DE JANEIRO -- MMA legend Royce Gracie and heavyweight contender Junior dos Santos visited the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio on Thursday, and MMA Fighting tagged along with the popular Brazilian fighters. Dos Santos, who was visiting the statue for the first time, and Gracie were mobbed by tourists and locals atop the mountain and talked about what it's like to have the UFC in town for UFC 134.A video of the journey is below.
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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/08/26/ufc-134-video-royce-gracie-junior-dos-santos-visit-christ-the/
Kimbo Slice Sugar Ray Leonard Sugar Ray Robinson Rocky Marciano
Dana White UFC RIO 134 Video Blog Day 2
UFC 134 Press Conference Anderson Silva vs Yushin Okami, Miami and First day in RIO for Dana White.
Source: http://www.mmatko.com/dana-white-ufc-rio-134-video-blog-day-2/
Josh Thomson injured, out of September 10 Strikeforce fight
More bad news for Josh Thomson. The often injured lightweight will once again be sitting on the sidelines, this time with a foot injury. Scheduled to fight Maximo Blanco at the September 10 Strikeforce event, Thomson has been forced to pull out of the fight with the injury, which was suffered while training for the [...]
Nine possible opponents for newly re-signed Strikeforce champ Cris "Cyborg" Santos
With news this week that Strikeforce women's featherweight champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos has re-signed with the promotion, attention once again has turned to potential opposition.Santos occupies the top spot in her division and is seen by many as borderline unstoppable. However, the remainder of the top 10 at 145 pounds is composed of fighters who have not yet had their shot at the hard-hitting Brazilian.
MMAjunkie.com contributor Robert Sargent discusses nine possible opponents for Santos.
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