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(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
2010
November
Aloha
State BJJ
Championships: Final Conflict
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Kaiser H.S. Gym)
11/6/10
Man Up & Stand Up Kickboxing Championship
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
10/24/10
NAGA
Hawaii
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Radford H.S. Gym)
10/15-17/10
ETERNAL SUBMISSIONS: 1st Annual BJJ GI/NO-GI tournament
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Kauai Beach Resort, Kauai)
10/16/10
Just Scrap
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Auditorium, Hilo)
10/2/10
Mad Skills
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu
9/11/10
Kauai Knockout Championship
(MMA, Kickboxing)
(Kauai)
9/10/10
Man Up & Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
8/28/10
Big
Island Open
(BJJ)
(Hilo Armory, Hilo)
8/14/10
Hawaiian
Open Championships of BJJ
(BJJ & No Gi)
(Kaiser H.S. Gym)
USA Amateur Boxing
(Boxing)
(Lihue Convention Hall, Lihue, Kauai)
8/13/10
Battleground Challenge 2
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
8/7/10
Just Scrap
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Auditorium, Hilo)
8/6/10
Mad Skills
(Triple Threat/Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
7/24/10
The Quest for Champions 2010 Martial Arts Tournament
(Sport-Pankration, Submission Grappling & Continuous Sparring)
(St. Louis High School Gym)
7/17/10
Maui Jiu-Jitsu Open
(BJJ & No Gi)
(Maui War Memorial, Wailuku, Maui)
Mad Skillz
(Kickboxing, Triple Threat)
(99 Market Shopping Center, Mapunapuna)
7/9/10
Man Up & Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
7/3/10
Amateur Boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park Gym)
6/26/10
Kauai Cage Match 9
(MMA)
(Kilohana, Gaylords Mansion, Kauai)
6/25-26/10
50th
State BJJ Championships
(BJJ)
(50th State Fair,
Aloha Stadium)
6/24/10
Quest for Champions
(Kumite/Grappling)
(St. Louis High School Gym)
6/19/10
Just Scrap
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center, Hilo)
6/18-19/10
Select
Combat
(Triple Threat)
(50th State Fair,
Aloha Stadium)
6/12/10
Destiny: Fury
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Center)
6/11-13/10
MMA Hawaii Expo
(Blaisdell Ballroom)
6/11-12/10
3rd
Annual Pacific Submission Championships
(BJJ & Submission Grappling)
(Blaisdell Exhibition Hall)
6/11/10
Legacy Combat MMA
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Exhibition Hall)
6/4/10
X-1:
Nations Collide
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
6/3-6/10
World
Jiu-Jitsu Championships
(BJJ)
(The Pyramid, University of California at Long Beach, Long Beach,
CA)
5/22/10
Destiny
(MMA)
(Waiphau Filcom Center)
5/15/10
Scrappla Fest 2
Relson Gracie KTI Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Island School, Kauai)
X-1 World Events
(MMA)
(Waipahu HS Gym)
Mad Skills
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
Boxing Event
(Boxing)
(Evolution Training Center, Waipio Industrial Court #110)
5/1/10
Galaxy
MMA: Worlds Collide
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
4/28/10
Chris Smith BJJ Tournament
(BJJ)
(Hilo)
4/23/10
2010 Hawaii State/Regional Junior Olympic Boxing Championships
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park Gym)
4/17/10
Hawaiian
Championships of BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Kaiser
H.S. Gym)
Strikeforce:
Shields vs Henderson
(CBS)
4/16/10
808 Battleground
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
4/8-11/10
Pan
Jiu-Jitsu Championships
(BJJ)
(University California Irvine, Irvine, CA)
4/3/10
Man Up & Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
Amateur Boxing Smoker
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park Gym)
3/27/10
DESTINY: No Ka Oi 2: Oahu vs Maui
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
3/20/10
X-1: Champions 2
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
3/20/10
Hawaiian Championships of BJJ
(BJJ & Sub Grappling)
(Kaiser H.S. Gym)
3/14/10
Hawaiian Kimono Combat
(BJJ)
(PCHS Gym)
3/10/10
Sera's Kajukenbo Tournament
(Kumite, Katas, Grappling)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
3/6/10
Destiny Fast N Furious
(MMA)
(Level 4 RHSC)
2/19/10
808 Battleground
(MMA)
(Filcom, Waipahu)
2/6/10
UpNUp 6: Unstoppable
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
2/5/10
Man Up & Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom)
1/30/10
Destiny
(Level 4,
Royal HI Shopping Ctr)
(MMA)
Quest for Champions
(Pankration/Sub Grappling)
(Kalani HS)
1/23/10
Kauai Knockout Championship Total Domination
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Kauai War Memorial Convention Center, Lihue, Kauai)
1/17/10
X1: Showdown In Waipahu
(Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA)
(Waipahu H.S. Gym)
|
|
August
2010 News Part 2
|
Casca Grossa Jiu-Jitsu
is now the O2 Martial Arts Academy with 7 days a week training!
We are also offering Kali-Escrima (stick fighting) on Monday
nights with Ian Beltran & Erwin Legaspi and Kickboxing Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday with Kaleo Kwan, PJ Dean, & Chris
Slavens!
Kids Classes are also
available!
Click
here for info!
Take classes from
the Onzuka brothers in a family-like environment! |
Onzuka.com
Hawaii Underground Forum is Online!
Chris, Mark,
and I wanted to start an official Onzuka.com forum for a while
now. We were searching for the best forum to go with and hit
a gold mine! We have known Kirik, who heads the largest and most
popular forum on the net, The Underground for years.
He
offered us our own forum within the matrix know as MMA.tv. The
three of us will be the moderators with of course FCTV808 being
the lead since he is on there all day anyway!
We
encourage everyone from Hawaii and our many readers around world
to contribute to the Hawaii Underground.
If you
do not have a login, it's simple and fast to get one.
Click here to set up an account.
Don't worry about using Pidgin English in the posting. After
all it is the Hawaii Underground and what is a Hawaii Underground
without some Aloha and some Pidgin?
To
go directly to the Onzuka.com Hawaii Underground Forum
click here!
|
Want
to Advertise on Onzuka.com?
Click here for pricing and more
information!
Short term and long term advertising available.
More than
1 million hits and counting!
|
O2
Martial Arts Academy
Your Complete Martial Arts School!
Click here for pricing and more
information!
O2 Martial Arts features Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu taught by Relson
Gracie Black Belts Chris and Mike Onzuka and Shane Agena as well
as a number of brown and purple belts.
We also offer Boxing and Kickboxing classes with a staff that
is unmatched. Boxing, Kickboxing, and MMA champions Kaleo Kwan
and PJ Dean as well as master boxing instructor Chris Slavens
provide incredibly detailed instruction of the sweet science.
To top it off, Ian Beltran & Erwin Legaspi heads our Kali-Escrima
classes (Filipino Knife & Stickfighting) who were directly
trained under the legendary Snookie Sanchez.
Just a beginner with no background? Perfect! We teach you from
the ground up!
Experienced martial artist that wants to fine tune your skill?
Our school is for you!
If you want to learn martial arts by masters of their trade in
a friendly and family environment, O2 Martial Arts Academy is
the place for you!
|
Want to Contact
Us? Shoot us an email by Clicking Here!
Follow O2 Martial Arts news via Twitter at:
http://www.twitter.com/O2MAA
2010
HAWAIIAN CHAMPIONSHIP OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU Results
PART 2 OF TRIPLE CROWN SERIES
Kaiser High School Gym, Honolulu, Hawaii
August 16, 2010
Team Relson
Gracie Dominates!
TEAM POINTS SCHOOLS POINTS
1ST -
Relson Gracie - O2 Martial Art academy, Main Academy, Team HK,
125
Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu, Hawaii Kai,
Kaneohe Team
2ND - Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu, Maui Grappling Academy,
Fight For Life-Maui, 67
Combat 50 Nova Uniao, Nova Uniao
3RD - Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua, Mad Tiger Jiu-Jitsu, Cetral Oahu
Jiu-Jitsu 31
NAME SCHOOL points
MEN'S GI WHITE BELT
SUPERFEATHER
1ST - Leonardo Domingo Shoot Hawaii Dojo 3
2ND - Rick Inamoto Gracie Technics 2
FEATHER
1ST - Cecilio Rosaga Maui Grappling Academy 3
2ND - Michael Kamikawa South Oahu MMA 2
3RD - Jesus Cruz Relson Gracie - Team HK 1
3RD - Gilbert Fune Relson Gracie - Team HK 1
LIGHT
1ST - Gino Teves Combat 50 Nova Uniao 3
2ND - Kevin Rivera Purebreed 2
3RD - Scott Seto Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
MIDDLE
1ST - William Wilson Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
3
2ND - Michael Shinohara Relson Gracie - Main Academy 2
3RD - Byran Chen Relson Gracie - Team HK 1
3RD - Ynyr Agon Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu 1
MIDLE HEAVY
1ST - Erik Bydarik Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu
3
2ND - Byron Juarez Gracie Technics 2
3RD - Homer Coloma Gracie Barra - University 1
3RD - Jake Youn 6th Ave BJJ 1
HEAVY / SUPER HEAVY
1ST - Victor Brysson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua 3
2ND - Anaru Grant Dojo 2
3RD - Jacob Haught Relson Gracie - Hawaii Kai 1
ULTRA HEAVY
1ST - Holu Ka'aihue Gracie Technics 3
2ND - James Spautz New Life 2
OPEN
1ST - Michael Shinohara Relson Gracie - Main Academy 3
2ND - Anaru Grant Dojo 2
3RD - Gregory Howe Relson Gracie - Team HK 1
3RD - Jacob Haught Relson Gracie - Hawaii Kai 1
MEN'S GI BLUE BELT
SUPERFEATHER
1ST - Toan Nguyen Team Amil BJJ 3
2ND - Edmund Li Leandro Nyza Jiujitsu 2
3RD - Thang Nguyen Team Amil BJJ 1
3RD - Ryan Chang Gracie Barra - University 1
FEATHER
1ST - Jay Oliveira Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team 3
2ND - Kyle Lee Relson Gracie - Team HK 2
3RD - Eric Dela Cruz Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
3RD - Cory Nemoto Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
LIGHT
1ST - Jensen Kona Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 3
2ND - Xavier Seueira Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
2
3RD - Luis Santos Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
3RD - Brandon Gross Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team 1
MIDDLE
1ST - DeJuan Hathaway Nova Uniao 3
2ND - Noah Wernsman Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 2
3RD - Casey Mattos Fight for Life - Maui 1
3RD - David Carrero Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
MIDLE HEAVY
1ST - Leo Kawelo New Life 3
SUPER HEAVY
1ST - Chaz Valentine Gracie Barra - University 3
2ND - Justin Nihei Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 2
ULTRA HEAVY
1ST - Troy Ribuca Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 3
2ND - Guillermo Villa 808 Top Team 2
OPEN
1ST - Guillermo Villa 808 Top Team 3
2ND - Tracy Tamandong Mad Tiger BJJ 2
3RD - Luis Santos Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
3RD - Noah Wernsman Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
MEN'S GI PURPLE BELT
LIGHT
1ST - Jordan Gomez 6th Ave BJJ 3
2ND - Chris Castagnetti Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua 2
MIDDLE
1ST - Ka'ula Wattson Longman BJJ 3
2ND - Charley Whang Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 2
3RD - Sy Kageyama Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
MEN'S
GI BROWN BELT
OPEN
1ST - Desi Minor Central Oahu BJJ 3
2ND - Desmond Thain Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu
2
3RD - Ahmed Diallo Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
MEN'S NO-GI NOVICE
SUPERFEATHER
1ST - Travis Arredondo Gracie Barra - Honolulu 3
2ND - Leonardo Domingo Shoot Hawaii Dojo 2
FEATHER
1ST - Fred Leonard Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu
3
2ND - Jesus Cruz Relson Gracie - Team HK 2
3RD - Gilbert Fune Relson Gracie - Team HK 1
3RD - Kara Takasaki Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
1
LIGHT / MIDDLE
1ST - Michael Shinohara Relson Gracie - Main Academy 3
2ND - Gregory Howe Relson Gracie - Team HK 2
3RD - William Wilson Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
1
3RD - Gino Teves Combat 50 Nova Uniao 1
MIDLE HEAVY
1ST - Jake Youn 6th Ave BJJ 3
2ND - Kimo Galon Gracie Barra - University 2
3RD - Erik Bydarik Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu
1
3RD - Christian Tavares Nova Uniao 1
SUPER HEAVY
1ST - Victor Bryson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua 3
2ND - Anaru grant Dojo 2
MEN'S NO-GI INTERMEDIATE
SUPERFEATHER
1ST - Edmund Li Leandro Nyza Jiujitsu 3
2ND - Thang Nguyen Team Amil BJJ 2
3RD - Toan Nguyen Team Amil BJJ 1
3RD - Rick Inamoto Gracie Technics 1
FEATHER
1ST - Jensen Kona Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 3
2ND - Brandon Gross Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team 2
3RD - Xavier Seueira Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
1
3RD - Scott Seto Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
LIGHT
1ST - Jay Oliveira Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team 3
2ND - Todd kajiwara Leandro Nyza Jiujitsu 2
3RD - Jason Lucas Relson Gracie - Team HK 1
3RD - Cory Nemoto Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
MIDDLE
1ST - DeJuan Hathaway Nova Uniao 3
2ND - Tracy Tamandong Mad Tiger BJJ 2
3RD - Daiv Carrero Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
3RD - Noah Wernsman Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
MIDLE HEAVY
1ST - Kirk Price U.S. Army Combatives 3
2ND - Leo Kawelo New Life 2
SUPER HEAVY
1ST - Justin Nihei Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
3
2ND - Jacob Haught Relson Gracie - Hawaii Kai 2
ULTRA HEAVY
1ST - Troy Ribuca Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 3
2ND - James Spautz New Life 2
MEN'S
NO-GI ADVANCED
OPEN
1ST - Desi Minor Central Oahu BJJ 3
2ND - Desmond Thain Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu
2
3RD - Chris Castagnetti Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua 1
3RD - Guillermo Villa 808 Top Team 3
KID'S GI WHITE BELT
4-5 YRS 35-40 LBS
1ST - Austin Whitney Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu
3
2ND - Traven Wailehua Gracie Barra - Honolulu 2
5-7 YRS 35-44 LBS
1ST - Stone Jessee Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua 3
2ND - Malia Mason Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 2
6-8 YRS 50-60 LBS
1ST - Tamo Wong Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 3
2ND - jace Wataru Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 2
3RD - Keola Kaili Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
3RD - Jessamine Khan Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
1
8-10 YRS 65-79 LBS
1ST - Ty Kaneshiro Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 3
2ND - Zachary Kaina-Kokuban Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts
Academy 2
3RD - Bodhi Wong Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
10 YRS 82-90 LBS
1ST - Chase Agon Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu 3
11-13 YRS 120-125 LBS
1ST - Makana Indreginal Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
3
2ND - Kayla Whitney Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu
2
14-15 YRS 135-155
1ST - Quinton Bolosan Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
3
2ND - Po'okela Bates Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 2
3RD - Coren Yamaguchi Fight for Life - Maui 1
3RD - Kurtis Palmeira Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
KID'S GI COLOR BELT
10-12 YRS 100-105 LBS
1ST - Canaan Kawaihae-Rabaino Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua 3
2ND - Mykah Kuratani Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
2
3RD - Shyla Kuratani Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
1
12-14 90-95 LBS
1ST - Maia Phanthadara Grappling Unlimited 3
2ND - Cullen Slaven Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
2
12-14 YRS 120-133 LBS
1ST - Micah Nicely Gracie Barra - Honolulu 3
2ND - Tyler Barros Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 2
15 YRS 102 116 LBS
1ST - Cody Kaneshiro Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
3
2ND - Marcus Noblisse Gracie Barra - University 2
14-15 YRS 120-135 LBS
1ST - Bobby Kim Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 3
2ND - Chanson Auwae Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu
2
KID'S NO-GI NOVICE
6-8 YRS 50-60 LBS
1ST - Jace Wataru Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 3
2ND - Jessamine Khan Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
2
3RD - Malia Mason Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 1
3RD - Keola Kaili Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
9-10 YRS 65-75 LBS
1ST - Christian Tavares Nova Uniao 3
2ND - Keneke Rosa Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 2
3RD - Ty Kaneshiro Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 1
10 YRS 100 LBS
1ST - Shyla Kuratani Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
3
10-12 YRS 70-75 LBS
1ST - Classyc Tavares Nova Uniao 3
2ND - Chase Agon Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu 2
14-15 YRS 135-155 LBS
1ST - Quinton Bolosan Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
3
2ND - Kurtis Palmeira Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 2
3RD - Coren Yamaguchi Fight for Life - Maui 1
3RD - Po'okela Bates Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 1
KID'S NO-GI INTERMEDIATE
12-14 YRS 95-102 LBS
1ST - Maia Phanthadara Grappling Unlimited 3
2ND - Cullen Slaven Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
2
12-14 YRS 120-133 LBS
1ST - Micah Nicely Gracie Barra - Honolulu 3
2ND - Tyler Barros Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 2
14-15 YRS 102-110 LBS
1ST - Cody Kaneshiro Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
3
2ND - Marcus Noblisse Gracie Barra - University 2
KID'S NO-GI ADVANCED
11-12 YRS 102-105 YRS
1ST - Canaan Kawaihae-Rabaino Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua 3
2ND - Mykah Kuratani Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy
2
14-15 YRS 120-135 LBS
1ST - Bobby Kim Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 3
2ND - Chanson Auwae Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu
2
Teams:
6th Ave BJJ 7
808 Top Team 8
Gracie Barra - University 11
Gracie Barra - Honolulu 11
Combat 50 Nova Uniao 4
Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu 44
Maui Grappling Academy 3
Nova Uniao 13
Fight for Life - Maui 3
Leandro Nyza Jiujitsu 7
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua 18
Central Oahu BJJ 6
Mad Tiger BJJ 4
Longman BJJ 3
Gracie Technics 8
Grappling Unlimited 6
Dojo 6
New Life 9
Purebreed 2
Relson Gracie - 02 Martial Arts Academy 66
Relson Gracie - Main Academy 8
Relson Gracie - Hawaii Kai 4
Relson Gracie - Kaneohe Team 9
Relson Gracie - Team HK 12
Relson Gracie - Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu 26
South Oahu MMA 2
Shoot Hawaii Dojo 5
Team Amil BJJ 7
U.S. Army Combatives 3
Source: Event Promoter
|
BJ
goes “Top Gun” to beat Edgar
by Carlos
Eduardo Ozório
BJ Penn is motivated and ready for his shot at revenge August
28 in Boston, against the man who took from his lightweight belt,
Frankie Edgar.
“I’m
going to knock him out or submit him. That’s what a world
champion does,” BJ warns.
In
this video (watch
here),
starting at 2:30 min, you can see some of BJ’s training
camp and, if the plan is to soar to new heights, the fighter
set about doing Top Gun-style, in an American Air Force fighter
plane.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
B.J.
PENN: THE BELT'S NOT REAL, ONLY THE FIGHT
by Damon
Martin
When B.J. Penn finishes his career he may go down as one of the
greatest fighters and champions of all time, but don't try to
tell him that right now.
As
Penn readies for the rematch with Frankie Edgar at UFC 118, the
Hawaiian is tired of hearing the old clichés about how
he's the greatest, and that he's untouchable in the lightweight
division. That day has passed, and Penn wants to hear none of
it.
"First
of all, no one is untouchable," he said on Thursday. "If
they are they just haven't run into the right guy."
It's
always been a label that's followed Penn throughout his career,
from his early days knocking out opponents in the UFC when he
was dubbed "The Prodigy." He may still go down as the
greatest lightweight to ever step foot in the Octagon, but he's
not willing to accept that persona.
While
Penn has faced adversity in his career before, he admits that
the loss to Edgar in April woke a sleeping giant, and that giant
will rear its ugly head in Boston next Saturday night.
One
other point that he makes abundantly clear about the rematch
is that it's not about the title; it's not about being the best
lightweight. It's about beating Edgar in a fight, simple as that.
"I
don't know if I sit there and say 'well, I'm happy that Frankie's
a worthy opponent.' One thing he did was wake me up, and makes
me realize it never stops. When you hear people say 'you're the
greatest of all time and this and that' it's (expletive). It's
not real. It's fake," Penn said.
"Being
a champion is fake, all that, it's all fake. You've got to go
out there, you've got to keep training, training as hard as you
can, and keep winning fights."
Penn
didn't change much for his camp this time, as he got ready for
Frankie Edgar, outside of bringing in Dream featherweight champion
Bibiano Fernandes to help out. It's not been a broken machine
when it comes to Penn's training regimen lately, but his mindset
has changed and he's only focused on one thing... putting Frankie
Edgar away.
"The
only thing that's real is the fight," Penn stated. "Everything
else is fake."
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Sarah
Kaufman open to possibility of fighting Cris Cyborg
By Zach
Arnold
INTERVIEWER:
“So, um, you know, the big slam. What do you think it’s
done for you and your career in terms of like how the press received
it?”
SARAH
KAUFMAN: “You know, I think the slam was obviously a huge
step for myself personally in my career and just, um, you know
getting those finishes back and getting off the decision wins
and it was really exciting for me, for my whole team at Zuma,
my coach Adam Zugec, and then to be on ESPN is huge just for
anyone in Mixed Martial Arts, not even females in the sport.
You know the fact that we made it that far, you know it’s
just amazing and it’s I think really going to open some
doors for both myself and just for everyone else in the sport
as well.”
INTERVIEWER:
“How do you feel about a potential match in the future with
this lady right here (Cyborg), Cris Cyborg (laughing)?”
SARAH
KAUFMAN: “You know, a match with Cyborg is definitely, you
know, it’s something that could happen in the future, you
know, if I chose to go up in weight. I think it would be a really
exciting fight and a really good match-up and it’s just
something that we’ll have to look at down the road to see
if maybe we could do a catch weight or if I would have to go
up fully 10 pounds.”
Source: Fight Opinion
|
Main
Card Confirmed for UFC 121
By
FCF Staff The Ultimate Fighting Championship has announced the
main card for the promotion’s upcoming October 23rd event
in Anaheim, California, and as expected, UFC 121 will feature
a heavyweight title bout between champion Brock Lesnar and Cain
Velasquez in the main event.
Lesnar
(5-1) will compete for the first time since UFC 116 in July,
when the accomplished wrestler was nearly stopped by Shane Carwin
in round one, only to come back and submit the challenger in
round two. Lesnar has now won 4 straight bouts since being tapped
out by Frank Mir in his UFC debut, defeating Heath Herring, Randy
Couture, and the aforementioned Mir and Carwin.
Velasquez
extended his undefeated record to 8-0 in February, by stopping
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the first round at UFC 110. The American
Kickboxing Academy fighter and noted wrestler has won 6 straight
bouts since signing with the UFC in 2008.
Other
main card fights that have been confirmed for UFC 121 include:
Jake Shields (25-4-1) vs. Martin Kampmann (17-3), Paulo Thiago
(13-1) vs. Diego Sanchez (21-4), Matt Hamill (9-2) vs. Tito Ortiz
(15-7-1), and Gabriel Gonzaga (11-5) vs. Brendan Schaub (6-1).
UFC
121 will be hosted by Anaheim’s Honda Center.
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
Marcus
Aurélio disputes Shine Fights’ GP
Despite the failure on its last edition, the organizers will
give Shine Fights another try and will promote the third edition
of the event. Former fighter of UFC, the Brazilian Marcus Aurélio
will represent his country on the GP, which will also another
Brazilian, Carlo Prater. The event, scheduled to September 10
in Washington, United States, will define its champion after
three fights on the same night. Check below the eight tough guys
who will get into action on te tournament.
- Rich Crunkilton (16-3)
- Josh Shockley (9-0)
- Drew Fickett (37-13)
- Carlo Prater (24-7-1)
- James Warfield (20-6)
- Marcus Aurelio (20-8)
- Hector Muñoz (9-3)
- Charles Bennett (22-17-2)
Source: Tatame
|
Strikeforce
‘Houston’ Primer
by Jake Rossen
The
best 205-pound fighter not currently tied to the UFC is undoubtedly
Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, a former Division II wrestler
who has earned three solid wins out of a seven-fight career and
has the potential to claim many more. He’s reason enough
to be interested in Strikeforce’s Saturday event on Showtime,
even if his opponent might not contribute much to Lawal’s
reputation.
Rafael
“Feijao” Cavalcante is a durable Nogueira-bred fighter
who does not possess the wrestling to ward off the machinelike
takedowns of Lawal: If every successive fight should try to tell
us something new about an athlete, then we probably won’t
be getting much of an education this weekend. But Cavalcante
can hit -- hard -- and won’t be quick to wilt on his back.
Lawal’s -500 number on the betting boards might be a little
too generous.
If
Lawal succeeds as most expect, he’ll continue to have potential
as a promising attraction. The only drawback is Strikeforce’s
limited roster in finding him fights. Potential is no substitution
for results.
What:
Strikeforce: Houston, an 11-bout card from the Toyota Center
in Houston
When:
Saturday, Aug. 21 at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime, with two undercard
bouts streaming live at 9 p.m. ET on Sherdog.com
Why
You Should Care: Because Lawal might be Strikeforce’s most
personable (and marketable) athlete, and may decide to spill
an energy drink on Mauro Ranallo; because Tim Kennedy is a very
real threat to Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza thanks to an
incredible work ethic; and because Bobby Lashley may be taking
one step closer to fighting someone even halfway relevant following
a bout with Chad Griggs.
Fight
of the Night: Kennedy/Souza, which should be a nice clash of
the busy Kennedy’s high output and “Jacare’s”
high-level jiu-jitsu.
Hype
Quote of the Show: "I'm really confident on where my level
is…If this fight goes the way I hope it will go, I'm going
straight for the top. I know what my abilities are, and hopefully
I'd look at a title shot at the first part of next year."
-- Bobby Lashley, speaking to the Las Vegas Sun, on what the
Griggs fight means for him. Why bother going through any real
contenders first?
Is
Jorge Gurgel the worst strategist in MMA?
There’s
one thing Jorge Gurgel should have on his mind against pro boxer
K.J. Noons on Saturday: eliminate any distance between them and
get the fight to the ground. But odds are that Gurgel will choose
to stand and exchange with Noons, just as he’s done against
virtually every opponent in the past several years.
MMA
strategy can be simplified to what the pioneering Marco Ruas
summarized in the mid-1990s: If the guy wants to strike, we’ll
grapple. If he wants to grapple, we’ll strike. In other
words: don’t be a sucker for your opponent’s specialty.
Gurgel is an OK striker, and he might even threaten Noons standing.
But how many more fights would he have won if he had stuck with
the jiu-jitsu black belt that got him here in the first place?
Is
Bobby Lashley ever going to get serious about a career?
Chad
Griggs may well be the toughest man we’ve never heard of,
but the DNA of his fight record is not encouraging that opinion:
Virtually all of his eight wins came against fighters with losing
or .500 records. He’s had exactly one bout in the past two
and a half years. If someone was planning on matching Lashley
against a threat, they’re doing it blindfolded.
Lashley
must be getting tired of the criticism, but he should probably
recognize that fans and media are frustrated because he appears
to be a talented fighter with real potential. (No one gets irritated
when a mediocre fighter sticks with mediocrity.) The NAIA champion
wrestler said this is the last of his weak-pulse bouts before
he cracks the upper tier of Strikeforce. For the sake of our
patience, I hope he’s sincere.
Can
Daniel Cormier cut his teeth without begging for it?
It
seems fair to match a fighter with only a handful of pro bouts
against someone of the same experience. But if you asked a 4-0
fighter to face 4-0 Daniel Cormier, you’re probably going
to get laughed at.
Cormier
is an NCAA Division I runner-up in wrestling, a sport that can
often come down to a game of inches. That makes it hard for Cormier
to find fights, and harder for him to get cage time, but he’s
trying: A streaming undercard fight on Sherdog.com will be Cormier’s
second in a week. How can he prevent the inadvertent sandbagging?
Chipping some weight off his 250-pound frame -- and he’s
got it to lose -- would open up the 205-pound division for him,
doubling his list of potential opposition.
The
ability of a fighter to train only part time and still find a
measure of success in MMA is sometimes seen as an incrimination
of his goal. If the sport only demands a half-shift, how demanding
could it possibly be?
An
athlete can only train for so long in a day, though, and most
fighters can only subside on mid-tier prize purses only so far
into the month before their stomachs begin to shrink. Nonetheless,
someone completely devoted to a fight career is probably more
promising than someone juggling multiple responsibilities, even
if for no other reason than a psychological focus.
Tim
Kennedy has come a long way training while simultaneously pursuing
a military career. The most interesting story of Saturday’s
Strikeforce card is how far he can go with a full-time devotion
to the sport. He exceeded expectations in the spring by submitting
Trevor Prangley in the first round, his first bout since he began
wall-to-wall training. His style is busy, and while he’s
not outstanding in any one area, grit goes a long way.
How
that will fare against the level of grappling offered by “Jacare”
is the question: Souza is a bear trap on the ground, a developing
striker and just as eager to take the vacant middleweight title
as Kennedy is. But for only the second time in Kennedy’s
career, it’s a bout of one full-time professional against
another.
Wild
Card: It’s the first five-round bout for either fighter.
Who
Wins: A more dedicated Kennedy is going to be a problem in the
later rounds for Souza, whose cardio conditioning isn’t
as reliable as his opponent’s. Kennedy by upset decision.
Source: Sherdog
|
Registration
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Registration
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Unmindful
of provocations, Couture envisions fight with Anderson
by Graciemag
Newsroom
Randy Couture will face off with James Tony on August 28 at UFC
118 in Boston. The seasoned veteran will go up against a fighter
with some serious boxing credentials, but he doesn’t discard
the possibility of fighting another fighter in the organization
boasting some sharp fist-work.
“I
think I’d do well against Anderson Silva due to my wrestling
background. It would be a great fight,” said “Captain
America” during a UFC teleconference.
Asked
whether the “Spider” seemed to be getting old because
of his latest appearances, he defended the middleweight champion.
“I
don’t think he’s getting old. He just changed his style
to fight more not to lose and it caught up with him.”
On
his fight with Toney, Randy isn’t paying any mind to the
provocations flung at him. Toney has even said he’ll send
“The Natural” to the hospital.
“I’m
not worried about the trash talk. I’m focused on the technical
side and what I need to do to win. It’s fun, he makes smile,
makes me laugh. It’s nothing personal.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
FANS
SAY WEC HEADED TO PHOENIX IN DECEMBER
by Damon
Martin
The first ever fan voted Amp Energy WEC contest came to a close
on Wednesday night with Phoenix coming out victorious as the
city that will host a WEC event on Dec. 16.
This
will be the first WEC event in Arizona, where fans have long
clamored for the promotion to come to their state.
The
finalists in the competition including Phoenix, Milwaukee, and
Nashville. The event will take place at the Jobing.com Arena
in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix.
WEC
lightweight champion Ben Henderson trains out of Arizona, and
was among those in attendance on Wednesday night when the announcement
was made.
"It's
going to be awesome," Henderson said. "We've got some
great fans out there. They've been MMA hardcore fans for the
past 10-15 years, a long time, a lot of good fighters out there.
So I'm really looking forward to it."
Henderson
might look even more forward to the show as he will more than
likely end up as the headliner on the card, presumably against
new top contender Anthony Pettis.
Jamie
Varner is another prominent fighter who trains and lives in Arizona,
and if he gets past Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone at WEC
51 in September, he'll likely be gunning for the chance to fight
in his home state as well.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Manhunt
for British kickboxer Lee Aldhouse in Thailand
By Zach
Arnold
Phuket
police are looking for Lee Aldhouse, a British kickboxer who
is accused of killing ex-US Marine Dashawn Longfellow in Thailand.
There is a man hunt right now as you can see in the first article
linked, police say Aldhouse has allegedly stole knives.
Longfellow
received a Purple Heart for his military service after tours
of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Phuket Wan article quotes
Longfellow’s mother as saying that he recently moved to
Thailand to become a kickboxer.
Birmingham
Mail (UK) — Lee Aldhouse thought to be from Birmingham,
has ties to Spain and Thailand
The
Oklahoman — Classmates remember ex-Marine from Norman, Oklahoma
killed in Thailand
This
CNN report contains quotes from police in Phuket who labeled
both Longfellow and Aldhouse as two bad-tempered young men, which
is a bit different than the description of Mr. Longfellow in
The Oklahoman article.
Source: Fight Opinion
|
‘Feijão’
confident on win over King Mo Lawal
Close
to dispute the first belt of his career, Rafael Feijão
is excited and confident. Chosen to confront the champion King
Mo Lawal, known for his great Wrestling game, Feijão is
not worried about the fight takes place on the ground.
“I
don’t think King Mo is going to want to stay on the ground
with me. I will be ready for whatever style he wants. If he wants
to stand up, I will stand up. If he wants to go to the ground,
we will go to the ground”, guarantees, ready to become the
number one of the division on Strikeforce on August 21, on an
event that will take place in Houston, United States. “I
have been working hard for not just this fight, but for my dream,
every day for six years. I think this fight is going to be a
war and the crowd is going to love it”.
Besides
dedicating himself on the trainings, Feijão changed his
routine, and now is taking some English classes. “It shows
respect and I think more of the Americans are learning who I
am. When you use a translator they never say the same thing you
want them to say. It’s just different. When I’m thinking
something I can say it exactly the way I want so I think it’s
important”, tells, worried about his diet. “When you
have a job like a fighter you have to learn to be a full-time
fighter. That’s what I’ve learned. You eat healthy
food and work at maintaining your weight”.
Source: Tatame |
Antônio
Silva
After
a great win over Andrei Arlovski, the Brazilian Antônio
“Big Foot” Silva waits for the definition of his next
opponent, and every road leads him to Strikeforce’s belt
dispute, against Alistair Overeem. “Overeem is going through
a good phase, but let’s see if he, will all that muscles,
will hold three or five rounds”, affirmed Big Foot, on an
exclusive interview given to TATAME, commenting his trainings,
the win of Fabrício Werdum over Fedor Emelianenko and
analyzing the heavyweight division on UFC, pointing out Junior
“Cigano” dos Santos as the next champion of the event.
How
is your expectation for your next fight on Strikeforce?
It
was a good think having fought with (Andrei) Arlovski and got
the win. I spent some time on my parent’s house in Brazil
and now I’m back, training, waiting for my next bout. People
published on the internet that, probably, I’ll confront
(Alistair) Overeem, once, unfortunately, (Fabrício) Werdum
is injured, Fedor is coming from a defeat and I’m good conditioned,
but there’s nothing set yet. Scott Coker said, on the internet,
but the contract is not signed. I’m already training, I’m
focused for this fight and I’m training, because I can only
win this way… If my opponent changes, there’s no problem,
I didn’t lose any time, I just got better prepared. But,
for what I know, it’ll be him.
He’s
coming from a good sequence of wins… How do you think this
possible fight would be like?
That’s
true: Overeem is doing great, on a good phase, but after my loss
to Werdum, I tried to improve, changed some things, and whoever
watched my last fight (against Arlovski) could tell I’ve
changed. I’ll get there with a good conditioning, I’ll
do the same kind of work I did to fight Arlovski, I’ll have
the same thing in mind and I’ll keep my focus. If I’m
in a good shape, I don’t mind who my opponent is… I
won’t take his credits away, I’ll respect him, he’s
the champion, he is going through a good phase, but let’s
see if he, will all that muscles, will hold three or five rounds…
I don’t know, let’s find it out. I’ll be prepared.
What
did you think of the bout between Werdum and Fedor? Were you
surprised with its outcome?
Man,
Werdum was very determined. I’m a person who believes a
lot in God and, on my fight against him, he was losing on the
first round, the second was tied, but he made it up and beat
me. He didn’t beat me for any reason. God put Fedor on Werdum’s
way because He knew he’s beat that guy. It wasn’t my
moment, it was Werdum’s moment to shine. On my fight with
Arlovski, I had the chance to talk to Werdum and I told him:
“Werdum, there’re fighters who always get inside the
cage as the favorites, but it doesn’t mean a thing, man.
Go there and bring this win to us. Everybody knows he’s
the favorite, but no one is unbeatable”. He, right away,
answered me: “I’ll win”. He was very determined,
he had positive thoughts in his mind and thinking positive makes
good things come to you. He deserved that, he’s to be congratulated
and the win came to Brazil. Now Werdum is “the” man.
On
the first fight, Fedor did not believe much on the Brazilian’s
ground game and was beat by him. What do you think that would
happen if there was a rematch between the two of them?
Man,
Werdum set that as his strategy: to pretend that he has been
knocked down so that he could catch him. I believe that now Fedor
will not underestimate Werdum’s ground game anymore, but
I think it’d be like 50-50… There’re no favorite
now. On the first fight, Fedor was the favorite, but now it’s
over. He’ll come more cautious this time, more respectful
and, once again, I’ll cheer so that Werdum wins. Besides
all that, he’s a Brazilian, so if he wins, he’ll bring
another great win for our country, so I want him to win.
About
the heavyweight of UFC, how do you see the domain of Brock Lesnar,
who is coming from a surprisingly win over Shane Carwin, and
the growth of Junior Cigano?
Lesnar
had a hard time on the first round, but got the guy on the second.
I think that if (Shane) Carwin had a little more conditioning,
he would have got the win. I don’t believe that Brock Lesnar
deserves to be considered the number one of the ranking because
I think that, if Werdum beat the number one, the right thing
would be for him to become the number one. How can you beat the
number one and be considered number two? I think this ranking
is kind of crazy sometimes… There’s no way of a guy
fighting only six times and becoming the number one of the ranking.
And what about the history Fedor made in MMA? Just because of
one loss, now he’s number three and a guy with only six
fights on his professional record is the number one. That’s
crazy, man. About Cigano, I’m sure he’ll be the next
champion of Ultimate. He’s young, has a lot of disposition,
has a sharp Boxing, it’s hard to put him down and I’m
sure Cigano will become the next champion of UFC. The only one
how can make a tough fight with him is (Cain) Velasquez, who
is a complete fighter, a good wrestler, bangs quite well, has
a good ground game… But I’m sure Cigano will become
the champion of this division. I’m sure he’s back in
Brazil and will spend some time with his family and then come
back to the trainings and I know he’ll become the champion.
Source: Tatame |
JON
JONES THINKS TONEY IS "IGNORANT" ABOUT MMA
UFC
light heavyweight contender Jon Jones thinks James Toney is “ignorant”
when it comes to his analysis of mixed martial arts and his theory
about the effectiveness of a fighter solely versed in boxing
entering a combat sport composed of many more variables.
“I
respect James Toney for what he’s done in boxing, but I
think he’s just ignorant in a way kind of. Not to disrespect
him,” Jones told MMAWeekly content partner TapouT Radio.
It’s
understandable that Toney, who has spent his life dedicated to
the “sweet science” to believe that his boxing will
overcome MMA techniques, but it’s not probable.
“I
have boxing friends. I’m good friends with Willie Monroe
Jr., who is a collegiate boxer and he’s really good. He
always tells me, ‘If I were to fight one of you wrestlers,
once you came in for my leg I’d take a few steps back and
catch you with an uppercut and left hook you when your head comes
up.’ I’m like, really?” said Jones.
“You
really think you’re going to uppercut a collegiate wrestler
when he’s really going full-force into a double leg? I just
think it’s really naïve to think that with hand combinations
alone he’s going to be able to defend takedowns from the
clinch and collegiate double-leg guys,” he explained.
“I
just think he’s ignorant in a way. And I don’t really
have a hard time calling him ignorant because of some of the
statements that he’s made about our sport.”
Jones
lets his friend believe his theory about uppercuts and hooks
being able to defend takedowns, but believes James Toney is going
to prove that theory wrong in the lab setting of the Octagon
against Randy Couture at UFC 118 on Aug. 28 in Boston.
Source: MMA Weekly |
RANDY
COUTURE: I DON'T THINK BOXERS GET MMA
Mixed martial arts vs. boxing.
It's
a longstanding debate among combat sports fans and journalists,
and while there have been MMA fighters that have done pro boxing,
and pro boxers that have done MMA, the biggest crossover fight
the two sports has ever seen is about to take place on Aug. 28
in Boston.
UFC
Hall of Famer Randy Couture had no problem being the first person
to step up to the plate when he heard that boxing champion James
Toney signed with the UFC. In fact, he volunteered and wanted
to be the one to welcome him to the Octagon.
"We've
heard (Floyd Mayweather Jr.) and others run their mouths about
it, and he's the first one that's actually had the courage to
step up and fight, and stand behind what he's talking,"
Couture told MMAWeekly Radio.
"He's
a tremendous boxer. I've watched him compete. He's a four-time
world champion. He's an amazing striker. The question is how
much of the other stuff is he going to be able to pick up and
learn by the time he has to step into that cage.
"To
finally get a world champion boxer to sign on the dotted line
and step up is a huge fight. It's going to bring a lot of eyes
from the boxing world to see how this fight comes out and unfolds.
That's a fun fight, that's a cool place to be in."
Couture
has spent the past 13 years evolving his game beyond his wrestling
roots, and no one is sure that Toney, while a world class boxer,
can pick up what he needs in order to compete in MMA in just
a few short months.
The
former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion is also
a very smart and calculating fighter, and he knows that to stand
and trade with a fighter like Toney would be a fool's errand.
"I
think anybody who faces him would be silly to stand around in
front of him and play that game," Couture commented. "There's
so many other tools that come into play in mixed martial arts,
and hopefully he'll have learned some of them and we'll have
a great fight.
"I
don't have any illusions that I'm on the level of James Toney
when it comes to striking. I'm going to rely as I have in most
of my fights on my wrestling background. On the things that I've
spent 30-plus years developing."
In
this new age of mixed martial arts, very few fighters are as
deliberate as to divulge their game plan before a fight, but
Couture and Toney aren't hiding much of anything.
"I'm
going to go out, try to set him up, use some striking effectively
to set him up, run him into the fence if possible, tie him up,
smother him, and put him on his butt. It's a lot harder for him
to be an effective boxer from his butt," Couture said.
"He
doesn't have to box again forever, that muscle memory's there.
I rarely go in and just wrestle anymore. I'm spending all my
time on the striking and the submission stuff. He's on the other
side of that."
As
an avid fan of all combat sports, Couture says that there is
a certain mentality among boxers and boxing supporters that just
doesn't allow them to understand MMA. Whatever the reason for
that is, Couture is happy to show them how MMA works on Aug.
28.
"I
don't think boxers get it. I don't think people from the boxing
world understand all the dimensions of our sport, and how the
clinch work and the wrestling, and all the other stuff changes
your ability to strike," said Couture. "It's not a
pure form of striking like boxing, so you have to adapt and find
those situations where you can still be an effective striker,
but there's a lot of other things to think about. There's a lot
of questions to be answered in a fight like this."
Couture
will look to answer all of those questions at UFC 118 when he
faces James Toney in the co-main event of the promotion's first
ever trip to Boston.
Source: MMA Weekly |
KING
MO WON'T FIGHT WERDUM OR ANY TEAMMATE
There's been a lot of talk lately in the MMA world about teammates
fighting teammates, but one person who says he was misquoted
about fighting a teammate was Strikeforce light heavyweight champion
Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal.
During
a media conference call on Monday, Lawal was asked about fighting
at heavyweight, and when quotes from the call were sent out later
that day, he supposedly said, "I wouldn’t mind fighting
Fabricio (Werdum), who’s the top dog right now."
Lawal
says the transcription was incorrect, and clarified that he has
no plans of ever fighting his good friend and teammate.
"In
the press conference they were like 'would you like to fight
heavyweight?' and I was like 'yeah, I'd like to fight heavyweight.’
Right now, Fabricio's the top dog, I'm willing to fight anybody
else," Lawal told MMAWeekly Radio.
Talking
about Werdum, Lawal says there's nothing that would make him
fight him, and with all the work they do together, what motivation
would he ever have to face him in the cage anyways?
"Fabricio's
like my coach, he's my boy, my training partner. It would make
no sense for me to fight somebody that coaches me, trains with
me, and is a friend. That's three strikes right there, what's
the point?" said Lawal.
"It's
stupid."
The
subject of teammates fighting each other is the big debate circling
MMA right now – most notably the talk of Jon Fitch and Josh
Koscheck someday having to throw down. With many of the top camps
adding new top-flight fighters every day, the problem could arise
in many situations, in many different promotions.
While
some have argued that it is competition, and fighters can still
be friends and teammates afterwards, Lawal presents a new perspective
as to why he would never want to fight Werdum, or any of his
teammates.
He
also makes it clear that he never said he'd face Werdum, and
wants to clear the air about the whole debate.
"Yeah,
they misquoted me. And some of these idiot fans they're like
'that's what's wrong with MMA, friends don't fight friends. You
see the NFL and the NBA, it's a competition between friends.'
The thing is you play basketball, you play football, you play
baseball, you play hockey, you run track, but you don't fight
in those sports. In MMA, we don't play MMA like this is a videogame,"
Lawal said.
"This
is something serious. I'm out there to hurt people. If you're
in the cage with me, I'm trying to hurt you, I'm trying to knock
you out, break your bones, submit you. Whatever I can do to win
the fight that's legal, I'm out there to do."
Lawal
has been training alongside Werdum, and the rest of his team
in Southern California, as well as spending time at the Grudge
Training Center in Colorado to prepare for his Aug. 21 showdown
with Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante at Strikeforce: Houston.
Source: MMA Weekly |
REPORTS:
CRO COP STEPS IN TO FACE MIR AT UFC 119
It appears there is a change afoot in the main event for UFC
119, the promotion’s debut in Indianapolis scheduled for
Sept. 25.
Antonio
Rodrigo Nogueira has been forced to withdraw from his rematch
with Frank Mir. He will apparently be replaced by Mirko “Cro
Cop” Filipovic, as first reported by Fighters Only.
A
report from MMAJunkie.com adds that a source indicated a recurring
hip injury as the reason for Nogueira’s withdrawal.
Having
lost his bid to win the unified UFC heavyweight title against
Brock Lesnar at UFC 100, Mir then bounced back with an impressive
submission of Cheick Kongo before losing to Shane Carwin in his
last outing in March.
Filipovic
enters the bout having won three of his four fights in his second
go around in the Octagon, including winning his last two. He
most recently defeated Pat Barry at UFC 115 in June in Vancouver.
Nogueira
had hoped to avenge the first TKO loss of his career in fighting
Mir at UFC 119. Mir accomplished the feat in December 2008 at
UFC 92.
Source: MMA Weekly |
CARWIN
LINKED TO FEDERAL STEROIDS CONSPIRACY CASE
A federal judge levied a four-year prison sentence in Alabama
to J. Michael Bennett for selling and distributing anabolic steroids,
and several athletes were named as recipients for the drugs including
former UFC heavyweight champion Shane Carwin.
The
Al.com originally reported the news on Saturday, including the
list of names that were identified with Bennett's conviction.
According
to the report, Bennett was the first of five people to be sentenced
for their roles in the distribution of the steroids, in a nationwide
scheme.
The
company Bennett represented, Applied Pharmacy Services, has been
tied to several other high profile cases involving major athletes
including the 2008 suspension of former Atlanta Braves closer
John Rocker involving Human Growth Hormone, according to a story
in Sports Illustrated.
Applied
Pharmacy Services was also involved with several other Major
League Baseball players named in the Mitchell Report, as well
as former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, whose
name has been linked as a client to the company in the past as
well.
In
the documentation filed with the sentencing in Alabama, Carwin,
along with several professional bodybuilders, professional wrestlers,
and two professional baseball players, who remain anonymous,
were named as clients of Applied Pharmacy Services who received
steroid orders.
Bennett
was a supervising pharmacist at Applied Pharmacy Services, and
his name and/or initials were attached to the orders involving
Carwin and the other athletes identified in the documents filed
with the court.
MMAWeekly.com
contacted Jason Genet, Carwin's manager, on Saturday for comment,
but at the time of publication no contact has been received.
Genet did speak with MMAFighting.com and said a statement would
be forthcoming from the Colorado based fighter.
Source: MMA Weekly |
LAMBERT
INTENDS TO PUNISH LOPEZ AT WOTM
It’s no secret what Jason Lambert’s thought process
is heading into Saturday’s War on the Mainland pay-per-view:
win and get one step closer to returning to the UFC.
Heading
into this year, a return to the UFC may have seemed like a far
off prospect with Lambert in the midst of a five-fight losing
streak. But he persevered and has reeled off back-to-back victories.
Originally
slated to face former Pride and IFL veteran Allan Goes Saturday
night, Lambert will now face former a King of the Cage champion
instead.
“They
were scrambling, because fighting me on a week’s notice
isn’t everyone’s dream, but they found Tony Lopez,”
Lambert told MMAWeekly. “He’s a tough guy from what
I hear; pretty tall and awkward, so it should be a good fight.”
According
to Lambert, the change in opponent will do little to affect his
strategy for the fight.
“Obviously
it does change some game plan stuff, but other than that, my
cardio is there, I’ve been training my butt off, so I feel
good about this fight,” stated Lambert.
“I
always try to impose my will and not let them fight their fight.
I want them to fight my fight and make them deal with it.”
Having
learned from the mistakes he’s made the last couple years,
Lambert rediscovered what made him successful in the first place
to get him back on track.
“Actually
I kind of went back to the old stuff,” he said. “I’ve
been working a lot on my jiu-jitsu and my wrestling, so we’ll
see what I can pull off in this fight.
“I’ve
been fighting for years, and I’m definitely looking to get
back in the big show, so I’m looking to cause some waves
and get back there.”
With
a possible return to the UFC looming on his performance, Lambert
isn’t feeling any extra pressure to perform, as he feels
his style has always been one to bring attention to him.
“I
think my style is always exciting,” stated Lambert. “I’m
never looking to ride out a decision or whatever; I’m looking
to finish the fight.
“I
think that plays into what people want to see anyway. Whether
I try to or not, that’s just the way I’m wired, I always
want to finish.”
While
a return to the big stage of MMA is always on his mind, Lambert
maintains that he just wants to take one fight at a time and
eventually he cannot be denied a return should he continue to
win.
“I’m
focused on this fight and want to have a good performance and
figure out what we’re going to do after that,” he announced.
“I definitely would like to fight one more time before the
year’s over, and if everything goes great, maybe twice.
“I
just want to stay busy, stay active and continue to get back
to where I want to be.”
Back
on track after the low point of his career, up is the only direction
Jason Lambert can go, and he intends to do just that in his quest
for redemption.
“Check
out my sponsors: Affliction, ClinchGear, Anarchy Eyewear, Cobian
Sandals and SoCalGoldBuyer.com,” concluded Lambert. “I
want to thank the fans for being there and always supporting
me.”
Source: MMA Weekly |
Wrestler’s
death could affect McMahon’s run
Lance
McNaught, a professional wrestler who had been under contract
on-and-off with World Wrestling Entertainment for the past decade,
died Thursday night at the San Antonio home of his father, Harley,
according to company officials. The official cause of death is
pending results of an autopsy, but the company, which has been
in contact with the family, stated that the preliminary belief
was heart failure.
McNaught,
who wrestled under the names Lance Cade and Garrison Cade during
different tenures with the company, was 29.
McNaught’s
death has the potential to become a political issue in a U.S.
Senate campaign.
Republican
Linda McMahon, who was CEO of the WWE until resigning to run
for office, is opposing Democrat Richard Blumenthal in Connecticut
in November’s election. McMahon, who has run a self-funded
campaign and spent approximately $21 million thus far to capture
the open seat left by the retirement of Democrat Chris Dodd,
won the GOP nomination on Tuesday.
The
wife of the company’s larger-than-life chairman, Vince McMahon,
came under heavy criticism from opponents in the Republican primary
race for the high mortality rate of wrestlers who had at one
time worked for the company, often due to drug-related issues.
McNaught,
who was released by the WWE in April, was the first death of
a young wrestler with ties to the company since McMahon’s
campaign started.
Five
wrestlers age 40 and under have died in the past 13 years while
under contract to the company: Chris Benoit, 40; Eduardo “Eddy”
Guerrero, 38; Owen Hart, 34; Brian Pillman, 35; and Russ Haas,
27.
McNaught
is one of several performers in recent years who has died not
long after leaving the company, including Andrew “Test”
Martin, 33; David “Davey Boy” Smith, 39; Michael “Crash
Holly” Lockwood, 32; Louis “Louie Spiccoli” Mucciolo,
27; and Michael “Mike Awesome” Alfonso, 38.
The
publicly traded WWE, recently valued at $1.05 billion, classifies
its performers as independent contractors and does not offer
health insurance, though the company pays for the treatment of
injuries suffered on the job.
McNaught,
who was married and had two daughters and one stepson, was scheduled
to leave Saturday for a pro wrestling tour of Japan. He was scheduled
to headline an Aug. 29 show at Sumo Hall in Tokyo.
McNaught’s
wife, Tanya, told company officials Friday morning about the
death and asked them to contact his trainer, Michael Hickenbottom,
a star wrestler known as Shawn Michaels.
She
said that on Tuesday she noticed her husband not looking well
and having difficulty breathing and called an ambulance to get
him to the hospital. At one point he passed out, but he was revived
in the hospital and stayed overnight. He asked to be released
the next day, went home, became upset and left.
She
did not see or hear from him until late Thursday afternoon, when
his father called her to say he showed up at his work, not looking
well, and that he was going to take him to his house. He passed
away that night. McNaught, who was 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, was
considered a top prospect when signed by the WWE at 19 years
old, upon the recommendation of Hickenbottom. He wrestled for
years in their developmental system, but always seemed a step
away from his predicted stardom.
He
rose to the level of a solid middle-of-the-card performer, and
he got his biggest break in 2008, when he was being groomed to
be the partner of headliner Chris Irvine, better known as Chris
Jericho. But he was fired just as he was ascending to the top
level due to concern of substance issues, shortly after an incident
on an airplane in which he suffered a seizure.
He
was rehired in September ’09 for a new storyline. In January
of 2010, company officials said he asked to be sent to rehab,
and he completed a 30-day program in February. Company officials
stated he got positive reviews from those at the program. However,
he was released from his contract in April.
Source: Yahoo Sports
|
Anderson
Silva: “Jiu-Jitsu saved me”
UFC
middleweight champion, Anderson Silva suffered for the first
time on the American octagon. After being pounded for four rounds,
the Brazilian managed to fit a triangle out of nowhere and submitted
Sonnen, keeping himself on the top of the division. Before coming
back to Brazil, Anderson talked to TATAME and analyzed his fight,
complimented Sonnen’s performance, revealed he had promised
a submission to Rodrigo Minotauro and criticized the jokes about
Steven Seagal.
What
did you think of your win over Chael Sonnen?
Well,
there’s not much to talk about. It’s over and now I
have to think about my next bout. It was a good fight, it was
different than we all expected. Everybody is used to see Anderson
winning every time he fights, without being at risk in any time,
but it was good, that made me stronger. We trained a lot, we
trained different situations and, thanks God, everything we’ve
been working on the trainings work out just fine during the fight.
This time, Jiu-Jitsu was my priority and thanks Gods it worked
out. We have to thank everybody that helped me train, to my coaches
and God.
Many
people did not expect things would go this way… What did
you expected?
Oh,
I had some trouble on moving because I had my rib injured. I
hurt my rib three weeks before the fight, broke it with (Satoshi)
Ishii, a friend of Lyoto (Machida) that came from Japan to train
with us and I was training with him and, due to a move I did,
I got it injured. I went to the doctor and he said I should not
fight because it was not that serious at that time, but things
could get worse during the fight, but thanks God, it worked out.
I believe that everything we’ve planned to this fight turned
out true.
He’s
a guy who likes to take his opponents down and work on the ground
and pound, punching mainly the ribs. Do you think this game plan
that he has made it harder for you, due to your rib’s injury?
That
made it a little harder, because I couldn’t move as fast
as I usually do... But he’s to be congratulated, he did
a great fight… It was a huge fight. I believe that for the
both of us it was very nice and it was a good fight for people
to what.
On
the fifth round you slipped and he dominated you again, as he
had done in all four previous rounds. At any moment did you thought
it was it, since he managed to use quite well his ground and
pound came during the previous 20 minutes?
No.
actually, I had some good opportunities while standing, but I
couldn’t use them as I wish because I was injured. We trained
a lot the movements of the stand-up game, with the coaches standing,
but I only hit him few times. On the ground, I believe everything
worked out just fine… I wanted to thank Rodrigo (Minotauro),
Rogério (Minotouro), (Rafael) Feijão, André
Galvão, (Ronaldo) Jacaré, Ramon (Lemos) and all
the guys that helped us. We always have to rethink about our
concepts about things so we can know what we can improve and
what we can’t and I’m always trying to get better on
what I have more difficulties, which is the ground game and that
was something which helped me a lot so I could bring this win
home. You have to train, keep training and move on.
Do
you think this was the biggest fight of your life?
No.
I can tell you that my fight is my last one, it’s always
the last one I did. This was a hard one, just like all others,
like the ones that will still come. One day, when I have fought
for the last time in my career, you can ask me and I’ll
tell you which one was the hardest.
During
the fight, the fans joked, via Twitter, saying that Steven Seagal
was some kind of MMA’s Mick Jagger …
It’s
a bad joke, he’s a great master and a great coach who was
there with me, helped me all the time a lot. On the beginning
of my trainings, we showed me some techniques which worked out
and he deserves the respect of all of us. He’s a great master
and a good person. I believe people have to respect him.
Your
win seemed like a Hollywood movie, on which he “hero”
suffers for most of the time and win in the end…
Yeah,
man. Actually, it all happened as it should do, but the biggest
prompter of all this is God, he’s the biggest responsible
for all of it, I’m just his instrument. This fight was good
not for the fight’s world, but to people in general. We
should never give up on our dreams, we should never give up on
our goals. I believe it was a lesson to those who’s been
fighting, but also for everyone that was there, for those who
had a hard time and are almost giving up on something. I believe
it was a great message and the real purpose of the sport. I played
God’s servant in there to show this to people, to encourage
them not to give up, to never give up, to always believe and
make things happen.
This
time the event has been broadcasted to Brazil on the channel
SporTV. How do you feel, being one of the main characters of
this new movement of MMA in Brazil, when MMA was watched but
a remarkable number of people and also has commented in different
kinds of media which did not give the sport some space before?
I’m
very happy. It’s like I said: I believe that, if it happened,
it was a good thing for people to get to know it better. Saying
like this, it seems that I’m making some kind of propaganda
to the Church of some religion, but that’s not it…
It’s just like I feel it, I think that the overcoming process,
that thing of being a Brazilian and being there and I said it
in some interviews before, on which they’ve asked me what
I thought about Sonnen’s comments about Rodrigo and all…
I can say and I’d like that you published it on the magazine
so that everyone can read it: he spoke about the wrong person.
He could have said anything about anyone, but he chose the wrong
guy to talk about, in any matter. He talked about people he couldn’t
have. I entered there wearing a kimono in a tribute to Rodrigo
and, before the fight, I told him: “Rodrigo, I’ll get
this guy because it’s a matter of honor to me, as your black-belt,
to catch this guy”. Thanks God, I went there and caught
him.
Everything
went right and I believe that Jiu-Jitsu’s community is to
be congratulated, Jiu-Jitsu saved me and that’s what I train
the most, I always train with the gi, my student help me a lot,
like Ramon from Atos, who also is to be congratulated and all
the athletes who helped me. I think it’s very great the
Jiu-Jitsu that we, Brazilians, have, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
which is a part of all of us and I’d also like to thank
all the black belts who made history inside MMA and on our sport,
because this we can call ours and I feel honored of being a black
belt on a martial art which is as efficient as any other, both
standing and on the ground. I’m a black belt on Muay Thai,
but I also hold a black belt of Jiu-Jitsu and, on Saturday, what
moved me and gave me the strength to win was all I’ve learned
from Jiu-Jitsu in all those years, during all this time.
What
is the next step: a rematch with Sonnen, a fight with Vitor Belfort
or taking care of your rib?
The
first thing I’ll do is to heal my rib, take care of myself
and see how things work. DanDan is a student of mine who will
fight next weekend, so I’ll help him and also Mário
(Miranda), who will fight on the next UFC’s edition, so
let’s move on. Let’s take care of this injury and,
when I’m ready to comeback, I’ll come back to give
the Brazilians and all fans of MMA more happiness.
Mário
has been helping you a lot on your trainings. How do you think
this fight between him and Demian Maia will be like?
It’s
a tough fight, it’s complicated… Demian is Brazilian,
so does he. We always want the Brazilians to win, but Mário
is my training partner, we trained together and we’ll try
to help him in everything we can so that he can win this fight.
Independently of its result, both will be prepared. I believe
that Demian will be prepared and so will Mário and I hope
it’s a good fight and I hope that the best wins. Whoever
is better trained should win and we’ll do our best so that
Mário can impose his own rhythm, but I want the best to
win, and that’s what’s the most important thing.
Do
you want to leave a message for your fans who stayed up all night
cheering for you, until you fit that triangle and saved the night?
A
triangle and an arm bar, Minotauro style (laughs). Well, first
of all I’d like to thank God. He’s the best, He’s
a supreme being, there’s no other way… I’d like
to thank all the people that cheers for me, and also the ones
that make constructive critics so I can improve… I’m
getting better each time, but I’m a human being just like
anybody else. I make some mistakes, I make some things right,
I’m evolving… I think that, once again, what I could
show people is how I am, who I am, where I came from and that’s
it. I’d like to thank all of you, you guys from the magazine,
you that try to get what we really think and say it to people
clearly so that they can understand us a little better. Let’s
go… Brazil on my head and heart.
Source: Tatame |
Dos
Anjos: ‘Everything was on out of place’
UFC
lightweight Rafael dos Anjos had his win streak broken by Clay
Guida, but he almost won that one too. Despite breaking his jaw
on the first minute of fight, Rafael showed a lot of heart and
kept the war with the American, but the pressure that his opponent
did exactly on where he had been hurt forced him to tap at the
end of the third round. On the following day of his jaw’s
surgery, which happened on the United States, the black belt
gave an interview to TATAME by e-mail and commented the fight.
“When I touched my dental with my tongue I felt that everything
was out of place and I had swallowed a lot of blood”, reminds,
regretting the need to tap before the end. “I think everyone
could see I was better on the fight. If I hadn’t broken
my jaw, I’d win that fight”.
What
really happened on your fight with Clay Guida?
Well,
on the first minute of fight I was going inside him and he punched
me twice and it broke my jaw in two different places. That caused
a great nuisance, which made hard for me to do a good performance.
You
whispered something on (Roberto) Gordo’s ear on the break
between the first and the second round. What it about your jaw?
Yeah.
I talked with Ralph first because he didn’t have a mic,
then I spoke to Gordo. When I touched my dental with my tongue
I felt that everything was out of place and I had swallowed a
lot of blood, so I told him that.
Did
you consider giving it up before the second round began?
Actually,
I did, but I wanted to fight more.
What
did you think when Guida started to press your jaw with his shoulder,
forcing you to give up?
The
truth is that, after he broke my jaw, I felt it like if it was
a series tiny electric shock on my head, it was very weird, and
it got sensible too. Any punch or pressure on that area would
make the shocks become harder and harder and I got dizzy and
lose my strength. When he pressured me on the grid I couldn’t
handle it.
Did
the guys from UFC say anything to you after the fight?
Joe
Silva said I’ll come back. I think everyone could see I
was better on the fight. It I hadn’t broken my jaw, I’d
win that fight.
How
was your surgery on the United States?
It
happened yesterday (11), everything went just fine. The postoperative
has been hard, but everything will be fine.
How
much time do you think you will be away of the trainings before
your recovering from this surgery?
I’ll
have my jaw immobilized for six weeks and then I start to train
the techniques and the physical part, but I can only be hit after
six months.
Do
you want to send a message for your fans who cheered for you
on UFC 117?
Thank
you all for cheering and worrying about me, I was surprise with
people’s concern. You can hope for Rafael to comeback with
total strength when I come back. I’ll try to compensate
my lost time. It’s up to God too. If He wanted it that way,
it’s the way it must be.
Source: Tatame |
Las
Vegas: Gracies break bank on Caio Terra’s day in the absolute
In
the world capital of fight sports and gambling, anyone who bet
on Caio Terra and the Gracie family came up big.
The
scrawny roosterweight 2008 world champion dazzled on his way
to winning the maiden Las Vegas Open event, an IBJJF championship
held yesterday at Nevada’s Sport Center arena.
Caio
took gold in the absolute and light featherweight categories,
and even went back for more in the no-gi event held in tandem,
the No-Gi Nationals, where the Cesar Gracie snapped up another
gold at weight and took bronze in the absolute.
Ihe
No-Gi Nationals another promising fighter shone, Gregor Gracie.
The son of Angela Gracie tapped out Diego Herzog in the absolute
division final after shutting out the medium heavyweight division
with brother Igor – Igor and Gregor managed two tapouts
apiece before reaching the final.
In
the ultraheavyweight division the third brother, Rolles Gracie,
also put on a show and took gold.
Despite
the outstanding performances of the gi-clad athletes in the Las
Vegas Open, the way the absolute no-gi absolute division played
out was what grabbed the most attention.
Gregor
Gracie, a Brazilian living in New York, beat Rafael Lovato via
judges’ decision, leaving the teacher from Oklahoma outraged.
At the other end of the bracket Diego Herzog attacked Caio Terra’s
knee from the 50/50 guard, obliging Caio to tap and complain
of an illegal hold, but the referee didn’t see things that
way and validated the submission.
In
the final Herzog again tried the hold against Gregor, but this
time the ref disqualified him, to spectator Caio’s disbelief.
Source: Gracie Magazine |
So
what’s keeping the no-time limit match from happening?
On
July 12, now a month ago, you read here on GRACIEMAG.com that
negotiations were underway for a match that could rattle the
foundations of the sport.
Rubens
Cobrinha and Rafael Mendes were called on by a group of investors
spearheaded by Bray Deavours to take part in a match without
time limit, to the finish, with a ten thousand dollar purse going
just to the winner.
On
the 14th Cobrinha accepted the proposal via GRACIEMAG.com. On
the 15th, though, Rafa made contact and advocated greater value
for fighters, indicating the purse was south of desireable.
To
bring the soap opera to a close or at least to inform readers
of the scenes from the next chapter, GRACIEMAG.com contacted
Bray, who has been dividing his time between time at the gym
with his full-time duty as a father. None of that kept the American
from forging ahead in his project of seeing a no-time limit match
between two sterling stars.
Royler
in for Mendes perhaps? We passed the question on the to the group
of investors’ spokesman in the project. Here goes!
Kron
vs. Sergio, Marcelo vs. Pablo, Kayron vs. Tererê and some
others (matchups) have been tossed around” Bray Devours
Bray,
is there a plan B should Rafael Mendes flat out refuse the no-time
limit match against Cobrinha? Some have suggested Royler vs Cobrinha
here on GRACIEMAG.com.
I’ve
talked with some of the other investors and there is continued
interest in seeing this format out there. We’ve been talking
about it but everyone is covered up with their day jobs and we
haven’t been able to get together and brainstorm too many
other compelling matchups. Kron vs. Sergio, Marcelo vs. Pablo,
Kayron vs. Tererê and some others have been tossed around,
but nothing concrete. I know everyone is thinking about it individually,
but we would love to have some additional outside input. Maybe
GRACIEMAG can help here. I’ve heard from Cobrinha’s
manager that he loves the idea and would be game for someone
else. As a fan, I would love to see Royler compete but I don’t
know if I could raise enough money to get him to come out of
retirement. However, you never know and with Cobrinha being interested
in another matchup in his weight class if the opportunity presented
itself, something could happen.
Since
Mendes’s refusal, are you guys considering changing the
purse format, perhaps paying the loser something or upping the
sum?
There
has been a lot of talk all over the place about changing the
format and we’re open to whatever works. Right now, we don’t
see the sum getting too much higher because it is still an unproven
concept. Andrew Smith of US Grappling has run some submission-only
tournaments and it seems to be a big hit with the competitors,
but we need to see how it works with the pros before we can up
the purse.
I
liked the idea of winner takes all, but it is probably better
to offer a show and win purse. That way our athletes won’t
walk away empty handed for all the training that they do. That
is probably the fairest way to offer a match between two world-caliber
athletes and something that may get them interested.
In
the end, who is the group of American investors that came up
with the idea? How do you, for example, make your living?
I
alone am responsible for the idea. It’s been turning over
in my mind for a while but I never really did anything about
it. Around the Pans I reached out to other businessmen that I
train with, bounced it off them, and a few of them said that
they would put some money into it. As for me personally, I used
to be in real estate but I’ve had to reinvent myself a little
bit lately. Still doing a little real estate but looking for
other opportunities, running a few small businesses, and researching
for my doctorate. Hoping that this submission format takes off
and everyone, but especially the fighters, could make a little
money through Jiu-Jitsu.
Do
you believe the no-time limit match may still happen between
Cobrinha and Rafael?
Right
now I don’t foresee this matchup happening. I know our heroes
make their living off of teaching and seminars with the occasional
tournament for prize money, and we don’t want to interfere
with that, but I know of no other venue where they can make this
kind of money for a single match.
I
have seen on the internet some teachers saying something to the
effect that until we pay these athletes what they are worth we
won’t see these matchups happen. The problem is nobody (from
critics to supporters) has presented a figure of what sum of
money that is. Until we know that, we can’t build another
business model around it to see if it is feasible.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
NBA
STAR MIKE MILLER JOINS THE MMA FRAY
MMA has proven to be popular among many athletes in other sports,
and some have even gone as far as training with fighters to learn
some new skills and pick up tricks of the trade when it comes
to cardio and conditioning.
One
particular athlete liked it so much he decided to partner up
with a group of MMA fighters to open a new gym.
Mike
Miller, who just recently signed a five-year, $30 million dollar
deal to play with the Miami Heat, has been working alongside
UFC fighters Ryan Bader, Aaron Simpson, and C.B. Dollaway as
the group gets ready to open a new state-of-the-art facility
in Arizona later this year.
The
new Miami Heat guard admits that he's a big fan of MMA, and definitely
sees the benefits of working with fighters like those he's partnered
with during the off season.
"I
love it, it's one of my favorite sports for sure. I've always
watched it and it's something that like the wrestling world,
the same thing that's intriguing them, it's intriguing me. It's
a high impact sport, a lot of action and it's fun to watch,"
said Miller in an interview with MMAWeekly.com.
"The
program that these guys are going through is the most ridiculous
program I've seen. They work out harder than anybody. The hardest
workouts I've ever been through, that's why I came down here
though. I realized how hard these guys work, and I felt like
I might as well join them. It's been a good experience."
While
Miller won't partake in anything that could cause him injury
to miss time for his NBA career, he admits the conditioning workouts
are preparing him for the long season ahead and he may even convince
new teammates LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh to travel
to Arizona to get some work in as well.
Miller
has picked up a few new tricks along the way just in case anyone
does get a little rowdy during the basketball season as well.
He says he's picked up a pretty effective guillotine choke, and
some other miscellaneous tricks to keep his NBA games on track.
"All
the conditioning, and my ground and pound is going to be something
people are going to be talking about," Miller joked.
UFC
middleweight Aaron Simpson has worked with Miller the entire
time, and says that it's special to have an athlete from another
major sport show interest in his craft, and getting him involved
was great idea for everybody.
"It's
a cool thing that he's taken an interest in MMA," said Simpson.
"It's pretty cool, we're a pretty tight team."
Admitting
that early UFC pioneer Keith Hackney was his favorite fighter
when he grew up watching the sport, Miller stays active watching
the current crop of competitors and now has a renewed interest
as he enters into a new business with his friends.
That
interest will continue as the gym opens in 2010, but Miller will
soon set his eyes towards a whole new prize. Playing alongside
James, Wade, and Bosh, he has a nickname all picked out for the
group of superstars that will kick off their season in October.
"Teammates.
Hopefully champions," Miller answered about a nickname for
the trio. "That's our goal, it's going to be a lot of fun.
We're excited for October to come around for training camp to
open up, and then move on."
Miller
says playing with the Heat and getting a shot at multiple NBA
championships is what ultimately made his decision for him. In
an off season where several teams, including the Los Angeles
Lakers were vying for his services, it was the team in South
Beach that he believes gave him the best chance to win.
"It's
intriguing for sure. You get an opportunity to play with two
or three of the top 10 players in the league, it gives you an
opportunity," Miller said. "I haven't had a chance
to play much into the month of June, and a chance to play deep
in the playoffs my whole career, and I made it a point this summer
I was going to make a decision to be a part of a winner.
"What
better place than Miami to go and do that."
Mike
Miller will join his teammates in Miami as training camp draws
near, but not before working with his friends in Arizona as Ryan
Bader and C.B. Dollaway prepare for their fights on Sept. 25
in Indianapolis.
Source: MMA Weekly |
WC
FITNESS: WHAT'S BETTER, REALLY GOOD OR GREAT?
You
know, I'm not trying to talk bad about the guy, because I'm a
big fan, but I gotta say I was pretty surprised when Forrest
Griffin showed up on the latter episodes of TUF 11. The guy really
looked out of shape. And that surprised me - I figured he was
like many fighters in that while he peaked for fights, he kept
in decent shape most of the year. Maybe not. Or maybe this was
just an "off" time for him.
He
wouldn't be the first guy to be like that, though. Former light
welterweight world boxing champ Ricky Hatton was the same way.
He used to come into his fights in awesome shape, and could plain
outwork guys. (Anybody remember back when Kostya Tszyu was thought
to be unbeatable, and Hatton simply outworked him so hard, that
Kostya just quit on his stool?) Yet between fights, Hatton would
just BLOW UP in weight. Holy cow. The nickname "Ricky Fatton"
wasn't exactly inaccurate.
And
coming from a slightly different world, pro bodybuilder Lee Priest
was known to do the same thing. He'd come into his contests in
awesome condition (he's been anywhere from 220 to 240 pounds
on stage), yet at roughly five-feet-four-inches tall, is known
to balloon up to 290 pounds in the off-season, eating tons of
friend chicken, cakes, and other sweets.
Fluctuating
this much in bodyweight, muscle and fat gained/lost, strength,
power, cardio, etc., just isn't good for the body physically
- especially for the long term.
And
the problem with letting yourself go that far is that when you
do have to peak for a show, fight, or whatever, is that it takes
so much, is so draining (physically and mentally), and more,
that when you're done, all you wanna do is backslide. You've
busted your ass for weeks on end, now that your reason for peaking
is over, you just wanna rest and eat!
Then
the whole cycle just starts over again. Not good.
As
I get a little older (not that 33 is old by any means, but I'm
certainly not a teenager, nor in my early 20s anymore), I find
myself taking a much more 'well-rounded' approach to training.
Instead of wanting to peak, or find just how strong (or fast
or big or whatever) I can get, I find I like to keep things much
more balanced. Get really good at a lot of things, but not necessarily
great at anything.
Instead
of peaking, then backsliding later, I'd rather know that on any
given day of the year, while I may not necessarily be the biggest
guy in the room, I'm gonna be bigger than most of them. I might
not be the strongest or most powerful, but I'm gonna be stronger
and more powerful than most. I might not have the best conditioning
or cardio fitness, but I'll be in better shape than most.
I
liken the idea to the notion that on any given day, I want to
be better than 80 percent of the population at anything I do.
See,
the other thing with peaking is that you can really only peak
at certain things. Sure, you can get your body fat as low as
possible, but do you think you'll be able to maintain all your
strength? Nope. You'll be able to get super-big, but there's
no way you'll maintain your conditioning. Sure you might be fast,
but that doesn't mean you'll be strong.
In
other words, anytime you peak in one area, other areas will have
to suffer as a result. So while you're not as strong as the strongest,
you'll be bigger, faster, and in better shape. You might not
have the best cardio, but compared to the guy who does, you'll
be stronger, pack more muscle, and be able to do more work.
See
what I mean?
Better
to be really good at a lot of stuff, then awesome at one thing,
and mediocre at everything else. Not to mention that you can't
be awesome all the time... but you can be really good all the
time.
(And
when it comes time you do have to peak, you won't have that far
to go in order to hit your best.)
Source: MMA Weekly |
BEN
SAUNDERS GETS UFC PINK SLIP, VOWS TO RETURN
Having fought to a 4-3 record during his tenure in the UFC, Ben
Saunders on Thursday night revealed via his Twitter account that
he has been shown the Octagon door. He promises, however, that
it is only temporary.
Saunders
won his first three bouts fighting for the UFC following a stint
on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra,” but
lost three of his four most recent bouts, including a decision
loss to journeyman Dennis Hallman at UFC 117.
“Sorry
everyone I tried to fight my best these past two fights, but
ended up getting out worked... the UFC has officially cut me,”
read his Twitter post. “The good news is they told me to
work on my wrestling and ground game and then come back. So that
is all I am going to be doing, improving dramatically and show
them I belong.”
The
UFC has shown over and over that it does bring fighters back
once they have gone out to retool their games and get some additional
seasoning. Saunders plans to be among them.
“It
was a honor to fight for the UFC and I will make it back into
the mix in due time,” he declared. “No one ever said
my dream of getting that belt would be easy.
“I'll
be back! There isn't a doubt in my mind.”
Source: MMA Weekly |
CARINA
DAMM SET TO EXCITE IN STRIKEFORCE
It’s hard to deny the fact that Carina Damm is deserving
of a chance to shine on the big stage of MMA.
One
of several female fighters who have been working their way slowly
towards recognition for years, Damm is a standout, having won
15 of 18 bouts, and is in the midst of a 10-fight winning streak.
While
having received some recognition during the brief BodogFight
days, Damm will finally get her opportunity to become a true
international star in Friday’s Strikeforce Challengers Series
women’s 135-pound tournament.
“I
thought I was finally having a chance to get back into the international
stage,” said Damm of her initial thoughts of being asked
to be part of the tournament.
“All
of (the fighters involved) are great competitors with their own
individual styles, which should make for all possible matches
very exciting to the audience.”
While
Damm is well known in her native Brazil, Friday’s tournament
is the first time many American fans will be able to see her
in action.
When
asked to describe her fighting style, she told MMAWeekly.com,
“My fighting style is very aggressive. I’m always walking
forward, bringing the action to my opponent.
“My
main style is jiu-jitsu, but we have been training in a lot of
Muay Thai and boxing since I started in MMA in 2004. And now
I feel just as comfortable trading strikes as I do on the ground.”
Having
never been involved in a single-night MMA tournament, but having
had experience competing in multiple matches in the same night
in jiu-jitsu tournaments, Damm admits the key to preparing for
Friday has been upping the intensity of her training.
“We
have trained harder for this event than we ever worked before,”
she stated. “My conditioning is at its best and I believe
we are ready to fight full force for all rounds.”
The
winner of the four-woman tournament will eventually face the
winner of the upcoming Marloes Coenen versus Sarah Kaufman fight
for the Strikeforce 135-pound title.
While
some fighters may be thinking ahead to a title shot, Damm is
firmly affixed on winning one fight at a time in the tournament.
“Right
now we have to think of the fights on Friday before anything
else,” she commented. “Our main focus is winning the
first fight on Friday, as without that win, we won’t get
a shot at the other two bouts.”
Regardless
of how she ultimately performs in the tournament, Damm hopes
to impress enough that Strikeforce recognizes her talent and
she remains a part of the company for the foreseeable future.
“I
always try to put on exciting fights so this doesn’t really
make much of a difference in how we approach these fights,”
stated Damm. “But it is a good sign that Strikeforce values
one of the characteristics of my game, and hopefully we can have
a long relationship with the promotion thanks to that.”
A
longtime hardcore fan favorite, Carina Damm could be on the verge
of major stardom should she do well in the tournament and possibly
fill the marketing void women’s MMA needs since the departure
of Gina Carano.
“I
would like to thank all of you for the support and hope you all
watch our fights on Friday,” Damm said in closing. “I
would also like to thank my sponsors: Clinch Gear, FightChix,
Combat Corner and RipDorey for the support.”
Source: MMA Weekly |
JAMES
TONEY IS ABOUT JAMES TONEY, NOT BOXING
James Toney wants to send a clear message to the boxing world:
his upcoming fight at UFC 118 isn't boxing vs. MMA, it's James
Toney vs. Randy Couture, nothing more, nothing less.
The
outspoken world champion has received a ton of criticism from
several boxers since he made the announcement that he would try
his hand in the world of MMA. But Toney isn't listening to any
of them, because he's in this for one thing and one thing only.
"It
doesn't matter, I don't care about the boxing community, all
I care about is James Toney," he said on Thursday. "This
is about James Toney and Randy Couture. It ain't about James
Toney and boxing, or James Toney and MMA, it's James Toney and
Randy Couture."
Toney
didn't mind taking some shots at his fellow boxers who have gone
after him in the press. Both Bernard Hopkins and David Haye have
had comments about Toney's debut in MMA, and he made sure to
let them both know how he feels.
"Bernard,
he can go somewhere and get his damn teeth fixed, and David Haye,
he gay. I don't care about none of that," Toney stated.
"They can get dismissed with all that (expletive)."
Still,
with so many eyes on this fight from both the boxing and MMA
worlds, Toney doesn’t back down from representing the sport
he loves, and still calls his craft the best.
"I
represent James Toney. I'm an old school fighter," he said.
"I'm going to show everybody that boxing is the best sport
period. When we tired we don't hold nobody. We ain't scared."
Toney
has been in training for his MMA debut for several months now,
and while he joked on Thursday that he was weighing 290 pounds
currently, most have commented that the heavyweight boxing champion
has taken the fight very seriously and is in good condition for
the Aug. 28 showdown.
Training
with several different fighters, including Strikeforce light
heavyweight champion Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Toney
believes he's ready for anything that happens in the Octagon.
Aug.
28 in Boston will tell the tale if he's right or not.
Source: MMA Weekly |
RIGGS
SEEKS TO PROVE WORTH AT STRIKEFORCE
As Strikeforce prepares to bring major league MMA to Arizona
for the first time, Challengers Series 10 headliner Joe Riggs
seeks to prove his worth to the promotion and place himself back
among the sport’s elite.
A
longtime veteran of the WEC, UFC, and Strikeforce, Riggs now
finds himself on the outside looking in once again, as consistency
eludes him.
After
racking up an impressive four-fight winning streak, Riggs was
derailed in January by Jay Hieron, and now must win to remain
within striking distance of both the welterweight and middleweight
crowns.
“It’s
the first time mainstream MMA has ever been to Phoenix, so to
be the main event on the main card, it’s really good and
I’m excited,” Riggs recently told MMAWeekly.com.
“It’s
an important point for me in my career, so I’ve just training
my butt off, trying to get better every day.”
Having
taken a pay cut in order to have this fight, Riggs knows the
consequences of having a repeat performance like he did in January.
It’s with that knowledge that he’s been working to
shore up a weakness his fight earlier this year exposed.
“I’ve
been working a lot on my hands, (specifically) my counter-punching,”
commented Riggs. “My fight with Hieron, that was kind of
the key (indicator); I didn’t let my hands go enough, so
I’ve been trying to work on that.
“I
want to keep going forward and let my hands go more.”
At
the Challengers Series event on Friday, Riggs will be taking
on up-and-comer Louis Taylor. It’s exactly the kind of fight
where Riggs feels his recent work will pay off.
“I’m
not sure what his game plan is, but fights start out on the feet,
and if things don’t work out there, you make other plans.
But I don’t see him having better hands than me by a long
shot,” he stated.
Riggs
also feels his veteran status will be another key to the fight.
“After
40 or 50 fights, you name a position in a fight and I’ve
been in it,” he said. “He has maybe 10 fights, so he
hasn’t had the experience I do.
“People
forget that I’ve been there many, many times and many, many
good fights and he has not.”
While
Riggs is not exactly where he wants to be at this point in his
career, he’s hoping to use this fight to begin building
the bridge back to the bigger fights.
“This
isn’t the big fight that I wanted, that I need, but I need
a fight and a win’s a win and it’s on TV, so it’s
gaining momentum,” he admitted.
“But
for my career I want to have big fights and win big fights. I’ve
had a lot of big wins and losses, but I want to avoid those (losses)
and re-establish myself, whether it be at 185 or 170 (pounds).”
Having
had momentum stopped in the past by a lack of consistency, Riggs
is in need of a big win to remind everyone of his worth of a
position in upper tier of MMA.
“Just
check me out on Facebook, and thanks to my sponsors,” he
concluded. “For the first time in Arizona, come out and
see what a real event looks like, it’s going to be great.”
Source: MMA Weekly |
BELLATOR
24: LOMBARD & FUJII WIN BIG
Bellator Fighting Championships kicked off its third season Thursday
night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood,
Fla.
In
the night’s main event, Bellator middleweight champion Hector
Lombard took on former NFL player Herbert “Whisper”
Goodman in a non-title fight. In his last outing, Lombard needed
just six seconds to knockout his opponent, this time it took
38 seconds.
Lombard
overwhelmed his opponent early with right hook that wobbled Goodman
before following up with a brutal flurry that left Whisper unconscious
on the canvas just 38 seconds into round one.
When
asked about his ability to take opponents out early Lombard stated,
“I train hard. I train hard every day, as hard I can.
“I’m
a knockout artist, this is what I do.”
Bellator
Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney echoed his previous sentiment about
Bellator’s middleweight champion.
“I
think Hector Lombard is the best middleweight in the world. I
believe he beats anybody he steps in the change with.”
In
an opening round heavyweight tournament fight, British knockout
artist Neil Grove took on UFC veteran Eddie Sanchez. Grove’s
striking skills were on display early when he connected with
a devastating left hand that sent Sanchez to the canvas. Grove
followed up with brutal ground and pound before eventually letting
a weary Sanchez back to his feat. Standing, Grove continued to
batter Sanchez with precise strikes that eventually forced the
referee to halt the fight less than a minute into the opening
round.
In
Season 3 women’s tournament quarterfinal action, Megumi
Fujii met late tournament replacement Carla Esparza. Fujii elected
to stand and trade early with the wrestling specialist. The fight
hit the ground for the first time midway through the first round
with Fujii going for an ankle lock that Esparza painstakingly
twisted out of.
Round
two saw Fujii bring Esparza down early and secure a slick fight
ending armbar just 57 seconds into the stanza. The Japanese sensation
flexed her submission skills and subsequently improved her record
to 21-0, while moving on to the semifinal round of the tournament.
Also
in women’s tournament action, South Florida native Jessica
Aguilar took on Lynn Alvarez. Aguilar easily took Alvarez down
early in the first round, where she transitioned between ground
and pound and submission attempts. Aguilar was eventually able
to secure an arm triangle choke at 4:01 into the first round.
“Winning
in front of my fans is all I could ask for,” said Aguilar.
“I was planning to finish it as quickly as possible with
little energy expended and no injuries.”
The
local feature fight between hometown favorite Luis Palomino and
MMA veteran Yves Edwards went all three rounds, Edwards having
his hand raised in the end. Edwards now has 38 wins in his MMA
career.
“Tonight
proved to be another great night of fights at the Seminole Hard
Rock Hotel & Casino. We love coming here and can not wait
for our return in October when Hector Lombard will face Alexander
Shlemenko for the Bellator middleweight championship,” said
Rebney.
Local
Feature Fights:
-Tulio Quintanilla def. Brian Eckstein by KO (Punches) at 2:48,
R3
-Farkhad Sharipov def. Eric Luke by Unanimous Decision
Source: MMA Weekly |
Rankings:
Flip-flop at the top
Anderson
Silva’s memorable victory over Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 was
the talk of the sporting world. In running his UFC record win
streak to 12 with a fifth-round submission, Silva became the
first defending champion in company history to win a title fight
in the final frame after dropping each of the first four rounds.
But
the finish wasn’t enough to keep Silva in the top spot in
Yahoo! Sports poll. Four pollsters switched their first-place
votes from Silva to Georges St. Pierre after the UFC middleweight
champ absorbed a 22-minute beating from Sonnen, and that was
enough to erase Silva’s thin lead and shift St. Pierre back
into the top spot.
The
UFC welterweight champion was named first on 11 of 19 ballots
(down from 20 participants in July) and claimed eight-second
place votes for 182 points. Silva took the remaining eight firsts
and a mix of second-, third- and fourth-place votes for a total
of 171.
A
few notes about this month’s results:
•
Last month, Brock Lesnar moved WEC bantamweight champ Dominick
Cruz out of the No. 10 spot by virtue of Lesnar’s win over
Shane Carwin. This month, though, Cruz, who defends his title
on Aug. 18 against Joe Benavidez, took back No. 10.
•
Sonnen proved that you can win by losing. The Oregonian had never
previously claimed a top-10 vote, but placed 15th with seven
points after dominating Silva in four of the five rounds. Considering
that his UFC 117 performance came after consecutive wins over
Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt, Sonnen has earned his spot as
the world’s No. 2 middleweight (no disrespect to Vitor Belfort,
who has not yet fought often enough at 185 to merit that tag).
•
Where to rank Jon Fitch? He placed 12th this month with 26 points
after defeating Thiago Alves on Aug. 7. Twenty-one of those points
came from a third, a fourth and a fifth-place vote, but 13 pollsters
didn’t name Fitch at all. On one hand, the only time Fitch
ever fought a ranked fighter (St. Pierre), he suffered a 50-43
beatdown. On the other hand, he’s 21-1 in his past 22 fights.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, with Fitch on the sideline
waiting to see how St. Pierre’s December fight with Josh
Koscheck pans out, he’s likely to remain on the outside
looking in.
•
Trivia note: This month marks the third anniversary of the Y!
poll. The inaugural rankings: 1. Fedor Emelianenko; 2. Mauricio
Rua; 3. Quinton Jackson; 4. Dan Henderson; 5. Anderson Silva;
6. St. Pierre; 7. Chuck Liddell; 8 (tie). Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira;
8 (tie) B.J. Penn; 10. Randy Couture. Emelianenko, St. Pierre
and Silva are the only fighters to claim the top spot in that
time; those three, plus Penn, are the only fighters who have
remained in the top 10 without dropping out since 2007.
This
month’s voting panel: Denny Burkholder, CBSSports.com; Elias
Cepeda, Inside Fighting; Mike Chiappetta, MMAFighting.com and
Fight! Magazine; Steve Cofield, Cagewriter and ESPN Radio 1100
in Las Vegas; Dave Doyle Yahoo! Sports; Ben Fowlkes, SportsIllustrated.com
and MMAFighting.com; Josh Gross, SportsIllustrated.com; Ariel
Helwani, Versus.com and MMAFighting.com; Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports;
Damon Martin, MMAWeekly.com; Todd Martin, freelance; John Morgan,
MMAjunkie.com; Franklin McNeil, ESPN.com; Brad McCray, freelance;
Dave Meltzer, Yahoo! Sports; and The Wrestling Observer; Brett
Okamoto, The Las Vegas Sun; Ken Pishna, MMAWeekly.com; Michael
David Smith, MMAFighting.com; Dann Stupp, MMAjunkie.com; and
The Dayton Daily News.
Scoring:
10 points for a first-place vote, nine points for second, etc.,
down to 1 point for a 10th-place vote. Fighters who are under
suspension for usage of performance-enhancing substances or drugs
of abuse are ineligible to be considered for the duration of
their suspensions; fighters who have been inactive for more than
12 months are ineligible for consideration until after the completion
of their next fight.
10.
Dominick Cruz
Points: 46
Affiliation: UFC
Weight class: WEC (WEC bantamweight champion)
Hometown: San Diego
Record: 15-1 (has won past six)
Last month’s ranking: unranked
Most recent result: def. Brian Bowles, R2 TKO, March 6
Analysis:No one has been able to solve Cruz since he dropped
to 135 pounds.
9.
Jake Shields
Points: 46
Affiliation: Free agent
Weight class: Welterweight (never lost Strikeforce middleweight
title)
Hometown: San Francisco
Record: 25-4-1 (has won past 14)
Last month’s ranking: 9
Most recent result: def. Dan Henderson, unanimous decision, April
17
Analysis:An intriguing UFC debut against Martin Kampmann should
determine his spot in the UFC welterweight pecking order.
8.
Lyoto Machida
Points: 50
Affiliation: UFC
Weight class: Light heavyweight
Hometown: Belem, Brazil
Record: 16-1 (lost previous fight)
Last month’s ranking: 7
Most recent result: lost to Mauricio Rua, R1 TKO, May 8
Analysis: A November matchup against Quinton “Rampage”
Jackson will go a long way toward determining the light heavyweight
title scene in 2011.
7.
B.J. Penn
Points: 62
Affiliation: UFC
Weight class: Lightweight
Hometown: Hilo, Hawaii
Record: 15-6-1 (lost previous fight)
Last month’s ranking: 6
Most recent result: lost to Frank Edgar, unanimous decision,
April 10
Analysis:Has his chance to prove razor-thin loss to Edgar was
a fluke.
6.
Frank Edgar
Points: 65
Affiliation: UFC (UFC lightweight champion)
Weight class: Lightweight
Hometown: Toms River, N.J.
Record: 12-1 (has won past four)
Last month’s ranking: 5
Most recent result: def. B.J. Penn, unanimous decision, April
10
Analysis:Has his loss to prove razor-thin win over Penn wasn’t
a fluke.
5.
Fedor Emelianenko
Points: 67
Affiliation: Strikeforce/M-1
Weight class: Heavyweight
Hometown: Stary Oskol, Russia
Record: 31-2, one no-contest (lost past 1)
Last month’s ranking: 8
Most recent result: lost to Fabricio Werdum, R1 submission, June
26
Analysis:Dropped to eighth last month after just one loss. Clearly
some voters re-evaluated and felt the greatest heavyweight of
all time fell too far.
4.
Mauricio Rua
Points: 117
Affiliation: UFC
Weight class: Light heavyweight (UFC light heavyweight champion)
Hometown: Curitiba, Brazil
Record: 19-4 (won previous fight)
Last month’s ranking: 4
Most recent result: def. Lyoto Machida, R1 TKO, May 8
Analysis: Knee surgery is expected to keep the new champ out
until at least March.
3.
Jose Aldo
Points: 145
Affiliation: WEC
Weight class: Featherweight (WEC featherweight champion)
Hometown: Rio de Janeiro
Record: 17-1 (has won past 10)
Last month’s ranking: 4
Most recent result: def. Urijah Faber, unanimous decision, April
24
Analysis:With Silva’s narrow escape, one could argue Aldo
has the most definitive unbeatable aura of any weight-class champ.
2.
Anderson Silva
Points: 192 (12 first-place votes)
Affiliation: UFC
Weight class: Middleweight (UFC middleweight champion)
Hometown: Curitiba, Brazil
Record: 27-4 (has won past 12)
Last month’s ranking: 1
Most recent result: def. Chael Sonnen, R5 submission, Aug. 7
Analysis: Was Silva’s struggle against Sonnen the product
of a rib injury, or is he finally slowing down at 35? Time will
tell.
1.
Georges St. Pierre
Points: 182 (11 first-place votes)
Affiliation: UFC
Weight class: Welterweight (UFC welterweight champion)
Hometown: Saint-Isidore, Quebec
Record: 20-2 (has won past seven)
Last month’s ranking: 2
Most recent result: def. Dan Hardy, unanimous decision, March
27
Analysis:On hold until “The Ultimate Fighter” runs
its course.
More
•
Votes for others: Brock Lesnar 28, Jon Fitch 26, Rashad Evans
12, Gilbert Melendez 8, Chael Sonnen 7, Jon Jones 4, Cain Velasquez
3; Joe Benavidez, Kenny Florian, Nick Diaz 2.
•
Upcoming matches for Top 10 fighters: No. 10 Dominick Cruz vs.
Joe Benavidez, Aug. 18, Las Vegas; No. 6 Frank Edgar vs. No. 7 B.J. Penn,
Aug. 28, Boston.
Source: Yahoo Sports
|
Pulver
can't stop losing streak, falls in 67 seconds
The
rough times continued tonight for former UFC lightweight champ
Jens Pulver. Known for his knockout power, Pulver simply can't
catch up the new breed of well-rounded fighters. 'Lil' Evil'
got beat on the feet and was once again submitted. Diego Garijo,
in just his fifth career fight, finished things via guillotine
choke at 1:07 of the first round at "War on the Mainland"
in Irvine. Ca.
Pulver
(22-14-1) has now lost six straight fights. There was nothing
to be embarrassed about with losses to guys like Leonard Garcia,
Josh Grispi, Javier Vasquez and Urijah Faber but this one is
tough to swallow.
Garijo
(5-1) came out with no fear of standing toe-to-toe with Pulver.
He landed a straight left that floored Pulver and immediately
worked for the finishing choke.
Source: Yahoo Sports
|
An
ocean called Jiu-Jitsu
In
spite of the chilling winter afflicting Brazil’s south,
training in the city of Porto Alegre is heated. The abundance
of exercise heats things up in the gyms. One of them is Sul Jiu-Jitsu,
the academy founded by Zé Mario Sperry and Walter Mattos
in 1994 and now led by Fernando Paradeda.
It
was during one of these heated training sessions that I witnessed
a common occurrence on any mat around the world. Black belt Paradeda
was demonstrating a plethora of variations on a single sweep
when Antônio Antoniolli, the brown belt champion of the
Rio Open absolute division recently promoted to black belt, queried:
“Professor, who taught you these variations?” Paradeda
replied nonchalantly: “No one. They’re mine”
Developing
one’s own position and passing it on has become something
somewhat unexceptional since the gentle art boom of the 1990’s.
A lot of positions end up given the name of the very fighter
who invented them – or reinvented them. This system of constant
evolution makes Jiu-Jitsu all the more formidable.
I
often tell beginning students that they are not getting started
in the practice of a martial art, but diving into an ocean of
fighting possibilities.
After
all, Jiu-Jitsu is like an ocean. The more you swim the greater
your understanding will be of just how vast and deep it is. Each
new position is another droplet in the ocean.
The
most intriguing part is that such contributions have no bounds,
and even inspired white belts can pull an ace from their sleeves
to come up with an effective finish.
To
know that our gentle art is in never-ending development is overjoying,
as the greatest legacy left to the next generation of fighters
is leaving open the gates of possibility to reinvent Jiu-Jitsu
with every day. An excellent opportunity to heat up the icy mats
of the south of Brazil and the world.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Horwich
taps Thales to win belt; Sylvia gets knockout and faces Rizzo
The
inaugural War on the Mainland event this Saturday in Irvine,
California, featured a title fight right off the bat.
In
the battle for the belt between former UFC fighter Thales Leites
and former champion of the now-defunct IFL event Matt Horwich,
the André Pederneiras student dominated the first three
rounds and looked to be on his way to winning when the American
turned things around in the fourth round when a standup exchange
ended with Horwich taking the fight to the ground and quickly
latching a rear-naked choke on the unwary Thales, who tapped
out at the 44-second mark.
In
a bout between ex-UFC fighters, Paul Buentello took on former
champion Tim Sylvia in a great fight. The “Mainiac”
showed his boxing and came up with the knockout with a second-round
uppercut. Now the winner is tipped to face another former UFC
fighter, Pedro Rizzo.
Jiu-Jitsu
coach to Strikeforce beasts Cris and Evangelista Cyborg, Cleber
Luciano imposed his slick ground game on Todd Willingham coming
up with a rear-naked choke in the second round. Now Gustavo Ximu
had his work cut out for him, but eked out a split decision win.
Check
out the complete results:
War
on the Mainland
Irvine, California
Saturday August 14, 2010
Tim
Sylvia knocked out Paul Buentello in R2
Matt Horwich submitted Thales Leites via rear-naked choke in
R4
Tony Lopez knocked out Jason Lambert
Diego Garijo submitted Jens Pulver via guillotine
Terry Martin defeated Jorge Ortiz via split decision
Gustavo Ximu defeated Rick Reeves via split decision
Erin Beach defeated João Silva via unanimous decision
Cleber Luciano submitted Todd Willingham via rear-naked choke
in R2
A.J. Mathews defeated Sean Choice via technical knockout
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
STRIKEFORCE
135-POUND WOMEN'S PAIRINGS OUT
Strikeforce on Thursday announced the opening round pairings
for Friday’s four-woman 135-pound contenders tournament.
Miesha
Tate (9-2) will square off with Maiju Kujala (4-1) in one half
of the bracket, while Carina Damm (15-3) and Hitomi Akano (15-7)
face each other on the other side of the bracket.
The
winner of Friday night’s tournament will be next in line
to challenge for the Strikeforce women’s welterweight title
after Sarah Kaufman and Marloes Coenen square off at a future
event.
Strikeforce
has yet to announce a date for the Kaufman vs. Coenen bout.
Source: MMA Weekly |
COUTURE
CONFIDENT IN UFC FUTURE, LIKELY AT 205
As Randy Couture gets ready to enter the cage to face James Toney
on Aug. 28 in Boston, there are still many questions about his
intentions in the sport following UFC 118.
While
Couture makes it clear that he is 100-percent focused on the
task at hand, he believes that following the fight with Toney,
which is the second to last on his current deal with the UFC,
that he will re-sign and continue his career with the MMA juggernaut.
"I'm
sure the UFC, if things continue the way they've been continuing,
will want to sign me to a new contract," Couture said on
Thursday. "That's a long ways away as far as I can see.
Right now, I'm not looking past James Toney, and be ready for
that."
Couture
has made no secret that he would like to make another run at
the title, and all signs point to that being the 205-pound championship.
The
fight between Couture and Toney at UFC 118 is a heavyweight bout,
and while the former two-weight class champion doesn't rule out
another heavyweight fight, his future is more likely to end up
back at 205 pounds.
"We'll
see what happens. I'm certainly comfortable fighting guys around
my size, they're walking around at 220, and staying away from
these guys that are cutting weight to make the 265 limit,"
Couture stated.
The
literal growth of the heavyweight division with fighters like
Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin has forced a lot of smaller heavyweights
to re-think training and size. Couture has said in the past that
he generally walks around between 220 and 225 pounds, and gives
up quite a bit of size to many of the biggest fighters in the
UFC.
For
the UFC Hall of Famer, he believes it comes down to match-ups,
and just like the James Toney fight, he is excited for what the
future holds for him.
"We'll
see who the UFC wants me to fight," said Couture. "They've
been putting some interesting guys in front of me, some of them
at 205, and obviously this fight is at heavyweight."
Source: MMA Weekly |
MIKE
BROWN FACES COLE PROVINCE AT WEC 51
World Extreme Cagefighting on Thursday announced that former
featherweight champion Mike Brown will return at WEC 51 in Colorado
to face Cole Province.
Brown
(23-6) has been on a roller coaster over the past year. He lost
the 145-pound title to current champion Jose Aldo in November
of last year then bounced back with a win over Anthony Morrison.
On a fast track back to title contention, Brown’s was derailed
when Manny Gamburyan knocked him out in the first round at WEC
48.
Gamburyan
will now face Aldo for the title at the same Sept. 30 event where
Brown will be looking to get back on the upswing.
Province
(6-1; 1 no contest) will be making his first start for the WEC
since serving out a nine-month suspension in Nevada. The 28-year-old
Oklahoma resident’s WEC 42 post-fight urinalysis revealed
the presence of the designer steroid Methasterone.
Province
last fought in June of this year, when he defeated Nick Masters.
Aldo
vs. Gamburyan headlines WEC 51 at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield,
Colo. The card also features a highly anticipated rematch between
lightweight contenders Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and
former champion Jamie Varner.
Source: MMA Weekly |
RYAN
COUTURE SPOILED IN PREP FOR PRO DEBUT
Following in the footsteps of his famous father, Ryan Couture,
son of UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, will make his promotional
debut for Strikeforce Friday at Strikeforce Challengers 10.
Along
with his Strikeforce debut, Friday night will mark his inception
into the professional world of mixed martial arts, after compiling
a 5-1-1 record as an amateur, with all wins coming by way of
submission.
"After
that last fight (with Sean Bollinger), I kind of felt like I
had the experience and the comfort level in the ring that I needed
to take that next step, and start getting paid for this stuff,"
said Couture while a guest on the MMAWeekly Radio show.
"In
the process of trying to figure out where I was going to do that,
the opportunity to get involved in Strikeforce Challenger series
came along, and I just thought it was a great way to start things
out.
"It's
a good combination of the right competition I need, and the kind
of exposure and quality of production that I was looking for."
And
while many times his name has often trumped cards on the smaller
circuit of amateur competition, Couture contends that it was
some of those same experiences that have aided him along in his
young career, preparing him for Friday night, and giving him
a comfort level that will enable him to perform to his potential,
without any jitters.
"I
think having all the extra eyes on me, in my amateur career,
and being stuck in the main event for so many of those amateur
fights, and having such a big deal made out of it, was kind of
like a good practice run for this fight," said the Xtreme
Couture product.
"Especially
having the bullseye on my back that I do, I wanted to make sure
I was 100 percent comfortable with what I was doing and kind
of work out some of those jitters, before it was an even bigger
stage that I was doing it on. So I'm really happy with the time
I spent as an amateur. I think I got a lot of invaluable experience
there and I definitely wouldn't change it for anything.”
Training
out of Las Vegas alongside Xtreme Couture notables such as Martin
Kampmann, Tyson Griffin, Evan Dunham, and Jay Hieron has proved
to be an asset in his young and budding career, one that he claims
is both a luxury and a necessity in order to move forward.
"I'm
spoiled, really. You've gotta figure, anybody who's stepping
in the cage has got to figure, they can't possibly beat me up
any worse then I've already been beat up in the gym," said
the lightweight fighter.
"It
gives me a lot of confidence knowing that I'm not likely to see
anything come fight night that I haven't already seen in the
gym in a better way already."
Now
having put in the time at the gym, and with his amateur career
behind him, Couture is ready for the next step, and it begins
with fellow Strikeforce debutant Lucas Stark, who holds a 2-4
record in his professional run.
"(Lucas)
fought for Rage in the Cage, and I was able to see his last fight,
which I believe was last November, on their website. It was three
whole rounds, it went the distance," said the 27-year-old.
"So,
I feel like I have enough of an idea to know, sort of, what I
want to do. But, at the end of the day, I have to play to my
strengths regardless of what he is going to try and do. I've
been working real hard, and I feel like I'm ready to go in there
and do my thing. He should be tough. I think it's a good match
up for me just starting out. It's going to be a good fight."
Source: MMA Weekly |
ALVAREZ
VS. HUERTA IN BELLATOR, LIKELY IN PHILLY
When Bellator acquired Roger Huerta as a free agent in early
2010 he was entered as a participant in their season 2 lightweight
tournament. Huerta ended up exiting in the 2nd round in a decision
loss to eventual tournament champion Pat Curran, spoiling his
run towards a showdown with champion Eddie Alvarez.
Well,
Huerta is going to get a crack at Alvarez anyways.
According
to sources speaking to MMAWeekly.com on Thursday, Bellator lightweight
champion Eddie Alvarez will face Roger Huerta in a non-title
fight in October, after tournament winner Pat Curran was forced
out of the bout with an undisclosed injury.
The
bout was initially reported by MMAJunkie.com on Thursday as well.
The
other caveat that was disclosed about the match-up is that Bellator
is planning the event for Philadelphia, PA, the hometown of their
champion Eddie Alvarez. The promotion had been rumored to put
the fight on in Kansas City, but sources speaking to MMAWeekly.com
say Philadelphia is the targeted city for the lightweight showdown.
The proposed date is October 21.
Gregory
Sirb, the head of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission,
confirmed with MMAWeekly.com that they have had talked with Bellator
about holding an event in the state.
"We
are in general discussion," Sirb responded about the Bellator
fight to MMAWeekly.com via e-mail on Thursday.
Alvarez,
as previously mentioned trains and lives in Philadelphia, and
has traveled very well with his hometown fans previously when
he had fights in New Jersey. The Bellator lightweight champion
is 5-0 in his last five fights, with all five victories coming
by way of submission.
Stepping
into his third fight for Bellator, Huerta has gone just 1-3 in
his last four fights. The former UFC fighter hit the spotlight
again recently after a street fight altercation made it's way
to TMZ.com, showing Huerta knocking out another man after he
assaulted a female.
This
will be Huerta's first official fight back since the loss to
Curran in May.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Exclusive:
BJ Penn’s life at TATAME #175
Former
UFC champion on two divisions, BJ Penn has his name written on
MMA history. But is wrong who think the two UFC belts are the
titles he is more proud of on his collection.
On
a historical interview, which has been published on this month’s
edition of TATAME Magazine, which already is available on the
newsstands of Brazil, BJ Penn revealed that his greatest achievement
was his victory on Mundial of Jiu-Jitsu on the black belt category,
something new for a non-Brazilian athlete at that time. “This
is my favorite medal… Of all UFC belts, my greatest achievement
was to win the Mundial”, affirmed the Hawaiian, who did
not discard the possibility of bringing his Jiu-Jitsu skills
back for his next fight on the octagon.
On
the exclusive article, Penn talks about when he began to do martial
arts, his change to the MMA ring, the best and worst moments
of his career and the thirst of a rematch with Frankie Edgar,
who took his belt in Abu Dhabi. “The belt doesn’t mean
everything in my life. More important than the belt is to beat
Edgar’s ass”, said BJ, who faces Edgar on August 28
(UFC 118).
Source: Tatame
|
King
Mo says he’d beat Anderson Silva
Light
heavyweight champion of Strikeforce, the American “King
Mo” Lawal is preparing himself to put his belt at risk against
Rafael Feijão, on August 21. During a press conference,
King Mo talked about the fight against the Brazilian, revealed
he would like to fight among the heavyweights, even if he had
to fight Fabrício Werdum, and said he would beat UFC’s
champion Anderson Silva. “I’d win against anybody with
a good game plan. It doesn’t matter who it is. Except my
momma. It doesn’t matter who it is, I’ll beat them
with a good game plan”, said King Mo. Check below what King
Mo have said to the press and stay tuned on TATAME to know all
about the show.
Game
plan:
“My
toughest tests so far have been the training. The fights are
the easy part. The tough part is training. As far as a plan goes
or strategy, I have five of six different plans and pick one
going in. If that one doesn’t work I just change it up and
go to another one. With (Gegard) Mousasi he was coming up so
hard that I had to go for the take down. My plan with Mousasi
was to hit him a few times and make him stand and frustrate him.
Then I was able to capitalize and get the take down.”
Jiu-Jitsu:
“Feijao
knows he wants the knock out. He doesn’t want the submission.
He trains in the ground game, but I’m training with guys
in Jiu-Jitsu that are comparable. So I’m not worried at
the ground at all because I’ve got good submission defense.”
Fighting
Anderson Silva:
“I
don’t know. If you ask me if I could beat anybody I’m
going to say I can beat anybody. I’d win against anybody
with a good game plan. It doesn’t matter who it is. Except
my momma. It doesn’t matter who it is, I’ll beat them
with a good game plan.”
Heavyweights:
“I
wouldn’t mind fighting Fabrico (Werdum), who’s the
top dog right now. Iwouldn’t mind fighting at heavyweight
a few times. I just like fighting. A belt is a belt. I fight
because I like to fight first and for the belt second.”
Pressure:
“I’ve
only been fighting for two years. There’s no pressure on
me whatsoever. If there’s pressure on anybody it’s
Feijao. He has the name. He’s been fighting longer and he’s
been training longer. I remember watching Feijao just mashing
people in the IFL. I think people look at me as having the bigger
name but I don’t care. I think he’s the favorite. I’m
the underdog even though I’m the champ."
Source: Tatame
|
Strikeforce:
Miesha and Couture the standouts
This
Friday evening at Strikeforce Challengers 10 was a lively one.
The spectators that crowded Dodge Theater in Phoenix, Arizona,
witnessed a true show of fighting, and Miesha Tate was the grand
winner of the female GP.
Carina
Damm, who disputed the event’s welterweight GP, ended up
submitting in the first round of the tournament. After an evenly-matched
first round, in the second Hitomi Akano let her slick ground
game shine through and, after trying for an armbar and omplata
lock, she sunk a triangle choke to which the Brazilian succumbed.
In
the tournament events that followed Akano dropped a unanimous
decision to Miesha Tate, who won her semifinal match against
Maiju Kujala in the same way. With the win Miesha will have a
shot at the divisional title against the winner of the end-of-the-year
showdown between Sarah Kaufman and challenger Marloes Coenen.
Besides
the GP, Ryan Couture, son of former heavyweight and light heavyweight
UFC champion Randy Couture, made his professional MMA debut tapping
out Lucas Stark via triangle choke.
Check
out the complete results:
Strikeforce
Challengers 10
Phoenix, Arizona
Friday, August 13, 2010
Joe
Riggs knocked out Louis Taylor
Ryan
Couture submitted Lucas Stark via triangle choke
Female
GP
Hitomi Akano submitted Carina Damm via triangle
Miesha Tate defeated Kujala Maiju via unanimous decision
Final
Miesha Tate defeated Hitomi Akano via unanimous decision
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Cyborg
comments on Rolles match and remembers unforgettable Worlds
GRACIEMAG
reported first hand on the Gregor Gracie-Pablo Popovitch matchup
to take place at the August 27 and 28 Fan Expo in Boston. Tuned
into the site, a reader by the codename of “Triângulo”
posted a comment shortly thereafter: “Rolles Gracie will
be there too, against Cyborg Abreu”
Following
the lead, we had a talk with Cyborg, who confirmed the matchup:
“That’s
right, my brother. I’m going to fight Rolles and Pablo’s
going to face Gregor. We’re training hard as always. We
have a really good camp going on here in Florida, and we train
the whole year. The UFC Fan Expo, in partnership with Grapplers
Quest, is a huge showcase for Jiu-Jitsu. I’m going there
to put on a spectacle and show what I do! There’s not much
I can say about Rolles, I respect the Gracie family and I’m
certain we’re going to have a great match,” he says.
This
season Cyborg was one of the standouts at the Jiu-Jitsu World
Championship, placing second in the ultraheavyweight division.
The event provided the black belt with a lot experience and emotions
spanning from joy to sadness. Cyborg will never forget the 2010
Worlds.
“This
Worlds was a great experience for two reasons. Right off the
bat I was in really tough brackets both in the absolute and my
weight group, hard fights from start to finish. At weight, first
off I faced Tozi, then came Gabriel Vella, Braga Neto and Rodrigo
Cavaca. Couldn’t have been a better day, right? (laughs)
I went developing match after match and then after an historic
showing against Braga Neto I reached the final. Unfortunately,
it wasn’t to be; Cavaca got the better of me that weekend
and managed to bump me out of the event twice. Full credit to
him, besides being champion he’s a great person,” he
says.
“On
the other hand, I lost my best friend, Peter Bivona. Peter was
my friend and student; he went with me and the rest of my group
to the Worlds. He fought on Thursday and was there egging me
on every day till Saturday. Suffering from a sharp pain in his
shoulder, he was taken to hospital Saturday night. Sunday, during
the finals, I lost my friend without even knowing how it happened.
The doctor’s told me he was fine, and then he died. That
was my biggest loss. And that’s why I’ll never forget
that World Championship. My brother fulfilled his dream of competing
and seeing the whole gang in excitement. It was his passion for
Jiu-Jitsu!” he continues.
Cyborg
is proud of the work he’s been doing in the United States.
Harking from the Pantanal, in Central Brazil, he now heads two
academies in Miami.
“Work
is going great. The Jiu-Jitsu academy is called Fight Sports.
There’s a really big new wing and a gigantic matted area.
The academy is complete, in a hotel and facing the ocean. The
hotel is part of FS Miami Camp and is for Jiu-Jitsu guys from
around the world who want to do intensive training on the beach
front in South Beach, a dream come true that worked out. Thank
God, it’s been a success,” he says.
“The
other one is Legacyfit (legacyfit.com), geared towards MMA and
grappling. We’re producing great fighters there. Soon I’ll
have a number of MMA beasts, too. I thank God and my master Toco
of Nova Geração for that,” he says in closing.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Big
Island Open BJJ Tournament In Hilo on Aug 28th!
Chris Smith, from Charles Gracie school in Hilo, is putting together
a competition on August 28.
AME: Big Island Open
Date: Saturday, August 28, 2010
Location: Hilo Armory - 26 Shipman St. Hilo, HI 96720
Time: Kids start at 8:00am and adults to follow (around 11:00am)
Price: $45 per event up till 8/20/10
$55 8/21/10 to 8/25/10
Registration: http://www.tigerbjj.com
Source: Troy Souza
|
STRIKEFORCE
WILL HOLD 185 CONTENDERS TOURNEY
by Damon
Martin
When former middleweight champion Jake Shields' exit from Strikeforce
seemed imminent, the promotion immediately began talking about
a way to crown a new titleholder. The possibility of a tournament
was brought up right away.
Arguably
the promotion’s deepest weight class, the middleweight division
is home to some of Strikeforce’s top fighters.
Speaking
on Monday, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker explained why the promotion
decided to have a title fight between Tim Kennedy and Ronaldo
"Jacare" Souza on their Aug. 21 show as opposed to
a four or eight-man tournament to declare a new champion.
"We
talked internally and we decided it would be in everybody's best
interest to crown a champion, but when saying that, we also felt
that a tournament would be a fun way to create the next challenger
for the winner between Jacare and Tim Kennedy," Coker said.
"We said we could do one, do the other, or we could do both,
and it turns out we're going to be able to do both."
Crowning
a new titleholder will help wash away thoughts of Shields leaving
the promotion as its champion, and the tournament will look to
declare a new top contender later this year.
Coker
confirmed the tournament will happen in 2010, but the format
is undecided.
"The
winner of the tournament will fight the winner of Jacare/Tim
Kennedy," Coker stated.
Names
for the tournament could include any number of middleweights
in the promotion right now including Robbie Lawler, Joey Villasenor,
Jason "Mayhem" Miller, and Matt Lindland. The promotion
has yet to determine whether it will be a four or eight-man field
and whether or not it will take place on a single night or over
multiple nights.
Two
names that will likely not participate in the tournament will
be former Pride champion Dan Henderson, who is likely to go back
up to 205 pounds for his next fight, and former Strikeforce middleweight
champion Cung Le, who has already stated he doesn't see himself
participating in the tournament when it happens.
A
report from MMAJunkie.com stated that Strikeforce has targeted
an Oct. 9 date for the tournament to kick off in its hometown
of San Jose, Calif.
According
to sources speaking with MMAWeekly.com, several fighters are
interested in putting their names in the hat for a shot in the
tournament, but nothing has been finalized as to who will get
a spot.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
UFC
118
August 28, 2010
TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Main
Card:
-Frankie Edgar vs. B.J. Penn (lightweight title)
-Randy Couture vs. James Toney
-Nate Marquardt vs. Rousimar Palhares
-Kenny Florian vs. Gray Maynard
-Marcus Davis vs. Nate Diaz
Preliminary
Card:
-Jorge Rivera vs. Alessio Sakara
-Terry Etim vs. Joe Lauzon
-Nik Lentz vs. Andre Winner
-Phil Baroni vs. John Salter
-Nick Osipczak vs. Greg Soto
-Amilcar Alves vs. Mike Pierce
|
X-1
World Events
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Blaisdell Arena
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2010
X-1
TO PRESENT BIGGEST TITLE FIGHT IN
HAWAIIAN
MMA HISTORY ON SEPTEMBER 11TH
Second
round of light heavyweight title tourney to commence
Honolulu,
HI (USA): Top Hawaiian fight promotion X-1 World Events prides
itself on bringing the best fighters to the Islands, and putting
on the best fights. On September 11th, they will prove this once
again as X-1 World Middleweight Champion Falaniko Vitale will
put his belt on the line against devastating KO artist Kala “Kolohe”
Hose in the main event of a yet-to-be-named event at the Neal
S. Blaisdell Arena. In addition to this incredible title fight
featuring two of the best Hawaiian fighters on the planet, the
much-anticipated second round of the X-1 World Light Heavyweight
title tournament will take place, as the pairings have been set.
And two other exciting world title fights have been signed as
well. All in all, this is one of the top fight cards to take
place in Hawaii in quite some time.
Falaniko
Vitale (27-9, fifteen submissions) is one of the most respected
Hawaiian combatants fighting today. An experienced athlete who
recently celebrated ten years as a professional fighter, Vitale
proudly represents the 808 Fight Factory, one of the toughest
fight gyms on the Islands, and has fought for some of the most
well-known promotions in the world. Fans of King of the Cage,
Rage in the Cage, SuperBrawl, Icon Sport, the IFL, StrikeForce,
and the UFC have all seen his skill set exhibited. In his most
recent bout, he defended his coveted X-1 strap against former
UFC competitor Kalib Starnes, finishing his controversial opponent
via submission in the process. Niko, as he is known, has taken
on top names in the sport, including “Ruthless” Robbie
Lawler, former StrikeForce Middleweight title challenger Jason
“Mayhem” Miller, MMA pioneer Jeremy Horn, StrikeForce/UFC
veteran Trevor Prangley, and UFC fighter Frank Trigg. He has
beaten notable fighters such as UFC vet Aaron Riley, former UFC
Middleweight Champion Dave Menne, UFC middleweight contender
Yushin Okami, and the aforementioned Lindland.
Kala
“Kolohe” Hose (7-3, seven KO/TKOs) is known for his
devastating knockout power, and has garnered a reputation as
one of the toughest Island fighters today. He claimed the ICON
Middleweight title in August of 2008 with an exciting TKO victory
over current UFC fighter Phil Baroni that was lauded by Island
fight fans for its great action. Also a veteran of Superbrawl
and EliteXC, Hose will look to add the X-1 Middleweight belt
to his list of accomplishments. During his career, he’s
faced UFC veterans such as Baroni, “Mayhem” Miller,
and Reese Andy. He will face what is probably the toughest opponent
of his career in Vitale.
In
addition, the second round of the heralded X-1 World Light Heavyweight
tourney will commence at this event, as former EliteXC headliner
and Hawaii native Poai Suganuma (10-3) will match up with “The
Dancing Russian” Vitaly Shemetov (7-7), who brutalized respected
veteran Shungo Oyama in the first round of the tournament en
route to a KO victory. Suganuma, for his part, defeated Greg
Schmitt via unanimous decision on his way to advancing. The other
semifinal matchup will feature Gracie-trained submission specialist
Roy Boughton (4-0, four submissions), who tapped out Adam Akau
with a first round guillotine choke to garner a place in the
second round of the tournament, as he faces extremely tough South
Korean SpiritMC veteran Sang Soo Lee (14-9). Lee knocked out
Daniel Madrid with a beautiful right hand in order to move on
in the tourney. Also featured will be a 145 lb. World Championship
bout between Dave Moreno and Ricky Wallace, as well as a 135
lb. World Championship fight between Bryson Hanson and Russell
Doane.
“I
am very excited about this incredible card. Having two great
Island fighters like Niko and Kolohe fight for the belt, along
with the second round of the tournament, and throwing in two
other title matches…what a card!” exclaimed Mike Miller,
Owner/Promoter of X-1 World Events. “It’s going to
be an amazing night of fights.”
Here
is the fight card as it stands now:
Main
Event: 185 lb. World Championship:
Falaniko
Vitale vs. Kala “Kolohe” Hose
Light
Heavyweight Championship tournament (second round):
Poai Suganuma (HI) vs. Vitaly Shemetov (Russia)
Sang Soo Lee (S. Korea) vs. Roy Boughton (California)
145
lb. World Championship:
Dave
Moreno vs. Ricky Wallace
135
lb. World Championship:
Bryson
Hanson vs. Russell Doane
About
X-1 World Events
Founded
in 2004 by Mike Miller, X-1 World Events is a world-class mixed
martial arts (MMA) promotional company based in Honolulu, HI.
Locally-owned and operated, X-1 delivers exciting live arena-based
entertainment events to fight fans all over the islands. The
events feature some of the MMA world’s most talented fighters,
including UFC, Pride, and Abu-Dhabi veterans such as former UFC
champions Dan “The Beast” Severn and Ricco Rodriguez,
UFC veterans Jeff Monson, Kimo Leopoldo, Chad “The Grinder”
Reiner, “Sugar” Shane Nelson, Brandon Wolff, Wes “The
Project” Sims, Ronald “The Machine Gun” Juhn,
Wesley “Cabbage” Correira, and Falaniko Vitale, as
well as Pride veterans Chris Brennan and Ron “H2O-Man”
Waterman. X-1 World Events can be found online at http://www.x1events.com/
|
Scott
Coker: Nothing Decided on Fedor Emelianenko's Future, Next CBS
Show
By Mike
Chiappetta
Fedor Emelianenko and a broadcast deal with the CBS network are
two of the most important assets Strikeforce can boast, but right
now, they are in holding patterns as respective talks and deliberations
continue on both fronts.
Of
the two, it appears that a decision on Emelianenko's future is
more likely to come first.
During
a Monday conference call, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker mentioned
that the promotion has engaged in recent, productive talks with
the Russian fighter's representatives.
"We
have ongoing dialogue even as recent as last weekend, and it's
an ongoing process," he said. "I feel we'll come to
when Fedor fights and who Fedor fights ... we'll probably have
that put together in the next couple weeks."
Emelianenko
would be making his return after losing his first match in nearly
10 years. On June 26, he was defeated after tapping out to a
triangle/armbar combination at the hands of Fabricio Werdum.
The
Russian is 32-2 with one no contest overall. Though his camp
has stated a preference for a rematch with Werdum, a heavyweight
championship match with Alistair Overeem remains another possibility.
Meanwhile,
the future of Strikeforce on CBS remains in flux. The organization's
last show on the "Tiffany Network" was the Strikeforce:
Nashville show in April that featured three title bouts. That
event drew an average of around 3 million viewers, but ended
in controversy after a post-fight brawl following the Jake Shields
vs. Dan Henderson match.
"We
have dialogue but there's nothing definite," Coker said.
One
other Strikeforce show has aired on CBS. A Nov. 2009 event featuring
Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers in the main event drew an average
of around 4 million viewers.
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
MMA
TOP 10: THE WELTERWEIGHT SHUFFLE
The latest MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings were released on Wednesday,
August 11. This system ranks the Top 10 MMA fighters from all
across the world in each of the seven most widely accepted weight
classes.
Taken
into consideration are a fighter's performance in addition to
his win-loss record, head-to-head and common opponents, difficulty
of opponents, and numerous other factors in what is the most
comprehensive rankings system in the sport.
Fighters
who are currently serving drug-related suspensions are not eligible
for Top 10 consideration until they have fought one time after
the completion of their suspension.
Fighters
must also have competed within the past 12 months in order to
be eligible for Top 10 consideration unless they have a bout
scheduled within a reasonable time frame.
Below
are the current MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings, which are up-to-date
as of August 11.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HEAVYWEIGHT
DIVISION (over 205 pounds)
#1
Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Brock Lesnar
2.
Fabricio Werdum
3.
Fedor Emelianenko
4.
Cain Velasquez
5.
Junior Dos Santos
6.
Shane Carwin
7.
Alistair Overeem
8.
Frank Mir
9.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
10.
Brett Rogers
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
LIGHT
HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (205-pound limit)
#1
Light Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Mauricio "Shogun"
Rua
2.
Lyoto Machida
3.
Rashad Evans
4.
Quinton Jackson
5.
Anderson Silva
6.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
7.
Forrest Griffin
8.
Jon Jones
9.
Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal
10.
Gegard Mousasi
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
MIDDLEWEIGHT
DIVISION (185-pound limit)
#1
Middleweight Fighter in the World: Anderson Silva
2.
Chael Sonnen
3.
Jake Shields
4.
Nathan Marquardt
5.
Demian Maia
6.
Dan Henderson
7.
Yushin Okami
8.
Robbie Lawler
9.
Jorge Santiago
10.
Ronaldo “Jacare” de Souza
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
WELTERWEIGHT
DIVISION (170-pound limit)
#1
Welterweight Fighter in the World: Georges St-Pierre
2.
Jon Fitch
3.
Josh Koscheck
4.
Thiago Alves
5.
Paul Daley
6.
Nick Diaz
7.
Martin Kampmann
8.
Matt Hughes
9.
Paulo Thiago
10.
Dan Hardy
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
LIGHTWEIGHT
DIVISION (160-pound limit)
#1
Lightweight Fighter in the World: Frankie Edgar
2.
B.J. Penn
3.
Gilbert Melendez
4.
Shinya Aoki
5.
Kenny Florian
6.
Eddie Alvarez
7.
Tatsuya Kawajiri
8.
Gray Maynard
9.
Ben Henderson
10.
Jim Miller
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
FEATHERWEIGHT
DIVISION (145 pound-limit)
#1
Featherweight Fighter in the World: Jose Aldo
2.
Manny Gamburyan
3.
Mike Brown
4.
Urijah Faber
5.
Josh Grispi
6.
Marlon Sandro
7.
Diego Nunes
8.
Raphael Assuncao
9.
Michihiro Omigawa
10.
Hatsu Hioki
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
BANTAMWEIGHT
DIVISION (135 pounds or less)
#1
Featherweight Fighter in the World: Dominick Cruz
2.
Brian Bowles
3.
Joseph Benavidez
4.
Miguel Torres
5.
Scott Jorgensen
6.
Damacio Page
7.
Takeya Mizugaki
8.
Brad Pickett
9.
Masakatsu Ueda
10.
Charlie Valencia
Source: MMA Weekly
|
If
Josh Koscheck beats GSP, will that solve the “Jon Fitch
problem” in the Welterweight division?
By Zach
Arnold
Related:
UFC 117: Jon Fitch and Chael Sonnen demonstrate the positives
and negatives of MMA as sport and entertainment
In
that article, you can read the quotes Dana White made about how
he thinks Jon Fitch has softened his stance on fighting Josh
Koscheck should Koscheck beat Georges St. Pierre in December.
Also, it’s clear that Dana’s position on Jon Fitch
being the #1 contender in the Welterweight division is now slightly…
nuanced.
Steve
Cofield & Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports talked about a recent
conversation Dave Meltzer had with Jon Fitch in which Fitch made
it clear that his stance on fighting Josh Koscheck has not changed.
The dilemma is what happens if Shields has a ‘boring’
performance against Martin Kampmann in October?
STEVE
COFIELD: “Hey, I wanted to get into the Jon Fitch fight
because I think we talked about this being a great card, but
that fight, again, it was Jon Fitch, you know, winning, dominating,
top-control… (Kevin Iole yawns on camera) yeah, I can see
it, a little bit of a yawner. It’s his fifth straight decision
win and I got to tell you, one of the first things I thought
of was, I don’t know if he gets the next title shot against
the GSP/Koscheck winner.”
KEVIN
IOLE: “Yeah. It was interesting. I think going into that
fight, no doubt about it, and you look, I mean, it’s an
incredible record he has. He’s won five in a row, he’s
won 21 out of 22, the only loss to Georges St. Pierre and yet
there’s a big debate in the community whether he should
get a title shot. That tells you that, you know, he’s just
not, you know, he’s not an exciting fighter and people are,
you know, this is a business and people pay to see you fight
and, you know, he’s just not taking it to the next level.
That’s a disappointment. I think Jon’s accomplishments
are great, he’s beating great people, it’s just not
in an attractive way and it kind of, like a boxing version of
Cory Spinks, I mean at his prime you know Cory was one that would
beat you backwards, you know, I mean, you know he would just
make you look bad but he wouldn’t do anything to penalize
you or maybe to a greater degree, Pernell Whittaker, and that’s,
you know, kind of what Jon Fitch does, you know he just kind
of takes you down, you know, he kind of grabs your back, he doesn’t
go for chokes, he just holds position, you know, kind of mauls
you a little bit on the ground but, you know, he’s not delivering
the punishment. You know, you think of what Sonnen did to Silva,
you know you think of what Jonny Jones does. You think of what
Randy Couture’s made a history of doing, you know they’re
all wrestlers, they get you down and they beat on you and Jon
Fitch doesn’t really do that and I think that’s the
difference and that’s what people are upset about. Hey,
we don’t mind you taking him down, but once you take him
down, DO SOMETHING with that position, you know, throw some punches,
throw some elbows, you know kind of make the guy know that, you
know, he’s in a fight. You know, basically other than getting
flung down, you know, Thiago Alves didn’t look any worse
for wear when he walked out of the cage.”
STEVE
COFIELD: “I think Alves was there for the taking both physically
AND mentally.”
KEVIN
IOLE: “Yeah, I agree. I mean, you know, Dana (White) made
a great point at the post-fight press conference, you know he
said that Alves can’t make 170 any more. He talked about,
you know, how he looked lethargic and didn’t have it and
I think that was true and so that’s kind of a knock, you
know, without saying it, a knock on Fitch because he wasn’t
himself, he wasn’t, you know, fresh. He wasn’t explosive
like he normally is and Fitch couldn’t finish him and Fitch
didn’t ever really even have him in jeopardy, I mean he
just took him down and kind of held him down. You know, hey…
it was a great wrestling match and a great wrestling performance
but it wasn’t a great fight.”
STEVE
COFIELD: “In some ways, you almost wonder just to get Fitch
out of the division if the UFC is rooting for a little drama
to have Koscheck beat GSP. I’ll tell you, I know Dana made
a point again during the press conference where he’s like,
well, Fitch isn’t saying that he won’t fight Koscheck.
To me, he said it. I don’t think he’s changing his
mind. I don’t think they’re willing to fight each other
and maybe it unfolds nicely for them but he’s fooling himself
into believing that if Koscheck wins that Fitch is going to fight
him.”
KEVIN
IOLE: “Well, [Fitch] said to Dave Meltzer and Dave went
to lunch with him a week before the fight and our colleague at
Yahoo Sports who does a great job, Dave had lunch with Jon Fitch
and Jon Fitch said if he wins he’s going to go up to 185,
he’s not going to fight so, you know, I mean I don’t
think it’s going to happen. I don’t think we’ll
see a Koscheck/Fitch fight, you know, maybe or probably GSP will
have a lot to say about that and we won’t have to worry
but, you know, I think Jon if he gets the title shot, you know,
I think there’s going to be a big burden on him because
he’s going to have to answer some tough questions, you know,
there was so much Saturday night with Sonnen and Silva that,
you know, Fitch kind of fell to the background once the two main
event fighters got in. I think Jon escaped a little bit some
of the wrath but, you know, I don’t think he’s got
people, you know, clamoring to see him. There’s no doubt
about that and a fight with Georges St. Pierre who, to some degree
is similar, you know, Georges takes guys down and does the same
thing. At least Georges works for submissions, you know, he got
criticized against Dan Hardy but let’s compare Georges’
fight against Dan Hardy to Fitch’s fight against Alves.
You know, Hardy didn’t tap to armbars and kimuras and I
can’t remember all what else Georges had on but I know that
Dan Hardy showed a lot of toughness because Georges put him through
the ringer of submission moves. When did Fitch ever do anything
like that? Never. And, you know… and that’s been typical
with Jon. I think Jon, you know, needs to look at those tapes,
needs to read and listen to some of the criticism.”
STEVE
COFIELD: “We agree, though, that GSP, he’s the favorite.
He’ll probably win against Koscheck, so then we are presented
with a scenario of who gets Georges St. Pierre sometime in 2011.
I got to tell you, I think the fight between (Jake) Shields and
(Martin) Kampmann, the door is wide open. Now, here’s the
possibility… is that Shields has a lay-and-pray that’s
kind of boring and he outpoints Kampmann and then all of a sudden
the promotion is like, uh oh, what do we do? The new guy who
is a wrestler and wants top control or the older guy who’s
already had a shot?”
KEVIN
IOLE: “Well, you know, I mean, in all due respect to Jake
Shields, you know I think he’s a terrific fighter and I
think he’s going to beat Martin Kampmann when they fight.
Having said that, Jon Fitch has earned it. Jon Fitch is a similar
fighter to Jake and Jon Fitch has now won five in a row, 21 out
of 22, he’s beaten ELITE guys, he’s beaten better competition
even if we assume if we give Shields today, weeks before they
fight, a win over Martin Kampmann, I think you know even given
that, you know, Fitch has a better record in terms of victories
over top opponents than Jake does and I think he deserves the
shot. But, you’re right — both guys are going to be
similar. I don’t see much of a difference between a Fitch/GSP
fight or a Shields/GSP fight, just the fact that it would be
a difference face in there.”
STEVE
COFIELD: “Yep. And don’t get me wrong because the guy
who is going to potentially beat GSP is going to have to be someone
who can wrestle and it’s going to have to stay on the feet
and then, at that point, you know, you’re rolling the dice
because GSP’s dynamite on the feet but at least it has a
chance, whether it’s because you’re going to see Koscheck
next, whether it’s Shields or Fitch to stay on the feet
because they thwart each other wrestling-wise, because you can
really for the next couple of fights you can’t put GSP in
with guys who basically can tackle.”
KEVIN
IOLE: “Right. Yeah, no, I agree, I mean, at that point they’re
going to be, you know, stale-mated on the ground I would think
and so, yeah, I agree, I mean, I think you have to have somebody
that has that ability. You know, somebody like BJ Penn, if BJ
was at 170 and I just don’t believe BJ’s big enough,
but BJ has the kind of style, you know, he’s terrific on
his feet and he’s got the jiu-jitsu, he’s got the takedown
defense, the jiu-jitsu, and the stand-up that he would be the
guy to beat Georges St. Pierre. If there was a 170-pound version
of BJ, and I know there’s not too many BJ Penns in the world
but that would be the guy that you would want to see fight Georges
St. Pierre to give him his biggest test.”
STEVE
COFIELD: “Well, maybe Georges will piss off Chael Sonnen
in the next couple of months and Chael mentioned during the press
conference, right, that he’ll go anywhere for a title if
he has to diet down to go after Jose Aldo, he’ll do it.”
Source:
Fight Opinion
|
WEC
TALKS TEAMMATE VS. TEAMMATE SCENARIO
by Damon
Martin
The subject of pitting teammate vs. teammate continues to be
a hot button subject in MMA, and it's no different in the WEC,
where the issue could happen in the next 12 months.
Recently,
former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber announced his
decision to drop down to 135lbs for his next fight. Although
Faber's management has stated he plans on fighting at both featherweight
and bantamweight in the future, if the "California Kid"
is successful at 135lbs it could lead to an interesting scenario.
Faber's
teammate, Joseph Benavidez, battles for the WEC bantamweight
title, next Wednesday in Las Vegas, and the two fighters are
extremely close and train together in Sacramento as a part of
Team Alpha Male.
For
Benavidez's part, he says there's no scenario where he'd want
to fight his teammate and close friend.
"Urijah,
we're never going to fight," Benavidez said on Tuesday.
"We're too close, he's like a mentor to me, and I have no
desire really to go in there and fight him, and try to beat him
up. Me and Urijah would never fight."
UFC
president Dana White has longstanding issues with the teammate
vs. teammate philosophy and has voiced his opinion several times
with fighters like Rashad Evans and Keith Jardine, as well as
the recent discussions about a possible title fight between Jon
Fitch and Josh Koscheck.
According
to WEC General Manager Reed Harris, the promotion looks at every
situation individually, and it's not something that they have
to worry about at this time.
"As
far as guys fighting each other, we cross that bridge when we
come to it," said Harris. "Obviously, I'm going to
push to put the best fights on for WEC, and put the top guys
in, and if that means two guys that are training together need
to fight, then like I said we'll cross that bridge when we come
to it."
At
this point, Faber hasn't fought yet at 135lbs, and due to an
injury sustained in training his debut was pushed back a few
months. If Benavidez is successful in his bid to become champion,
it could create an interesting storyline if Faber can put together
a few wins at bantamweight, and then the WEC will come back around
to the question of teammate vs. teammate.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Strikeforce
Tourney Women Break Down the Field
by Joe
Myers
The
genesis of American mixed martial arts came from one-night tournaments
where fighters would compete two, three or even four times to
prove themselves better than their fellow competitors.
In
recent years, MMA has moved away from this concept for the most
part, but the one-night tournament concept will make its return
Friday night when Strikeforce hosts a four-woman, one-night tournament
at 135 pounds as a part of the Strikeforce Challengers 10 in
Phoenix, Ariz. The winner of the tournament will get a shot at
Strikeforce 135-pound champion Sarah Kaufman at a later date.
"I'm
really excited about being in the tournament because I'm potentially
three fights from being a world champion," said American
Miesha Tate, who joins Brazilian Carina Damm, Finn Maiju Kujala
and Hitomi Akano from Japan in the tournament field. "A
lot of people in MMA don't know when they'll have a chance to
fight for the title. I know if I win, I'll have a chance to fight
for the title. It's very motivating."
The
Set-up
One
thing that will make Strikeforce's tournament unique is that
the four participants won't know their opening-round opponent
until Thursday night at the weigh-ins, as there will be a blind
draw to determine the pairings. Also, to accommodate potentially
having two fights in one night, each bout is being shortened
from three five-minute to two-minute rounds for the semifinal
bouts and three-minute rounds for the final fight.
Other
additions to the regular rules include a fourth "sudden
victory" round in case of a draw, which will be scored independently
to decide the winner.
Another
tweak is the "survivor role" in the case of an accidental
foul. "If a semifinal bout ends prematurely due to an accidental,
unintentional or no-fault foul, the 'survivor rule' will be implemented.
The fighter who is fit to continue will advance," according
to the official rules.
The
tournament's reserve bout, which will be on the undercard, pits
Liz Carmouche against Colleen Schneider, whose winner will step
in for any fighter unable to continue on to the final round.
Scouting
the Field
The
36-year-old Akano, who has lost two of her last three fights
-- one via a split decision to Hiroko Yamanaka and the other
a knockout at the hands of Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos
-- said she is looking forward to the one-night tournament format.
"I
am actually happy that I may be able to fight twice in one night,"
said Akano in an e-mail interview. "I am preparing to go
two sets of three five-minute rounds. Right now, I am working
on maintaining my concentrations for a longer period of time
and I am not saving anything even for the first fight, I will
go all out on each fight."
Akano
is respectful of her potential opponents, but is focusing on
making herself the best fighter she can be for the tournament.
"(Tate's)
primary weapon is the takedown and her straight punches are looking
good, so she is an all-around fighter," said Akano. "(Kujala)
seems like she has got a strength and I have to be cautious about
her striking. I think her weakness is a lack of MMA experience.
(Damm) has got many unorthodox moves, so against her, I have
to maintain my pace and rhythm. I do look at the three other
fighters in the tournament, but also, I am looking at myself
so I can improve as well."
The
23-year-old Tate will carry a three-fight winning streak and
seven victories in her last eight bouts into the tournament.
Her only loss during her current run was a unanimous decision
defeat to Kaufman at the first Strikeforce Challengers event
in May 2009. She has seven finishes (three knockouts, four submissions)
in her nine victories and expects everyone to come out aggressively
in the semifinal matchups.
"People
are going to want to go out there and get the win as quickly
as possible," said Tate. "The longer you're in there,
the more chances you have of losing or getting hurt. I'm not
worried about being in condition for the finals if I go three
two-minute rounds in the first fight. I'm more concerned about
injuries. The faster you get in and out of there, the less likely
you are to have injuries."
Even
though she won't know her first opponent until the night before
the fight, Tate isn't too worried about it.
"I
really like my style matchup with (Akano, Damm and Kujala),"
said Tate. "I'm a better wrestler than all of them, so I
can dictate whether I want the fight on the feet or on the ground.
I'm just going to go out and impose my will. (Kujala) is the
one I'm the least worried about because she's the newest and
least-experienced fighter. Damm and Akano would be the two tougher
matchups for me in the tournament."
Kujala,
who has only been a professional MMA fighter since September
2009, has just five fights on her resume, but she doesn't feel
that will be a hindrance on Friday night.
"There's
a lot of pressure on all the participants and the majority of
the people have never heard of me," said Kujala, who has
won her last three fights since a November 2009 loss to Aisling
Daly. "They have a lot more experience, but I have a lot
more will to fight. They've fought for years and had more fight
time. They're a little more worn down than I am."
Kujala
said knows that the chance to fight in the tournament is something
that doesn't come along every day.
"I've
only been a pro since last September," said Kujala. "This
isn't something I had as a goal yet. I thought about something
like this in five years, but a lot of things have happened in
my first year as a fighter. I'm excited to be in it and it's
a great opportunity for any fighter, also because of the fact
I might get two fights in one night, so it's a chance to get
more fights."
Like
Tate and Kujala, Damm is riding a hot streak. Since suffering
two straight losses to Rosi Sexton and Miku Matsumoto in 2006,
Damm has run off 10 straight victories. She has 11 finishes among
her 15 wins and has victories against Jessica Aguilar, Molly
Helsel, Matsumoto and Vanessa Porto as well.
Damm
said she is ready to face whomever she is paired with, whether
it be Tate, Akano or Kujala.
"For
me, it doesn’t really change much on how the tournament
will turn out," said Damm in an e-mail interview. "My
trainers have a different approach to each of the opponents and
we should be prepared for whatever Strikeforce puts in front
of us. This isn't the first time that we trained for a fight
without knowing the opponent -- at least this time we have a
range of three fighters."
Damm's
participation in the tournament was up in the air until recently
due to visa issues, but that's something she wants to put behind
her so she can focus on Friday night's fights.
"Right
now, the important thing is that everything is sorted out and
we will be able to take part in the tournament as originally
planned," said Damm. "I am really happy to be able
to take part in this tournament. It's a great opportunity for
me to get back on the big stage and we are working harder then
ever to make sure we get the best from this tournament."
Picking
a Front-Runner
The
four tournament participants were split when asked to choose
who might be the favorite (besides themselves) to win the tournament.
Damm didn't give a choice, while Kujala chose Tate due to her
wrestling background, but added, "It's a tough one (to pick
a favorite)."
Akano's
response was an illustration of the depth of the field, as she,
too, was hard-pressed to pick a winner.
"I
don't really want to think about someone other than myself winning
the tournament," said Akano. "But if I have to choose
the favorite besides myself, I guess it would have to be Miesha
Tate."
Tate
couldn't decide between Akano and Damm, saying an Akano-Damm
fight would be a toss-up proposition.
"It's
so hard to say," said Tate. "Overall, I think Damm
would beat Akano. She's a good striker and good on the ground,
but I could see Damm winning two rounds and Akano coming out
with some kind of crazy armbar in the third. If Damm didn't make
a mistake, she'd win, but if she makes one mistake, Akano can
come up with something that's hard to prepare for."
Source: Sherdog
|
MARQUARDT
NOT SURPRISED BY SONNEN AT UFC 117
by Jeff Cain
Many were shocked by Chael Sonnen’s performance against
Anderson Silva in their UFC 117 middleweight title bout on Aug.
7. Nate Marquardt wasn’t one of them.
Marquardt
fell victim to Sonnen’s style at UFC 109 in February and
knew the Team Quest trained Sonnen could do the same to Silva.
“I
thought it was a real exciting fight. I think Chael did a great
job. I thought Anderson’s footwork would be a little bit
better at avoiding the takedowns, but once he got on top I knew
he’d be able to pretty much dominate,” Marquardt told
MMAWeekly.com.
“I
thought that if Chael was able to close that distance that he
would be able to take him down and pretty much dominate him on
the ground as far as positioning and punching, but to do it for
five rounds is a pretty tough thing to do. He was able to do
it, but he did get caught in the end.”
Marquardt,
who has been in there with both Silva and Sonnen felt the match-up
could play out exactly as it did, all the way down to the triangle
choke submission win by Silva.
“It’s
exactly what I said, that he’s susceptible to the triangle,”
commented the middleweight contender. “He kept letting Anderson
hold his wrists and he was able to escape the first couple of
times. In the first couple of rounds I think he had that more
explosive energy and Anderson slapped it on hard in that last
round. It was a great fight.”
Not
surprised by the takedowns, the ground and pound, or the submission
finish, Marquardt didn’t predict Sonnen’s success striking
with Silva, but who did?
“That
definitely was not expected,” said Marquardt. “I think
he knocked him down like three times in the fight. That was crazy.
The first one was in the first round and the second one was right
after it, I think probably because of the first one. In the fifth
round I couldn’t tell if it was a slip or a knockdown, but
it was very surprising.”
Marquardt
takes on Rousimar Palhares at UFC Fight Night 22 on Sept. 15
in Austin, Texas, hoping to rebound from the loss to Sonnen and
begin a path back to title contention.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Today!
Hawaiian
Open Championship 2010
BLACK
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|
The
United States’ Top Female Boxers to Compete for a World
Championship, September 9-18 in Bridgetown, Barbados
By Julie Goldsticker
(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Just over a year after the IOC
decision to add women’s boxing to the 2012 Olympic Games,
the world’s top female boxers will convene in Bridgetown,
Barbados for the 2010 AIBA Women’s World Championships.
The 2010 event, which will be contested September 9-18, will
be the sixth edition of the competition and the first since the
IOC announcement. The United States hosted the first Women’s
World Championships in Scranton, Pa., in 2001.
The
United States squad boasts all ten reigning national champions
from the recent USA Boxing National Championships. In addition
to national success, four of the boxers representing the United
States in Barbados have also enjoyed strong victories at the
international level. Five-time national champion Marlen Esparza
(Houston, Texas) will be competing for the first time internationally
at the new Olympic flyweight division, but she already owns international
hardware at the light flyweight class. Esparza claimed a bronze
medal in her first world championships in 2006 as well as taking
gold at the 2008 Pan American Championships. Multi-time national
champion Queen Underwood (Seattle, Wash.) made a change in weight
classes in 2010 as well, moving to the new Olympic lightweight
division after both national and international success at the
light welterweight class. A gold medalist in the 2009 Women’s
Continental Championships, Underwood will be competing in her
second world championships event and first at the lightweight
division. Light heavyweight Tyler Lord-Wilder (Lansing, Mich.)
is returning to the international scene following a five-year
layoff. She will vie for her second World Championships medal
in Barbados after claiming bronze in the 2005 edition in Russia.
Welterweight Andrecia Wasson (Centerline, Mich.) enjoyed a strong
international debut at the 2009 Women’s Continental Championships,
taking a silver medal. She will look to return to the medal platform
in her first World Championships in Barbados.
The
six boxers rounding out the squad will be light flyweight Jessica
Ponce (Napa, Calif.), bantamweight Lauren Fisher (Indiana, Pa.),
featherweight Jody-Ann Weller (Pomona, N.Y.), light welterweight
Cashmere Jackson (Cleveland, Ohio), middleweight Tiffanie Hearn
(Louisville, Ky.), and heavyweight Denise Rico (Los Angeles,
Calif.) The team will be led by two-time Olympic coach Basheer
Abdullah (Fort Carson, Colo.), Bonnie Canino (Hollywood, Fla.)
and Bruce Kawano (Pearl City, Hawaii). Dr. Keith Nord (Memphis,
Tenn.) will join the squad as the team physician.
Three
women’s weight classes will be contested in the 2012 Olympics
in London. The three Olympic weight divisions will be flyweight
(112 lbs), lightweight (132 lbs) and middleweight (165 lbs).
Prior
to traveling to Barbados for the event, the United States squad
will take part in a preparatory training camp with the Great
Britain team at Canino’s Karate & Boxing Studio in Dania,
Fla., from August 28- September 5.
All
of the international teams are scheduled to arrive in Barbados
on September 6 with competition beginning on September 9. Preliminary
round action will run from September 9-14 with quarterfinal action
taking place on September 15. Following a rest day on September
16, semifinal action will be contested on September 17 and the
event will conclude with final round action on September 18.
All of the tournament action will take place at the Garfield
Sobers Sports Complex in Bridgetown, Barbados.
2010
Women’s World Championships Team
106
lbs: Jessica Ponce, Napa, Calif.
112 lbs: Marlen Esparza, Houston, Texas
119 lbs: Lauren Fisher, Indiana, Pa.
125 lbs: Jody Ann Weller, Pomona, N.Y.
132 lbs: Queen Underwood, Seattle, Wash.
141 lbs: Cashmere Jackson, Cleveland, Ohio
152 lbs: Andrecia Wasson, Centerline, Mich.
165 lbs: Tiffanie Hearn, Louisville, Ky.
178 lbs: Tyler Lord-Wilder, Lansing, Mich.
178+ lbs: Denise Rico, Los Angeles, Calif.
Coach: Basheer Abdullah, Fort Carson, Colo.
Coach: Bonnie Canino, Hollywood, Fla.
Coach: Bruce Kawano, Pearl City, Hawaii
Physician: Dr. Keith Nord, Memphis, Tenn.
USA
Boxing, as the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing,
is the United States’ member organization of the International
Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and a member of the United
States Olympic Committee (USOC).
Source:
Bruce Kawano/USA Boxing
|
MIESHA
TATE IS CROWNED FIRST STRIKEFORCE WOMEN’S WELTERWEIGHT TOURNAMENT
CHAMP;
JOE RIGGS AND RYAN COUTURE ALSO VICTORIOUS ON STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS
ON SHOWTIME
Don’t Miss The Thrilling Replay On Monday, Aug. 16, at 9:30
p.m. ET/PT on SHO 2
PHOENIX,
ARIZ. (Aug. 13, 2010) — On the night that STRIKEFORCE crowned
its first-ever Women's Welterweight Tournament Champion, hometown
hero Joe “Diesel” Riggs upended tough up-and-comer
Louis “Handgunz” Taylor and Ryan Couture won his Mixed
Martial Arts (MMA) debut on Friday night on STRIKEFORCE Challengers
on SHOWTIME®.
Miesha
“Takedown” Tate won two fights on the night, both by
unanimous decision, to hoist the inaugural STRIKEFORCE Women’s
Welterweight Tournament belt and became the No. 2 contender behind
Marloes Coenen in the competitive 135-pound division. She also
may have earned a possible future date with current STRIKEFORCE
Middleweight Champion Sarah Kaufman.
“Sarah
Kaufman, you're amazing,” Tate announced loudly to the near
sold out Dodge Theatre crowd, seeking out Kaufman from the other
side of the cage. “I can't wait to fight you again.”
She
later added: “It’s a dream come true. I came here on
a mission and I accomplished my goal. And now it’s on to
step two and getting that championship belt and getting another
shot at Sarah Kaufman.”
Tate
(11-2) used her world-class grappling to control both fights.
She beat Maiju Kujala (4-2; Strikeforce debut) in the first two-round
semifinal, rested for a good 35 minutes and then went back at
it, beating the scrappy Hitomi “Girlfight Monster”
Akano (16-8) in the final by controlling the ground position
and simply out-muscling her Japanese opponent.
Akano
submitted Carina “Beauty But the Beast” Damm (15-4)
at 1:48 of the second round to earn her final shot at Tate.
STRIKEFORCE
Women’s Middleweight (145 pounds) Champion Cris Cyborg liked
what she saw from Tate on a night that celebrated women’s
MMA. “This was a great opportunity for women’s fighting
and I’m looking forward to seeing Miesha fight Sarah in
the future,” she said.
But
Cyborg wasn’t the most visible of fighters watching cage
side. That distinction would have to go to Couture’s famous
father, MMA legend Randy Couture, who proudly took his spot in
his son’s corner for his successful MMA pro debut. “I’m
very proud of him and he has a great passion for the sport,”
Couture told the nationally televised SHOWTIME audience.
STRIKEFORCE
fans will undoubtedly be seeing more of Las Vegas’ Couture
in the near future. He used his signature triangle choke move
at 1:15 in the first round to beat Lucas Stark of Chandler, Ariz.,
in a 155-pound lightweight match.
“It’s
kind of a load off to get the first win and I hope there won’t
be a long wait for the next one and I can show some new things
next time,” Couture told the media afterwards. “I thought
once it hit the ground I would catch him but I didn’t expect
it to be that quick. I just lucked out that way I guess.”
Couture
said he couldn’t find his jab early against the shorter
Stark. “I decided to get where I was comfortable and get
it to the ground,” he said. “I’m a slow starter
when it comes to the striking. I just locked it in and got the
tap.”
Down
on the judges’ scorecards early in his 182-pound catch weight
fight, Riggs (33-11) knew he would have to come up with something
special in the third round, and did just that, pinning Taylor
(6-2) against the cage before the ref stopped the fight at 2:07
and Riggs was awarded the decision by submission by punches.
“I
felt great fighting and winning in front of Phoenix,” Riggs
said. “I love my fans.”
He
said STRIKEFORCE fans haven’t seen the last of his tough
opponent. “He’s a prospect. He’s a big guy. His
standup was very athletic and he’ll be a dangerous guy for
anyone.”
The
fights will re-air as follows.
DAY
CHANNEL
Monday,
Aug. 16, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT SHO 2
Friday’s
fights will be available ON DEMAND beginning on Monday, Aug.
16 and through Aug. 29.
STRIKEFORCE
returns LIVE on SHOWITME® just one week from Saturday, Aug.
21 at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) as STRIKEFORCE
Houston will take place at the Toyota Center. The exciting night
of fights will include a World Championship Doubleheader with
undefeated STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight Champion “King
Mo’’ Lawal (7-0) making the first defense of his crown
against highly touted Brazilian Rafael “Feijao’’
Cavalcante (9-2) in the main event. In a co-feature, world-class
submission specialist Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (12-2,
1 NC) and former Green Beret and American military hero Tim Kennedy
(12-2) will battle for the vacant STRIKEFORCE Middleweight (185
pounds) title.
In
another televised fight on SHOWTIME, ex-world champ KJ Noons
(8-1) will face Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt Jorge Gurgel (13-6)
in a lightweight (155 pounds) match. In a featured televised
bout, unbeaten rising heavyweight force and former WWE star Bobby
Lashley (5-0) will take on MMA veteran and Tucson, Ariz., firefighter
Chad Griggs (8-1).
Complete
STRIKEFORCE Challengers Results:
Main
Card:
Joe Riggs def. Louis Taylor by submission (punches) - Round 3,
2:07
Women’s
Welterweight Tournament Championship
Miesha
Tate def. Hitomi Akano -- Unanimous Decision
Ryan
Couture def. Lucas Stark via submission (triangle choke) - Round
1, 1:15
Women’s
Welterweight Tournament Semifinals
Hitomi
Akano def. Carina Damm -- by submission - Round 2, 1:48
Miesha
Tate def. Maiju Kujala -- Unanimous Decision
Preliminary
Card:
Women’s
Reserve Fight: Liz Carmouche def. Colleen Schneider -- Unanimous
Decision
Chris
Gruetzemacher def. Ryan Diaz -- TKO (Cut) R1 (No Time Given)
Jason
Richey def. Edmund Xehili -- Majority Decision
Joel
Champion def. Sean Scott -- KO (Punches) 1:06 R1
Rob
Anderson def. Alonzo Fears -- Unanimous Decision
Andres
Acuna def. Edwin Louis -- Unanimous Decision
Frankie
Saenz def. Jace Crawford -- Unanimous Decision
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
Bobby
Lashley: I'd Like to Earn a Heavyweight Title Shot in Early 2011
By Mike
Chiappetta
Voicing a belief that he's turned the corner in his MMA career,
Bobby Lashley says he expects to be in the Strikeforce heavyweight
title picture by early 2011.
The
5-0 fighter, who is scheduled to face Chad Griggs at Aug. 21's
Strikeforce: Houston show, has spent time in recent months training
at the San Jose, Calif.s, American Kickboxing Academy, and said
he's come away bolstered from his sessions with top UFC contender
Cain Velasquez along with fellow Strikeforce standout Daniel
Cormier.
"Before,
I didn't know where my level was, but I've been training with
different peole, I've got different people coming in and different
camps that I'm going to. Of late I trained with Cain, regarded
as one of the best heavyweights right now, and Cormier and some
other heavyweights. My level is really high. I'm really confident
of where it is. After this fight, if it goes where I hope it
goes, I'm going straight to the top. I know where my abilities
are."
Lashley,
though, would seemingly need at least two or three convincing
wins to put him in the Strikeforce title picture. Since heavyweight
is a relatively deep division for the organization, which features
established names like champ Alistair Overeem, Russian legend
Fedor Emelianenko and Brazilians Fabricio Werdum and Antonio
"Bigfoot" Silva, as well as upstarts Shane Del Rosario
and Lavar Johnson, there are many names he'd have to leapfrog
to get that shot he craves.
Meanwhile,
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker today told MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani
during the MMA Hour that the company was still considering matching
Lashley against former professional wrestling star Dave Batista,
if and when the company finalizes a deal with him to make his
MMA debut.
While
that would seem to put Lashley's stated career goals at odds
with Strikeforce's possible plans, Coker told MMA Fighting that
everything will be re-evaluated in time.
"The
thing with Batista, like I told Ariel, is that we don't have
an agreement with him," he said. "It would be a fun
fight to do. Bobby's made the crossover, he's at a serious MMA
gym and he's taking his career seriously. Right now he's moving
up, if he can climb to the top 10 or 15, if he can win a couple
more he'll be right there."
"If
you keep winning, you'll get your title shot," Coker added
at another point. "If Bobby keeps winning, he'll get it.
This will be a good test in two weeks."
Lashley
sounded supremely confident that test would be passed, saying
that his striking is better than people think, and that no one
can stop his takedowns. Though noting that it was likely that
Griggs was underrated as opponent, Lashley didn't hide the fact
that his sights are already set into the future.
"I'll
keep training and I'd like to get that title shot sometime next
year," he said. "I just want to keep moving up, getting
bigger and better opponents. If it's a big opponent they want
me to face, that's what it is. If it's a title shot, that's what
it is. I'll leave it to Scott Coker. Whatever it is, I'll be
ready."
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
Kevin
Iole: Think February for Sonnen/Silva re-match and Anderson will
mentally break down Vitor Belfort in a fight
By Zach Arnold
Related:
Only in fighting can you lie about your opponent and become a
big babyface overnight
In
that Torch article, three possibilities are discussed next for
the UFC Middleweight title picture — book the Anderson Silva/Chael
Sonnen re-match, give Vitor Belfort his title match against Anderson
Silva, or book Sonnen and Belfort in a #1 challenger’s fight
and let the winner face Anderson in 2011.
I
definitely want to hear your thoughts about how you would rank
each possibility.
In
this conversation between Yahoo Sports MMA writers Kevin Iole
& Steve Cofield, there’s plenty of discussion about
how injured both Sonnen and Silva are, why Vitor Belfort doesn’t
stand much of a chance against Anderson Silva, and how much stronger
the interest will be for a rematch from the UFC 117 main event.
STEVE
COFIELD: “Sonnen was as high as +400 in Las Vegas. When
I just put up a post a little while ago I called it a hail mary
submission because that’s what it was if you want to talk
about football terms and you do remember, I don’t know if
you saw the tweet, and I talked to you before the fight about
this, to go 25 minutes and not make one mistake where you let
up for, you know, 30 seconds when you’re tired and I think
that’s what happened is Chael got a little tired, he took
a right to the face, he started covering up a little bit and
he just got a little too stationary and a little too low in the
full guard and he got caught.”
KEVIN
IOLE: “Yes he did. And that’s the thing we talked about
last week is that, you know, his biggest weakness was his submission
defense. I mean it happened how many times before in similar
fashion. Give Matt Lindland credit. I think his coach, you know,
really helped him on working on that and he was almost textbook
perfect most of the fight the way when he was fighting in the
guard he doled out the punishment and avoided the submissions
but, you know, ultimately that bugaboo caught him, you know.
The fact that he’s getting better at that, though, I think
is very interesting and that’s something that I think, you
know, bodes well for his future because I think he can watch
that, see what he did, you know, clearly he’s a much better
fighter than he was a year ago or two years ago. Think back to
those Paulo Filho fights, especially the first one where he got
armbarred at the end of the first round. There was a little bit
of controversy but clearly he got caught in that armbar and he
was in a lot of pain and had no way out. So, you know, he’s
a much better fighter today, Steve, and I think that, you know,
you got to give Matt Lindland some of the credit for that and
of course Chael for working so hard.”
STEVE
COFIELD: “Well, and Chael’s a tough match-up, too.
I mean, you can compare to one of the other original Team Quest
guys and that’s Randy Couture. When Randy goes in there,
maybe his striking’s not great but it’s gotten better
but it’s that element of, hey as an opponent I got to worry
about my legs in getting taken down so actually my stand-up gets
worse and you could see Silva really couldn’t commit. He
threw a couple of wild shots but he’d get himself caught
or he wouldn’t really throw with conviction. I think Sonnen,
Kevin, at times got the better of the stand-up!”
KEVIN
IOLE: “Yeah, I don’t know, I don’t even think
that’s a question. I think of course he did. You know, I
think we knew, Steve, going in that Chael’s style, except
for the submission problem that he had, you know was THE style
to beat Anderson Silva. That’s why when Dan Henderson fought
Anderson a lot of people though, OK, this is the fight where
Anderson’s reign’s going to be over and he did have
a tough first round but he came back in the second round. However,
you know, Chael just wasn’t perceived to be at the level
of Dan Henderson but I think, you know, he took what Dan Henderson
did and took it to another level. Just, you know, that is what
you need to do to beat Anderson Silva. I don’t think you’re
going to stand there and slug with him. I don’t see anybody
in MMA, even Vitor Belfort, I mean I think, you know, Anderson
would break Vitor mentally, you know, I just believe that with
all my heart I think that Vitor would succumb and Anderson would
knock him out. You know, the fight will probably happen at some
point, even if Anderson gets by Chael in a re-match or potentially
it maybe the next one but… you know I think that Vitor as
a striker would just not be able to compete with Anderson but
to beat Anderson Silva, you got to do what Chael Sonnen did for
23 minutes on Saturday night.”
STEVE
COFIELD: “So, going into these press conferences, the post-fight
press conferences, and I’ve been at dozens of them, they’re
always interesting because the media will try to get Dana White’s
thoughts and the fighters’ thoughts. I mean, you know, minutes
after this great fight went down and they have no idea and sometimes
it’ll be thrown out there, WE’RE GOING TO DO A REMATCH,
and then you know cooler heads prevail, they think through promotionally
what’s best. What is best here? Can they afford to slip
in Belfort, let Sonnen not fight or fight someone else? Can they
risk that with so much on the line in a re-match and so much
money?”
KEVIN
IOLE: “Well, you know, I think a re-match would be best,
frankly, Steve. You know, sometimes it’s not always the
case. I think in this case it would be the best because there’s
so much public interest in this and I think it’s gone and
in this case it’s gone beyond the MMA public. I think it
expands, you know, I did all the serious radio interviews subsequent
to the fight with a lot of big stations in major markets and,
you know, I think that’s indicative of the fact that Chael
Sonnen got their attention, you know, I think most people thought
he was going to get squashed but, you know, he spoke so well
and so passionately before the fight. People watched it. He backed
up the hype, I mean, you know, forget that he got submitted,
I mean, he did what he said he was going to do. He went in there
and pounded on Anderson Silva for 20-some minutes, did a terrific
job, and just Anderson Silva’s great, you know, well-rounded
game saved him at the very end. You know, I think a re-match
is definitely called for but if it doesn’t happen, I will
say this — I think Anderson has become more of a draw than
he was before because, you know, it was like a career-defining
victory for him. You know, you’re kind of like Kirk Gibson
on one leg in the World Series and you’re barely able to
hobble and you come back and you pull out that win. I think that
just elevates your stature, so no matter who he would fight I
think he’s going to be bigger than he was going into this
fight. You notice nobody’s talking about UFC 112 (Abu Dhabi)
now? I mean, a lot of people were really angry at Anderson after
UFC 112 and that terrible performance and goofing around. Sonnen
got people to forget that before the fight, Anderson got them
to forget about it the way he hung in there and the way he came
back.”
STEVE
COFIELD: “Re-match, timing-wise, though. Both guys took
a beating. You know, it’s funny — Sonnen obviously,
facially, doesn’t take shots as well as Silva. Silva’s
face was blown up but not, you know, it wasn’t awful. I
mean he didn’t look like Anderson Silva but Sonnen really
took a beating, but you’re saying you think Silva, you know,
deep down, he really did get beat up and this may be a fight
they can’t book until what, December, January, or February?”
KEVIN
IOLE: “I’m thinking, you know, I think February. I
mean, I just think you know you got to give them… you know
Anderson’s a guy who fought three-to-four months out, you
know, every time three-to-four months and that’s kind of,
unless he’s been injured, and that’s been what he’s
been on. I think he needs a little bit more rest than that because,
I mean, he just took a pummeling, you know he got slammed down
to the mat repeatedly and then, you know, he was carrying Sonnen’s
weight and Sonnen was firing elbows and punches and I mean his
whole body took a beating and I just think that’s one where
he’s 35 years old, don’t forget that. That’s not
one that you come over lightly. I mean, you know, some people
think, oh if you get knocked out that that’s worse, you
know, a lot of times if you get knocked out it’s one punch,
you’re down, your count of ten, you’re better a little
bit later. But in this one, you know, when you take that prolonged
type of beating like he did with so many blows, I think it you
know requires your body to rest. Chael had a pretty big cut,
you know, on the eyebrow so that tends to be an area that will
heal. You know, but I think that’s going to have to heal
for Chael to be able to fight so I think, you know, we’re
looking at a little bit longer time frame so you know maybe their
Super Bowl card might be one that the re-match could pop onto.”
STEVE
COFIELD: “Boy, and I’m looking forward to it because
Chael, there was no ‘hey, we’re good buddies now, everything’s
great, it was just for the fight.’ After the fight, Chael
was like, ‘nope, I’d fight him right now, I’m
not apologizing,’ and now he has even MORE to promote the
next time around.”
KEVIN
IOLE: “Right. You know, now he has 23 minutes and 49 seconds
of evidence that, you know, he can back up what he says and…
you know, it’s kind of, you know, I think a good thing.
You know, I think that the whole circumstance will be different
the next time around and I don’t think Chael will take the
same tact. I think he’ll have something for Anderson but
I think the fun of that one will be: What does he do the next
time around?”
Source: Fight Opinion
|
ALVES
TURNS TO MIKE DOLCE TO HELP WEIGHT CUT
by Damon
Martin
The message seemed clear from UFC president Dana White towards
Thiago Alves following UFC 117. Make weight or go to a higher
weight class.
Knowing
that something had to change after missing weight again, Alves
made a decision just 2 days following his loss to Jon Fitch,
as he hired strength, conditioning, and nutrition guru Mike Dolce
and the Dolce Diet (www.TheDolceDiet.com) to handle his weight
cutting and diet needs going forward.
Dolce,
who has worked with several UFC fighters including Quinton "Rampage"
Jackson, Duane "Bang" Ludwig, and Michael "The
Count" Bisping, met with Alves' manager a few months back,
but after seeing Alves miss the 171lb limit yet again, he knew
it was time to step in.
"I
have actually known Malki Kawa, Thiago's manager, I met him last
year at one of the Strikeforce events and we hit it off real
well, and he asked me if I'd be willing to work with some of
his guys. He's got a pretty good stable of some of the top guys,
so we stayed in touch for the last 6, 8 months or so, nothing
really materialized being busy and what not, and then with this
issue that Thiago just had I actually sent Malki a text message
saying 'now's the time, let's get in touch," Dolce told
MMAWeekly in an exclusive interview Monday night.
"He
set up a conference call, they landed back today Florida, picked
up the phone, did a conference call, and we hashed it out, we're
done. We're already signed, sealed and delivered."
Talking
to Alves over the phone, Dolce has already started to find out
problems the Brazilian has had with making weight, and will work
closely with the American Top Team fighter over the next few
weeks to tailor the perfect plan to get him in tip-top condition,
while making his weight cut easier than it's ever been before.
Dolce
says Alves may even get a little bigger.
"Here's
the thing, Thiago only walks around at 200lbs. Some people say
'wow, 200lbs, that's huge for a welterweight' but not in my mind,"
Dolce commented. "I deal with some of the biggest guys in
their divisions, myself included. 30lbs is easy, I've had guys
cut over 30lbs in a single week and perform at an elite level
come fight night. That's really the most important thing.
"I
think Thiago's a perfect sized welterweight, we might actually
pack a little more muscle onto his frame and really make him
look like a freak in there."
Working
with Chael Sonnen over his last few fights, Dolce says the Oregon
born middleweight routinely walks around at nearly 230lbs before
a fight, and makes weight without any issues. As a matter of
fact, Dolce's athletes have never missed weight before, and he
plans on keeping that record perfect the next time Alves weighs
in as well.
Seeing
the issues that Alves has is nothing new to the former IFL fighter.
Dolce has watched many highly trained athletes competing in the
UFC falter from a bad weight cut, and it costs them on fight
night.
"They
don't quite understand the fact that they have to weigh-in, but
then they have to produce the best performance of their life
in the cage just 24 hours later," said Dolce. "Guys
are missing that component, and they're only focused on the scale.
That's the worst way to go into these fights."
To
work with Alves excites Dolce, and he says the real excitement
will begin when the Brazilian gets ready to step into the cage
with his next opponent. That's not an enviable position for any
welterweight.
"For
him to go through a training camp, to not worry about his weight,
and to feel phenomenal the entire time, fight week, day before
weigh-ins, getting on the scale, have a big smile knowing he's
on weight, and it's easy, and then to re-hydrate and hop back
in that cage and literally destroy somebody," Dolce commented.
"I'm excited to see Thiago go through the process, and for
the first time in his career feel good in doing so."
Dolce
and Alves are set to begin work immediately, and the results
will show when the American Top Team fighter gets the call from
the UFC to step back in the cage again.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Lauzon-Ruediger
and Lentz-Winner air on Spike TV
Spike
TV is to showcase two live undercard bouts from UFC 118: Edgar
vs. Penn II on Saturday, August 28th it was announced today.
The broadcasts will take place at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT.
The
two undercard bouts include local boy Joe Lauzon, who hails from
just outside Boston where UFC 118 is taking place. He takes on
his former TUF 5 housemate Gabe Ruediger, while Nik Lentz will
square off with Andre Winner of Leicester, England.
Lauzon
(17-5) burst onto the mixed martial arts scene with a shocking
knockout of former lightweight champ Jens Pulver at UFC 63 in
September 2006. A cast member of “The Ultimate Fighter 5,”
Lauzon won his first three UFC bouts before losing to fellow
New Englander Kenny Florian via TKO in April 2008. He is 2-1
in his last three and is coming off a loss.
Fighting
out of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Gabe Ruediger (17-5) is perhaps
best known to UFC fans for his stint on season five of The Ultimate
Fighter and the cake binge which prompted his exit from the show.
Ruediger has been around - he once held the lightweight title
in the WEC - and after a spell on the domestic circuit he returns
to the UFC on a six-fight winning streak.
Nik Lentz (20-3-2) is undefeated since his debut in the UFC,
with wins against Rob Emerson and Rafaello Oliveira on his resume,
as well as a draw with the veteran Thiago Tavares. The Minnesota
product will look to continue his impressive run as he takes
on TUF 9 runner-up Andre Winner.
A
product of Leicester, England, Andre Winner (12-3-1) is one of
many impressive fighters coming out of Team Rough House. Winner
was introduced to the MMA world as a member of Team UK on the
ninth series of TUF in which he marched all the way to the finals
before losing to Team Rough House teammate Ross Pearson in a
bruising contest. He has since bounced back with consecutive
victories against Roli Delgado and Rafaello Oliveira, and will
look to win his third straight contest against Lentz.
Other
bouts on the card might air on Spike TV, to be determined by
the length of the fights.
Source:
Fighters Only Magazine
|
Dana’s
plans for Brazil and more on UFC 117
by Carlos
Eduardo Ozório
GRACIEMAG.com brings you all the details surrounding what happened
in Oakland at UFC 117. The event set a lot of things straight.
Besides the middleweight belt remaining with Anderson Silva after
a fight with Chael Sonnen that nearly gave his fans heart attacks,
two new contenders for belts cropped up: Junior Cigano will have
a shot at the heavyweight belt, and Jon Fitch will have a go
at the welterweight belt, as previously reported.
But
there was much more that came in the wake of UFC 117.
President
of the promotion Dana White once again commented on his interest
in holding an event in Brazil, something that has only happened
once before, in 1998. White said the organization has been investing
money in the country, but more than that is needed.
“We
already have people working for us there and we invested in marketing,
that kind of thing. We have to make it into those countries,
but we need to cultivate the market. Look at how much time and
money we invested in the United Kingdom. But we’re in Brazil
and we’ll announce something shortly, in the coming weeks,”
he told MMAJunkie.com.
Former
welterweight challenger Thiago Pitbull once again failed to make
weight and put in a below-expectations performance against Jon
Fitch. Dana has new plans for the fighter. He wants to fighter
to fight as a heavyweight, although that’s not what Pitbull
wants. We’ll have to wait and see what happens there.
And
the numbers coming in from the first installment to be held in
Oakland, California, pleased. In all, 12,971 tickets were sold,
for a gate of 1.56 million dollars.
Check
back with GRACIEMAG.com for more news.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Bobby
Lashley: 'Batista' is a good fight for the fans, but not for
my career
by Jesse
Holland
Quoteworthy:
"It's
not really the direction I want to move (in), but if it's worth
it and they really think he's ready and Strikeforce wants me
to fight him, I'll take the fight. I've had a good game plan
up to this point and I really want to move in the right direction.
Dave's just starting out. I'm looking to better myself and get
better opponents each time. I'm not disrespecting Dave at all,
but he's new to the game. That's definitely a fight for the fans,
but not so much for my career."
Strikeforce
heavyweight attraction Bobby Lashley is hoping to avoid the role
of welcoming committee for fellow ex-WWE wrestler Dave Bautista
who is rumored to make his Strikeforce debut later this year.
Lashley himself returns to the world of cagefighting after a
brief stint on the injured reserves when he takes on IFL and
Rage in the Cage veteran Chad Griggs at the upcoming "Houston"
event from the Toyota Center on Aug. 21. Is "The Animal"
a step backwards for the "Dominator?" Or does he fit
right in with the Lashley resume which consists of Wes Sims,
Bob Sapp and Jason Guida?
Source:
MMA Mania
|
DIEGO
SANCHEZ RETURNS TO TEAM GREG JACKSON
by Damon Martin
The Nightmare has returned to his roots.
Former
"Ultimate Fighter" winner Diego Sanchez has returned
to Team Greg Jackson as a member of the team, and has already
begun training with the squad as of Tuesday.
Representatives
at Team Jackson in New Mexico confirmed the news to MMAWeekly.com,
after Sanchez posted the news via his Twitter account.
Sanchez
was a mainstay at the Albuquerque gym for several years, growing
up under the tutelage of Greg Jackson and striking coach Mike
Winkeljohn.
When
Sanchez left the camp in 2007, speculation had run wild that
the New Mexico native had sore feelings about Jackson and the
team starting to work with then contender Georges St. Pierre,
who continues to train with the squad to this day.
Speaking
with MMAWeekly at the time, Jackson said there were never hard
feelings and Sanchez would always be a part of their team.
“He’s
always a part of the team, but he’s going to train out there
for a while. We love him to death, he still loves us; it’s
just kind of a thing where he wants to get out there and get
to know his boy and live a good life," said Jackson. "He’s
such a great kid and we all love him to death, the whole team,
and we wish him the best of luck while he’s out there and
can’t wait for him to get back.”
Following
Sanchez's turn at lightweight where he made it all the way to
a title shot against B.J. Penn, he decided to go back to welterweight
for his last fight and ran into British phenom John Hathaway.
A
unanimous decision loss followed for Sanchez, who will now get
back to the training that got him to the dance in the first place
to find the right formula to get back to the top.
As
previously stated, Sanchez is already in camp with Team Jackson,
and will be training there full time as he prepares for his return
to the Octagon in October against Paulo Thiago at UFC 121.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Anderson’s
rib injured by Olympic champion
The
unkindly friend who nearly caused Anderson Silva to crash and
burn hails from Japan. And he’s an Olympic champion.
As
the fighter himself told GRACIEMAG.com, it was while training
with Satoshi Ishii alongside Lyoto Machida that the UFC champion
bruised his ribs, subsequently hindering his performance at UFC
117.
Ishii,
the over-100 kg gold medalist of the 2008 Olympics, made his
MMA debut with a loss to Hidehiko Yoshida on December 31, 2009
at the Dynamite!! event. Following his unfortunate debut, he
beat New Zealand local Tafa Misipati in May of this year.
The
judoka is now practicing MMA with Lyoto Machida, which brings
up the questions:
If
Silva had his ribs injured, what state was the Japanese fighter
in after this training session with Anderson and Lyoto?
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Battleground
Challenge 2
Today
Dole Cannery Ballroom, Honolulu, Hawaii
August 13, 2010
125lb tournament
Lawrence Lucious
Jan Quimoyog
Jason Dumoal
Daniel Asuncsion
155lb Title Competitors
Kekoa Ramelb
Arnold Berdon
Cheyne Todani
Nilo Degeuira
170lb Title competitors:
Danny Lopez
Jacob Chun
Eddie Ohia
James Stanford
145lb vacant belt: Travis Beyer vs. Shane Kahananui
Fight card is subject to change.
|
Tomorrow
Hawaiian
Open Championship 2010
BLACK
BELT SUPER FIGHT
Gilson
Souza
VS
Luke Hacker
$2,000
in CASH PRIZES
Medals
for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place.
Most Technical Competitor Award Team competition trophy and prizes
Kids : $50
Adults: $70
Weight-ins
start at
8:30 - 9:30 for kids
and
9:30 - 11:30 for adults.
You
will be contending for the Triple Crown Championship Belt at
the end of the year. Winners can get medals, trophies, Championship
Belt and $2000 Cash and Prizes!
Register
today at www.hawaiitriplecrown.com
|
Big
Island Open BJJ Tournament In Hilo on Aug 28th!
Chris Smith, from Charles Gracie school in Hilo, is putting together
a competition on August 28.
AME: Big Island Open
Date: Saturday, August 28, 2010
Location: Hilo Armory - 26 Shipman St. Hilo, HI 96720
Time: Kids start at 8:00am and adults to follow (around 11:00am)
Price: $45 per event up till 8/20/10
$55 8/21/10 to 8/25/10
Registration: http://www.tigerbjj.com
Source: Troy Souza
|
Anderson
Silva Is Getting Old
By Michael
David Smith
Aging always feels like a difficult subject to broach: We all
know we're getting older, but it feels rude to point it out about
anyone else. But you can't follow sports and not be acutely aware
of how athletes change as they age, and on Saturday night at
UFC 117, we were reminded of a simple fact that it had so far
been easy to overlook: Anderson Silva is getting old.
Although
he managed to pull out a submission victory in the fifth round
of his fight with Chael Sonnen, Saturday night's fight was by
far the worst of Silva's UFC career. When an athlete Silva's
age offers up a sub-par performance, it's hard not to conclude
that age was a factor.
Silva
is the oldest champion in any of the seven major weight classes
in MMA, and he almost certainly will be for as long as he remains
champion. Silva turned 35 in April, making him more than two
years older than the next-oldest champion. And for that matter,
Sonnen, at 33, is older than all of the fighters who could become
a champion later this year.
Consider:
* UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar is 33, and No. 1 contender
Cain Velasquez is 28.
* UFC light heavyweight champion Shogun Rua is 28, and No. 1
contender Rashad Evans is 30.
* UFC welterweight champion George St. Pierre is 29, and No.
1 contender Josh Koscheck is 32.
* UFC lightweight champion Frank Edgar is 28, and No. 1 contender
B.J. Penn is 31.
* WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo is 23, and No. 1 contender
Manny Gamburyan is 29.
* WEC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz is 24, and No. 1 contender
Joseph Benavidez is 26.
MMA
is a young man's game. Randy Couture may be able to fight at
a high level into his 40s, but Couture is an extreme outlier,
not a fighter whose career path other fighters can realistically
hope to emulate.There are plenty of former MMA champions who
already look like they're showing their age and are younger than
Silva: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is 34. Mike Brown is 34. Fedor
Emelianenko is 33. Rampage Jackson is 32. Urijah Faber is 31.
Miguel Torres is 29.
I'm
not the only one who has taken notice of Silva's age. Sergio
Non of USA Today pointed out Silva's age in noting that Sonnen
managed to hit Silva with the kind of strikes that Silva used
to avoid easily, while Silva didn't strike with the same kind
of speed that we'd grown accustomed to seeing from him. And Jonathan
Snowden of Bloody Elbow made a perceptive comment before the
Sonnen fight comparing Silva to Roy Jones Jr., who was seemingly
unbeatable in his late 20s and early 30s but has never been the
same since turning 35.
Silva
isn't done yet. He's still the best middleweight in MMA, and
I'll pick him to win his next fight whether it's against Sonnen
or Vitor Belfort. But age has closed the gap between Anderson
Silva and the rest of the middleweight division. It won't be
long before he suffers the fate of every elite athlete who sticks
around long enough, and loses to a younger opponent.
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
Strikeforce's
Miesha Tate: 135-pound division has 'hundreds of girls'
The four women fighting this week in Strikeforce's tournament
are just the tip of the iceberg in the 135-pound division, as
far as Miesha Tate is concerned.
"I
think we have at least 200 solid fighters," says Tate, No.
10 among 135-pounders in the Unified Women's MMA Rankings. "That
may not be a lot, but it's definitely enough to have a really
solid, competitive division, especially as more of them are coming."
Tate
has a chance to keep herself ahead of the wave for the moment.
She's part of a one-night tournament scheduled Friday for Strikeforce
Challengers (11 p.m. ET, Showtime) in Phoenix, with the winner
guaranteed a shot at the 135-pound title.
Joining
Tate will be No. 6 Hitomi Akano, Finnish fighter Maiju Kujala
and No. 2-ranked 125-pounder Carina Damm, who is moving up in
weight for the event.
Fighting
Stances spoke to Tate last week about the tournament and women's
fighting in general. Excerpts from the conversation:
Q:
What did you think when you first heard that Strikeforce was
doing a tournament?
Tate:
I was like, "Are those still legal?" That was my first
reaction, because I know a lot of states have outlawed them,
and they're like, "It is (legal) in Arizona." And I
was like, "OK, well, cool. Can I be in it?"
I
told them all along, if they had planned on doing something like
that, I definitely wanted to be a part of it.
Carina
Damm hasn't fought in the U.S. since she tested positive for
steroids in 2008. What was your reaction when you heard she was
included?
I
really didn't see it coming at all. I was like, "Really?
Carina Damm? Doesn't she fight at 125?" I guess she's made
the jump to 135. As long as she tests clean this time, I'm OK
with it.
How
familiar are you with Maiju Kujala?
I
watched a couple of her fights. She seems really strong, a very
strong girl. She seems to like to punch into the clinch and try
(for a) takedown, but she doesn't have very good positioning
on the ground. Her striking seems to be (used) just to try get
it to the ground.
And
the other two?
Hitomi
Akano is very unorthodox, in that she's a southpaw and she does
kind of untypical things out there, like flying armbars, so she's
very agile. She's not really threatening on her feet, per se.
She's
got good judo, but she's also not very physically strong. She's
not a strong girl. She's very technically sound, and she likes
to throw things in the mix that are hard to prepare for. You
just have to be aware of her and everything that's going on with
her, because you never know what she's going to throw at you.
Carina's
probably the most well-rounded, from what I've seen. She's willing
to stand and bang. She's got OK wrestling and decent ground.
She's used to 125, so I'm not sure how that's going to work out
for her, but we'll see.
Early
in your career, you fought some women who have competed at 140
or 145 pounds. As more women get inton the sport, what's the
likelihood of weight-cutting becoming more prevalent?
I
think as the divisions develop and the sport develops as a whole,
weight-cutting definitely makes you more competitive. But's a
completely different game with women, so you have to find a happy
medium.
Guys
can get away with, depending on their size, cutting 10, 15, sometimes
up to 20 pounds or more if they're real big guys.
It
just doesn't work that well for women. It doesn't really work
that way because biologically, our bodies don't like to give
up water weight, and we actually don't have as many sweat glands
as men, so we just don't sweat as much.
I
can sit in the sauna the same amount of time as a guy, and he'll
be drenched (in) sweat, and I'll just be misted. There's no variable
there; it's just the way my body is versus the way his body is.
So
weight cutting for women is just kind of rough. I don't like
to cut more than probably six or seven pounds.
Women,
generally, we try to lose weight more than cut weight. Those
are two different things when you say cutting and losing.
Losing,
you're actually trying to lose body fat, meaning at the end of
the day, that's what you actually weigh when you're hydrated
and you're feeling good.
When
you cut weight, it's purely referring to you not eating, and
dehydrating yourself. So cutting weight is a little hard for
women, but if you put your nose to the grindstone and you diet
good, then you won't have as hard of a cut. Realistically, you
can fluctuate weight quite a bit.
So
do you think you'll be facing larger opponents more often in
the future?
Yeah,
but you know, I'm fine with that, because I think speed kills.
It's kind of that mentality.
I've
competed against a lot bigger women in my career. I fought Elaina
Maxwell at 145. Like you said, a few of my fights have been at
140.
I
feel best at 135, but when I fight at those upper weight classes,
I just feel like I have strength and speed. I have just as much
strength, but I'm faster than those girls.
I
won the Nationals in 2008 -- the World Grappling Championships
team trials here in the United States -- at 158 1/2, and I was
weighing 142. And I took a silver medal at the World Grappling
Championships in Switzerland at that same weight. So I'm comfortable,
because I compete against guys in the gym every day that are
bigger than I am.
How
do you like the special rules that Strikeforce is using for the
tournament?
I
think for tournament-style fighting, the three 3s are good. The
way that we all match up, none of us are what I would consider
stand-up fighters, so we're still all in the same boat.
A
few of us may have a little better hands than not, but it seems
like we all prefer the ground, so it's not really like we're
going against some world-class kickboxer that's going to have
the advantage on their feet. We're all pretty well-rounded and
prefer the ground. And we all have to abide by the same rules.
Would
you feel differently if the tournament included a stand-up fighter
like Sarah Kaufman?
I
think, yes, probably, because it gives the advantage to the striker
still. Shorter rounds give the advantage, in my opinion, to the
striker.
When
you have two competitive people, sometimes it's hard to set up
your shots, take them down, establish your position and try to
finish the fight in three minutes. It's really hard to do.
And
it's not that hard always to stuff a shot for three minutes,
or (at least) enough time anyway so that the time runs out before
the grappler gets a chance to do anything.
You
started your career with a one-night tournament in Hook 'N Shoot,
where you won your first fight, but caught by Kaitlyn Young's
head kick in the second bout. How much did fighting earlier that
night affect you in the final?
A
lot.
I
learned a lot from that tournament. For one, I cut way too much
weight and my body was just way too tired to perform well the
next day. I cut 14 pounds of solid water weight, and I started
about 20 pounds heavier, and I was just exhausted. You lose a
lot of explosivity. When you cut that much water, you lose electrolytes
and all that fun stuff, so that definitely was not a plus.
And
then Jan Finney was really tough. In tournaments, a lot of the
time, I don't think it's necessarily a true testament of who's
the best per se. it's really about style match-ups.
Jan
Finney and I, we not only went three full rounds, we actually
went four full rounds -- we did an overtime round. Jan Finney's
tough as hell. We were both exhausted, and I took some really
hard leg kicks.
Kaitlyn,
her style match-up, she got a girl who had never fought before
and knocked her out in like 18 seconds.
Is
it really a true testament of who's the better of Kaitlyn and
I? I don't think so.
What
will you differently this time to be better prepared for the
second bout of the night?
Between
the first fight and second fight at Hook 'N Shoot, I went in
the back and I sat down. I was icing my leg because I took some
really hard leg kicks. Then before you knew it, I was fighting
again, and I wasn't warm by any means. My leg was still half
frozen, and I'm trying to get back out there. You bounce around,
and it's just -- I was just stiff and tired and dehydrated and
all this stuff, worn out.
This
time, I think, in between fights, I'm going to kind of keep moving.
Maybe go back, get my heart rate down, drink some water again,
just start pummeling and stay active and ready for the next one,
so I don't have to start from ground zero again.
How
do you keep from expending too much energy while staying loose
between bouts?
The
way I look at it is, we train and condition for two hours at
a time, twice a day. It's not going to be that hard.
At
the most, it's going to be 18 minutes of fighting, and I'll probably
have 20 to 25 minutes between bouts. It's not going to be like
a really long time, where we have two hours where we're sitting
there doing nothing. By the time we announce who wins, I go back
and sit down, drink a little water, maybe rest for five minutes.
I'll have maybe 20 minutes to kind of get up and get loose again,
get back out there.
The
winner of this tournament gets a shot at the winner of Kaufman-Coenen.
You faced Sarah last year, and although you got her to the mat
one round, she was otherwise a pretty tough outing for you. If
you face her again, what would you do differently?
Definitely
mix it up a lot more. I'm going to have to push her pace. She's
good at dictating and pushing you around, things like that.
I'm
going to do more strength training, a little bit, for that fight,
because she's kind of a bully, so I'm going to just maneuver
around her and push her back. You can't get power on your striking
if you're going backwards, and I'm going to mix it up a lot so
she can't tell when the shot's coming versus punches. A lot of
up and down movement, just changing it up, chain wrestling and
being unpredictable.
What
did you think of Sarah's fight with Roxanne Modafferi last month?
I
thought she looked great. I thought both of them looked great.
Sarah,
she looked really strong. I wouldn't say that Roxanne looked
physically strong, but technically sound. She (Kaufman) looked
sharp, she looked good; she looked like a champion.
Do
you think Roxanne could have done something different to alter
the outcome?
Yeah,
for sure.
A
lot of people were saying, "Oh, that move should be outlawed.
It's so dangerous," and this and that. It's really not,
because ultimately, Roxanne was in control of whether she wanted
to be slammed or not.
Sarah
Kaufman was slamming her, but Roxanne could have done one of
two things: when she got up in the air, she could have let go
of her guard and stood up, back on her feet; or she could have
held onto the underhook that she had on the leg -- which I have
no idea why she let go, sort of allowed her to get picked up
and slammed. So yeah, she could have done a couple of things
to prevent that.
Do
you think Roxanne had the right approach for the fight overall?
I
think she was doing what she felt like what she had to do. It
was pretty clear to me that she has better jiu-jitsu than Sarah
Kaufman. Sometimes Sarah's really hard to take down. She was
trying to finish the fight.
Fighting
off your back usually is not the best idea because when you're
on your back, in the judges' eyes you're losing. You don't really
want to be there, but when you're in the third, fourth, fifth
round and you're not able to take her down and you're losing
on your feet, why not try to finish the fight? Pull her down
into your guard and ry to submit her, try something. A true fighter
will explore every option to try to win the fight.
Before
that fight, Sarah was vocal about her belief that she should
be on Strikeforce's main cards. How much would you agree or disagree
with that? And do you think female fighters, in general, get
their due?
Well,
there's two ways I look at it. One is how I would like it to
be, and two is how it is.
I
would like to it to be more (attention). Obviously I think we
deserve more, because we work hard -- or harder than the men
do, because we have to go through an approval process, and there's
constantly people questioning can we, should we, could we, would
we. There's always that kind of secondary guessing of whether
females can even do it -- we have to go through this whole proving
process. I think after this fight, Sarah is deserving to be on
a main card.
The
way it is, in the world, when you have a product, it doesn't
matter how fantastic it is if nobody knows what it is. They needed
to build a fanbase for Sarah Kaufman. They needed to get her
name out there. They needed people to know who Sarah Kaufman
is so people want to see her fight.
She
needs to be exciting as a champion, and her last fight (in February
against Takayo Hashi) was kind of lackluster. But she really
stepped it up a notch, and I think now that she's fought enough
on the Challengers series, people have an idea who she is, and
that she's a badass. Now she can move onto the main card and
have some sort of a following. And that's all Strikeforce, I
think, was trying to do.
Not
that they wouldn't have liked to promote her sooner, or the women
(in general) sooner. But it is a marketing business too, and
entertainment. You have to make sure your product's going to
do well.
Friday's
show has Riggs-Taylor as the main event rather than the women's
tournament final. I would have thought that they'd want as much
time between the opening fights and the final. Did that notion
occur to you at all?
Yeah.
I definitely have thought about that a few times.
I
think this tournament's got a lot of hype behind it. I think
it's going to be really exciting, and I think what's cool for
the fans about having more than fight in a night is that they
can get some kind of emotional attachment to the fighter: "Oh,
we saw this person win and that person just win. I can't wait
to see them fight again."
They
kind of get those bonds going and they want to see the last outcome.
It's going to have more of a following and hype than just a single
fight would, male or female.
I
definitely think it's main-event worthy, but I don't make the
rules.
Does
the possibility of a second bout that night add any urgency to
finish the first fight quickly?
Definitely.
I think it's going to be kind of a race, to be honest. I think
everybody's going to be out there trying to hurry and finish
the first fight in an orderly fashion. Get it out there and get
it done with, so we can get onto the next fight. Try not to expend
as much energy as possible.
How
do you like the idea of a random draw?
I'd
like to know who I'm fighting first because I like to focus on
one person and picture myself beating them.
But
realistically, we have to train for all three of the girls anyway,
because you never know who's going to win the other fight. ...
So it's whatever, it doesn't really make a difference to me.
I'm just training for all of them.
Normally,
how much of your training is specific to the opponent?
I
like to put game plans together for who I'm fighting, and I like
to drill it over and over again just so it's kind of a natural
reaction. I like to know what I'm going out there and trying
to do, rather than just kind of going out and fighting blindly.
You
can usually tell when a fighter doesn't have a game plan, and
a lot of times, I don't think it works out too well for them.
Might be a little bit more exciting because they're kind of crazy
and wild, but they usually end up getting caught in something
because they have no direction, and I think it's always good
to have direction in anything that you do.
Who
else should Strikeforce bring into its 135-pound division?
I
think Shayna Baszler would be great. She had a pretty competitive
fight with Sarah Kaufman too; they went to a decision. I think
Alexis Davis is another top lady. Even possibly Tonya Evinger,
she's really got some talent.
There's
a lotta, lotta, lotta really good girls out there at 135. Those
women are all ranked in the top 10, but there's a lot of women
coming up, climbing up that ladder that nobody even knows about.
They're kind of just hidden, and they're making a name for themselves
as we speak. I'm sure there will be more of them coming out of
the woodwork all the time, every day.
I'm
guessing you disagree with the criticism -- which is somewhat
common -- that there aren't enough female fighters yet to put
together a robust division.
I
completely disagree. Most people that are saying that are just
not informed. That's where you get ignorant people, because they
presume to know something, but they really don't know.
When
you look into it, there are divisions. For instance, the 145-pound
division is not a very deep division.
But
the 135-pound division is very deep. We have a lot of talent.
It just seems like it's a pretty common weight for typical female
athletes who are competitive in sports to be at. So we've got
a lot of really, really powerful, wonderful fighters there. Hundreds
of girls.
I
mean, I think we have at least 200 solid fighters. That may not
be a lot, but it's definitely enough to have a really solid,
competitive division, especially as more of them are coming.
There's
another women's tournament starting this week, Bellator's 115-pound
tourney. Your most recent opponent, Zoila Frausto, is going to
be in it. How do you think she'll do?
The
thing about Zoila is that everybody seems to never give her enough
credit. I think she's really wowed people a few times, so you
really can't underestimate her anymore. She's got a warrior spirit,
and I think she's going to do well in this tournament.
She's
still a little green compared to most of the girls. But I think
she'll do well. I don't she'll win it, but I think that she will
be very competitive and possibly win one or two more fights,
depending on who she matches up with in the tournament.
It's
probably safe to say that Megumi Fujii is the favorite in that
tournament. Do you think there's anyone in that tourney who can
challenge her?
Yeah,
Lisa Ward. They fought once a couple of years ago. It was a really
close fight and Lisa lost via decision. Lisa's wanted that rematch
for a really long time. She's an amazing wrestler and has an
opportunity to train with her a lot. She actually was an alternate
for men's state high school wrestling.
She's
just a bad ass. She's a five-time champion in no-gi, and a three-time
gi world champion. She's just really, really a good fighter and
she's mean when she gets out there, so she's fun to watch fight.
She's very explosive.
Source:
USA Today
|
Anderson
Silva Shows Why High Level Kickboxers Hate MMA
by Dave
Walsh
There are lessons to be learned from Saturday night's UFC 117
where Anderson Silva, arguably the best kickboxer in MMA, met
Chael Sonnen, one of the better wrestlers to adapt to MMA in
years. Anderson Silva claims to of gone into the bout with Sonnen
with a broken rib, fighting against doctors' orders, but wanted
to be a true champion and fight anyway. Sonnen went into the
fight of his life looking to back up all of the talk he had done
for the past few months, so the pressure was on for both men.
Recently,
we took one of those speculatory looks into how Ando could fare
in the K-1 world, and it is important to note that out of all
of those names listed, only a few have ventured into the MMA
world, and the only two who have had any success are Alistair
Overeem and Semmy Schilt. Outside of that, MMA is generally a
no-no for high level kickboxers for the obvious reasons of having
to deal with grappling and takedowns, which means standard fight
stances don't always work.
Anderson
Silva took the risk that any fighter takes going in against a
game opponent who is hungry and in the process ate a few shots
from Chael Sonnen, a fighter not known for his stand up and will
now have the misfortune of being dissected by fans and have his
talents called into question. It is the risk every fighter takes
stepping into a fight, but in MMA especially a striker takes
a risk of being caught by someone who isn't known for their high
level striking. In this case, Sonnen has always been known to
have OK hand work to set up his takedown (his takedown almost
always misses without the set up one-two), and in this case connected.
Some
of the main criticisms against K-1 heavyweights in the past have
been that they are very offense-oriented, but their defense is
lacking compared to Middleweights. Many chalk that up to a stylistic
preference, or how the rules of K-1 dictate the fighting style.
So it seems MMA is the same where the rules dictate the style.
If you take to heart the lack of defense of some of the K-1 Heavyweights
(not all, obviously), it is apparent why many would like to stay
away from MMA. Even with basic knowledge of takedown defense,
the chance of getting hit by a striker not seen on their level
could do damage to their credibility. On top of this, being laid
upon for any amount of rounds is demoralizing.
If
you want proof of this beyond Anderson vs. Sonnen, watch this
video of Badr Hari in his lone MMA bout and understand why he'll
never do MMA again. Watch Errol Zimmerman's top level striking
not even come into play against Ikuhisa Minowa from Dynamite!!
2008, as well. So this is why you won't see many, if any kickboxers
wander into MMA, and why there should be a certain level of respect
given to fighters like Anderson Silva who are exceptional stand
up fighters but choose to compete in MMA and learn every aspect
of the game.
Source:
Head Kick Legend
|
STRIKEFORCE
Houston
STRIKEFORCE Houston event at Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday,
Aug. 21, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the
West Coast).
In
the co-feature of a World Championship Doubleheader, world-class
submission specialist Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (12-2-1)
and former Green Beret and American military hero Tim Kennedy
(12-2) will battle for the vacant STRIKEFORCE Middleweight (185
pounds) title. Souza is a world-renowned grappler while Kennedy,
a former sniper for the Special Forces who served in the Middle
East, is one of MMA’s fastest rising stars.
In
another televised fight on SHOWTIME, ex-world champ KJ Noons (9-2) will face Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt Jorge Gurgel (13-6) in a lightweight (155
pounds) match. Noons, who is also a professional boxer, has won
five consecutive fights and is the last fighter to defeat current
STRIKEFORCE welterweight champion Nick Diaz – a bloody first-round
TKO in 2007. Gurgel is a UFC veteran with explosive striking
skills.
In
the main event, undefeated STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight
Champion “King Mo’’ Lawal (7-0) will make the
first defense of his crown against highly touted Brazilian Rafael
“Feijao’’ Cavalcante (9-2). In a featured televised
bout, unbeaten rising heavyweight force and former WWE star Bobby
Lashley (5-0) will take on MMA veteran and Tucson, Ariz., firefighter
Chad Griggs (8-1).
Source: Strikeforce
|
Sherdog
Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings
Dave Mandel
There’s
no turning back for Jon Jones.
August
is a month bursting at the seams with MMA, and ‘Bones’
got it started in a major way on the first day of the month in
San Diego. Most expected Jones to deal with tough veteran Vladimir
Matyushenko, but few people expected the easy, furious beating
the 23-year-old future star dished out in less than two minutes.
The victory vaults Jones into a position in the 205-pound division,
where he will now face elite opposition on a fight-in, fight-out
basis.
However,
the biggest happening so far in the month of August actually
kept these rankings in tact.
At
UFC 117 in Oakland, Calif., on Aug. 7, Chael Sonnen was two minutes
away from taking his place atop the middleweight division, until
Anderson Silva struck with a triangle armbar that saved his reign
in thrilling fashion and added a signature win to the resume
of “The Spider.” Even in defeat, there can be little
dispute that Sonnen is truly one of the world’s best middleweights.
Elsewhere
at UFC 117, Jon Fitch solidified himself as the second-best welterweight
in the world with a one-sided decision over Thiago Alves. Meanwhile,
Junior “Cigano” dos Santos battered a tough Roy Nelson
for 15 minutes to cement himself as one of the premier heavyweights
in the world and the next challenger for October’s heavyweight
title clash between Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez.
Heavyweight
1.
Brock Lesnar (5-1)
Big-time heavyweight bouts seldom deliver, but Lesnar’s
July 3 title defense against Shane Carwin did just that. In addition
to likely pulling significant PPV numbers, Lesnar’s rousing
second-round submission comeback showed he is not just a hulking
frontrunner. The win set up what will likely be Lesnar’s
biggest test to date when he defends against Cain Velasquez at
UFC 121 on Oct. 23.
2.
Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1)
Werdum improbably seized the biggest moment of his career on
June 26. It took the grappling star just 69 seconds to end Fedor
Emelianenko’s seven-plus-year reign over the heavyweight
division. Whether Werdum’s next bout is a rematch against
Emelianenko or former victim Alistair Overeem, his win will remain
a massive moment in MMA history.
3.
Fedor Emelianenko (31-2, 1 NC)
All good things come to an end. It was March 2003 when Emelianenko
upset Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to take MMA’s heavyweight
mantle, and 87 months later, it took Fabricio Werdum just 69
seconds to force “The Last Emperor” to tap and concede
that top spot. The next step for Emelianenko remains unclear,
but the heavyweight landscape has definitely changed.
4.
Cain Velasquez (8-0)
The July 3 matchup between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin was
especially interesting for Velasquez, who was already tabbed
to face the winner. Now, Velasquez will face the tallest task
of his young career when he challenges Lesnar for the heavyweight
throne at UFC 121 in October.
5.
Junior dos Santos (12-1)
For the first time in his UFC tenure, dos Santos could not finish
his foe. Nevertheless, at UFC 117 in Oakland, Calif., “Cigano”
put a 15-minute beating on tough heavyweight Roy Nelson, took
a unanimous decision and entrenched himself as the man to challenge
the winner of October’s clash between Brock Lesnar and Cain
Velasquez.
6.
Shane Carwin (12-1)
For five minutes, it looked like Carwin was en route to taking
the UFC heavyweight title from Brock Lesnar. However, the second
round revealed the cardio shortcomings many forecasted for the
mammoth Coloradan, who was hapless against Lesnar’s top
game before succumbing to an arm-triangle choke.
7.
Frank Mir (13-5)
In December 2008, Mir notched the biggest win of his MMA career,
shocking the world by clobbering Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and
stopping him in the second round. The onus will be on Mir to
prove it was no fluke when he rematches “Minotauro”
at UFC 119 on Sept. 25.
8.
Alistair Overeem (33-11, 1 NC)
The next big bout for Overeem became obscured in just 69 seconds.
Originally thought to be the most attractive opponent for Fedor
Emelianenko, the shocking defeat of “The Last Emperor”
-- and the Russian’s potential rematch with Fabricio Werdum
-- leaves no clear path for Overeem.
9.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-6-1, 1 NC)
After his December 2008 destruction at the hands of Frank Mir,
Nogueira claimed a staph infection had crippled his performance.
The MMA world should gain some insight as to whether or not Nogueira’s
illness was formative when the former Pride heavyweight champion
meets Mir in a rematch at UFC 119 on Sept. 25.
10.
Antonio Silva (14-2)
Since he ran roughshod over heavyweights in Europe back in 2005,
onlookers expected heavyweight greatness from Silva. On May 15,
“Bigfoot” finally took a step toward those expectations,
soundly outboxing Andrei Arlovski to a unanimous decision and
recording the most significant win of his career.
Other
contenders: Andrei Arlovski, Josh Barnett, Roy Nelson, Brett
Rogers, Ben Rothwell.
Light Heavyweight
1.
Mauricio Rua (19-4)
“Shogun” underwent another knee surgery, stemming from
an injury suffered in his May 8 title capture against Lyoto Machida.
Recovery and rehab will postpone his slated title defense against
former champion Rashad Evans, which will now be pushed back until
early 2011.
2.
Lyoto Machida (16-1)
Despite his father, Yoshizo, announcing that he would like to
see his son retire, Machida will do just the opposite. Coming
off his brutal knockout loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
in May, Machida will get right back into the 205-pound fray later
this year. He expects to face another former UFC champion, Quinton
“Rampage” Jackson, in the main event of a yet-to-be-announced
UFC card tabbed for Nov. 20.
3.
Rashad Evans (15-1-1)
It has now become a waiting game for Evans. With his May win
over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Evans earned another
crack at the UFC light heavyweight title. However, with champion
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on the shelf until early 2011
with yet another knee surgery, the real question for Evans remains
whether or not he will be placed into an interim title bout while
he waits for Shogun to heal.
4.
Quinton Jackson (30-8)
Coming off a tough decision loss to rival Rashad Evans in May,
Jackson will stay right in the hottest fires at 205 pounds. In
the main event of a yet-to-be-announced UFC card slated for Nov.
20, “Rampage” figures to take on fellow former UFC
light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida.
5.
Forrest Griffin (17-6)
Griffin was set for a co-main event bout with Antonio Rogerio
Nogueira at UFC 114 before a shoulder injury forced the original
winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” out of the bout. Shoulder
injuries continue to be an ongoing concern for the former UFC
light heavyweight champion, who had shoulder surgery in late
2007.
6.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-3)
After narrowly escaping with an iffy split decision win in his
May bout with Jason Brilz, Nogueira now has another tough wrestler
on his hands. “Minotoro” will meet unbeaten “The
Ultimate Fighter” Season 8 winner Ryan Bader in the co-feature
at UFC 119 on Sept. 25.
7.
Muhammed Lawal (7-0)
Still riding high after an April upset of Gegard Mousasi in which
he took the Strikeforce light heavyweight title, “King Mo”
faces his first title defense this month. Lawal will put his
strap on the line for the first time on Aug. 21, when he takes
on Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante in Houston.
8.
Gegard Mousasi (29-3-1)
In a thoroughly pointless exercise, Mousasi needed a mere 31
seconds to force an overweight, late-notice Jake O’Brien
to tap to a guillotine at Dream 15. The win sets up the former
Strikeforce champion for another likely lopsided bout, as he
will meet Tatsuya Mizuno for the vacant Dream light heavyweight
title later this year.
9.
Jon Jones (11-1)
Stepping up in competition, Jones met well-respected veteran
Vladimir Matyushenko UFC Live 2 and positively mauled “The
Janitor” with minimal effort in the first round. UFC president
Dana White has assured the MMA world that elite opposition is
on the way for the 23-year-old wunderkind, who continues to look
like a future champion.
10.
Thiago Silva (14-2)
Silva was set for a return to the Octagon at UFC 117 on Aug.
7. However, his bout with Tim Boetsch fell by the wayside when
his nagging back injuries flared up again, leaving the Brazilian
on the sidelines indefinitely as he continues to heal.
Other
contenders: Ryan Bader, Randy Couture, Rich Franklin, Vladimir
Matyushenko, Renato “Babalu” Sobral.
*
With the entry of ninth-ranked Jon Jones, formerly 10th-ranked
Rich Franklin falls to the contenders list.
Middleweight
1.
Anderson Silva (27-4)
In the seventh defense of the UFC middleweight title, Silva was
dominated for 23 minutes by Chael Sonnen’s ground-and-pound
attack. With the clock ticking on his middleweight supremacy,
Silva -- who carried a rib injury into the bout -- locked up
a fight-ending triangle armbar to complete a thrilling comeback
victory for the ages and hang onto the 185-pound mantle.
2.
Chael Sonnen (24-11-1)
For the better part of five rounds against Anderson Silva, Sonnen
looked like exactly the kind of fighter he told the world he
was. Sonnen dominated “The Spider” for round after
round until his familiar Achilles’ heel -- his submission
defense -- reared its head in the fifth round. Sonnen, the sport’s
preeminent trash talker, succumbed to a triangle armbar in thrilling-but-heartbreaking
fashion.
3.
Jake Shields (25-4-1)
After the expiration of his Strikeforce contract, the Octagon
was the obvious next step for Shields. The two-division stalwart
will make his UFC debut at 170 pounds, as he drops back to welterweight
to challenge tough Dane Martin Kampmann at UFC 121 on Oct. 23.
4.
Nate Marquardt (29-9-2)
Marquardt expected to face powerful Brazilian grappler Rousimar
“Toquinho” Palhares on Aug. 28, when the UFC rolled
into Boston for UFC 118. However, the dissolution of a bout between
Demian Maia and Alan Belcher slated to main event UFC Fight Night
22 on Sept. 15 in Austin, Texas, prompted the relocation of the
Marquardt-Palhares match to the Lone Star State in September.
5.
Dan Henderson (25-8)
Henderson looked every bit the heavy favorite in round one of
his Strikeforce title fight with Jake Shields on April 17. However,
for the next four rounds, the former two-division Pride champion
was dominated on the ground and lost a unanimous decision in
his promotional debut.
6.
Demian Maia (12-2)
Maia expected to main event UFC Fight Night 22 against fellow
middleweight contender Alan Belcher on Sept. 15. However, a detached
retina for Belcher scuttled the bout, and Maia will now meet
the once-beaten Mario Miranda at UFC 118 on Aug. 28.
7.
Vitor Belfort (19-8)
It’s a tough time to be Belfort. After losing a UFC middleweight
title shot due to injury, Belfort expected to face the winner
of the Anderson Silva-Chael Sonnen bout later this year. After
Sonnen’s spirited effort, Belfort may be forced to beg for
consideration, with a growing cry for a Silva-Sonnen rematch.
8.
Yushin Okami (25-5)
Okami continued to get back into the UFC middleweight title hunt
on Aug. 1 in San Diego. The Japanese veteran jabbed and sprawled
to a well-deserved decision win over Mark Munoz in a fight that
was not particularly contentious, despite judge Cecil Peoples’
dubious 29-28 scorecard for Munoz.
9.
Jorge Santiago (22-8)
In January 2009, Santiago claimed Sengoku’s middleweight
crown with a rousing come-from-behind fifth-round submission
against Kazuo Misaki. To hang onto his title, Santiago will need
to beat Misaki once again, as they meet in a rematch at Sengoku
14 on Aug. 22.
10.
Ronaldo Souza (12-2, 1 NC)
With a plethora of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and no-gi grappling laurels,
Souza will have the chance to add his first significant piece
of MMA hardware to his trophy case on Aug. 21. “Jacare”
will meet Tim Kennedy in Houston to vie for the vacant Strikeforce
middleweight crown.
Other
contenders: Alan Belcher, Michael Bisping, Chris Leben, Hector
Lombard, Wanderlei Silva.
Welterweight
1.
Georges St. Pierre (20-2)
With Josh Koscheck’s May 8 win over Paul Daley, St. Pierre’s
next title defense was set. But before he meets Koscheck in a
rematch of their August 2007 encounter, the two welterweights
will square off as opposing coaches on the 12th season of “The
Ultimate Fighter,” with a very convenient and apparent good
guy-bad guy dynamic.
2.
Jon Fitch (23-3, 1 NC)
Fitch finally met Thiago Alves in their long-anticipated rematch.
However, there was little flair in what transpired. The workmanlike
Fitch wore down Alves with strong takedowns and great positional
control en route to a unanimous decision verdict that might put
him on the doorstep of another UFC welterweight title shot.
3.
Thiago Alves (16-7)
Alves waited more than four years for a rematch with Jon Fitch.
However, his struggle and eventual failure to make weight, coupled
with his one-sided loss, has many -- UFC President Dana White
included -- pushing Alves to move to middleweight in the future.
Alves quickly enlisted fighter-cum-nutritional guru Mike Dolce,
hoping he will get one more chance to get his weight in check.
4.
Dan Hardy (23-7, 1 NC)
His lopsided loss to Georges St. Pierre in March is now a distant
memory. “The Outlaw” will get back into the saddle
this fall, as the Octagon heads back to England for UFC 120 on
Oct. 16 in London. There, Hardy will take on fellow welterweight
contender Carlos Condit in what should be a high-action affair.
5.
Josh Koscheck (15-4)
With high stakes -- a UFC welterweight title shot and a coaching
stint opposite Georges St. Pierre on “The Ultimate Fighter
12” -- up for grabs, Koscheck dominated Paul Daley for 15
minutes on the floor en route to a unanimous decision victory
at UFC 113. After blocking a post-fight sucker punch from Daley
and taunting the Montreal crowd, Koscheck cemented himself as
one of MMA’s premiere heels and set in place the groundwork
for the build-up to his rematch with St. Pierre.
6.
Martin Kampmann (17-3)
In June, Kampmann put on perhaps the most impressive performance
of his career, sweeping the cards in a one-sided decision win
over Paulo Thiago. Now, Denmark’s top MMA export will get
the tall task of welcoming former Strikeforce middleweight champion
Jake Shields to the Octagon at UFC 121 on Oct. 23.
7.
Paulo Thiago (13-2)
Following a tough, one-sided decision loss to Martin Kampmann
at UFC 115 in June, Thiago will have the chance to end 2010 on
a high note. The Brazilian will take on Diego Sanchez at UFC
121 on Oct. 23 in Anaheim.
8.
Paul Daley (24-9-2)
Daley’s sucker punch incident with Josh Koscheck, which
got him ousted from the UFC in Montreal, will cost him a 30-day
suspension from the Quebec commission. The perfunctory punishment
will not interfere with the next bout for “Semtex,”
as the British banger will meet Jorge Masvidal at Shark Fights
13 on Sept. 11 in Amarillo, Texas.
9.
Nick Diaz (22-7, 1 ND)
Diaz did not make it easy on himself -- he seldom does -- but
after overcoming early offense from Hayato “Mach” Sakurai,
he took home a victory over the Japanese veteran with a first-round
armbar on May 29. Now the question becomes who Strikeforce will
pair the Cesar Gracie product with in his first welterweight
title defense.
10.
Mike Swick (14-4)
Coming off a disappointing decision loss to Dan Hardy in November,
Swick’s bout with Paulo Thiago at UFC 109 left him in even
worse shape. He was choked unconscious in the second round and
pushed further back in the UFC welterweight title picture.
Other
contenders: Ben Askren, Carlos Condit, John Hathaway, Jay Hieron,
Dan Hornbuckle.
Lightweight
1.
Frankie Edgar (12-1)
It was the most controversial MMA moment of 2010 so far, but
“The Answer” walked out with a unanimous decision victory
and the lightweight title in his fight with B.J. Penn at UFC
112. However, the Toms River, N.J., native will have to replicate
his feat this summer, as he faces a rematch with Penn at UFC
118 in August.
2.
B.J. Penn (15-6-1)
Screw job? Sinus infection? Whatever case Penn backers and “The
Prodigy” himself make for his April 10 defeat to Frankie
Edgar, the Hawaiian will get a chance to regain the lightweight
mantle in a summer rematch at UFC 118 in Boston on Aug. 28.
3.
Gilbert Melendez (18-2)
The Strikeforce lightweight champion notched the most significant
win of his career in Nashville, Tenn., as he dominated Dream
titleholder Shinya Aoki for all 25 minutes of their bout on network
television and entrenched himself as one of the sport’s
elite at 155 pounds.
4.
Shinya Aoki (24-5, 1 NC)
Skepticism swirled around Aoki’s status as an elite lightweight
after his April drubbing at the hands of Gilbert Melendez. However,
the thrilling grappler picked up yet another brilliant victory
on July 10, leg locking Tatsuya Kawajiri in less than two minutes
to retain his Dream lightweight title in impressive fashion.
5.
Eddie Alvarez (20-2)
Bellator’s second season lightweight tournament was the
first to wrap, meaning Alvarez was the first Bellator champion
to know his first challenger. The Philly product will take on
upstart Pat Curran this summer when Bellator begins its third
season.
6.
Kenny Florian (13-4)
Florian has fallen short in two previous cracks at the UFC lightweight
title. In order to have a third opportunity to take division
gold, “Ken Flo” will have to take out the unbeaten
Gray Maynard in August, when the pair meets in August in Florian’s
Boston backyard at UFC 118.
7.
Gray Maynard (9-0, 1 NC)
After Maynard called out Kenny Florian following his victory
over Takanori Gomi, Maynard-“Ken Flo” became an obvious
must-have match in the UFC lightweight division. With a Frankie
Edgar-B.J. Penn rematch locked in for UFC 118 in August, Maynard-Florian
looks to be a perfect complement when Zuffa rolls into Beantown
this summer.
8.
Tatsuya Kawajiri (26-6-2)
Many tabbed Kawajiri to be the next Dream champion, figuring
he had exactly the right skill set to replicate what Gilbert
Melendez did to Shinya Aoki in April. However, on July 10, Kawajiri
spent most of the night fending off foot locks, until finally
tapping out to Aoki less than two minutes into the first round.
9.
Evan Dunham (11-0)
In June, Dunham really opened eyes with his well-appointed decision
over Tyson Griffin. The 28-year-old's next test will be another
stiff one, as he'll meet former UFC lightweight champion Sean
Sherk at UFC 119 on Sept. 15 in a fight that could move him closer
to a title shot of his own.
10.
Benson Henderson (12-1)
An 11-fight winning streak, with nine finishes, has seen Henderson
pick up the WEC lightweight crown. He defended with shocking
ease against Donald Cerrone at WEC 48, tapping the Greg Jackson
product with his patented guillotine choke in less than two minutes.
Now, the issue for “Smooth” will be fighting the perception
that he remains a big fish in a small pond.
Other
contenders: Gesias Cavalcante, Takanori Gomi, Tyson Griffin,
Jim Miller, George Sotiropoulos.
26238
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Jose
AldoFeatherweight
1.
Jose Aldo (17-1)
For a moment, it seemed uncertain whether veteran Manny Gamburyan
or surging upstart Josh Grispi would be next to challenge Aldo
for his WEC featherweight title. Promotional brass decided “The
Anvil” would be first on deck for Aldo’s second title
defense at WEC 51 on Sept. 30.
2.
Manny Gamburyan (11-4)
His April 24 smashing of former champion Mike Thomas Brown earned
him top contender status, but Gamburyan’s place was momentarily
threatened by upstart Josh Grispi. However, the daunting task
of trying to take Jose Aldo’s title went to Gamburyan, who
will meet the Brazilian dynamo at WEC 51 on Sept. 30.
3.
Mike Thomas Brown (23-6)
Brown was a healthy favorite heading into his April 24 bout with
Manny Gamburyan. However, Gamburyan caught him with a thudding
right hand, pounced for the finish and knocked the former champion
further down the pecking order at 145 pounds.
4.
Urijah Faber (23-4)
Faber was set to make his 135-pound debut at WEC 50 on Aug. 18
until a knee injury scuttled his bout with Takeya Mizugaki. Now
he is targeting an October or November return, whereupon he'll
still take on Mizugaki in his divisional debut.
5.
Bibiano Fernandes (8-2)
In the first defense of the Dream featherweight title he captured
in October, Fernandes did enough to earn a split decision victory
over former Dream lightweight championJoachim Hansen. He kept
his title and notched easily the most important win of his blossoming
career.
6.
Michihiro Omigawa (11-8-1)
In what amounted to a pointless and perfunctory affair, Omigawa
had no trouble grounding and submitting overmatched Korean Young
Sam Jung at Dream 14 on July 10. Thankfully, Dream has better
competition to offer Omigawa moving forward.
7.
Marlon Sandro (17-1)
Few men in MMA can hit like Sandro. Despite being labeled as
another Nova Uniao grappler, Sandro showed his scary power once
again on June 20, when he needed just 38 seconds to crush Masanori
Kanehara and take the Sengoku featherweight title. It was Sandro’s
third sub-40-second knockout in his last four wins.
8.
Hatsu Hioki (21-4-2)
Hioki took the Shooto world title from "Lion" Takeshi
Inoue in one of the year's most entertaining bouts in May. The
lanky submission technician will now meet TUF alum Jeff Lawson
at Sengoku 14 on Aug. 22, a fight that might set the table for
a title challenger against Marlon Sandro in the near future.
9.
Josh Grispi (14-1)
It was another quick comeback win for Grispi. Returning from
an ankle injury, “The Fluke” looked like he was in
trouble for two minutes in his June 20 bout with L.C. Davis.
Some 30 seconds later, Davis was out cold from a Grispi guillotine,
and the Massachusetts native vaulted closer to a WEC title shot.
10.
Diego Nunes (14-1)
After a one-sided decision loss to L.C. Davis in November, Nunes
became just another face in a deep WEC featherweight crowd. However,
“The Gun” put together all his tools on June 20 and
took a split decision win over Raphael Assuncao in a highly entertaining
undercard affair that seems certain to raise his stock.
Other
contenders: Raphael Assuncao, L.C. Davis, Masanori Kanehara,
Joe Soto, Deividas Taurosevicius.
Bantamweight
1.
Dominick Cruz (15-1)
When Cruz gets back into the cage at WEC 50 on Aug. 18, a familiar
foe will be in front of him. Just a smidge over a year since
he bested Joseph Benavidez on points, Cruz will rematch the Team
Alpha Male rep in the first defense of his WEC bantamweight crown.
2.
Brian Bowles (8-1)
In his first title defense, Bowles was a step behind Dominick
Cruz throughout the WEC 47 main event. After two rounds of one-way
action, Bowles bowed out when a doctor examined his broken right
hand.
3.
Joseph Benavidez (12-1)
Rousing back-to-back stoppages of Rani Yahya and former WEC champion
Miguel Torres were enough to convince WEC brass that Benavidez
deserved a shot at the bantamweight title on Aug. 18. The onus
now falls on the Team Alpha Male product to prove that he has
improved enough to beat champion Dominick Cruz, who easily bested
him on points last August.
4.
Miguel Torres (37-3)
Coming off consecutive losses for the first time in his career,
Torres’ bantamweight stature will be on the line when he
returns to the cage on Sept. 30 at WEC 51. The former WEC champion
will attempt to get back into the win column when he takes on
sturdy veteran Charlie Valencia.
5.
Scott Jorgensen (10-3)
“Young Guns” continues to rocket towards a title shot,
and he has emerged as the likely next contender to face the winner
of the Dominick Cruz-Joseph Benavidez rematch. To solidify that
spot, Jorgensen will need to deal with surging Brit Brad “One
Punch” Pickett at WEC 50 on Aug. 18.
6.
Takeya Mizugaki (13-4-2)
Mizugaki will still get his marquee fight: After a knee injury
took former featherweight king Urijah Faber out of a bout with
Mizugaki for WEC 50, the Japanese standout will be given another
chance to welcome "The California Kid" to 135 pounds
later this year at either WEC 52 or WEC 53.
7.
Damacio Page (15-4)
Coming off shoulder surgery, Page was set for an April 24 return
against Antonio Banuelos on the main card of the WEC 48 pay-per-view.
However, further injury woes will keep the Greg Jackson pupil
out of action a bit longer.
8.
Rani Yahya (15-6)
Yahya’s road to another shot at the WEC bantamweight title
just got longer. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace dropped his second
straight bout at WEC 48, losing a unanimous verdict to Takeya
Mizugaki in a ho-hum affair that drops him behind the pack in
the WEC 135-pound division.
9.
Shuichiro Katsumura (11-7-3)
Katsumura will meet Dream veteran Darren Uyenoyama in a non-title
affair at “The Way of Shooto 5” at Korakuen Hall in
Tokyo on Sept. 23. It will be the first action for the unlikely
Shooto world champion since he claimed the title in his March
submission upset of Masakatsu Ueda.
10.
Masakatsu Ueda (11-1-2)
Desperately needing an impressive win to erase the memories of
his March upset loss to Shuichiro Katsumura, Ueda was on point
in his May 30 bout with WEC veteranAkitoshi Tamura. The former
Shooto world champion used all phases of his game -- developing
striking included -- to take a well-appointed unanimous decision.
Other
contenders: Antonio Banuelos, Wagnney Fabiano, Michael McDonald,
Charlie Valencia, Eddie Wineland.
Flyweight
1.
Jussier da Silva (7-0)
In a low-profile fight with big stakes, da Silva retained his
Shooto South American title and MMA’s 125-pound mantle on
June 12 with a dominant decision over Brazil’s second best
flyweight,Alexandre Pantoja. If there’s any justice, top
Shooto promoter Sustain will do its best to bring “Formiga”
back across the Pacific to challenge new Shooto world champion
Yasuhiro Urushitani.
2.
Yasuhiro Urushitani (17-4-6)
Back in 2003, Urushitani was considered the favorite to become
Shooto’s first 123-pound world champion. It took seven years,
but Urushitani finally accomplished the feat on May 30, taking
a unanimous decision over Ryuichi Miki to claim the vacant title.
3.
Mamoru Yamaguchi (23-5-3)
The former two-division Shooto world champion was set to defend
his KOTC 125-pound title for the first time on Aug. 5, but his
opponent, Greg Guzman, came in three pounds overweight, taking
the title off the table. Nonetheless, Yamaguchi battered Guzman,
elbowing him to an entertaining second-round finish.
4.
Yuki Shojo (10-5-2)
In a more entertaining outing than his September majority points
win over Junya Kudo, Shojo earned a lopsided unanimous decision
victory over tough Guam product Jesse Taitano on March 22. With
it, he kept pace in the Shooto 123-pound division.
5.
Ryuichi Miki (10-4-3)
A third bout with Yasuhiro Urushitani was the chance of a lifetime
for Miki, who had the chance to vie for the Shooto world title.
However, the first two bouts between Miki and Urushitani already
told us who was the better fighter, and it was Urushitani who
walked out the victor and champion on May 30.
6.
Kiyotaka Shimizu (6-3-1)
The underrated Shimizu continues to show improvement each and
every time out. In the first defense of his flyweight King of
Pancrase title, Shimizu halted Isao Hirose on cuts in the second
round, picking up his seventh win in his last eight fights; the
lone loss in that stretch came to divisional star Mamoru Yamaguchi.
7.
Pat Runez (4-0)
In his most recent bout, Runez showed savvy far beyond his actual
MMA experience. He overcame an early shellacking from John Dodson
to take a well-earned split decision win on Oct. 3, as he claimed
the Ultimate Warrior Challenge flyweight title in what was the
most significant 125-pound bout to date outside of Japan.
8.
Alexis Vila (8-0)
The best kept secret in the flyweight division, the former Olympic
wrestling bronze medalist posted his eighth career win on June
25, as he savaged tough veteran Omar Choudhury, stopping him
in the second frame. One can only hope the win will position
the dynamic Cuban for a bigger bout in the 125-pound division.
9.
Mitsuhisa Sunabe (12-6-3)
Sunabe's road back to the flyweight King of Pancrase title is
clear: In order to earn a rubber match with champ Kiyotaka Shimizu,
Sunabe will need to beat Shooto rep Noboru "Shinpei"
Tahara in their cross-promotional title elimination clash on
Sept. 5. 10. Fumihiro Kitahara (8-1-1)
Quietly piecing together a quality resume in Shooto’s 123-pound
division, Kitahara picked up another strong victory on April
24. The 2008 Shooto rookie champion outslugged gritty veteran
Masaaki Sugawara to earn a majority decision and take a leap
up in contention for the Shooto 123-pound world title.
Other
contenders: John Dodson, Ulysses Gomez, Isao Hirose, Alexandre
Pantoja, Jessie Riggleman.
Source: Sherdog
|
Battleground
Challenge 2
Tomorrow
Dole Cannery Ballroom, Honolulu, Hawaii
August 13, 2010
125lb tournament
Lawrence Lucious
Jan Quimoyog
Jason Dumoal
Daniel Asuncsion
155lb Title Competitors
Kekoa Ramelb
Arnold Berdon
Cheyne Todani
Nilo Degeuira
170lb Title competitors:
Danny Lopez
Jacob Chun
Eddie Ohia
James Stanford
145lb vacant belt: Travis Beyer vs. Shane Kahananui
Fight card is subject to change.
|
Chael
Sonnen, Vitor Belfort and the Art of Politics and Promotion
By Mike
Chiappetta
It
has been suggested over the last 24-36 hours that Chael Sonnen
laid the blueprint for beating Anderson Silva. That is a bit
of simplistic thinking, as there are few middleweights on the
earth with Sonnen's wrestling skills. It's a little like saying
Mariano Rivera has laid the blueprint for closing baseball games.
Acquire a singular talent over a lifetime of hard work, and apply
liberally. Simple, right?
Of
course, there is one man who can still follow the blueprint,
and that is Sonnen himself, as the UFC mulls over the possibility
of an immediate rematch.
It
puts the UFC in an interesting quandary. Do they immediately
bring back Sonnen, who despite four-plus rounds of dominance,
was legitimately defeated, or do they move on to Vitor Belfort,
as originally promised? Taking no chances, both men have already
begun their campaigns at getting the next shot at the belt.
For
all his bluster and occasional crossing of the line before the
fight, Sonnen was downright heart-tugging at its conclusion.
The Oregonian admitted his devastation at losing, lauded Silva's
comeback and then moved right back into the fight promotion business.
Sitting
on stage at the post-fight press conference, with Silva just
feet away and UFC President Dana White standing between them
at a podium, Sonnen bravely answered questions about what exactly
went wrong, and pleaded for another opportunity.
He
pitched a season of The Ultimate Fighter pitting he and Silva
as coaches. He reiterated his relentless pursuit of the championship.
He offered to fight right then and there.
"Here's
the truth: If the commission would sanction it and Dana would
move, I would fight him again right now," he said.
At
almost exactly the same time, Belfort was taking to cyberspace,
telling fans via Twitter, "Now guys I am waiting to hear
from Lorenzo [Fertitta] and Dana when I will fight Anderson silva
so let's wait and see."
The
next day, perhaps sensing that the public narrative was moving
away from him and towards a Sonnen-Silva rematch, Belfort was
at it again. And this time, it seemed he wasn't as sure.
"Dana
please give me the fight that every one want to see. This fight
will be the fight of the century. Give me Anderson," he
wrote.
Belfort,
of course, was supposed to fight Silva as far back as April before
suffering a shoulder injury that required surgery. The Brazilian
was in Oakland on Saturday to watch the Sonnen-Silva matchup,
and his camp had hoped to get a commitment for a title bout.
It
never came.
"I
believe that as a promoter my job is to give the fans the fight
they want to see," White told MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani
when asked about the middleweight title future.
But
what exactly is that? Fan reaction seems to be fairly split on
which man should be the next test for the Spider. Asked if Sonnen
might get an immediate rematch, White couldn't and didn't rule
it out.
"Anything
is possible," he said.
Sonnen
does not figure to slow down in his verbal pursuit of a rematch,
so Belfort better be prepared to contine the campaign on his
own behalf. If White and matchmaker Joe Silva have proven anything
over time, it's that they love fighters who proactively chase
their goals and name their targets, not the ones who just sit
back and wait for things to happen.
Sonnen
generated big interest in what was otherwise expected to be a
one-sided matchup with his mouth alone; now that people believe
that he has a legitimate chance to beat Silva, how much more
interested would they be in a rematch?
Belfort
still has the thunder in his fists, but this is no time for the
classy fighter to speak softly. If he wants it, he better continue
to let the world know. Sonnen's not going to be shy about what
he wants, and the loudest voice to speak may get White's attention.
"You
stick a microphone in a guy's face and he calls out anyone but
a champion, Joe Silva should fax them a pink slip right then,"
Sonnen said. "So I don't offer any apology. I'm never going
to change. I'm going to go after No. 1, whoever it is. If it's
Anderson or I've got to go up after the guys at 205 or I have
to go on a diet and go after [WEC featherweight champion] Jose
Aldo, it doesn't matter. If you have the belt, I'm coming after
you."
Your
move, Vitor.
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
UFC
117 Postmortem:
‘Spider’ Nearly Squashed, Dos Santos, More
by Jake
Rossen
Someday,
in his advanced age, Chael Sonnen will be pursuing a career in
politics, real estate or possibly as a carnival barker. To entertain
associates, he’ll tell the story of how he once beat Anderson
Silva, pound-for-pound the greatest fighter of all time. Basically.
If
Sonnen had kept his composure for just two more minutes Saturday,
he would’ve been able to forget about the qualifiers and
show off a belt. Instead, he fell victim to his regular vice:
blissful misunderstanding of submission defense. He became so
preoccupied delivering the last of CompuStrike’s 289 counted
total blows to Silva’s head that he didn’t notice Silva’s
long legs wrapping a noose around his neck. Two seconds of distraction
amounts to fifty years of regret.
Sonnen
will get plenty of notices for his performance, and he should;
Silva will get plenty of flak for his, and it’s a shame.
Sonnen had the ability and attitude to completely shut down Anderson,
forcing him to find a way other than strikes to end the fight
in his favor. Anderson took that and ran with it. It was more
impressive than if Silva had blown him out in the opening minutes
because Sonnen was able to display exactly how formidable a threat
he was. It’s a win with context.
Sonnen
lost as respectably as you can. But it’s still a loss. He
had an advantage for 23 minutes and couldn’t finish the
fight. When Silva had the advantage for ten seconds, he could.
Who’s the better fighter?
Next
for Silva: Vitor Belfort, a radically different style match-up
that promises to put more of Silva’s beautiful striking
on display.
Next
for Sonnen: A fight with Wanderlei Silva to line up a post-Belfort
opponent.
Next
for Roy Nelson: He showed a chin but not much else against Junior
dos Santos; slipping into gatekeeper status.
Next
for Jon Fitch: Flipping a coin with Josh Koscheck to see who
trains outside of AKA for their inevitable fight.
Next
for Matt Hughes: A three-match with Dennis Hallman, who beat
Ben Saunders on Saturday’s undercard. (Hallman beat Hughes
by submission -- twice -- early in their careers.)
New
Questions: UFC 117
Has
Silva’s stock gone up -- or down?
Has
Silva's stock slid?
Silva
has a remarkable UFC achievement: 12 consecutive victories with
nine finishes, including demolitions of highly durable fighters
Dan Henderson, Nate Marquardt, and a 205-pound Forrest Griffin.
But in the what-have-you-done-lately climate of MMA, his struggle
against Sonnen Saturday puts him back in the mere-mortal category:
Sonnen put him through the tumble-dry cycle for nearly five rounds
before getting submitted.
A
win is a win, and Silva snagged it. But his problems with a wrestler
undistracted by striking or unprepared with triangle defense
could become an issue if he ever faces Georges St. Pierre or
Jake Shields.
What
about Sonnen’s?
We
didn’t learn a lot we didn’t already know about Sonnen:
his wrestling is superior, but his submission defense is a low
wall to jump. There’s value in dominating the consensus
best fighter for 23 minutes, but not a whole lot in becoming
a statistic in Silva’s record victory stretch.
Sonnen
promised to beat Silva up, and he did more or less exactly that,
delivering more damage than Silva may have ever absorbed before.
For a fighter used to escaping from fights largely unmarked,
that might be worth bragging about. How much mileage that gets
him as time goes on is another story entirely.
Does
Alves need to head to 185 pounds?
Thiago
Alves, who missed weight by a half-pound on Friday, is perhaps
the most densely-built welterweight in the division. While he
clearly believes being so muscular is an advantage, it doesn’t
seem to be doing him many favors: he was fined 20 percent of
his purse and looked flat against Fitch, the likely result of
a tortured and depleted body. Dana White recommended Alves move
to 185 pounds, but the solution probably isn’t to keep eating:
it’s to drop some of the muscle in order to make the weight
cut more humane. Bowling-ball shoulders are impressive, but this
isn’t Mr. Olympia.
Does
dos Santos deserve a title opportunity?
Not
soon enough. Dos Santos, 25, has reeled off a perfect 6-0 UFC
record and failed to finish only Nelson. While that would appear
to give him a confidence boost against either Brock Lesnar or
Cain Velasquez, dos Santos has never faced a wrestler as aggressive
or capable as either of them. He’s earned it, but it may
not take long in the cage before he realizes he doesn’t
want it.
Etc.
Dana
White was noncommittal during the post-fight press conference
on whether Sonnen would be given an immediate rematch with Silva:
Belfort is in a position to challenge for the title, and it may
be best to make that fight while Belfort is still on the map…Both
Silva and Hughes got an additional $60,000 for Submission of
the Night since both were equally compelling: Silva pulled a
win out late, while Hughes submitted a master jiu-jitsu artist
in Ricardo Almeida. (Though, to be fair, Hughes needed to scramble
his brains with strikes first.) Stefan Struve got Knockout of
the Night…Hughes told journalists he plans on taking off
the fall to hunt and return sometime in 2011…Dana White
told MMAJunkie.com he might not necessarily grant Jon Fitch a
title shot following his win over a swollen Alves. Fitch deserves
it, but the real issue is St. Pierre getting stuck with rematches
over fighters he’s already bowled over. Time to start eating,
Georges.
Source: Sherdog
|
SILVA
WILL FIGHT WHOEVER UFC WANTS
by Damon
Martin
It wasn't Anderson Silva's night at UFC 117... until there was
less than two minutes to go in his championship bout with Chael
Sonnen.
The
Brazilian dug down deep and caught the former All-American wrestler
in a fight-ending triangle choke.
With
Sonnen on top of him for the majority of the fight, Silva did
his best to stay calm, and wait for the opportunity to strike.
Like a deadly tarantula, Silva waited until just the right moment
then he launched his attack.
The
champion kept his cool by thinking about the things that are
most important to him in life, and what all the hard work over
the last several months was for.
"The
main thing I was thinking about, I was thinking about my home,
I was thinking about my kids, my family, my wife, I haven't seen
them in three months," Silva said. "I was thinking
of my grandmother that just passed away about three weeks ago.
The whole time I was just thinking about my family and I just
couldn't wait to get home to see them."
At
the end of the first round, Silva could be seen wincing as he
headed back to his corner, and pointing towards his mid-section.
Later, the Brazilian admitted that he had an injury going into
the fight, but vowed to not let the fans or the UFC down by canceling.
"This
is not an excuse, but about a week and a half ago I was training
with (Satoshi) Ishii. He came to train with Lyoto (Machida),
and I had a bad injury to my rib," Silva admitted. "The
doctor told me not to fight, but I believe that the show must
go on."
The
show did go on, and despite a rough going for most of the fight,
Silva found a way to win.
The
champion said that Sonnen's verbal jabs were a "weird"
way of promoting the fight, but now that it's all over, he looks
at his challenger as he did any before him: just a challenger,
nothing more, nothing less.
"I
respect Chael, I respect all of my opponents, and basically I
don't hold any grudges," said Silva. "I look at the
UFC as we're a big family, we're a big team, and we're prepared
to fight any other organization, and of the best of the other
organization, everyone in the UFC is the best. We're a big team
and we have to fight each other every once in a while. What happens
in the ring is in the ring, once it's over, it's done."
Now
that it's done, would Silva entertain a rematch with Sonnen?
"I'm
a fighter. I'm here for the UFC and whatever the UFC decides
is fine with me," Silva stated.
The
UFC's middleweight champion will head back to Southern California
to help his teammates get ready for upcoming fights before going
home to Brazil to spend time with his family. Then it becomes
the UFC's job to decide if Silva rematches Sonnen, or if Vitor
Belfort could be waiting in the wings.
For
today however, Anderson Silva is simply just the champion and
the widely regarded best fighter on the planet once again.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
UK
SCENE: UFC 117 thoughts, UFC in the UK update, UK MMA news of
the week
By: Chris
Park, MMATorch UK Specialist
UFC
117 will go down as one of the most memorable cards in recent
times as every fight on the card lived up to the hype surrounding
this event in Oakland, California.
Junior
Dos Santos was taken to the scorecards for the first time in
his career as he saw off the game Roy Nelson to solidify himself
as the number one contender in the heavyweight division. John
Fitch put on a wrestling clinic to dominate Thiago Alves en route
to a unanimous decision while Matt Hughes rolled back the years
to submit Ricardo Almeida and take his current run to three straight
victories since his 2008 loss to Thiago Alves.
There
were also big wins for Clay Guida, Stefan Struve, Phil Davis,
Johny Hendricks, Tim Boetsch, Rick Story and Dennis Hallman,
as the evening climaxed towards the eagerly anticipated Middleweight
Title showdown between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen.
If
Anderson Silva is viewed as the pound-for-pound best fighter
on the planet then Chael Sonnen is without doubt the pound-for-pound
best trash talker on earth. Sonnen had his chance to put his
money where his mouth is and he took the opportunity with both
hands. Chasing down the Brazilian from the first bell, Sonnen
was determined to take the fight to Silva, not letting the champion
rest for a second. Sonnen caught Silva early and once the challenger
got his man to the ground – the showcase began.
Chael
Sonnen put on a twenty minute exhibition of ground-and-pound,
as he dominated the previously untested Silva for the majority
of this five-round war. If Dan Henderson gave Anderson Silva
problems then Sonnen gave the champion worries he didn’t
even know existed. The Californian crowd looked on in disbelief
as the big talking politician backed up his words round after
round making Anderson Silva look very much like a human being.
There
were so many occasions in the fourth and fifth rounds that Sonnen
left himself wide open for a submission, and with less than two
minutes from surrendering his title, Silva threw up the legs
and caught Sonnen perfectly in a triangle choke. Sonnen struggled
to survive before tapping under the pressure as referee Josh
Rosenthal stepped in to stop the fight. The challenger appeared
to want to continue the fight but as both fighters were separated
the replays clearly showed that Sonnen tapped after dominating
the champion for over twenty three minutes.
He
was so close and yet so far as Anderson Silva executed arguably
the best ever come-from-behind victory as he came back from the
brink of defeat to retain his title in one of the most dramatic
fights in MMA history.
====
UFC
UK President Marshall Zelaznik recently hinted to ESPN UK’s
Ben Blackmore that a Dan Hardy vs. Thiago Alves matchup could
happen in the near future. “Thiago Alves is a bit tied up
with Jon Fitch right now, but as I fan I can definitely see it
happening and Alves could be in line for Hardy in his next couple
of fights,” Zelaznik told ESPN.co.uk during the build up
to UFC 117.
“Right
now Hardy fights Carlos Condit, and I think if you look at Carlos'
wins, he ends things by stoppage. These are guys vying for a
shot at the title, as are Alves and Fitch, so I can definitely
see it playing out in the future.”
After
Alves lost what was said to be a number one contender fight to
Fitch on Saturday, a showdown with Hardy now becomes more than
a possibility.
However,
at the UFC 117 post-fight press conference Dana White was asked
about Alves, and his inability to reach the welterweight limit
for the second time in his last four UFC bouts. White expressed
his desire to see the Brazilian continue his career at middleweight,
stating, “[Alves] looked lethargic tonight, he looked slow.
He doesn’t belong at 170 - he belongs at 185lbs. It’s
bull***t to have guys make weight and have guys not make weight,
especially at this level. When you’re in the UFC, your job
is to make weight. Everyone else made weight that day, so it
wasn’t the scales. He didn’t come in on weight, period.
"Believe
me, I didn’t think Thiago didn’t want to make weight
– He [just simply] can’t. Could he have cut that half
a pound? Maybe he couldn’t have. Maybe he cut so much weight
that mentally, it would have broke him to go cut that last half
a pound and that’s bull***t. I guarantee he can make 185lbs.
and he’ll never have a problem at it.”
It
sounds as if this has been an issue that has been bothering White
for some time and the fact Alves gave up 20% of his purse for
just half a pound, coupled with his lack-luster performance,
may have been as much as White could take before speaking out.
With
back to back losses to Fitch and the one sided domination suffered
at the hands of Georges St. Pierre, there are limited options
available to Alves in a division he clearly struggles to cut
down to. Before Paul Daley threw his sucker punch at Josh Koscheck,
one fight all UK fans wanted to see was Daley vs. Alves. While
it looks like we will never see that particular fight, a Hardy
vs. Alves showdown is just as appealing and could provide one
last hurrah for Alves in the welterweight division.
With
many UK fans unhappy with the card that has so far been put together
for UFC 120, Hardy vs. Alves would likely please the masses as
a main event for the UFC’s next trip to this side of the
pond in 2011.
====
OTHER
NEWS IN BRIEF:
-UFC
President Dana White has spoken out to reassure UK fans that
UFC 120 will be "a great night of fights." White was
referring to a large portion fans who have expressed their concern
over the card and in particular the choice of Yoshihiro Akiyama
to fight Michael Bisping in the main event of the evening.
At
the UFC 117 post-fight press conference White said, “you
can’t say a card sucks... until it’s over. At the end
when it’s over, if it sucked, I’ll be the first one
to say so.”
===
-Team
Kaobon lightweight, Terry Etim has been forced of the UFC 118
card on August 28. Etim was looking to bounce back from his UFC
112 loss to Rafael Dos Anjos by defeating Joe Lauzon in Boston.
After breaking ribs in training last week the Brit had no choice
but to withdraw and has now been replaced by TUF 5 contestant
Gabe Ruediger who makes his long awaited return to the UFC.
===
-As
Paul “Semtex” Daley continues to be linked with every
MMA organisation that isn’t the UFC, one thing appears to
have been forgotten is the small affair of his punishment for
his post-fight punch on Josh Koscheck. The Quebec Athletic Commission
have made Tuesday August 10 the date that Daley will have his
hearing.
Source:
MMA Torch
|
Junior
Dos Santos is a bad, bad man…
Junior Dos Santos is next in line for a title shot at the winner
between champion Brock Lesnar and challenger Cain Velasquez at
UFC 121 in October.
As
expected, Dos Santos (13-1 MMA) and Nelson stood toe-to-toe throughout
a large portion of the fight, with Dos Santos repeatedly landing
his uppercut combination most of the fight.
Nelson
did a good job of keeping his hands up to protect his face and
head, and was able to back Dos Santos up using strong counters
and overhand right punches. However after two rounds, Nelson
looked noticeably exhausted during the last five minutes. Dos
Santos also looked tired, likely from not pacing himself earlier
in the fight, but was still able to secure the decision victory.
Dos
Santos continued to light Nelson up with upper cuts throughout
the fight, but Nelson was able to persevere for 15 minutes. This
is the first decision victory for Dos Santos in his career, after
finishing six straight opponents, including Strikeforce champion
Fabricio Werdum and former PRIDE champion Mirko “Cro Cop”
Filipovic.
“It
was a nice fight, he surprised me,” Dos Santos told MMA
writer Ariel Helwani after the event. “I’m very happy
with this victory.”
Meanwhile,
the victory over a hardened veteran such as Nelson has finally
earned Dos Santos a title shot. Both Lesnar and Velasquez are
fighters with strong wrestling backgrounds, while Dos Santos
is a talented striker with heavy hands.
Would
you rather see Dos Santos fight Lesnar or Velasquez?
In
the future, I’d like to try to see Dos Santos utilize his
leg kicks, though we’ll have to wait two fights as legs
kicks could be precarious against Lesnar or Velasquez.
It’s
possible Dos Santos could fight for the title in Brazil, but
UFC President Dana White only said the fight organization is
trying to reach the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Source:
MMA HQ
|
STRIKEFORCE
NEWS: Strikeforce announces a return to San Jose for October
9 card
By Rich
Hansen, MMA Torch Contributor
Home
is where the heart is, and for Strikeforce, San Jose is home.
Strikeforce will be coming home for a major show on October 9.
the October 9 event, which is set to air on Showtime, will be
the twelfth time Strikeforce has put on a show in San Jose.
The
October 9 card is expected to feature a long rumoured Middleweight
tournament. It is unknown at the time whether the tournament
will be a one-night tournament, or whether the October 9 event
will merely feature the opening rounds of the tournament.
Also
yet to be announced is the format of the tournament, as well
as the participants. Strikeforce does feature a deep lineup of
popular Middleweights, so they have the ability to go with a
four man or an eight man tournament.
What
is known is that the winner of this tournament will earn a title
shot versus either Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza or Tim Kennedy,
who face off against each other for the currently vacant Strikeforce
Middleweight Championship on August 21.
Strikeforce
is certainly hoping for stability in their Middleweight division,
as the title has been vacated by both of its previous champions.
Cung Le vacated the title in 2009 before ever having defended
it. Jake Shields won the title later in 2009, but was stripped
of the championship when Strikeforce released him in July of
this year.
The
Blowtorch Says: Strikeforce loves instability in their only stable
division. They currently have several fighters capable of being
considered a credible opponent to Jacare or Kennedy. After this
tournament is concluded, all but one of those contenders will
have a recent loss on their record and will be damaged goods.
Source: MMA Torch
|
Anderson
Silva Out Until February or March 2011 With Cracked Rib
by Nick
Thomas
"After
the first round he [Anderson Silva] said he broke his ribs. He
said told me he could not breath because of the rib. I told him
to forget the rib and work the movement of legs and he would
get the triangle… After the fight he went to the hospital
and did an x-ray and the doctor said he did not break it, it
was just a crack," Lemos said.
"Anderson
is expected to return in February or March."
--
Ramon Lemos, Anderson Silva’s jiu jitsu coach talks to tatame.com.br
(translated by fightersonlymagazine.co.uk)
Source:
Bloody Elbow
|
Yoshihiro
Akiyama Believes Money Is Answer to Revive MMA in Japan
By Daniel
Herbertson
Japanese fighters have had a pretty good run in the States over
the last month.
Takanori
Gomi's stunning KO over Tyson Griffin, Yushin Okami's takedown
defense clinic against Mark Munoz and former Shooto bantamweight
and featherweight champion Mamoru Yamaguchi's first successful
defense of his King of the Cage junior flyweight strap against
Greg Guzman have lifted the spirits of a country that has been
struggling for success over the past few years.
There
is a still a long way to go though. Two of the most successful
Japanese fighters in the UFC, Yushin Okami and Yoshihiro Akiyama,
met with the press for the Japanese announcement of UFC Undisputed
2010 and gave their thoughts on what is needed to revive Japanese
MMA.
"There
are lots of difficulties, of course," Yoshihiro Akiyama
commented. "To be honest, I think the MMA bubble in Japan
has burst. The quickest and simplest way to get back popularity
is to increase the fight money for the world-class fighters.
This is my personal opinion, but if fighters earn the amount
of money that they deserve, they will try best of their ability
and then the fights will attract more people. In the UFC, there
are some fighters who earn [millions of dollars]. That fact must
encourage many fighters who are struggling financially. If there
were Japanese fighters earning millions, I believe we would draw
better audiences.
Akiyama
revealed in his autobiography "Two Souls" and more
recently on his blog that a long time friend has embezzled possibly
up to one million dollars of Akiyama's money and he is currently
investigating his legal options to get it back. With this is
in mind, it is no surprise that he is focused on the financial
aspects of MMA and he has stated that this has been a significant
distraction for him.
Yushin
Okami was more ambiguous with his response, but he also seemed
to think that bigger paydays may be key.
"Everybody
loves sport in Japan. I know that MMA is huge in the States now,
but someday, if we can create the ideal atmosphere where all
the fighters can concentrate exclusively on fighting, Japanese
MMA will rise again. We have to create that kind of atmosphere
first."
Japanese
legend and former pound-for-pound great Hayato "Mach"
Sakurai has also expressed similar feelings in the past. Due
to the private nature of Japanese promotions, it is hard to be
sure just exactly how big the pay difference is between Japanese
and American promotions.
With
FEG's planned $230 million cash injection from Chinese backer
PUJI Capital, and Sengoku cash cow discount chain store Don Quijote
doing very well recently, money may be coming to Japanese MMA
eventually, but it remains to be seen how it is spent and whether
that cash will bring about the needed change.
Source:
MMA Fighting
|
The
Stories That Emerged from UFC 117
by Tomas
Rios
I’m
a man who loves his violence, and UFC 117 did nothing if not
deliver on that front. For those of you not satisfied with world-class
fights alone, only proper contextualization for what went down
Saturday will do.
That’s
why I stayed up extra late to deliver the stories that really
matter coming out of UFC 117. The fact that I was paid had nothing
to do with it. I promise.
I
Did Tap Out
For
over 22 minutes, Chael Sonnen was doing the impossible -- making
Anderson Silva look every bit the flawed human that he is.
And
then the clock struck midnight, as Silva’s lengthy limbs
locked up a triangle choke that Sonnen had no hope of escaping.
The second Sonnen tapped out, a million obituaries for Silva’s
greatness went up in flames and the table was set for a chaotic
future in the middleweight division.
There
is simply no telling what happens from here on out. For all we
know, Silva’s rib injury excuse is bunk and he got old overnight.
By the same token, maybe Sonnen blew his one chance to be a champion
in the UFC and will be forever remembered for choking on the
one-yard line.
The
collateral damage of this fight may even include Vitor Belfort,
who is supposed to be next in line for a shot at Silva’s
middleweight crown. In light of the drama that UFC 117’s
main event produced, Dana White has already started waffling
on who has dibs on the No. 1 contender’s spot.
Unbelievable
as it may seem, the post-fight drama could end up making Sonnen’s
hyperbolic vitriol leading into the fight look like child’s
play.
The
Gypsy Knows All and Beats All
Roy
Nelson was supposed to be a tough night for any heavyweight alive.
Against Junior dos Santos, he mostly functioned as a punching
bag.
For
all the flaws dos Santos showed against Nelson -- questionable
cardio and fundamentally flawed striking defense being the most
glaring -- he did stuff every takedown “Big Country”
went for and proved once again that he is arguably the best power
puncher in the division. More importantly this win, and the manner
in which he got it, guarantees a third straight superfight for
the UFC heavyweight title.
I
can’t even begin to remember the last time there were three
straight UFC heavyweight title bouts that even approached superfight
status. Against all odds, the black sheep of the UFC’s weight
classes has transformed into a zoo of intergalactic smash-beasts.
Watching
dos Santos go from unknown prospect to kill-shot artist in the
UFC was an entirely unique experience given the UFC’s spotty
history with grooming heavyweights. Although the arrival of Brock
Lesnar will rightfully be remembered as what got the division
going again, smaller moments like the emergence of Cain Velasquez
and “Cigano” are what have made the division sustainable.
A
Country Boy Can Choke You Unconscious
Ricardo
Almeida was starting to look like a vulture circling the carcass
of Matt Hughes’ career, picking away at the last scraps
of the former welterweight champion’s greatness.
Just
as a lifetime’s worth of competition started nipping at
Hughes’ heels, he landed a crushing counter left hook that
sent Almeida straight to the canvas. The trip turned out to be
one way, as Hughes locked up a front headlock that had every
wrestling fan in the house flashing back to the glory days of
freestyle wrestling legend Dave Schultz.
Within
moments Hughes’ constricting grip strength had Almeida,
a world-class submission wrestler, out like a corpse. Just like
that, Hughes’ unsightly bout with Renzo Gracie was erased
from the collective memory and replaced by the sight of an unconscious
Almeida laid out on the canvas.
While
Hughes isn’t about to make another run at the welterweight
title, he did buy himself a healthy dose of relevance in the
division. Just how much more fight he has left in him is anyone’s
guess, but Hughes did prove he has way more than the majority
of fight heads, myself included, thought he did.
Source: Sherdog
|
Is
there such a thing as a PPV blackout based on region?
By Zach
Arnold
I’ll
elaborate on that in a second.
First…
article of the day: UFC 117 – Jon Fitch and Chael Sonnen
demonstrate the positives and negatives of MMA as sport and entertainment
Gilbert
Melendez is a brand new father. He has a new baby girl named
Leylakay Valentina Melendez that was born on Sunday at 1:18 PM.
7 pounds, 13 ounces. Congratulations.
Darren
Uyenoyama announced that he will be fighting Shooto 60kg champion
Shuichiro Katsumurau on 9/23 in Tokyo. Naturally, it will be
a non-title match. This has upset Sherdog’s Tony Loiseleur:
Just
heard Darren Uyenoyama WON’T face Shuichiro Katsumura for
the belt. It’ll be more non-title silliness. Oh JMMA, will
you never learn?
Should
be fun: Katsumura is an accomplished grappler. We saw him capture
the title from Masakatsu Ueda w/what Bravo called the “ninja
choke.”
Uyenoyama
himself is good in BJJ, spending some years out of MMA to hone
it. If he’s half as active as when he fought Tokoro, then
great.
I
saw a unique message yesterday from someone who works at the
UFC gym in Concord, California:
UFC
117 is being blacked-out 30 miles from the coliseum… So
the fight will not be shown in Walnut Creek … But it is
being shown @ the UFC gym in Concord 1975 diamond blvd…This
event is open to members and non-members alike…
Does
anyone know if this ‘blackout’ rule has happened before
for other UFC PPV events? The blackout rule has proved to be
controversial before for the NFL in certain markets (Jacksonville
and… Oakland with the Raiders). Has Comcast or other PPV
providers ever been able to enforce or implement such a blackout
rule for a PPV? (This sounds so odd because I’ve seen non-stop
barker advertising for the show on CSN Bay Area.)
Jake
Rossen says that Chael Sonnen will now forever run around telling
people that he once beat Anderson Silva and call Anderson the
greatest pound-for-pound fighter ever.
Ed
Soares doesn’t think that Chael Sonnen deserves an immediate
rematch to fight Anderson Silva.
Yoshihiro
Akiyama claism ex-manager embezzled a lot of money from him.
The
Los Angeles Business Journal has more details on MC Hammer getting
into the MMA agency business and it is noted that there are financial
backers supporting this agency. Why are financial backers needed
to support an MMA agency — shouldn’t an agency be able
to generate it’s own cash?
Source: Fight Opinion
|
MANUWA
TOPS THE ACTION AT ULTIMATE CHALLENGE
by Lee Whitehead
LONDON – The Troxy, London played host to the latest installment
of Ultimate Challenge, headlined by an encounter that will have
a big impact on the U.K. light heavyweight division: the clash
between undefeated Jimi Manuwa and one-time IFL prospect Valentino
Petrescu.
Hats
off to both Petrescu and Manuwa, as both came to fight, laying
it all on the line, and backing their intentions up with strikes.
One of the two was going to remain undefeated, but neither was
playing safe.
Petrescu
was very aggressive in his opening salvo, firing in kicks and
a right hook that found its mark, while Manuwa tried to get a
feel for the timing of his opponent. The Italian fighter comes
from a K-1 background, but it was Manuwa who proved to be more
effective in the plum, landing thunderous knees that shaved some
of the pace off the encounter.
Having
found his groove, Manuwa started to land his trademark left hook
and although able to take some big shots, the toll was starting
to show on his opponent. Another short left hook rumbled Petrescu,
who backed up against the cage in order to get out of range.
But the Briton followed him in and landed a barrage of punches
that ended with a huge left hook, right cross/uppercut combination
that finished the fight.
Jamaine
Facey had to work very hard to pick up the victory over Edgelson
Lua, who proved to be a slippery grappler that almost forced
a tap at the end of the first round with a tight rear naked choke.
Facey has always thrived on distance in order to land his rangy
strikes, but Lua was playing safe and grinding the fight in his
direction.
The
second round followed in similar fashion, with Facey looking
to land his kicks, including a nice crescent, but Lua took it
to the canvas once again, this time trying to work an Americana
from side control. A beautiful reversal from Facey scuppered
those plans and he transitioned to mount, letting loose with
pointed strikes to stop the bout three seconds from the end of
the round.
Francis
Heagney proved to be too much for Brad Wheeler as the former
controlled the pace throughout, having grounded the fight shortly
after the bell, hammering away with strikes at every opportunity.
All Wheeler's hopes were pinned on trying to catch a submission
between transitions, but every time he tried, Heagney held his
nerve and kept driving home his fists. This eventually proved
too much for the young fighter and the fight was stopped due
to ground and pound. Wheeler appeared to be a mess after, but
thankfully walked from the cage under his own steam.
A
fantastic blazing exchange took place between John Kelly and
Tom Dixon as both displayed a complete MMA game, trading strikes
hard and fast and mixing it with good groundwork in the first.
Kelly looked to have more power in his offense, quickly dropping
his opponent in the opening seconds. Dixon recovered quickly,
however, landing a spinning backfist and a big left hook that
broke Kelly's nose.
A
brief interruption between the two occurred when a Kelly low
kick went astray, forcing a break in the action. Apology accepted;
they kept it clean and resumed where they left off. Kelly pressed
the action and at 1:14 into the round, a big left hook found
its mark. Dixon was out. Referee Leon Roberts stepped in quickly
to prevent any further damage.
(Note:
Tom Dixon had already won earlier in the night, taking zero damage,
so when Kelly’s original opponent, Roy Allison, pulled out
of the bout, Dixon agreed to step into the firing line again!)
Jake
Bostwick recorded a knockout win over Earl Brown in the early
part of the second round that will be used on the Ultimate Challenge
highlight reel for a while to come. The first round saw both
fighters content to trade blows with Bostwick looking to land
his heavy hands with winging hooks. Brown was obviously aware
of his adversary’s power and tried to keep his range. Even
so, Bostick managed to close and land a big slam midway through
the first before taking up his battering offense, but was unable
to finish before the round rang out.
Coming
into the second stanza, Bostwick was in headhunter mode and found
his mark, landing a huge right hook on his opponent's chin to
send him crashing to the canvas unconscious.
Mark
Potter put on a brutal display as he systematically picked apart
Ian Hawkins with punches, literally not caring about head movement
or anything, just firing heavy handed crosses and hooks to back
Hawkins into the cage. He could have stopped, having landed two
hard right hooks and a left to the liver that sent his opponent
down, but instead, he fired a soccer kick to the head that was
uncalled for and thus, he was disqualified.
Giorgio
Andrews won his encounter with Spencer Morris in bizarre fashion
having picked up a one-armed rear naked choke that his opponent
tapped to immediately. Andrews was dominating the action with
his ground and pound leading up to the submission, and was never
really in danger except for a very brief run at a Kimura by Morris
in the opening round. It is bizarre that his opponent capitulated
in such a way without resistance, but I am sure Andrews will
be pleased to pick up victory in his natural weight class.
Dan
Movahedi looked to be doing everything right in the opening minutes
of his bout by closing the distance and driving his opponent
up against the cage, working upper body control before landing
a trip to the mat. He kept the pressure on with strikes while
Ben Craggy looked to wait out the worst of his attack. The mistake
Movahedi made was to allow Craggy up high enough to execute a
trip into side control. Capitalizing quickly, he setup a crucifix
and hammered home until the referee stepped in.
Michael
Brown came at Joe Holder with a high-flying knee that missed
its target by mere inches... highlight reel stuff. From there
he looked to be in control of the bout, landing some good leg
kicks while Holder was on his back. It wasn't until both were
back on their feet that Holder drove forward to land a single
leg into side control.
Brown
didn't look quite as comfortable in this position and when Holder
transitioned to mount he started to look for a way out, leaving
his head open to a barrage of hard punches. To his credit, he
didn't appear to be in danger of going out, but wasn't defending
intelligently enough to let the assault carry on.
In
other action, Dean Bray came through an exhausting first round
with Simon Gould before setting up a rolling guillotine for the
tap in the second, Steve O'Keefe completely eschewed a standing
exchange with Alex Harvey before driving out a ground and pound
stoppage, and Tom Dixon (in his first fight of the evening) submitted
Dan Shortman with a triangle whilst coming off a reversal.
FULL
RESULTS:
-Jimi Manuwa def. Valentino Petrescu via KO at 3:08, R1
-Jamaine Facey def. Edgelson Lua via TKO (Strikes) at 4:57, R2
-Francis Heagney def. Brad Wheeler via TKO (Strikes) at 4:48,
R1
-John Kelly def. Tom Dixon via KO at 1:14, R2
-Jake Bostwick def. Earl Brown via KO at 1:27, R2
-Ian Hawkins def. Mark Potter via Disqualification (illegal Soccer
Kick) at 1:12, R1
-Giorgio Andrews def. Spencer Morris via Submission (Rear Naked
Choke) at 3:07, R1
-Ben Craggy def. Dan Movahedi via TKO (Strikes) at 3:16, R1
-Joe Holder def. Michael Brown via TKO (Strikes) at 2:47, R1
-Dean Bray def. Simon Gould via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
at 1:36, R2
-Steve O'Keefe def. Alex Harvey via TKO (Strikes) at 1:48, R1
-Tom Dixon def. Dan Shortman via Submission (Triangle Choke)
at 1:20, R
Source: MMA Weekly
|
King
Mo: ‘I’m the Underdog’ against Cavalcante
by Joe
Myers
It’s not often that a world champion thinks of himself as
an underdog, but that’s how Strikeforce light heavyweight
champion Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal views himself going
into his title defense against Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante
in the Strikeforce “Houston” main event on Aug. 21
at the Toyota Center in Houston.
“To
me, there’s no pressure from my being unbeaten,” Lawal
said during a Monday teleconference. “There’s no pressure
on me. ‘Feijao’ has been around longer and is more
well known, but because of marketing and things like that, people
see me as the bigger name. I remember seeing him on Showtime
and in the IFL, and I think he’s the favorite. I’m
the underdog, even though I’m the champ.”
Cavalcante
said getting a shot at Lawal’s title is an opportunity he
has looked forward to for a long time and one he will not let
pass by easily.
“This
is something I’ve been working towards for six years,”
said Cavalcante. “This is my dream and why I train every
day. [Lawal] is a tough and smart guy, and I love to fight guys
like that. This fight is going to be a war, and the crowd going
to love it. For both of us, it’s not just about winning
the fight but how you win the fight.”
The
29-year-old Lawal is a two-time collegiate All-American wrestler
who won the Strikeforce title with a unanimous five-round decision
over Gegard Mousasi at Strikeforce “Nashville” in April.
It was just the second time in seven professional contests Lawal
had a fight go the distance. However, he remains reticent when
asked about where he sees himself among the elite at 205 pounds.
“I
don’t know,” said Lawal. “To me, rankings are
a joke. There might be somebody we don’t know about who
could beat everybody. Anybody can be beat by anybody.”
A
winner in five of his last six starts, Cavalcante is coming off
a first-round knockout of Antwain Britt at Strikeforce “Heavy
Artillery” in May. He has finishes in all nine of his victories
(eight knockouts, one submission) and has never had any of his
11 pro fights reach the judges’ scorecards.
“Feijao”
-- who holds a black belt in Brazilian ju-jitsu and trains with
the likes of Andre Galvao, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and
Anderson Silva at Team Nogueira in Brazil -- said his ground
skills are underrated and that Lawal would be in danger of being
submitted if he tried to take him down.
“I
think I train with the best team in the world with Team Nogueira,”
said Cavalcante. “My ground game is better than [Mousasi’s]
was. I don’t think he’s going to take me to the ground
as easily, and he won’t want to stay on the ground with
me. I’m a ground guy. I finish a lot of fights standing
up, but I can go to the ground, too. I haven’t really had
a chance to show my ground game, but maybe I’ll do it this
time.”
Lawal
knows he will have his hands full with Cavalcante, regardless
of where the fight takes place.
“I’ve
got a lot of respect for [Cavalcante],” said Lawal. “He’s
been to Abu Dhabi [to compete in the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission
Wrestling World Championships]. He’s got an underrated ground
game and big hands, too. I feel like he’s dangerous everywhere.
I have to mind my Ps and Qs when I’m in there with him.”
Lawal
said he does feel that Cavalcante’s talk regarding his ground
skills is a bit of showmanship, though.
“It’s
all mental warfare,” said Lawal. “He likes to knock
out people. He has a ground game, but I’ve got some good
guys in there, too. I’ve been training with Dean Lister
and Fabricio Werdum, so I think my submission defense will be
there, as well.”
In
other notes:
•
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said negotiations with Fedor Emelianenko
and his management company, M-1 Global, regarding his next fight
are “an ongoing process, but I’m sure we’ll come
to some kind of understanding. The only thing is the when and
where for his next fight. Hopefully, we’ll have something
to announce in the next couple of weeks.”
•
Coker also said Strikeforce remains focused on promoting in North
America, even though the organization has had offers to do events
in the Middle East, Korea and Macao.
•
With the organization holding a four-woman, one-night tournament
on Friday at its Strikeforce Challengers 10 event in Phoenix,
Coker said Strikeforce has talked about adding the 125-pound
weight class to its 135- and 145-pound female divisions, but
nothing has been determined yet.
Source:
Sherdog
|
|