Saturday, June 30, 2012
Sarah Kaufman says Ronda Rousey is in for a ?shock? this August
UFC 147: A Triumphant Return to Brazil, but Not for Wanderlei Silva
Here’s the story. I was all set to take my latest trip into the Octagon on Sunday night, but a rain storm here in merry old England knocked out the satellite signal while I was recording the show. This meant that I had to wait to record the repeat showing in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
So, after a slight delay, I can now bring you my thoughts on the return fight between Wanderlei Silva and Rich Franklin in the main event of UFC 147, originally shown this past weekend on ESPN here in Britain.
The broadcast began in the featherweight division as Yuri Alcantara took on Hacran Dias.
This was the proverbial game of two halves. While the striking game didn’t exactly set the world alight the ground game featured some great technical action.
Dias put in a dominating performance in that particular area, going for an arm triangle on a couple of occasions. Alcantara, for his part, showed some sound defensive work, almost getting the submission with an armbar at one point. It may not have been flashy but it was technically great.
With neither man able to get the finish, the judges were called into action as Dias took the unanimous decision.
It was up to heavyweight for the next fight as Fabricio Werdum faced Mike Russow.
Russow was almost booed out of the building before the fight began just because he wasn’t Brazilian. When the fight began, Werdum was on the front foot straight away.
We saw a brief clinch against the cage that came to nothing before Werdum took the fight to his American opponent, and as the first round passed it’s halfway point, Werdum connected with a right uppercut that sent Russow down. Werdum followed him down for a spot of ground and pound before the referee stepped in to give him the TKO win.
Then it was on to the first of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil finals, this one in the featherweight division as Godofredo Pepey went up against Rony Jason.
This historic fight proved to be a very interesting three-round affair. They began by swinging for the fences before Pepey pulled guard and took the fight to the ground.
The problem with this tactic was that when Pepey took the fight to the ground, he did very little from that position. His only offensive tactic was a kimura attempt.
It was a tactic that Pepey would try again later on, but this time Jason caught him and slammed him to the ground to begin his stellar stint.
As for the striking, although it was a little wild at times, it was also effective. Pepey was a little too effective at times, though, when he connected with a couple of kicks south of the border.
With no finish from either man, the judges were brought into the equation again as Jason took the unanimous decision.
Then it was on to the middleweight final as Cezar Ferreira faced Sergio Moraes.
The story of this fight was simple. It was the tale of the striker versus the brawler.
Ferreira’s striking was top notch, extremely technical in every sense. His punches were crisp and his somewhat spectacular kicks were more than effective.
On the opposite end of the scale you had Moraes, who spent most of the fight swinging for the fences and putting on an effective display in his own right.
It made for a fine three-round encounter. Both men had their moments as they put each other on the back foot on more than one occasion. It was a compelling show.
There was more work for the judges at the end of this one as Ferreira took the unanimous decision, although I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw more of Moraes in the Octagon in the next couple of years.
The main event, a catch weight bout made at 190, saw Wanderlei Silva taking on Rich Franklin.
This was one of those intriguing fights off of which you can't take your eyes. It may not have been filled with flashy action but technically it was great.
The first two rounds looked pretty even. Both fighters got in some good shots and combinations. The tide turned towards the end of the second, though, when Silva upped his game, rocking Franklin with a series of blows before sending him down with a big right.
Silva followed him in for the kill and unleashed a ground and pound barrage. Franklin was lucky to survive, and as the old saying goes, he was saved by the bell.
While Franklin went back to his good work at the beginning of the third, Silva looked visibly tired. It looked as if exertions at the end of the second had caught up with him, especially when Franklin began to pick him apart.
Franklin scored with the only takedown of the fight towards the end of the third, and like Silva five minutes before, he looked to take the win via ground and pound. But like Franklin, Silva managed to survive.
Franklin’s excellent striking continued into the fourth and the early stages of the fifth, but as the fight entered it’s final moments, Silva seemed to get a second wind and connected with a series of rights. Franklin fought back, a big left sending the Brazilian down as the fight ended.
So, with no knockouts in this fight, the judges were called into action once again as Franklin took the unanimous decision.
In conclusion—having been slightly disappointed with the UFC’s last show—their latest trip to Brazil certainly made up for that.
I really enjoyed this one. All of the fights were great, particularly the two Ultimate Fighter Brazil finals, and although those fighters put in stellar efforts, my fight of the night must go to the Silva/Franklin encounter. It was nice to see these two in the cage against each other again. Hopefully we’ll see them go up against their original opponents some time in the future.
Only one more thing left to do now, and that’s to give UFC 147 the big thumbs up.
Don’t forget to check out my website at twoshedsreview.blogspot.com, as well as my Facebook page at Facebook.com/twoshedsreview.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
?UFC 148 Primetime: Silva vs. Sonnen II? Debuts Tonight on FUEL TV
The 30-minute special will then stream on UFC.com immediately after at 7:30PM ET for fans whose cable companies don?t carry FUEL.
The documentary focuses on middleweight king Anderson Silva (Pictured) and chatty challenger Chael Sonnen as they prepare to perform in the most anticipated rematch in mixed martial arts history.
After manhandling Silva for nearly five complete rounds at UFC 117, Sonnen was abruptly submitted with only 110 ticks remaining on the clock. Uncle Chael has been a thorn in ?The Spider?s? side ever since the August 2010 defeat.
The sequel takes place next Saturday inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Please click the media player below to watch a sneak peek from tonight?s show:
Here is the official roster for UFC 148:
Preliminary Card:
(Facebook 7PM ET/4PM PT)
Yoislandy Izquierdo vs. Rafaello Oliveira
(FX 8PM ET/5PM PT)
Shane Roller vs. John Alessio
Riki Fukuda vs. Constantinos Philippou
Melvin Guillard vs. Fabricio Camoes
Gleison Tibau vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Main Card:
(Pay-Per-View 10PM ET/7PM PT)
Ivan Menjivar vs. Mike Easton
Chad Mendes vs. Cody McKenzie
Demian Maia vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Cung Le vs. Patrick Cote
Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin
Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva (UFC middleweight champion)
It's Showtime: Peter Aerts defeated by Tyrone Spong
It's Showtime held editions 57 and 58 in Brussels, Belgium today, featuring the farewell bout of Peter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts. It was an extremely thrilling card, with some upsets like Robin van Roosmalen's loss due to TKO as a result of a cut over his eye and amazing knockouts like Andy Ristie's devastating KO of Samir Djabba at 20 seconds into their first round on the second card.Tyrone Spong defeated the legendary, Peter Aerts, by TKO in Round Three of the Dutch Lumberjack's farewell bout. To his
Source: http://lowkick.blitzcorner.com/K-1/it-s-showtime-peter-aerts-defeated-by-tyrone-spong-16276
Pat Schilling on UFC Release: 'I Have No Regrets, Still Feels Like a Dream'
For many young people, it is a dream to become a celebrity. Whether it’s to become a famous musician, an athlete or even the President, most have high hopes of having their names plastered all over the country.
For young athletes in combat sports, the dream is to make it to the big stage of the UFC where they will fight in front of millions of fans worldwide. But like most of these dreams, very few ever get to see it come to fruition.
Minnesota MMA fighter Pat Schilling lived his dream of competing in the UFC in January when he fought Daniel Pineda in the Octagon at UFC on FX.
Schilling was not expecting to get the opportunity so quickly. The 23-year-old was caught off-guard when he received the phone call while working in his retail job at Best Buy.
Unfortunately, Schilling fell flat that night, submitting to Pineda in just 97 seconds. Octagon jitters might have gotten the best of him.
Schilling got another chance to prove himself in early June at The Ultimate Fighter 15 finale when he fought Max Holloway. Though he lasted to the final bell, the end result was the same as Schilling watched as his opponent’s hand was raised in the center of the Octagon after the fight.
With an 0-2 record in the UFC, Schilling knew that his name was potentially on the UFC chopping block. Though he showed tremendous heart in his loss to Holloway, Schilling was released by the UFC.
“I can't say I didn't see it coming, but you can see a punch in the face coming too and it still hurts,” Schilling told MNMMAnews.com’s Ben Pherson. “But I am not a dweller. Obviously, there is so much more positive to come from the overall experience than the negative of losing and getting cut. I consider myself incredibly lucky and grateful to Dana White, Sean Shelby and the UFC for the amazing opportunity.”
Schilling’s positive attitude is a nice change-of-pace from the sometimes hostile reactions that certain fighters have following their release.
“I can't say there was a bad part of the UFC experience,” he said. “I have no regrets. Still feels like a dream.”
A separated shoulder, which he sustained in the early minutes of the fight against Holloway, will keep Schilling out until November with a medical suspension. He admits to being anxious to get back to training, but is taking things one step at a time.
“Wounds are still a little fresh to make any big decisions,” Schilling said. “If I fight [in Minnesota] again, I hope it is against someone who will make it fun to watch for everyone.”
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
Dana White: Anderson Silva is in Rare Form Entering UFC 148
Silva has previously fought for UFC president Dana White on 14 occasions, with 10 of the scraps being of the championship variety, and even White admitted Silva is in rare form entering the July 7th rematch. No, not medium rare?
?I?ve promoted every Anderson Silva fight since he?s been in the UFC and I?ve never heard him talk even remotely closely like this,? White expressed. ?He usually doesn?t say anything negative or disrespectful. I?ve never heard Anderson so over the top like this.?
Among some of the threats Silva threw the chatty challenger?s way; ?I?m gonna break his face and break every one of his teeth in his mouth,? ?I?m going to beat him maybe the way his parents should have beaten him to teach him some manners,? and pretty much everything else that didn?t involve eating Sonnen?s children.
After manhandling Silva for nearly five complete rounds at UFC 117, Sonnen was abruptly submitted with only 110 ticks remaining on the clock. Since the August 2010 defeat, Sonnen had been doing everything within his power to land a rematch ? including bringing Silva?s wife into the mix, which appears to have been the straw that broke the camel?s back.
?You tell Anderson Silva I?m coming over and I?m kicking down his back door and patting his little lady on the ass and I?m telling her to make me a steak, medium rare, just how I like it,? Sonnen previously said on The MMA Show.
The sequel has been nearly two years in the making, and thankfully the shootout is now just 11 days away. According to White, showtime can?t get here soon enough because there isn?t much more that can be said following yesterday?s lambasting.
?I don?t think there?s too much more Anderson Silva can say,? White stated. ?I think he?s been pretty clear how he feels and what he wants to do and what?s going to happen.?
UFC 148 takes place inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Urijah Faber Weighs In On Long Hair as an Advantage in MMA
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/6uuY4yfJtUo/
Jordan Breen Pre-Fight Weekend MMA Chat Recap
Source: http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Jordan-Breen-PreFight-Weekend-MMA-Chat-Recap-43871
Patricio Pitbull challenges Pat Curran for featherweight world championship, plus the finals of the light heavyweight and bantamweight tournaments headline Bellator 73 on August 24th
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Ticket prices range from $25-$100.
The event will take place LIVE on MTV2 and in commercial-free HD on EPIX with the preliminary fights being streamed online at Spike.com. As the largest casino resort between Atlantic City and Las Vegas, Harrah?s Tunica offers a state of the art, 2,300 seat event center perfect for live MMA action. Along with 140,000 square feet of casino entertainment, the resort is also home to Willows Sporting Clays & Hunting Center.
?Harrah?s Tunica was a fantastic venue partner for us when we made our first visit last year, and I expect another energized, sold-out crowd on August 24th,? Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. ?Pat Curran vs. Patricio Pitbull is a world title fight between two of the most explosive and versatile featherweights on earth. Both can finish any fight with relentless strikes or vicious submissions. This will be an epic title fight to remember for years to come.?
Widely regarded as one of the top two featherweights in the world, Curran?s road to the title was an impressive one. After an incredible Peruvian necktie submission victory over Luis Palomino in the Bellator Season 5 Quarterfinals, Curran collected a unanimous decision win over Ronnie Mann. With the victory, Curran secured a spot in the Featherweight Finals against Marlon Sandro. Curran pushed the pace early, and in the second round delivered a devastating, highlight-reel roundhouse kick to the head of Sandro that earned the Crystal Lake, Ill. product his eventual title shot against Warren at Bellator 60. After two back and fourth rounds, Curran delivered a barrage of strikes that ended the fight in the third round and earned Curran the Bellator Featherweight Title.
?This fight with Patricio is one I?ve been looking forward to for a while,? Curran said. ?This will be my first title defense, and I just want to get back in the cage and keep developing as a fighter. Pitbull is an outstanding fighter, so this should be a great fight.?
For Pitbull, the explosive Brazilian has been away from the cage for over a year after suffering a broken hand that kept the 17-1 striker out of action. After collecting his title shot with a dominating run through the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament, to say Pitbull is eager to get back in the cage would be an understatement.
?I?m very happy and relieved this fight is finally happening,? said Pitbull. ?I?ve been through a lot with my hand injury and can?t wait to get back in the cage. I?m 100 percent now and all I want is to fulfill my dream of getting the belt and pay tribute to my late teacher Bruno Gouvea. He?s the reason I?m here today and he?ll be with me in spirit cageside watching his work pay off. All is can say is Pat better be ready. I?ve never been so motivated for a fight, and I?ve never wanted the belt so much.?
More information to come regarding the remainder of the fight card.
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.
In Their Own Words: The Week?s Noteworthy MMA Quotes
Source: http://mmadiehards.com/live/features/in-their-own-words-the-weeks-noteworthy-mma-quotes-34/
Patricio Pitbull challenges Pat Curran for featherweight world championship, plus the finals of the light heavyweight and bantamweight tournaments headline Bellator 73 on August 24th
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Ticket prices range from $25-$100.
The event will take place LIVE on MTV2 and in commercial-free HD on EPIX with the preliminary fights being streamed online at Spike.com. As the largest casino resort between Atlantic City and Las Vegas, Harrah?s Tunica offers a state of the art, 2,300 seat event center perfect for live MMA action. Along with 140,000 square feet of casino entertainment, the resort is also home to Willows Sporting Clays & Hunting Center.
?Harrah?s Tunica was a fantastic venue partner for us when we made our first visit last year, and I expect another energized, sold-out crowd on August 24th,? Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. ?Pat Curran vs. Patricio Pitbull is a world title fight between two of the most explosive and versatile featherweights on earth. Both can finish any fight with relentless strikes or vicious submissions. This will be an epic title fight to remember for years to come.?
Widely regarded as one of the top two featherweights in the world, Curran?s road to the title was an impressive one. After an incredible Peruvian necktie submission victory over Luis Palomino in the Bellator Season 5 Quarterfinals, Curran collected a unanimous decision win over Ronnie Mann. With the victory, Curran secured a spot in the Featherweight Finals against Marlon Sandro. Curran pushed the pace early, and in the second round delivered a devastating, highlight-reel roundhouse kick to the head of Sandro that earned the Crystal Lake, Ill. product his eventual title shot against Warren at Bellator 60. After two back and fourth rounds, Curran delivered a barrage of strikes that ended the fight in the third round and earned Curran the Bellator Featherweight Title.
?This fight with Patricio is one I?ve been looking forward to for a while,? Curran said. ?This will be my first title defense, and I just want to get back in the cage and keep developing as a fighter. Pitbull is an outstanding fighter, so this should be a great fight.?
For Pitbull, the explosive Brazilian has been away from the cage for over a year after suffering a broken hand that kept the 17-1 striker out of action. After collecting his title shot with a dominating run through the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament, to say Pitbull is eager to get back in the cage would be an understatement.
?I?m very happy and relieved this fight is finally happening,? said Pitbull. ?I?ve been through a lot with my hand injury and can?t wait to get back in the cage. I?m 100 percent now and all I want is to fulfill my dream of getting the belt and pay tribute to my late teacher Bruno Gouvea. He?s the reason I?m here today and he?ll be with me in spirit cageside watching his work pay off. All is can say is Pat better be ready. I?ve never been so motivated for a fight, and I?ve never wanted the belt so much.?
More information to come regarding the remainder of the fight card.
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.
We want your UFC 148 picks
Pic...
?Here Comes the Boom? Trailer
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/120945/here-comes-the-boom-trailer/
Tweets of the Week - 6/29
Translation: "Jorge, I fell very bad that you are not here with me right now" in Portuguese.... What a performance @RichFranklin #Orgulho -Jorge Gurgel ?
I always forget how good RichFranklin is, mad props to him...still haven't watched the Maynard/Guida fight yet... -Benson Henderson ?
I would have spoke both language for more camera time and for the FANS! #fb -Roy Nelson ?
Wow. Wouldn't want to judge that one. Close fight. I'd give wand a 10-8 in the 2nd, though. He either wins our gets a draw. Maybe?
Or not. Close fight though. Congrats to both guys. -Dan Henderson ?
I get the whole Jim Carey thing w/ Franklin, wow does he look like Lloyd from Dumb & Dumber right now -Brian Stann ?
Nice that Rich Franklin went with the lloyd christmas cut tonight #UFC147 -Patrick Healy ?
They Just Miss the Cali Kid
Crazy how many people still think I'm fighting in Vegas on the 7th, guess that will happen when u promote a date for 5 months on Live TV. -Urijah Faber ?
Well, If you Insist?
Hey so .... Espn body issue..... If anyone wants to see me "artistically nude" I suggest you grab a copy when it's revealed on July 13th -Ronda Rousey ?
Speaking of Nudity?
(back stage at @UFC) yves lavigne-"Phil Davis?? Sorry I'm used to seeing you with your clothes off" me -"yeah that's what I'm known for" -Phil Davis ?
Stupid Tweet, Hunt!
Where da hell is all the haters -Mark Hunt ?
The Outlaw Supports the Bully
@GrayMaynard you did everything you could to make a fight out of it mate. You deserve that victory, even if it wasn't how you planned it. -Dan Hardy ?
@danhardymma of course! I just get bored sometimes and like to answer one or two of those idiots that "know" fight so well -Gray Maynard ?
Pimp Scott?s Ride ?with Treats
I need a freezer installed in the center console of my truck to keep my Reese's big cups so I always have deliciousness close by -Scott Jorgensen ?
The Always Stylish and Modest KenFlo
From a few yrs ago. Sometimes my hair isn't perfect, this wasn't one of those days. #ThrowbackThursday http://instagr.am/p/Mb_qVKySfz/ -Kenny Florian ?
Michael Beesting
I got stung off a bee for the first time ever before, and it bloody hurt! -Michael Bisping ?
?Squatch Love the Java
Just almost got eaten by a red headed Sasquatch and her young at the coffee bean... No pic cuz I was afraid sorry -Ian McCall ?
How Could it Not Be?
Silva vs Sonnen Primetime is awesome!!! http://on.ufc.com/NRM59J -Dana White ?
Run, Forrest, Run!
It's great when your doc says let me give you something to relax you. Its creepy when your roommate says let me give you something to relaxu -Forrest Griffin ?
The Powerful Joe Rogan: Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
Thank you all for the kind words re: the black belt. It's a real honor, and I couldn't be happier tonight! Thank you for all the love! -Joe Rogan ?
Defining What Makes a Fighter a UFC Superstar
The UFC can be a tough place. It takes years of training and physical conditioning to make it to the big show. The UFC is the grandest stage for mixed martial arts combat. Just reaching the UFC is an accomplishment in and of itself.
Therefore, it just goes to show the truly elite nature of the fighters that are worthy of the title "superstar."
It's more than being an exciting fighter.
Fan favorites like Paul Buentello always come to fight and put on a show for the fans. However, you know that if they are matched up against a serious contender that they wouldn't hold up so well.
It takes more than just being a good fighter.
Guys like Kenny Florian and Jon Fitch have had amazing careers, but could never quite get over the hump. They'd defeat everyone on their way to a title fight, but couldn't really hang with the champ.
Not even being champ is enough.
The lighter weight classes are relatively new, so even amazing fighters like Jose Aldo and Dominick Cruz aren't superstars.
So what does it take to be considered a superstar?
It means you've got to have the total package: Marketable, charismatic, exciting both in and out of the ring and most important of all, damn good at what they do.
They transcend the world of MMA and are recognized by the mainstream media. The regular Joe knows his name.
Anderson Silva is a superstar. So are GSP and Jon Jones.
Who's next?
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1239355-defining-what-makes-a-fighter-a-superstar
Urijah Faber Weighs In On Long Hair as an Advantage in MMA
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/6uuY4yfJtUo/
Terry Etim injured, out of UFC on Fox 4 bout with Joe Lauzon
Terry Etim continues to find himself on the sidelines, as he's suffered another injury that has taken him out of a fight with Joe Lauzon at UFC on Fox 4. Etim had hoped to bounce back from a vicious knockout loss to Edson Barboza in January, but he'll once again be delayed.
Etim's had lengthy layoffs before in his career, with a 19-month layoff hitting him after an April 2010 loss. He'll hope this layoff is considerably shorter.
Lauzon is likely to remain on the card, though no opponent has yet been named for the event. He's also looking to bounce back from a knockout loss, his coming against Anthony Pettis at UFC 144 in February.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_13706.shtml
Frank Shamrock on UFC Hall of Fame Snub: "Dana White Is a Bully"
It could be years before Frank Shamrock is inducted into the Hall of Fame, but he remains confident that one day his name will be called.
The former UFC light heavyweight champ spoke with Takedown Wrestling Media about continuously being snubbed from the UFC Hall of Fame.
When asked if he felt he belonged in the Hall of Fame, Shamrock shook off the question as if it were ludicrous to think he didn't deserve a place amongst MMA's all-time greats.
"Come on. Truthfully, I don't really care. I think my wife is more upset about it than I am, actually anybody else. If they don't want to put me in the Hall of Fame, what's the Hall of Fame for? I guess I just don't understand what the qualifications are because I've dedicated my whole life to the sport.
I would trade nothing for that Hall of Fame, and not that I don't think it's interesting or the people in it aren't deserving, but I don't think it's the real Hall of Fame because I don't think we're a real sport. When we are a real sport, then people most deserving of that accolade will most likely be in there."
Many have attributed Shamrock's Hall of Fame snub to a rocky relationship with UFC President Dana White. The two have engaged in a multitude of battles on Twitter, which elevated to the point of Shamrock actually challenging White to a fight.
During an appearance on Spike TV's MMA Uncensored, Shamrock talked about how he believes his tumultuous relationship with White has left him out in the cold.
"It's definitely personal between Dana and I. To further that, I've done everything that I can possibly do for this sport. I hope that would include UFC. You know, Dana and I don't get along. I think he's a total douchebag and a bully. I just, I got no breath for him."
Should White put his personal feelings aside and honor Shamrock with a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame, or is the former light heavyweight champ undeserving of a spot amongst MMA's most influential figures?
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
Friday, June 29, 2012
UFC featherweight Max Holloway discusses title hopes, UFC 150 bout vs. Lawrence
Related posts:
UFC turns Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen lead up into comic strip ahead of UFC 148
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According to a press release for the series, it "will tell the story of this almost-inevitable rematch of the 2010 fight of the year, and is peppered with in-jokes long-time UFC fans will appreciate."
Both Silva and Sonnen commented on being involved in the series, whose covers have Silva dubbed "The Silver Spider," and Sonnen "The American Gangsta."
Said Silva, "I've always been a comic book fan since I was young. I liked heroes who had everyday problems but still tried to help people."
Sonnen added: "What a thrill, to see myself in comic book form. Never before has a real life super-hero been turned into a mortal in a comic book, you will never see this in your lives again."
Check out a few of the shots below:
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Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13700.shtml
Tito Ortiz Proved Himself A UFC Hall Of Famer In The Octagon
On July 7th, at the UFC Fan Expo, Tito Ortiz will become the ninth fighter enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Ortiz sure earned his spot in the Hall of Fame with his performances in the Octagon. Ortiz helped propel MMA to the current level that the sport has attained. MMA is the third most popular sport in the world.
For ?The Huntington Beach Bad Boy,? his induction was the result of hard word and dedication.
?It is a huge honor to be recognized as one of the greatest fighters of all time by the UFC,? Ortiz said. ?To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is final proof that all the hard work and dedication, all the pain and sacrifices, were all worth it. To be able to walk to the Octagon one last time as an official UFC Hall of Fame level fighter is going to be humbling and awesome. I?m very grateful to have this�opportunity�to end my caree...
UFC 148: Chad Mendes Through the Fire and Back
In the competitive world of mixed martial arts, contenders rise and fall frequently. Prospects are battle tested in the hopes that one day they will become champions.
Chad Mendes carried his unbeaten record into the lion's den of Rio de Janeiro to face a fighter heralded as one of the pound-for-pound best in Jose Aldo. The featherweight champion was able to finish the bout in the closing seconds of the opening round and Mendes found himself in the unfamiliar territory of the loss column.
He knows the way to the top of the division, but now Mendes will be fighting to work his way back. That journey begins at UFC 148, when he steps into the Octagon with TUF alum Cody McKenzie, and the Team Alpha Male fighter is eager to return to his winning ways.
"I can honestly say going into the fight with Aldo was the best I've ever felt," Mendes said in an exclusive interview with Bleacher Report. "I was the most mentally clear I've ever been. Physically, I felt I was so prepared. Going over to Brazil was something I knew I had to do and I factored that into my preparation. Leading up to the fight, I had already traveled there for the press conference, so I knew what the flight was going to be like and how to adjust.
"For whatever reason, the press in Brazil loved me and treated me great. I had a lot of support going into that fight and the fans in Brazil were awesome. I was super ready and honestly, fighting in that environment didn't bother me. When I was standing in the cage, waiting for Aldo to come out, my mind was clear. I can remember everything.
"Normally, that isn't the case because nerves take over and you rely on instinct. It just wasn't my night and I got caught. Hopefully, that was a huge learning experience for me and my mind will be clear like that for every fight. I'm definitely working on the things I messed up on and I'm ready to get in there and destroy people."
When Mendes steps back into the Octagon in Las Vegas, he will be standing across from Cody McKenzie. The Alaskan is known for his awkward style and his ability to catch his opponents in his signature version of the guillotine submission known as "The McKenzietine."
Mendes is well aware of the dangers McKenzie presents and is prepared for whatever comes his way.
"It is a very weird matchup with McKenzie, but I'm not taking him lightly at all," Mendes said. "Cody is a very funky fighter. Growing up as a wrestler, there are types of wrestlers you would look at and think you were going to destroy them, but they have some weird, funky way about them where they either keep it close or find a way to win.
"I learned that lesson in wrestling and I'm not looking past him at all. I've trained hard, as I always do. Obviously, I've worked a lot on guillotines because I know that is his bread and butter. He catches a lot of guys with it. I'm going into this fight like it is for the world title.
"I pride myself on conditioning. I'm a very high-paced fighter and I like to break down my opponents. I started wrestling when I was five years old. I've wrestled my entire life; it's my base, and I have that wrestling mentality. When I step into the Octagon, fans are going to see a fast pace and I'm going to grind down my opponent. Whether it is elbows, punches or big knees, it doesn't matter. I'm going to do whatever it takes to get the win."
A victory at UFC 148 will put Mendes back on track and return his focus to the ultimate goal of becoming a world champion. Whereas the featherweight divisional elite was just a handful of fighters, over the past six months, the landscape has changed, as several future contenders have emerged. Mendes is excited to face the challenges ahead and feels his weight class is long overdue for center-stage attention.
"The division is starting to get more recognition," Mendes said. "I think we should have been getting the recognition all along, but it was the WEC then and it is what it is. People looked at the WEC like it was a minor league, but now the two organizations merged and it's the UFC. People look at things differently. Now that it's all under one umbrella, people are starting to realize how exciting this division is.
"A lot of the 155 pound fighters are starting to drop down to featherweight and that is only making the weight class more competitive. Bigger names are coming into the division and that is helping build it up as well. The fans are going to see some excellent fights."
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1239677-ufc-148-chad-mendes-through-the-fire-and-back
Sokoudjou vs. Prangley to Headline SFL 5 in October
The Super Fight League’s recent string of signings, which saw the likes of Jeff Monson and Satoshi Ishii brought to the Indian promotion, has given former Pride and UFC star Rameau Thierry�Sokoudjou a new home. In his promotional debut,�Sokoudjou will face-off with the veteran Trevor Prangley in a heavyweight main event at SFL 5. Sokoudjou [...]
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/29236/sokoudjou-vs-prangley-to-headline-sfl-5-in-october/
Siyar Bahadurzada Joins Blackzilians
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/120854/siyar-bahadurzada-joins-blackzilians/
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Tito Ortiz Preparing For The Fight Of His Life
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/s4IKeCvJGfk/
Movie Clip For Action Thriller ?Hijacked? Featuring UFC Legend Randy Couture
UFC legend Randy Couture and Vinnie Jones take on the bad guys in this new clip from action thriller HIJACKED. A high-octane, pulse-pounding story of one man out for justice in the sky, HIJACKED is coming to Blu-ray? Combo Pack and DVD on July 31st. HIJACKED stars a top-notch cast of action heroes including former UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture (The Expendables, and the upcoming The Expendables 2), Dominic Purcell (Straw Dogs, "Prison Break"), Tiffany Dupont ("Greek"), Holt McCallany (Fight Club), Craig Fairbrass (The Bank Job) and Vinnie Jones (Snatch, Kill The Irishman). Special Agent Ross' (Couture) plans to reconcile with his ex-fianc�e are ruined when she boards a private jet that is targeted by hijackers working for the same crime lord that he is chasing. With no time to inform his team, Ross wriggles his way aboard the aircraft and risks it all to save the love of his life. HIJACKED is an adrenaline-fueled action-packed film that puts the fear back in flying!
Siyar Bahadurzada Joins Blackzilians
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/120854/siyar-bahadurzada-joins-blackzilians/
EXCLUSIVE | Joe Duarte: Ryan Couture never fought nobody like me | MMA NEWS
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Vitor Belfort has strong feelings on shaving
Georges St-Pierre Has Goal to Become the David Beckham of MMA
UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre has a goal to become the David Beckham of MMA.
"'My goal one day is to be the David Beckham of MMA but I still have a lot to do to reach that point. Mr Beckham is a great role model and I aspire to do the same,'" said St-Pierre in an interview with The Sun.
What athlete wouldn't strive to become Beckham? Charismatic, raking in millions of dollars and married to a Spice Girl? Sounds pretty good.
Beckham, of course, was a role model for many kids, whether it be when he was with Manchester United or Real Madrid, or now over here in the United States playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Beckham has also spent time out on loan with Italian giants, A.C. Milan and has made numerous appearances for the English national team.
St-Pierre and Beckham also share the same agency, as both are signed to Creative Artists Agency that boasts some of the top players in the world's biggest sports.
Source: http://www.mmaplayground.com/forums/topic53738-1.html
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Chael Sonnen to Anderson Silva: You can have the teeth, but the victory is mine
Number one contender for the UFC Middleweight title, Chael Sonnen, has finally responded to comments made by Anderson Silva during last Monday's intense UFC 148 media call. Silva promised Mixed Martial Arts fans around that he will punish Chael Sonnen for every disrespectful word that came out of his mouth during last two years. However, it looks like Chael Sonnen is not intimidated by Anderson Silva's ill will. Speaking via UFC Tonight, Sonnen once again declared he will leave the MGM Grand Garden Arena
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen Rivalry Hits Comic Book Strip
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/120832/anderson-silva-vs-chael-sonnen-rivalry-hits-comic-book-strip/
EXCLUSIVE | Joe Duarte: Ryan Couture never fought nobody like me | MMA NEWS
Just Scrap Radio Episode 10 guest Joe Duarte is coming off a 5 fight wining streak and now preparing to fight Ryan Couture son of the UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture on July 14 in the Rose Garden at Portland, OR Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy Joe Duarte describes himself as a family man – [...]
The post EXCLUSIVE | Joe Duarte: Ryan Couture never fought nobody like me | MMA NEWS appeared first on MMA News | Mixed Martial Arts | UFC News | BJPenn | MMA Fight | UFC Fights.
Showtime Exec Would Like To See UFC Programming On His Network
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/Ai7WIzzqYb4/
UFC turns Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen lead up into comic strip ahead of UFC 148
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According to a press release for the series, it "will tell the story of this almost-inevitable rematch of the 2010 fight of the year, and is peppered with in-jokes long-time UFC fans will appreciate."
Both Silva and Sonnen commented on being involved in the series, whose covers have Silva dubbed "The Silver Spider," and Sonnen "The American Gangsta."
Said Silva, "I've always been a comic book fan since I was young. I liked heroes who had everyday problems but still tried to help people."
Sonnen added: "What a thrill, to see myself in comic book form. Never before has a real life super-hero been turned into a mortal in a comic book, you will never see this in your lives again."
Check out a few of the shots below:
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Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13700.shtml
Fedor Discusses His Decision To Retire: ?This Is The Time?
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/Bw7cIxaKx0A/
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
UFC on FX 4 winner Cub Swanson unsure of nickname, but knows he wants title shot
The 28-year-old UFC featherweight laughed off MMAjunkie.com Radio host Brian "Goze" Garcia's notion to go with the moniker of "Cookie Monster" after posing for pictures with the furry, blue "Sesame Street" character during a celebratory trip to New York after his UFC on FX 4 victory over Ross Pearson this past weekend.
"I was very close to having the announcer announce me as 'Killer Cub,' but never got around to talking to him about it," said Swanson on Monday's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), of the new nickname members in the Greg Jackson camp gave him.
The name seems fitting after "Cub" ? born Kevin Luke Swanson, but who quickly earned the baby bear tag from his older brother while he was just an infant ? scored a highlight-reel knockout against the English striker Friday night at the event that took place at Revel Atlantic City in New Jersey.
"That was my big opportunity to really showcase my skills," said Swanson (17-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC), who earned a $50,000 "Knockout of the Night" bonus for his victory over the "TUF 9" winner.
Source: http://www.mmaplayground.com/forums/topic53707-1.html
Subject: Man Up Vid Hopps vs Tony the Tiger - by: The bull
Bellator 73 set to close out summer series at Harrah's Tunica on August 24
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The card will feature the finals of the summer series light heavyweight tournament, as well as the season six bantamweight tournament between Marcos Galvao and Luis Nogueira, and will be headlined by the Featherweight Championship bout between Pat Curran and Patricio "Pitbull" Freire.
"Harrah's Tunica was a fantastic venue partner for us when we made our first visit last year, and I expect another energized sold out crowd on August 24," Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said in a release announcing the venue. "Pat Curran and Patricio Pitbull is a World title fight between two of the best featherweights on earth. Both can finish any fight with relentless strikes or vicious submissions. This will be an epic title fight to remember for years to come."
Curran defeated Joe Warren by knockout earlier this year to capture Bellator's Featherweight Championship, moving ahead of Freire in the title shot order after Freire went down with an injury. Now they'll meet one another to determine who will reign atop Bellator's 145 lb. division.
"This fight with Patricio is one I've been looking forward to for a while," Curran said. "This will be my first title defense, and I just want to get back in the cage and keep developing as a fighter. Pitbull is an outstanding fighter, so this should be a great fight."
"I'm very happy and relieved this fight is finally happening," Pitbull added. "I've been through a lot with my hand injury and can't wait to get back in the cage. I'm 100 percent now and all I want is to fulfill my dream of getting the belt and pay tribute to my late teacher Bruno Gouvea. He's the reason I'm here today and he'll be with me in spirit cageside watching his work pay off. All is can say is Pat better be ready. I've never been so motivated for a fight, and I've never wanted the belt so much."
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Bellator/article_13665.shtml
Clay Guida: ?I think sometimes judges get the misconception of what MMA really is.?
Video - Behind the scenes at UFC on FX 4 in Dana White's UFC 147 video blog
It's been a little while since Dana White has posted a new video blog, but he's back ahead of tonight's UFC 147 event with a behind the scenes look at last night's UFC on FX 4 event in Atlantic City. Check it out below:
Video URL: http://youtu.be/Yxc4sL-gmlg
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_13677.shtml
Clay Guida: UFC on FX 4 workouts media scrum
Source: http://mmadiehards.com/live/videos/clay-guida-ufc-on-fx-4-workouts-media-scrum/
UFC on FX 4 medical suspensions: Stout, Gambino, Catone suspended indefinitely
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board has medically suspended seven fighters from Friday's UFC on FX 4 event. Main-event winner Gray Maynard and co-main-event victor Sam Stout are among the suspended.
Stout, in fact, was one of three fighters suspended indefinitely along with preliminary-card competitors Joey Gambino and Nick Catone.