Friday, August 3, 2012
Attempt to Quit Smoking
Attempt to Quit Smoking Everyone has found themselves in the position at some point or another of second guessing their ability. This is certainly nothing new. The problem comes when you are trying to quit smoking and find yourself completely trapped underneath the stress of the situation. Trying to choose what you are going to [...]
Mike Swick talks comeback, ready for DaMarques Johnson
Former top UFC Welterweight contender, Mike Swick, spoke about his long-awaited return to the Octagon. Swick last seen on February 6th, 2010, losing to Paulo Thiago via Submission. Nine-and-three in his UFC career, Swick will be facing DaMarques Johnson on the main card of tomorrow's UFC on FOX 4 fight card in Los Angeles, California, with sights on proving he still has what it takes to compete in the
Source: http://lowkick.blitzcorner.com/UFC/mike-swick-talks-comeback-ready-for-damarques-johnson-16718
Tito Ortiz Thinks His Prime-Self Could Beat Jon Jones, Blames Injuries | UFC NEWS
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Olympics 2012: Kayla Harrison becomes first US athlete to win judo gold
Could we be looking at the next Ronda Rousey?
Team USA judoka Kayla Harrison defeated Britain's Gemma Gibbons 2-0 to win the gold medal in the women's under 78-kilogram division at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England.
The drought is over.
Rousey, who transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) and quickly rose to power as the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion, took home a bronze medal in judo when she competed in Beijing back in 2008. Prior to Harrison's victory last night (Aug. 2, 2012), no American athlete had ever claimed the gold.
From the Boston Globe:
"It feels like a dream. I hope [my gold medal] changes America's perspective on judo. I hope to be able to use it to benefit everyone in my sport. I love my sport. It's the best sport in the world. Hopefully, this will help create that splash of new judo interest."
At the age of just 13, Harrison was forced to endure a horrific incident of long-term sexual abuse involving her coach, who plead guilty to the crime and was locked up back in 2007. She recently went public with her story last year and has since campaigned to help other victims out their predators in the sports world.
Dark past, bright future.
For more on combat sports in the 2012 Summer Olympics click here and here.
Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2012/8/3/3217543/olympics-2012-kayla-harrison-team-usa-judo-gold-london
UFC on FOX 4: Shogun Rua and the 25 Best Strikers in MMA
UFC on FOX 4 will be headlined by Maurico "Shogun" Rua and Brandon Vera—two of the light heavyweight division's most prolific strikers.
The combination of styles and shared penchant for slinging hands and feet should mix to produce some nice fireworks Saturday night, in what promises to be one of the more action-packed main events in recent memory.
As we look ahead to this anticipated slugfest, let's take a minute to honor the best of the best strikers in mixed martial arts (in no particular order).
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1281617-ufc-on-fox-4-shogun-rua-and-the-best-25-strikers-in-mma
Dana White: 'Maybe You Do Rashad vs Weidman and the Winner Gets a Title Shot'
UFC on FOX 4 is monumental for the UFC's light heavyweight division, as all four men at the top of the card are all fighting for a title shot. All they have to do is go out and win impressively—no small task.
All four are also former Jon Jones victims, and this adds a whole different level of intrigue. However, one name that hasn't been mentioned at all is Rashad Evans. Evans is coming off a decision loss that saw him become the first man to take Jon Jones the distance during his championship run.
With four fighters all vying for a shot at the belt, it seems like there just may not be any room for Evans at the top of the light heavyweight division anymore.
UFC President Dana White spoke with Bleacher Report and attending MMA media following the UFC on FOX 4 pre-fight press conference, and the topic of Evans' future came up. White seemed as baffled as fans were, regarding Evans before going into promoter mode and creating a hypothetical fight on the spot.
"Rashad? I dunno. Personally I haven't talked to Rashad. I've heard the talks of him wanting to go to 185 or possibly going to 185. I dunno. If he did, he'd have to fight somebody," White told Bleacher Report. "Maybe you do Rashad vs. Weidman and the winner of that gets a shot. You know what I mean? That just came off the top of my head."
As a fan of both Evans and Chris Weidman, I absolutely LOVE this idea. I think that both present interesting stylistic problems for the other and believe that both have the best shot at defeating Anderson Silva. Both have fantastic wrestling and the ability to take the fight wherever they want.
Rashad Evans vs. Chris Weidman? I say book it!
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
Team Lutter?s Bobby Alexander poised to make an impact in MMA debut; Fights Kane Gutierrez at CEC this Saturday
FORT WORTH, TX, August 2, 2012 ? PCG comes back with their latest Cowboys Extreme Fighting show at San Antonio?s Cowboys Dance Hall this coming Saturday. As we mentioned in our event preview, the show is headlined by a welterweight title bout featuring Austin?s Lester Clark (3-3) taking on Jared Perez (4-2) of Corpus Christi. [...]
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Thursday, August 2, 2012
In Shogun?s Shoes, Lyoto Machida Would Have Also Declined Glover Teixeira Fight (Video)
Perhaps the biggest storyline heading into Saturday’s “UFC on FOX 4” event is the controversy surrounding a certain Glover Teixeira. Did Mauricio “Shogun” Rua actually say he’d rather be cut than fight the up-and-comer, as UFC president Dana White claimed he did? Shogun later admitted that he declined the scrap. However, it wasn’t because he [...]
Corey Hill also out of XFC 19, Nicolae Cury vs. Roger Carroll tapped new headliner
The revolving door that is XFC 19's main event has yet another change.
After Mike Bronzoulis (14-5-1) scratched for undisclosed reasons earlier today, Corey Hill (6-4) then was matched up with welterweight replacement Roger Carroll (11-5).
However, Hill also is now out of the event for undisclosed reasons, and officials have announced Carroll vs. Nicolae Cury (6-3) as Friday's new main event.
The new XFC 19 card now includes:
MAIN CARD (AXS TV)
Roger Carroll vs. Nicolae Cury
Felice Herrig vs. Simona Soukupova
David Mays vs. Nick Newell
Shane Crenshaw vs. Jason Hicks
Joe Elmore vs. Kevin Forant
Lawson McClure vs. Keith Richardson
Johnny Buck vs. Ricky Rainey
PRELIMINARY CARD (Untelevised)
Joey Carroll vs. Jeff Tharington
Zach Klouse vs. Tony Scarlett
Brian Karmolinski vs. Carlos Vivas
After Mike Bronzoulis (14-5-1) scratched for undisclosed reasons earlier today, Corey Hill (6-4) then was matched up with welterweight replacement Roger Carroll (11-5).
However, Hill also is now out of the event for undisclosed reasons, and officials have announced Carroll vs. Nicolae Cury (6-3) as Friday's new main event.
The new XFC 19 card now includes:
MAIN CARD (AXS TV)
Roger Carroll vs. Nicolae Cury
Felice Herrig vs. Simona Soukupova
David Mays vs. Nick Newell
Shane Crenshaw vs. Jason Hicks
Joe Elmore vs. Kevin Forant
Lawson McClure vs. Keith Richardson
Johnny Buck vs. Ricky Rainey
PRELIMINARY CARD (Untelevised)
Joey Carroll vs. Jeff Tharington
Zach Klouse vs. Tony Scarlett
Brian Karmolinski vs. Carlos Vivas
Source: http://www.mmaplayground.com/forums/topic54440-1.html
2012 Olympics: Kayla Harrison Becomes First American to Win Gold Medal in Judo
(Harrison [top] grapples with Gemma Gibbons of Great Britain during the gold medal match earlier today. Photo props: SFGate)
Without throwing around too many spoilers, it's been a monster of a day for American women at the 2012 Olympics. And for martial arts fans, it's a historic one, as women's 78kg competitor Kayla Harrison became the first American athlete ever to win a gold medal in judo. She's just the second American woman to medal at the Olympics, following Strikeforce champ�Ronda Rousey (her former training partner), who took bronze in 2008. Women's 57kg competitor Marti Malloy also won a bronze on Monday, making the 2012 London games the first Olympics since 1998 in which the USA has earned two medals in judo.
Harrison, who entered this year's competition ranked fourth in the world, reached the finals by defeating Vera Moskalyuk (Russia), Abigel Joo (Hungary), and world-ranked #1 Mayra Aguiar (Brazil), all by ippon. She faced Great Britain's Gemma Gibbons in the gold-medal match, and won 2-0 on a pair of yukos. In your face, world.
After the jump: A Boston Globe video-profile on Harrison's life and training, and a TV-shot video of the end of her finals match against Gibbons.
John Dodson welcomes Jussier "Formiga" da Silva at UFC on FX 5 in Minneapolis
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
An extremely exciting flyweight bout is heading to Minneapolis this October, as Shooto's South American Flyweight Champion, Jussier "Formiga" da Silva, will make his UFC debut against Ultimate Fighter 14 winner John Dodson at UFC on FX 5.
News of the bout was first reported by Tatame.com.
Da Silva, who signed with the UFC earlier this month, makes his debut on a five fight winning streak, a run that includes four straight submission wins. The 27-year-old is 14-1 overall in his career, with his sole loss coming by decision against Ian McCall in Tachi Palace Fights.
Dodson will bring a four fight winning streak into the bout, two of which have come inside of the Octagon. After knocking out T.J. Dillashaw in his TUF season's finals bout, Dodson added a decision win over Tim Elliott at UFC on Fox 3 in May.
UFC on FX 5 takes place from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. on October 5, headlined by a heavyweight bout between Travis Browne and Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva.
Penick's Analysis: This is a fantastic fight, and is almost assuredly going to be on the FX main card for this event. Dodson's status as an Ultimate Fighter winner, who hasn't yet lost in the UFC, makes that clear, and it gives da Silva a major opportunity to make a splash in his debut. He could be a very formidable force in the flyweight division, and a title challenger sooner than later if he impresses against Dodson. Likewise, Dodson can continue making his name as a contender should he best a very respected flyweight in da Silva. Great matchmaking, and a great fight for this card.
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News of the bout was first reported by Tatame.com.
Da Silva, who signed with the UFC earlier this month, makes his debut on a five fight winning streak, a run that includes four straight submission wins. The 27-year-old is 14-1 overall in his career, with his sole loss coming by decision against Ian McCall in Tachi Palace Fights.
Dodson will bring a four fight winning streak into the bout, two of which have come inside of the Octagon. After knocking out T.J. Dillashaw in his TUF season's finals bout, Dodson added a decision win over Tim Elliott at UFC on Fox 3 in May.
UFC on FX 5 takes place from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. on October 5, headlined by a heavyweight bout between Travis Browne and Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva.
Penick's Analysis: This is a fantastic fight, and is almost assuredly going to be on the FX main card for this event. Dodson's status as an Ultimate Fighter winner, who hasn't yet lost in the UFC, makes that clear, and it gives da Silva a major opportunity to make a splash in his debut. He could be a very formidable force in the flyweight division, and a title challenger sooner than later if he impresses against Dodson. Likewise, Dodson can continue making his name as a contender should he best a very respected flyweight in da Silva. Great matchmaking, and a great fight for this card.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13973.shtml
Cesar Gracie: Nick Diaz wants super fight, not title shot, against Anderson Silva
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
"Why Anderson? Because Anderson is a huge name. He's talking the talk that is kind of what we're talking about. He's talking about doing superfights. He's talking about the things that Nick's been talking about that Nick did when he was with Strikeforce that Nick is into. That's why. And he's exciting and just a great fighter. He's talking about catchweights, he's talking about exciting fights that people want to see instead of being limited to fighting, you know, if this is your weight class, if this is the number one contender, this guy did this, this guy did that. We're not interested.... people are thinking now, 'Why does Nick want to fight this guy? Why does Nick get a shot at the title?' It's not about the title. If he was at 185, we don't want the title. Nick isn't trying to be disrespectful to other great middleweights out there on campus and want that. There are a lot of great middleweights that are at the front of the line for a title shot. This is about fighting and a superfight."
-Nick Diaz's manager Cesar Gracie expands on his callout of Anderson Silva in an interview with MiddleEasy.com (transcribed by MMAMania.com).
Penick's Analysis: The way Diaz's luck has run with his suspension thus far, it's hard to believe he'll get his way and be back before next February. Still, whenever he comes back, he certainly makes for an interesting option for Silva's camp. Ed Soares tweeted over the weekend that they'd take the fight, but there are still other names, other options to be considered by the UFC right now. Which option they ultimately go with won't be known for a little while still, but Diaz realistically won't be in that conversation until early in 2013.
[Nick Diaz art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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-Nick Diaz's manager Cesar Gracie expands on his callout of Anderson Silva in an interview with MiddleEasy.com (transcribed by MMAMania.com).
Penick's Analysis: The way Diaz's luck has run with his suspension thus far, it's hard to believe he'll get his way and be back before next February. Still, whenever he comes back, he certainly makes for an interesting option for Silva's camp. Ed Soares tweeted over the weekend that they'd take the fight, but there are still other names, other options to be considered by the UFC right now. Which option they ultimately go with won't be known for a little while still, but Diaz realistically won't be in that conversation until early in 2013.
[Nick Diaz art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13967.shtml
With Meeting Planned, Cesar Gracie Hopes Nick Diaz Is Allowed To Fight Overseas
Cesar Gracie is planning on making a push for the UFC to give his fighter, Nick Diaz, a new contract. At the same August 6 meeting with UFC president Dana White, Gracie is going to ask for the UFC to allow Diaz to compete overseas as he continues to try and get his suspension reduced. [...] 
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/sIrjGhsggxc/
Francis Carmont vs. Tom Lawler set for UFC 154 in November
A new bout has been added to the UFC 154 card as Francis Carmont (19-7) faces Tom Lawlor (8-4) in a middleweight battle. The event will take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Nov. 17.
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- UFC on FUEL TV 3: Tom Lawlor plans to have a birthday entrance (Video)
- Exclusive: UFC 134 pre-fight interview with Ross Pearson *VIDEO*
- ESPN’s Graham Bensinger goes in depth with Dana White *VIDEO*
Source: http://prommanow.com/2012/08/01/francis-carmont-vs-tom-lawler-set-fo-ufc-154-in-november/
Brandon Vera says fighting Shogun will bring out his best at UFC on FOX 4
UFC light heavyweight Brandon ?The Truth? Vera discusses his upcoming main event clash with Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua at UFC on FOX 4. Vera talks about the psychology of fighting Rua who he acknowledges is a fighter that he admires. He uses that as a motivating factor to push himself to be his best.
An impressive win by Vera could earn him a title shot against the light heavyweight champion. While a rematch against champion Jon Jones is possible, Vera insists that he is focused exclusively on facing Rua.
UFC on FOX 4 goes down from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on August 4th. The four main card will be televised live on FOX television beginning at 8:00pm ET.
Courtesy: Karyn Bryant, MMAHeat
Brandon Vera says fighting Shogun will bring out his best at UFC on FOX 4 is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News
An impressive win by Vera could earn him a title shot against the light heavyweight champion. While a rematch against champion Jon Jones is possible, Vera insists that he is focused exclusively on facing Rua.
UFC on FOX 4 goes down from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on August 4th. The four main card will be televised live on FOX television beginning at 8:00pm ET.
Courtesy: Karyn Bryant, MMAHeat
Brandon Vera says fighting Shogun will bring out his best at UFC on FOX 4 is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Spend an hour with Ronda Rousey right now
Are you a Ronda Rousey fan? Are you ga-ga for the golden-haired judoka who likes to rip arms from people's bodies just for fun? If so then sit back, grab a cup of coffee -- well, maybe two cups, because what we have here is nearly a full hour of the Rowdy one.
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- Ronda Rousey slams Michael Phelps, says she isn’t anybody’s groupie
- ‘All Access: Ronda Rousey’ premieres Aug. 8 on Showtime
- ProMMAnow.com talks with new Strikeforce women’s 135 champ Ronda Rousey
Source: http://prommanow.com/2012/08/01/spend-an-hour-with-ronda-rousey-right-now/
Brandon Vera shelves home invasion demons, will fight Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua at UFC on Fox 4 (Yahoo! Sports)
It took years for Vera to overcome the trauma of having a gun to his head, and now he's ready for a major fight.
ONE FC: ?Pride of A Nation? Gets Folayang-Enomoto & Chilson-Wiratchai
ONE FC’s fifth promotional offering has seen a pair of promising bouts added to it as lightweights Eduard Folayang and Felipe Enomoto, and featherweights Mitch Chilson and Shannon�Wiratchai have been penciled in to face one another in the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines on August 31. Folayang (11-2) comes into the cage after his [...]
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/29692/one-fc-pride-of-a-nation-gets-folayang-enomoto-chilson-wiratchai/
Rick Story Announces Welterweight Bout With Demian Maia at UFC 153
Rick Story took to his twitter page earlier today to announce a welterweight match-up with Demian Maia at UFC 153, which takes place at the HSBC Arena in Rio De Janeiro on October 13. UFC 153 will be headlined by a featherweight title shot between the champion Jose Aldo and Erik Koch.
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/29680/rick-story-announces-welterweight-bout-with-demain-maia-at-ufc-153/
Jussier da Silva vs. John Dodson targeted for UFC on FX 5
Flyweight standout Jussier da Silva (14-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is headed to the UFC and is expected to meet "The Ultimate Fighter 14" winner John Dodson (13-5 MMA, 2-0 UFC) in his promotional debut.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today confirmed that at least one fighter has agreed to the matchup, which Tatame first reported.
UFC on FX 5 takes place Oct. 5 at Target Center in Minneapolis. The night's main card airs on FX, and FUEL TV and Facebook are expected to carry the prelims.
The da Silva vs. Dodson bout likely will be part of the main card.
Recently, da Silva has plied his craft with the California-based Tachi Palace Fights promotion, which was the preeminent U.S. organization for flyweights until the UFC adopted the division earlier this year, and Shooto Brazil, where he's a titleholder. In fact, da Silva was considered the flyweight division's top-ranked fighter before an early-2011 loss to recent UFC signee Ian McCall. Since then, though, "Formiga" (Portuguese for "Ant") has racked up five consecutive wins, the past four via submission.
Dodson, who won "TUF 14" as a bantamweight, recently returned to his more natural division of flyweight. At UFC on FOX 3, he scored a decision victory over scrappy Tim Elliott (a late replacement for injured Darren Uyenoyama). Dodson, a high-energy member of Team Jackson-Winklejohn, has now won four straight fights and six of his past seven.
Source: http://mmadiehards.com/live/news/jussier-da-silva-vs-john-dodson-targeted-for-ufc-on-fx-5/
UFC on Fox 4: Alexander Gustafsson Deserves to Earn His Crack at UFC Gold
Yesterday on the UFC on Fox 4 media call, UFC president Dana White declared that the winner of this Saturday's headliner between Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Brandon "The Truth" Vera would get the next immediate shot at the winner of UFC 151's light-heavyweight title tilt between champion Jon "Bones" Jones and challenger Dan Henderson.
Needless to say, MMA fans took to Twitter in expressing their disagreement with the news. Some fans argued that Vera was not the man Rua should have to beat in order to justify a rematch with either Jones—who thoroughly dethroned Rua at UFC 128 last year—or Henderson—who put on the proverbial "Fight of The Millennium" with Rua at UFC 139 last fall. Others stayed vocal in saying that Vera's less-than-stellar record as of late did not justify a title shot against either Jones or Henderson, the former of whom defeated Vera at the UFC's debut on Versus (now NBC Sports Network).
In any event, the UFC president changed the station, so to speak, as the UFC brass opted to change the tune in light of the fans' outcries. To put it in simpler terms, the next contender to the king's throne will depend on who looks more impressive in victory. If the winner of Shogun vs. Vera is more impressive than the victor in the events co-headliner of Lyoto Machida vs. Ryan Bader, then the winner of Shogun vs. Vera will indeed get the next crack at the gold.
Likewise, if the winner of Machida vs. Bader prevails in more impressive fashion than that of the main event's victor, then either Machida or Bader will either have their dream fight with Henderson or their rematch with Jones.
However, the fact that it has come to this—that it has come to the point where four victims of the current champion are going to earn a shot at the gold with one win—begs a question that nobody's had the gall to ask yet:
What about Alexander Gustafsson?
Gustafsson has been on a five-fight win streak, looking no less impressive in his past outings than Rua, Vera, Bader or Machida did in their respective last few outings. Gustafsson has faced no shortage of tough, durable fighters in his path towards his golden dreams, either. Not only that, but Gustafsson also has not delivered any sort of lackluster performance that might deny his argument towards a big fight or a title eliminator—something which many feel Vera has, and something which some may feel Bader did in his unanimous-decision win over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 144.
No word has been given on who will face Gustafsson in that "big fight" that the UFC talked about, but is there any doubt that Gustafsson would make sense as the only real "challenge" left for the champion? Regardless of whether it's Jones or Henderson that supports all twelve pounds of the gold after UFC 151 next month, if Gustafsson wins that next fight and extends his current streak to 6-0?
We should say not, even though we don't know who's next for Gustafsson. After all, the man has earned his moment to dance with the fiercest wolves in the pack at 205 pounds. He deserves the chance to prove as such by facing someone as dangerous as Rua or Machida if at all possible, because in such few words, it's all that makes sense for him at this point.
Besides that, by lining up an opportunity to challenge for the gold and handing it to the man who looks the most impressive this weekend—whether it's the winner of the main event or of the co-main event—instead of allowing Gustafsson to earn it through his next fight, the UFC, ingenious as their marketing and PR strategies often are, proves what fans of the sport already know and are already scared to admit:
If or when Henderson loses at UFC 151, anyone other than Gustafsson is either just another mandatory challenger or a mandatory rematch for arguably the most creative and most unstoppable UFC light-heavyweight champion of this generation. Like it or not, the light-heavyweight division has finally been cleared of just about every sensible challenger.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
B.J. Penn says not being in UFC 152 main event made him more comfortable with VADA testing
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
"I just submitted my paperwork for VADA and I'm ready to enter the program. VADA has not changed their standards for me, my test results will be released as they become available to the UFC, commission and the ABC.
I feel much more comfortable with the VADA testing standards knowing that I will not be the main attraction at UFC 152. The responsibility of being a main event fighter was such that I did not want to jeopardize my employer's promotion of the event. The UFC has put together a great main and co-main event and I am happy to be a part of the card and comply with the VADA testing standards."
-B.J. Penn took to Twitter to explain why he ultimately decided to go ahead with VADA drug testing prior to his UFC 152 bout with Rory MacDonald.
Penick's Analysis: From a business perspective, I can understand why Penn was concerned about going with the random drug testing route. The UFC certainly doesn't want a fight to be canceled in short order because someone failed a drug test, and it's one of the reasons they haven't actively implemented more stringent drug testing out of competition. At the same time, Penn's entire stance has been to fight clean and make sure his opponent is doing the same, and what he was suggesting initially with VADA as far as withholding results would have left it possible for he or MacDonald to fight while on something. That's against the point of drug testing. But he's gone back on that, and they'll go forward with VADA. Hopefully neither of them has anything to be worried about, and the fight goes through as planned.
[B.J. Penn art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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I feel much more comfortable with the VADA testing standards knowing that I will not be the main attraction at UFC 152. The responsibility of being a main event fighter was such that I did not want to jeopardize my employer's promotion of the event. The UFC has put together a great main and co-main event and I am happy to be a part of the card and comply with the VADA testing standards."
-B.J. Penn took to Twitter to explain why he ultimately decided to go ahead with VADA drug testing prior to his UFC 152 bout with Rory MacDonald.
Penick's Analysis: From a business perspective, I can understand why Penn was concerned about going with the random drug testing route. The UFC certainly doesn't want a fight to be canceled in short order because someone failed a drug test, and it's one of the reasons they haven't actively implemented more stringent drug testing out of competition. At the same time, Penn's entire stance has been to fight clean and make sure his opponent is doing the same, and what he was suggesting initially with VADA as far as withholding results would have left it possible for he or MacDonald to fight while on something. That's against the point of drug testing. But he's gone back on that, and they'll go forward with VADA. Hopefully neither of them has anything to be worried about, and the fight goes through as planned.
[B.J. Penn art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13959.shtml
Rick Story Announces Fight Against Demain Maia at UFC 153
http://www.mmaweekly.com/rick-story-announces-fight-against-demain-maia-at-ufc-153
Add another Brazilian to the upcoming UFC 153 card headed to Rio de Janeiro as Demian Maia takes his second fight...
Add another Brazilian to the upcoming UFC 153 card headed to Rio de Janeiro as Demian Maia takes his second fight...
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Rick Story Announces UFC 153 Fight Against Demian Maia
Rick Story (Pictured) will fight Demian Maia at UFC 153. How do we know this? Because Story just announced the welterweight scrap on his Twitter account.
Story manged to snap his two-fight skid last month by posting a unanimous decision win over Brock Larson. Prior to that, ?Horror? had dropped decisions to Martin Kampmann and Charlie Brenneman,�respectively.
It took Maia all of 47 seconds to beat Dong Hyun Kim in his welterweight debut. The Korean suffered a ?freak injury? in the opening ticks of their UFC 148 matchup, giving Maia the easy W.
UFC 153 takes place October 13th inside HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
Here are the athletes expected to perform in Brazil:
Cezar ?Mutante? Ferreira vs. TBD
Joey Gambino vs. Diego Brandao
Sergio Moraes vs. Renee Forte
Demian Maia vs. Rick Story
Cristiano Marcello vs. Reza Madadi
Rony ?Jason? Bezerra vs. Sam Sicilia
Jon Fitch vs. Erick Silva
Vitor Belfort vs. Alan Belcher
Erik Koch vs. Jose Aldo (UFC featherweight champion)
Story manged to snap his two-fight skid last month by posting a unanimous decision win over Brock Larson. Prior to that, ?Horror? had dropped decisions to Martin Kampmann and Charlie Brenneman,�respectively.
It took Maia all of 47 seconds to beat Dong Hyun Kim in his welterweight debut. The Korean suffered a ?freak injury? in the opening ticks of their UFC 148 matchup, giving Maia the easy W.
UFC 153 takes place October 13th inside HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
Here are the athletes expected to perform in Brazil:
Cezar ?Mutante? Ferreira vs. TBD
Joey Gambino vs. Diego Brandao
Sergio Moraes vs. Renee Forte
Demian Maia vs. Rick Story
Cristiano Marcello vs. Reza Madadi
Rony ?Jason? Bezerra vs. Sam Sicilia
Jon Fitch vs. Erick Silva
Vitor Belfort vs. Alan Belcher
Erik Koch vs. Jose Aldo (UFC featherweight champion)
UFC 153: Rick Story Announces He Will Face Demian Maia in Brazil
Monday, it was reported that Jon Fitch would meet Erick Silva, while today Rick Story announced that he was set to face Demian Maia on the upcoming card:
I'm fighting Demian Maia in Rio!
— Rick (@Rick_Story) July 31, 2012
Story (14-5) is 1-2 in his last three UFC fights after opening his UFC career by going 6-1. The 27-year-old Story has seen his stock within the welterweight division take a tumble since his two recent losses. The fight against Maia, a former title contender in the middleweight division, provides Story an opportunity to gain some traction among the 170-pounders.
Maia (16-4) dropped to welterweight for his last contest, earning a 47-second TKO victory over Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 148. The stoppage was due to what Kim’s translator called “a freak accident.” Kim was unable to continue after suffering a muscle spasm, but a win’s a win and it goes down in the record books as a fast TKO for Maia.
The win was the first stoppage for Maia, a gifted grappler, since he stopped Chael Sonnen at UFC 95 in February 2009.
Lately Maia has been concentrating on showcasing his striking game more than his jiu-jitsu skills and it has not paid off. He had gone 4-4 between the Sonnen and Kim fights with seven of those fights going the distance. The only fight in that group that ended early was a 21- second knockout loss to Nate Marquardt.
UFC 153 will be headlined by a featherweight title bout between champion Jose Aldo and Erik Koch. In addition to the aforementioned bout between Fitch and Silva, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will face Glover Teixeira.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
Luke Rockhold on UFC's Tim Boetsch: He beat the Bellator Champ, let's see if he can beat the Strikeforce Champ
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold is in a tough spot in the division. After defeating Tim Kennedy on Showtime earlier this month, he's left with very few options within Strikeforce to fight. Because of that, he called out Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza for a rematch of the fight that won him the title.
He understands it's not an easy fight, but with so few viable challengers, Souza represents the biggest and best fight for him inside of Strikeforce right now.
"I've already fought [Jacare] and it's probably not the smartest decision to want to fight him again, but at the same time Jacare, he's the best in the division," Rockhold said in an interview with MMAWeekly.com. "From what I feel, he's the most well rounded fighter and he's the toughest guy there. Like I've always said, I want the toughest guys I can get, and if that's all I can get right now, that's what I want."
Rockhold would like to face some challenges from fighters on the UFC's middleweight roster, but he also knows it's not a likely scenario for him. That said, Frank Mir's move over to face Daniel Cormier this fall has opened that door, and Rockhold thinks there's at least one realistic name that he could be matched up against.
"UFC wise, who's out there that they would let go that would actually allow a crossover?" Rockhold questioned. "Cause you know certain guys you know they wouldn't, but there's certain guys that they might."
"Tim Boetsch looked pretty good last weekend. He just beat the Bellator champion, let's see if he can come beat the Strikeforce champion."
Penick's Analysis: In some respects, ushering Boetsch into a Strikeforce bout with Rockhold could make sense, but when Boetsch is trying to prove himself as a valid challenger to the UFC Middleweight Championship, I just don't see him moving over. Boetsch wouldn't have much to gain, and if he defeated Rockhold, he wouldn't want to be stuck in Strikeforce as their champion. A non-title fight could potentially work, but that doesn't do much for Rockhold as the Strikeforce Champion. It's just not the type of fight that necessarily works in the current Strikeforce/Showtime/Zuffa dynamic. For now, Rockhold has to bide his time and win the fights that are available to him in the organization.
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He understands it's not an easy fight, but with so few viable challengers, Souza represents the biggest and best fight for him inside of Strikeforce right now.
"I've already fought [Jacare] and it's probably not the smartest decision to want to fight him again, but at the same time Jacare, he's the best in the division," Rockhold said in an interview with MMAWeekly.com. "From what I feel, he's the most well rounded fighter and he's the toughest guy there. Like I've always said, I want the toughest guys I can get, and if that's all I can get right now, that's what I want."
Rockhold would like to face some challenges from fighters on the UFC's middleweight roster, but he also knows it's not a likely scenario for him. That said, Frank Mir's move over to face Daniel Cormier this fall has opened that door, and Rockhold thinks there's at least one realistic name that he could be matched up against.
"UFC wise, who's out there that they would let go that would actually allow a crossover?" Rockhold questioned. "Cause you know certain guys you know they wouldn't, but there's certain guys that they might."
"Tim Boetsch looked pretty good last weekend. He just beat the Bellator champion, let's see if he can come beat the Strikeforce champion."
Penick's Analysis: In some respects, ushering Boetsch into a Strikeforce bout with Rockhold could make sense, but when Boetsch is trying to prove himself as a valid challenger to the UFC Middleweight Championship, I just don't see him moving over. Boetsch wouldn't have much to gain, and if he defeated Rockhold, he wouldn't want to be stuck in Strikeforce as their champion. A non-title fight could potentially work, but that doesn't do much for Rockhold as the Strikeforce Champion. It's just not the type of fight that necessarily works in the current Strikeforce/Showtime/Zuffa dynamic. For now, Rockhold has to bide his time and win the fights that are available to him in the organization.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13970.shtml
12 Fighters That Could Be Action Movie Stars
The world of martial arts extends to many places, whether it be the Olympics, the silver screen or the UFC. It's easy to say that the various arts are immensely popular all over the world.
Some of the greatest action movie stars know some sort of martial art. Among these stars are Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Jason Statham and Jackie Chan. All of these men have contributed their particular martial arts in various movies.
Here are 10 fighters who could be action movie stars given the chance.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1278652-12-fighters-that-could-be-action-movie-stars
Why Sonnen vs. Silva III is Possible If Sonnen Starts Mouthing Off Again
Anderson Silva's couch is going to be working overtime for the immediate future, and that is a bad thing for the UFC.
Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz is out of commission for perhaps a full year. Welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre is going to fight in November (maybe,) but historically tends to have long layovers between fights. Light heavyweight king Jon Jones has literally beaten every realistic competitor, making any future fights for him questionable from a sales perspective.
Other buy-grabbing fighters not wearing belts are also shelved. Alistair Overeem is in the middle of his suspension for his wacky T/E ratio. Nick Diaz is in the same boat for his wacky tobacky. Matt Hughes may or may not be retired. Frank Mir's next fight will be in Strikeforce, where he will face Daniel Cormier (another fighter the UFC wish they had at their disposal.) Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's arm is still on the mend. The same goes for Mark Hunt's knee.
That is a big headache for UFC matchmaker Joe Silva. While the UFC is through the worst of it, they still need cards that can draw 500,000 buys in a really bad way.
UFC 148 drew over one million buys. Though Silva won in convincing fashion, there was more than a little controversy involved. It started even before the fight, with Silva wiping grease from his face onto his chest. It moved on into the second round with Silva grabbing Sonnen's shorts to help in his defending of the American Gangster's takedowns. Finally, the volley of strikes that ended the fight started off with a knee to Sonnen's chest that simultaneously hit him in the face.
This is not to say that Silva did not earn his win. He was still widely favored and likely would have won the fight without, as it is called in football, “gamesmanship.” Still, if roles were reversed, few would deny that an immediate rematch would already be scheduled.
Anderson Silva's management team knows there is no real legitimate opponent for him in the middleweight division right now. Though many are excited about 9-0 phenom Chris Weidman, his most-watched fight remains his wheeze-fest against Demian Maia at UFC on Fox 2. His eerily dominating performance against Mark Munoz at UFC on Fuel TV 4 averaged only 211,000 viewers, leaving his drawing power a serious question mark.
The rest of the middleweight top-10 has a similar lack of established success. Alan Belcher and Tim Boetsch are yet to make a serious splash with fans, in spite of solid winning streaks. Everyone else (being Michael Bisping, Brian Stann, Yushin Okami and Vitor Belfort) have all lost to either Sonnen or Silva in the last eighteen months.
Anderson Silva's management team recently made a push for a fight against Georges St-Pierre. However, the scheduling and welterweight title picture make this unrealistic.
St-Pierre is scheduled to face Carlos Condit at UFC 154 to unify the welterweight belt. Martin Kampmann and Johny Hendricks are slated for a top contender's match that same night. Both offer a true test for St-Pierre, but even if GSP loses, he has a blockbuster opponent waiting for him in Nick Diaz, who he could fight in Spring 2013.
Making things even worse for Anderson is that the always-discussed move to light heavyweight is no longer a viable option for him. While fights like Silva vs. Rashad Evans or Silva vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua would be excellent draws, champion Jon Jones would be a heavy favorite if the two met, given his serious size, reach and wrestling advantage. The UFC, Silva, and Silva's management team all know this.
That leaves Chael Sonnen.
While Chael Sonnen became a household name in large part because of his mouth, he has been nothing but a good sport since losing to Silva at UFC 148. At the post-event media conference, Sonnen downplayed the preliminary talk about Silva's questionable tactics. Since, he has remained quiet on the fight, but acknowledged his reluctance to watch a video of the bout.
While sore losers are not traditionally well-met by sports fans, Sonnen's popularity grew because of his inability to stomach his first loss to Silva. While Dana White dismissed questions about the legitimacy of Silva's win, he must also recognize the matchmaking predicament facing one of his few remaining draws. The UFC's marketing department can easily run promos of Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg questioning if that knee went to the face, or pointing out Silva grabbing Sonnen's shorts.
This remains a tough fight for Silva. While Sonnen was knocked out at UFC 148, he is still the most likely candidate to beat Silva. The entire first round had Silva on his back, and there is no question as to whether Sonnen still has the slippery takedowns and sheer quickness and keep “the Spider” off his game.
An immediate rematch is out of the question. However, a fight against Weidman would be a viable headline for a UFC on Fox card and, regardless of the outcome, makes for a strong top contender bout that will either set up for Silva vs. Sonnen III, or make Weidman a household name.
That situation is a win-win for the UFC. While neither a Silva vs. Sonnen III, nor a Silva vs. Weidman headline would draw seven-figure buys, having Sonnen and Weidman face off in a top contender fight is by far the best thing the UFC can do to shake out the top of the middleweight division.
It is a very realistic option that should be available to Sonnen. All he needs to do is start running his mouth.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
Rory MacDonald joins B.J. Penn in VADA drug testing for UFC 152 showdown
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Sticking by his word, UFC welterweight Rory MacDonald will join his UFC 152 opponent B.J. Penn in undergoing random drug testing by the Volunteer Anti-Doping Association ahead of their bout.
VADA announced Penn's participation on Thursday, and in an interview with MMAJunkie.com, MacDonald's manager, Lex McMahon, revealed they were doing the same. Both fighters will be subject to random blood and urine tests for eight weeks leading into their bout, in addition to any testing done by the UFC.
"Our camp is very happy that B.J. has decided to participate in the VADA program that he had put forward," McMahon said. "Rory's completing his paperwork and will be joining him soon, and I think that Rory is definitely excited about the possibilities of what this means for the sport in the big picture, and he's happy he can play a small role in this."
Penn initially balked at VADA's need to release results of the tests immediately, wanting to withhold results until after the fight so as not to affect their booking at UFC 152. That's not how the system works, however, and Penn eventually decided to go ahead with the program as it is. Results of any of the random tests during that time period will be immediately revealed to the ABC, Ontario governing body, and the UFC.
Penick's Analysis: MacDonald and Penn are taking a step in a new direction for testing in the sport. It will be interesting to see how many follow suit and whether or not VADA testing starts to gain a foothold in the sport. It's already resulted in some high-profile busts in boxing, and any fighter signing up for it claiming they're clean better be sure they are, or it's going to lead to the same happening in MMA. Still, as the problems surrounding drug use and abuse in MMA continue to grow, a new approach is needed. VADA being the answer or not is still too early to tell, but it's something more comprehensive than what we're seeing from Athletic commissions with simple pre and post fight urine tests.
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VADA announced Penn's participation on Thursday, and in an interview with MMAJunkie.com, MacDonald's manager, Lex McMahon, revealed they were doing the same. Both fighters will be subject to random blood and urine tests for eight weeks leading into their bout, in addition to any testing done by the UFC.
"Our camp is very happy that B.J. has decided to participate in the VADA program that he had put forward," McMahon said. "Rory's completing his paperwork and will be joining him soon, and I think that Rory is definitely excited about the possibilities of what this means for the sport in the big picture, and he's happy he can play a small role in this."
Penn initially balked at VADA's need to release results of the tests immediately, wanting to withhold results until after the fight so as not to affect their booking at UFC 152. That's not how the system works, however, and Penn eventually decided to go ahead with the program as it is. Results of any of the random tests during that time period will be immediately revealed to the ABC, Ontario governing body, and the UFC.
Penick's Analysis: MacDonald and Penn are taking a step in a new direction for testing in the sport. It will be interesting to see how many follow suit and whether or not VADA testing starts to gain a foothold in the sport. It's already resulted in some high-profile busts in boxing, and any fighter signing up for it claiming they're clean better be sure they are, or it's going to lead to the same happening in MMA. Still, as the problems surrounding drug use and abuse in MMA continue to grow, a new approach is needed. VADA being the answer or not is still too early to tell, but it's something more comprehensive than what we're seeing from Athletic commissions with simple pre and post fight urine tests.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13955.shtml
Boxing Insider Notebook: Salido, Dawson, Ward, and More
By: William Holmes The following is the Boxinginsider.com notebook for the week of July 23rd to July 30th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing. Chris Algieri Wins at Star Boxing?s Rocking Fights 4 Chris Algieri won …
Source: http://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/boxinginsider-notebook-salido-dawson-ward-and-more/
Rory MacDonald joins B.J. Penn in VADA drug testing for UFC 152 showdown
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Sticking by his word, UFC welterweight Rory MacDonald will join his UFC 152 opponent B.J. Penn in undergoing random drug testing by the Volunteer Anti-Doping Association ahead of their bout.
VADA announced Penn's participation on Thursday, and in an interview with MMAJunkie.com, MacDonald's manager, Lex McMahon, revealed they were doing the same. Both fighters will be subject to random blood and urine tests for eight weeks leading into their bout, in addition to any testing done by the UFC.
"Our camp is very happy that B.J. has decided to participate in the VADA program that he had put forward," McMahon said. "Rory's completing his paperwork and will be joining him soon, and I think that Rory is definitely excited about the possibilities of what this means for the sport in the big picture, and he's happy he can play a small role in this."
Penn initially balked at VADA's need to release results of the tests immediately, wanting to withhold results until after the fight so as not to affect their booking at UFC 152. That's not how the system works, however, and Penn eventually decided to go ahead with the program as it is. Results of any of the random tests during that time period will be immediately revealed to the ABC, Ontario governing body, and the UFC.
Penick's Analysis: MacDonald and Penn are taking a step in a new direction for testing in the sport. It will be interesting to see how many follow suit and whether or not VADA testing starts to gain a foothold in the sport. It's already resulted in some high-profile busts in boxing, and any fighter signing up for it claiming they're clean better be sure they are, or it's going to lead to the same happening in MMA. Still, as the problems surrounding drug use and abuse in MMA continue to grow, a new approach is needed. VADA being the answer or not is still too early to tell, but it's something more comprehensive than what we're seeing from Athletic commissions with simple pre and post fight urine tests.
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VADA announced Penn's participation on Thursday, and in an interview with MMAJunkie.com, MacDonald's manager, Lex McMahon, revealed they were doing the same. Both fighters will be subject to random blood and urine tests for eight weeks leading into their bout, in addition to any testing done by the UFC.
"Our camp is very happy that B.J. has decided to participate in the VADA program that he had put forward," McMahon said. "Rory's completing his paperwork and will be joining him soon, and I think that Rory is definitely excited about the possibilities of what this means for the sport in the big picture, and he's happy he can play a small role in this."
Penn initially balked at VADA's need to release results of the tests immediately, wanting to withhold results until after the fight so as not to affect their booking at UFC 152. That's not how the system works, however, and Penn eventually decided to go ahead with the program as it is. Results of any of the random tests during that time period will be immediately revealed to the ABC, Ontario governing body, and the UFC.
Penick's Analysis: MacDonald and Penn are taking a step in a new direction for testing in the sport. It will be interesting to see how many follow suit and whether or not VADA testing starts to gain a foothold in the sport. It's already resulted in some high-profile busts in boxing, and any fighter signing up for it claiming they're clean better be sure they are, or it's going to lead to the same happening in MMA. Still, as the problems surrounding drug use and abuse in MMA continue to grow, a new approach is needed. VADA being the answer or not is still too early to tell, but it's something more comprehensive than what we're seeing from Athletic commissions with simple pre and post fight urine tests.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13955.shtml
Monday, July 30, 2012
?UFC on FOX: Shogun vs. Vera? Official Event Poster
Better late than never. With less than a week remaining until the curtain is drawn on ?UFC on FOX: Shogun vs. Vera,? the official event poster for Saturday?s show has finally been released.
A pair of light heavyweight tangos headlines the bash. Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua meets Brandon Vera in the night?s featured attraction, while Lyoto Machida battles Ryan Bader in the co-main event.
Staples Center in Los Angeles hosts this weekend?s festivities.
FOX broadcasts the card?s four featured fights live beginning at 8PM PET/5PM PT.
Here is the event?s lineup:
Preliminary Card:
(FUEL TV 5PM ET/2PM PT)
John Moraga vs. Ulysses Gomez
Michihiro Omigawa vs. Manny Gamburyan
Oli Thompson vs. Phil De Fries
Josh Grispi vs. Rani Yahya
Phil Davis vs. Wagner Prado
Nam Phan vs. Cole Miller
Main Card:
(FOX 8PM ET/5PM PT)
Mike Swick vs. DaMarques Johnson
Joe Lauzon vs. Jamie Varner
Lyoto Machida vs. Ryan Bader
Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua vs. Brandon Vera
A pair of light heavyweight tangos headlines the bash. Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua meets Brandon Vera in the night?s featured attraction, while Lyoto Machida battles Ryan Bader in the co-main event.
Staples Center in Los Angeles hosts this weekend?s festivities.
FOX broadcasts the card?s four featured fights live beginning at 8PM PET/5PM PT.
Here is the event?s lineup:
Preliminary Card:
(FUEL TV 5PM ET/2PM PT)
John Moraga vs. Ulysses Gomez
Michihiro Omigawa vs. Manny Gamburyan
Oli Thompson vs. Phil De Fries
Josh Grispi vs. Rani Yahya
Phil Davis vs. Wagner Prado
Nam Phan vs. Cole Miller
Main Card:
(FOX 8PM ET/5PM PT)
Mike Swick vs. DaMarques Johnson
Joe Lauzon vs. Jamie Varner
Lyoto Machida vs. Ryan Bader
Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua vs. Brandon Vera
UFC On Fox 4: Winner Of Vera Vs. Rua Gets Title Shot
UFC president Dana White is making bold promises once again. On a UFC on Fox 4 conference call this afternoon, White says that the winner of the UFC on Fox 4 main event between former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Brandon Vera will get a title shot.
Seriously.
Shogun (20-6) was trounced by current champion Jon Jones at UFC 128 to take the belt, and he's just 1-1 since then. The loss came to Dan Henderson, who will challenge Jones for the title at UFC 151.
Vera (12-5, 1 NC), who was also handily defeated by Jones back in 2010, is 4-3 (1 NC) since dropping to 205 and has picked up just one win in his last four bouts. And even that one was close, where Eliot Marshall caught him in an armbar late in the fight and actually broke his arm, but Vera held on for the decision victory.
I'll leave the outrage to the rest of you, but to me this just seems like a ploy to get people interested in UFC on Fox 4, not a real ironclad promise. How many times has White named a "# 1 contender" before, only to pass them up when something better came along for the champion? The only possible way this could work out is if Henderson and Shogun emerge victorious and meet for a second time. Any other combination is a death knell for PPV in my eyes.
SBN coverage of UFC on Fox 4: Shogun vs. Vera
Source: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/7/30/3204507/ufc-on-fox-4-winner-vera-vs-rua-gets-title-shot
Shogun Rua Wants A Crack at Bones Jones
Former light heavyweight champion Mauricio Shogun Rua is looking to get his light heavyweight championship back from the current champ Jon Jones. He was...
?Invicta Fighting Championships 2? Results
After some streaming issues, “Invicta Fighting Championships 2″ ultimately went off without a hitch. Saturday’s show took place inside Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas. The all-female fight card featured an entertaining battle between Shayna Baszler and Sara McMann and a co-main event with Alexis Davis and Hitomi Akano. If you missed Saturday’s scraps, go [...]
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/124004/invicta-fighting-championships-2-results/
?UFC on FOX: Shogun vs. Vera? Video Preview
“UFC on FOX: Shogun vs. Vera” is exactly one week out, so it’s time to kick the promotional efforts into overdrive. What better way to do so than by releasing a quick video preview for next Saturday’s show?� Former light heavyweight champ Lyoto Machida (Pictured) and Ryan Bader serve as the card’s co-featured attraction. Although, [...]
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/123989/ufc-on-fox-shogun-vs-vera-video-preview/
UFC on FOX: Shougn vs. Vera Video Preview
Two light heavyweight bouts will determine the next contender in the nastiest division of the UFC - don't miss Shogun vs. Vera and Machida vs. Bader live on FOX!UFC on FOX 4 takes place on August 4, 2012 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California featuring a four bout main card.
Source: http://www.themmanews.com/ufc-on-fox-shougn-vs-vera-video-preview/
July 2012 MMA Rankings: The 10 Best in Each Division
Once per month, I put together a list of rankings in each weight class, from heavyweight down to flyweight, for the USA Today consensus MMA rankings.
I'm going to begin sharing those rankings with you, starting with my latest ballot.
These rankings are my own. They are not affiliated with the official Bleacher Report MMA rankings and should not be considered the consensus view of anyone else on the Caged In or Bleacher Report staff.
With that disclaimer out of the way, let's get started with the big boys at heavyweight.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1275727-july-2012-mma-rankings-the-10-best-in-each-division
Sunday, July 29, 2012
ONE FC CEO Victor Cui Excited For ?Sick? Card August 31st
On August 31st, ONE Fighting Championship will head to the Philippines for the first time with the promotions most stacked card. With fighters such as reigning DREAM champions Shinya Aoki and Bibiano Fernandes, plus a trio of Gracie’s at the event, promotion president Victor Cui can only refer to the card as “sick” and “stacked” [...]
Source: http://www.themmanews.com/one-fc-ceo-victor-cui-excited-for-sick-card-august-31st/
?UFC on FOX: Road to the Octagon? premieres today at 2 p.m. ET
Live UFC fights are back on FOX next weekend with "UFC on FOX 4: Shogun vs. Vera". To get you ready for the action FOX is airing "UFC on FOX: Road to the Octagon" this afternoon (Sunday, July 29) at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. The show will take fans behind the scenes and into the training camps of UFC on FOX 4 headliners Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Brandon Vera, and co-headliners Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader, as they prepare for their Aug. 4 light heavyweight match-ups which could hold title fight implications for the winners.
Related posts:
Related posts:
- UFC’s ‘Road To The Octagon’ to air July 29th on FOX
- Ulysses ‘Useless’ Gomez signs with UFC, replaces Ian McCall at UFC on FOX 4 against John Moraga
- Ryan Bader to face Lyoto Machida at UFC on FOX 4
Source: http://prommanow.com/2012/07/29/ufc-on-fox-road-to-the-octagon-premieres-today-at-2-p-m-et/
Rebellion Radio: Brittney Palmer, Firas Zahabi, and Rich Chou
Rebellion MMA Radio returns tonight with hosts Bryan Levick and Mitch Ciccarelli in addition to a strong lineup of guests including the beautiful Brittney Palmer, Firas Zahabi, and Richard Chou. The show will start at 6:30PM ET tonight. Listeners can submit questions/comments, or even participate on the show, via Twitter, through email (RebellionMMARadio@yahoo.com) or by calling the show.
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/29641/rebellion-radio-brittney-palmer-firas-zahabi-and-rich-chou-2/
Benson Henderson: ?Every fight I have from now on is going to be the fight of my life, to be the career-defining moment.?
UFC lightweight champ Benson Henderson has no regrets about his performance against former title-holder Frankie Edgar when the two tangled in February at UFC 144. The bout featured Henderson handling the slippery Edgar and emerging from the bout with a belt in tow. However, in the eyes of some the fight was close enough to [...]
Canadian Olympic Profile: Freestyle Wrestling Team
As the 2012 Olympic Games are underway in London, Fight Network will be providing daily profiles on the Canadian athletes competing in various combat sports disciplines.
Here, we take a closer look at the Canadian freestyle wrestling team:
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MEN?S
David Tremblay
Height: 165 cm
Weight: 55 Kg
Born: 18/09/1987, Stony Point, Ontario
Resides: Montreal, Quebec
Since taking up the sport in 2000, David Tremblay has always had his eye trained on his ultimate goal of competing for Canada at an Olympic Games. This past March, his dream became a reality when he secured his spot on the London 2012 team, taking home gold at the Pan Am Olympic qualifying tournament in Florida. The 2011 Canadian senior national champion moved to Montreal at age 18 to train with renowned coach Victor Zilberman, whom he credits with pushing him to elevate himself to the level of international competitor. Tremblay had been coached by his father for his entire life prior to working with coach Zilberman. Tremblay once dethroned a four-time reigning high school champion, citing the victory as one of his all-time most memorable wrestling moments. He also enjoyed a three-year run as CIS Champion from 2009-2011.
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Source: http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news/32206:canadian-olympic-profile-freestyle-wrestling-team/
Nick Diaz Plans on Returning to UFC, Requests Fight with Anderson Silva
The last two times most MMA fans saw Nick Diaz were following UFC 143 and during his hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission regarding his drug test from that fight. Diaz did not fare too well in either of those appearances.
Diaz, the former Strikeforce welterweight champion came out on the wrong side of the decision to Condit, and after watching the interim UFC welterweight title belt strapped around the waist of the victor, Diaz had this to say during his in cage interview with Joe Rogan: “I think I'm done with this MMA. It's been great out here. I've had a good career, but I don't think I'm going to get enough to keep going in this.”
As for the hearing with the NSAC, that came a few months after the fight.
Diaz’s post-UFC 143 drug test came back positive for marijuana metabolites, and after a long, drawn-out hearing, Diaz was slapped with a one-year suspension retroactive the date of the fight, February 4.
Since then, we haven't heard much. Sure, there have been some words from Nick's younger brother Nate, but that was nothing concrete—just Nate's opinion on things.
That changed on Friday when Cesar Gracie took to GracieFighter.com to reveal what the future held for Nick Diaz: "This week we had a great talk and he made it clear to me that he is ready to get back to the cage. Nick Diaz will return."
I can say I would have been more surprised to read that Diaz would stay retired. What did come as a bit of a surprise was the fighter he was requesting a bout with upon his return, per Gracie:
As far as future opponents, Nick has stated that he would like to take fights “that matter”. Since GSP will be fighting Condit, he has to look elsewhere. He will respectfully ask for a fight with Anderson Silva, a fighter he respects and would like to challenge.
Silva’s camp has been speaking of a fight with GSP, possibly even at a catch weight. Nick will take that fight in a minute but has told me that should Silva decide not to drop at all, he will move up to 185lbs to face the Champ.
So there you have it fight fans, Nick Diaz will return and if he has his way, he will return in a big fashion.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com
Nick Diaz to return, wants Anderson Silva fight
Nick Diaz?s retirement, as expected, has been short-lived. Earlier today, Diaz?s trainer and manager, Cesar Gracie announced the controversial welterweight?s future plans and they include a challenge to UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Gracie posted the following statement on GracieFighter.com:
?It?s been a trying time these last 4 months as I have been faced with the prospect that one of our team?s most talented fighters had decided to leave the sport. As a fan I?ve always admired what both of the Diaz?s brought to the cage; a combination of technical brilliance and raw violence.
Nate Diaz has finally put his game together and found the formula to propel him to the top of the 155lbs division. To see Nick leave at the top of his game was difficult.
For the last couple of months I?ve watched Nick begin to frequent the gym more and more. He?s training harder now than he has for many of his fights. It was obvious that training and fighting is in his DNA. It is who he is.
This week we had a great talk and he made it clear to me that he is ready to get back to the cage. Nick Diaz will return.
To address the NSAC suspension, I will say that we have appealed to the courts and if things go our way, it will be plausible that Nick could return as early as sometime at the end of this year.
For too long NSAC bureaucrats have acted with malicious incompetence towards the fighters. We will challenge them in court.
As far as future opponents, Nick has stated that he would like to take fights ?that matter?. Since GSP will be fighting Condit, he has to look elsewhere. He will respectfully ask for a fight with Anderson Silva, a fighter he respects and would like to challenge.
Silva?s camp has been speaking of a fight with GSP, possibly even at a catch weight. Nick will take that fight in a minute but has told me that should Silva decide not to drop at all, he will move up to 185lbs to face the Champ.
I will be meeting with Dana next Monday August 6th to discuss this and other issues. If you appreciate Nick?s fighting style, please let Dana know that you want Nick back ASAP.
Thank you and best regards,
Cesar Gracie?
?It?s been a trying time these last 4 months as I have been faced with the prospect that one of our team?s most talented fighters had decided to leave the sport. As a fan I?ve always admired what both of the Diaz?s brought to the cage; a combination of technical brilliance and raw violence.
Nate Diaz has finally put his game together and found the formula to propel him to the top of the 155lbs division. To see Nick leave at the top of his game was difficult.
For the last couple of months I?ve watched Nick begin to frequent the gym more and more. He?s training harder now than he has for many of his fights. It was obvious that training and fighting is in his DNA. It is who he is.
This week we had a great talk and he made it clear to me that he is ready to get back to the cage. Nick Diaz will return.
To address the NSAC suspension, I will say that we have appealed to the courts and if things go our way, it will be plausible that Nick could return as early as sometime at the end of this year.
For too long NSAC bureaucrats have acted with malicious incompetence towards the fighters. We will challenge them in court.
As far as future opponents, Nick has stated that he would like to take fights ?that matter?. Since GSP will be fighting Condit, he has to look elsewhere. He will respectfully ask for a fight with Anderson Silva, a fighter he respects and would like to challenge.
Silva?s camp has been speaking of a fight with GSP, possibly even at a catch weight. Nick will take that fight in a minute but has told me that should Silva decide not to drop at all, he will move up to 185lbs to face the Champ.
I will be meeting with Dana next Monday August 6th to discuss this and other issues. If you appreciate Nick?s fighting style, please let Dana know that you want Nick back ASAP.
Thank you and best regards,
Cesar Gracie?
B.J. Penn enrolls with VADA for UFC 152 bout against Rory MacDonald, subject to 8 weeks of random testing
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
B.J. Penn will work with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association ahead of his UFC 152 bout with Rory MacDonald this September. Though he had some reservations with the program's need to release drug testing results immediately, he has ultimately decided to enroll in the program.
For eight weeks leading into the Sept. 22 bout in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Penn will be subject to random blood and urine testing. Results of those tests will be released to the Association of Boxing Commissions, Ontario's sanctioning body, and the UFC.
Penn returns to action for the first time since his October 2011 loss to Nick Diaz, after which he revealed he'd likely walk away from the sport. He wavered on that retirement talk earlier this year, ultimately accepting a fight with MacDonald
Penick's Analysis: Penn's just the first fighter to sign up with VADA in the UFC, but he's not the only one who has openly discussed it. Now that he's opened the door, expect Roy Nelson and others to join him. Of course, should any failed test happen as a result of this program, his fight with MacDonald would ultimately be scrapped, but he maintains he's a clean fighter and wants to prove it with these random tests. We'll see how this program works in the context of the UFC, at least for this one fight.
[B.J. Penn art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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For eight weeks leading into the Sept. 22 bout in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Penn will be subject to random blood and urine testing. Results of those tests will be released to the Association of Boxing Commissions, Ontario's sanctioning body, and the UFC.
Penn returns to action for the first time since his October 2011 loss to Nick Diaz, after which he revealed he'd likely walk away from the sport. He wavered on that retirement talk earlier this year, ultimately accepting a fight with MacDonald
Penick's Analysis: Penn's just the first fighter to sign up with VADA in the UFC, but he's not the only one who has openly discussed it. Now that he's opened the door, expect Roy Nelson and others to join him. Of course, should any failed test happen as a result of this program, his fight with MacDonald would ultimately be scrapped, but he maintains he's a clean fighter and wants to prove it with these random tests. We'll see how this program works in the context of the UFC, at least for this one fight.
[B.J. Penn art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13953.shtml
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Nick Diaz 'Ready To Get Back In The Cage' According To Cesar Gracie, Wants Anderson Silva
Yesterday it was announced that there would be a major announcement on the future of Nick Diaz on the Gracie Fighter website and that announcement has just been made. According to Cesar Gracie, despite Diaz's previous claims that he was retiring from the sport, a decision made in anger following a decision loss to Carlos Condit and reinforced by his subsequent suspension for marijuana metabolites being in his system that same fight, Diaz will return to the cage. Gracie also made it clear that they're hunting big game.
From the announcement:
This week we had a great talk and he made it clear to me that he is ready to get back to the cage. Nick Diaz will return.
To address the NSAC suspension, I will say that we have appealed to the courts and if things go our way, it will be plausible that Nick could return as early as sometime at the end of this year.
From the announcement:
This week we had a great talk and he made it clear to me that he is ready to get back to the cage. Nick Diaz will return.
To address the NSAC suspension, I will say that we have appealed to the courts and if things go our way, it will be plausible that Nick could return as early as sometime at the end of this year.
Source: http://www.mmaplayground.com/forums/topic54338-1.html
Final Lineup Announced For MFC 34: Total Recall Card
Zentgraf steps in to face Krahn at MFC 34 Three-fight undercard also set for Total Recall on Aug. 10 Press Release – July 27, 2012 – The Maximum Fighting Championship is announcing one lineup change and the undercard matchups for the upcoming MFC 34: Total Recall card slated for Friday, August 10 in Edmonton, Alberta. [...]
Source: http://www.themmanews.com/final-lineup-announced-for-mfc-34-total-recall-card/
Reminder: Saturday's Invicta FC 2 card streams free online at 7 p.m. ET
As a reminder, Invicta Fighting Championships returns Saturday for its second card, and the show will stream live and free online. Company officials earlier this week announced the 14-bout card will stream live at the promotion's official website, InvictaFC.com. Broadcasting the event are Showtime/Strikeforce voice Mauro Ranallo, Bellator light heavyweight Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal and Strikeforce women's fighter Julie Kedzie.
Invicta FC 2 takes place at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan., and the live stream begins at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT).
CC10: Angleton?s James Powell gunning for second title on short notice this Friday night
ANGLETON, TX, July 25, 2012 ? Featured in the main event at Garcia Promotions’ Cage Combat 10 event this Friday night will be a welterweight title fight between Team Tooke’s Jose Llanas and our latest interviewee, James Powell of Fight Science. James, also called “Jimbo” by those close to him, took this fight on short [...]
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6 MMA Fighters We Hope to Never See in the ESPN Body Issue
The ESPN The Magazine Body Issue has been a huge hit since it debuted back in 2009. The ESPN rival to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue obtained 35% more ad sales than comparable issues its first year.
What separates The Body Issue from the Swimsuit Issue is that all of the athletes are shown fully nude, with strategic coverage of private parts. Also, the athletes are a mix of male and female, while the swimsuit issue is just female models and athletes.
In its first four years, the body issue has featured MMA fighters Gina Carano, Randy Couture, Ronda Rousey, and Jon "Bones" Jones. Those four fighters embody the "Bodies We Want" section in the issue, showcasing, you guessed it, the best bodies in the world of sports.
This list will focus on both sides of the spectrum: the bodies that we would never want, and the bodies that would be the hardest to achieve.
?All Access: Ronda Rousey? premieres Aug. 8 on Showtime
Rabid Ronda Rousey fans can rejoice knowing the Emmy Award-winning Showtime Sports is producing a new edition of their "All Access" documentary series which will take an all-encompassing look at Olympic judo medalist, women's mixed martial arts phenom and current Strikeforce women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.
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- Ronda Rousey vs. Sarah Kaufman Strikeforce trailer
- ProMMAnow.com talks with new Strikeforce women’s 135 champ Ronda Rousey
- Ronda Rousey’s first title defense against Sara Kaufman in August
Source: http://prommanow.com/2012/07/27/all-access-ronda-rousey-premieres-aug-8-on-showtime/
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