By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
If anything has held a fighter's longevity in the UFC, it has been winning, or being an integral part of, The Ultimate Fighter reality series. Well the UFC on Monday sent a message to its current and future TUF winners that it's not necessarily a guaranteed roster spot.
According to season eight winner Efrain Escudero on Twitter, he was given his release from the organization following his UFC Fight Night 22 loss to Charles Oliveira. Escudero came into the fight four pounds over the lightweight limit, and was submitted by Oliveira in the third round.
Escudero went 3-2 in the organization, beginning with his Ultimate Fighter 8 finals victory over Phillipe Nover. After knocking out Cole Miller, Escudero was submitted by Evan Dunham in January. His next fight saw him win a decision over Dan Lauzon in an uninspired performance in May before losing to Oliveira last week.
Escudero said he's now looking at both Strikeforce and Bellator for his new home, though he'll take a step back for a week.
"I was released by the UFC today," Escudero wrote. "Speaking to Strikeforce and Bellator. Taking a week off and [I will] make my way back!"
Penick's Analysis: I'm extremely surprised by this cut. Both Mac Danzig and Kendall Grove have come extremely close to being the first TUF winners released by the organization, but I didn't see this coming after a 3-2 start for Escudero in the organization. He didn't help his case with a terrible fight against Dan Lauzon and then by coming in overweight for the Oliveira fight. At the same time, the thinking was that by being a TUF winner he'd get at least one more fight in the Octagon. He'll get another shot if he gets another win or two, but only the UFC truly knows why Escudero is no longer on the roster.
EDIT: Yes, Travis Lutter was technically the first TUF winner released by the organization, but he was also the winner of the "comeback" season and was already 1-2 in the organization before winning the season. I hold the other season winners in a different category.
Thứ Ba, 28 tháng 9, 2010
Better weekend suplex: 'Sexyata' or Barnett?
One was real. One was fake. But they both looked pretty cool. Josh Barnett took on Tim Sylvia in a pro wrestling match in Japan. "The Baby-Faced Assassin" tossed Sylvia on his noggin. It probably came with a little assistance from Sylvia. Kazuyuki Miyata did it for real. "Sexyata" took "Lion" Takeshi for two rides during their fight at DREAM 16. One more time and it would've brought back memories of wrestler Chris Benoit, who once did it 10 times to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Any Benoit memories beyond that are pretty lousy. Check out more photos from the wrestling tilt here.
Weight, money, opponent set, keyboard warrior Sean McCorkle poised for UFC 119
After years of doing battle on a keyboard as much as inside a cage, things got very real for Sean McCorkle this week.
The Indianapolis-based heavyweight caught up with MMAjunkie.com on the way to pick up his son, who he wanted to
take along as producers filmed him throwing punches in misty air with
UFC gloves. (The clip will play before he makes his walk to the
octagon.)
He is no longer just a guy on the Internet. He is fighting in the UFC.
The Indianapolis-based heavyweight caught up with MMAjunkie.com on the way to pick up his son, who he wanted to
take along as producers filmed him throwing punches in misty air with
UFC gloves. (The clip will play before he makes his walk to the
octagon.)
He is no longer just a guy on the Internet. He is fighting in the UFC.
MARTIAL MARTIAL ARTS FOR KIDS MARTIAL ARTS MOVIES MATT HUGHES
Poll results: Should heel-hook submissions be banned in MMA?
UFC 119 takes place tonight, and in the headliner, submission ace Frank Mir takes on famed striker Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.
Mir, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist, has many tools at his disposal. But should heel-hook submissions be one of them?
That's the question we asked in our latest MMAjunkie.com/"Inside MMA" weekly poll, and the results proved a landslide.
Mir, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist, has many tools at his disposal. But should heel-hook submissions be one of them?
That's the question we asked in our latest MMAjunkie.com/"Inside MMA" weekly poll, and the results proved a landslide.
UFC 119: C.B. Dollaway Submits Joe Doerksen
by Michael David SmithC.B. Dollaway showed off some fine grappling Saturday at UFC 119, submitting Joe Doerksen in the first round with a guillotine choke.
The fight lasted just two minutes, 13 seconds, and in that time Dollaway attempted one guillotine choke, let it go and then rolled into a better position to finish it. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
The fight lasted just two minutes, 13 seconds, and in that time Dollaway attempted one guillotine choke, let it go and then rolled into a better position to finish it. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Thứ Hai, 27 tháng 9, 2010
Trigg, Monson, Sokoudjou, Other UFC Vets Slated for Israel FC
Filed under: Fighting, NewsFrank Trigg, Jeff Monson, Ricco Rodriguez, Hermes Franca, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett, Daniel Gracie and Shonie Carter are all slated to compete in Israel on Nov. 9 for the Israel Fighting Championship group.
The matchups after the jump.
The matchups after the jump.
UFC 119: Live Results and Commentary
(Well, now I’m going to have nightmares. That’s great. Thanks for nothing, Joe Rogan. PicProps: UFC.com)Look, we’ve been trying to think of a good way to tell you this. In the end, maybe it’s best if we just come right out and say it: UFC 119 isn’t a great PPV card. Your main event features two guys just trying to cling to life in the heavyweight division, while the rest of the card is kind of … meh. Not saying it’s terrible, but if you wanted to save your money for, say, UFC 121 and just follow the live blog for this baby, we’d understand. We got you, player. That’s what we’re here for. And if you’re some big swinging dick who has money out the yaz (even in these tough economic times) and you’re ordering the thing, but for some reason still feel compelled to follow along online – maybe as a respite from how empty and shallow your life really is, maybe just to toss out sweet zingers in the comments section -- that’s fine too. We don’t discriminate. Except against fat people. And the old.
We’ll be going live just after 10 p.m. EST, 7 p.m. PST. Remember to hit refresh early and often to get the latest updates.
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We’ll be going live just after 10 p.m. EST, 7 p.m. PST. Remember to hit refresh early and often to get the latest updates.
read more
WEC NEWS: Tickets on sale this week for November's WEC 52 - "Faber vs. Mizugaki" event in Las Vegas
Tickets go on sale this week for next month's WEC 52 event from The Pearl at the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, headlined by Urijah Faber's WEC bantamweight debut against Takeya Mizugaki.
The event takes place on November 11, and will air live on the Versus network.
UFC Fight Club members can begin purchasing tickets this Wednesday, September 22, and WEC.TV newsletter subscriber can purchase tickets beginning on Thursday. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday.
The card also features announced bouts of Brian Bowles vs. Wagnney Fabiano, Chad Mendes vs. Javier Vazquez, and Josh Grispi vs. Erik Koch.
The event takes place on November 11, and will air live on the Versus network.
UFC Fight Club members can begin purchasing tickets this Wednesday, September 22, and WEC.TV newsletter subscriber can purchase tickets beginning on Thursday. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday.
The card also features announced bouts of Brian Bowles vs. Wagnney Fabiano, Chad Mendes vs. Javier Vazquez, and Josh Grispi vs. Erik Koch.
MMAjunkie.com's John Morgan on KXNT's "MMA:30 Radio Hour" with Dave Farra today
MMAjunkie.com lead staff reporter John Morgan is a guest on today's edition of the "MMA:30 Radio Hour" on Las Vegas' KXNT 100.5 FM.
Morgan joins host Dave Farra in-studio to preview this weekend's UFC 119 event. UFC 119 competitor Melvin Guillard also appears on the show, which broadcasts live from the Suncoast Hotel and Casino, as do WEC general manager Reed Harris and Tuff-N-Uff vice president Jeff Meyer.
Las Vegas residents can catch the hour-long program beginning at 9 a.m. PT local time.
Morgan joins host Dave Farra in-studio to preview this weekend's UFC 119 event. UFC 119 competitor Melvin Guillard also appears on the show, which broadcasts live from the Suncoast Hotel and Casino, as do WEC general manager Reed Harris and Tuff-N-Uff vice president Jeff Meyer.
Las Vegas residents can catch the hour-long program beginning at 9 a.m. PT local time.
MMA FIGHT GLOVES MMA FIGHT SHORTS MMA FIGHT WEAR MMA FIGHTER
Chủ Nhật, 26 tháng 9, 2010
UFC NEWS: UFC 122 set for Germany; Belfort vs. Yushin winner to face Anderson Silva in 2011
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
November's UFC 122 event in Germany has taken on a new significance with the news that Chael Sonnen failed his UFC 117 drug test for performance enhancers, as the UFC announced today that the winner of the main event between Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami will face off against Anderson Silva in 2011 for the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Today's official announcement of the event revealed the number one contender status of the main event.
The card is the UFC's return to Germany for the second time. The event takes place on November 13 from the K�nig-Pilsener-Arena in Oberhausen. It will air via tape delay in the U.S. on Spike TV.
"We are glad to be coming back to Germany with UFC 122 and to reward our loyal UFC fans in Germany," said UFC Managing Director of International Development Marshall Zelaznik. "Both Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami are one win away from a shot at the UFC Middleweight Title and are coming to Germany with a great deal to win and lose.
"This is a sporting event with tremendous international significance, and we are delighted to have been able to bring this event to Oberhausen."
Penick's Analysis: Well, the UFC appears to be canceling Sonnen's title shot officially, and the winner of this fight will likely have a quick turnaround, probably to fight on the Super Bowl weekend card. It's great for both Belfort and Okami, who likely would have gotten the next shot after Sonnen, but now they'll move right to the front of the line with a win.
November's UFC 122 event in Germany has taken on a new significance with the news that Chael Sonnen failed his UFC 117 drug test for performance enhancers, as the UFC announced today that the winner of the main event between Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami will face off against Anderson Silva in 2011 for the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Today's official announcement of the event revealed the number one contender status of the main event.
The card is the UFC's return to Germany for the second time. The event takes place on November 13 from the K�nig-Pilsener-Arena in Oberhausen. It will air via tape delay in the U.S. on Spike TV.
"We are glad to be coming back to Germany with UFC 122 and to reward our loyal UFC fans in Germany," said UFC Managing Director of International Development Marshall Zelaznik. "Both Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami are one win away from a shot at the UFC Middleweight Title and are coming to Germany with a great deal to win and lose.
"This is a sporting event with tremendous international significance, and we are delighted to have been able to bring this event to Oberhausen."
Penick's Analysis: Well, the UFC appears to be canceling Sonnen's title shot officially, and the winner of this fight will likely have a quick turnaround, probably to fight on the Super Bowl weekend card. It's great for both Belfort and Okami, who likely would have gotten the next shot after Sonnen, but now they'll move right to the front of the line with a win.
UFC 119 Post-Fight Press Conference Video
by Michael David SmithUFC President Dana White and selected fighters from the UFC 119 fight card will meet the press following Saturday night's fights, and you can watch the UFC 119 post-fight press conference right here at MMAFighting.com.
The press conference will feature the first public comments from many of the winning fighters, as well as the announcement of the Fight of the Night, Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night bonus recipients.
The press conference will begin about half an hour after the main event ends, likely around 1:15 AM ET, and the video is below. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
The press conference will feature the first public comments from many of the winning fighters, as well as the announcement of the Fight of the Night, Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night bonus recipients.
The press conference will begin about half an hour after the main event ends, likely around 1:15 AM ET, and the video is below. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez to Receive 'Primetime' Treatment
The UFC 121 main event between Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez is expected to be one of the most anticipated UFC fights of the year, and the organization is ensuring it will receive the full promotional push. UFC announced on it's weekly Ultimate Insider show Thursday that a three-part Primetime series will air on Spike TV in the weeks leading up to the fight. The series will debut on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 11 pm ET/PT, and subsequent episodes will air on Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 on the cable network.
DREAM NEWS: Marcus Aurelio says he's healed up to face Shinya Aoki at DREAM 16; still needs to be cleared by Shine Fights
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Although he pulled out of the one-night-only tournament for Shine Fights earlier this month with an injury, Marcus Aurelio says he is recovered and ready to fight Shinya Aoki at DREAM 16 this month, according to a report from MMAJunkie.com.
But it's not quite as simple as that. According to Shine COO Jason Chambers, Shine still needs to give Aurelio permission to take the fight, but that permission has not yet been granted.
"After the (Sept. 10) event, I haven't had a chance to discuss that yet," Chambers said, per the report. "Contractually, when he signed for our tournament, he has the ability to fight anywhere, as long as it's with our approval. We have to discuss whether or not this elbow injury was something that was facilitated to pull out of the tournament or whether it's a legitimate elbow injury.
"My personal feeling is that if he is genuinely injured and he couldn't fight, then that's fine. If he has this injury as a way to get out of doing the tournament because he wants a different situation, I'm not OK with that ethically or contractually."
Aurelio needs to provide Shine with documentation of his injury, and if he fails to do so it appears clear that Shine will try to block him from taking the fight with Aoki. DREAM 16 takes place on September 25, and airs live in North America on HDNet.
Link to Original Source Article
Penick's Analysis: I really don't know what to believe on Aurelio's injury here. It's possible that the injury was legitimate yet minor enough to be fine a few weeks later, but it's also just as possible that the last minute venue change for the Shine event - plus the fact that it was unsanctioned and everything else that went wrong with the event - was too much for him and he found a way out. Chambers would be right to be upset if the latter was the case, but we'll see what happens in the next week to see if Aurelio gets his clearance to fight.
Although he pulled out of the one-night-only tournament for Shine Fights earlier this month with an injury, Marcus Aurelio says he is recovered and ready to fight Shinya Aoki at DREAM 16 this month, according to a report from MMAJunkie.com.
But it's not quite as simple as that. According to Shine COO Jason Chambers, Shine still needs to give Aurelio permission to take the fight, but that permission has not yet been granted.
"After the (Sept. 10) event, I haven't had a chance to discuss that yet," Chambers said, per the report. "Contractually, when he signed for our tournament, he has the ability to fight anywhere, as long as it's with our approval. We have to discuss whether or not this elbow injury was something that was facilitated to pull out of the tournament or whether it's a legitimate elbow injury.
"My personal feeling is that if he is genuinely injured and he couldn't fight, then that's fine. If he has this injury as a way to get out of doing the tournament because he wants a different situation, I'm not OK with that ethically or contractually."
Aurelio needs to provide Shine with documentation of his injury, and if he fails to do so it appears clear that Shine will try to block him from taking the fight with Aoki. DREAM 16 takes place on September 25, and airs live in North America on HDNet.
Link to Original Source Article
Penick's Analysis: I really don't know what to believe on Aurelio's injury here. It's possible that the injury was legitimate yet minor enough to be fine a few weeks later, but it's also just as possible that the last minute venue change for the Shine event - plus the fact that it was unsanctioned and everything else that went wrong with the event - was too much for him and he found a way out. Chambers would be right to be upset if the latter was the case, but we'll see what happens in the next week to see if Aurelio gets his clearance to fight.
Marquardt wins as Palhares complains of greasing
Don't ever stop fighting. Rousimar Palhares learned that lesson the hard way Wednesday night in the main event at Ultimate Fight Night 22. After a few minutes of feeling each other out, Palhares finally got Nate Marquardt where he wanted him, on the ground. But that's where things got wacky. Palhares tried to slap on a heel hook and Marquardt escaped with ease. The Brazilian then motioned to his corner that Marquardt's ankle was slippery. One problem though: The fight was still going on. Marquardt smashed Palhares with a right that hurt him and then landed several more shots as Palhares turtled up. The fight was stopped at 3:28 of the first and Marquardt walked away with a bizarre win in Austin, Texas. UFC analyst Joe Rogan pointed out that Palhares was complaining that Marquardt may have been greasing. Even though Marquardt fired off 18 unanswered shots on the ground before the finish, Palhares had his wits about him, stood up quickly and immediately pointed at Marquardt's ankle. The winner told Palhares there was nothing on his legs and then addressed the issue in front of the crowd with Rogan. "They checked it before I fought," said Marquardt. "The thing is, I came out really warm because I wanted a good sweat. I wanted to be slippery." For those unfamiliar with the term "greasing," it was on display front and center after UFC 94 where Marquardt's teammate, Georges St. Pierre, was accused by B.J. Penn of using some sort of slippery agent to give himself the advantage. The case labeled by the media as 'Grease-Gate' was actually heard by the Nevada Athletic Commission. However, the NAC elected not to move forward with a full-scale investigation. Palhares' actions were ill-advised. Whether his claim was legitimate, he should've kept fighting and addressed the issue between rounds. "I just saw an opportunity and jumped on it," said Marquardt. "We kind of ended up in that scramble position. And that wasn't part of the game plan and I saw the opportunity and went for it." Marquardt (31-8, 9-3 UFC) picks up a solid win and gets himself back in the mix for a potential middleweight-title eliminator fight before the end of 2010. Shortly after the fight, UFC president Dana White Tweeted that Marquardt was checked by Texas officials and there were no signs of greasing.
UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen reportedly informed CSAC he had taken something that would result in a positive test before UFC 117
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
In another twist to Chael Sonnen's failed steroid test at UFC 117 before his fight with Anderson Silva, Sonnen reportedly informed California State Athletic Commission Executive Director George Dodd that he had been taking something that would bring about a positive result on the test.
"He only indicated that he was taking it but he never indicated why," Dodd said to SI.com's Josh Gross. "He just let me know he was taking [something] and that's when I called over an inspector to get it documented. But when you do take it you still have to show a medical reason."
Sonnen tested positive for testosterone levels that were "way above" the normal level, although the actual performance enhancers he was popped for have not yet been revealed. Still, although Sonnen apparently verbally informed the commission about something he was taking, he did not note it on his pre-fight questionnaire, nor did he provide any documentation as to the need for legitimate steroid treatment for a medical reason.
"Whenever you're taking an enhancing drug you have to let the commission know prior to even taking the test that you're taking, and what the medical reasons are why you're taking the drug," Dodd said in Gross' report. "That way we can verify with our commission doctors that the reason you're taking that is the reason you should be on that type of drug. You can't just come in and say, 'Hey, I'm taking this,' and think that's going to get you off."
Sonnen has 30 days to file an appeal, which would then be heard at the Commission's December 2 meeting. If he fails to appeal, his current one year suspension will stick and he'll be subject to a $2,500 fine.
Penick's Analysis: My next question is: did Sonnen test positive for whatever he supposedly informed the commission he was taking? Because with all of the talk of the flu medication and him being sick the week up to the fight, I can see him saying that the medication could cause the positive result; but that's not necessarily what did set the tests off. At the same time, if he said something, and then didn't put it on his pre-fight questionnaire, I don't understand how the commission lets that fight go on in the first place. If you have a guy who is going to fail his drug screening and he tells you as much, how do you let him in the cage? If that positive result leads to a one year suspension, I just don't get how they let him step in the cage in Oakland, then. It's another interesting wrinkle to this story.
RELATED STORY: UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone; suspension in place until Sept. 2, 2011 if not appealed
: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
In another twist to Chael Sonnen's failed steroid test at UFC 117 before his fight with Anderson Silva, Sonnen reportedly informed California State Athletic Commission Executive Director George Dodd that he had been taking something that would bring about a positive result on the test.
"He only indicated that he was taking it but he never indicated why," Dodd said to SI.com's Josh Gross. "He just let me know he was taking [something] and that's when I called over an inspector to get it documented. But when you do take it you still have to show a medical reason."
Sonnen tested positive for testosterone levels that were "way above" the normal level, although the actual performance enhancers he was popped for have not yet been revealed. Still, although Sonnen apparently verbally informed the commission about something he was taking, he did not note it on his pre-fight questionnaire, nor did he provide any documentation as to the need for legitimate steroid treatment for a medical reason.
"Whenever you're taking an enhancing drug you have to let the commission know prior to even taking the test that you're taking, and what the medical reasons are why you're taking the drug," Dodd said in Gross' report. "That way we can verify with our commission doctors that the reason you're taking that is the reason you should be on that type of drug. You can't just come in and say, 'Hey, I'm taking this,' and think that's going to get you off."
Sonnen has 30 days to file an appeal, which would then be heard at the Commission's December 2 meeting. If he fails to appeal, his current one year suspension will stick and he'll be subject to a $2,500 fine.
Penick's Analysis: My next question is: did Sonnen test positive for whatever he supposedly informed the commission he was taking? Because with all of the talk of the flu medication and him being sick the week up to the fight, I can see him saying that the medication could cause the positive result; but that's not necessarily what did set the tests off. At the same time, if he said something, and then didn't put it on his pre-fight questionnaire, I don't understand how the commission lets that fight go on in the first place. If you have a guy who is going to fail his drug screening and he tells you as much, how do you let him in the cage? If that positive result leads to a one year suspension, I just don't get how they let him step in the cage in Oakland, then. It's another interesting wrinkle to this story.
RELATED STORY: UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone; suspension in place until Sept. 2, 2011 if not appealed
: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
Thứ Bảy, 25 tháng 9, 2010
NEWS AT A GLANCE: Wed. 9/22 (250 words/25 seconds): Belfort vs. Silva coming; Marquardt vs. Okami at UFC 122; Sonnen officially suspended; Hendo vs. Babalu and more
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22: THE DAY IN MMA IN 25 SECONDS AND 250 WORDS
UFC NEWS:
? Chris Leben vs. Brian Stann headed to UFC 125 on New Year's Day
? Dana White says Vitor Belfort fighting Anderson Silva for the Middleweight Title; Marquardt-Okami winner from UFC 122 gets next shot
? CSAC officially suspends Chael Sonnen for one year following failed UFC 117 steroid test; official statement released
? Vitor Belfort's coach says he is 100% healthy; says news is coming soon
? Ryan Bader says Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is the next rung on the ladder for him in the UFC's light heavyweight division
? Middleweight Tomasz Drwal cut from the UFC following Fight Night 22 loss
? Vitor Belfort out of UFC 122; Nate Marquardt steps in to face Yushin Okami in Germany
? CSAC explains why Chael Sonnen was allowed to fight at UFC 117 after informing them of PED use
? Mirko Cro Cop medically cleared for UFC 119 main event fight against Frank Mir
FOR DETAILS ON ALL OF THESE UFC STORIES WITH ANALYSIS, CLICK HERE FOR THE UFC NEWS LISTING
WEC NEWS:
No WEC News
FOR DETAILS ON ALL OF THESE WEC STORIES WITH ANALYSIS, CLICK HERE FOR THE WEC NEWS LISTING
STRIKEFORCE NEWS:
? Woodley-Galvao fight takes place of Rockhold-Lindland at Oct. 9 event on Showtime
? Dan Henderson vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral to headline December 4 Showtime event in St. Louis
FOR DETAILS ON ALL OF THESE STRIKEFORCE STORIES WITH ANALYSIS, CLICK HERE FOR THE STRIKEFORCE NEWS LISTING
BELLATOR NEWS:
? Cole Konrad vs. Neil Grove Heavyweight Championship fight set for Bellator 32 in Kansas City
FOR DETAILS ON ALL OF THESE BELLATOR STORIES WITH ANALYSIS, CLICK HERE FOR THE BELLATOR NEWS LISTING
UFC NEWS:
? Chris Leben vs. Brian Stann headed to UFC 125 on New Year's Day
? Dana White says Vitor Belfort fighting Anderson Silva for the Middleweight Title; Marquardt-Okami winner from UFC 122 gets next shot
? CSAC officially suspends Chael Sonnen for one year following failed UFC 117 steroid test; official statement released
? Vitor Belfort's coach says he is 100% healthy; says news is coming soon
? Ryan Bader says Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is the next rung on the ladder for him in the UFC's light heavyweight division
? Middleweight Tomasz Drwal cut from the UFC following Fight Night 22 loss
? Vitor Belfort out of UFC 122; Nate Marquardt steps in to face Yushin Okami in Germany
? CSAC explains why Chael Sonnen was allowed to fight at UFC 117 after informing them of PED use
? Mirko Cro Cop medically cleared for UFC 119 main event fight against Frank Mir
FOR DETAILS ON ALL OF THESE UFC STORIES WITH ANALYSIS, CLICK HERE FOR THE UFC NEWS LISTING
WEC NEWS:
No WEC News
FOR DETAILS ON ALL OF THESE WEC STORIES WITH ANALYSIS, CLICK HERE FOR THE WEC NEWS LISTING
STRIKEFORCE NEWS:
? Woodley-Galvao fight takes place of Rockhold-Lindland at Oct. 9 event on Showtime
? Dan Henderson vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral to headline December 4 Showtime event in St. Louis
FOR DETAILS ON ALL OF THESE STRIKEFORCE STORIES WITH ANALYSIS, CLICK HERE FOR THE STRIKEFORCE NEWS LISTING
BELLATOR NEWS:
? Cole Konrad vs. Neil Grove Heavyweight Championship fight set for Bellator 32 in Kansas City
FOR DETAILS ON ALL OF THESE BELLATOR STORIES WITH ANALYSIS, CLICK HERE FOR THE BELLATOR NEWS LISTING
What you need to know from the premiere of "The Ultimate Fighter"
The twelfth season of "The Ultimate Fighter" started up on Wednesday night. The show gives its winners a chance at a contract with the UFC. This season, coached by TUF 1 alum Josh Koscheck and welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, features lightweight fighters.What do you need to know from the first episode? Cagewriter has all the details. 1. Dana White's pre-show speech has not changed: He stood in front of the TUF hopefuls, flanked by Georges St. Pierre and Josh Koscheck, and told them to give it their all. The wildcard format from last year has also not changed. The fighters need to win their first bout to get in the house, but after the fighters have made it, two of the opening-round losers will fight for a chance for the quarterfinals. 2. These fighters made the show: Marc Stevens, Spencer Paige, Nam Phan, Andy Main, Jonathan Brookins, Sako Chivitchian, Jeffrey Lentz, Alex "Bruce LeeRoy" Caceres, Michael Johnson, Aaron Wilkinson, Kyle Watson, Sevak Magakian, Cody McKenzie, and Dane Sayers. 3. These fighters impressed: Stevens, with a 13-second knockout, Phan who finished off WEC vet Mike Budnik with a liver shot, Lentz beat the crap out of Daniel Head after GSP crossed his name out on the list, Alex Caceres for choking out Paul Barrow and having a spot-on Bruce Lee imitation, McKenzie for choking out Amir Khillah cold -- a move predicted by GSP, and Dane Sayes and Ariel Sexton in the fight of the night. 4. High alert on troublemakers: Watson, Johnson and Caceres alluded to the idea that they might be troublemakers. Keep an eye out for them over the course of the season. 5. Alex Caceres, nicknamed Bruce Leroy, wore a yellow jumpsuit to walk out to the cage. If you don't see the coolness in that, well, learn son. What we have to look forward to this season: Drinking, tension in the house, Koscheck doesn't like GSP, and Mike Tyson? Mike Tyson.
BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOLS DANA WHITE DEAN LISTER
All Fighters Make Weight for UFC 119
(A Croat, an asshole and a Brazilian walk into a bar...)
Frank Mir weighed in 25 pounds heavier than opponent, Cro Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic at today's UFC 119 weigh-ins, dispelling any rumors that he is over his loss to Brock Lesnar and he will drop to light heavyweight any time soon.
Making weight, Filipovic got the final stamp on his Indianapolis fight license, which made him breathe a sigh of relief after an eye injury he sustained earlier this week in training left the bout in jeopardy.
Shortly after he weighed in, Croatian news outlets who had been asked by the fighter to not release the photo until after he was given the go-ahead to face mir by the commission printed this shot of Mirko's injury taken immediately after the eye poke occurred.
Amazing how much he has healed in less than five days.
(Amazing what the power of Stevia can do for healing.)
Every fighter on the card checked in at their respective weight limits, thus making all of their fights official for tomorrow night. Check out the official weights and the replay of the weigh-ins after the jump.
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Frank Mir weighed in 25 pounds heavier than opponent, Cro Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic at today's UFC 119 weigh-ins, dispelling any rumors that he is over his loss to Brock Lesnar and he will drop to light heavyweight any time soon.
Making weight, Filipovic got the final stamp on his Indianapolis fight license, which made him breathe a sigh of relief after an eye injury he sustained earlier this week in training left the bout in jeopardy.
Shortly after he weighed in, Croatian news outlets who had been asked by the fighter to not release the photo until after he was given the go-ahead to face mir by the commission printed this shot of Mirko's injury taken immediately after the eye poke occurred.
Amazing how much he has healed in less than five days.
(Amazing what the power of Stevia can do for healing.)
Every fighter on the card checked in at their respective weight limits, thus making all of their fights official for tomorrow night. Check out the official weights and the replay of the weigh-ins after the jump.
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HYDEN BLOG: Chael Sonnen, Performance Enhancing Drugs, and Gamesmanship
By: Frank Hyden, MMATorch contributor
Chael Sonnen failed his pre-fight drug test at UFC 117. I'm by no means stunned, or even surprised. It's not that I thought Sonnen was a user, it's that I'm not surprised when any athlete gets busted for PED use. I've stated many times that I don't really care if a guy uses PEDs. I'm not overly concerned with this aspect of "cheating", or bending the rules. Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees faked being hit by a pitch during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays last week. That was called gamesmanship by many, cheating by others. Players in the NBA routinely flop to draw foul calls. Receivers in the NFL try to draw pass-interference calls against cornerbacks all the time. Coaches in all sports lobby for calls from the officials. The very nature of sports is to do anything you can to gain an advantage.
I don't think we can grade this on a sliding scale. It's okay to fake being hit by a pitch, or flop to draw a foul, but it's not okay for a guy to take a steroid that allows him to recover faster? Perhaps that's all Chael took this PED for? Maybe he had a sore ankle and wanted to make sure that it would recover in time for the biggest fight of his career?
I also think it's interesting how PEDs are viewed in the different sports. In the NFL, PED users are given suspensions. The length of the suspension is determined by the number of times you've been caught. However, there is no stain that follows a player throughout his career. Brian Cushing of the Houston Texans is suspended for the first 4 games of this season. However, Cushing isn't going to be dogged by this stain after he returns to playing. Proof of this is Shawne Merriman, who was suspended 4 games for PEDs in 2006. His suspension is barely a footnote on his bio now.
Contrast that with Major League Baseball, where some careers are irrevocably tainted after PED use. Even the suspicion or association with-known PED users can be enough to change your public image in MLB circles. The public downfalls of Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds are the most famous examples of MLB players who were stained with suspicion of PED use.
This isn't always the case, though. Andy Pettitte admitted PED use yet has largely walked free in the court of public opinion. He got out in front of the story and stopped it from ruining his life. The other four I mentioned all either refused to discuss PEDs or denied using them all together. Pettitte proved that the best way to handle PED allegations is to admit it and hope for forgiveness. America is a forgiving country, we're always ready for a comeback story. We also believe in second chances, even if those are actually third or fourth chances.
In a world where Michael Vick has been "redeemed," it's for the best that those accused of PED use admit it and accept the consequences. PED use is relatively benign to most sports fans, especially compared to other transgressions. PED use is as much a part of sports as flopping, faking being hit by a pitch, stealing signs, or pumping the referees or officials for preferential calls. It's all gamesmanship, and it's all done to gain an advantage. The only difference between Chael Sonnen and an unknown number of other athletes is that Chael got caught.
Suggestions and comments can be e-mailed to me at hydenfrank@gmail.com
Chael Sonnen failed his pre-fight drug test at UFC 117. I'm by no means stunned, or even surprised. It's not that I thought Sonnen was a user, it's that I'm not surprised when any athlete gets busted for PED use. I've stated many times that I don't really care if a guy uses PEDs. I'm not overly concerned with this aspect of "cheating", or bending the rules. Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees faked being hit by a pitch during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays last week. That was called gamesmanship by many, cheating by others. Players in the NBA routinely flop to draw foul calls. Receivers in the NFL try to draw pass-interference calls against cornerbacks all the time. Coaches in all sports lobby for calls from the officials. The very nature of sports is to do anything you can to gain an advantage.
I don't think we can grade this on a sliding scale. It's okay to fake being hit by a pitch, or flop to draw a foul, but it's not okay for a guy to take a steroid that allows him to recover faster? Perhaps that's all Chael took this PED for? Maybe he had a sore ankle and wanted to make sure that it would recover in time for the biggest fight of his career?
I also think it's interesting how PEDs are viewed in the different sports. In the NFL, PED users are given suspensions. The length of the suspension is determined by the number of times you've been caught. However, there is no stain that follows a player throughout his career. Brian Cushing of the Houston Texans is suspended for the first 4 games of this season. However, Cushing isn't going to be dogged by this stain after he returns to playing. Proof of this is Shawne Merriman, who was suspended 4 games for PEDs in 2006. His suspension is barely a footnote on his bio now.
Contrast that with Major League Baseball, where some careers are irrevocably tainted after PED use. Even the suspicion or association with-known PED users can be enough to change your public image in MLB circles. The public downfalls of Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds are the most famous examples of MLB players who were stained with suspicion of PED use.
This isn't always the case, though. Andy Pettitte admitted PED use yet has largely walked free in the court of public opinion. He got out in front of the story and stopped it from ruining his life. The other four I mentioned all either refused to discuss PEDs or denied using them all together. Pettitte proved that the best way to handle PED allegations is to admit it and hope for forgiveness. America is a forgiving country, we're always ready for a comeback story. We also believe in second chances, even if those are actually third or fourth chances.
In a world where Michael Vick has been "redeemed," it's for the best that those accused of PED use admit it and accept the consequences. PED use is relatively benign to most sports fans, especially compared to other transgressions. PED use is as much a part of sports as flopping, faking being hit by a pitch, stealing signs, or pumping the referees or officials for preferential calls. It's all gamesmanship, and it's all done to gain an advantage. The only difference between Chael Sonnen and an unknown number of other athletes is that Chael got caught.
Suggestions and comments can be e-mailed to me at hydenfrank@gmail.com
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Scott Smith vs. Jesse Finney slated for "Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu"
Veteran Scott Smith will take on local fighter Jesse Finney when Strikeforce heads to St. Louis for a Dec. 4 event.
Sources close to the event today confirmed the matchup with MMAjunkie.com.
It was first reported by MMADieHards.com.
As MMAjunkie.com first reported earlier today, "Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu" takes place at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Sources close to the event today confirmed the matchup with MMAjunkie.com.
It was first reported by MMADieHards.com.
As MMAjunkie.com first reported earlier today, "Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu" takes place at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
UFC NEWS: Dana White says Vitor Belfort fighting Anderson Silva for the Middleweight Title; Marquardt-Okami winner from UFC 122 gets next shot
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
The reports of an injury to Vitor Belfort are, indeed, false, as UFC President Dana White cleared up the situation on Twitter on Wednesday.
After Belfort's coach Shawn Tompkins posted on Facebook that Vitor was 100% healthy, speculation began that he was pulled from his UFC 122 fight with Yushin Okami to face UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva in the wake of Chael Sonnen's failed steroid test at UFC 117.
That is exactly the case, as White Tweeted, "Vitor is not injured. He is going to fight Anderson for the title and the winner of Marquart and Okami are next."
There is still no word as to exactly when the fight will take place, but with the Sonnen-Silva rematch initially expected on New Year's Day, that's likely when this fight will take place.
Penick's Analysis: Considering Belfort has not one a fight at middleweight in the UFC, it's a situation where he hasn't necessarily "earned" a title shot. It's part of the issues with the sport right now, because from a competition standpoint he shouldn't be able to jump to the front of the line, but with Sonnen forced out with his steroid test failure, this really was the best option from a marketability standpoint. So I understand why the move was made. It's a fight they were going to put together in April before Belfort's injury, so they're going right back to it in a division that has few viable challengers at the moment. It would have been nice to see him beat Okami to earn the shot, but he'll provide a good stylistic matchup and an entertaining fight for Silva.
RELATED STORY: UFC NEWS: Vitor Belfort's coach says he is 100% healthy; says news is coming soon: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
The reports of an injury to Vitor Belfort are, indeed, false, as UFC President Dana White cleared up the situation on Twitter on Wednesday.
After Belfort's coach Shawn Tompkins posted on Facebook that Vitor was 100% healthy, speculation began that he was pulled from his UFC 122 fight with Yushin Okami to face UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva in the wake of Chael Sonnen's failed steroid test at UFC 117.
That is exactly the case, as White Tweeted, "Vitor is not injured. He is going to fight Anderson for the title and the winner of Marquart and Okami are next."
There is still no word as to exactly when the fight will take place, but with the Sonnen-Silva rematch initially expected on New Year's Day, that's likely when this fight will take place.
Penick's Analysis: Considering Belfort has not one a fight at middleweight in the UFC, it's a situation where he hasn't necessarily "earned" a title shot. It's part of the issues with the sport right now, because from a competition standpoint he shouldn't be able to jump to the front of the line, but with Sonnen forced out with his steroid test failure, this really was the best option from a marketability standpoint. So I understand why the move was made. It's a fight they were going to put together in April before Belfort's injury, so they're going right back to it in a division that has few viable challengers at the moment. It would have been nice to see him beat Okami to earn the shot, but he'll provide a good stylistic matchup and an entertaining fight for Silva.
RELATED STORY: UFC NEWS: Vitor Belfort's coach says he is 100% healthy; says news is coming soon: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
Thứ Sáu, 24 tháng 9, 2010
Don Corleone and trash talk: Highlights from UFC 119 press conference
INDIANAPOLIS -- At the UFC 119 press conference, hometown boy Chris Lytle was clearly the crowd favorite, drawing big cheers from the crowd. The UFC 119 main players were all there. -- Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic came in as a late replacement for Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. He fought just a few months ago at UFC 114, but said that deciding to fight was a no-brainer."Don Corleone sent me an offer I couldn't refuse," Cro Cop said. White and Mir both joked about Cro Cop's possible eye injury -- which was cleared by doctors -- and how they were both a little nervous about it."I actually joked with Matt Mitrione. 'Hey man. You've had two fights. Let's go out there and have a war,'" Mir said."Did we have another plan? No," White said. "We were praying that Mirko was going to be fine." -- Cro Cop went on to discuss trash talk's role in MMA. Frank Mir had plenty to say about Filipovic before the fights, but Cro Cop isn't crazy about trash talk."I think I should be respectful of fighters. This sport is brutal enough itself. I don't think you should say stupid statements or should act like savages. At the end of the day, [Frank Mir] is my brother in arms," Filipovic said. "There's no anger. I will do my best to beat him. I expect him to do the same. I see no place for insulting each other. I have never done it."-- Filipovic pointed out that this Saturday's bout will be his 70th bout. He's had 37 in MMA, 32 in K-1.-- Though wearing sunglasses -- and the best fanny pack I've ever seen -- Cro Cop said that his eye is fine.-- A reporter asked Dana White if the business was slowing down. In a word, no. "The business hasn't slowed down whatsoever. TUF still pulled great ratings. We're one of the longest-running reality shows in history. We're in the top 10. People are enjoying this season, and as far as the mainstream, we continue to grow. If you look at the economic disaster, and what's going on right now, and you look at other sports and entertainment, the UFC machine continues to roll, and we're putting on event after event. This sport continues to grow. We continue to grow. You are very misinformed, my friend," White said.-- Though not on the dais, Mitrione was at the press conference and had a few questions for his friend and mentor, Chris Lytle."If there's a fire while you're here, will you be called to fight it?" Mitrione asked Lytle, a firefighter in Indianapolis." "I hope not! I think the whole city might burn down, because all my fire department people should be watching my fight." Lytle responded. "Will you bring Serra?" Mitrione said. When Lytle said yes, White broke in. "You'd better bring somebody taller than Serra!"-- Mir said that any discussion of going to light heavyweight was premature. "If I lose Saturday, it might be easier to go to 205, because I'll be depressed and won't eat," Mir said with a laugh. "No, I spoke about it in passing, and certain people in my life responded by saying, 'There's no way in hell that can ever happen.'"-- The UFC ended the press conference by taking questions from fans. A fan asked White to come and sit with him at the top of Conseco Fieldhouse. White said, "You are a gentleman, sir. I'd love to sit with you."
STRIKEFORCE NEWS: Welterweight prospects Tyron Woodley and Andre Galvao to meet at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II in October
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Two welterweight prospects are slated to face off on Strikeforce's October 9 event on Showtime, as Andre Galvao and Tyron Woodley will meet on the card at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Galvao posted about the fight this morning on Twitter, and multiple reports have stated the bout is in the works for the event.
Both fighters have six fights under their belt, and multiple fights under the Strikeforce banner. This would be the first non-Challengers card for Galvao, and the second for Woodley.
Woodley's last three fights have come under the Challengers banner. His most recent victory came by split decision after five straight submission wins to start his career.
Galvao defeated Jorge Patino in his last fight on the preliminary card of Strikeforce: Houston. His only career loss was by split decision to Jason High in the DREAM Welterweight Grand Prix.
Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II is headlined by a Welterweight Championship bout between Nick Diaz and K.J. Noons, and also features a Women's 135 lb. Championship bout between Sarah Kaufman and Marloes Coenen.
Penick's Analysis: This is a great fight between two young prospects with a ton of talent. Woodley has been a very exciting fighter for Strikeforce thus far, and although his last fight was a tough test and a debatable decision, he still got through it and will have another difficult opponent in Galvao here. This is a good addition for this card.
Two welterweight prospects are slated to face off on Strikeforce's October 9 event on Showtime, as Andre Galvao and Tyron Woodley will meet on the card at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Galvao posted about the fight this morning on Twitter, and multiple reports have stated the bout is in the works for the event.
Both fighters have six fights under their belt, and multiple fights under the Strikeforce banner. This would be the first non-Challengers card for Galvao, and the second for Woodley.
Woodley's last three fights have come under the Challengers banner. His most recent victory came by split decision after five straight submission wins to start his career.
Galvao defeated Jorge Patino in his last fight on the preliminary card of Strikeforce: Houston. His only career loss was by split decision to Jason High in the DREAM Welterweight Grand Prix.
Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II is headlined by a Welterweight Championship bout between Nick Diaz and K.J. Noons, and also features a Women's 135 lb. Championship bout between Sarah Kaufman and Marloes Coenen.
Penick's Analysis: This is a great fight between two young prospects with a ton of talent. Woodley has been a very exciting fighter for Strikeforce thus far, and although his last fight was a tough test and a debatable decision, he still got through it and will have another difficult opponent in Galvao here. This is a good addition for this card.
Scott Smith vs. Jesse Finney slated for "Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu"
Veteran Scott Smith will take on local fighter Jesse Finney when Strikeforce heads to St. Louis for a Dec. 4 event.
Sources close to the event today confirmed the matchup with MMAjunkie.com.
It was first reported by MMADieHards.com.
As MMAjunkie.com first reported earlier today, "Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu" takes place at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Sources close to the event today confirmed the matchup with MMAjunkie.com.
It was first reported by MMADieHards.com.
As MMAjunkie.com first reported earlier today, "Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu" takes place at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Vitor Belfort vs. Anderson Silva Soon, Marquardt-Okami Winner Next
by Michael David SmithChael Sonnen's positive steroid test has created a domino effect in the UFC's middleweight division, and the biggest beneficiary is Vitor Belfort, who will be the next challenger to Anderson Silva's middleweight title.
UFC President Dana White announced on Twitter that Belfort will fight Silva for the belt. Contrary to reports that an injury forced Belfort out of his previously scheduled bout with Yushin Okami, White said Belfort is healthy and has simply been moved to the top of the list of title contenders. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
UFC President Dana White announced on Twitter that Belfort will fight Silva for the belt. Contrary to reports that an injury forced Belfort out of his previously scheduled bout with Yushin Okami, White said Belfort is healthy and has simply been moved to the top of the list of title contenders. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
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UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen reportedly informed CSAC he had taken something that would result in a positive test before UFC 117
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
In another twist to Chael Sonnen's failed steroid test at UFC 117 before his fight with Anderson Silva, Sonnen reportedly informed California State Athletic Commission Executive Director George Dodd that he had been taking something that would bring about a positive result on the test.
"He only indicated that he was taking it but he never indicated why," Dodd said to SI.com's Josh Gross. "He just let me know he was taking [something] and that's when I called over an inspector to get it documented. But when you do take it you still have to show a medical reason."
Sonnen tested positive for testosterone levels that were "way above" the normal level, although the actual performance enhancers he was popped for have not yet been revealed. Still, although Sonnen apparently verbally informed the commission about something he was taking, he did not note it on his pre-fight questionnaire, nor did he provide any documentation as to the need for legitimate steroid treatment for a medical reason.
"Whenever you're taking an enhancing drug you have to let the commission know prior to even taking the test that you're taking, and what the medical reasons are why you're taking the drug," Dodd said in Gross' report. "That way we can verify with our commission doctors that the reason you're taking that is the reason you should be on that type of drug. You can't just come in and say, 'Hey, I'm taking this,' and think that's going to get you off."
Sonnen has 30 days to file an appeal, which would then be heard at the Commission's December 2 meeting. If he fails to appeal, his current one year suspension will stick and he'll be subject to a $2,500 fine.
Penick's Analysis: My next question is: did Sonnen test positive for whatever he supposedly informed the commission he was taking? Because with all of the talk of the flu medication and him being sick the week up to the fight, I can see him saying that the medication could cause the positive result; but that's not necessarily what did set the tests off. At the same time, if he said something, and then didn't put it on his pre-fight questionnaire, I don't understand how the commission lets that fight go on in the first place. If you have a guy who is going to fail his drug screening and he tells you as much, how do you let him in the cage? If that positive result leads to a one year suspension, I just don't get how they let him step in the cage in Oakland, then. It's another interesting wrinkle to this story.
RELATED STORY: UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone; suspension in place until Sept. 2, 2011 if not appealed
: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
In another twist to Chael Sonnen's failed steroid test at UFC 117 before his fight with Anderson Silva, Sonnen reportedly informed California State Athletic Commission Executive Director George Dodd that he had been taking something that would bring about a positive result on the test.
"He only indicated that he was taking it but he never indicated why," Dodd said to SI.com's Josh Gross. "He just let me know he was taking [something] and that's when I called over an inspector to get it documented. But when you do take it you still have to show a medical reason."
Sonnen tested positive for testosterone levels that were "way above" the normal level, although the actual performance enhancers he was popped for have not yet been revealed. Still, although Sonnen apparently verbally informed the commission about something he was taking, he did not note it on his pre-fight questionnaire, nor did he provide any documentation as to the need for legitimate steroid treatment for a medical reason.
"Whenever you're taking an enhancing drug you have to let the commission know prior to even taking the test that you're taking, and what the medical reasons are why you're taking the drug," Dodd said in Gross' report. "That way we can verify with our commission doctors that the reason you're taking that is the reason you should be on that type of drug. You can't just come in and say, 'Hey, I'm taking this,' and think that's going to get you off."
Sonnen has 30 days to file an appeal, which would then be heard at the Commission's December 2 meeting. If he fails to appeal, his current one year suspension will stick and he'll be subject to a $2,500 fine.
Penick's Analysis: My next question is: did Sonnen test positive for whatever he supposedly informed the commission he was taking? Because with all of the talk of the flu medication and him being sick the week up to the fight, I can see him saying that the medication could cause the positive result; but that's not necessarily what did set the tests off. At the same time, if he said something, and then didn't put it on his pre-fight questionnaire, I don't understand how the commission lets that fight go on in the first place. If you have a guy who is going to fail his drug screening and he tells you as much, how do you let him in the cage? If that positive result leads to a one year suspension, I just don't get how they let him step in the cage in Oakland, then. It's another interesting wrinkle to this story.
RELATED STORY: UFC NEWS: Chael Sonnen tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone; suspension in place until Sept. 2, 2011 if not appealed
: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
Thứ Năm, 23 tháng 9, 2010
WEC NEWS: Ben Henderson and Anthony Pettis signed on for December 16 Lightweight Title fight
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
WEC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson's first Lightweight Championship fight with someone other than Jamie Varner or Donald Cerrone is set, as Anthony Pettis will get his first title shot on December 16 in Arizona.
The bout has been signed, according to MMAWeekly.com, and will headline the WEC's first trip to Arizona, which will air live on Versus.
Henderson has not fought since defeating Donald Cerrone a second time in April at WEC 48. Pettis earned his title shot with a highly impressive victory over Shane Roller at WEC 50 last month. The Duke Roufus product out of Milwaukee submitted Roller late in the fight.
Link to Original Source Article
Penick's Analysis: Pettis is a worthy challenger, though this fight may be coming slightly too soon. While his takedown defense looked great against Roller, it's going to be a whole other test against Henderson here. I thought perhaps a win by Jamie Varner at WEC 51 next week would put him in that slot and they'd give Pettis one more fight, but I still like seeing him get an opportunity. He's been very exciting so far in the WEC, and this fight will be another really exciting main event for the WEC.
WEC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson's first Lightweight Championship fight with someone other than Jamie Varner or Donald Cerrone is set, as Anthony Pettis will get his first title shot on December 16 in Arizona.
The bout has been signed, according to MMAWeekly.com, and will headline the WEC's first trip to Arizona, which will air live on Versus.
Henderson has not fought since defeating Donald Cerrone a second time in April at WEC 48. Pettis earned his title shot with a highly impressive victory over Shane Roller at WEC 50 last month. The Duke Roufus product out of Milwaukee submitted Roller late in the fight.
Link to Original Source Article
Penick's Analysis: Pettis is a worthy challenger, though this fight may be coming slightly too soon. While his takedown defense looked great against Roller, it's going to be a whole other test against Henderson here. I thought perhaps a win by Jamie Varner at WEC 51 next week would put him in that slot and they'd give Pettis one more fight, but I still like seeing him get an opportunity. He's been very exciting so far in the WEC, and this fight will be another really exciting main event for the WEC.
UFC Fight Night 22 weigh in results
UFC Fight Night 22 weigh in results Main event:
185 lbs. Nate Marquardt vs. Rousimar Palhares
UFC Fight Night 22 weigh in results Main card :
155 lbs. Efrain Escudero vs. Charles Oliveira155 lbs. Jim Miller vs. Gleison Tibau155 lbs. Cole Miller vs. Ross Pearson
UFC Fight Night 22 weigh in results Under card:
155 lbs.Yves Edwards vs. John Gunderson185 lbs. Dave Branch vs. Tomasz Drwal185 lbs. Rich Attonito vs. Rafael Natal155 lbs. Jared Hamman vs. Kyle Kingsbury170 lbs. Brian Foster vs. Forrest Petz170 lbs. David Mitchell vs. Anthony Waldburger
185 lbs. Nate Marquardt vs. Rousimar Palhares
UFC Fight Night 22 weigh in results Main card :
155 lbs. Efrain Escudero vs. Charles Oliveira155 lbs. Jim Miller vs. Gleison Tibau155 lbs. Cole Miller vs. Ross Pearson
UFC Fight Night 22 weigh in results Under card:
155 lbs.Yves Edwards vs. John Gunderson185 lbs. Dave Branch vs. Tomasz Drwal185 lbs. Rich Attonito vs. Rafael Natal155 lbs. Jared Hamman vs. Kyle Kingsbury170 lbs. Brian Foster vs. Forrest Petz170 lbs. David Mitchell vs. Anthony Waldburger
COLUMN: When trash talking in MMA goes too far
By: Mike Bacior, MMATorch Contributor
First of all, I would like to apologize for my long absence from writing columns for the Torch. And if there is anyone that enjoys my columns, I apologize to you as well.
"Trash talk" is a part of many different sports, and we have seen it quite often in MMA with grudgematches such as Rampage-Evans, Ortiz-Shamrock, and Hughes-Serra. For the most part, this pre-fight banter can be forgotten after the fight, and fighters generally move on with at least some level of respect for each other. However, we have seen the issue of trash talk going too far come up several times in the last few months, most recently with Donald Cerrone's latest comments regarding Jamie Varner.
Cerrone said: "I'm just [expletive] fired up, and all I want to do is go out there and kill him. I want to come in that first round and just rip his face off. I don't want to come in and sit back and let him dictate it. I hope my emotions drive me. I fight better on emotion. ... I hope my emotions take over and I just kill this dude. I hope this is the first death in MMA."
These are the type of comments that do no good for anyone involved. They look very bad for Cerrone, the WEC, and the sport in general. While he would go back on the death statement, the damage has been done.
Frank Mir also made similar comments earlier this year, regarding Brock Lesnar.
"I want to fight Lesnar. I hate who he is as a person. I want to break his neck in the ring. I want him to be the first person that dies due to Octagon-related injuries. That's what's going through my mind."
These received even more press than Cerrone's comments, as Frank Mir is a better-known fighter. Dana White was not impressed, and referred to Frank as an "idiot" for saying he wanted to kill Brock in the Octagon.
Now, neither Cerrone nor Mir would actually go into the Octagon and kill their opponent. The major problem with these statements is they fuel the fire for critics who feel that MMA is essentially a cage-fight to the death. They can be used by people who try to prevent sanctioning in markets such as New York and Toronto.
Many people, including myself, enjoy some good smack talk leading up to a fight to provide an additional emotional feel to it. It is also proven that trash talk can sell a fight (see Silva-Sonnen). However, fighters must remember that they represent the sport, and taking it too far by hoping for someone to die does nothing good for either fighter, their promotion, or MMA as a whole.
While I am on this topic, here are some of my favorite fighter quotes of all time, just off the top of my head, in no order, feel free to share your own.
1. Chael Sonnen - 80% of what he has said since he was given his first UFC title shot.
Some will disagree with me, but I find him absolutely hilarious.
2. Mirko Cro Cop - "Right kick, hospital; left kick, cemetary."
I can not even describe the awesomeness of this quote.
3. Michael "The Voice" Schiavello - "The grandparents from Willy Wonka moved more than these two guys."
Okay, he is not a fighter. And many people who will read this probably hate his guts. But the commentary of the man known as "The Voice" gets me laughing, and I love it. This is just one of my favorite quotes from him.
First of all, I would like to apologize for my long absence from writing columns for the Torch. And if there is anyone that enjoys my columns, I apologize to you as well.
"Trash talk" is a part of many different sports, and we have seen it quite often in MMA with grudgematches such as Rampage-Evans, Ortiz-Shamrock, and Hughes-Serra. For the most part, this pre-fight banter can be forgotten after the fight, and fighters generally move on with at least some level of respect for each other. However, we have seen the issue of trash talk going too far come up several times in the last few months, most recently with Donald Cerrone's latest comments regarding Jamie Varner.
Cerrone said: "I'm just [expletive] fired up, and all I want to do is go out there and kill him. I want to come in that first round and just rip his face off. I don't want to come in and sit back and let him dictate it. I hope my emotions drive me. I fight better on emotion. ... I hope my emotions take over and I just kill this dude. I hope this is the first death in MMA."
These are the type of comments that do no good for anyone involved. They look very bad for Cerrone, the WEC, and the sport in general. While he would go back on the death statement, the damage has been done.
Frank Mir also made similar comments earlier this year, regarding Brock Lesnar.
"I want to fight Lesnar. I hate who he is as a person. I want to break his neck in the ring. I want him to be the first person that dies due to Octagon-related injuries. That's what's going through my mind."
These received even more press than Cerrone's comments, as Frank Mir is a better-known fighter. Dana White was not impressed, and referred to Frank as an "idiot" for saying he wanted to kill Brock in the Octagon.
Now, neither Cerrone nor Mir would actually go into the Octagon and kill their opponent. The major problem with these statements is they fuel the fire for critics who feel that MMA is essentially a cage-fight to the death. They can be used by people who try to prevent sanctioning in markets such as New York and Toronto.
Many people, including myself, enjoy some good smack talk leading up to a fight to provide an additional emotional feel to it. It is also proven that trash talk can sell a fight (see Silva-Sonnen). However, fighters must remember that they represent the sport, and taking it too far by hoping for someone to die does nothing good for either fighter, their promotion, or MMA as a whole.
While I am on this topic, here are some of my favorite fighter quotes of all time, just off the top of my head, in no order, feel free to share your own.
1. Chael Sonnen - 80% of what he has said since he was given his first UFC title shot.
Some will disagree with me, but I find him absolutely hilarious.
2. Mirko Cro Cop - "Right kick, hospital; left kick, cemetary."
I can not even describe the awesomeness of this quote.
3. Michael "The Voice" Schiavello - "The grandparents from Willy Wonka moved more than these two guys."
Okay, he is not a fighter. And many people who will read this probably hate his guts. But the commentary of the man known as "The Voice" gets me laughing, and I love it. This is just one of my favorite quotes from him.
LEARN MARTIAL ARTS LEARN MMA LEARN TO FIGHT LEARNING MARTIAL ARTS
PROGRAMMING ALERT: Chael Sonnen to appear on this week's MMA Live on ESPN2
Chael Sonnen will presumably address his failed steroid test this Thursday night on ESPN2's MMA Live program at 1AM ET. MMA Live host Jon Anik Tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that Sonnen has been booked to appear, so tune in to the show on Thursday and check back here on Friday for the extended version of the program.
MARTIAL MARTIAL ARTS FOR KIDS MARTIAL ARTS MOVIES MATT HUGHES
Older Brother, Former Coach Couldn't Tell 'Lil' Nog' Much About Ryan Bader
Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos
MMA Fighting spoke to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira about his upcoming UFC 119 fight against Ryan Bader, his last fight against Jason Brilz and the health of his twin brother, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
MMA Fighting spoke to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira about his upcoming UFC 119 fight against Ryan Bader, his last fight against Jason Brilz and the health of his twin brother, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
WEC 52, November 10
WEC 52
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Arco Arena
Sacramento, CA
Airing on Versus
* Uirjah Faber vs. Takeya Mizugaki
* Erik Koch vs. Josh Grispi
* Brian Bowles vs. Wagnney Fabiano
* Raphael Assuncao vs. L.C. Davis
* Clint Godfrey vs. Michael McDonald
* Damacio Page vs. Eddie Wineland
* Zack Micklewright vs. Dustin Poirier
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Arco Arena
Sacramento, CA
Airing on Versus
* Uirjah Faber vs. Takeya Mizugaki
* Erik Koch vs. Josh Grispi
* Brian Bowles vs. Wagnney Fabiano
* Raphael Assuncao vs. L.C. Davis
* Clint Godfrey vs. Michael McDonald
* Damacio Page vs. Eddie Wineland
* Zack Micklewright vs. Dustin Poirier
LEARNING MARTIAL ARTS LYOTO MACHIDA MACHADO JIU JITSU MARK COLEMAN
Thứ Tư, 22 tháng 9, 2010
WEC NEWS: Featherweights Josh Grispi and Erik Koch to meet at WEC 52 in November
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Two 21 year old featherweight prospects will clash at WEC 52 in November, as MMAJunkie.com reports that Josh Grispi and Erik Koch have agreed to face off on the card, coming to Las Vegas.
Grispi returned to action in June at WEC 49 after a year long layoff. He injured his ankle prior to his fight with Jens Pulver in 2009. He submitted Pulver in the first round in that fight, and then choked LC Davis unconscious in his return bout in Edmonton.
Koch got back on track on that same WEC 49 card in Edmonton this June after suffering his first career defeat at WEC 47 in March. He was out-wrestled by Chad Mendes at the March event, but defeated Bendy Casimir in Canada.
WEC 52 is expected to take place from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The event airs on Versus and will be headlined by the WEC bantamweight debut of Urijah Faber as he takes on Takeya Mizugaki.
Link to Original Source Article
Penick's Analysis: Grispi, at 21, has been one of the most impressive up and coming fighters in the sport over the past few years. He's left the first round just once in his career, and that fight was the only decision he's had as well. Koch has some good wins under his belt as well and will provide another stiff challenge to Grispi. But if "The Fluke" can get past Koch, it will be hard to argue against him being right there for a title shot at 145 lbs. I like this fight a lot.
Two 21 year old featherweight prospects will clash at WEC 52 in November, as MMAJunkie.com reports that Josh Grispi and Erik Koch have agreed to face off on the card, coming to Las Vegas.
Grispi returned to action in June at WEC 49 after a year long layoff. He injured his ankle prior to his fight with Jens Pulver in 2009. He submitted Pulver in the first round in that fight, and then choked LC Davis unconscious in his return bout in Edmonton.
Koch got back on track on that same WEC 49 card in Edmonton this June after suffering his first career defeat at WEC 47 in March. He was out-wrestled by Chad Mendes at the March event, but defeated Bendy Casimir in Canada.
WEC 52 is expected to take place from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The event airs on Versus and will be headlined by the WEC bantamweight debut of Urijah Faber as he takes on Takeya Mizugaki.
Link to Original Source Article
Penick's Analysis: Grispi, at 21, has been one of the most impressive up and coming fighters in the sport over the past few years. He's left the first round just once in his career, and that fight was the only decision he's had as well. Koch has some good wins under his belt as well and will provide another stiff challenge to Grispi. But if "The Fluke" can get past Koch, it will be hard to argue against him being right there for a title shot at 145 lbs. I like this fight a lot.
UFC QUOTABLES: Ryan Bader says Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is the next rung on the ladder for him in the UFC's light heavyweight division
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
"To tell you the truth, I got the call last time, 'you're fighting Keith Jardine' and I was in college watching these guys, watching MMA, watching ?The Ultimate Fighter? and all that kind of stuff, so that was a big step for me. Going in there and not knowing what to expect with a guy like Jardine. He's fought Rampage, and Chuck Liddell, and all that kind of good stuff. I went in there and right after the first exchange happened, I knew I was fine, like okay I belong here... After I beat Jardine, this is definitely what I wanted. I didn't want to go backwards from Jardine, I wanted to go forward and ultimately get my goal, which is the UFC title. They offered up Nogueira, it seems like a great logical step. He's top five, top seven right now at 205, and that's where I want to be. I want to keep climbing up that ladder, and he's the next rung."
-The Ultimate Fighter season eight winner Ryan Bader talks to MMAWeekly.com about his fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 119 this Saturday.
Penick's Analysis: Bader's taking a gigantic step up in his career with this fight against "Lil Nog." The Jardine win was good, but with each subsequent loss Jardine's seeming less and less like a major win under a fighter's belt. But Bader can allay any doubts with a win over Nogueira. This is going to be a very tough test for him, and should be a very competitive fight in the co-main event.
"To tell you the truth, I got the call last time, 'you're fighting Keith Jardine' and I was in college watching these guys, watching MMA, watching ?The Ultimate Fighter? and all that kind of stuff, so that was a big step for me. Going in there and not knowing what to expect with a guy like Jardine. He's fought Rampage, and Chuck Liddell, and all that kind of good stuff. I went in there and right after the first exchange happened, I knew I was fine, like okay I belong here... After I beat Jardine, this is definitely what I wanted. I didn't want to go backwards from Jardine, I wanted to go forward and ultimately get my goal, which is the UFC title. They offered up Nogueira, it seems like a great logical step. He's top five, top seven right now at 205, and that's where I want to be. I want to keep climbing up that ladder, and he's the next rung."
-The Ultimate Fighter season eight winner Ryan Bader talks to MMAWeekly.com about his fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 119 this Saturday.
Penick's Analysis: Bader's taking a gigantic step up in his career with this fight against "Lil Nog." The Jardine win was good, but with each subsequent loss Jardine's seeming less and less like a major win under a fighter's belt. But Bader can allay any doubts with a win over Nogueira. This is going to be a very tough test for him, and should be a very competitive fight in the co-main event.
AMADI: Wrestling in MMA and the sport's struggle for identity
By: Jason Amadi, MMATorch Columnist
Mixed martial arts has always had a difficult time deciding exactly how much it is sport and how much it is fighting. And while virtually every aspect of the sport needs fine tuning in terms of judging criteria and point scoring, no discipline in MMA personifies the sport?s struggle for identity as much as wrestling.
The recent debate on the conservative use of wrestling in MMA has gained a lot of steam from respected journalists and fighters, and while a compelling argument can be made on both ends, the level of immaturity and juvenile discourse from those in favor of the current set of rules is deplorable.
Recently, when fighters like Cole Miller, Dan Hardy, Paul Daley and Michael Bisping spoke out against some of the wrestling-based tactics used by an increasing number of fighters in MMA, they were inexcusably met with infantile criticism.
Because these fighters aren?t known for being particularly strong wrestlers, sadly some journalists actually went for the incredibly obvious ?sour grapes? or ?they should learn to stop a takedown? argument. Regardless of the degree of truth to those types of statements, it?s all too easy to say ?stop a takedown? when, in reality, there is no such thing as takedown defense in MMA.
The concept of takedown defense is as mythological as an Olsen twin breakfast. Takedown defense isn?t like a video game stat that you incrementally build up to where you can no longer be taken down. A fighter?s ability to avoid takedowns is relative to who is trying to take them down and how hard. B.J. Penn is the most recent and relevant example of the takedown defense myth.
Penn was once thought to have the absolute best takedown defense in MMA, as he gave fighters like Matt Hughes and Georges St. Pierre fits when they decided they wanted to take their fights with him to the floor. However, Frankie Edgar - who weighs 30-40 lbs less than St. Pierre or Hughes - was able to take B.J. Penn down seemingly at will in their UFC 118 encounter.
Ironically, Nate Marquardt, one of the fighters to have espoused the ?learn how to wrestle? philosophy found himself on his back within minutes of his fight with Rousimar Palhares. If Palhares played an ultra conservative top game instead of going ballistic for leg locks as Marquardt expected him to, he certainly could have won the round off that takedown.
The problem isn?t the frequency in which wrestlers win unfair decisions, the volume at which wrestlers are able to win them, or even entertainment value. The problem is that the rules don?t explicitly penalize stalling. In actual amateur wrestling matches, stalling is illegal because of the fact that it is physically impossible to get someone off of you who only wishes to hold you down.
If you look at the recent WEC fight between Chad Mendes and Cub Swanson, Mendes simply took down an inferior wrestler in Swanson, decided not to do any damage, not pass guard, and instead just hold him down. He held Swanson down, cleverly gave him just enough space for Swanson to get back up so that Mendes could avoid the intervention of the referee, and then took him down again.
Mendes was able to repeat this process over and over again until he won a unanimous decision. Even if a referee actually does intervene, it in no way penalizes an inactive fighter. It doesn?t give back the time on the clock that was eaten up, and is thus stalling. One has to wonder: if stalling isn?t legal in wrestling, then why is it legal in mixed martial arts and then heavily praised?
A strong offensive guard doesn?t nullify the stalling wrestler either, because jiu jitsu is designed to punish an offensive opponent and requires the movement of that opponent for space for sweeps or submissions. Even worse than that, in terms of point scoring, nothing is easier and is scored more than a takedown. A takedown requires just a few seconds to complete, but it scores more than a submission attempt.
For a fighter to nullify the points scored for a takedown, he has to either get up and take his opponent down for the points, or end the fight from his back. Those are two lengthy and time consuming propositions to have to accomplish within in a five minute window, especially compared to the relative ease in completing one takedown and holding position.
Again, MMA has always had a difficult time deciding exactly how much it is sport and how much it is fighting. While MMA is certainly a sport based on fighting, the struggle between the two stems from the various ways in which fighters can stall and win fights by simply neutralizing offense without actually being offensive themselves.
Some feel that if MMA were a ?sport,? then the tactics of neutralizing and controlling an opponent should be rewarded, while others feel that if MMA were about actual ?fighting,? then stalling the action should be outlawed. The answer obviously lies somewhere between the two, however the adjustments that need to be made are fairly obvious.
Mixed martial arts has always had a difficult time deciding exactly how much it is sport and how much it is fighting. And while virtually every aspect of the sport needs fine tuning in terms of judging criteria and point scoring, no discipline in MMA personifies the sport?s struggle for identity as much as wrestling.
The recent debate on the conservative use of wrestling in MMA has gained a lot of steam from respected journalists and fighters, and while a compelling argument can be made on both ends, the level of immaturity and juvenile discourse from those in favor of the current set of rules is deplorable.
Recently, when fighters like Cole Miller, Dan Hardy, Paul Daley and Michael Bisping spoke out against some of the wrestling-based tactics used by an increasing number of fighters in MMA, they were inexcusably met with infantile criticism.
Because these fighters aren?t known for being particularly strong wrestlers, sadly some journalists actually went for the incredibly obvious ?sour grapes? or ?they should learn to stop a takedown? argument. Regardless of the degree of truth to those types of statements, it?s all too easy to say ?stop a takedown? when, in reality, there is no such thing as takedown defense in MMA.
The concept of takedown defense is as mythological as an Olsen twin breakfast. Takedown defense isn?t like a video game stat that you incrementally build up to where you can no longer be taken down. A fighter?s ability to avoid takedowns is relative to who is trying to take them down and how hard. B.J. Penn is the most recent and relevant example of the takedown defense myth.
Penn was once thought to have the absolute best takedown defense in MMA, as he gave fighters like Matt Hughes and Georges St. Pierre fits when they decided they wanted to take their fights with him to the floor. However, Frankie Edgar - who weighs 30-40 lbs less than St. Pierre or Hughes - was able to take B.J. Penn down seemingly at will in their UFC 118 encounter.
Ironically, Nate Marquardt, one of the fighters to have espoused the ?learn how to wrestle? philosophy found himself on his back within minutes of his fight with Rousimar Palhares. If Palhares played an ultra conservative top game instead of going ballistic for leg locks as Marquardt expected him to, he certainly could have won the round off that takedown.
The problem isn?t the frequency in which wrestlers win unfair decisions, the volume at which wrestlers are able to win them, or even entertainment value. The problem is that the rules don?t explicitly penalize stalling. In actual amateur wrestling matches, stalling is illegal because of the fact that it is physically impossible to get someone off of you who only wishes to hold you down.
If you look at the recent WEC fight between Chad Mendes and Cub Swanson, Mendes simply took down an inferior wrestler in Swanson, decided not to do any damage, not pass guard, and instead just hold him down. He held Swanson down, cleverly gave him just enough space for Swanson to get back up so that Mendes could avoid the intervention of the referee, and then took him down again.
Mendes was able to repeat this process over and over again until he won a unanimous decision. Even if a referee actually does intervene, it in no way penalizes an inactive fighter. It doesn?t give back the time on the clock that was eaten up, and is thus stalling. One has to wonder: if stalling isn?t legal in wrestling, then why is it legal in mixed martial arts and then heavily praised?
A strong offensive guard doesn?t nullify the stalling wrestler either, because jiu jitsu is designed to punish an offensive opponent and requires the movement of that opponent for space for sweeps or submissions. Even worse than that, in terms of point scoring, nothing is easier and is scored more than a takedown. A takedown requires just a few seconds to complete, but it scores more than a submission attempt.
For a fighter to nullify the points scored for a takedown, he has to either get up and take his opponent down for the points, or end the fight from his back. Those are two lengthy and time consuming propositions to have to accomplish within in a five minute window, especially compared to the relative ease in completing one takedown and holding position.
Again, MMA has always had a difficult time deciding exactly how much it is sport and how much it is fighting. While MMA is certainly a sport based on fighting, the struggle between the two stems from the various ways in which fighters can stall and win fights by simply neutralizing offense without actually being offensive themselves.
Some feel that if MMA were a ?sport,? then the tactics of neutralizing and controlling an opponent should be rewarded, while others feel that if MMA were about actual ?fighting,? then stalling the action should be outlawed. The answer obviously lies somewhere between the two, however the adjustments that need to be made are fairly obvious.
Eric ?Butterbean? Esch vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski ? KSW 14
Eric “Butterbean” Esch vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski – KSW 14 [See post to watch Flash video] More vidoes like this...Eric Butterbean Esch vs Bo Lam Moon – MOOSIN 2 Tim Sylvia vs Mariusz Pudzianowski – Moosin Mariusz Pudzianowski vs Marcin Najman – KSW 12 Preview
More vidoes like this...Eric Butterbean Esch vs Bo Lam Moon – MOOSIN 2
Tim Sylvia vs Mariusz Pudzianowski – Moosin
Mariusz Pudzianowski vs Marcin Najman – KSW 12 Preview
More vidoes like this...Eric Butterbean Esch vs Bo Lam Moon – MOOSIN 2
Tim Sylvia vs Mariusz Pudzianowski – Moosin
Mariusz Pudzianowski vs Marcin Najman – KSW 12 Preview
Strikeforce Challengers 11, October 22
Strikeforce Challengers 11
Friday, October 22, 2010
Save Mart Center
Fresno, CA
Airing on Showtime
* Roger Bowling vs. Bobby Voelker
* Billy Evangelista vs. Waachiim Spiritwolf
Friday, October 22, 2010
Save Mart Center
Fresno, CA
Airing on Showtime
* Roger Bowling vs. Bobby Voelker
* Billy Evangelista vs. Waachiim Spiritwolf
Efrain Escudero Cut by UFC, Looking at Bellator, Strikeforce
Filed under: UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, NewsFive days after losing to Charles Oliveira, former Ultimate Fighter winner Efrain Escudero has been released by the UFC.
Escudero said on Twitter that he learned of the news Monday and is already planning to talk to a couple of other mixed martial arts promotions.
"Hello true fan I was released by the Ufc today speaking to strikeforce and bellator," Escudero tweeted. "Taking a week off and make my way back!!!!!"
Escudero said on Twitter that he learned of the news Monday and is already planning to talk to a couple of other mixed martial arts promotions.
"Hello true fan I was released by the Ufc today speaking to strikeforce and bellator," Escudero tweeted. "Taking a week off and make my way back!!!!!"
Thứ Ba, 21 tháng 9, 2010
Reminder: "Countdown to UFC 119" debuts tonight on Spike TV
As a reminder, the UFC's traditional pre-event preview show returns tonight with the debut of "Countdown to UFC 119: Mir vs. Cro Cop."
The one-hour-plus special debuts at 10:47 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV and spotlights the UFC 119 headliner between former heavyweight champ Frank Mir and fellow contender Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.
Replays air Wednesday (11 p.m. ET/PT) and Saturday (1 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET/PT) on Spike TV.
The one-hour-plus special debuts at 10:47 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV and spotlights the UFC 119 headliner between former heavyweight champ Frank Mir and fellow contender Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.
Replays air Wednesday (11 p.m. ET/PT) and Saturday (1 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET/PT) on Spike TV.
ROUNDTABLE (pt. 2 of 2): Should Strikeforce have signed Josh Barnett? Perez, Matthew, Williams, Marsh, Rowland, Bacior, Shelby and Penick
Should Strikeforce have signed Josh Barnett? Who will they match him up with first and how do you think his time in the organization will play out?
ANWAR PEREZ, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Josh Barnett signing with Strikeforce is a nice catch for both Barnett and the organization. Problem is, people still remember that Barnett was partially the cause for the fall of an entire organization (Affliction's MMA promotion) due to steroids, and that Strikeforce, is well, still Strikeforce. It'll be interesting for the first few fights, being that Strikeforce will push him to the top of the division, but after an initial fight with either Fabricio Werdum or maybe Antonio "Big Foot" Silva, nothing noteworthy or worthwhile will come from the pairing after the immediate future.
SAM MATTHEW, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Strikeforce definitely made the right move in signing Josh Barnett, they just have to be sure to avoid putting him on any shows in California because of his continued legal problems with the California State Athletic Commission due to failed drug tests (Barnett has tested positive for steroids in the past, appealed the decisions but never showed up for the hearings). Though he?s no longer a Top 10 fighter, for the better part of a decade he was ranked as one of the best five heavyweights in the world, and his name still means a lot to the educated MMA fan. Will he have success in the now-deep Strikeforce Heavyweight division? Doubtful. Especially not against the likes of champion Alistair Overeem, but he could prove a game opponent for Fedor or "Bigfoot" Silva. A matchup with Brett Rogers would be pretty easy for Barnett who has one of the best submission games in the heavyweight class. Likely I see Scott Coker giving Barnett an easy debut against Andrei Arlovski or Mike Kyle before pitting him against the top of the division where his last few years fighting sub-par competition in Japan will prove detrimental to his experience and he will likely fold.
ALEX WILLIAMS, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Should Strikeforce have signed Josh Barnett if they are interested in putting on the best fights possible? Sure. Should the company have signed him to improve their bottom line? Probably not. Until Strikeforce changes its marketing and presentation, its not likely that talent acquisitions will increase its popularity. Ethically, was signing Barnett a justified move? Probably not. Steroid use increases a fighter's ability to inflict harm on his opponent. Barnett has failed three steroid tests. It's become clear that we can't trust him to fight without the aid of illegal performance enhancers, the use of which increase the odds of injuries to his opponents. That's not fair to them.
GRIFFIN MARSH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
my feelings are why not hire Josh Barnett? Strikeforce has done everything they possibly can to put themselves out of business, so why not hire a washed up UFC vet? It'll make things better!!! All levity aside, and considering the organization, I feel Josh can have some success in Strikeforce. Strikeforce doesn't have that one "great" heavyweight, so there is a chance Barnett competes for a title.
GREG ROWLAND, MMATORCH AUDIO CO-HOST
signing Barnett was probably a bad move. He's got a history of failing drug tests, which is a very bad thing. He also comes with a huge price tag from what I understand, as even if he doesn't fight MMA he does pretty good with pro wrestling in Japan, and he isn't really a top fighter. Barnett is good, but his big win streak he is on is against nobodies in modern terms and back when he fought in Pride, he lost plenty of fights.
MIKE BACIOR, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Yes, simply because they are Strikeforce, and they need another good heavyweight for some fresh matchups. However, signing a known steroid user has some risks.
TOBEN SHELBY, MMATORCH AUDIO CO-HOST
I think Strikeforce made the right call in signing Josh Barnett. The organization can use any decent fighters it can get ? especially in the heavyweight division. Yes, his track record?s been spotty at times and yes, he?s not the top ten fighter he used to be. But he?s far from washed up and can provide a solid challenge to many in the division. I think Strikeforce might as well try and put together Barnett and Fedor in a match we should?ve seen back when Affliction tried to make it happen.
JAMIE PENICK, MMATORCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Reaction to the signing is rightfully across the board. Considering the dearth of heavyweight talent in all of MMA, Strikeforce has a group of four or five guys right now to matchup against one another at the top of the division, and they're basically shuffling them between each other. With Barnett in the mix it's one more for the shuffle, but the matchups will still be fresher than others. Still, the steroid stigma remains, and it's something that he's not going to shake anytime soon. So, it was probably the right move for Strikeforce at this point to get another high end talent to the top end of their division, but I'm not sure what the end game will be yet with Barnett in Strikeforce.
RELATED STORY: Part one of this roundtable with responses from Lee, Hyden, Hobaugh, Leet and Hansen: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
ANWAR PEREZ, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Josh Barnett signing with Strikeforce is a nice catch for both Barnett and the organization. Problem is, people still remember that Barnett was partially the cause for the fall of an entire organization (Affliction's MMA promotion) due to steroids, and that Strikeforce, is well, still Strikeforce. It'll be interesting for the first few fights, being that Strikeforce will push him to the top of the division, but after an initial fight with either Fabricio Werdum or maybe Antonio "Big Foot" Silva, nothing noteworthy or worthwhile will come from the pairing after the immediate future.
SAM MATTHEW, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Strikeforce definitely made the right move in signing Josh Barnett, they just have to be sure to avoid putting him on any shows in California because of his continued legal problems with the California State Athletic Commission due to failed drug tests (Barnett has tested positive for steroids in the past, appealed the decisions but never showed up for the hearings). Though he?s no longer a Top 10 fighter, for the better part of a decade he was ranked as one of the best five heavyweights in the world, and his name still means a lot to the educated MMA fan. Will he have success in the now-deep Strikeforce Heavyweight division? Doubtful. Especially not against the likes of champion Alistair Overeem, but he could prove a game opponent for Fedor or "Bigfoot" Silva. A matchup with Brett Rogers would be pretty easy for Barnett who has one of the best submission games in the heavyweight class. Likely I see Scott Coker giving Barnett an easy debut against Andrei Arlovski or Mike Kyle before pitting him against the top of the division where his last few years fighting sub-par competition in Japan will prove detrimental to his experience and he will likely fold.
ALEX WILLIAMS, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Should Strikeforce have signed Josh Barnett if they are interested in putting on the best fights possible? Sure. Should the company have signed him to improve their bottom line? Probably not. Until Strikeforce changes its marketing and presentation, its not likely that talent acquisitions will increase its popularity. Ethically, was signing Barnett a justified move? Probably not. Steroid use increases a fighter's ability to inflict harm on his opponent. Barnett has failed three steroid tests. It's become clear that we can't trust him to fight without the aid of illegal performance enhancers, the use of which increase the odds of injuries to his opponents. That's not fair to them.
GRIFFIN MARSH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
my feelings are why not hire Josh Barnett? Strikeforce has done everything they possibly can to put themselves out of business, so why not hire a washed up UFC vet? It'll make things better!!! All levity aside, and considering the organization, I feel Josh can have some success in Strikeforce. Strikeforce doesn't have that one "great" heavyweight, so there is a chance Barnett competes for a title.
GREG ROWLAND, MMATORCH AUDIO CO-HOST
signing Barnett was probably a bad move. He's got a history of failing drug tests, which is a very bad thing. He also comes with a huge price tag from what I understand, as even if he doesn't fight MMA he does pretty good with pro wrestling in Japan, and he isn't really a top fighter. Barnett is good, but his big win streak he is on is against nobodies in modern terms and back when he fought in Pride, he lost plenty of fights.
MIKE BACIOR, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Yes, simply because they are Strikeforce, and they need another good heavyweight for some fresh matchups. However, signing a known steroid user has some risks.
TOBEN SHELBY, MMATORCH AUDIO CO-HOST
I think Strikeforce made the right call in signing Josh Barnett. The organization can use any decent fighters it can get ? especially in the heavyweight division. Yes, his track record?s been spotty at times and yes, he?s not the top ten fighter he used to be. But he?s far from washed up and can provide a solid challenge to many in the division. I think Strikeforce might as well try and put together Barnett and Fedor in a match we should?ve seen back when Affliction tried to make it happen.
JAMIE PENICK, MMATORCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Reaction to the signing is rightfully across the board. Considering the dearth of heavyweight talent in all of MMA, Strikeforce has a group of four or five guys right now to matchup against one another at the top of the division, and they're basically shuffling them between each other. With Barnett in the mix it's one more for the shuffle, but the matchups will still be fresher than others. Still, the steroid stigma remains, and it's something that he's not going to shake anytime soon. So, it was probably the right move for Strikeforce at this point to get another high end talent to the top end of their division, but I'm not sure what the end game will be yet with Barnett in Strikeforce.
RELATED STORY: Part one of this roundtable with responses from Lee, Hyden, Hobaugh, Leet and Hansen: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
Reminder: "Countdown to UFC 119" debuts tonight on Spike TV
As a reminder, the UFC's traditional pre-event preview show returns tonight with the debut of "Countdown to UFC 119: Mir vs. Cro Cop."
The one-hour-plus special debuts at 10:47 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV and spotlights the UFC 119 headliner between former heavyweight champ Frank Mir and fellow contender Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.
Replays air Wednesday (11 p.m. ET/PT) and Saturday (1 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET/PT) on Spike TV.
The one-hour-plus special debuts at 10:47 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV and spotlights the UFC 119 headliner between former heavyweight champ Frank Mir and fellow contender Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.
Replays air Wednesday (11 p.m. ET/PT) and Saturday (1 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET/PT) on Spike TV.
Heavyweight phenom Duffee cut from the UFC
Our last UFC image of Todd Duffee, in the black shortsTodd Duffee's career with the UFC lasted 12 minutes and 39 seconds. The heavyweight who shot into prominence after knocking out Tim Hague in seven seconds was cut from the UFC.The 25-year-old couldn't sustain the meteoric rise that happened after he broke the UFC fastest knockout record. He suffered an injury before a scheduled bout with Paul Buentello at UFC 107. At UFC 114, Duffee beat up on Mike Russow for 2 1/2 rounds before Russow came back to land a perfect right, knocking Duffee out. Sports Illustrated's Josh Gross reported that there were some problems between UFC president Dana White and Duffee, but that this is hardly the end of Duffee's MMA career. Duffee's manager Alex Davis said that Todd will continue to fight."It's unfortunate, but Todd's an asset and he will keep on fighting. He is a young kid and gets a lot of attention," Davis said.Duffee's appeal to any MMA organization is clear. He's a young and exciting fighter who looks like he was the hero of a 1950s movie about truth, goodness and the American Way. Strikeforce is strongest at heavyweight, so he would be a natural fit there.
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Thứ Hai, 20 tháng 9, 2010
UFC NEWS: Kevin James to star in mixed martial arts movie
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
TV and movie star Kevin James, an unabashed MMA fan in his own right, is set to star in a film set in the world of mixed martial arts.
Sony announced the project this week, which is expected to begin filming early next year.
In the movie, James will play a physics teacher at a school facing budget cuts. His character will enter MMA to attempt to make money for the school's music program and to help save his best friend's job at the school. Ultimately, he makes his way to the UFC.
James is producing the film through his Hey Eddie company, and writer Allan Loeb is in negotiations to write the script.
Penick's Analysis: Pretty clearly a comedy, it will be interesting to see if the UFC officially gets involved here. James has been a visible fan of the UFC and has been shown cageside at many events, and this would be a mainstream movie with James in the starring role, but I'm just not sure what to think of it at this point.
TV and movie star Kevin James, an unabashed MMA fan in his own right, is set to star in a film set in the world of mixed martial arts.
Sony announced the project this week, which is expected to begin filming early next year.
In the movie, James will play a physics teacher at a school facing budget cuts. His character will enter MMA to attempt to make money for the school's music program and to help save his best friend's job at the school. Ultimately, he makes his way to the UFC.
James is producing the film through his Hey Eddie company, and writer Allan Loeb is in negotiations to write the script.
Penick's Analysis: Pretty clearly a comedy, it will be interesting to see if the UFC officially gets involved here. James has been a visible fan of the UFC and has been shown cageside at many events, and this would be a mainstream movie with James in the starring role, but I'm just not sure what to think of it at this point.
Parisyan vs. Hallman, Harris vs. Falcao official for UFC 123 in Detroit
A welterweight bout between returning Karo Parisyan and Dennis Hallman and a middleweight fight between Gerald Harris and newcomer Maiquel Falcao are both official for UFC 123.
UFC 123 takes place Nov. 20 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in suburban Detroit. A light-heavyweight bout between former champs Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Lyoto Machida headlines the pay-per-view portion of the show.
It's not known if Parisyan vs. Hallman and Harris vs. Falcao will get main-card or preliminary-card placement.
UFC 123 takes place Nov. 20 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in suburban Detroit. A light-heavyweight bout between former champs Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Lyoto Machida headlines the pay-per-view portion of the show.
It's not known if Parisyan vs. Hallman and Harris vs. Falcao will get main-card or preliminary-card placement.
UFC NEWS: Gilbert Yvel vs. Jon Madsen official, UFC 121 card set with 11 fights
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Next month's UFC 121 event from the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. is now officially complete as the preliminary card bout between Gilbert Yvel and Jon Madsen has been confirmed by the organization.
The eleven fight card is headlined by a massive UFC Heavyweight Championship bout between Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez, and features the UFC debut of former Elite XC Welterweight Champion and Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields.
Lesnar and Velasquez will take part in a three episode "UFC Primetime" series heading into the event, which will air in the weeks leading up to the card. The event will also feature a "UFC Prelims Live" special, featuring bouts between Ryan Jensen and Court McGee as well as Patrick Cote against Tom Lawlor. The full fight card is below:
Main Pay-Per-View Card
? Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez
? Martin Kampmann vs. Jake Shields
? Diego Sanchez vs. Paulo Thiago
? Matt Hamill vs. Tito Ortiz
? Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Brendan Schaub
Spike TV Preliminary Card
? Ryan Jensen vs. Court McGee
? Patrick Cote vs. Tom Lawlor
Preliminary Card
? Sam Stout vs. Paul Taylor
? Mike Guymon vs. Daniel Roberts
? Chris Camozzi vs. Dongi Yang
? Jon Madsen vs. Gilbert Yvel
Next month's UFC 121 event from the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. is now officially complete as the preliminary card bout between Gilbert Yvel and Jon Madsen has been confirmed by the organization.
The eleven fight card is headlined by a massive UFC Heavyweight Championship bout between Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez, and features the UFC debut of former Elite XC Welterweight Champion and Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields.
Lesnar and Velasquez will take part in a three episode "UFC Primetime" series heading into the event, which will air in the weeks leading up to the card. The event will also feature a "UFC Prelims Live" special, featuring bouts between Ryan Jensen and Court McGee as well as Patrick Cote against Tom Lawlor. The full fight card is below:
Main Pay-Per-View Card
? Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez
? Martin Kampmann vs. Jake Shields
? Diego Sanchez vs. Paulo Thiago
? Matt Hamill vs. Tito Ortiz
? Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Brendan Schaub
Spike TV Preliminary Card
? Ryan Jensen vs. Court McGee
? Patrick Cote vs. Tom Lawlor
Preliminary Card
? Sam Stout vs. Paul Taylor
? Mike Guymon vs. Daniel Roberts
? Chris Camozzi vs. Dongi Yang
? Jon Madsen vs. Gilbert Yvel
Nate Marquardt TKOs Rousimar Palhares at UFC Fight Night 22
by Michael David SmithIn a bizarre ending to the main event at UFC Fight Night 22, Nate Marquardt knocked out Rousimar Palhares with a series of huge punches on the ground -- only to have Palhares appear to complain afterward that Marquardt had been cheating by greasing up his legs.
Palhares seemed to have Marquardt exactly where he wanted him on the ground, sinking in one of his signature heel hooks. But Marquardt pulled his leg free, and when he did, Palhares complained to referee Herb Dean that Marquardt must have been greasing. It was stupid of Palhares to complain to the referee during the fight, and Marquardt made him pay for it, landing a hard punch and then a bunch more punches until Dean stopped the fight. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Palhares seemed to have Marquardt exactly where he wanted him on the ground, sinking in one of his signature heel hooks. But Marquardt pulled his leg free, and when he did, Palhares complained to referee Herb Dean that Marquardt must have been greasing. It was stupid of Palhares to complain to the referee during the fight, and Marquardt made him pay for it, landing a hard punch and then a bunch more punches until Dean stopped the fight. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Sarah Kaufman Says Fighters Need to Stand Up for What They Deserve
Filed under: StrikeforceStrikeforce 135-pound women's champion Sarah Kaufman will get her wish when she takes on Marloes Coenen on the main card of Strikeforce's next big Showtime event on October 9 in San Jose, and she has no regrets about what she had to do to make it happen.
"I think it's important for fighters to stand up for what they deserve," Kaufman said on Friday afternoon's Strikeforce media call, responding to questions about her post-fight remarks following a victory over Roxanne Modafferi on a Strikeforce Challengers card in July.
"You don't want to make your organization look bad, but if your issue needs to be said, I'm happy I said what I said and I think my fight kind of backed that up," Kaufman added. "Whether it was me talking or the fans reacting or the fight itself getting highlighted on ESPN, I think they all worked together in helping push the division and have a title [fight] on the main card."
That title fight pits the undefeated Kaufman against a Dutch challenger who posted a loss in her last outing - a 145-pound title scrap against Strikeforce champ Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos - only don't try telling Coenen that she doesn't deserve back-to-back title shots in different divisions.
"I think it's important for fighters to stand up for what they deserve," Kaufman said on Friday afternoon's Strikeforce media call, responding to questions about her post-fight remarks following a victory over Roxanne Modafferi on a Strikeforce Challengers card in July.
"You don't want to make your organization look bad, but if your issue needs to be said, I'm happy I said what I said and I think my fight kind of backed that up," Kaufman added. "Whether it was me talking or the fans reacting or the fight itself getting highlighted on ESPN, I think they all worked together in helping push the division and have a title [fight] on the main card."
That title fight pits the undefeated Kaufman against a Dutch challenger who posted a loss in her last outing - a 145-pound title scrap against Strikeforce champ Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos - only don't try telling Coenen that she doesn't deserve back-to-back title shots in different divisions.
After losing at Shark Fights 13, dejected Jardine even further from a UFC return
No one said it's easy to get to the UFC. Keith Jardine realized his dream back in 2006 when made the cast of Season 2 of "The Ultimate Fighter" and over the course of 13 fights he became a fan and promotional favorite. But the "Dean of Mean" ran into some hard luck and was on the wrong side of too many close decisions. For that, he got his pink slip. In an effort to get back to the big show, Jardine jumped at the chance to fight Trevor Prangley, another former UFC veteran. Unfortunately tonight at Shark Fights 13, he didn't have enough to beat Prangley either. The South African got off to a quick start and held on down the stretch to get a split decision win, 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28, over Jardine in the main event in Amarillo, Tx. That makes it five straight losses and 6-of-8 for Jardine. "It’s the biggest win of my career," said Prangley. Prangley (23-6) is a true middleweight and weighed in well under the light heavyweight limit at 202 3/4 pounds. But power wasn't an issue. He sent a message early in the fight by muscling Jardine in the clinch and landing a big knee right on his chin. Jardine's knees buckled and the shot opened up a nice gash over his left eye. Bleeding badly, Jardine was on his back underneath a nasty ground and pound fighter just two minutes into the fight. It stayed down on the mat for another two-plus minutes with Prangley landing some good elbows. The action stayed on the feet in the second but it was Prangley who once again landed the best shot when he put Jardine on his butt with an uppercut. Jardine wouldn't quit."Moving up a weight class, and to fight a guy of his caliber (was great). He sat there and ate everything I had to give him," said Prangley. "There were a couple of times when he buckled a little bit. I said 'yes it‘s over', but man he just kept coming back. I just couldn’t kill the guy."Jardine (15-9) really turned it on in the final minutes as Prangley tired badly. The South African took a ton of wicked shots but wouldn't go down. It was just enough to get the split decision. "I know he’s got great cardio working at altitude. I knew I had to win the first two and hopefully I'd have enough to finish and win the third," said Prangley. "Everyone kept asking what’s your gameplan. I kept saying 'I have no idea what to do against this guy' but I did pull off a victory." The lack of a gameplan might be Jardine's biggest problem right now. He's a well-rounded fighter but too often he fights into his opponent's style or doesn't push the pace enough. Prangley's had conditioning issues in the past. If that weakness had been seized upon by Jardine, we might be looking at a return to UFC relatively soon. Now he needs to go back to the drawing board.
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Chủ Nhật, 19 tháng 9, 2010
UFC QUOTABLES: Vitor Belfort not disappointed with being passed over for title shot; only concerned with performing well
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
"For sure, I want the title but the decision doesn't belong to me. I've been there. I won the [heavyweight] title when I was 19 years old. I won in a different division in 2004 (light heavyweight). I've accomplished so many things in my career. I don't let titles and positions and fame overcome my life and take over me... In life you always have two choices to make. You either live bitter, angry or you live in a happy life, you enjoy it. So I try to always see a positive on that. So whatever is what's the best. I'm not disappointed. I have to take it... We work for the UFC and whatever is the best for them. For sure I would like to fight in the U.S. but it's a joy to go outside of the country and fight in front of fans. They hardly get to see the fights live... I'm fighting for joy. For me to perform well, I need to be happy. I need to enjoy working with the people that I'm working with. And that's what I'm concerned after this fight. I want to be happy to go back again in the gym, to train, to learn and to perform well for the fans, the UFC and everybody around the world watching. That's what I'm concerned [of] and that's what I'm worried about. The title is just a consequence."
-Vitor Belfort talks to Ariel Helwani on MMAFighting.com's "The MMA Hour" about being alright with getting skipped over for a title shot and fighting outside of the U.S. at UFC 122.
Penick's Analysis: It's nice to hear Belfort's attitude here. Taking a tough fight with Yushin Okami means no guaranteed win here in November, but if he gets past him he should get his crack at the Silva vs. Sonnen II winner. Vitor's had a long career in the sport already, and like he said he has accomplished a lot in that time. But he's not past his prime, and a big win in another UFC main event will be huge for him.
"For sure, I want the title but the decision doesn't belong to me. I've been there. I won the [heavyweight] title when I was 19 years old. I won in a different division in 2004 (light heavyweight). I've accomplished so many things in my career. I don't let titles and positions and fame overcome my life and take over me... In life you always have two choices to make. You either live bitter, angry or you live in a happy life, you enjoy it. So I try to always see a positive on that. So whatever is what's the best. I'm not disappointed. I have to take it... We work for the UFC and whatever is the best for them. For sure I would like to fight in the U.S. but it's a joy to go outside of the country and fight in front of fans. They hardly get to see the fights live... I'm fighting for joy. For me to perform well, I need to be happy. I need to enjoy working with the people that I'm working with. And that's what I'm concerned after this fight. I want to be happy to go back again in the gym, to train, to learn and to perform well for the fans, the UFC and everybody around the world watching. That's what I'm concerned [of] and that's what I'm worried about. The title is just a consequence."
-Vitor Belfort talks to Ariel Helwani on MMAFighting.com's "The MMA Hour" about being alright with getting skipped over for a title shot and fighting outside of the U.S. at UFC 122.
Penick's Analysis: It's nice to hear Belfort's attitude here. Taking a tough fight with Yushin Okami means no guaranteed win here in November, but if he gets past him he should get his crack at the Silva vs. Sonnen II winner. Vitor's had a long career in the sport already, and like he said he has accomplished a lot in that time. But he's not past his prime, and a big win in another UFC main event will be huge for him.
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Complaining won't get you far: Marquardt and Hardy on wrestling
Two different fighters have taken their shots at wrestling's place in MMA. It started with former UFC welterweight contender Dan Hardy, who complained about wrestling dominating MMA after his countrymen, Andre Winner and Nick Osipczak, both lost in decisions after UFC 118. Rather than saying 'oh, these guys can't wrestle', I think the problem is there's beginning to be too much wrestling in UFC Octagon, not too little of it in the gym. There are a lot of people out there calling themselves 'UFC fighters' who are nothing of the kind. In the UFC, you should go for finishes.He must not have watched the Anderson Silva-Chael Sonnen fight, where Sonnen -- an elite wrestler -- lost because he aggressively went after Silva. In the same article on thisisNottingham.co.uk, Hardy says how he has spent three months in the U.S. trying to shore up his wrestling. A whole three months to face fighters who have been wrestling for a lifetime. Japanese fighter Shinya Aoki, who fights both for DREAM and Strikeforce, piled on to Hardy's comments. From AOL Fanhouse: "The American wrestling style - punching a little bit, getting a takedown and moving to side control to win the round has no risk. It's an easier fight. It's just using the judges. They don't even have to worry about injuries or anything like that. There is no risk."Aoki must have never seen a match when a fighter gets kneed while going for a takedown, or gets caught in a guillotine. Apparently, he doesn't perceive that risk. Aoki and Hardy both prefer complaining. Nate Marquardt and Kenny Florian are both fighters who would rather improve themselves than complain.Marquardt, who is fighting Rousimar Palhares at Ultimate Fight Night 22 next week, was beaten by a wrestler in Chael Sonnen."I was unable to defend the takedowns in my last fight, and that's why I lost the fight," Marquardt commented. "Now I'm going to be more prepared to defend the takedown no matter who I'm fighting, and I worked hard on my wrestling and I continue to work hard on my wrestling."Kenny Florian took a similar track, hiring a wrestling coach just days after his wrestling-filled loss to Gray Maynard. If Hardy and Aoki are so concerned, then they need to train to neutralize their opponent's wrestling, or knock them out or submit them to win. Instead of complaining about the guy across from them in the cage, they could just get the KO themselves.
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