|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
Why Henderson chose strikeforce interview. Sherdog.com: Why did you pick Strikeforce over the UFC? Henderson: The decision was based on a number of things. It wasn’t just a financial thing. It was the fact that I felt I wasn’t getting the fight that I wanted in the UFC. That was a big part of that -- that I wasn’t and that it got yanked away from me. I think I stepped up for the UFC a number of times and had earned that right again for a title fight. And the fact that publicity-wise, CBS offers quite a bit more than a pay-per-view and Spike TV. Sherdog.com: In September, you sat down with UFC owners Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White in Las Vegas and confronted them about being passed over for the next middleweight title bout against Silva. How did they respond? Henderson: The fight got pulled from me and was offered to Vitor (Belfort). I met with them after Vitor fought Rich Franklin. I told them that it does irritate me. I said, ‘Why does Vitor get to jump the line when there’s me and (Nate) Marquardt here who can both fight for a title shot and Vitor’s never fought for the UFC at 185? He jumps the line, especially since I beat him.’ They acted surprised that I’d even fought him. They weren’t up on those details at the time. It jogged their memory, but either way, to put someone in there that I dominated not that long ago… Sherdog.com: You’re the first top-ranked UFC fighter to leave that promotion and join Strikeforce’s ranks. What do you think this says about the current climate of the sport? Henderson: Obviously, I was fighting in Pride for a long time and I’ve never been one to really jump ship. Had I felt a little bit more, I don’t know… I was planning on finishing my career in the UFC. When I signed with the UFC, that’s what I was planning on doing. I think that whatever transpired or how they handled me just didn’t work out at present. Especially for me at this point in my career, it was definitely Strikeforce. I don’t know what that says about the climate of the UFC. I think that they need to really respect the fighters a little bit more. Sherdog.com: At one point during renegotiations Dana White stated that you were trying to become the highest paid fighter in the UFC -- Henderson: I don’t know what anyone else makes, but didn’t he make a comment after that a couple of weeks later that I was upset about what Tito (Ortiz) makes? I have no idea what Tito makes. So, if I’m trying to be the highest paid fighter, why would I be upset about what Tito makes? These are his own comments contradicting themselves. Either way, I don’t know what Tito makes and I didn’t really know where I was on the totem pole over there, but I felt like I wasn’t getting fair market value for myself. Sherdog.com: How did the UFC’s banning of your clothing brand, Clinch Gear, from their events affect renegotiations? Henderson: Well, at least I’ll be able to have Clinch Gear on in the cage when I fight for Strikeforce. The banning didn’t really affect anything though. When the UFC called and said that we could no longer sponsor (other fighters), that we were banned from the UFC, I wasn’t mad at all. It was more funny to me than anything that they would do that. Dana has stated to me that it was nothing personal and that there were no hard feelings at all. If there were no hard feelings, why would they ban a clothing line? We already had a deal; we were paying for the right to sponsor guys just like every other sponsor was. For them to come back and say just because Dan hasn’t re-signed a deal yet, we’re banned. Sherdog.com: Does that play into your comment earlier that they need to respect fighters more? Henderson: Absolutely. Things like that aren’t necessary and for them to do that in the middle of negotiations doesn’t make me feel respected. It’s more of a strong-arm tactic and a lot of people turn the other way when that happens. To me, it was just funny. I didn’t take it personally, but it just seemed a little contradictory to the ‘no hard feelings’ thing. Sherdog.com: How did the Strikeforce negotiations play out in comparison to the UFC renegotiations? You were talking to both promotions at the same time. Henderson: Yeah, I was to a point. I wasn’t going back and forth to them saying, ‘Hey, so and so is paying me this. Pay me more.’ I didn’t want to do that at all. I don’t think that’s the right way to do things, so basically I was just looking at the offers. I have to be honest, Strikeforce was a little slow in getting back to me on certain things, only because Scott Coker got sick for a couple of weeks and was a little hard to get a hold of. He didn’t want to pass the negotiations over to anyone else. Other than that, everything went great and Scott Coker was very respectful and excited the whole time. I was sincere with negotiating with them obviously because I signed, but I wasn’t just using them to get the UFC to pay me more. Dana was pretty cool throughout negotiations with the UFC. He was OK to deal with. We were pretty much just at a standstill. I thought I was worth more and they didn’t. It was nothing personal really. Sherdog.com: The critics of this move might say you’re leaving the elite of the sport to go fight lesser competition. How would you respond to that? Henderson: It’s questionable. Where is (Gegard) Mousasi ranked in there? He might be the guy to beat Anderson Silva up. And obviously Fedor (Emelianenko) is unscathed and has proven that he is probably the top heavyweight in the world. Jake Shields has never fought in the UFC. I think that Strikeforce has a lot of great matchups for me. I’m in this sport not just for the money, but I love the challenge of it. Those three guys are great challenges for me and Strikeforce has quite a few guys that are really top at 185 and above. Their roster is growing rapidly with top guys, not just lower-level guys. Sherdog.com: Why do you think every fighter wants to fight Fedor Emelianenko? Henderson: I don’t know. To me, he’s not the reason I signed with Strikeforce just to fight him -- although that is interesting and appealing to me to be able to challenge myself against him. I don’t know who else wants to fight him, but I do know the fans like to see him fight. He’s very effective and likes to finish guys and does a very good job. I think him and I would make an interesting matchup. Sherdog.com: Do you think you can beat Emelianenko? Henderson: I think I can beat anyone on any given day. It’s just a matter of making sure that everything is right with that day. Sherdog.com: How do you look back on your UFC career? Henderson: I always enjoyed watching the UFC and had good experiences fighting there, so I have nothing bad to say about them. I just think that for me, at this point in my career, maybe it just wasn’t a good matchup for them and me. We were at a sticking point on certain things and maybe they think I don’t have too many years left, so why would they put a lot of stock in me. Who knows? Sherdog.com: What are your goals now, having signed on for four fights with Strikeforce? Henderson: I’m planning on fighting more than four fights. I can tell you that. I couldn’t tell you what the future holds. It changes pretty quickly. Like I said, I thought I was going to end my career in the UFC and this came up and obviously I went in a different direction than I thought I was going to. I couldn’t comment on the future and who knows what’s going to happen with Strikeforce? I think that they have great opportunities and have the potential to bring a lot of new fans to the sport and I’m pretty much at the forefront of that. That’s appealing to me. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Steve Cantwell set for UFC 108 A light heavyweight bout between veteran Vladimir Matyushenko (23-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and former WEC champion Steve Cantwell (8-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) is set for the preliminary card of next month's UFC 108 event. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned of the Jan. 2 matchup over the weekend. Nima Safapour of No Limits Media Group, which represents Matyushenko, today confirmed that bout agreements have been distributed and signed by Matyushenko. UFC 108 takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
I love watching Hendo fight. I know it's just his confidence shining but does anyone really think he could take Fedor? Does Dan even walk around at that steep a weight?
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
I'm not saying he isn't an exciting fighter or that he's someone I want to see cut (far from it) but can anyone say they expect him to outstrike Florian? And with Florian's BJJ game, will he be upset when Guida makes it a ground fight? |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
UFC 109: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs Brandon Vera official for 'Relentless' on Feb. 6
Surging light heavyweight and UFC sophomore Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (18-3) has officially agreed to throw hands with hot-and-cold cage veteran Brandon Vera (11-4) at UFC 109: "Relentless" from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feb. 6. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ KIMBO SLICE DRAWS 5.2 MILLION VIEWERS FOR HIS FIRST LIVE FIGHT IN THE UFC ON SPIKE TV Most Watched “The Ultimate Fighter” Finale In Franchise History And Biggest Audience For A Live UFC Fight In 2009 New York, NY, December 8, 2009 – Spike TV’s telecast of “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights” live finale on Saturday, December 5 was the most watched final episode in the 10 seasons of the TUF franchise, peaking with 5.2 million viewers and a 5.9 rating with Men 18-34 for the Kimbo Slice-Houston Alexander fight. The over 5 million viewers were the most to watch a live UFC fight in 2009. Overall, the three-hour fight card drew 3.7 million viewers, a 2.4 household rating, a 4.6 in Men 18-34 and was the most-watched show on cable with Men 18-34 and Men 18-49 for the day. “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights” live finale was the third most-watched UFC fight card ever. Looks like Kimblo will be a UFC fighter for the foreseeable future. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Just in case you have trouble taking Diego Sanchez seriously, I found this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md_8WJzhsow I like the shot of him meditating. Was it hard to clear your mind, Diego? LOL |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
I like Diego but damn that is stupid |
Re: Official MMA Thread
People complain about Dana White and some complain about M-1 and why Fedor hasn't been signed by the UFC and every now and then info comes out that shows I wouldn't sign the #1 HW either. The M-1 fighter Mousasi has in his Strikeforce contract that he does not fight on any card that does not feature Fedor. WTF! So before the match makers can even ponder a matchup between Hendo and Mousasi you must first know if Fedor is excepting a fight.
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Diego is really big into Tony Robbins the motivational speaker dude. That is where the "yes" comes from. That's why he keeps yelling "YES!" over and over on his way to the ring before fights.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carlos Condit injury forces cancellation of UFC 108 bout After weeks of searching for a main event for the first event of 2010, the UFC has now lost a planned co-feature bout for UFC 108. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from a source close to Carlos Condit (24-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) that the "Natural Born Killer" has suffered an injury in training and has been forced to withdraw from a main-card bout with British slugger Paul Daley (22-8-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC). No word yet on whether the UFC will seek a replacement opponent for Daley at the Jan. 2 event. Word has arrived.................. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Somebody up there likes Dustin Hazelett. The UFC welterweight wore disappointment when Karo Parisyan withdrew from their fight at UFC 106 last month, but said he trusted God's plan and everything happened for a reason. He was spot on. Multiple sources informed MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday that Hazelett will step in for an injured Carlos Condit to face Paul Daley in the co-main event of UFC 108, which takes place Jan. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRAINER: LESNAR RECOVERING FROM DIVERTICULITIS Brock Lesnar’s head coach is telling him to rest and relax, whether he likes it or not. Greg Nelson, a two-time cancer survivor who leads Lesnar’s fight camps along with Erik Paulson and Marty Morgan, said the UFC heavyweight champ is still recovering from a severe case of diverticulitis (an infection in the digestive tract), but wants to get back into the gym. Last Friday, UFC president Dana White sent a Twitter message that Lesnar was "still VERY sick" and the promotion was "unsure about his future." Nelson, who recently returned from teaching several seminars in Spain, gave an update to MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday afternoon. He declined comment on a potential interim heavyweight title posed by White in recent weeks. MMAWeekly: What’s the latest on Brock? Nelson: He’s feeling much better, but he’s still on the mend and not really doing any kind of major training. MMAWeekly: Is he out of bed? Nelson: Yeah, he’s walking around and moving around. He’s not ready to jump into that cage, that’s for sure at this point. But he’s got his new baby, so it’s time for him to hang out with his son and his daughter, get some quality time on that end of life. MMAWeekly: Did he ever go to the Mayo Clinic? Nelson: No, he never went there. MMAWeekly: But the final diagnosis was diverticulitis? Nelson: Yeah, that was pretty much the deal, and everything that goes on with that. MMAWeekly: As far as you know, when do you think he’s going to be able to start training again? Nelson: I’m not 100-percent sure right now. We’re not really pushing it right now. We’re just letting things take their course so he can be 100-percent healthy when he starts to train. He’ll probably start lifting weights to get his strength built up and do the exercise bike when he starts to get going, and shadowbox when he gets to feel better. But right now, he’s just taking the time to properly heal. He’s real anxious of course, but that’s the worst thing you can do, is jump up and start going too quick and then break down again. It’s more of a burden for him to sit at home and not work out, but that’s the thing he has to do right now. MMAWeekly: So you’ve advised him to take it easy? Nelson: Mentally, he wants to get back in there. He wants to jump in. You get a guy like that who’s used to being able to do whatever and moving around and train, throw hay around, whatever he wants to do, then you’re stuck inside your house... that’s tough. Mentally, it’s tough. MMAWeekly: Has he talked to you about how his day-to-day life is now? Nelson: Not really. He’s not a guy to jump on the phone and start talking to you. MMAWeekly: How often do you talk to him? Nelson: I think I talked to him a couple weeks ago, and I hear stuff if Marty’s talked to him or one of the other guys has talked to him. He’s one of those guys, if he wants to pick up the phone and talk to you, he’ll pick up the phone and talk to you. But generally, he’s one of these guys who likes his privacy. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Picks:
Penn vs Sanchez - Can't stand either, though Sanchez has never claimed to be prepared to die in the cage only to quit in the middle of the fight. Mir vs Kongo - Kongo lacks silverback strength and ground skill Fitch vs Pierce - Hope to see Fitch KO'd Florian vs Guida - should be a 3rd sprint Buentello vs Struve - He's a freakin' head hunter, look at his name. I'd really love to see this on network TV.:rolleyes: |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
I like Penn, Kongo just because I can't stand Murr, Fitch, Florian and Buentello. Looks like a great card. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- UFC to cut Houston Alexander following "Kimbo Slice" loss MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Houston Alexander faltered when it mattered most, and now the UFC veteran will soon receive his walking papers from the organization. UFC president Dana White today told a small group of reporters at the UFC 107 pre-event press conference that Alexander, who recently dropped a lackluster unanimous decision to Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, has been cut from the UFC. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has since confirmed the process hasn't been completed but soon will be. "I was going to leave," White said of Ferguson vs. Alexander. "I was going to get up and walk out of the fight. That's what I thought of it. If I didn't have to hand out 'The Ultimate Fighter' trophy at the end (of the event), I would have left that night. It wasn't a good night for me." While complimenting Ferguson for a legit career win, White also compared Alexander to former UFC fighter Kalib Starnes, who was cut in 2008 following a bizarre loss to Nate Quarry. Starnes, who later said he was injured prior to the bout, continually backpeddled in the fight, which he lost via blowout scores of 30-26, 30-27 and 30-24. "As disgusted as I was with Houston Alexander's performance, Kimbo beat a real guy," White said. "The last thing I expected was for Houston Alexander to come in and do the Kalib Starnes." White said he never discussed his displeasure with the fighter. "I don't even want to talk to him," he said. "Houston had an opportunity to – ahh, anyway." -------------------------------------------------------------------------- White: Brock may need more surgery I found this posted on Sherdog today. MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar is still fighting a case of diverticulitis, a painful intestinal condition that has been affecting him for over a year, and could require more surgery, according to UFC President Dana White. White, fielding questions from reporters Thursday following the UFC 107 press conference, assessed the situation, acknowledging that Lesnar is still not out of the woods health-wise. “They figured it out, so the question now is, he’s either going to need major surgery or he’s not and we won’t know for the next couple months,” said White. White said he had no timetable for the 32-year-old champion’s return. “It could be forever,” said White. “We won’t know for the next couple months, Obviously, I’m hoping that’s not the case, as I’m sure all of you are, but we’ll see what happens.” The 6-foot-3, 280-pound fighter had been hospitalized for 11 days last November in North Dakota, where he underwent tests and “minor surgery” before being released to his home in Alexandria, Minn. Greg Nelson, Lesnar’s primary trainer, told MMAWeekly.com on Wednesday that Lesnar was “on the mend” and hadn’t begun training again, though the fighter was anxious to. “He believes he’s going to come back and he’s confident and positive and he’s in a much better place than he was when he was in the hospital,” said White on Thursday. The loss, temporary or otherwise, of the company’s biggest pay-per-view star can’t be a pleasant thought for the world’s top MMA promotion. While they wait for the news on Lesnar, the UFC must also figure out what they are going to do with the top of their rapidly improving heavyweight division. White said it is still to early to decide if an interim title is warranted at this point. “We still gotta wait here a little bit and see what’s going to happen to him -- maybe he can come back, maybe he can’t, I don’t know -- we’ve got to see what happens to him first. I’m going to wait and see if he has to have this major surgery first before I make any big decisions,” said White. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matt Hughes Vs Renzo Gracie likely for UFC 112 MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- When Matt Hughes announced on his Web site last week that he’d be fighting on April 10, the 36-year-old Illinois native did not divulge whom he would be squaring off with or where UFC 112 would be held. However, the former welterweight champion has been long rumored to be facing Renzo Gracie, 42, who reportedly signed a six-fight contract with the promotion recently. When Dana White was asked Thursday if the Hughes-Gracie bout would he held in Abu Dhabi –- a location White recently scouted himself –- the UFC President answered cryptically. “Sounds good to me,” he said, smiling broadly. Asked about making that match, White noted that he respects a lot of fighters in the sport and implied that not every UFC fight has to have title implications. “There’s this whole beef over Renzo choking out Pat Miletich (Hughes’ mentor) and sometimes it’s more than just; sometimes guys just want to fight and Renzo’s been training, he wants to fight Matt Hughes and Matt Hughes wants to fight him,” said White. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bobby Lashley Signs With Strikeforce Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) heavyweight champion and undefeated mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Bobby Lashley has signed a multi-year agreement with STRIKEFORCE and will make his debut for the world championship MMA promotion at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., on Saturday, January 30. The 6-foot-3 inch, 250-pound Lashley, also a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army, will face an opponent that has not yet been determined during the live SHOWTIME® telecast of STRIKEFORCE: Miami, the historic, first-ever STRIKEFORCE event in the state of Florida. In his last MMA start on June 27, 2009, the 33-year-old pulverized and scored a first round (3:17) TKO over 6-foot-5 inch, 350-plus-pound goliath Bob “The Beast” Sapp with a barrage of punches in Biloxi, Miss. The win upped Lashley’s MMA record to 4-0. “I’m looking forward to fighting for STRIKEFORCE and challenging myself by taking on some of the top heavyweights in MMA,” said Lashley, a native of Junction City, Kan., and resident of Denver, Colo. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Injuries are starting to take their toll in UFC. Tyson Griffin out of UFC 108 When it rains, it pours. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the promotion that the UFC has lost another featured fighter in its first event of 2010. Lightweight contender Tyson Griffin (14-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) has suffered an undisclosed injury in training and has been forced to withdraw from his "UFC 108: Evans vs. Silva" main-card bout with Jim Miller (15-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC). An exact timetable for Griffin's return has not been established, though the 25-year-old's manager, Tom Call, said he doesn't expect his fighter to be out for long. "Tyson sustained an injury that would prevent him from training for the fight in January," Call said. "We don't expect it to keep him out too long. However, he was unable to train and be properly prepared for January. "Tyson is particularly disappointed as he has never had to pull out of a fight in his entire career. But we are very comfortable that this is the right decision." The UFC is expected to seek a replacement opponent for Miller. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
UFC 107 Weigh In Results
Below are the official weigh-in results for Saturday’s UFC 107 event. UFC 107, which is headlined by the UFC lightweight championship bout between BJ Penn and Diego Sanchez and the heavyweight clash between Frank Mir and Cheick Kongo, airs live on Pay-Per-View from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee beginning at 10pm ET / 7pm PT. Diego Sanchez (154.5*) VS BJ Penn (155) Cheick Kongo (239) VS Frank Mir (264.5) Clay Guida (156) VS Kenny Florian (156) Stefan Struve (247) VS Paul Buentello (255) Mike Pierce (171) VS Jon Fitch (171) ***Wilson Gouveia (193) VS Alan Belcher (195) Shane Nelson (156) VS Matt Wiman (156) Ricardo Funch (171) VS Johny Hendricks (171) Lucio Linhares (185) VS Rousimar Palhares (186) Edgar Garcia (171**) VS Damarques Johnson (171) TJ Grant (171) VS Kevin Burns (171) *Sanchez made weight on his second attempt, after an initial weigh-in at 156 pounds. **Garcia made weight on his second attempt, after an initial weigh-in at 173 pounds. ***Gouveia and Belcher will fight at a catchweight of 195 pounds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sean Sherk promoted to "UFC 108: Evans vs. Silva" main card With Tyson Griffin forced to withdraw from his UFC 108 bout due to inury, Sean Sherk (33-4-1 MMA, 7-4 UFC) has been selected as Jim Miller's new opponent. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) confirmed the switch with sources close to the event after MMAWeekly.com initially reported the move. Sherk had been expected to face Rafaello Oliveira (9-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) on the evening's prelims. The UFC is expected to now seek a replacement opponent for Oliveira. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- St-Pierre vs. Hardy official for UFC 111 MEMPHIS, Tenn. – British slugger Dan Hardy (23-6 MMA, 4-0 UFC) knew he earned a shot at UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre (19-2 MMA, 13-2 UFC) by defeating Mike Swick at November's UFC 105 event. Now he knows the date. At today's UFC Fight Club Q&A session in Memphis, Tenn., UFC broadcaster Mike Goldberg said he had confirmed with UFC matchmaker Joe Silva that St-Pierre and Hardy will meet at an as-yet-unannounced event on March 27 in Newark, N.J. The event is expected to be dubbed UFC 111 and take place at the Prudential Center. Goldberg shared the news prior to Hardy taking the stage to field questions from UFC Fight Club members. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Go BJ!:banger
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Frank Mir looked totally awesome! :tu
BJ put on a clinic and beat the chit out of the nightmare!! :tu :tu |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Missed the fights because a dinner party turned into a great drunk.
Read the pbp's. Sounds like a couple of exciting fights in there. Will have to look them up when I'm sober again... |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Ya Mir was there to win for sure.
BJ worked Sanchez. Sanchez didn't have anything for BJ.:banger |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
I still hate Murr. :su |
Re: Official MMA Thread
I think at the rate their going they should let Clay Guida fight Penn next.:tf
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
He had a good opponent that had lots of power and he knew he wouldn't have survived a slug fest. Is the UFC really that afraid to admit that Kimbo can fight. He has come along way from the backyard brawler he once was. He still has a very weak ground game, but in time it will be better. Kimbo could have a real career in the UFC if he continues to expand as a fighter like he has. The UFC doesn't have a lot of quality fighters left so to cut one of your good fighters because of an off night seems kind of ridiculous to me. Seems like Dana is gonna cut his nose despite his face. Like I've said before the UFC had it's 5 mins of fame and I believe it's all down hill from here. It's not competitive like it once was. No one right now can beat BJ Penn, no one right now can beat GSP, no one right now can beat Silva, and no one right now beat Brock (because he can't fight and because there aren't any real contenders in his weight class.) Almost all the weight classes and there aren't any decent challengers. Seems like the cards keep getting filled with repeat bouts or bouts that aren't that exciting. I mean think about it the most hyped fight in UFC is the fight between coaches of TUF and the best Dana can come up with is Lidell vs Tito! Really!!! The UFC is at a stalemate and it doesn't seem like they are trying to get the caliber fighters they need to get out of it. Just my :2 |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Houston has lost 4 of his last 5. I don't think it's a big surprise he was cut. The UFC has a history of cutting fighters that don't win. Unless they are one of Dana's "boys". I think he would have been better off brawling instead of that weak azz game plan he used.
UFC 107 draws 13,896 attendees for, over $1.5 mil gate The UFC's second-ever trip to Tennessee and first-ever to Memphis delivered on in-cage action, and a reported 13,896 fans came to the FedExForum to witness the events. UFC president Dana White said at the event's post-fight press conference that "UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez" also delivered "over $1.5 million" at the gate. The official numbers will be certified next week by the Tennessee Athletic Commission. Featuring a main event between lightweight champion B.J. Penn and top challenger Diego Sanchez, UFC 107 featured the first title fight in the UFC since Lyoto Machida narrowly edged Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 104 in October. With several of the organization's champions sidelined due to a variety of injuries, the next date a belt is scheduled for defense is the recently confirmed UFC 111 bout between welterweight title holder Georges St-Pierre and British slugger Dan Hardy on March 27. The attendance figure marks a sharp increase from the UFC's first-ever visit to Tennessee in April. "UFC Fight Night 18: Condit vs. Kampmann" on April 1 drew 10,267 fans to the Sommet Center for a $626,066 live gate, though the organization's "Fight Night" events traditionally draw smaller crowds than the pay-per-view spectacle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UFC 107 fighter bonuses Alan Belcher, Wilson Gouveia, T.J. Grant and DaMarques Johnson each earned $65,000 fight-night bonuses for their performances at Saturday's "UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez" event. Belcher and Gouveia both earned "Fight of the Night" honors, while Johnson earned the "Submission of the Night" bonus and Grant earned the "Knockout of the Night" award. All four fighters competed on the evening's preliminary card. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned of the awards in the post-fight press conference, which followed UFC 107 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. Offended by being relegated to the evening's preliminary card despite fighting in his hometown, Belcher came out with a purpose. Swinging from the fences early, Belcher put himself in harm's way while going for broke against Brazilian slugger Wilson Gouveia. The strategy paid off, and Belcher earned an impressive TKO win. But with both fighters trading in the pocket during the entertaining one-round fight, each cashed an extra checj for the evening's "Fight of the Night. "The Ultimate Fighter 9" finalist Johnson snatched the evening's "Submission of the Night" after nearly falling victim to a slick hold from opponent Edgar Garcia. After fighting off an early Peruvian necktie that appeared destined to end the fight, Johnson worked free and landed a slick triangle choke of his own. The whole process took just four minutes, and the Johnson earned the hefty bonus in addition to his first official UFC win. The evening's "Knockout of the Night" also took place on the preliminary cards as Grant battled back from a tough position to secure the honors. After being dropped early and defending a flurry of punches, Grant returned to his feet and delivered a crushing right hand. A few follow-up punches secured the finish, but the initial blow is what certainly earned Grant the honors and the extra check. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dong Hyun Kim withdraws from UFC 110 Undefeated Korean welterweight Dong Hyun Kim (12-0-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has been forced to withdraw from a planned UFC 110 bout with Chris Lytle (27-17-5 MMA, 6-9 UFC). Kim's apparent knee injury was first reported by AOL FanHouse, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has since verified the report. UFC 110, which is already a sell-out, takes place Sunday, Feb. 21 at Acer Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. With the time difference, the show will air on pay-per-view in the U.S. live on Saturday, Feb. 20. A replacement for Kim wasn't immediately known, but Lytle is expected to remain on the card. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More Injuries At some point, even UFC matchmaker Joe Silva has to just laugh. The "curse" of UFC 108, the most injury plagued event in the company's history, continues as late Saturday night the organization lost another fighter from the card. Heavy handed slugger Rory Markham (16-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) was forced to bow out of the Jan. 2 event in Las Vegas with a knee injury suffered in training. Markham had been scheduled to face Danish striker Martin Kampmann (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) on what was sure to be a preliminary card barnburner at MGM Grand Garden Arena. News of the change was first reported by Sherdog.com's Greg Savage via his Twitter account, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has since been able to confirm Markham's withdrawal from sources close to the promotion. No timetable has been set for Markham's return, and a replacement opponent for Kampmann has yet to be secured. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here is a good look at the cut in Diego's head. http://i49.tinypic.com/23jo5tu.jpg |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
Not competive....Okay so they dont have Fedor, Mousasi, or Henderson. Those are the only two that I can see Possibly making a run inthe UFC. There are plenty of good fighters not in the UFC. But not many would be a serious threat, IMO. This past card was great, everyone fame win by fighting, not the scorecard. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
YES! YES! YES!..................oh no!
http://i46.tinypic.com/15pn3ud.jpg ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prangley Out! Robbie Lawler went nearly a year between bouts his last time out, and is currently six months between fights, hoping that Strikeforce can find him a new opponent by Saturday night. Lawler learned today that Trevor Prangley, who was a replacement for his initial opponent, Benji Radach, has had to withdraw from Strikeforce: Evolution due to an undisclosed injury. The news was first reported by Sherdog.com, and independently confirmed to MMAWeekly.com by Strikeforce executive Mike Afromowitz. No replacement has been named. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Dang, I got a shiver up my spine just now looking at that CUT!!
Wa-howwww. THe people here in Memphis were really pleased by the event's outcome and even more pleased that we were able to host it. I understand the ticket prices were high, but well under the usual price at casino-resort type venues. There were some sports radio guys who were not too excited about going, basically saying that they do not follow the circuit and would rather watch actual boxing. They all came in Monday and apologized and gushed like the cut over that dude's eye about how great it was. The production value, the ambience and atmosphere, the turnout, the money spent in the community. Win, Win, Win. I will have to read this thread more in depth to see what the fans thought. But I guarantee that Memphis will be jostling to get another crack at hosting one of these. Having the ability to walk 300 feet from FedEx Forum to Beale Street ain't exactly a minus, either, lol. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
This is a dead horse but I finally watched the Kimbo fight today, I think if that would have went another round Alexander would have TKO'd Kimbo he definently didn't deserve to be cut. And so what if he used a strategy of using footwork and angles against Kimbo, from what I understand he usually bull rushes people. Dana isn't happy unless the fighters stand still and try to punch eachothers heads off like a video game. Who cares what that failed boxer thinks anyway.
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Lots o' MMA news today!
Spike TV to air 10 preliminary cards in 2010 After three successful broadcasts in 2009, Spike TV officials today announced the cable station will air a total of 10 preliminary-card specials prior to UFC pay-per-view events in 2010. The one-hour specials, now dubbed "UFC Prelim," feature between two and four bouts from the un-aired preliminary cards of each pay-per-view event. As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported last week, Spike TV will air a UFC 108 teaser on Jan. 2, and Spike TV officials also confirmed the station will air a UFC 109 teaser on Feb. 6. The remaining eight broadcast specials will be announced at a later date. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UFC CONFIRMS MAJOR BOUTS FOR UFC 110 in AUSTRALIA NOGUEIRA v VELASQUEZ SILVA v BISPING STEVENSON v SOTIROPOULOS JARDINE V BADER ROTHWELL V CRO COP SINOSIC v HASEMAN UFC 110 LIVE AT THE ACER ARENA December 15, Sydney, Australia - With the second fastest sell-out in the 16-year history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship organisation, UFC 110 hits Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, February 21 (Airing in the United States on Saturday, February 20). All 16,500 tickets for the Acer Arena were completely sold out on the first day of public sale on Friday (December 11), placing UFC 110 behind only the record-breaking UFC 83 in Montreal, Canada in April 2008, as the UFC’s hottest ticket ever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DREAM and World Victory Road confirm fights for Dec. 31 "Dynamite!! 2009" event! The fight card for DREAM and World Victory Road's Dec. 31 "Dynamite!! 2009" event got some serious depth today with the official announcement of numerous matchups, many of which pit one of the Japanese organization's fighters against the other promotion's. The HDNet-televised event features both MMA and K-1 bouts and takes place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Today's additions include Masanori Kanehara (15-7-5) vs. Norofumi "Kid" Yamamoto (17-2) and Akihiro Gono (30-15-7) vs. Hayato "Mach" Sakurai (35-9-2). Both of those fights will be conducted under MMA rules with three five-minute rounds. The same goes for the bouts of Katsuyori Shibata (4-6-1) vs. Hiroshi Izumi (0-1), Marlon Sandro (15-1) vs. Hideo Tokoro (25-21-1), Michihiro Omigawa (8-8-1) vs. Hiroyuki Takaya (12-7-1), and Kazuyuki Fujita (15-8) vs. Alistair Overeem (31-11). A K-1 bout of Yosuke Nishijima (0-1) vs. Ray Sefo (54-20-1) was also added to the card. Previously announced MMA bouts include Japanese gold-medalist judoka Satoshi Ishii (0-0) vs. fellow Olympic gold-medalist Hidehiko Yoshida (8-7-1) and the DREAM "Super Hulk" open-weight grand prix finale of Ikuhisa "Minowaman" Minowa (43-30-8) vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (7-5). Additional fights will be announced in the next few weeks. For now, the official lineup include: * Masato vs. Andy Souwer (K-1) * Satoshi Ishii vs. Hidehiko Yoshida * Masanori Kanehara vs. Norofumi "Kid" Yamamoto * Akihiro Gono vs. Hayato "Mach" Sakurai * Hiroshi Izumi vs. Katsuyori Shibata * Marlon Sandro vs. Hideo Tokoro * Michihiro Omigawa vs. Hiroyuki Takaya * Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Alistair Overeem * Yosuke Nishijima vs. Ray Sefo (K-1) * Ikuhisa Minowa vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (MMA/"Super Hulk" finale) * Hiroya vs. Japan Masaaki Noiri (K-1 KOSHIEN semifinal) * Katsuki Ishida vs. Shota Shimada (K-1 KOSHIEN semifinal) * Tsukasa Fuji vs. Ryuya Kusakabe (K-1 KOSHIEN semifinal reserve) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Almeida likely for UFC 111 in March, bout with Thiago Alves While a knee injury forced grappling ace Ricardo Almeida (11-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) out of a planned UFC 106 bout with Jon Fitch, "Big Dog" apparently won't sit out for long. MMAjunkie.com (http://www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the promotion that Almeida is being targeted for a March 27 return to action at UFC 111 in Newark, N.J. And while Almeida couldn't comment on the potential contest when contacted by MMAjunkie.com, additional sources have indicated Brazilian slugger Thiago Alves (16-6 MMA, 9-3 UFC) may be in the running to face the 33-year-old. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank Mir vs. Shane Carwin @ UFC 111 For Interim Title While UFC president Dana White recently said the status of UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar would be decided in the next four to six weeks, things are apparently progressing much faster. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the organization that the UFC is targeting an interim heavyweight title matchup between top contender Shane Carwin and former UFC champion Frank Mir. If both parties agree, the contest may take place at the increasingly attractive UFC 111 event on March 27 in Newark, N.J. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quinton Jackson challenges Dana White to a boxing fight This rings a bell does it not? "The last thing I want to say is, and this is to Dana White, do me a favour and put two UFC logo's in that octagon and promote them as if they're gonna fight each other and see how many people turn up to watch them fight. If Dana's got a problem with me about any texts I give my friends or anything else... if he's got a problem with me tell him I'll do a boxing fight with him, but I'd show up. I'd show up with bells on. I'd show up dressed looking just like a boxer. He could even wear a head gear for all I care. Dana has a history of talking **** about people on the internet and at press conferences and stuff when they're not there, I'm not that guy... I don't give a (expletive) anymore. Tell Dana if he's still got a problem with me, we can settle the problem like men and he can make as much money out of it as he wants. He can promote it, he can put it on TV and he can pay himself a big purse." -Quinton "Rampage" Jackson Former UFC light-heavyweight champion turned thespian Quinton "Rampage" Jackson adds more fuel to his ongoing feud with UFC President Dana White courtesy of comments made to MMABay. Jackson announced recently that he'd like to come back to MMA, after going on a brief hiatus to play B.A. Baracus on a film adaptation of "The A-Team," in order to settle disputes with both UFC President Dana White and fellow former UFC light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans. Jackson and White have been at odds since the popular brawler abruptly abandoned his planned UFC 107 showdown against bitter, Evans, in order to work on the film; and it appears that Jackson's feud with White has done anything but die down in the wake of Jackson's announced return to the sport. This isn't the first time White, a former amateur boxer, has been challenged to a boxing match. A couple of years ago famed UFC light-heavyweight Tito Ortiz had a boxing match with White written into his contract. The two agreed to face one another at a Las Vegas gym, but Ortiz failed to show. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lorenzo Fertitta: 140,000 People Viewed UFC 106 Illegally UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta testified Wednesday at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on piracy of live sports broadcasting over the Internet, and he said the UFC is potentially losing tens of millions of dollars because people are illegally streaming UFC pay-per-views online. "Just last month, the broadcast of UFC 106 from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, had over 271 unauthorized streams with over 140,000 views, and those are only the ones that our anti-piracy team and consultants identified," Fertitta told the committee. "There were likely more streams that we simply couldn't find." -------------------------------------------------- Personally, I don't think they are losing that much at all. It's my belief that those that watch these streams would simply do without and not purchase the ppv and watch the fights at a later date. And like Joe Rogan says on the broadcast of every PPV, "you can't stop the internet, baby". |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Have we seen the Pit Bull since his loss to GSP?
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Quote:
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
SHERK OUT; DUANE LUDWIG IN AGAINST JIM MILLER
The seemingly cursed UFC 108 card took yet another hit on Wednesday as former lightweight champion, Sean Sherk, was forced off the show with a laceration requiring stitches over his eye. Stepping in to replace him will be Duane "Bang" Ludwig who will return to the UFC for the first time since 2006 to take on Jim Miller in a 155lb contest. The news of Sherk's replacement was confirmed to MMAWeekly.com by sources close to the fight on Wednesday evening. Sources indicated to MMAWeekly.com that Sherk was forced off the card due to an inch long cut suffered over his right eye in training that required several stitches that would not come out until at least the middle of next week. Jim Miller has now undergone 2 opponent changes in less than a week after Tyson Griffin was forced off the card with an injury and now Sherk drops out with a cut sustained in training that could not heal in time for the show. The Jan 2 card was slated to be one of the UFC's biggest shows, but injuries have forced a multitude of changes and with 2 weeks still to go, it's no telling what else might happen to the ever changing line-up. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Land of the Rising Sun Influences Canadian MMA Scene Mixed martial arts has come a long way since the days of UFC and PRIDE FC. Back then, the battle lines where drawn, North American MMA versus a seemingly more diverse Japanese version. In a heart beat the North American big business machine devoured the competition ending the unforgettable pride FC. Many have felt that the days of old would never come back again after a disconcerting show in North America for the Pride organization which was bought out by the UFC, ZUFFA…………….what went wrong; true diehard fans have always wondered????? Approaching the new year of 2010, one Canadian promoter has taken a bold step. Pasqualino Santoro, President & Owner of Colloseo Championship fighting has made a major announcement regarding future MMA in Canada. Due to a recent 9 month layoff due to family sickness, Mr Santoro has brought the fire back to the scene of a somewhat stagnant & boring North American, Mom and Pops, MMA. Mr. Santoro, in conjunction with the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission have announced the full adoption of the dream FC rules from Japan, Director Mike Kogan of FEG USA stated the fighter has more potential then the traditional North American rules offer. I am very excited and the dream organization is also very excited and honored that a group has stepped up and visions what we see in the sport. Mr. Santoro and Mr. Kogan both agree that this allows the fighter to compete at their highest level. A bold new step? Mr. Santoro is quoted, ‘’sometimes taking new steps to evolve the sport is what it needs in order to not become as stale as boxing.” I think Mr. Kogan is excited and not to speak for him or the dream organization but it allows their Organization and others from Japan to learn if the fighters in North America meet the standard level of MMA in Japan. Rather than busting their ass through the ranks and then going over there to figure out when they are in the ring that they do not cut the mustard with the 10 min time limits and action rules?” More here: http://topmmanews.com/2009/12/16/ccf...s-in-edmonton/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Logan and Natasha Fired! MMAMADNESS.com has learned that both Natasha Wicks and Logan Stanton have been cut from the UFC as ring girls. Stanton’s contract expired after UFC 107 and the UFC chose not to renew it. Wicks was cut before the expiration of her contract. Ring girl Arianny Celeste will remain on with the organization; as her contract has been recently renegotiated- explaining her absence from UFC 107. According to sources, there will be only two ring girls from this point forward. Though it has not been officially announced, our insiders are being told Chandella Powell, a former playmate, will be the newest ring girl. Good thing they didn't fire Arianny. Chandella isn't bad but she is no Logan. http://www.mmafightgirls.com/wp-cont...an-stanton.jpg |
Re: Official MMA Thread
I'm not really into blondes but Natasha is amazing. I miss her already.
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Robbie Lawler Off Strikeforce Card
Robbie Lawler will not be competing this Saturday night after all. The middleweight fighter was supposed to face Trevor Prangley on the undercard of Showtime's Strikeforce: Evolution card, but after Prangley was forced to withdraw earlier this week due to an injury suffered during training, the organization was left without an opponent. Strikeforce tried to find an opponent for Lawler, but FanHouse has learned that they have decided to keep him off the card. The organization is hoping to reschedule him for the upcoming Jan. 30 event in Sunrise, Fla. MAIN CARD CUNG LE (6-0) VS SCOTT SMITH (17-6) JOSH THOMSON (16-2) VS GILBERT MELENDEZ (16-2) - LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP RONALDO "JACARE" SOUZA (10-2) VS MATT "THE LAW" LINDLAND (21-6) MUHAMMED "KING MO" LAWAL (5-0) VS "IRON" MIKE WHITEHEAD UNDERCARD ANTWAIN "THE JUGGERNAUT" BRITT (9-3) VS SCOTT LIGHTY (5-0) BRYAN TRAVERS (13-1) VS DAISUKE NAKAMURA (20-11) LUIS MENDOZA VS JUAN NUNEZ (1-1) ALEX TREVINO (4-1) VS BOBBY STACK (6-1) ALEX CRISPIM (3-2) VS AJ FONSECA (4-1) TIME SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009 - 10:00PM/ET (PRELIMS AT 8:00PM) HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON SHOWTIME - IN CANADA ON SUPERCHANNEL TICKETS |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Picks in bold. King Mo rulz! :banger
MAIN CARD CUNG LE (6-0) VS SCOTT SMITH (17-6) JOSH THOMSON (16-2) VS GILBERT MELENDEZ (16-2) - LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP RONALDO "JACARE" SOUZA (10-2) VS MATT "THE LAW" LINDLAND (21-6) MUHAMMED "KING MO" LAWAL (5-0) VS "IRON" MIKE WHITEHEAD TIME SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009 - 10:00PM/ET (PRELIMS AT 8:00PM) HOW TO WATCH: LIVE ON SHOWTIME - IN CANADA ON SUPERCHANNEL |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Well, my picks sucked. lol Except for King Mo. Great fights and a great show and a possible fight of the year with Thomson and Melendez. What a slugfest. Can't wait to the Thomson/Melendez III. Cung Le was beating the crap out of Smith for 2 and a half rounds then, as Smith does, comes back with one punch. He looked totally outclassed by Le then POW! You can never count out a big puncher. Jacare was awesome and scary good tonight. King Mo was, well, King Mo. WAR King Mo!
Can't wait to see the next SF card in Jan. Cyborg, Bobby Lashley's SF debut, Nick Diaz and Herchel Walker's MMA debut. Now off to see the WEC fights.................. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
good strikeforce
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Just finished watching the WEC card. Ok show, nothing special but there was a nice Peruvian necktie applied in one bout. StrikeForce takes the night, easily.
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Jacare is going to rattle the middleweight ranks of Strikeforce, he was calling out their champ before he even made his debut and accused people of ducking him who were proposed to him. Would love to see him fight miller again, shields, diaz, or henderson.
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
I just read that Nick Diaz is going to fight Marius Zaromskis at Strikeforce Miami, that will be one hell of a fight.
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Versus to air UFC matches - Sports Business Journal
The UFC is coming to Versus as part of a two-year renewal that the Comcast-owned network signed with the mixed martial arts association’s parent, Zuffa. Versus will telecast two live UFC matches next year, in addition to seven from the WEC, MMA’s division for lighter weights, also owned by Zuffa. As part of the deal, Versus plans to stream one additional WEC fight per fight card exclusively to Versus.com. Versus also is planning to produce many hours of shoulder programming around its WEC fights, including previews, best knockouts and a review of the best fights. But the biggest part of the deal is UFC, which has produced some of the most popular programming for Spike TV, which will continue to telecast many of its fights. The move to Versus, though, is important as it represents the most mainstream sports outlet to carry live UFC matches. Fox Sports Net regionals carried UFC events in the past, but those were telecast on tape delay. Following on the ratings and ad sales success of its WEC programming, Versus didn’t hesitate to bring on the UFC. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fedor VS. Werdum targeted for April CBS event Before the dust settled on Saturday night’s Strikeforce: Evolution event, the questions came fast and furious at CEO Scott Coker, prompting him for the direction the promotion is headed... and he had plenty of answers. Foremost on everyone’s mind is the return of Fedor Emelianenko. Coker confirmed plans for Fedor’s return on the promotion’s next CBS event, slated for sometime in mid-to-late April. “It’s not confirmed... (but) on that fight card, you’ll most likely see Fedor fighting Fabricio (Werdum),” he revealed. “It’s not guaranteed, but you will see Dan Henderson fighting on that card, and Gina Carano, we’ll invite her if she’s ready.” Henderson’s opponent hasn’t been finalized yet either, but he is expected to challenge current middleweight champion Jake Shields under the watchful eye of CBS. Pressed about heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem, the CEO said, “We’re probably gonna invite Alistair to fight on the CBS card,” dispelling initial plans for an earlier return. Coker also has big plans outside of the April fight card, particularly in the lightweight division. He intends to expand on Strikeforce’s relationship with Japanese fight promotion Dream. First up are bouts for Gilbert Melendez and Josh Thomson, who had another battle in their rematch on Saturday night. “(Shinya) Aoki and Gilbert and do (Tatsuya) Kawajiri vs. Thomson,” said Coker, mapping the road for his two top 155ers, intending to pit them against two other top lightweights in the world. He insists those are plans for Melendez and Thomson, not just hopeful talk. He’s targeting the second quarter of 2010 to make both those fights happen. “I think we’ve done some really big things in the last eight months. Making that Dream relationship activate, to me, is critical and important, because otherwise we’re just talking. It’s taken a long time to get to this point, but I think we’re on the cusp of making it happen.” |
Re: Official MMA Thread
Aoki-Hirota, Kawajiri-Yokota Official for ‘Dynamite’
Dream champion Shinya Aoki will lock horns with Sengoku titleholder Mizuto Hirota in a showdown between two of the world’s top lightweights at K-1 “Dynamite Power of Courage 2009” on Dec. 31 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Aoki last appeared in October when he submitted Joachim Hansen with a second-round armbar, avenging his technical knockout loss to the Norwegian in the 2008 Dream lightweight grand prix. The 26-year-old has posted five wins in six fights and holds notable victories over Vitor Ribeiro, Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez and American Top Team dynamo Gesias Cavalcante. Aoki has delivered 13 of his 22 wins by submission and has solidified his place as one of the most feared ground fighters in the sport. Hirota, 28, has secured back-to-back quality stoppage wins over former Sengoku champion Satoru Kitaoka and Strikeforce veteran Mitsuhiro Ishida. A 2008 knockout victory against former International Fight League titleholder Ryan Schultz strengthens his resume, which includes eight finishes. Hirota has never been finished in 16 career bouts. The Aoki-Hirota match was not the only high-profile tilt added to the K-1 mix on New Year’s Eve. Tatsuya Kawajiri will meet Kazunori Yokota in another pivotal lightweight bout. The 31-year-old Kawajiri has won six of his last seven fights, the lone defeat coming to Alvarez in the 2008 “Fight of the Year.” He counts victories over Cavalcante, Ribeiro, Hansen and UFC veterans Per Eklund and Yves Edwards among his 25 conquests. Kawajiri last competed two months ago, when he stopped the overmatched Melchor Manibusan on first-round strikes at Dream 11. Yokota will carry a three-fight winning streak into the match. The 31-year-old outpointed the respected Eiji Mitsuoka at Sengoku “Eleventh Battle” last month, maintaining the momentum he gained with a spectacular knockout of Schultz earlier this year. Yokota owns other noteworthy victories over Hirota and reigning Sengoku featherweight king Michihiro Omigawa. This will easily be the best show of the year! |
Re: Official MMA Thread
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Looks like Rampage is on his way to Strikeforce. He says he is not going to renegotiate with UFC. King Mo metioned Rampage at the Evolution post fight conference as a possible opponent. You have to be a deadbeat of a president to have one your fighters as a TUF coach then drive them off with Dana's immature antics. The 2nd consecutive TUF coach to leave at that.
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
I think Rampage still has a couple of more fights on his contract before he can leave. He has stated he will definitely fight Rashad in the first one. It was Rampage that screwed everything up. He decided to do A-Team when he was already scheduled to fight Rashad and left the UFC in a lurch. I don't blame Dana for this one.
Looks like legend Don Frye has called it quits and retired from MMA to pursue acting. My God, the Dynamite 2009 card just keeps getting bigger and better! The event, which will feature fighters from DREAM, World Victory Road and K-1, recently added an MMA-rules match-up between hard-hitting Melvin Manhoef (23-6-1) and Kazuo Misaki (22-9-2). Meanwhile, MMA fighter Jason High tweeted on Thursday night that Gegard Mousasi vs. Gary Goodridge will also take place on the card. Michael Kogan, Fighting and Entertainment Group's American director, told MMAFighting.com on Friday that the bout is "close" to being finalized. The fight would take place under K-1 rules. |
Re: Official MMA Thread
I don't really care about this but news has been slow so...............
Frank Shamrock-March Return. Despite losing three of his last four fights and finding his groove as a television broadcaster, Frank Shamrock isn't ready to hang up his MMA gloves just yet. The 37-year-old veteran said on a recent edition of The MMA Hour that Strikeforce has asked him to fight on a yet to be announced card "in the first week or so of March." Shamrock (23-10-2), who most recently lost to Nick Diaz via second-round TKO in April, said that no opponent has been made official just yet. "Whoever brings ratings. I need ratings. I just need some ratings," Shamrock said when asked who he might face next. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I thought this ruled! :r http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x...edorlakers.jpg |
Re: Official MMA Thread
I think Mousasi's been added to this upcoming Dream card. Does anyone know how to watch these fights? I'm not a very good link hunter but I'm sure it's streamed somewhere (and if there's an official place to pay/watch, I'd prefer that).
|
Re: Official MMA Thread
Its always on Justintv
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:56 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.