Official MMA Thread

BJ has always wanted to be the first to hold a title at two different weight classes, but I think Silva has the most realistic chance. Even if he refuses to fight Machida, the light heavy weight division has a lot of good fighters to chances are in the near future the title will change hands and he will get that chance. I like Machida, but he is not as dominant in LHW as Silva at MW or GSP and WW.

[NCRadioMan]

Still stunned after watching the WEC event last night. Didn't see Torres getting beat so badly and so quickly. WOW! This was a much better card than what the UFC put on Saturday. All the fights were very entertaining and action packed.

[goalie204]

oh sorry ;P - reading is overrated!

[NCRadioMan]

WEC Fight Night bonuses!

LAS VEGAS - Dominick Cruz, Joseph Benavidez, Brian Bowles and Ranui Yahya each earned $10,000 "fight night" bonuses for their performances at "WEC 42: Torres vs. Bowles."

WEC 42 took place Sunday night at The Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and aired live on VERSUS. The bonus amounts were on par with the $10,000 bonuses that were given out at WEC 41 in June.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) confirmed the amounts and winners following the event.

In what was billed as a bantamweight No. 1 contenders' bout prior to the contest, Cruz and Benavidez put on an action-packed 15-minute affair. The two never stopped and rarely slowed throughout the affair, though Cruz got the better of the action with his extended reach and multiple takedowns. Cruz earned the unanimous decision, handing Benavidez the first loss of his career, but both fighters enjoyed a bit of extra income as the card's "Fight of the Night."

While Bowles earned the evening's only true knockout, his award for the evening's "Knockout of the Night" was hardly issued by default. Beyond simply shocking the world with his destruction of former champ Miguel Torres, the WEC's bantamweight champion showed why his heavy right hand is feared. Torres was out cold, and Bowles cashed an extra check in addition to earning a belt.

Picking the evening's "Submission of the Night" was simple, as Yahya was the only fighter to pull off a finishing move. However, the award was well-deserved as Yahya sliced through opponent John Hosman's defenses en route to securing a first-round submission win via north-south choke.

[NCRadioMan]

SPIKE TV TO START AIRING "BEST OF PRICE FC"
Monday, August 10, 2009 - by MMAWeekly.com Staff

Spike TV on Monday announced a new weekly mixed martial arts series. Best of Pride Fighting Championships will premier on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 11 p.m. ET/PT, featuring bouts from the now defunct fighting organization owned by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Word of the series first came to light when UFC President Dana White mentioned it at his Fight Club Q&A session at UFC 101 on Friday.

Hosted by Kenda Perez, the series features past and present UFC champions among the legendary MMA combatants that includes Chuck Liddell, Anderson Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Dan Henderson, Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic, Wanderlei Silva, Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, Mauricio Shogun Rua, Mark Coleman, Frank Trigg, Hidehiko Yoshida, Akihro Gono, and Takanoro Gomi.

As the destination for the best mixed martial arts on television, Spike TV is always looking for ways to give fight fans more of the incredible action and competition they crave, said Kevin Kay, president, Spike TV.

Pride held more than 60 mixed martial arts events during a decade of operation including the largest live MMA event audience record of over 70,000 people in August 2002. Zuffa, LLC purchased Pride in March 2007.

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DIAZ OFFICIALLY OFF THE CARD ACCORDING TO CSAC

It's Nick being Nick. The elder Diaz brother is one of the top 20 fighters in the world but the kid is a handful for any promoter. Diaz, who has boasted many times in the past that he's a marijuana smoker, no showed his mandatory test with the California State Athletic Commission on Friday. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told the gathered media during a conference call today that the deadline is 3 p.m. PT. With all the uncertainty, the backup plan is now Jesse Taylor, of Ultimate Fighter 7 fame, squaring off against Jay Hieron. This fight has become a disaster. Remember Hieron was a late replacement for Joe Riggs.

Coker is taking the Diaz drama in stride:

"We've been in the business for 25 years -- in the martial arts fight business," he said. "And you know, when I was in my early 20's, and something like this happened, I would freak out, and get upset. But over the years, you know, you learn that it's part of the game. And you don't even try to create logic behind it because sometimes there's no logic behind the thought-process of, you know, what has happened or a fighter's decision or a manager's decision or just the circumstances that unfold because of circumstances."

UPDATE: DIAZ OFFICIALLY OFF THE CARD ACCORDING TO CSAC:
According to MMAWeekly, Bill Douglas, Assistant Executive Officer of the CSAC, said there would be no Monday test:
If Mr. Diaz is in fact in route to Los Angeles, then it is news to us because he has not notified us and considering that we are administering the test, wrote Douglas, I suggest that he or someone from his camp lets their fingers do the walking, reaches out to touch someone, or any other colorful catch phrase that you can think of stemming from an old telephone commercial."
Hieron said on the conference call that he wasn't going to freak out, after having several fights canceled or delayed over the last 18 months:

"I think I've been through everything bad a fighter could be through in his career. So I just chalk it up and keep going forward. Really, I can't control that situation with them, so I try to put it out of my mind. You know, everything will turn out the way it's supposed to, and I can't really stress about the situation. The good thing about it is that I've been through all this stuff before, and it helps me get through this."
Coker said that he had spoken with Diaz's trainer Cesar Gracie. He also mention the promotion had booked a flight for Diaz to get down to Los Angeles from Stockton this afternoon. This is a huge blow to the card and another slap in the face of Hieron, who loses out on a chance at a victory over a major name.

Hey guys I was just watching some old Antonio Silva fights, this guy looks pretty impressive. I was also looking up Aleksander Emelianenko because he KO'd the only guy that beat Silva. Aleksander is still a young guy (28) and has been finishing fights easily, most in the 1st round (just like his bro). I thought it was interesting for Aleksander's bio it says he once killed a bear by trapping its head with a fork like staff then stabbed it in the heart with a knife. That takes alot balls. He is also bigger than Fedor at 6-6 255lbs. To bad he cant fight in the USA. His next fight is against Blagoi Ivanov (the guy that beat his bro in combat Sambo) in September. I am looking forward to that one.

[Ken]

Every time I watch a Matt Riddle fight I like him even more. Let's go Mr. Heatmeiser!

I'll agree that UFC 102 doesn't look great though there are a few fights I think are going to be good. Not sure why Leben's fight is on the main card. I have to say I really want to see Tuchscherer destroy Gonzaga.

[NCRadioMan]

NO WHERE BUT UP FOR ANDERSON SILVA?
by Ken Pishna - MMAWeekly.com

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Whats next for Anderson Silva? That is the million dollar or perhaps multi-million dollar question.

After moving up in weight and dismantling No. 3 ranked light heavyweight Forrest Griffin at UFC 101 on Saturday night, it was all but a foregone conclusion that he would drop back down to 185 pounds to defend his middleweight belt.

I think his next fight is at 185 pounds, probably against Dan Henderson, said UFC President Dana White at the post-fight press conference. I think we're gonna do him and Dan again. And then, I don't know. He goes back to 205. He could do anything.

And do anything could be coming a lot sooner than even White had anticipated.

Yahoo! Sports Dan Wetzel reported that following the fight, in the wee hours of morning, Silvas manager, Ed Soares, approached White with an unexpected proposition. That proposition being Anderson Silva forego defending his middleweight title to make a permanent move up to light heavyweight.

Id let him, White later told Wetzel. Wed put (the middleweight title) up for grabs.

No word yet out of Octagon Central, but its an interesting proposition with blockbuster fights written all over it. While Silva is running out of options at middleweight, Rashad Evans, Quinton Jackson, Mauricio Shogun Rua, or the returning Tito Ortiz await at 205. And though Silva discounts ever fighting him, there is also current champion and Silva teammate Lyoto Machida.

With his win over Griffin, Silva took one more step in proving White correct. He's the most talented fighter in the world. He's pound-for-pound the best in the world. He proved tonight, not only that he's that, but he can dominate in two different weight divisions.

It now sounds as if he wants to be done in one of those two weight classes, perhaps enjoying the added power that accompanies the added bulk at 205.

If Silva and the UFC brass do decide to put the middleweight title up for grabs, Silva will likely have to let his words of solidarity fall by the wayside.

Lyoto's my friend, he's my brother, and there is no way that fight will happen, he declared at the press conference.

But if he moves up and both keep winning, an eventual collision would be inevitable.

If Anderson gets to that point where he starts taking out 205-pounders, I'll make that fight, White stated just as emphatically. I promise you, I'll make that fight.

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Dana White still uncertain whether Chuck Liddell's retirement is permanent
by Dann Stupp

Is Chuck Liddell really retired?

It seems the man who first announced the former champion's career conclusion isn't even sure these days.

After a knockout loss to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 97 in April, UFC president Dana White announced in a post-fight press conference that Liddell had entered the octagon for the final time. Now, though, he hasn't completely shut the door on his longtime friend and former manager fighting once more.

"He's a huge superstar, and we could still sell lots of tickets (with Liddell)," White said in April. "But I don't care about that. I care about him. I care about his health, and it's over, man. It's over."

A few weeks later John Hackleman, the trainer of the recent UFC Hall of Fame inductee, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) Liddell could still compete with the best.

"I don't know what's going to happen," Hackleman said. "Just on his abilities, his skill and his power, and what he has left, I think he has more than one fight left in him. Maybe his game isn't what it was 10 years ago. I don't know. But he's definitely at the top of the food chain.

The episode has played out in the media since the spring with White, Hackleman, the media, fans - everyone but Liddell himself - giving definitive thoughts. Liddell recently said he'd take a year off and decide early next year to fight again.

And echoing comments first made in May, White hasn't ruled out the possibility.

"I don't want him to (fight)," White said after this past weekend's UFC 101 event. "He wants to, so we'll see what happens."

[WildBlueSooner]

Interesting. Would be cool to see him put the middleweight up in the air, and move on up. The door would be open for one hell of a PPV!

[NCRadioMan]

NOT SO FAST, ANDERSON STILL WANTS TO SWING

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/...=9352&zoneid=2

Hot on the heels of reports that Anderson Silva had acquired a permanent taste for the 205-pound division, it appears that the most dominant middleweight champion in UFC history isnt quite ready to relinquish his throne at 185.

A recent column by Yahoo! Sports writer Dan Wetzel stated that Silvas manager, Ed Soares, told UFC President Dana White that his client was willing to make the move to light heavyweight permanent, even if it meant dropping his middleweight belt in the process.

Not so Soares told MMAWeekly.com, saying hes not sure where that information was drawn from.

Its not true. I never said that to Dana, stated the Brazilians chief negotiator. I never said he would move up and relinquish the title. I have said to Dana that hed like to fight again at 205 (but not permanently).

After UFC 101, where Silva dismantled Forrest Griffin at 205, White indicated that Silvas next bout would likely be a drop back down to 185 to defend his belt against Dan Henderson. That would be a rematch of their first bout of a year-and-a-half ago, when Silva won with a decisive second round submission.

Soares isnt so sure that Henderson is the person that deserves the next middleweight title shot.

Since losing to Silva at UFC 82, Henderson has three straight victories: a unanimous decision over Rousimar Palhares at 185, a split decision win over Rich Franklin at light heavyweight, and a middleweight knockout victory over Michael Bisping.

Does that really make him a number one contender? I feel a true number one opponent (at 185) would be if Henderson fought the winner of Nate Marquardt and Damian Maia, Soares told MMAWeekly.com. That would produce a true number one contender... we could take another fight at 205 or a catchweight fight (in the meantime).

As for his clients future, nothing has changed.

Ive always said the same thing, he wants the biggest fights possible, whether its at 205 or 185.

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A knee injury has forced UFC veteran Chris Lytle (27-17-5 MMA, 6-9 UFC) out of a scheduled UFC Fight Nigh 19 bout with Carlos Condit.

Ken Pavia of MMAAgents.com, which reps Lytle, today told MMAjunkie.com (http://www.mmajunkie.com) the longtime UFC fighter and runner up on "The Ultimate Fighter 4" tore his meniscus and now has a "blown ACL."

The UFC has not officially announced Lytle's departure from the card, though the organization has ample to find a replacement for the Sept. 16 fight, which was part of the night's Spike TV-televised main card.

UFC Fight Night 19 takes place at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., and serves as a lead-in for the debut episode of "The Ultimate Fighter 10."

Lytle, fresh off a "Fight of the Night" victory over Kevin Burns at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale in June, has won two of his past three fights, the lone loss coming to Marcus Davis via split decision. Lytle continued his recent windfall by picking up his third straight "Fight of the Night" bonus and fourth overall. In fact, including fight-night bonuses for submissions and knockouts, he's won six bonuses in his past eight fights.

A timetable for the veteran's return is not immediately known.

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The UFC set to counter Strikeforce this Saturday with UFC 100 replay

The UFC are at it again with their counter programming policy, this time targeting Saturdays Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg event with the historic UFC 100 show from last month.

It has been revealed that the UFC will counter with several bouts from the night in question free on SPIKE TV, although the order has not been confirmed. Past experiences would expect them to run the majority of the main card which featured championship bouts between Brock Lesnar, Frank Mir, Georges St. Pierre and Thiago Alves.

The UFC have used this tactic in the past to great effect with Affliction and have made it public that they are not on good terms with Strikeforce, especially since the California based promotion snapped up WAMMA heavyweight champion, Fedor Emelianenko.

By Michael Pepper.

Original source: FoxSports.com

Too bad about Lytle, he is always good for an exciting fight.

[NCRadioMan]

Jon Fitch vs Ricardo Almeida in the works for UFC 106

Fresh off his unanimous decision victory over Kendall Grove at UFC 101, MMAmania.com has learned that Ricardo Almeida (11-3) will finally get to make his welterweight debut when he tangles with 170-pound stalwart Jon Fitch (19-3) at UFC 106 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 21.

Since returning to the sport of mixed martial arts after a self-imposed three-year layoff to open the Ricardo Almeida Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Hamilton, N.J., Cachorrao has posted a 3-1 record, which includes wins over Grove, as well as the previously unbeaten Rob Yundt at UFC 81 and Matt Horwich at UFC Fight Night 18.

The lone loss came via split decision to the hard-hitting Patrick Cote at UFC 86 a fight that earned The Predator a title shot against middleweight kingpin, Anderson Silva.

Almeida was expected to make the drop in weight prior to UFC 101; however, Joe Silva offered him a chance to fight in front of his hometown crowd if he remained at 185-pounds to mix it up with Da Spyder during the televised portion of the Philadelphia event.

It was an offer he couldnt, and didnt, refuse.

Thales Leites has been cut from the UFC. Went from #1 contender 3 months ago to jobless. WTF

[BengalMan]

Lots of stuff going on in this thread with last weekends cards. I was in New Orleans for the IPCPR show and was able to get away from the show and Bourbon St. Saturday night to stream UFC 101 in the hotel room. All I can say about the Forrest/Anderson fights was WOW. Anderson continues to make things look so easy. BJ looked great as well. I always enjoy seeing him fight.

I missed the WEC card though, but when I looked up MMA Mania and saw that Torres lost in such a brutal fashion in the first round I was shocked. Too bad we won't see Bowlds in action again for some time with that broken hand.

I was really excited to see the Strikeforce card tonight due to Nick Diaz being on it. Not anymore. Guess he likes smoking weed more than being a fighter and making a ton of money. What a fool. I think the card will still be good, but with Diaz on it, it would have been that much better.

[Ken]

So the UFC dropped Tamdan McCrory and signed Phil Baroni; WTF!

Strikeforce working on Fedor Emelianenko vs. Ricco Rodriguez; HAHAHAHA WTF! You have got to be kidding me. Might as fight in side-shows. There is nothing at all for Fedor to gain out of this fight. He should destroy Ricco as quick as he disposed of Timmy. I think I'll root for an upset. Let's wait to see if this deal gets inked.

[ActionAndy]

Originally Posted by Ken

So the UFC dropped Tamdan McCrory and signed Phil Baroni; WTF!

Strikeforce working on Fedor Emelianenko vs. Ricco Rodriguez; HAHAHAHA WTF! You have got to be kidding me. Might as fight in side-shows. There is nothing at all for Fedor to gain out of this fight. He should destroy Ricco as quick as he disposed of Timmy. I think I'll root for an upset. Let's wait to see if this deal gets inked.

I went to the same college as Tamdan. Never talked to him but he did go to the same bar quite often. Kinda bummed to see him out, hopefully he finds a way to get resigned.

Too bad nick diaz isn't on the card tomorrow I was looking forward to it. But I just realized Melendez is fighting Ishida. I saw their fight at Yarenoka and Melendez clearly won that fight. Japanese homecooking gave him his 1st loss. I imagine Melendez is going to come out on fire. The American fans get to see Gregard Mousasi for the first time. I think this guy was fighter of the year last year. In 2008 he was 6-0 in mma 1-0 in kickboxing, won a stacked middleweight tournament, moved up to heavyweight and subed Mark Hunt, and he finished all his opponents except one (a olympic medal winner in Judo). It probably doesn't hurt that he trains at team red devil either. And the kid is only 24. Look forward to seeing Werdum as well. Even though he was KO'd by Santos, Werdum took a chance and got caught, that happens. He would still be a contender in the UFC. And I never watched a female mma fight before but cyborg sounds like a female Wandy and Santos is hot. I would like to see that Gracie girl too

[chippewastud79]

Originally Posted by Ken

signed Phil Baroni

Fire up Chips!

[Ken]

I went to the same college as Tamdan.

Seems like a pretty good guy and he puts on good fights. He went into the UFC 8-0 and has been 3-3 while there. There's a big difference in how losses are looked at in the UFC compared to Pride. If you are fighting tough opponents you are going to pickup a loss here or here. But the guy comes to fight.

Originally Posted by Steelergar

Too bad nick diaz isn't on the card tomorrow I was looking forward to it. But I just realized Melendez is fighting Ishida.The American fans get to see Gregard Mousasi And I never watched a female mma fight before but cyborg sounds like a female Wandy and Santos is hot. I would like to see that Gracie girl too

It is a shame Diaz is off the card. That guy has been putting up good wins. - Mousasi is tough and this is going to be a good fight. - Do you mean "Carano is hot". Cyborg is Santos.

D. White has stated that McCrory & Leites are back in the UFC, he's reversing who ever made that call.

McCrory and Leites are back.