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| Leonard Garcia has federal drug charges dropped Posted: 03 Jul 2008 08:33 AM CDT
WEC lightweight contender Leonard Garcia gives fans an update on his current status since his recent arrest. Garcia was arrested on March 28, 2008, for the participation and distribution of cocaine in a drug trafficking crime ring in Texas. Fortunately for him, the federal charges levied against him were dropped so Garcia could avoid serious jail time. No word yet on a court date for his possible state charges. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more details. |
| All bets are off: MMAmania.com exclusive interview with Joe Stevenson Posted: 02 Jul 2008 09:57 PM CDT
At just 26 years old, the father of four boys has nearly 40 professional fights to his credit. He's 5-2 in the UFC and is looking to rebound from a recent title bout loss to BJ Penn. When Joe steps into the cage this Saturday night at UFC 86: “Jackson vs. Griffin” in front of 12,000 screaming fans and millions more tuning in around the world, his eldest son, Joey, will be in attendance, watching his dad fight for the first time ever. And a fight he shall get. Stevenson faces American Top Team's Gleison Tibau (15-5). Known for his Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling, Tibau himself is coming off a recent loss to Tyson Griffin (11-1), a friend and occasional training partner of Stevenson. It should make for a great fight and for rare back-to-back losses for the loser (Tibau's never had consecutive losses, and Stevenson hasn't since '99 – '00 — when he was 17 years old). We caught up with Stevenson to see how he plans to bounce back this Saturday, find out how he feels about UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn potentially moving up in weight, get details about his brand new gym that just opened up in Victorville, Calif., and to see how family life is treating him. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): You're set to face Gleison Tibau at UFC 86 on July 5. Tell us a bit about how you've been preparing for this fight. Joe Stevenson: Nothing out of the norm. Same old training camps. This time, instead of going to Big Bear, I stayed up in Victorville, my hometown where my gym is. Other than that, same old practices. I've been working with a guy named Robert Drysdale, who's one of the best jiu-jitsu guys in the world, and he's elevated my jiu-jitsu game even more. In fact, so much that in August, I'll probably be competing in the No-Gi World Championships in Jiu-Jitsu, and I'm excited about that. While I didn't go up to Big Bear, I did do much of the same. I didn't stay with my family — our gym has a house we rent out for trainers — so I wouldn't be as distracted. And I had some great jiu-jitsu guys from Brazil cover my classes, because normally I teach at the schools. And then my buddy, Brandon Shelton from Oklahoma, came in, and he's teaching the kids classes that I normally teach. So everything just really came together. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Both you and Tibau are coming off losses: you, of course, to BJ Penn for the vacant Lightweight strap, and Tibau to Tyson Griffin. How much of a "must win" situation is this for you? Joe Stevenson: It's not a must-win situation. Nothing has changed, except for the fact that I'm upset that I am coming off a loss so I might have put a little bit more into it. It's not a "Ah, I better win this," you know? Fighting is awesome and it's great, and I get a chance to get out and show my skills in front of the world; however, I'm looking to take him out just like I do everyday. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): You've trained with Tyson Griffin in the past, correct? Joe Stevenson: Yeah, Tyson and I are good friends, actually. We'll probably be eating together after weigh-ins. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Did you help him train for his fight with Tibau? Joe Stevenson: Yes, I did, actually. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Has Griffin helped you prepare for this fight? Joe Stevenson: Yeah, we ran into each other a couple of times, and I worked with Tyson's coach a few times. But other than that, nothing extra special, because it's hard with family, and because his camp is in Vegas now, so it makes it difficult. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Do you think that that familiarity puts you at any kind of advantage going into this fight? I liken it to when Diego Sanchez fought Josh Koscheck, followed immediately by (Koscheck's training partner) Jon Fitch. Joe Stevenson: Well I would love to say, yeah, I'm at a distinct advantage, due to fact that I trained with Tyson for him prior and for this fight. However, it's not like (Tibau)'s not training at American Top Team with some great, great fighters like Yves (Edwards) who is probably trying to show him everything in the world to try and beat me. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): How do you see yourself measuring up to Tibau's strengths and weaknesses? Joe Stevenson: I think one of the only things I have better than him right now is my looks. That's about all. No, he's a really tough opponent. I can't underestimate him. I can't take him lightly. I'm going to have to go out there and try and match skill for skill, wit for wit, strength for strength, and show him that I've put everything I have into this. Come third round, when we're both in pain and our faces are swollen up, you know, I've been there and done that several times. It's definitely an experience that I enjoy, so we'll have to see if he enjoys it. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Do you see it as a long fight or a quick fight? Joe Stevenson: You know, you always want the quick fight; however, you have to be prepared for the long fight. And that's what I'm doing. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Do you see yourself trying to stand with him, or will you be more comfortable on the ground, do you think? Joe Stevenson: I think wherever the fight goes, I'm just going to be a little bit better than him. Wherever it goes, whether it's a cardiovascular push, a strength push, an endurance push, a jiu-jitsu push, a wrestling push, a striking push. I'm just going to make sure I'm in a better position than him wherever the fight goes. If he wants to take the fight standing, I'm more than comfortable standing. If he wants to push it to the ground, I don't mind going to the ground with him either. I think he's going to be out of his comfort zone, because whatever pace he wants to push, I'm gonna take it up one notch. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): How's making weight going? Joe Stevenson: I'm walking around like 165 right now* so 10 pounds to go, which is about average for me normally before a fight. * (NOTE: this interview took place Tuesday evening, July 1) Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Is that just a pain in the butt, trying to cut that last 10? Joe Stevenson: It's more mental toughness to control your diet and to stay hydrated and cut the weight right. I don't want to walk into this fight, you know, the next day (after weigh-ins) weighing 155, but then again, I don't want to walk in weighing 180. I want to come in around 170, 175, and feel strong and have energy. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): BJ Penn has talked openly about wanting to move back up to 170 for a rematch with Georges St. Pierre. Dana White has said he can only do that once he clears out the Lightweight Division. How do you see the situation? Do you think he should first face the winner of Kenny Florian vs. Roger Huerta? Or are there other Lightweight contenders you see who might deserve a shot before Penn can claim that he's cleared out the division? Joe Stevenson: You've got Gray Maynard, Tyson Griffin, you've got a bunch of guys. Everyone knows that in fighting it's styles that win. So there's a lot of people that he could face. However, I also think it's his prerogative if he wants to go up, he can go up. I don't think he should be pigeon-holed. You know, I think he should be able to do whatever he pleases, and keep the belt if he can make 55 at the same time. I'm one of the more laid-back fighters out there, so I'm not really … As long as he can still maintain the weight or come back and make the weight again, that's up to him, man. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): You've just opened a new Cobra Kai gym. How has that been going for you? Joe Stevenson: It's been going great. People are shocked when I'm teaching the classes. I guess they thought that I would just put my name on it or something, but that's not how I roll. I like to teach about four times a day — two kids and two adult classes. But I had those covered for this fight, which really worked out well for me. Other than that, this is going to be the first fight that my oldest son, Joey, is going to watch. None of my kids have ever been to the fights to watch, really. They were always too little. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): That's gotta be exciting for the household. Joe Stevenson: It is, it is. In fact, I'm sitting in the living room right now with three of my nephews, two of my nieces, one cousin and my four boys, so it's pretty packed. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): How many gyms do you guys have now? I'm familiar with Cobra Kai Laimon, but with your new one, does that just make two, or are there more? Joe Stevenson: I believe there's a Cobra Kai in Guam, a Cobra Kai in Victorville and a Cobra Kai in Vegas, so that would make three. And then in Vegas, I think they have some charter schools like at Las Vegas Athletic Club and a few other places. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Is having these gyms and training young fighters, is that something that you hope to do when your fighting career is over? Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): How many fights do you have remaining on your contract? Joe Stevenson: I believe I have four. I re-signed with the UFC prior to the BJ fight. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Well, Joe, I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. I've watched your career since the TUF days, and I think you're a great advocate for the sport. Do you have any parting words for your fans out there, or would you like to thank any sponsors? Joe Stevenson: Honestly, there are so many people. Everyone you see on my clothing is someone I'd like to thank, but that would take way too much time right now. I'd like to thank some of the unsung heroes, like my family, my wife, my kids, my parents, my in-laws, my coaches and Robert Drysdale — all these people that have supported me. I did do an interview explaining a lot of my sponsors. It's on JoeStevenson.com and I believe it's also on CageChamp.com, so people can check that out. And I'm sorry that I'm so vague, it's just that I can't really give away the game plan strategy. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): I understand. Joe Stevenson: (Laughs) I practice being vague at those questions. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Well I know you have a lot of fans at MMAmania.com who are looking forward to the fight. Joe Stevenson: Well one of the cool things is that, the last time I fought an American Top Team guy, my dad was standing in line — I had given him a ticket, and he was going to go watch me fight — and some guy had overheard him talking about me. He didn't know he was my dad (he's my stepdad, you can't really tell, he was with my mom). Anyway, the guy had been like, "Oh, I just put $10,000 down on Yves. You know Joe?" My dad was like, "Yeah, that's my son." And the guy was like, "Oh, I'm sorry." My dad just shook it off and walked away, but he wanted to say, "Well I'm sorry you just lost 10 grand." It'd be interesting to know if that guy put the same bet down this time. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): If he’s remotely smart he won’t make the same mistake twice. Thanks Joe, again, for your time and best of luck this weekend. |
| Affliction ‘Banned’: Edwin Dewees vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Posted: 02 Jul 2008 09:53 PM CDT
White, who was originally scheduled to face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in a televised match airing on FSN, was yanked from the card after testing positive for a banned diuretic following his match against Jeremiah Constant at Xtreme Cage Combat 6 on May 31. While “Tiger” vehemently denies any wrongdoing, a July 9 hearing with the NSAC didn’t leave Affliction officials with enough time to replace him should he be found guilty. Prior to the Dewees signing, Affliction replaced the scrapped Nogueira-White bout on FSN with the light heavyweight match between Vitor Belfort and Terry Martin. Dewees is coming off a submission win over Richard Blake at No limit Fighting last April. That victory snapped a four fight losing streak including a loss to Jorge Rivera at the UFC Ultimate Finale 4 in 2006. Despite going 0-3 in the UFC, “Babyface” has the tools and the experience to make this a competitive fight. And fans may be getting the better of the deal. At 26-32-2, White wasn’t exactly tearing up the circuit. Still, Dewees will have his hands full against Nogueira. “Minotoro” (13-3) is the twin brother of UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and recently stopped Todd Gouwenberg via TKO at HCF: Destiny back in February. Affliction — one of the most recognized and popular clothing brands out right now — made its bid to become the latest mixed martial arts promoter official a few months back during an episode of "Inside MMA" on the HDNet network. It's been known for some time now that Affliction would throw its hat into the MMA ring. In fact, the UFC and Elite XC recently banned their fighters from wearing Affliction gear during events because of the looming competition. And if the inaugural pay-per-view (PPV) fight card slated for the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. on July 19 is any indication of things to come, then Affliction will indeed pose some stiff competition. So stiff in fact, that UFC President Dana white has whipped up his own little card for the 19th as well. UFC Fight Night 14 will air live from the The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on SpikeTV. Should be one hell of a night for MMA fans. |
| Wanderlei Silva vs Rich Franklin go at it (Video) … Posted: 02 Jul 2008 09:50 PM CDT … at the 2008 National Rock Paper Scissors Championships: With “Ace” testing the light heavyweight waters once again perhaps we can see the real thing one day soon. Part 2 after the jump.
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| UFC 89 free on Spike TV … not a PPV Posted: 02 Jul 2008 09:42 PM CDT
The event so far features two great match ups, including a middleweight slugfest between Michael Bisping and Chris Leben, as well as a tentative welterweight war that pits Thiago Alves against Diego Sanchez. Meltzer indicates that the UFC will likely stage a major pay-per-view (PPV) event one week later on Saturday, October 25. It has not been announced at this time nor is a location or venue known, but we will assume that it will be dubbed UFC 90. Rejoice. |
| Thiago Alves vs Diego Sanchez UFC 89 fight in the works Posted: 02 Jul 2008 08:03 PM CDT
Two of the top — and most exciting — 170-pound fighters in the world will likely collide at UFC 89: “Leben vs. Bisping” at The NIA in Birmingham, England, on October 19. Indeed, MMAWeekly.com is reporting that Thiago Alves (15-3) and Diego Sanchez (19-2) will throw leather overseas, setting the stage for a blockbuster welterweight showdown that will more than likely determine the next number one title contender in the stacked division. Alves is fresh of ridiculous performance against Matt Hughes, taking out the former champion in the second round of their main event tilt at UFC 85: “Bedlam” just last month. Prior to that, “The Pitbull” wiped out another perennial powerhouse, Karo Parisyan, at UFC Fight Night 13. The 24-year-old Brazilian was already on the fast track to an eventual title shot. And a win over Sanchez would certainly put him over the top. “The Nightmare” has rebounded from back-to-back losses in 2007 to stop Luigi Fioravanti and David Bielkheden, respectively, in equally impressive fights. The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season one winner seems to have recaptured his form that had most pundits expecting that he would one day soon challenge for a belt. Again, a win over a very explosive fighter such as Alves will put him right there. Talk about a great fight. UFC 89 features the middleweight clash between Michael Bisping and Chris Leben — expect more bouts to be added to the line up in the near future. So far so good. |
| MMAmania.com caption contest back for UFC 86 Posted: 02 Jul 2008 07:50 PM CDT
The lone requirement to win some green: Creativity. We did this a few months ago and you guys delivered. Now we're bringing it back for the upcoming UFC 86: "Jackson vs Griffin" pay-per-view on Saturday July 5. Here's how it works:
Want to know what you are playing for?
This contest will run until Friday to give you guys enough time to put something solid together, win some cash and bet on the fights this weekend with some FREE bread. Remember to create an account at BetUS.com through this link as soon as possible. We'll need your account number to deposit the winning amounts on Friday. It's better to do it now and it’s required for your submission. For those who already have established accounts at BetUS.com just have the account information handy and ready to send with your submission. We can't wait to see what ya' got. |
| Bas Rutten video demo of ‘Excorcist’ submission Posted: 02 Jul 2008 02:43 PM CDT Ouie: |
| MMA Delaware possibly coming soon Posted: 02 Jul 2008 02:21 PM CDT
A state legislator had been spearheading an effort to ban the sport as part of so-called “Toughman” laws that were being discussed in the State Assembly. “The safety of the individual is the concern,” Rep. Robert J Valihura Jr. told The News Journal earlier this week. “We intended to outlaw bare-knuckle boxing matches at the turn of the century.” The law, if passed, would have meant fighters and promoters could be charged with a class A misdemeanor for participating in MMA events. However, common sense prevailed and last night the bill was amended to allow an MMA advisor to be placed on the state’s Combative Sports Advisory Council. State officials said it’s likely that a national organization will be placed in charge of future MMA events in the state, which does not have a boxing commission. The neighboring Pennsylvania State Athletics Commission has sanctioned boxing in Delaware for several years. That commission has also never sanctioned MMA. However, the Pennsylvania commission has drafted regulations that could go into effect later this year. |
| MMA Quick Quote: Rich Franklin trains hard Posted: 02 Jul 2008 01:00 PM CDT
– DREAM lightweight Hayato “Mach” Sakurai shares his first impression of former UFC middleweight champion Rich “Ace” Franklin via his official blog. “Mach” is currently training in Seattle for a September fight against former UFC competitor, Nick Diaz, in Japan. Thanks to Suki MMA for the translation. |
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