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Vitor Belfort finishes Terry Martin at Affliction ‘Banned’ with broken hand Posted: 22 Jul 2008 08:36 AM CDT Props: XTreme Couture Quoteworthy: “The first punch I threw. It was a straight left. I knew right away it broke. But I had to keep going. I couldn't throw my combinations I had worked on. Coach Tompkins was yelling at me to throw my combos. At the end of the first round I went back to the corner and Tompkins was yelling at me, ‘Why don't you throw your combos?’ I said, ‘My hand is broken.’ He said, ‘Ok’ and Randy said, ‘Just go first. Go for it and finish the fight.’” Former UFC champion Vitor Belfort talks about a hand injury that he sustained early in his bout against Terry Martin over the weekend at Affliction: “Banned.” It didn’t appear to affect his performance — “The Phenom” connected with a crushing flying knee in the second round, which set up a fight-ending combination that put Martin out for the count. It was an impressive middleweight debut for the Brazilian.

Diego Sanchez vs Thiago Alves UFC 90 fight in the works Posted: 22 Jul 2008 08:23 AM CDT Two of the top — and most exciting — 170-pound fighters in the world will likely collide at UFC 90 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Ill., on October 25. MMAWeekly.com is once again reporting that Thiago Alves (15-3) and Diego Sanchez (19-2) will throw leather, setting the stage for a blockbuster welterweight showdown that will more than likely determine the next number one title contender in the stacked division. The talented pair were first rumored to go toe-to-toe at UFC 89: “Leben vs. Bisping” one week earlier; however, the bout was reportedly bumped once the light heavyweight showdown between Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva was added to the European card. 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 90 was recently made official; therefore, rumored bouts and possible match ups are scarce right now. Expect that to change real soon, however.

Who’s Giboo? Iowa fighter/science teacher chronicles first UFC experience (Part VI) Posted: 22 Jul 2008 08:06 AM CDT Well, I am sure a lot of you probably thought I wouldn’t have the marbles to come back and finish my blog after having a disappointing fight Saturday night. I am a man. And I can take what people dish out because I am by far my worst critic so anything you have is only motivation for next time. First, I want to congratulate Brad Blackburn on his win. It was his night. He was the better man plain and simple. He controlled where the fight went and I fought like crap. So big props to him on his first UFC win! I woke up Saturday morning (fight day) feeling good and relaxed. I mostly just relaxed the entire day leading up to the fight. I ran a few errands to pick up some gear from my sponsors, but other than that I just hung out in my room. At 2 p.m. I had to report to the arena for my fight. When we first got there they took us down to the cage so we could feel it out. To be honest I thought it would be bigger than it was. I asked Kevin [Burns] if it was smaller than the ones they use in the big arenas, but he said it was the same and he should know. One thing that I did forget to mention is that there are like eight flights of stairs you have to go down to get to the cage. Back up stairs, I got my hands wrapped and started warming up. The warm up went pretty well. It was weird not having Kevin there because he has cornered me for my six-fight win streak. Then it was time to go to the Octagon — we got down there and had to wait. Before I knew it was time to make my way toward the cage. It was a good feeling to finally be there. I am usually focused and don’t really realize what is going on right before but this time I realized. When the fight started, we exchanged some punches and I dislocated my thumb. This is not an excuse either, things happen in fights. I went for a takedown and wasn’t able to finish it — I just couldn’t grab very well with that hand. We separated and that is when I made the stupidest decision ever in my fight career. I decided to fight his fight instead of my fight. BIG MISTAKE! The exchanges were going well until he clipped me once and it put me down. Most of you don’t know what it is like to get punched so I will provide a brief description. As you feel the contact, your eyes close naturally and you see a bright white light. The pain of the punch itself isn’t that bad. I can tell you that it is the first time I have ever been put down in a fight. We went to the ground and I controlled him but was unable to get a submission. The ref stood us up and we started trading again and that is the last thing I remember really about the fight. I must have got a concussion that second time he hit me. I do remember a doctor asking if I was okay during rounds and saying yes. The next thing I remember is being back stage sitting in a chair. So I fought for three minutes on instinct and heart without having a clue what was happening. I had to go to the hospital after to get a CT Scan … no big deal. Let’s just say that I was not alone — a lot of fighters where there win or lose. I had to find out how Kevin did by phone play-by-play because the hospital didn’t have Spike. I got back in time to watch the last two fights, which was nice. I really enjoyed my experience at the UFC and really hope to get another chance to prove myself real soon. I want to thank MMAMANIA for allowing me to share the experience, the UFC, my teammates, my fans and my sponsors: TapouT, Warrior Wear, Eternal unltd, MMAwarehouse, Zappos.com, Stagr and Vegas.com. Thank you guys and girls for reading my blogs. Hopefully I have some new fans!! James Giboo (11-2) is a professional mixed martial artist and Iowa science teacher who will make his Octagon debut against Brad Blackburn at UFC Fight Night 14 on July 19. He has competed extensively (and successfully) in the Midwest circuit, which has earned him a rare opportunity to now put his skills to the test against the top fighters in the world under the UFC banner. James will frequently detail his journey to the big time right here at MMAmania.com this week, providing our readers and his fans with a behind-the-scenes account of what it's like to fight for the biggest mixed martial arts promotion on the planet for the first time. To check out more from James here at MMAmania.com click here.

UFC 87 video trailer for ‘Seek and Destroy’ (Extended) Posted: 21 Jul 2008 10:22 PM CDT

Gina Carano and Kimbo Slice Elite XC autograph session set for July 26 Posted: 21 Jul 2008 10:16 PM CDT Elite XC: “Lawler vs Smith II” is set to take place at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif., this Saturday (July 26). Possibly the company’s two biggest names — Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano — will be sitting this one out as far as competing goes, but that doesn’t mean the pair won’t been in attendance. In fact, Elite XC just announced through its Web site (ProElite.com) that both Slice and Carano will not only be in Stockton for the event, but that they’ll be on hand to sign autographs for the fans. It’s being dubbed as fan appreciation, so apparently they’ll be signing for free. Also, if you have a piece of Kimbo or Gina Carano memorabilia you want signed as opposed to the standard eight by ten photo, they’ll sign that for you instead. The autograph booth will be set up near one of the entrances at the Arena so fans can get their souvenirs and photos right as they come in. The doors for “Unfinished Business” open up at 2:30 p.m. local time and the booth will be set up for about an hour. Therefore, get to the venue early if you want to take advantage of this opportunity.

UFC Fight Night 14 medical suspensions and injuries from NSAC Posted: 21 Jul 2008 07:59 PM CDT The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) today issued its medical suspensions for UFC Fight Night 14: "Silva vs. Irvin," which took place on Saturday, July 19 at "The Pearl" at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Surprisingly, the list of wounded is extensive. However, the only serious injuries appear to be those suffered by Brad Blackburn (thumb) and Anthony Johnson (eye). Heavyweight prospect Cain Velasquez popped up on the report with a possible knee injury. And if it's confirmed he can be on the shelf for a little bit. Fortunately, Brodie Farber –- the unlucky dude on the receiving end of a devastating Rory Markham head kick –- appears to be just fine. Here's the complete list of injuries and their medical instructions: James Irvin – "The Sandman" is suspended until September 3 with a right cheek laceration and there in no contact allowed until August 19. Hermes Franca – The charismatic Brazilian fighter is suspended until August 19 and there is no contact allowed until August 10. Frank Edgar – "The Answer" is suspended until August 19 with a chin laceration and there is no contact allowed until August 10. Jake O'Brien – "Irish" is suspended until September 3 and there is no contact allowed until August 19. Cain Velasquez – The up-and-comer must have a meniscal/ligament tear in his knee cleared by an orthopedic doctor or no contest until January 7, 2009. His minimum suspension will last until August 9 and there is no contact allowed until August 10. Anthony Johnson — "Rumble" must have Johnson must have a right eye conjunctiva laceration cleared by an ophthalmologist before he can return to action. His minimum suspension and no contest will last until August 19 and there is no contact until August 10. Tim Credeur – The Louisiana native must have an MRI of right knee and receive orthopedic clearance from a doctor otherwise there is no contest until January 17, 2009. His minimum suspension and no contest will last until August 19 and there's no contact allowed until August 10. Cale Yarbrough – He is suspended until September 13 and there is no contact allowed until August 19. Brodie Farber – The Octagon newcomer is suspended until September 18 and there is no contact allowed until September 3. Rory Markham – He is suspended until August 19 and there is no contact allowed until August 10. Nate Loughran – He is suspended until September 13 with lacerations and there is no contact allowed until August 19. James Giboo – The Iowa-based fighter is suspended until September 13 and there is no contact allowed until August 19. Brad Blackburn – He must have a broken left thumb cleared by an orthopedic doctor or no contest until January 7, 2009. Just a quick reminder: Fighters often return to action much quicker once doctors give them the green light. The lengthy suspensions are just a precaution in most cases. For complete results and coverage of the "Silva vs. Irvin" click here and here.

Affliction: ‘Banned’ salaries top a reported $3.3 million; Tim Sylvia earns $800,000 Posted: 21 Jul 2008 06:46 PM CDT No sense in compiling them when SI.com has already done it: Just for the sake of comparison UFC 84: “Ill Will” fighter salaries tallied $1,098,000, which is considered high — if not the highest ever — for the promotion. Wow.

UFC Quick Quote: Randy Couture on possible return (Plus a FREE book giveaway) Posted: 21 Jul 2008 06:21 PM CDT “When, where and with what promotion — we don’t know. It could happen in UFC. We just don’t know. I want it to happen. Fedor wants it to happen. In some way, shape or form, we’re going to make it happen.” – Former UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture — who walked away from his division crown late lat year to pursue a fight with Fedor Emelianenko — tells FOXSports.com that he’s still intent on a bout against the Russian even though he is embroiled in a messy legal dispute. UFC President Dana White has mentioned in the recent past that (a). He’d sign Fedor just so Randy can fight him and (b). He wants Randy back in the Octagon. Now Randy is leaving the door open to a possible UFC return after slamming it shut. At this point, do you have any interest in a bout between Fedor and Couture? Make your case in the comments section below and keep it to 50 words maximum. Top three responses win a FREE copy of Couture’s new book, “Becoming the Natural,” which Loretta Hunt — the author and Sherdog.com editor — was kind enough to send our way. Go nuts.

BJ Penn and Sean Sherk head to photo shoot (Video) Posted: 21 Jul 2008 01:33 PM CDT “The Prodigy” also surprises Heath Herring with his morning shake: (Thanks to MMAmania.com reader “Roy” for the assist.)

UFC Fight Night 14 fighter paydays and salaries for ‘Silva vs Irvin’ Posted: 21 Jul 2008 12:54 PM CDT MMAmania.com (www.mmamania.com) has received the fighter payouts for UFC Fight Night 14: "Silva vs. Irvin" from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for the Spike TV event held on July 19 from "The Pearl" at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. And UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva was rewarded handsomely for his "favor" to move up to light heavyweight, earning a guaranteed $200,000. Brandon Vera – the other Octagon veteran who made his 205-pound debut – matched the "Spider's" purse for his unanimous decision win over Reese Andy. There aren't many salary surprises on other than that – it all seems to look somewhat normal. Of course, there are several newcomers who earned the minimum for their participation on the card, which was put together on short notice to counter the Affliction: "Banned" pay-per-view (PPV) that same night. Here are all the UFC Fight Night 14 payouts: Anderson Silva — $200,000 James Irvin — $20,000 Silva defeated Irvin via technical knockout (strikes) in round one Brandon Vera — $200,000 ($100,000 to show, $100,000 to win) Reese Andy — $15,000 Vera defeated Andy via unanimous decision Frank Edgar — $26,000 ($13,000 to show, $13,000 to win) Hermes Franca — $17,000 Edgar defeated Franca via unanimous decision Cain Velasquez — $14,000 ($7,000 to show, $7,000 to win) Jake O'Brien — $11,000 Velasquez defeated O'Brien via technical knockout (strikes) in round one Kevin Burns — $10,000 ($5,000 to show, $5,000 to win) Anthony Johnson — $9,000 Burns defeated Johnson via technical knockout in round three CB Dollaway — $20,000 ($10,000 to show, $10,000 to win) Jesse Taylor — $8,000 Dollaway defeated Taylor via submission (choke) in round one Tim Credeur — $16,000 ($8,000 to show, $8,000 to win) Cale Yarbrough — $8,000 Credeur defeated Yarbrough via technical knockout in round one Rory Markham — $12,000 ($6,000 to show, $6,000 to win) Brodie Farber — $3,000 Markham defeated Farber via knockout (head kick) in round one Nate Loughran — $8,000 ($4,000 to show, $4,000 to win) Johnny Rees — $4,000 Loughran defeated Rees via submission (triangle choke) in round one Brad Blackburn — $10,000 ($5,000 to show, $5,000 to win) James Giboo — $3,000 Blackburn defeated Giboo via technical knockout (strikes) in round two Shannon Gugerty — $6,000 ($3,000 to show, $3,000 to win) Dale Hartt — $3,000 Gugerty defeated Hartt via submission (rear naked choke) in round one Keep in mind the salaries listed above do not include fight bonuses, sponsorships, percentages and other unofficial payments. It also does not include deductions for expenses such as insurance, taxes, etc. For example, the UFC often hands out extra cash for "Fight of the Night," "Knockout of the Night" and "Submission of the Night." To check out these figures for UFC Fight Night 14 go here. The total base fighter payroll for UFC Fight Night 14 was $623,000. For complete results and coverage of the "Silva vs. Irvin" click here and here.

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