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Rashad Evans can’t escape the sight of Chuck Liddell beating up black dudes Posted: 31 Aug 2008 03:29 AM CDT “Chuck is probably the most popular fighter in the UFC. I went to see a movie (Pineapple Express) the other day to relax and clear my head for fight and I see Chuck on the screen. You can’t escape him anywhere. He’s really popular. I’m trying to get away and think about something else, and Chuck’s beating up this black dude. I’m like damn.” -The Ultimate Fighter 2 champion and undefeated light heavyweight “Sugar” Rashad Evans talks about being consumed with his upcoming fight against Chuck Liddell at UFC 88 on September 6. Thanks to “Mr. Sunshine” Steve Cofield for the quote and also the hilarious headline.

Buyer’s remorse? CBS rethinks EliteXC, flirts with UFC Posted: 31 Aug 2008 03:11 AM CDT Michael Pope from the NY Post has an interesting article about the possible demise of mixed martial arts on CBS after EliteXC’s dismal ratings for ‘Unfinished Business’ back on July 26. I call the article interesting not because the UFC is ‘rumored’ to have renewed talks with the giant eyeball, but because Michael Pope still refers to mixed martial arts as “No Holds Barred” and “Savage”, as if the content of July’s broadcast had anything to do with the Doppler effect of viewership. Savagery didn’t kill ‘Unfinished Business’, a main event featuring Scott Smith and Robbie Lawler did. That’s no disrespect to either fighter, who fought with heart and determination that night. But let’s face it: Fighting is like fashion, you have to have a name to get noticed. The debut of EliteXC’s ‘Saturday Night Fights’ on May 31, the first-ever mixed martial arts event to air on network television, was a ratings success thanks largely in part to the mainstream popularity of Kimbo Slice. Love him or loathe him, the man is a draw. Which is why October 4, when Slice faces UFC hall-of-famer Ken Shamrock, should be a smashing night (no pun intended). I talked to a casual fan this afternoon who thinks Ken Shamrock is actually the world’s most dangerous man. The prospect of him facing the bearded menace inside a steel cage is like a poor man’s Couture vs Emelianenko. The fact that Shamrock is collecting social security and Toto is pulling on Slice’s curtain is irrelevant. We might know better, but all that matters to the ignorant among us is that two of the most recognizable names in MMA are going head-to-head. And as frightening as it may sound, we’re the exception and they are the rule. So if there is any truth to Pope’s article, which conveniently lists no references or sourced information, what happens if October 4 is a ratings bonanza? Is July 26 forgiven? CBS may very well be talking to the UFC, but like the situation with Randy Couture, what happened to all the stumbling blocks that prevented a partnership in the first place? What’s different this time around? Wouldn’t the failure of one promotion make it harder for the acceptance of a second? EliteXC may be under the microscope on October 4, but from a ratings perspective they should do fine. If CBS wants out, then they want out regardless of the success of the next installment of Saturday Night Fights. The question is, does the UFC still want in?

Climbing Back: MMAmania.com exclusive UFC 88 interview with Dan Henderson Posted: 30 Aug 2008 01:52 PM CDT Despite the fact that the UFC Middleweight Champion of the World, Anderson Silva, has called Rich Franklin his toughest opponent in the Octagon to date, a lot of fans see through it as a show of respect to the former UFC champion. Instead, they point to Dan Henderson as having the best showing against the champ thus far. Henderson looked to have decidedly won the first round. He took Silva down and nearly smothered him for the better part of two and a half minutes. However, things changed significantly midway through the second round. Silva was able to land some shots that dropped Hendo, where the champ was able to take his back and secure a rear naked choke. Henderson tapped with just 10 seconds left on the clock, leaving many fans to wonder what would have happened, had he survived the round. Now 22-7 with wins over Wanderlei Silva, Vitor Belfort, "Minotauro" Nogueira, "Babalu" Sobral, "Ninja" Rua, Murilo Bustamante, Ryo Chonan and many more, Dan Henderson faces the challenge of climbing back up the middleweight ladder to gain another title shot. He'll first have to face rising submission master Rousimar "Toquinho" Palhares (8-1), who recently submitted Ivan Salaverry at UFC 84 with a sick armbar that should make any highlight reel out there. The two will face off on Saturday, September 6 at UFC 88: "Breakthrough." It's a fight Henderson was hoping would go to a bigger name. In fact, Hendo would have preferred to fight an opponent like Rich Franklin. The bigger the name, the closer you get to a title shot. When I caught up with Henderson, he shed some light on his fight with Silva, his upcoming opponent, and the reasons he misses PRIDE. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): I first wanted to get your take on the whole middleweight/light heavyweight thing. I've read on more than one occasion that you reportedly would prefer fighting at 205. Is this true? Dan Henderson: Well, I prefer not to cut weight, and I compete just as well there as I do at 185, so … Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): So it's just because cutting weight sucks? Dan Henderson: Well, I have fun fighting no matter what. But I do just as well at 205 as I do at 185. So yeah … just cutting weight isn't the funnest thing to do. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Did the UFC ask you to stay at middleweight for the time being? Dan Henderson: No, they didn't ask. I told them that I wanted to try to get a rematch with Anderson Silva. So they left me down at that weight class, but they didn't give me an opponent that would expedite that … just because nobody knows him. Not because he's not tough, just because nobody knows him. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): So do you think that that's going to hinder your chance of getting back into the title shot picture? Dan Henderson: Well, I definitely need to win no matter who I fight. And this guy's just as tough as anybody else in the UFC. But he's not well-known, so no, it won't bump me up that quickly. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Would you have preferred to have fought Rich Franklin, which was rumored? Dan Henderson: Yeah. I'd prefer to fight the big-name guys. That's why I'm in the sport, to test myself against the top guys. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Well let's talk briefly about your fight with Silva. You looked great in the first round. You took him down and looked to be nearly smothering him for about two and a half minutes of Round One. He looked clearly frustrated. What was your strategy going into that fight? Dan Henderson: Take him down, beat him up. I felt that I should have been able to do that for five rounds, but something happened, and my body felt a little bit tired and fatigued that second round. So I didn't go after that takedown like I should have. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Was he making adjustments in the second round, then, that prevented the takedown? Dan Henderson: No, I had a pretty good opportunity to do it. You know, he's not going to be a really easy guy to takedown in a fight — nobody is. I think it was me just letting the opportunity go, and waiting for the next opportunity, and I shouldn't have. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): By the time Silva secured the choke, there was less than 20 seconds left on the clock, and you eventually tapped with just 10 seconds left. Were you aware of how much time was on the clock, and would it have mattered at that point, meaning would you have lasted another 10 seconds before losing consciousness? Dan Henderson: No, I wasn't aware of it, but I don't know if it would have mattered anyway. Once that's in, it don't take long at all. Even if I didn't tap, I would have been out in a second or two anyway. But you never know. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Let's talk about your upcoming opponent. Rousimar Palhares is one of the fastest rising talents of the Brazilian Top Team. You're no stranger to fighting opponents who are, or once were, associated with that organization (I'm thinking of Bustamante, the Nogueira brothers, Ricardo Arona, etc.). Do you get any extra motivation when fighting a guy from a team like that? Are there any grudges associated at the team level for you? Dan Henderson: No, I don't hold grudges with anybody. It's a sport, and I'm aware of that. I don't really have any dislikes toward anybody. I respect all the fighters out there. It's a fight, and obviously I don't want to lose to anybody. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Palhares has very dynamic submissions and will clearly prefer this fight on the ground, I'm assuming. Dan Henderson: I'm assuming that too. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): (Laughs) But just because he is so dangerous on the ground, is that going to preclude you from taking the fight to the ground, or do you think you can over-power him no matter where the fight goes? Dan Henderson: Typically, unless the guy is really good on his feet, I like to stand up. That's usually my best chance of finishing an opponent. I would normally, even if the guy wasn't all that good on the ground, I would stand with him and try to finish the fight with a knockout. I'm definitely aware of his danger on the ground and his submissions. That's something I'm not going to play to in his strength, but I'm also not afraid to be there. The fight will end up there, and I'm not afraid to be there. But my best chance of finishing the fight is standing up. And his only chance of finishing a fight is on the ground. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): You're listed as 6'1" and Palhares is listed as 5'8" — Dan Henderson: I'm not 6'1". No, I don't have no idea where the hell that number came from. I'm 5'11". Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Okay, well, there is still some height advantage there, and I'm assuming a potential reach advantage. Do you think that kind of thing will help you in this particular fight for what you want to do? Dan Henderson: Obviously it's always nice to reach a guy from a little bit farther away, but who knows? Couldn't tell ya. I'll let you know afterwards. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): How important is a win for you at this point? Is this a make or break situation? Dan Henderson: I'm not going to retire if I lose, if that's what you mean by "make or break." Either way, I don't plan on losing any fights. Just because of the fact that I've lost my last two doesn't make me try harder to not lose this one. I was giving it my all in my last two. But I'm a little bit angry at my own performance in my last fight especially, so I've learned from some mistakes and just want to make sure I'm aggressive in this fight and definitely try to finish it the whole time. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): So you're not planning on going anywhere anytime soon? Dan Henderson: No. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Since moving back to the UFC from PRIDE, do you think there's been any noticeable difference in the level of competition, or have you noticed any problems adjusting to the Octagon, as opposed to the ring? Dan Henderson: Yeah, it's taken a little bit of time to get used to the Octagon. But as far as talent goes, I think it's already spoken for itself as far as who the UFC's champions are. PRIDE had some top guys. Nogueira's in there as the champ, and he wasn't even the champ in PRIDE anymore. Quinton Jackson was in there for a while, and obviously he just lost. Anderson Silva had lost in PRIDE and got booted out of there, and now he's the UFC champ. I just think that the fighters are tough anywhere, and that's what I've always said. PRIDE just happened to pull more from an international group of fighters, and I think in that respect, they had a little bit tougher competition. Plus, most of the time there, they had just two weight classes … I've always said that the fights are pretty much the same, but PRIDE just put on a better show, production-wise. And that was the main difference. I miss PRIDE because of that. Other than that, I think the fighters are just as tough in the UFC. They're tough anywhere now. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Silva is next due to fight Patrick Cote. How do you see that fight going? Dan Henderson: I just don't see anything Cote would be able to do to Anderson. I think his biggest problem has been his submission defense and his takedown defense, and that's not Cote's specialty. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): I've been reading Randy Couture's new book, Becoming the Natural. Obviously, you appear in the book significantly, as Couture talks about the two of you entering the fight game together and starting Team Quest. Have you had a chance to read the book? Dan Henderson: No, I haven't. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Have you talked to him about it at all? Dan Henderson: No, I haven't done that either. I've been pretty busy training. I just haven't got a copy of it yet. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Well he talks a bit about how Olympic wrestling competition helped him prepare for mixed martial arts. I was wondering if you see anyone from the Beijing Olympics making a successful transition to MMA, like Ben Askren or somebody like that. Dan Henderson: Yeah, absolutely, I think a lot of those guys could definitely make that transition well. It's just a matter of if they commit to wanting to do it. Once they do, it'd be great if they got in a camp that came from that same background of wrestling. I've already done trial and error on a lot of Greco and wrestling techniques, and I know what stuff to not even bother with already. So I can definitely relate to them and help weed out the techniques that aren't good for MMA. So any gym like that is what they should be getting into. After this fight, I'm definitely going to be talking to some of the guys — the wrestlers — and seeing who has an interest in that. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Have you been approached by anyone yet? Dan Henderson: Um … not really. Not really. Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Well, Dan, I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. I also wanted to give you an opportunity to see if you have any parting words for your fans, or if you wanted to thank any sponsors that we can plug on the site? Dan Henderson: Yeah, I always appreciate the fan support of myself and of the sport. I'm always continuing to try and be exciting. Check out ClinchGear.com.

UFC 91: Randy Couture vs Brock Lesnar? Posted: 30 Aug 2008 01:18 PM CDT Hell hasn’t frozen over just yet, but the temperature is definitely dropping. What started as an ugly rumor is now snowballing into the biggest news story of 2008: Randy Couture’s return to the UFC. Say what? Dave Meltzer is reporting that exiled UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture is not only negotiating a new contract, but that his return could come as early as November at UFC 91 against the albino gorilla known as Brock Lesnar. That means an end to his nine-month legal battle with Zuffa, but does it mean an end to his desired dream match against Fedor Emelianenko? Not so, according to Ariel Helwani. MMA Rated says the UFC is also considering a proposal from M-1 Global to co-promote a Randy Couture vs. Fedor Emelianenko bout following the Lesnar fight in November and a possible third fight against current interim champion Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira sometime after that. That of course begs the question: What happens to Minotauro’s belt if Couture returns? And what happens to Couture’s? Since Randy is reportedly negotiating a new three-fight contract and not a repair of his old one, the landscape of the UFC heavyweight division could change significantly upon his return. In fact, an announcement could come as early as next week. But let us proceed with caution, because contracts are an ugly business. A verbal offer is worth as much as the paper it’s printed on. And “negotiations” are worth even less. Am I to believe that Randy Couture would stand on ceremony for the past year, hemming and hawing about fighter poverty and a dream match with Emelianenko, only to be reinstated with the promise of a fat paycheck and a pasty ex-wrestler? That means Randy is like a junk bond, easily bought and sold at the mercy of the market. I’m not ready to go from “Captain America” to “Corporate America” just yet. And how could the UFC bag the Russian Regulator from M-1 for just one fight? Why would UFC President Dana White grant Fedor a one-shot deal to face “The Natural”? It doesn’t make sense, unless Randy relinquishes his title. Forget about the 6-10 million Couture wants to fight “The Cyborg”. Dana isn’t going to forfeit the credibility of his heavyweight division by letting Fedor come in for one fight, because if he wins it’s not just egg on the face of the UFC, it’s the whole chicken. Not to mention the UFC heavyweight division is a much different place than it was when Randy went AWOL. The UFC has a very worthy champion in Nogueira and fans who haven't warmed up to Nog yet will certainly get their chance when he appears on The Ultimate Fighter 8 opposite Frank Mir later this year. And is anyone not excited to see more of up-and-coming superstars like Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez and Shane Carwin? What prompted all of this? Who really needs who? Does Randy need the UFC or vice-versa? I guess the answers to these questions will be very telling as they’re revealed over the next few days. Of course none of us our privy to the negotiations that are rumored to be taking place, and I’m not looking to make anyone the villain. But after a year of mud-slinging it just seems unlikely that Couture’s return can happen without someone looking like a money-grubbing liar. I hope for legacy’s sake it isn’t Randy.

MMA Quick Quote: Fedor wants Kimbo to ‘boost his competition’ Posted: 30 Aug 2008 11:51 AM CDT “As an athlete, I think he’s got a lot more work to do. I think he’s got to have a lot more fights and really boost his competition and the quality of the opponents he fights. As a person and a personality for the sport, he’s got a great PR company. He’s done something that many fighters have taken many years to achieve and haven’t been able to achieve, and he’s done it in a very short period of time. So if he’s able to combine that with his physical strength and learn some more technique and maybe getting some more experience, then maybe he would get to a level of popularity that could transcend the sport.” – WAMMA Heavyweight Champion and Russian goliath Fedor Emelianenko sounds off at AOL Fanhouse on the relatively weak competition given to EliteXC heavyweight Kimbo Slice. While it’s a valid point, it’s interesting to hear it from a man who has been known to fight the occasional freakshow or tomato can.

Thiago Alves defeated by Roger Federer via unanimous decision Posted: 30 Aug 2008 11:08 AM CDT Something about Alves prancing around in those little white shorts made this post impossible to pass up…

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Kimbo Slice video: ‘I am a fighter’ Posted: 29 Aug 2008 09:31 PM CDT x x x

Day of Reckoning: Andrei Arlovski vs Josh Barnett Affliction pic Posted: 29 Aug 2008 09:26 PM CDT Talk about a tease — this among the best heavyweight bouts to be put together in a very long time. October 11 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, can’t come soon enough. Thanks to Tracy Lee from CombatLifestyle.com once again for the great shots.

Sengoku 5 to feature middleweight grand prix; grappling all-stars (Updated) Posted: 29 Aug 2008 12:00 PM CDT On the heels of Sengoku 4 on August 24, World Victory Road has already begun finalizing its fifth installment that features a middleweight grand prix and a couple of grappling all-stars. Sengoku 5 will take place on September 28 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. Grand prix participants include: Yuki Sasaki (21-14-1) vs Yuki Kondo (49-22-6) Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (16-11) vs Siyar Bahadurzada (13-3-1) Jorge Santiago (17-7) vs TBD Kazuhiro Nakamura (11-8) vs TBD Kondo and Sasaki will be facing off for the first time, which comes as a surprise considering how many times they’ve battled under the Pancrase banner. In addition to having chewed some of the same dirt, each fighter will be looking to rebound from losses at Sengoku ‘Second Battle’. On the flip side, Santiago and Santos took victories in their Sengoku debuts while Nakamura is making his first appearance with World Victory Road after a 0-2 run in the UFC. Bahadurzada, “The Afghan Killer” was recently choked out by Kazuo Misaki at Sengoku ‘First Battle’ back in March. Bahadurzada may want to reconsider his nickname before appearing stateside. Scheduled to appear on the main card is American Top Team's Jorge "GameBred" Masvidal (13-3) who will be taking on Ryan “The Lion” Schultz (20-10-1). Schultz was upset at Sengoku 4 last week when he was bounced out of the lightweight grand prix in the first round by underdog Mizuto Hirota. Also in action are jiu-jitsu all-stars Alexandre Ribeiro (0-0) and Roger Gracie (2-0). A four-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion, "Xande" rocketed to the top of the grappling food chain after defeating Gracie at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world championships absolute divisions in 2006 and 2008. While their match-ups have not yet been confirmed, one has to wonder if this will this be Gracie's chance to exact revenge. Ribeiro is making his debut in MMA while Gracie has already pocketed two wins over MMA veterans Yuki Kondo and Ron Waterman. Stay tuned for more updates as the Sengoku 5 card continues to come together.

Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson revealing video on arrest and everything that led up to it Posted: 29 Aug 2008 10:37 AM CDT Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson goes into tremendous detail in this CBS2.com interview regarding his actions and frame of mind in the days and hours leading up to his recent arrest. It’s lengthy, but very, very interesting. And far out. It’s a must watch.

UFC 88: Martin Kampmann finds no weaknesses in Nate Marquardts game Posted: 29 Aug 2008 10:04 AM CDT Props: NBCSports.com Quoteworthy: "Most of the guys I’ve fought, I've been able to pinpoint a weakness in their game. Not with Nate. He is very well rounded, and one of best guys in the UFC. It's going to be tough, but I am looking forward to it…. Before I was injured, I was supposed to fight in a main event. I got injured and was out for over a year, and people forgot about me. It was a long time out. Now, it's time to fight my way back and remind people of who I am." Martin Kampmann heaps praise on his opponent, Nate Marquardt, at UFC 88: “Breakthrough” at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on September 6. The article has some great background on “The Hitman” and his journey from competing in small European shows to the Octagon. He also goes into great details about the catastrophic knee injury that nearly cost him his fighting career. Check it out.

‘UFC Countdown’ 88 to ‘Breakthrough’ on Spike TV Posted: 29 Aug 2008 09:47 AM CDT "UFC Countdown" to the major "Breakthrough" pay-per-view (PPV) event next weekend will debut on Spike TV on Wednesday, September 3 at 11 p.m. ET. The hour-long special presentation will provide a glimpse into the preparation and training camps of the fighters set to headline the first-ever UFC show to hit Atlanta, Ga. Here's the official description: "Watch UFC legend Chuck 'The Iceman' Liddell in training while he prepares to face undefeated light heavyweight contender Rashad 'Sugar' Evans. See how he came back from the terrible hamstring injury that originally put this match on hold. Go behind-the-scenes with Rashad Evans as he gets ready to take on his most dangerous challenge in hopes of getting a title shot." It's also likely that the program will cover the participants in the co-featured bout of the evening between Rich Franklin and Matt Hammil. "Ace" will return to the light heavyweight class to determine whether or not he can make a run in the jam-packed 205-pound division. UFC 88: "Breakthrough" is set to air live from the Philips Arena on pay-per-view (PPV) at 10 p.m. ET on August 9. MMAmania.com will provide all the coverage you can handle, including LIVE blow-by-blow UFC 88 results of the main card action on fight night and much more. Come check us out. For those who miss the "Countdown" premier it will re-air on Thursday, September 4 at 11 p.m. ET and Saturday, September 6 at 6 p.m. ET. To check out the complete UFC 88 fight card click here.

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UFC Quick Quote: Chuck Liddell is on a mission Posted: 29 Aug 2008 08:18 AM CDT "He finds a way to win. He's done a good job controlling his fights. He's good on top, and he moves well on his feet. He's elusive and hard to hit, but I'm going to see if I can catch him…. I'm on a mission to get my title back and end my career on a streak of wins. I'm in shape, and I'm going to keep throwing like I do. The knockout power is still there." – Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell provides Sherdog.com with a quick and accurate scouting report of his upcoming opponent at UFC 88: “Breakthrough” on September 6, Rashad Evans. It’s the main event fight at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga., earning the winner — especially if it’s Liddell — a likely title shot against Forrest Griffin perhaps before the year is even out. It’s a major contrast in styles — Liddell is the striker and Evans is the wrestler. And it will likely come down to who can execute the proper gameplan on fight night. There’s really no mystery involved … unless “Sugar” somehow “catches” the “Iceman” first.

Dan Henderson UFC 88 video highlights Posted: 29 Aug 2008 07:57 AM CDT Props: UFC.com

MMA Live on ESPN Episode 16 (Video) Posted: 29 Aug 2008 12:45 AM CDT

Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson pleads not guilty to charges Posted: 28 Aug 2008 08:26 PM CDT Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was again in court today, pleading not guilty to all six charges that were handed down earlier this week in regard to his delirium-fueled, police-chase motor vehicle escapade that took place last month in California. The 30-year-old Tennessee native faces two felony counts (evading while driving recklessly and evading a peace officer and driving against traffic) and four other misdemeanors. If convicted on all counts Jackson faces a three-year maximum prison sentence. Jackson is free on a $25,000 bond; however, he has two upcoming court hearings already set up for October 3 and November 9. There’s no telling if either of those dates will interfere with his possible next appearance inside the Octagon at UFC 91 in Portland, Ore., on November 15. After the arraignment, the born again Christian spoke to the Orange-County Register and provided more context behind his bizarre behavior. He was essentially on a mission from God. Here’s a snip “I thought I heard the voice of God telling me to go save Brian. I felt if I didn’t get to Brian, he would die…. What was I thinking? l know now that Brian was never in danger.… But I really thought at the time that he was about to die.” Jackson also revealed that a “betrayal” of someone close to him who he caught cheating him out of money — someone he considered a father figure — triggered the sleepless energy-drink bender that eventually led to the chase. He refused to name a name; however, Jackson split with long-time trainer and mentor, Juanito Ibarra, prior to the incident. He now trains primarily at Wolfslair Academy in the United Kingdom. For more on this issue feel free to check out our Quinton “Rampage” Jackson archive right here — everything you need to get up to speed on this story can be found there.

Ultimate Fighter ‘Reunion’ show coming soon to Spike TV Posted: 28 Aug 2008 07:44 PM CDT The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) mixed martial arts reality series is often referred to as the single-most important development in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). When the first episode debuted on Spike TV on January 18, 2005, the promotion was in dire straits. It was already about $40 million in the hole and it had essentially bankrolled a show on television to gain critical traction and exposure. It was a huge dice roll — if the show flopped it could have spelled the eventual end of the Zuffa-owned organization. Fortunately for them, and the millions of fans now scattered across the globe, it was a smash hit thanks in large part to the sensational three-round light heavyweight final brawl between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. Griffin ended up with his arm raised in the end, along with Diego Sanchez, who was the middleweight winner after totally dominating Kenny Florian. In hindsight, however, more was won that night than just two fights — the entire concept won over a legion of MMA fans literally overnight. That crowd has multiplied year-over-year like Smallpox, turning the UFC eventually into the premier promotion on the planet. In fact, several reports indicate that the company now has an estimated worth of $1 billion. Regardless of how accurate that figure is or isn’t one thing is certain: The Las Vegas-based owners (and casino moguls) pushed all their chips to the center of the table with TUF and are now playing with a mountain of house money. And it doesn’t appear to be dwindling anytime soon. To pay tribute to this seminal moment in history, as well as to honor the fighters who essentially made it all happen, MMAmania.com has learned that the UFC and Spike TV are in the process of putting together a reunion show. We have learned that several fighters are actually in “Sin City” right now filming for the episode. Of course, several of the fighters from that season are now some of the biggest stars, meaning that there will not be any fights. It’s likely an opportunity to reflect on the experience and share a few good laughs, which doesn’t appear to be in short supply. The original TUF season featured several names that are still in the UFC fold today, including Griffin (now light heavyweight champion), Sanchez, Florian, Chris Leben, Josh Koscheck, Mike Swick, Nate Quarry and others, as well as coaches Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture (currently estranged but still considered heavyweight champion for legal reasons). Expect most of those participants to appear on the reunion show, which should air sometime in early 2009. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more details … this should be good.

KJ Noons responds to Elite XC and Nick Diaz situation Posted: 28 Aug 2008 07:11 PM CDT Elite XC Lightweight Champion KJ Noons today responded to the recent allegations that he is ducking a rematch with Nick Diaz in an email to BloodyElbow.com and several other outlets. In the long email, the champ gives his side of the story and goes into detail about the behind the scenes stuff that is keeping the fight from happening. For the most part, Noons’ problem lies with Elite XC and its parent company Pro Elite rather than Nick Diaz. However, KJ does state more than once in the email that there is no love lost for the Cesar Gracie black belt and he’s still clinging to his belief that Diaz is not the number one contender. In fact, the champ believes Philadelphia native Eddie Alvarez has instead earned that spot. Regardless, he maintains that he is not in a position to choose his opponent and said he will fight Diaz as long as the compensation is fair. If you recall an interview with us here at MMAmania.com before his title defense against Yves Edwards in June, Noons stated that he his contract called for him to defend his title two more times this year after a successful defense against Yves. The champ stated that Elite XC has not made good on that contract because it will only let him fight if he signs a new long-term contract. Noons give specific examples of how the company has not treated him well enough for him to want to sign a long-term contract at this time. Here’s a snip: “Consider when Elite XC gives a couple thousand tickets away at their CBS show in Stockton. Elite XC gives me a hard time about comping me one extra ticket for my cousin that helped me train for my fight. I only get four tickets per show. I am the main event in Honolulu, my home town! I did not ask for any tickets for my family and friends and they gave me a hard time about one extra ticket! Or how about when Elite XC brought Diaz into the ring after my last victory in Hawaii to disrespect me and my family.” He also says the Elite XC has breached his contract on more than one occasion. Here’s another snip: “$kala (Jared Shaw) disclosed how much I make, which breached the confidentiality clause of the contract. How about when Elite XC honored the contract and my pay to fight Edson Berto went down after I lost my first fight. That was not part of my contract. Or how about the contract Gary Shaw breached by not promoting my boxing career? Gary Shaw only gave me one out of four of the agreed upon fights. I have not boxed for over a year. When I signed with Elite XC, I was promised they would promote both my boxing and MMA careers. I could have signed with another MMA only company, but I wanted to box too. Elite XC doesn’t give me fights or promote me, they ice me. Gary Shaw Productions only gave me one of the agreed upon four fights per the boxing contract.” The champ also breaks down why he’s fed up with Elite XC financially right here: “I am the defending world champ, I have been the main event for Elite XC three out of four times on Showtime. In almost two years I have made approximately $83,000? After paying my trainers and managers fee, I have $50,000 thousand. After taxes, probably 30 grand. Divide that by two years for $15,000 thousand a year. Divide by 52 weeks that amounts to approximately $300 a week. I do not know anybody that can survive on that amount of money. My buddies make more money than that in a couple days being a bus boy or bar back. But the straw that broke the camel’s back is they want me to fight Diaz for the second time. Diaz is not the number one contender and they are paying Diaz three times more money than me. Diaz complained after the Stockton fight, he was not paid enough. How do you think that made me feel?” That certainly doesn’t sound like any way for a promotion to treat their champion. There’s more to the long email, but you get the point. He goes on to say he feels that Elite XC is mistreating him because he ruined its plans to have Nick Diaz as the champ. It’s easy as a fan to get worked up because we’re not seeing the fight we want to see, but there is obviously a lot more going on behind the scenes than most of us realize. He does, however, state that the Diaz fight will eventually happen, but does not say when. He also says for now that he’s going to focus on his boxing career: “I can make more money doing 6 and 8 rounders every other month and make more than I did being the Elite XC defending world champ. At least I will be able to sleep at night and be able to look myself in the mirror everyday. That right there is worth more than $300 bucks a week or fighting a guy I cannot stand for less money than him the second time around.” Let’s hope Elite XC and Noons can come to an understanding and get this fight on the air. After all, this back and forth between the two sides, this fight has more hype behind it than anything involving Kimbo Slice, including a showdown with Brett Rogers. For a company with seemingly everything on the line over the next few months the timing of all this either couldn’t be better or couldn’t be worse. I guess time will tell, but for now the saga continues.

Glover Teixeira: Next fight to be in UFC Posted: 28 Aug 2008 04:02 PM CDT This is real good news that should have happened a long time ago:

Urijah Faber training for Mike Brown WEC 36 title defense Posted: 28 Aug 2008 03:15 PM CDT WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber is seen here with Muay Thai coach Master Thong, preparing for his upcoming fight with Mike Brown at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., on September 10. To check out the entire picture gallery of “12 hours with the champ” head over to CombatLifestyle.com.

MMA Quick Quote: Ken ‘Leg Breaker’ Shamrock ready for Kimbo Slice Posted: 28 Aug 2008 01:15 PM CDT "Honestly, I think I can test him anywhere. He's got big, heavy hands. Everyone says he punches hard and he probably does. But again, he doesn't punch properly, in my opinion. He swings his hands, he moves his body back and forth trying to get as much power as he can, but there's really no snap behind it. You can usually see the punches coming. I'm going to do what I need to do. If it goes to the ground, I'll probably break his leg. I mean, no question. I will break his leg. If he gives it to me, I'm going to break it." – Elite XC heavyweight fighter and MMA legend Ken Shamrock tells Sherdog.com that he sees weaknesses in Kimbo Slice’s best attribute as a fighter. It’s also interesting he says he’s going to go after Slice’s leg. Leg locks are and advanced jiu jitsu move and not even allowed in most beginner or intermediate tournaments because they can cause so much damage and are difficult to defend. “El Guapo” — who has tapped to Shamrock leg locks on two separate occasions — will have to school his student on how to properly defend those or he’ll end up like Brock Lesnar against Frank Mir. Of course, it’s entirely possible that Shamrock could be snoring before he even gets a chance to take the fight to the mat. We’ll see on October 4.

Reminder: Elite XC tickets available for Bank Atlantic Center ‘Saturday Night Fights’ October 4 Posted: 28 Aug 2008 01:09 PM CDT With main card final for the third installment of Elite XC “Saturday Night Fights” on CBS it’s a good time to remind our readers that tickets are still available for the mixed martial arts (MMA) event that takes place at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., on October 4. Seats start as low at $30 and are available through Ticketmaster or directly through the Bank Atlantic Center box office. Of course, the main event of the evening features Miami native Kimbo Slice against MMA legend Ken Shamrock. Sunrise is a suburb or Ft. Lauderdale, which is just outside of Miami; therefore, you can bet the dirty south hometown fans of Slice will snatch up a decent amount of the good seats pretty quickly. Elite XC put on an event in Miami in February that also featured Kimbo in the main event. And that one — dubbed “Street Ceritifed” — broke the all-time attendance record for the Bank United Center on the campus of the University of Miami. MMAmania was there that night and we can tell you that place was rocking (and they weren’t even selling alcohol). I watched a replay of the event later on television and believe me the telecast did no justice for how rowdy that crowd actually was inside the venue. More of the same can be expected on October 4. So get your tickets soon if you plan to attend. To check out the rest of the “Saturday Night Fights On CBS III” card click here.

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John Koppenhaver legally changes name to ‘War Machine’ Posted: 28 Aug 2008 08:59 AM CDT “SO in case you didn’t notice in my last fight the UFC did NOT use my nickname when I fought. Turns out some gay ass wrestling federation threatened to sue them because they recently named one of their wrestlers The War Machine Rhino and trademarked the name. Too f*ckin’ bad that I have been using this name for 6 years, have it tatted on my body and it is what my fans yell out when I’m fighting. If you know my personality then you know damn well I am not gonna let some faggot ass, FAKE wrestler steal MY name. SO 6 weeks ago I filed a change of name request and today I had court to make my name officially WAR MACHINE. lol. F*ckin’ funny right? Didn’t really wanna have to do it but I am sure as hell not lose MY nickname." – Former contestant on season six of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) and current UFC fighter, Jon Koppenhaver, has legally changed his real name to his nickname, “War Machine.” It’s apparently legit. TNA is the professional wrestling entity that has trademarked that name for one of its stars simple known as, “Rhino.” Koppenhaver, er, War Machine, must really, really, like his nickname.

Elite XC fight card takes shape for ‘Saturday Night Fights’ at Bank Atlantic Center Posted: 28 Aug 2008 08:19 AM CDT Five fighters will likely compete on the under card of “Saturday Night Fights on CBS III” at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., on October 4. In a 160-pound bout, BJ Penn-trainee Mike Aina (9-6-1) will face off against Florida native James Edson Berto (14-5-1) — this bout is official. UFC veterans Crafton Wallace (15-3-1) and Seth Petruzelli (9-4), as well as undefeated Muay Thai specialist Lorenzo Borgomeo (4-0), are also expected to be in action against yet to be determined opponents. Aina opened a lot of eyes with a strong performance against number one division contender Nick Diaz at Elite XC: “Uprising” last September. In fact, many people believe the Hawaiian got hosed in the split decision loss. He took a brief hiatus from competition and was able to rebound with a unanimous decision victory over Kaleo Kwan at “Return of the King” nine months later. Berto has been competitive in all four of his fights under the Elite XC banner, but has fallen victim to two highlight reel knockouts at the hands of now champion KJ Noons and former number one contender Yves Edwards. He was victorious in the other two bouts, finishing John Shackleford and Victor Valenzuela each in impressive fashion. Wallace was unsuccessful in two trips to the UFC octagon while facing stellar competition in Nate Marquardt and Martin Kampmann. Since the loss to Marquardt near the end of 2006, he has ran off four consecutive wins in the smaller shows. He is a great athlete and belongs in one of the top organizations such as Elite XC. Borgomeo is the childhood best friend of UFC fighter Alessio Sakara. Sakara introduced his pal to MMA, bringing him to the United States to train with one of the top camps around at American Top Team. He made his Elite XC debut in February at “Street Certified” with a second round submission victory over Mike Bernhard. Nobody has been able to last past the second round against the Italian. None of the four bouts are expected to make the CBS telecast, but each should be exciting fights for the fans at the Bank Atlantic Center on October 4. Elite XC usually streams the under card fights live on ProElite.com. However, the promotion has not officially announced plans to do that for this event, but we’ll let you know if and when they do. To check out the latest upcoming Elite XC “Saturday Night Fights” fight card and rumors click here.

Gone-ito: Jackson leaves Ibarra for UK’s Wolfslair Posted: 27 Aug 2008 08:51 PM CDT Props: Fighters Only Magazine Quoteworthy: “Those guys got it together. Michael Bisping took to me like a brother from the first time I met him. He and [Paul] Anthony were very hospitable towards me when I first came to the UK. I feel like Wolfslair can make me go farther than I have been; I’m really excited about being able to travel there to train. The guys on the team, they like to laugh and joke around but they train hard and that’s me, that’s what I like to do. What better team to join than one called Wolfslair? I’m a werewolf. It was my destiny. People don’t understand destiny but I do. Wolfslair is the most perfect team for me.” Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson reveals that trainer Juanito Ibarra has officially resigned (on amicable terms) and that “Rampage” has joined Michael “The Count” Bisping at the UK’s Wolfslair Fight Team. In addition to fight preparation, Wolfslair will also handle all of Jackson’s MMA-related business endeavors.

MMA Quick Quote: Kimbo Slice is the black Yeti Posted: 27 Aug 2008 01:09 PM CDT Excerpt courtesy of Five Ounces of Pain: “As for Oct 4th; that was our spot. Shamrock with his name and giant ego butted in line to get a slice of Kevin. At 103 years of age Ken usurped our rightful place against the YouTube champ. Our sincerest hope is that Ken whips Kimbo and then we can finally euthanize the "World's Most Dangerous Man" and relegate him to some MMA dinosaur exhibit. Maybe taxidermy him and Severn and place them on a rotating pedestal where they can endless circle each other. If Ken proves to be more sham then rock and Fergi beats him, then the Slice hype grows even greater. Dude is already more myth then Sasquatch, Chupacabra and a fucking unicorn combined. Kevin is the black Yeti…So go ahead [Kimbo] and make us wait while you fight Tank and Shamrock. Hell, why not fight Hackney, Harold Howard, Fred Ettish and the rest of Jurassic MMA? And while your shuckin' and duckin' we will be hustlin' and muscilin' and when the bell finally tolls the only real question left is … do you wake up looking at canvas or arena lights?” – Elite XC heavyweight Brett Rogers and his Minnesota camp, Team Bison, issued a letter to Five Ounces Of Pain voicing their disapproval over the company’s recent announcement of Ken Shamrock vs. Kimbo Slice for the October 4 card on CBS. Many people, including Rogers, believed “The Grim” would get the next crack at the “YouTube champion,” especially after the post-fight fireworks in Newark, N.J., at the inaugural “Saturday Night Fights” CBS event back in May.

Matt Hughes recovery from knee injury remains on schedule Posted: 27 Aug 2008 12:35 PM CDT Former welterweight champion Matt Hughes continues to monitor the health of his injured knee, hoping that it will return to normal on its own rather than undergoing a surgical procedure that could sideline him for months. Hughes injured the MCL and the PCL in a technical knockout loss to Thiago Alves at UFC 85: "Bedlam" back in June. Since that time he has had several MRIs, X-rays and stress X-rays on the knee to determine the best course of action. And everything appears to be going according to plan, which is great news for the aging former 170-pound division stalwart — going under the knife would have likely delayed his return for several more months and possibly cast a dark cloud over the future of his professional fighting career. As it stands as of yesterday, Hughes remains on track for an eventual return to action in early 2009, according to the blog on his official Web site. Here's the latest: "Last Wednesday, I went in for my second MRI and also a stress x-ray. It all came back very positive and looks as though I will not need surgery. I still have to go back for my three month check-up to find out more; but as of right now I can do more and start exercising a little bit." When he does return — very possibly on the same card as Georges St. Pierre vs. BJ Penn on Superbowl weekend — he will fight Matt Serra. Both veterans served as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 6 and were supposed to fight in the main event at UFC 79: "Nemesis" for Serra's welterweight crown. The fight never materialized, however, because Serra was forced to withdraw from the bout with a severe back strain. Since that time the pair has kept the feud alive and well, exchanging frequent barbs and taunts through the media. Let's just hope this time around there are no additional setbacks. And if there are the two should be allowed to go their separate ways and pursue new and different opponents.

UFC 91: Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson could return in Portland November 15 Posted: 27 Aug 2008 09:36 AM CDT Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson will likely return to action at UFC 91 in Portland, Ore., on November 15, according to recent statements attributed to promotion president, Dana White, in a recent Yahoo!Sports.com article. This latest news comes hot on the heels of a recent court appearance, during which Jackson was charged with two felonies and four misdemeanors for a bizarre traffic-related incident that took place just last month. He's currently free on $25,000 bail. His troubles outside the cage, however, won't appear to slow his road back to championship gold inside the Octagon. Here's a snip from White: "Of course he'll fight. If he was doing drugs, if he had been drunk, if he had gone out there and done what he did because he was pissed off at someone, that would be a completely different story. But he was ill. And in this company, we support our friends and anyone who works for us when they're ill and have problems. He was ill, the incident occurred, and now he's fine. Rampage feels awful about the woman's baby, but he had nothing to do with it. And the (traffic incident) occurred because he was very ill and not with him in control of his faculties." For more background on "the incident" feel free to get up to speed right here. Of course, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has been beating his war drum recently, telling several media outlets that he intends to return from a serious knee injury and face Jackson in December. It would set up a rematch of a fight under the Pride FC banner back in 2005, which Rua won in lopsided fashion with a crushing first round knockout. That's news to Jackson, however, according to a recent interview with Fighters Only Magazine. Here's his reaction: "I didn't know anything about Shogun, I was trying to get Wanderlei Silva, I was told I might be fighting him. But to be honest with you, I don't really give a damn who I fight, I just want to fight and show the world that Rampage is the best when he gets the best elements around him and the best training." Therefore, unless Rua intends to come back sooner rather than later, it appears that his plans for a rematch on New Year's Eve weekend could be dashed. That's because UFC 91 currently lacks a main event-caliber headliner. And the addition of Jackson would likely be the missing piece to putting together a solid pay-per-view (PPV) main card puzzle that already includes a lightweight clash between Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson, as well as a potential heavyweight showdown between Brock Lesnar and Cheick Kongo. Stay tuned for more details on this developing story.

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