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| Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano open workout for Elite XC: ‘Heat’ on CBS Posted: 18 Sep 2008 08:24 AM CDT
Elite XC’s two biggest stars — Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano — were on hand for a media friendly workout yesterday afternoon at the Legends Mixed Martial Arts Training Center in Los Angeles, California. Both athletes are prepping for fights on the “Saturday Night Fights on CBS III” card at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., on October 4. Kimbo will face Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock in what looks to be the toughest test to date for the Miami native. The bout will be the main event of the night. It will be Kimbo’s second fight under the Elite XC banner in front of his hometown fans. Here is what Fergie had to say about the looming showdown:
Carano, on the other hand, will also be in for a stiff test in Kelly Kobald (16-2-1). Kobald has much more experience than Carano, facing some of the best female fighters in the world such as Tara LaRosa, Julie Kedzie and Shayna Baszler. Gina will have her hands full in South Florida. Here's her take on the match up:
Most fans expected to see Gina paired up against talented Chute Boxe product Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos, but we’ll have to wait for that fight. It’s believed that if both Cyborg and Carano can win their respective matches on October 4 that the two will meet for the first ever Elite XC female championship belt either later this year or early 2009. Elite XC: "Heat" on CBS “Saturday Night Fights” will air live on October 4, beginning at 9 p.m. ET. |
| Clay Guida on Mac Danzig video UFC Fight Night 15 win (Video) Posted: 18 Sep 2008 08:02 AM CDT |
| UFC Fight Night 15 bonuses and awards for ‘Diaz vs Neer’ in Omaha Posted: 18 Sep 2008 07:56 AM CDT
To the tune of $30,000 each. The promotion dished out its standard post-fight monetary bonuses to four out of the 20 fighters on the card. And it shouldn't come as a shock whose wallets are leaving the "Cornhusker State" a little heavier. In addition to their base salaries, the UFC awarded main eventers Nate Diaz and Josh Neer for their three-round back-and-forth 155-pound scrap. Diaz is accustomed to getting singled out; however, it's usually because he pulled off an improbably submission win. The Cesar Gracia-trained fighter didn't finish "The Dentist," but it certainly wasn't for a lack of effort. Here are the special fight bonuses for "Diaz vs. Neer:"
Again, each fighter received $30,000 extra for their performances in addition to their respective base salaries, which we will pass along if possible. It's good to see Sakara earn some extra scratch — the Italian bruiser has had his ups and downs inside the Octagon and perhaps he's beginning to turn the corner. Now it's time for "Legionarius" to prove he really has a place in the 185-pound division and string together back-to-back wins inside the Octagon for the first time ever in nine fights. For complete UFC Fight Night 15 results and blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action click here and here. |
| Nate Diaz on Josh Neer win at UFC Fight Night 15 (Video) Posted: 18 Sep 2008 05:58 AM CDT |
| UFC Fight Night 15 recap and final thoughts Posted: 17 Sep 2008 11:29 PM CDT
The big winners: The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 5 winner Nate Diaz and fellow lightweight division member, Clay Guida. The big losers: Hometown hero Houston Alexander, and, well, hometown hero Houston Alexander. “The Nebraskan Assassin” kicked off the main card action against Milwaukee native Eric Schafer in a light heavyweight bout. With his job perhaps on the line, Alexander either needed a win or an impressive performance to remain in the good graces of Zuffa brass. Neither happened. It was the classic “striker vs. grappler” match up. And the fight pretty much stuck to that script. Alexander came out headhunting and Schafer came out ducking, looking to get the fight to the canvas as soon as possible on his terms. Alexander appeared to have a few surprises waiting for “Red” when he attempted his takedowns — several knees to the grill. Schafer, however, appeared to have both knees down at one point when the knees struck, but the referee in charge of the action, Josh Rosenthal, didn’t catch them. “Red” sure did. He eventually cleared the cobwebs and continued to attempt to get Alexander to the floor. And the “Assassin” did a solid job of defending the first few shots. But it only takes one. And Schafer’s persistence eventually paid off. With Alexander on the mat, Schafer passed to side control with about as much resistance as Gary Shaw demonstrates at an all-you-can-eat buffet. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt immediately began to work submissions, including a guillotine that Alexander pried off. However, Schafer landed in full mount after the escape and grounded and pounded the local disc jockey for most of the second half of the round. He finally realized there were only about 15 seconds left in the round and angled for an arm triangle. No problem — Alexander tapped with just seconds remaining in the first round and the referee peeled him off the canvas bloody, beaten and boggled. Schafer made it looked that easy, which is perhaps more likely because Alexander proved once again — despite his pre-fight rhetoric — that his ground skills are just not up to par with his powerful stand up arsenal. That’s just not going to cut it at the UFC level. And fan favorite or not he might find himself outside the Octagon looking in now with three straight losses.
Alan Belcher and Ed Herman then went toe-to-toe in a middleweight match up. “The Talent” apparently trained in Thailand for the bout. And his month-long stint abroad paid dividends immediately with an accidental eye poke to start the fight that momentarily blinded “Short Fuse.” From that point on it was pretty much the same type of fight for three rounds: Belcher strafing Herman with low kicks and effective punches and Herman weathering the storm, exchanging briefly and securing takedowns. Herman did some nice work on the ground, but it wasn’t enough to finish the fight at anytime during the 15 minutes of action. Belcher eventually went on to earn a split decision win, showing some fluid movement throughout the fight. Or is it showboating? I can’t tell anymore. Regardless, his performance was solid and hopefully Belcher can build on his two wins and shuck the inconsistent label. And the Thai nuthuggers. The match up between Guida and TUF 6 winner, Mac Danzig, was all about wrestling, wrestling and more wrestling. “The Carpenter” — true to form — executed his typical gameplan, which includes a relentless pace and a double dose of takedowns and attempts. Danzig actually commanded the center of the Octagon for most of the first round and stalked Guida, but it was just a matter of time before the Energizer bunny took over. Danzig looked calm and composed throughout most of the fight, but as time wore on it was clear that he was visibly frustrated. And who could blame him … Guida is like that annoying kid in school who just can never take a hint (see Holland, Jesse). The crowd was actually heard booing toward the tail end of the scrap. And perhaps the referee could have separated them more often when the two were at a stalemate up against the fence. But Guida was constantly working and moving, making it hard for anyone to call him on stalling. It’ll be interesting to see if the 26-year-old will remain a “gatekeeper” of the division (Mac’s words, not mine) or if he’ll get a shot at another contender like … Nate Diaz? Diaz put on another jiu-jitsu clinic. The only difference this time is that he didn’t come away with a submission win like he has in his last six appearances. His opponent, Josh Neer, demonstrated a tremendous amount of skill and was unafraid to mix it up with Stockton’s finest on the feet or on the ground. “The Dentist” even had Diaz in several menacing positions; however, he would always find a way to escape or reverse. It was an entertaining fight from bell-to-bell. Both fighters should be commended for their efforts although my unofficial scorecard had Diaz winning two of the three rounds — unsure how it was a split decision. One thing that is clear is that Diaz is ready for the upper echelon of the division. He gets better with every fight and tonight was no different. Calling Tyson Griffin, come in, Tyson. That’s a wrap. Share your thoughts on the event in the comments section below. And for those who missed it or were too drunk to recall everything that happened feel free to check out the complete UFC Fight Night 15 results right here. |
| Josh Koscheck vs Yoshiyuki Yoshida possible for UFC Fort Bragg Posted: 17 Sep 2008 09:54 PM CDT
Top welterweight contender Josh Koscheck could possibly meet up with Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC Fight Night 16: “Fights for the Troops” during the three-hour Spike TV special that will take place from Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., on December 10. MMAmania.com has heard whispers about the solid 170-pound match up from several independent sources over the course of the last few days. Koscheck has won nine of 11 bouts inside the Octagon since his stint on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) back in early 2005, transforming from a world class wrestler into a dangerous well-rounded fighter in less than three years. He has faced top competition in the loaded division in his last five appearances, including a showdown with current welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre (he was not champion at the time). He lost that bout via three-round decision but won over a legion of new fans with the performance for being able to hang with the uber talented Canadian. Koscheck has since defeated rising star Dustin Hazelett with a second round technical knockout at UFC 82: “Pride of a Champion” back in March and grizzled veteran Chris Lytle via bloodbath, er, unanimous decision at UFC 86: “Jackson vs. Griffin” this past July. With another win, the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) standout will be knocking on the door for a title shot along with the winner of the bout between Diego Sanchez and Thiago Alves at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” next month. However, it will not be easy … “Zenko” is quite the exotic import. Yoshida — the former Cage Force and Shooto star — was successful in his UFC debut at UFC 84: "Ill Will" when he submitted TUF alum Jon Koppenhaver via anaconda choke. The Judoka is the winner of nine straight fights and was looking to make it 10 against Karo Parisyan at UFC 88: “Breakthrough” earlier this month before “The Heat” inexplicably withdrew from the bout just 24 hours before the bout with an injury. If the bout is signed by both fighters it will likely serve as the main event — or at the very least — the co main event of the evening. UFC Fight Night 16: “Fights for the Troops” will pay tribute to the United States servicemen and women serving in the armed forces. The Spike TV broadcast will coincide with a telethon during which viewers will be encouraged to call in and donate money to support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates and rumors regarding UFC Fight Night 16: “Fights for the Troops.” Note that MMAmania.com has also learned that Mike Swick will also likely compete on this card against Jonathan Goulet — not on TUF 8 fight card as previously reported today. |
| The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8: Episode 1 recap and discussion Posted: 17 Sep 2008 09:10 PM CDT
Season eight of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) is officially off and running as episode one opens with a group of 32 mixed martial artists all poised to rumble there way onto the final roster. The episode begins with the usual starstruck contestants wandering around the practice gym until Phillipe Nover realizes Ken Shamrock was actually inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame and passes out. Jose Aguilar immediately shows his composure and blames Al-Qaeda for a possible anthrax or carbon monoxide attack. Not to be outdumb, Jason Guida decides he’s only worth 500 bucks since thats all it would take for him to fight either Chuck Liddell or Anderson Silva. I’m sure all the guys who’ve been struggling to increase fighter salaries are happy to have Jason in their corner. Dana announces the coaches and Nogueira gets the Michael Bisping treatment as subtitles chase every word he speaks. Mir seems content just being employed. Now that the fights are announced most of the guys suit up and start getting their sweat on but Guida Sr. is having trouble holding down his lunch and starts cramping up like he just received the Kiss of the Dragon. Cut to a scene where Guida is on his back screaming as his teammates pull his legs apart and I wasn’t sure if I was watching The Ultimate Fighter or The Ultimate Abu Ghraib. Needless to say Jason doesn’t make weight and he is replaced by Mike Stewart. I’m sure Clay is glad he put in a good word. Like Season 7, the fighters are split up while Dana, Mir and Nogueira evalute them as they fight. Also like Season 7, they get right down to business.
Light heavyweight elimination #1: Mike Stewart (1-0) vs. Krzysztof Soszynski (16-8-1) Round 1: Soszynski comes right out of the gate and pummels Stewart into a TKO stoppage. That must feel good: You make the show and get sent home all in the same day. Soszynski wins via TKO Lightweight elimination #1: Fernando Bernstein (2-0) vs. Dave Kaplan (2-1) They trade blows pretty evenly back and forth until Bernstein ends up on the ground where Kaplan easily submits him with a rear naked choke. Bernstein said he was called “The Machete”. Dana says he looked more like a butter knife. Kaplan wins via rear naked choke Lightweight elimination #2: Joe Duarte (3-0) vs. Phillipe Nover (4-0-1) Round 1: Duarte eats a head kick and then a shot to the sack. After some deep breaths they resume and go to the fence and wrestle for position. Herb lets them dance for a while then breaks it up. Nover eats a huge punch and ends up on the floor. Duarte gets his back but can’t finish him. Round 2: Nover scores a nice takedown and whales on Duarte’s face until he gives up his back and gets submitted via rear naked choke. Maybe passing out was a good adrenaline dump because Nover looked pretty good in the cage. Nover wins via rear naked choke Light heavyweight elimination #2: Eric Magee (3-1) vs. Jules Bruchez (0-0) Magee opens with a takedown and muscles his way into a guillotine. Bruchez reverses and gets his back. Magee gets strecthed out and then choked out. Third straight rear naked choke. Bruchez wins via rear naked choke Light heavyweight elimination #3: Vinicius Magalhaes (2-2) vs. Lance Evans (2-2) Highlights only. Lance throws in the towel after getting hit in the ribs. So much for the siblings. Magalhaes wins via TKO Light heavyweight elimination #4: Antwain Britt (4-1) vs. Ryan Jimmo (6-1) Highlights only. Britt wins via majority decision Lightweight elimination #3: Brian McLaughlin (5-0) vs Brandon Garner (4-1) Highlights only. Garner throws a knee to a downed McLaughlin and the fight is ruled a no decision when McLaughlin can’t continue. Garner gets the boot for throwing the knee despite it being unintentional. Fight ruled a no contest Lightweight elimination #4: Junie Browning (2-0) vs Jose Aguilar (2-0) Aguilar likes to be called “Freddy” and tries to be mystical while comparing himself to Hitler. He then mimics a few Diego Sanchez moves while Browning can barely stay awake. Browning also thinks he has a better shot at preganacy then at losing. Round 1: Quick exchange on the feet and they go to the ground. A few reversals and Browning ends up in side control and then mount. He works it until they go back to their feet. Browning seems to get the better of the exchanges and they go back to the mat. Browning starts to control the fight with dominance on the ground. Aguilar is taking a beating now. Mir very vocal throughout. The round ends and Aguilar throws in the towel. So much for being straight-up criminal. What respectable criminal turns themselves in? Browning wins via TKO Overall some pretty decent fights but I was hoping to see more of Guida and Evans. Judging by this experience, they probably aren’t ready for the ranks of the UFC. Stay tuned next week as the tournament continues and Nogueira says five words during the evaluations instead of three. See you then! |
| Injury forces Roger Gracie to withdraw from Sengoku 5 Posted: 17 Sep 2008 09:05 PM CDT
Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard Roger Gracie has withdrawn from his heavyweight fight against MMA legend Travis "Diesel" Wiuff at Sengoku 5 due to an injury sustained in training according to Sherdog.com. Gracie (2-0) was set to compete at the September 28 event until an errant kick during sparring caused an intermuscular tear to the intercostal muscle between the sixth and seventh left ribs. Sengoku officials have not yet announced a replacement for Gracie but are expected to keep Wiuff (53-11) on the card. Below is the updated fight card for Sengoku 5: Heavyweight Fight: Travis Wiuff (53-11) vs. TBA (0-0) Light Heavyweight Fight: Xande Ribeiro (0-0) vs. Takashi Sugiura (1-2) Lightweight Fights: Middleweight GP Series 2008 1st Round: Sengoku 5 will take place on September 28 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. |
| The Ultimate Fighter tryouts season 9 ‘U.S. vs U.K.’ set for October Posted: 17 Sep 2008 08:45 PM CDT
TUF 9 will feature a mix of welterweights (170 pounds) and middleweights (185 pounds) in a tournament-style format that will culminate with two winners — one from each weight class. The wrinkle this season appears to patriotism, pitting fighters from the states and across the pond against one another in a show dubbed, “U.S. vs. U.K.” Subtitles will likely be included. Open casting calls have been coordinated in both countries to scout qualified prospects — October 20 in London, England, and October 27 in Chicago, Illinois. Of course, tonight marks the debut of TUF 8 on Spike TV, which features 16 up-and-coming lightweights and light heavyweights, as well as coaches Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira and Frank Mir. For additional details and information visit UFC.com and Spike.com for future updates, as well as stay tuned to MMAmania.com. |
| UFC Fight Night 15 results, coverage and winners LIVE tonight! Posted: 17 Sep 2008 03:17 PM CDT
Click the banner above or right here for up-to-the-minute results and blow-by-blow coverage of UFC Fight Night 15. Quick results of the prelim action are in and LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of the main card action is underway with the Spike TV telecast. If you're going to leave comments and discuss the fights with all the other MMAmania.com readers be sure to do it on the main UFC Fight Night 15 results post and not this one. |
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