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Affliction poster for ‘Day of Reckoning’ at Honda Center Jan. 24 Posted: 28 Oct 2008 08:28 AM CDT Props: AfflictionClothing.com (Note that we pieced the above poster together to illustrate the stacked encore show the promotion has in the works. More on Affliction later today.)

Anderson Silva: ‘My game plan since the beginning was fight five rounds’ Posted: 28 Oct 2008 08:08 AM CDT Props: Sherdog.com Quoteworthy: "There are many people saying I was disrespecting Cote, but this is absolutely not true. My game plan since the beginning was fight five rounds, inducing him to commit mistakes and capitalize on that during the first three rounds and look for the knockout during the fourth and fifth rounds. It was working, and the biggest proof of that is that I almost didn't waste any blows. I connected with a couple of good punches and knees, but unfortunately he got hurt and the fight was over. This is not my fault." UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva — who never before had gone past the second round inside the Octagon in seven previous fights — reveals his strategy for Patrick Cote at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” at the Allstate Arena this past Saturday night. His approach and behavior inside the cage was puzzling and appeared to be out of character. In fact, it was perceived as bordering on disrespectful, which he argues was not his intent. However, the Brazilian indicates that he more than likely did all of it to prolong the fight. The million dollar question is … why?

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 audition nets record number of applicants Posted: 27 Oct 2008 11:21 PM CDT Monday’s open tryouts for season nine of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) in Chicago, Illinois produced a record number of applicants after 700 amateur mixed martial artists stormed the Crowne Plaza Hotel in an attempt to prove their worth. According to Spike TV, that number shatters the previous record of 500 hopefuls that turned out in Florida for season five. Including the 200 aspiring fighters that auditioned in London on October 20, a total of 900 applicants will be considered for the 32-member cast, which will eventually be whittled down to 16 in the first few days of taping. UFC President Dana White recently confirmed the participation of future coach Michael "The Count" Bisping, fresh off his unanimous decision victory over Chris Leben at UFC 89. Bisping — TUF 3 winner and current British UFC posterboy — is a clear choice for the position, considering TUF 9 will be themed, "U.S. vs. U.K." White did not confirm the opposing coach, however, he did indicate that Rich Franklin and Dan Henderson are both under consideration. Perhaps that decision will be made a little easier when "Ace" and "Hollywood" clash in the main event at UFC 93: "Dublin" on January 17. Time will tell. TUF 9 was originally set to feature a mix of middleweight and welterweight hopefuls competing for a "six figure" UFC contract in a tournament-style format. However the 185lb weight class was recently scrapped in favor of lightweight in anticipation of the influx of middleweights that is expected to follow the dissolution of the middleweight division in the Zuffa-owned World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC). The production schedule has not been revealed at this time; however, the promotion is targeting a January 2009 start (and April debut) in order to wait for the conclusion of Franklin vs. Henderson. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com as more details become available for season nine of The Ultimate Fighter.

Raw Combat ‘Redemption’: Denis Kang vs Marvin Eastman (video) Posted: 27 Oct 2008 10:34 PM CDT Video courtesy of MMANet.

Robbie Lawler comments on possible UFC return and fighting future Posted: 27 Oct 2008 07:16 PM CDT Robbie Lawler — the last man to hold the Elite XC middleweight crown — is among several talented mixed martial artists now out of work and looking to land a new deal because of the promotion’s recent collapse. There’s a big difference, however, between “Ruthless” and most of his former stablemates — he and his management have a very good relationship with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In fact, the 26-year-old from Granite City, Illinois, is a seven-fight Octagon veteran, racking up a decent record (4-3) while competing in the welterweight division. That means that Lawler could one day soon find his way back to the land of milk and honey provided that his contract with Elite XC does not get mired in a legal abyss and keep him on the sidelines for an extended period of time. Regardless, it’s certainly an opportunity that he welcomes. Lawler was in Rosemont this weekend sitting ringside with friend, training/business partner and former 170-pound champion, Matt Hughes, soaking in UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote.” He even used his time at the show to squeeze in some time with White. Here’s a snip from his official Web site: “As everyone knows Elite XC is no longer around. I enjoyed my time working for them and I was treated really well. Thank you to everyone at Proelite for the opportunity to fight in front of millions of fans. Last week I spent at the UFC with Matt Hughes. The atmosphere was awesome as usual. I spent time talking to Monte Cox about what my options are. I also had a brief conversation with the very busy prez of the UFC. All that said I think I will be just fine. I will blog when i sign with an organization. Until then I will keep my self in good shape.” Since his initial stint with the UFC, which ended in 2004, Lawler has beefed up and competed as a middleweight where he has enjoyed great success. He has lost just once in nine attempts, winning the Elite XC and Icon Sport 185-pound titles along the way. Lawler was scheduled to defend his Elite XC strap against Joey Villasenor at “A Night of Champions” on November 8 before the promotion went under. There’s no telling when he might return to action, but it appears that he will be ready to rock when given the green light. Stay glued to MMAmania.com for more details on this developing story.

Patrick Cote knee injury surgery to result in lengthy recovery Posted: 27 Oct 2008 04:02 PM CDT Patrick Cote tore the meniscus in his right knee during the third round of his main event fight against middleweight champion Anderson Silva at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., this past weekend, according to SportsNet.ca. “The Predator” will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery to repair the damage next week and possibly be out of action for up to eight months. The report indicates that the Canadian actually suffered the injury just four weeks out from the fight and decided to push through it and challenge “The Spider” rather than withdraw from the card, which had already been ravaged by injuries. He took a cortisone shot to dull any discomfort prior to the showdown and all seemed to be good until Cote tweaked the knee in the second round. Cote then came out for the third round and lasted just 39 seconds — he collapsed in a heap when the meniscus finally gave way. Referee Herb Dean waived off the action, ending perhaps one of the most bizarre title fights in recent memory. In fact, the antics of Silva before the stoppage combined with the freak injury has numerous critics nationwide lambasting the pay-per-view (PPV) event despite solid action on the main card. It also appears to have struck a nerve with Silva who typically shows up, takes care of business in less than 10 minutes and collects fat bonus checks for his destruction. Not on Saturday night, however. The silver lining in all of this is that the champion will likely be eager to return to the Octagon sooner rather than later having suffered no damage and wanting to redeem himself fast. Of course, the Cote injury means that there will be no rematch anytime soon — a prospect that likely would not agree with most fans at this time, anyway. In the meantime, best wishes go out to Cote that he makes a fast and complete recovery.

UFC Quick Quote: Fabricio Werdum ’surprised’ by knockout loss to Dos Santos at UFC 90 Posted: 27 Oct 2008 01:35 PM CDT “… I was ready and focused, but everything happened so fast, the punch came fast and strongly. I punched him and down my head and he punched me in the same time. I twisted my knee when I fell down and opened a cut in my nose, but everything is all right. I couldn't even feel the fight, but it's ok, in fighting you only have two options: win or lose. Now it's time to think in my next fight…. I've never been knocked out or submitted in my whole life. We always have a first time, and it was my first KO. Cigano deserved that, I have to congratulate him, because he surprised me … it wasn't to0 much confidence. I was with a great Muay Thai, ground game, but it all happened so fast. He deserved that, he said he respected me before the fight and I respected him and still do, confidence is a normal thing.” – Fabricio Werdum — who was widely considered a top 10 heavyweight — reflects on his 81-second knockout loss to Octagon newcomer Junior “Cigano” Dos Santos at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” via Tatame.com. With a win Werdum would have likely bolstered his argument that he belongs in the four-man mini heavyweight tournament to declare an undisputed division champion. Now it’s back to the drawing board for the Brazilian, who intends to temporarily move to the Untied States to train in the near future. As for “Cigano,” he joins Shane Carwin and Cain Velasquez among the short list of fresh division talent with huge upside.

UFC 91 results and LIVE fight coverage for ‘Couture vs. Lesnar’ PPV event Nov. 15 Posted: 27 Oct 2008 11:14 AM CDT With UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” in the books we might as well look toward the future and the next major event for the promotion, UFC 91: "Couture vs. Lesnar," which is being billed as the “biggest fight in UFC history.” That because the UFCs biggest heavyweight — and perhaps its biggest box office draw — Brock Lesnar is challenging mixed martial arts legend and UFC Hall of Fame inductee, Randy Couture, for his heavyweight title. It will be the first fight for “The Natural” in about 15 months. Top lightweight contenders Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson will clash in the co main event, fighting for the right to be declared the number one contender in a very crowded 155-pound division. Let’s take a look at the complete UFC 91 fight card: Main event: 265 lbs.: UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture (16-8) vs. Brock Lesnar (2-1) Main card (Televised): 155 lbs.: Kenny Florian (10-3) vs. Joe Stevenson (29-8) 185 lbs.: Amir Sadollah (1-0) vs. Nick Catone (5-0) 265 lbs.: Gabriel Gonzaga (9-3) vs. Josh Hendricks (14-4) 185 lbs.: Demian Maia (8-0) vs. Nate Quarry (10-2) Under card (May not be broadcast): 170 lbs.: Dustin Hazelett (11-4) vs. Tamdan McCrory (9–1) 155 lbs.: Jorge Gurgel (12-4) vs. Aaron Riley (26-10-1) 155 lbs.: Jeremy Stephens (13-3) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (11-2) 155 lbs.: Alvin Robinson (9–3) vs. Mark Bocek Record (5-2) 185 lbs.: Matt Riddle (1-0) vs. Ryan Thomas (9-2) UFC 91 is set go off LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on pay-per-view (PPV) (November 15) at 10 p.m. ET. Tickets are still available — to check out the remaining seats click here. MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of the main card bouts, beginning with the 10 p.m. ET PPV telecast. In addition, we will deliver up-to-the-minute quick results of the under card action at around 8:30 p.m. ET on fight night. Many of our readers check-in before, during and after the PPV telecast to share their thoughts on the action. In the meantime, feel free to share you thoughts and predictions on the card in the comments section below. Keep in mind that we will also be the spot for the latest news, recaps and post-fight analysis after UFC 91. See you then … as always.

WEC 36 video hype for event at Seminole Hard Rock on Versus Nov. 5 Posted: 27 Oct 2008 09:55 AM CDT Check out more vids of the next big upcoming event after the jump. Urijah Faber vs. Mike Brown: Jens Pulver vs. Leonard Garcia: To check out the latest WEC 36 fight card click here.

Georges St. Pierre impressed with Thiago Alves performance at UFC 90 Posted: 27 Oct 2008 09:02 AM CDT Props: YardBarker.com Quoteworthy: “I was very impressed by the performance of Thiago Alves he showed everybody why he belongs in the top fighters in the welterweight division. Of course, it’s up to the UFC, but I think he will be one of my next opponents pretty soon.” Take that, Matt Hughes. UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre, who was sitting ringside at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” this weekend, liked what he saw out of Thiago Alves’ winning performance over Josh Koscheck in the co main event of the evening. “Rush” will put his 170-pound title on the line against lightweight champion BJ Penn at UFC 94 on January 31. “The Pitbull” indicated at the post-fight press conference that he intends to stay busy rather than wait the six months or so to get his title shot. Therefore, a clash between St. Pierre and Alves would not happen until sometime in early 2009 at the earliest if at all. But boy would it be fun to watch.

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