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| Like never before: A conversation with UFC lightweight Diego Sanchez Posted: 21 Feb 2009 02:41 AM CST
UFC 95 "Sanchez vs. Stevenson" is set to go down tonight starting at 9 pm ET from the O2 Arena in London, England. Headlining the event opposite Joe Stevenson will be Diego Sanchez, a former welterweight contender making his much-anticipated debut at 155 lbs. The inaugural Ultimate Fighter (TUF) middleweight champion had resisted the move in recent past, especially since he was knocking on the door of a potential 170-pound title shot with a win over Thiago Alves at UFC 90: "Silva vs. Cote" back in October. Sanchez had to withdraw from the bout, however, because of a rib injury. Alves went on to strafe last minute replacement and top player in the division, Josh Koscheck, to score a convincing unanimous decision win. While the injury was legitimate, it didn’t stop the critics from making accusations about his desire to fight the dreaded “Pitbull.” Some even accused him of “running” to the lightweight division to avoid him. Sanchez was unfazed. “People are entitled to an opinion. It is what it is. You get hurt, you get hurt. I just trust God’s plan!” His new career at 155-pounds starts against one of the top contenders in the weight class. Joe Stevenson, TUF 2 welterweight winner and newly-minted Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, poses a very serious threat to Diego’s plans to move quickly through the lightweight ranks. And Sanchez isn’t taking it lightly. “It’s a good opponent and I’m very prepared. Being the main event at a UFC is a dream come true. I’m ready for the time change, it’s all about being able to flip the switch to ‘on’. I can do that very easy after learning peak mind state training at Tony Robbins. My game plan is to just outclass him in all aspects and to stay out of his guillotine. I’m prepared for that move.” When Diego posted to his MySpace blog last December that he was dropping to lightweight, it wasn’t long before he was called out by former 155-pound title holder Sean Sherk. A win over Stevenson and Sanchez feels a bout with Sherk is inevitable. “It will happen. He is the top fighter at 155 in my opinion. He just was dumb to try and strike with BJ (Penn at UFC 84). He should have pushed the pace with scrambles and a lot of takedowns. But I guess he was not confident in his ground game.” As if facing “The Muscle Shark” wasn’t bold enough, “Nightmare” can even see himself eventually taking on perhaps the best lightweight in the world in BJ “The Prodigy” Penn. “(Dropping weight will be a) good opportunity to better my stock as a fighter. Yes, I beat (Kenny) Florian easy and think as long as I show I can make the weight and dominate Joe, I can argue … I know the fans want me and BJ. It makes no difference in the outcome. BJ gets tired easy. It’s pathetic to think I really believed he had focused and trained hard (for UFC 94). I hope we get to fight. It’s a dream fight for me.” Despite his optimism, not everyone was convinced that Sanchez would be able to drop the weight in time for his fight at UFC 95 - especially since he was as high as 195 lbs. just two months out. It didn’t matter. Aside from his commitment to his new division, Sanchez had the power of herbal sweetener Stevia on his side. “Stevia is amazing, good for cutting weight. It’s like a healthy lemon aid. Sweet! Also it gives good energy. I’m faster, stronger, more dedicated, and very focused - like never before. It’s all or nothing from here on out, I promise.” In the end, Sanchez can’t credit Stevia, dedication or anything else for his overall success in the UFC. That good fortune came from none other than the man upstairs, the notorious G.O.D. “All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me! The victory is not mine, it is his. Without him I am nothing. With him I am everything. I love Jesus so much! Thanks (also) to the Maloof family, Sacramento Kings, Bad Boy MMA and all my supporters.” It all goes down a little later tonight. Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the tape-delayed main card action starting tonight at 9pm ET. |
| MFC 20 results and fight recaps for ‘Destined for Greatness’ Posted: 21 Feb 2009 01:02 AM CST
Please note that Kelsey Philpott, MFC Staff, is responsible for the results and detailed fights recaps. We’d also like to thank Andy and Ryan from CompuStrike (www.compustrike.com) for providing statistics all night long. You can find a host of fight analyses and recaps using their proprietary statistics program on the Web site. Maximum Fighting Championship (MFC) 20: “Destined for Greatness” tonight (Friday, Feb. 20) went off from the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Two MFC titles were on the line this evening — MFC Welterweight Champion Pat "Bam Bam" Healy defended his title against Ryan "The Real Deal" Ford and Derrick Noble and Antonio McKee battled for the first-ever MFC lightweight crown. However, it was a fantastic match up between two former Elite XC welterweight number one contenders, British striker Paul "Semtex" Daley against Minnesota Martial Arts Academy trainee Nick "The Goat" Thompson, which had piqued the interest of most mixed martial arts fans. So who were the winners and losers? Check out the quick results and fight recaps after the jump.
MFC 20 quick results:
MFC 20 fight recaps: MFC Welterweight Championship: Ryan Ford vs. Pat Healy Round 1: Started out with a few light exchanges, but Healy proved to be a man of his word and looked to establish his wrestling game with two early takedowns. Ford, though, demonstrated an improved ground game and managed to twist out of most bottom positions. Middle of the round, Ford began his patented slams and almost slammed himself into a deep guillotine. Round 2: They engaged for a second but clinched right afterwards and Healy caught a groin shot. After a rest, Healy came back with a timed takedown off of Ford's kick. Despite Ford getting back to his feet and slamming Healy, he ended up giving up his back to Healy with a minute left in the round. Round 3: A brief opening exchange resulted in a clinch and Healy – so slippery – managed to slide out of Ford's back body lock into a body lock of his own. Ford regained control of the clinch and slammed Healy once more, forcing both to scramble and wrestle for position. Healy ended up with side control, then mount but Ford used a well-timed Kimura to sweep before the bell. Round 4: Ford came out with two big kicks and Healy timed the second for a takedown that sent Ford through the ropes. As they were stood up, Ford threw a right overhand that Healy ducked for another easy takedown. Healy again slid his way to rear mount and a body triangle, all the while reigning hammer fists from the side. The round ends in the rear body triangle. If it's any indication of the wild striking, at this point Ford is 3 of 13 with his punches and 6 of 7 on his leg strikes. Round 5: Ford starts the round with a huge slam that sends Healy crashing to the mat from five feet up, but as Ford attempts to mount, he's stuffed back into guard. Ford controls the early portion of the round and even pulling into a half-guard guillotine attempt. It fails, but Ford manages to sweep and ends up pinning Healy's arm for a few strikes. They roll to the center of the ring where Ford resumes his top position pulling out everything to try and earn a stoppage. Healy, however, showed great control of Ford's hands. Notable Statistics: Indicative of the wrestling and power match this was, Ford only landed 28 of 47 (60%) total strikes: 4 of 15 on punches, 7 of 8 on legs, 17 of 24 on the ground. Healy landed 44 of 77 (57%) and 39 of those 44 from the ground. Final result: Pat Healy, Split Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48) -end- Nick Thompson vs. Paul Daley Round 1: Interestingly, they both meet with smiles as the bell rings to start the first. Daley opens with his strength: several good leg kicks. After a long, tempered exchange Thompson attempts a trip and works his way along the ropes to a takedown. Sitting in half-guard he uses a combination of hammer fists and postured punches to do some quality damage. Round 2: The round opens with Daley taking the center and initiating with some good jab-hook combinations. Thompson shoots but Daley stuffs it completely and back to the stand-up they go. As they continue, Thompson uses the jab to keep Daley at a distance and out of power range. Then, after some closer exchanges, Daley lands a vicious hook to the side of the head and sends Thompson sprawling. He jumps on top of Thompson and hammers away but Thompson bravely weathers the storm. Round 3: Daley takes a page out of Thompson's book and starts with some solid jabs. Thompson decides he's had enough and shoots for the single leg. Despite Daley sprawling, Thompson manages to drag him down landing in side control. Thompson tries to end it with a kimura, but Daley rolls out of it. So, he sticks to side control and light elbows for the rest of the round. Notable Statistics: Impressively, Thompson's striking proved to be most accurate as he landed 58 of 96 (60%) on the feet. Daley, by contrast, landed 19 of 54 (35%), but many more power shots. Final result: Nick Thompson, Unanimous Decision -end- MFC Lightweight Championship: Derrick Noble vs. Antonio McKee Round 1: It was a pretty close round as both men took the center of the ring cautiously and worked to establish their rhythms. About two minutes in, Noble gets McKee to bite on a jab and then catches him ducking with a glancing head kick, but McKee manages to weather the storm. To end the round, McKee made a successful takedown and followed them up with a few side push kicks. Round 2: They came out much the same way in the second: Noble landing some solid leg kicks. McKee finally sets up a double leg and takes Noble down where he works the body. The rest of the round would go on to consist a leg kick battle and McKee probably got the best of the exchanges. Round 3: Both men maintained their cautious approach in the third, keeping their distance and only exchanging single strikes. McKee lands another solid takedown midway through the round; something that has likely put him ahead on the scorecards throughout the first three rounds. With the top position, McKee then proceeds to land some solid knees to the body and elbows to the head (which bloody Noble's nose a touch). Round 4: As the round starts, the difference in hand speed becomes a little more apparent as McKee starts to catch Noble on some of these exchanges. He's likely taken him down enough to keep Noble guessing and more open on the feet. Another takedown two minutes in sees McKee land in half guard where he punishes Noble and opens a slight cut on the left cheek bone. The round ends with the two once again prodding one another in the center of the ring, much to the chagrin of the 2,500 in attendance. Round 5: The two contenders enter the final round with a good exchange, only to fall back into their chess match. It's got to the point where McKee isn't even setting up his takedowns anymore; he's simply shooting and taking a leg on the way to the ground. McKee lands a right on the ground that opens a cut above Noble's right eye and continues to strike from the top. The round ends with McKee reigning punches from inside Noble's guard. Notable Statistics: McKee landed 81 of 176 (46%) total strikes, but a telling 60% in the fifth and final round. Of those 81 landed, 67 were on the ground. Final result: Antonio McKee, Unanimous Decision -end- Rory Singer vs. Bryan Baker Round 1: Both men seemed intent to stand and exchange. Singer looked to have the technical edge, using combinations to effectively set up crisp body shots and leg kicks. In the middle of the round, Baker landed an awkward shot that sent Singer to the ground, but as Baker jumped in he more or less landed in an arm bar. It was TIGHT, but somehow Baker weathered it only to see Singer shift to a triangle. Somehow, Baker escaped and gained the advantage on top, eventually posturing up and landing some sick standing shots to Singer between the ropes to end the fight. Notable Statistics: To illustrate the difference in striking, Singer landed 26 of 65 on his feet where Baker landed just 8 of 53 (15%). To end the fight, Baker landed 6 of 8 on the ground. Final result: Bryan Baker KO (Ground Punches) (4:55) -end- David Heath vs. Roger Hollett Round 1: Both men touch gloves and throw a few probing strikes to find their range. Heath then ducks a lunging Hollett and uses Hollett's momentum to take him down. From the top, Heath uses a series of body shots to pass to half-guard and then goes back to the head and opens up a small cut over Hollett's nose. The two scramble and as Hollett makes it to his knees; Heath reaches for a guillotine and pulls into half-guard for the submission. Notable Statistics: Heath landed 17 of 34 strikes (61%) – all of them on the ground. Final result: David Heath, Round 1 Submission (Guillotine) (2:30) -end- Dave Mewborn vs. Solomon Hutcherson Round 1: Mewborn scored an easy takedown early into the round, much to the surprise of Hutcherson, but Solomon used his power and wrestling experience to reverse and get back to his feet. Solomon then went to work with a takedown and some good elbow shots from the top. Mewborn managed to get to his feet near the middle of the round and then shot for a nice double leg sweep takedown and moved immediately into half guard. However, Hutcherson managed to land the most serious blows from his back and opened a huge cut under Mewborn's right eye. Round 2: They both come out with a kick, but Hutcherson secured the under hooks for a takedown and began reigning down elbows from the top. Eventually they're stood up and both go toe to toe - Hutcherson lands some vicious body kicks, while Mewborn utilizes an effective Thai Clinch and some solid knees. Hutcherson takes a few knees before dipping for a takedown and some further ground and pound, opening a second cut above Mewborn's left eye. The two end the round in a scramble to a deafening roar from the crowd. That was a war of a round! Round 3: It starts with another flurried exchange: Hutcherson uses a left hook and right upper cut combination over and over to punish Mewborn. The two clinch and Hutcherson secures another takedown where he begins his brutal ground and pound again. After a minute, Mewborn creates some space and shifts his hips enough to put Hutcherson off balance and take his back. He tried to sink in a rear naked choke, but to no avail. Hutcherson turned out of it and began one last assault before the bell rang to end the third. Notable Statistics: Hutcherson landed 76% of his strikes (145 of 190 and, tellingly, 99 of them were from the ground). He also landed 82% of his leg strikes (14 of 17, 3 kicks and 11 knees). Mewborn landed 37% (26 of 70 where 11 of them were the vicious knees from the 2nd round). Final result: Solomon Hutcherson, Unanimous Decision -end- Simon Marini vs. Ryan Machan Round 1: Machan opened the round with a takedown and efficiently worked to Marini's back. After a brief escape, Machan secured Marini's back again but this time flattened him out and worked in a rear naked choke for the win. Notable Statistics: Marini threw two strikes and missed both. Machan scored one very effective takedown. Final result: Ryan Machan, Round 1 Submission (RNC) (1:30) -end- Alain Hernandez vs. Evan Sanguin Round 1: Both came out swinging. First Sanguin landed a heavy right, then Hernandez landed a vicious left that knocked Sanguin down. The reeling Sanguin clinched up and eventually managed a trip takedown into guard, but there was relatively little action so the ref stood them up. Sanguin went in for the takedown again, this time Hernandez hit his head on the mat on the way down and looked to be out. Sanguin mounted quite easily, got a shot off before the ref eventually stopped it. Notable Statistics: Sanguin scored two great takedowns and landed 50% of his strikes from the top position. Final result: Evan Sanguin, Round 1 KO (Smacking Head on Canvas) (2:55) -end- Donovan Foley vs. Josh Russell Round 1: They met and Russell immediately double-legged Foley to the canvas and quickly passed to side control. Foley pushed off and created enough separation for a scramble, but Russell used Foley's momentum against him by taking a high back mount and then sliding around into a deep triangle from his back. Notable Statistics: Russell landed one very good takedown. Final result: Russell, Round 1 Submission Triangle (1:00) -end- Richard Symonds vs. Brad Zazulak Round 1: The two come out exchanging leg kicks for the opening 30 seconds until Zazulak lands an opening right that rocks Symonds and the 38 year-old from New Albuquerque, New Mexico was on the run for the rest of the fight. Despite a valiant effort, the repeated knees out of the clinch and a barrage of wicked left hooks proved to be too much for the reeling Symonds. Notable Statistics: Zazulak landed 60% of his strikes and 25 of the 58 in total from the ground. Final result: Zazulak, Round 1 TKO Punches (3:55) -end- |
| UFC 2009 Undisputed video game: Diego Sanchez vs Joe Stevenson Gameplay Posted: 20 Feb 2009 08:52 PM CST |
| UWC: ‘Man ‘O’ War’ weigh in results; Chase Beebe a no show Posted: 20 Feb 2009 08:11 PM CST
The Washington D.C.-based mixed martial arts promotion Ultimate Warrior Challenge (UWC) is all set for UWC 5: “Man ‘O’ War” tomorrow night at the George Mason University Patriot Center Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. There’s just one problem … and it’s kind of a big. Former WEC bantamweight champion Chase Beebe — who was scheduled to headline the show opposite Mike Easton — did not make the trip into town. He claims that a knee injury forced him out of the bout at the last minute and he could not make the 135-pound division limit. Here’s a snip from UWC CEO Marcello Foran:
There’s no word yet on whether or not Beebe will be recovered in time to participate in the opening round of the DREAM 2009 Featherweight Grand Prix Tournament, which is scheduled to take place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, in about two weeks. In the meantime, he has been replaced by H.I.T. (Hughes Intensive Training) Squad's Justin Robbins for the UWC main event against Easton. Here are the full weigh-in results for UWC 5: “Man ‘O’ War:”
*Note: Fighters are allowed to weigh one pound more than the division limit. MMAmania.com will provide the full results and recap of everything that goes down at the George Mason University Patriot Center Arena tomorrow night shortly after the event. And remember that you can watch the event that the promotion is calling, “the biggest MMA event in the nation’s capital’s history” via a live stream on Sherdog.com on fight night. |
| Shinya Aoki, Mitsuhiro Ishida and others confirmed for DREAM 7 on March 8 Posted: 20 Feb 2009 08:06 PM CST
Japan’s Fighting Entertainment Group (FEG) today announced two additional match ups for DREAM 7, which features the opening round of its 2009 Featherweight Grand Prix from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on March 8. Shinya Aoki (19-3) will be back in action fresh off winning the WAMMA Lightweight Championship by making quick work of Eddie Alvarez in December 2008. “Magic Pants” will suit up this time for David Gardner (16-10), which is expected to serve as a tune-up fight for the Japanese mainstay. That’s because Aoki is getting ready to move up in weight to participate in the DREAM 2009 Welterweight Grand Prix that begins in April. The fight between Aoki and Gardner will be fought at a catchweight of 163 pounds. Also in action will be Mitsuhiro Ishida (17-4-1) up against Daisuke Nakamura (19-9). Nakamura had a very good outing in 2008, winning seven straight — two of which were flying armbar victories … an impressive feat to say the least. He’ll take a step up in competition in the likes of Ishida and will certainly have his hands full. Ishida has also been linked to appear in some capacity on Strikeforce’s April card with Gilbert Melendez (14-2) and Josh Thomson (16-2) being strong candidates for opponents. However, that could now be in jeopardy depending on if he’s able to make a quick enough turn around to fight again when the Showtime special airs on fight night. That’s it for now. Look for more fights to be added as we get closer to March 8. Here is the current line-up for DREAM 7:
Featherweight Grand Prix Opening Round Masakazu Imanari (15-6-1) vs. Atsushi Yamamoto (12-5-1) Catchweight (163 pounds): Shinya Aoki (19-3) vs. David Gardner (16-10) Lightweight: Mitsuhiro Ishida (17-4-1) vs. Daisuke Nakamura (19-9) |
| UFC Quick Quote: Dana White says BJ Penn to remain at 155 despite ‘Grease Gate’ controversy Posted: 20 Feb 2009 07:57 PM CST
– UFC President Dana White vents via TSN.com about the cloud of controvery that has enveloped the main event at UFC 94: “St. Pierre vs. Penn 2.” He is clearly very upset about the “greasing” incident that took place inside the Octagon, which has perhaps tarnished the dominant performance that the Canadian turned in against the lightweight champion. In fact, White compares it to the recent illegal wraps discovered on the hands of boxer Antonio Margarito prior to his recent fight against Miguel Cotto. Regardless, White does not seem to think a third fight between St. Pierre and Penn is necessary. He indicated that Penn will remain in the 155-pound class. |
| UFC 95 videos blog with Dana White Posted: 20 Feb 2009 06:36 PM CST |
| Joe Stevenson: Diego Sanchez shouldn’t ‘piss off’ BJ Penn Posted: 20 Feb 2009 04:17 PM CST
Props: Setanta.com Quoteworthy:
UFC lightweight contender Joe Stevenson says that his UFC 95 opponent, Diego Sanchez, shouldn't be so quick to call out the division's kingpin, BJ Penn. "Daddy" speaks from personal experience, having been on the receiving end of a rear naked choke that forced blood to squirt out of a gash in his forehead, courtesy of "The Prodigy." Stevenson is also quick to point out that the line for the lightweight belt starts in back, as the division isn't short of contenders. When asked if he can envision a situation where current #1 contender Kenny Florian would beat Penn for the title, Stevenson said flatly, "No." Ouch. Looks like we'll find out shortly who climbs up the ladder to be that much closer to a title shot. Stevenson and Sanchez are only a few short hours away from punching each other in the face. (Photo courtesy of MMAWeekly.com and Photoshop compliments of FightLinker.com … I think.) |
| Lightweight Diego Sanchez tips scales at UFC 95 weigh in (Pic) Posted: 20 Feb 2009 02:08 PM CST
Props: CombatLifestyle.com (Click the link to check out more weigh-in pics from “Sanchez vs. Stevenson. Big thanks to Tracy Lee) |
| UFC 97 tickets for Bell Centre in Montreal on April 18 sold out Posted: 20 Feb 2009 01:10 PM CST
The sophomore effort for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) north of the United States border appears to be twice as nice. Tickets for UFC 97: “Redemption” at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on April are all gone … and it all happened in less than one week. That’s great news for the more than 20,000 fans who got in before the well dried up, considering, too, that the major event was in jeopardy of being relocated to Las Vegas just a few days ago. Indeed, the Quebec Athletic Commission (QAC) had voiced serious concerns that the North America Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts did not match the current set on its books. However, with millions of dollars clearly at stake and more than 20,000 tickets already gobbled up by rabid fans, the two sides were able to hammer out a mutual understanding in short order. What a relief on so many different levels. UFC 97 is already on its way to mirroring the success UFC 83: "St. Pierre vs. Serra 2," which shattered North American mixed martial arts attendance (21,390) and gate ($5.1 million) figures back in April 2008. The pay-per-view (PPV) event features middleweight champion Anderson Silva, putting his 185-pound title on the line against number one division contender, Thales Leites. In the co-main event, Mauricio Rua — fresh off his less-than-thrilling victory over Mark "The Hammer" Coleman at UFC 93 — will challenge former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell. To check out the complete "Redemption" fight card, which the promotion finalized just yesterday, click here. UFC 97 tickets can be purchased through StubHub.com (Note: StubHub often has seats available even if the event is "sold out"). |
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