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MMA Quick Quote: Tom Atencio walks the walk, Dana White talks the talk Posted: 05 May 2009 03:37 AM PDT "I want to thank Prize Fight as well as Fight Force for putting on this card. I've been seen in front of the cameras before as far as the business side, but it's time to fight. I'm doing something Dana White won't do and that's fight. He talks like a fighter, so why doesn't he fight? I'm stepping up to the plate and win, lose or draw I attempted it. I don't ever think he would fight." – Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio takes a rare stab at his UFC counterpart, Dana White, during the press conference to promote his upcoming welterweight fight against Randy Hedderick at "Ultimate Chaos," which is scheduled for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss., on June 27. This will not be the first time that the 42-year-old steps into the ring — Atencio made his mixed martial arts debut back in 2005 and has competed sporadically ever since. He currently runs Affliction MMA, staging two major pay-per-view (PPV) events within the last year. During that time White — who was at one time an aspiring boxer — has been vocal about the “t-shirt” guys wasting gobs of money and running a poor operation. Atencio, for the most part, has bit his lip … until now.

Several UFC 101 fights confirmed for August 8 card in Philadelphia Posted: 05 May 2009 02:59 AM PDT Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently confirmed eight bouts for its first trip ever to the “Keystone State,” which is scheduled to take place at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on August 8. However, the promotion didn’t post the main event of the evening — a lightweight showdown between division champion BJ Penn against number one 155-pound contender, Kenny Florian — on its official Web site. Perhaps the UFC is waiting for a big announcement because both camps, as well as UFC President Dana White, have confirmed that the match up is indeed booked. It doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about … perhaps just a mere oversight. One blockbuster bout that didn’t get overlooked is UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva, stepping up once again to compete at light heavyweight against former 205-pound champion, Forrest Griffin, in a three-round, non-title special attraction. To check out the latest UFC 101 fight card and rumors click here. UFC 101 tickets are not yet on sale, but the promotion promises to release that information shortly. Therefore, if you’re interested in attending it would be wise to check in with us early and often to ensure that you don’t miss the boat — tickets will more than likely move lightning fast. To get up to speed on the latest UFC 101 news be sure to hit up our event archive right here.

George Sotiropoulos vs. Rob Emerson UFC 101 fight booked for August 8 Posted: 05 May 2009 02:55 AM PDT George Sotiropoulos (9-2) from The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 6 is set to face off against season five contestant Rob Emerson (8-7) at UFC 101 from the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on August 8. The promotion recently made the 155-pound contest official, which will mark the first fight for Sotiropoulos since April 2008. He has been plagued with injuries recently, which have kept him out of action since a dominating technical knockout win over fellow TUF contestant Roman Mitichyan at UFC Fight Night 13. Sotiropoulos was among the pre-show favorites to win TUF 6 until the Australian was derailed by Tommy "The Farmboy" Speer in the semifinals. He bounced back to submit Billy Miles via rear naked choke at TUF 6 Finale in the first round back in December 2007. Now apparently fully healed from his many injuries, the Serra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-trained fighter will lock horns with the former "Lords of South County" rich kid gang member. Emerson was riding high after the most impressive performance of his career, blasting Manny Gamburyan at UFC 87: "Seek and Destroy" in August 2008 to record a 12-second knockout. Prior to the win, the former contestant on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 5 rebounded from a rare double knockout-tapout against Gray Maynard to defeat Keita Nakamura via split decision at UFC 81: "Breaking Point" in February. He had complied an impressive six-fight win streak, which included the "No Contest" against Maynard, before he met up with Kurt Pellegrino at UFC Fight Night 17 earlier this year. “Batman” slapped on a fight-ending (rear naked choke) in round two, ending Emerson’s dominating run. “The Saint” will undoubtedly look to get back to his winning ways in the “City of Brotherly Love” on fight night. To check out the latest UFC 101 fight card and rumors click here.

Nick Diaz completes the Xterra Triathlon at Lake Las Vegas (Pic) Posted: 05 May 2009 02:45 AM PDT Pretty intense training: Props: CombatLifestyle.com (via BloodyElbow.com)

Jason MacDonald: ‘My contract has been terminated’ Posted: 04 May 2009 08:58 PM PDT Props: Sportsnet.ca Quoteworthy: I got my walking papers from the UFC. I received an e-mail Saturday from the UFC, from their legal department, saying “my services were no longer needed” and “my contract has been terminated.” It was one of those form letters and at the bottom it said “this is in large part due to your loss in the UFC.” I'm obviously very disappointed. But I'm not at all angry with the UFC. I'm well aware of the fact that I'm paid to perform. And the reality is three of the past four fights, I've lost. I do my best to put on good fights but I put on a horrible performance against (Nate) Quarry. Had I gone out there and had a three-round war with him and had it been extremely exciting, I don't think I'd be in this position. But probably the most disappointing thing is not only that I was let go, but how poorly I performed that night, in Canada, in front of all my Canadian fans. That makes it more bitter for me. But I will always be an optimist. There's no doubt in my mind I can get myself back into the UFC. So I'll just go out there and put on some exciting fights, get some wins and get myself back into the UFC. Former UFC middleweight Jason MacDonald (21-12) confirms his release from Zuffa after nearly a three year career inside the Octagon. “The Athlete” was halfway through a four-fight contract signed last September and even had the chance to be immortalized courtesy of a Round 5 action figure. Unfortunately MacDonald had been inconsistent during his tenure with the UFC, going 5-5 and recently losing two straight — including a dreadful performance against Nate Quarry at UFC 97 back on April 18. The Canadian saw his share of defeats and was gracious in each one — including today’s issued courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.

The UFC 98 experiment: Krzysztof Soszynski replaces Houston Alexander against Andre Gusmao Posted: 04 May 2009 08:33 PM PDT The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 semifinalist Krzysztof Soszynski has been tapped to replace an injured Houston Alexander against Andre Gusmao at UFC 98 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 23. Alexander was forced to withdraw from the card after breaking his hand during training. This is the third bout within the past four days to undergo a change in competitors. Late last week, James Irvin was replaced by Xavier Foupa-Pokam against Drew McFedries after tearing his knee and postponing his middleweight debut. Later that day, Chael Sonnen was called up to replace an injured Yushin Okami opposite Dan Miller after "Thunder," like "The Sandman," did serious damage to his knee. Frank Mir, Quinton Jackson and Josh Koscheck were all attached to this card at one point as well — before injuries gave them the boot. "The Assassin" now has the honor of joining that illustrious fraternity. "The Polish Experiment" made his homecoming at UFC 97 from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, on April 18, defeating former WEC 205-pound champion Brian "All American" Stann via first round submission — his third straight finish by kimura. Soszynski (17-8-1) trains under Dan Henderson in Temecula, Calif., along with training partner Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. He has a strong wrestling base, power in his both his hands and feet and solid submission skills to boot. Gusmao (5-1) was originally set to face off against Antonio Mendes at UFC 93 at the O2 Arena in Dublin, Ireland, on January 17, until an injury forced him off the card and he was replaced by Eric Schafer. The former "New York Pitbull" was undefeated until he locked horns with the up-and-comer Jon Jones at UFC 87: "Seek and Destroy" in August, losing via unanimous decision in his debut for the promotion (and enduring some low blows that may or may not have been illegal). Prior to joining the UFC, Gusmao competed in the International Fight League (IFL). In fact, his first round knockout win (knee) of Mike Ciesnolevicz sealed the victory for the Renzo Gracie-led Pitbulls at the 2007 Team Championship Final in September 2007. UFC 98 will feature (we hope) the light heavyweight title fight between Rashad Evans and undefeated challenger Lyoto Machida. Also on the May 23 card, former UFC welterweight champions Matt Hughes and Matt Serra will finally settle their eternal grudge match. For the latest UFC 98 fight card and rumors click here.

Kenny Florian video on BJ Penn fight at UFC 101 and more Posted: 04 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT Props: OffTheRecord.com (Thanks to MMAmania.com reader “Jason” for the assist.)

Bobby Lashley and Bob Sapp promote ‘Ultimate Chaos’ fight on June 27 Posted: 04 May 2009 01:59 PM PDT "I'm going to try and be good this time. Let's be honest, this fight is going to be a train wreck. It's two guys going out there to bang and it's not going to take three rounds to do it, either; one maybe two. The fans are going to get what they want and June 27th Bob Sapp is going to get beat!" –Bobby Lashley BILOXI, Miss. (May 4, 2009) – The cage may have to be reinforced for the "Ultimate Chaos" headliner as former WWE star Bobby Lashley and mixed-martial-arts legend Bob "The Beast" Sapp battle June 27 on a special pay-per-view event live from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi. The chiseled 6-3, 265-pound Lashley (2-0), 3-time NCAA champion (1996-98) and 4-time All-America wrestler at Missouri Valley College, takes on the 6-4, 350-pound Sapp (10-3-1), who played in the NFL for four years before becoming an iconic combat fighter in Japan. "Ultimate Chaos," presented by Prize Fight Promotions and Fight Force International, in association with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum, Treasure Bay Casino and Budweiser, is being produced and distributed by Gotham MMA and Integrated Sports at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in the United States on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN and DirecTV for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. "There is a huge MMA fan base down here on the coast and this card speaks for itself," co-promoter Ricky Derouen (Chairman of the Board, Fight Force International) said. "I'm very proud to have this event in my hometown. That really means a lot to me. Just to give an idea of the hype surrounding this event, the tickets go on sale May 8th. We have 1,300 floor seats available and 1,100 of those are already gone. The tickets aren't even for sale, yet, so that's a good thing." After graduating from Missouri Valley College, Lashley joined the U.S. Army and was a 2-time Armed Forces Champion and 2002 Military Games Championship silver medalist. Two years ago, Lashley became a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) superstar, joining Donald Trump at Wrestlemania 23 in a bet against WWE president Vince McMahon. Lashley won the match and helped Trump shave McMahon's head in the ring. Bobby made his MMA debut last December 13, stopping Joshua Franklin only 0.41 into the opening round, and March 21 he won a 3-round decision versus 37-fight veteran Jason Guida in Pensacola (FL). Sapp starred as an offensive lineman on the University of Washington's football team, winning the prestigious Morris Award, and he was selected in the third round of the NFL draft in 1997 by the Chicago Bears. Bob turned to pro wrestling after football and was later recruited by Pride in Japan, where his incredible size, strength and bull-rush style made him an instant fan favorite. He went on to star in K-1 as well as become an actor, playing roles in movies like The Longest Yard and Elektra. In the co-feature, controversial Dutch heavyweight Gilbert "The Hurricane" Yvel faces Brazilian striker, Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo (16-8-0), former UFC heavyweight title challenger. Lightweight Din "Dinyero" Thomas (24-8-0), star of The Ultimate Fighter 4, meets former KOTC and Gladiator Challenge champion Javier "Showtime" Vasquez, while hot Canadian lightweight prospect Chris "The Polish Hammer" Horodecki (12-1-0) tangles with dangerous William "The Bull" Sriyapai (12-4-0). Also fighting on the card, welterweights Brett Cooper (8-4-0) and Waachiim "Native Warrior" Spirit Wolf (5-4) throw-down against each other, Affliction vice president Tom Atencio (1-0) moves from the office to the cage against Randy Hedderick, middleweights James Oros (3-2-0) and Colby McMahan (1-0-0) also square-off. Tickets are priced at $25.00 (limited discount seating), $40.00 (general admission) and $55.00 (premium reserved seating) and go on sale May 8 (8 AM/CT) at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and all TicketMaster outlets. For more information go to www.theultimatechaos.com, www.fightforce.org or www.mscoastcoliseum.com. Doors open at 5PM/CT, first fight 6 PM/CT, and the first PPV fight is at 8 PM/CT.

Strikeforce ‘Lawler vs Shields’ fight card and rumors from Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri, June 6 Posted: 04 May 2009 12:47 PM PDT Event: Strikeforce: “Lawler vs. Shields” Date: Saturday, June, 2009, at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime Location: Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri Main event: 182 lbs. (Catchweight): “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-4) vs. Jake Shields (22-4-1) Main card (Televised): 180 lbs. (Catchweight): Nick Diaz (19-7) vs. Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (17-5) 205 lbs.: Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (7-1) vs. Jared Hamman (10-1) 265 lbs.: Alistair “Demolition Man” Overeem (29-11) vs. TBA (0-0)* 170 lbs.: Phil “New York Bad Ass” Baroni (13-10) vs. Joe “Diesel” Riggs (29-10) 185 lbs.: Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (16-12) vs. “Smokin’” Joe Villasenor (26-6)* Under card: 170: Josh Baumgartner (5-0) vs. Jesse Finney (3-0)* 170 lbs.: Tyron “Tobasco” Woodley (2-0) vs. Sal Woods (2-4)* 185 lbs.: Lucas Lopes (8-8) vs. Scott Ventimiglia (12-5-1)* 155 lbs.: Pat Benson (3-5-1) vs. Dave Cochran (16-19)* 265 lbs.: Booker DeRousse (1-1) vs. James Wade (0-0)* *Fight not confirmed by Strikeforce.

UFC streaming ‘Machida vs Sokoudjou’ to hype Brazilian’s UFC 98 fight against Rashad Evans (Video) Posted: 04 May 2009 10:56 AM PDT Lyoto Machida spoiling the UFC debut of Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at UFC 79: ‘Nemesis’ back in December of 2007 courtesy of the UFC and Cazadores.com. Will “The Dragon” have similar luck against “Sugar” on May 23?

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