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- UFC 100 video: Thiago Alves if going to be George St. Pierre’s toughest test
- Coming soon: Takanori Gomi interview exclusive with MMAmania.com
- Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 medical suspensions and injuries from NSAC for June 20 event
- Ultimate Fighter 10 video: Kimbo Slice featured in Spike TV commercial for Sept. 16 season debut
- UFC The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 Finale fighter paydays and salaries for ‘Sanchez vs Guida’
- Monday afternoon scrap: Big MMA weekend in review
- Gina Carano answers ‘Cyborg’ choke with a media sleeper of her own (Video)
- Nate Diaz: ‘I lost a 15-minute grappling match’ at TUF 9 Finale
- MMA Quick Pic: Sneak peek at ‘Series 4′ of Round 5 MMA collectibles
- UFC 100 video preview for ‘Lesnar vs Mir’ on July 11 (Extended)
| UFC 100 video: Thiago Alves if going to be George St. Pierre’s toughest test Posted: 23 Jun 2009 04:36 AM PDT |
| Coming soon: Takanori Gomi interview exclusive with MMAmania.com Posted: 22 Jun 2009 07:08 PM PDT
Former Pride FC lightweight champion and posterboy, Takanori Gomi, was a consensus top-ranked lightweight in the world as recently as 2008 — some even branded “The Fireball Kid” the best in the business. That status quickly changed, however, when Gomi dropped back-to-back fights at the hands of Sergey Golyaev and Satoru Kitaoka under the World Victory Road banner. Critics quickly jumped on Gomi, saying he was protected throughout his career when the Japan-based promotion was in its heyday. In addition, it was suggested that he lacked motivation and top-flight competition to still be considered among the world’s best at 160 pounds. Fast forward to the Shooto: “Traditional Final” event on May 10, 2009, which proved that he may very well have a lot left in the tank — Gomi thoroughly dominated Shooto Welterweight Champion Takashi Nakakura from the opening bell, dropping him in the second round to record the knockout victory. Could this impressive performance signal the rebirth of his career and be a sign of future success? It’s possible. And if it does it could very well happen outside his native Japan — Gomi has his sights set squarely on the United States mixed martial arts scene. In fact, rumors swirled over the past few weeks regarding Gomi potentially fighting against Brett Cooper at Affliction: “Trilogy” on Aug. 1. However, the two sides could not come to an agreement regarding the weight limit. Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio publicly announced that the match up was off, but at the same time gave no indication as to what would happen next in regard to Gomi’s fighting future stateside. So we went right to the source to get the skinny on the situation. That’s right, the "Fireball Kid" took some time out of his busy training schedule and contract negotiations to speak with us to answer a few burning questions. Check it out:
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Now that the (Brett) Cooper fight was called off can we expect your next fight be in Japan or in the United States? Takanori Gomi: My next fight will be in the U.S. Now we have several offers from some promoters, including, of course, Affliction. We are considering all those offers right now. I am willing to have a fight in the U.S. as soon as possible. I want to show the U.S. fans my fighting spirit. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Has the UFC ever been in contact with you about potentially joining its organization going forward? If so, how did those discussions go? Takanori Gomi (MMAmania.com): We do have their offer and we are in the middle of discussion. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What is the motivation for you wanting to come to the United States and fight at this stage in your career? Takanori Gomi: My motivation is to innovate myself. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Will you be moving your training camp to the United States? If so, who will you train with and where? Takanori Gomi: Basically, I will keep my training in my gym (Rascal gym in Kanagama, Japan). Occasionally, I would like to train at Xtreme Couture or Wanderlei Silva's gym. They have all been great to us. We have great relationships with each other. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Who are some of the other lightweights that fight in the United States who you are interested in matching your skills up against and fighting? Takanori Gomi: I don't mind who is coming. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Is a rematch with UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn something you would be interested in? Takanori Gomi: Of course I am. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Recently, Caol Uno and Yoshihiro Akiyama joined the UFC. Both fought in Japan for many years. Do you think this migration will continue to be a trend in the future? Takanori Gomi: I have no idea. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Overall, what is the impression of the UFC over in Japan? Do the Japanese fans and the fighters who fight in Japan think highly of the UFC or are there certain aspects of their business operation they don't care for? Give me a general sense of how the UFC and their President Dana White are perceived in Japan. Takanori Gomi: I think the UFC is already popular among the Japanese and will be much more popular in the near future. We don't know his (Dana White) personality that well so we don't care much about that issue. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Most media publications in the United States had you ranked as the top lightweight in the world prior to your losses against Golyaev and Kitaoka. Are you still the same fighter we saw dominate the Pride FC organization a couple of years ago? Takanori Gomi: Of course I believe I am. I'm sure that I'm on the same level as I was back in those days. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What do you have to say to your critics out there who believe you can no longer compete with the best lightweights in the world or the ones who feel you lack motivation at this point in your career? Takanori Gomi: After winning the (Takashi) Nakakura match my motivation is to the max. I can prove that the critics are wrong. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): If you had to rank the top three lightweights in the world who would be on your list? Takanori Gomi: Certainly B.J. Penn is the best. I don't know who the others would be. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Will you have another championship belt around your waist before you retire from fighting? Takanori Gomi: I will! Check it out! Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Is there anything you would like to say to your fans out there or any sponsors you would like to thank? Takanori Gomi: I'm looking forward to seeing my fans. You can see the "Real Fireball" in the United States soon. Derek Bolender is a staff writer for InsideFights.com. He is also syndicated at FoxSports.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/DerekMMAwriter and on Facebook. Look for future articles from him on MMAmania.com. |
| Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 medical suspensions and injuries from NSAC for June 20 event Posted: 22 Jun 2009 05:53 PM PDT
The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) today issued its list of medical suspensions for The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 Finale," which took place on Saturday, June 20, from "The Pearl" at the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Despite eating more than his fair share of Diego Sanchez knuckle sandwiches, Clay Guida — who was bloodied and beaten, but still bouncing wanting more when his 15 minutes were up — somehow escaped with a rather light suspension that will keep him on the sidelines until mid August. His opponent, Sanchez, on the other hand is free to compete again as soon as he wants. However, it more than likely won’t happen until the winner of the bout between UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn and number one division contender, Kenny Florian, is determined at UFC 101: “Declaration” in about eight weeks. The only other notable (or lengthy) suspensions are lightweight Brad Blackburn and welterweight Kevin Burns. Both fighters went the distance in their respective bouts and were unable to escape injury-free, forcing them out of action until December unless physicians provide them with clearance to return sooner. Here is the complete list of TUF 9 Finale injuries and their medical instructions:
Just a quick reminder: Fighters often return to action much quicker once doctors give them the green light. The lengthy suspensions are just a precaution in most cases. For complete results and coverage of "Sanchez vs. Guida" click here and here. |
| Ultimate Fighter 10 video: Kimbo Slice featured in Spike TV commercial for Sept. 16 season debut Posted: 22 Jun 2009 02:11 PM PDT It’s already begun: |
| UFC The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 Finale fighter paydays and salaries for ‘Sanchez vs Guida’ Posted: 22 Jun 2009 11:50 AM PDT
The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) today released the official fighter purses for those who competed at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Finale 9: "Sanchez vs. Guida" this past Saturday night (June 20) from “The Pearl” at the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Two former TUF champions — Diego Sanchez and Joe Stevenson — were the big winners of the night, taking home an event-leading $90,000 for “Nightmare” and $70,000 for “Daddy.” Both fighters experienced similar results inside the Octagon — Sanchez was rewarded for his slugfest split decision win over Clay Guida while Stevenson went home a little richer after overwhelming Nate Diaz en route to a unanimous decision victory. New UFC lightweight and welterweight additions Ross Pearson and James Wilks also took home a TUF-leading $16,000 apiece after besting their opposing “US vs. UK” finalists to capture the TUF crown and a six-figure contract. UFC veteran and Octagon workhorse Chris Lytle was the third biggest earner of the night when he pocketed $36,000 for throwing leather with Kevin Burns for three rounds in a performance that also garnered each brawler one of three “Knockout of the Night” bonuses. Here is the complete list of TUF 9 Finale payouts:
Diego Sanchez — $90,000 ($45,000 to show, $45,000 to win) James Wilks — $16,000 ($8,000 to show, $8,000 to win) Chris Lytle — $36,000 ($18,000 to show, $18,000 to win) Ross Pearson — $16,000 ($8,000 to show, $8,000 to win) Joe Stevenson — $70,000 ($35,000 to show, $35,000 to win) Melvin Guillard — $24,000 ($12,000 to show, $12,000 to win) Brad Blackburn — $18,000 ($9,000 to show, $9,000 to win) Tomasz Drwal — $15,600 ($7,000 to show, $7,000 to win, $1600 of opponent’s purse for Ciesnolevicz’s failure to make weight) Nick Osipczak — $16,000 ($8,000 to show, $8,000 to win) Jason Dent — $16,000 ($8,000 to show, $8,000 to win) Keep in mind the salaries listed above do not include fight bonuses, sponsorships, percentages and other unofficial payments. It also does not include deductions for expenses such as insurance, taxes, etc. For example, the UFC often hands out extra cash for "Fight of the Night," "Knockout of the Night" and "Submission of the Night." To check out these figures for TUF 9 Finale go here. The total base fighter payroll for the blockbuster The Ultimate Fighter live Finale, which attracted an unofficial crowd of nearly 1,800 attendees and a solid gate of approximately $500,000, was $430,000. For complete results and coverage of "Sanchez vs. Guida" click here and here. |
| Monday afternoon scrap: Big MMA weekend in review Posted: 22 Jun 2009 10:46 AM PDT
Fans of mixed martial arts were once again treated to an action-packed weekend chock full of fights thanks to three very different promotions putting on three very different events. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) capped off its ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) with a thrilling Finale on Spike TV, Strikeforce showcased several up-and-comers in addition to well-traveled veterans with its latest "Challengers Series" on Showtime, and Bellator Fighting Championship (Bellator) concluded its 12-week inaugural season on ESPN Deportes by crowning two more champions. In cased you missed it any or all of it — or just want to keep the discussion alive — we touched on the major storylines coming out of each show. Let's get to it. Feel free to also link to any event-related material in the comments section below … it’s wide open:
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 Finale TUF 9 Finale was supposed to be a night that focused on welcoming two more fighters to the TUF Hall of Champions; however, main event participants Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida flat out stole the show. In fact, the lightweights might have stolen the "Fight of the Year" for the first half of 2009. It was an instant classic, which demonstrated the ever-improving skills of "The Nightmare" and the ridiculous chin, heart and desire of "The Carpenter." Sanchez clearly got the better of the power shots when all was said and done, but Guida was able to hang in and score several big takedowns and control several points of the 15-minute brawl. In the end, Sanchez earned the split decision win, which was the subject of some controversy and sparked discussion about how fights should/should not be judged. He takes home the win, regardless, and more than likely set himself up for a title shot later this year against the winner of BJ Penn vs. Kenny Florian at UFC 101: "Declaration" on Aug. 8. On the other hand, Guida intends to keep plugging away and has his sights set on landing a championship opportunity of his own in the near future. Of course, the match between Sanchez and Guida earned "Fight of the Night" honors, but it wasn't the only one. In an unprecedented move, the promotion also recognized the other televised bouts between Chris Lytle and Kevin Burns, as well as Joe Stevenson and Nate Diaz, as "Fight of the Night" worthy. Sorry Ross and James. Get 'em next time. Get all of the round-by-round action as well as a complete list of winners here. Strikeforce Challengers: "Villasenor vs. Cyborg" What many fans see as the world’s number-two mixed martial arts promotion also went on location with a mixture of recognizable names and a few fresh faces when Strikeforce Challengers stormed the ShoWare Center in Kent, Wa., on June 19 with "Villasenor vs. Cyborg." In a night that promised fireworks in its main event, it was actually former UFC lightweight scrapper Jorge Gurgel who provided all the snap, crackle and pop in his three round war of attrition against gamer Conor Huen. The former The Ultimate Figher (TUF) 2 contestant — widely criticized for abandoning his jiu-jitsu game in favor of mediocre striking — didn't hear any complaints from the crowd at the ShoWare Center as he and "Hurricane" threw leather for the entire fight. It was enough to get Gurgel the win and bring the crowd to its feet. Unfortunately, the featured bout between Joe Villasenor and “Cyborg” Santos had some trouble living up to the ludicrous action between Gurgel and Huen, but it was a solid contest nonetheless. After so much heat and a hands-on weigh in, most fans expected a fast-paced and violent opening round. Instead, things got off to a slow start, save for a last minute takedown by "Smokin" Joe to steal the first. There was more of the same in round two and things really started to heat up in the final frame. By then it was too little, too late for Santos. Villasenor did just enough to squeak out the victory. In other action, female powerhouse Sarah Kaufman rolled over Shayna Baszler on the judges scorecards and Army stud Tim Kennedy dishonorably discharged Nick Thompson from the win column. Strikeforce continues to prove its mettle with a combination of smart matchmaking and formidable experience. The great news is that a deep roster exists within the San Jose-based promotion that will enable it to continue populating the larger events as well as the “Challengers” series. More please. All the results from last Friday’s show can be unearthed here. Bellator XII And last but not least, Bellator concluded its 12-week inaugural season on Friday, June 19, from the place where it all began at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. It was an exciting night of mixed martial arts action, which is typical when the promotion rolls into town. Just one fight went to a decision — Luis Palomino vs. Troy Gerhart — and it was really the lone dark mark on a very bright eight-fight card. Stephanie Guimaraes set the tone with jaw-dropping knockout of Yvonne Reis less than one minute into start time, which once again provided the promotion with another YouTube.com highlight to add to its stellar collection. Check out the bone-crunching knee bomb right here. Fabio Mello and Sami Aziz battled back and forth for nearly three full rounds in what had to be the fight of the night. And two more champions, hard-hitting Eddie Alvarez – who was oddly three for three in the tournament with submissions — and Hector Lombard, were crowned when all was said and done. Alvarez pleaded with Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney to give him some time off to rest — three fights in a 12-week span is a grueling accomplishment. Rebney approved his request almost immediately, but speculation has already surfaced that Alvarez has agreed to battle Gesias "JZ" Calvancante at Dream 11 in September. That report, however, was quickly refuted by Alvarez honcho Monte Cox who said the Bellator champ is not competing at DREAM 11. In the meantime, the next season for the promotion can't come soon enough. And according to Rebney, the promotion plans to keep the train moving, which says a lot about the success of the ESPN-backed promotion. However, expect a new wrinkle for the sophomore effort, including the new show participants battling for the opportunity to face the recently crowned champions. Sounds good to us. Make sure you check out our exclusive Bellator photo gallery here as well as the complete event results here. It was a mighty weekend of mixed martial arts action and we still have “Ultimate Chaos” this Friday followed by UFC 100 just two weeks after that. It’s a good time to be a fight fan. Have at in the comments section, Maniacs. (Almost) anything goes … |
| Gina Carano answers ‘Cyborg’ choke with a media sleeper of her own (Video) Posted: 22 Jun 2009 09:46 AM PDT … and kicks ass in slow-motion. To see the aforementioned ‘Cyborg’ choke click here. |
| Nate Diaz: ‘I lost a 15-minute grappling match’ at TUF 9 Finale Posted: 22 Jun 2009 09:27 AM PDT
Props: Sherdog.com Quoteworthy:
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 5 winner Nate Diaz talks about his disappointing unanimous decision loss to Joe Stevenson at TUF 9 Finale this past weekend. It was his second straight loss inside the Octagon after winning five straight and further diminished his chances at a division title shot, which could have possibly been within reach with a few more impressive wins. The good news is that the fighter out of Stockton, Calif., is just 23 years old. In the grand scheme of things the loss to “Daddy” seems like a minor speed bump; however, it appears to be tough to swallow nonetheless. He and Stevenson each earned $25,000 bonuses for putting on one of three "Fights of the Night." |
| MMA Quick Pic: Sneak peek at ‘Series 4′ of Round 5 MMA collectibles Posted: 22 Jun 2009 08:55 AM PDT Props: Round 5 MMA
Check out more UFC and MMA action figures from Round 5 MMA collectibles including ‘Shogun’ Rua, Matt Serra, Cung Le and Gina Carano after the jump.
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| UFC 100 video preview for ‘Lesnar vs Mir’ on July 11 (Extended) Posted: 22 Jun 2009 08:22 AM PDT |
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