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- Dan Henderson vs Michael Bisping UFC 100 video fight talk
- UFC 100 will reportedly air LIVE in the UK on July 11
- MMA Quick Quote: Gegard Mousasi is a stand-up guy
- WEC 43 set for the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio, on Sept. 2
- BJ Penn vs Kenny Florian UFC 101 video preview
- Joe Riggs vs. Nick Diaz 2 possible for Strikeforce: ‘Carano vs. Cyborg’ on Aug. 15
- Akihiro Gono vs. Dan Hornbuckle booked for Sengoku 9 on Aug. 2
- UFC Quick Quote: Is Brock Lesnar too big and too slow for MMA?
- Stephan Bonnar: ‘I have to win. I need to win’ against Mark Coleman at UFC 100
- MMA regulation in Hawaii comes this week; UFC may be far behind
| Dan Henderson vs Michael Bisping UFC 100 video fight talk Posted: 01 Jul 2009 04:26 AM PDT Check out what “The Count” has to say after the jump.
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| UFC 100 will reportedly air LIVE in the UK on July 11 Posted: 30 Jun 2009 04:48 PM PDT
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is expected to announce a new home for its live programming in the United Kingdom (UK) after an abrupt end to its partnership with Setanta Sports, according to The Sun. One of the biggest shows in mixed martial arts history is set to go down on July 11 when UFC 100 blows up the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. On the main card will be one of the UK’s biggest stars, Michael Bisping, as he collides with opposing Ultimate Fighter coach Dan Henderson to determine a possible number one contender for the UFC middleweight crown. In wake of the financial collapse of Setanta Sports, there was speculation that a home for the upcoming live broadcast would not be found in time for the big show, forcing fans across the pond to wait for “The Count” to appear via tape delay. Not to worry, says UFC UK President Marshall Zelaznik:
Starting with UFC 80 back on January 19, 2008, the Ultimate Fighting Championship struck a deal with international sports broadcaster Setanta Sports to bring the UFC to millions of homes in the United Kingdom. Setanta operates in Great Britain, Ireland, Luxembourg, the United States, Canada and Australia and provides premium sports television channels on a subscription basis, including its multi-year deal with Zuffa. That deal recently eroded due to the financial instability of Setanta. Unfortunately the dissolution of some of its English Premier League rights left Setanta strapped for cash and on the prowl for some emergency funding. A complete and utter collapse in operations — which would effectively blackout any and all UFC programming in the UK, had been reported as inevitable. It was unknown if UFC 99, scheduled for June 13 in Cologne, Germany, would even make the airwaves in the UK until just a day before the broadcast, jeopardizing the momentum of Zuffa's Europe expansion. Now it looks like the UFC isn’t taking any chances with its future programming as they consider a new partnership from six different networks including Virgin 1, Sky Sports, Bravo and ESPN. Though a long term deal would likely begin with UFC 101, Virgin 1 is reportedly the lead candidate to air UFC 100 prior to that. An official announcement is expected by next Monday. |
| MMA Quick Quote: Gegard Mousasi is a stand-up guy Posted: 30 Jun 2009 04:13 PM PDT
– Former DREAM middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi prepares for his stiffest test to date when he challenges Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Renato Sobral at Affliction 3: ‘Trilogy” on August 1 from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. “The Dreamcatcher” has finally made his long anticipated move to 205 lbs., and if his recent drubbing of Mark Hunt at DREAM 9 back in May is any indication, Mousasi is going to make a lot of noise in the heavier weight classes. First things first — get past the very dangerous “Babalu,” who doesn’t plan on being anyone’s stepping stone. Did Mousasi bite off more than he can chew? Or is Sobral going to sleep? Predictions please. |
| WEC 43 set for the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio, on Sept. 2 Posted: 30 Jun 2009 12:11 PM PDT
World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) will soon stage an event in Ohio for the first time ever, announcing today via Vindy.com that the Covelli Centre in Youngstown is the target for a show on Sept. 2, 2009. WEC General Manager and Founder Reed Harris had this to say about the decision:
Lightweights Donald Cerrone and Benson "Smooth" Henderson are expected to headline WEC 43, competing for the interim division title that is now up for grabs with Jamie Varner sidelined indefinitely with a hand injury. "Cowboy" most recently blasted rising prospect James Krause at WEC 41 en route to a dominating first round submission (rear naked choke). Henderson — who scored a quick technical knockout of Shane Roller in his last appearance at WEC 40 in April — has finished both his fights in the WEC and holds an impressive record (9-1) overall. Expect more fights to be added to WEC 43 in the coming weeks and months ahead. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale July 9, 2009, for those who may want to catch the event up close and personal. Of course, the WEC 43 main card will also air live on Versus at 9 p.m. ET on fight night. |
| BJ Penn vs Kenny Florian UFC 101 video preview Posted: 30 Jun 2009 11:00 AM PDT |
| Joe Riggs vs. Nick Diaz 2 possible for Strikeforce: ‘Carano vs. Cyborg’ on Aug. 15 Posted: 30 Jun 2009 09:38 AM PDT
Nick Diaz (20-7) may get the opportunity to avenge a 2006 loss to Joe Riggs (30-10), a welterweight fight that could go down at Strikeforce: "Carano vs. Cyborg" at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. It’s important to note that bout agreements have not been signed at this time — it is currently in the early stages of discussion. The two outspoken veterans originally squared off at UFC 57: "Liddell vs. Couture III" in February 2006, which resulted in a close unanimous decision victory for "Diesel"; however, the fighting didn't stop there. In fact, later that night at the hospital, Diaz and Riggs went at it for another five or 10 minutes, which resulted in "Diesel" literally crapping his shorts when he went for a takedown. Those little hospital gowns don't hide a whole lot, now do they? Riggs recently recounted the hilarious story to Larry Pepe, host of Pro MMA Radio, MMAmania.com's exclusive radio partner.
Despite their hospital altercation, Riggs told Pep that he doesn't hold a grudge against Diaz — someone "Diesel" calls "one of my favorite fighters to watch" — and that he was only interested in a rematch if a Strikeforce title was on the line. With the rematch now possibly slated for the main card on August 15, clearly things have changed. It’s a showdown that more than likely can help support the all female main event — the always-game Diaz has proven that he can carry a card, while the one-time UFC title contender in Riggs is a well-known and crafty veteran with a decent-size fan base in his own right. In the three-plus years since their last meeting, Riggs has fought 10 times, going 6-4, including his most recent unanimous decision victory over Phil Baroni at Strikeforce: "Lawler vs. Shields" in June, as well as UFC losses to Mike Swick (submission – "Swicko'tine") and Diego Sanchez (KO – knee) and a loss to Kazuo Misaki at Strikeforce: "Playboy Mansion II." In that same period, Diaz has fought 12 times, going 9-2 with 1 NC, including UFC wins over Josh Neer and Gleison Tibau, in addition to wins over Frank Shamrock and, most recently, Scott Smith at Strikeforce: "Lawler vs. Shields." The victory over Smith, occurring at a catchweight of 180 pounds, saw Diaz set modern-day MMA records for most total strikes thrown by one fighter in one round (an astounding 221, breaking the previous record Diaz set against Frank Shamrock of 181 punches thrown) and for most total strikes landed by one fighter in one round (125, breaking Michael Bisping's record of 105 vs. Elvis Sinosic). Diaz's losses during that time include a unanimous decision to Sean Sherk at UFC 59 and a TKO loss (due to cuts) to K.J. Noons under the EliteXC banner. The lone No Contest was a highlight reel submission (Gogoplata) victory over then-PRIDE FC lightweight champion and poster boy Takanori Gomi, the result of which was overturned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after Diaz popped positive for marijuana. For more on the still-developing Strikeforce: "Carano vs. Cyborg" fight card — which includes a 145-pound title fight between the two headlining female fighters, a lightweight title unification bout between reigning champ Josh "The Punk" Thomson and interim champ Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez, and a heavyweight title bout between champ Alistair Overeem and Brett "The Grimm" Rogers — click here. |
| Akihiro Gono vs. Dan Hornbuckle booked for Sengoku 9 on Aug. 2 Posted: 30 Jun 2009 07:48 AM PDT
World Victory Road recently announced the latest match-up for its next event, Sengoku 9, pitting former Pride FC and UFC veteran Akihiro Gono against Dan Hornbuckle at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on Aug. 2. Gono was recently released from his contract with the UFC after dropping two decisions, coming out on the losing side to top welterweight competitors Dan Hardy and Jon Fitch. The charismatic Gono is now set to return to his homeland where he should be welcomed with open arms. And it’s not just because he’s a good fighter — Gono’s entertaining entrances and grand theatrics should resonate with the audience in Japan, which is something that a majority of North American fans sadly didn't get to see with Gono toiling on the preliminary card of the UFC events. His opponent, Hornbuckle, last competed under the World Victory Road banner at "Sengoku 2" in May of 2008, losing to current UFC fighter Mike Pyle. Since that hiccup Hornbuckle has had two impressive outings on the smaller circuits of North America. During that span, he made short work of both opponents, firstly finishing Nabil Khatib early with a rear naked choke in June of 2008. And this February it took him only 46 seconds to score a knockout of Joe Alexander. The wins have earned a call up back to WVR and he'll be able to get his name out there further to fans if he can have a good outing against a veteran such as Gono.
Elsewhere on the card, Satoru Kitaoka, is set to defend his Sengoku lightweight title for the first time against Mizuto Hirota. Kitaoka won the championship by making short work of former PRIDE FC poster boy, Takanori Gomi, at Sengoku: "Rebellion" back in January, dousing the flames of "The Fireball Kid" with a fight-ending Achilles lock just 1:41 into the opening stanza. Hirota earned his shot at the gold by recently disposing of highly regarded lightweight standout, Mitsuhiro Ishida, ending the bout via technical knockout in the very first round earlier last month at Shooto: "Final Tradition." The pairings for World Victory Road's featherweight grand prix semifinals are also set to go down at Sengoku 9. The often overlooked Michihiro Omigawa — who earned his spot in the semifinals by dominating and garnering a hard fought decision victory over L.C Davis and then firing off an impressive performance against Nam Phan — will have another tough test when he faces the always dangerous Marlon Sandro. Sandro — the Featherweight King of Pancrase — has been impressive in his own right throughout the tournament, submitting Matt Jaggers at Sengoku 7 with a standing arm triangle. He then went on to defeat Nick Denis at his own game by knocking "The Ninja of Love" out with a well placed uppercut just 19 seconds into the first round at Sengoku 8. Tournament favorite and promotion poster boy Hatsu Hioki will collide with Masanori Kanehara. Hioki has been a dominant force thus far in the tournament, submitting American Top Team (ATT) jiu-jitsu coach Chris Manuel by triangle armbar at Sengoku 7. He then went on to submit formidable grappler Ronnie Mann with a triangle lock earlier last month. Kanehara has garnered decision victories over Jong Man Kim also Chang Sung to earn his spot. The winners from both semifinal matches will meet in the featherweight tournament finals, which will be held later in the same evening. Here is the current line-up for Sengoku 9:
For more on Sengoku click here. |
| UFC Quick Quote: Is Brock Lesnar too big and too slow for MMA? Posted: 30 Jun 2009 06:50 AM PDT
– UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir tells CageWriter.com that he has enlisted faster, busier and lighter training partners such as Forrest Griffin to help him get ready for the 6′2″ 285-pound ball of muscle also known as Brock Lesnar. Mir and Lesnar are scheduled to rematch in the main event at UFC 100 on July 11. Mir — a Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylist — took home the win (and almost Lesnar’s leg) with a first round submission in their initial encounter back in 2008. So will speed and technique be too much for Lesnar to handle or will the behemoth be able to rely on his brute strength, wrestling and big ‘ole hamhocks to carry him to victory? |
| Stephan Bonnar: ‘I have to win. I need to win’ against Mark Coleman at UFC 100 Posted: 30 Jun 2009 06:35 AM PDT
Props: MMAFanhouse.com Quoteworthy:
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) sensation from season one, Stephan Bonnar, talks about the importance of winning his next fight and what he is/isn’t doing in training to prepare for Mark Coleman at UFC 100 on July 11. One thing he certainly isn’t doing is feeling relaxed with what some might perceive as a “lifetime pass” from UFC President Dana White to compete inside the Octagon regardless of results. “The American Psycho” has lost three of his last five fights; however, he was looking sharp after stringing back-to-back wins before locking horns with super prospect Jon Jones earlier this year. Can he get back on the winning track less than two weeks from now or will Coleman drop “The Hammer” with his trademark takedowns/ground and pound en route to a victory of his own? |
| MMA regulation in Hawaii comes this week; UFC may be far behind Posted: 30 Jun 2009 06:12 AM PDT
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has had big bad plans on the table for some time now to stage a blockbuster outdoor event in Hawaii, smashing the record for the largest mixed martial arts (MMA) crowd to attend a show in the "Aloha State." The K-1: "World Grand Prix Hawaii" event at Aloha Stadium in 2005, which drew 12,000 fans to watch its native son BJ Penn defeat Renzo Gracie, is the show to beat. But now that the promotion is actually on the cusp of realizing that dream for the first time ever — Hawaii will sanction this sport tomorrow (Wednesday, July 1) — it may happen later rather than sooner if at all. That's because the current mandates require "promoters, managers, trainers and ring officials to secure licenses from the commission and pay corresponding fees," according to MMAHawaii.com. Furthermore, the report indicates that a bond "not less than $10,000 is required before a promoter gets a license" and "fighters maybe required to get insurance coverage." Put simply, promoters will have to jump through several hoops, as well as a pay a significant amount of cash up front. It is apparently too steep a price for several local-area promoters and even perhaps the worldwide leader. Here's what UFC President Dana White had to say a few months back:
Hawaii will adhere to the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, which states such as Nevada, California and others on the UFC circuit follow. Whether or not we will get to see them and UFC fighters, including Hilo’s own lightweight champion BJ Penn, in action someday soon on one of the islands remains to be seen. |
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