Tuesday, August 11, 2009

UFC blog for latest news, videos, results, betting odds, fighter interviews and MMA rumors - UFCmania.com

UFC blog for latest news, videos, results, betting odds, fighter interviews and MMA rumors - UFCmania.com

Gina Carano vs Cyborg Santos video with ‘Conviction’

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 07:46 PM PDT

Check out Carano training with Randy “The Natural” Couture after the jump.

Jay Hieron vs Jesse Taylor Strikeforce fight booked with Nick Diaz not licensed for Aug. 15 event

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 07:39 PM PDT

The hits just keep on coming for Strikeforce: “Carano vs. Cyborg” … and punches are not scheduled to be thrown until this Saturday (Aug. 15) from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

Nick Diaz is the latest casualty of the cursed card, failing to appear for a mandatory random drug test requested by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) on Aug. 7 and again today (Aug. 10). Diaz — who carries a medical marijuana card — did not have enough time to flush the banned substance from his system prior to the test.

As a result, the Stockton, Calif., native was not issued a license to compete in the “Golden State” and will be unable to take on Jay Hieron for the promotion’s first-ever welterweight title.

It’s an odd turn of events that his his head trainer, Cesar Gracie, dazed and confused. He apparently had an informal agreement with former CSAC executive director Armando Garcia, which protected his fighter from such surprise tests.

Here’s a snip from him in an MMAWeekly.com report:

"They changed it without any notification. No one had any time. The old guys were doing things based off of California law, and I knew California law didn't change. He's licensed … it's legal. They're own legal team came out with a ruling that said (compassionate use was allowed). Then all of a sudden they're saying we're doing drug tests, and cannabis is included, it's not just performance enhancers. To flush it out of his system, it takes 10 days, and we don't have that."

With Diaz refusing to take the test because it more than likely would have resulted in a lengthy suspension, it opens the door for former contestant on Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 7, Jesse Taylor, to slide into the vacant spot opposite “The Thoroughbred.” Hieron was actually filling in for a hospitalized Joe Riggs.

The new-look 170-pound match up will not be a title fight.

Taylor recently scored a win over Korean Judoka Dong Sik-Yoon at DREAM 10. "JT Money" dominated the action from the get-go before it was halted because of an injury — Sik-Yoon appeared to suffer a serious leg/foot injury while defending a takedown.

It was the seventh straight win for Taylor and his sixth in 2009 alone.

He's certainly been a busy man since losing to CB Dollaway via submission (Peruvian Necktie) at UFC Fight Night 14 back in July 2008. And he appears to be keeping the pedal to the medal and looking to make it eight straight, seven this year, against Hieron this weekend.

Strikeforce: "Carano vs. Cyborg" will feature a 145-pound title fight between female fighting sensation Gina "Conviction" Carano and her nemesis Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos, as well as a 205-pound championship showdown between company’s light heavyweight belt keeper Renato "Babalu" Sobral and number one contender, Gegard "The Dreamcatcher" Mousasi.

For all the latest on the August 15 fight card click here.

Patrick Cote: ‘I have to undergo surgery again’

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 05:04 PM PDT

Props: Facebook.com

Quoteworthy:

“yeah bad luck again!!! MCL busted in training for my comeback !!! will be out until feburary at least again !!! Go under surgery again tomorow !! thanks for your support guys !!! But I ll be back stronger than ever I swear !!!”

Former number one middleweight contender Patrick Cote — who underwent major ACL knee surgery in November 2008 — talks about going back under the knife this week to now repair a damaged MCL (in the same knee). "The Predator" has been sidelined since shredding his knee while inside the Octagon opposite reigning division champion Anderson Silva at UFC 90 back in October 2008. The bout resulted in a technical knockout loss for the Canadian, which he feels may have gone his way if the freak accident never happened. The 185-pound class is now teeming with possible title contenders, making his road back to the summit (now slated for Spring 2010) more than likely a long and difficult one.

WEC 42 paydays and salaries for ‘Torres vs Bowles’

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 01:18 PM PDT

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) today released the official fighter purses for those who competed at WEC 42 last night (Aug. 9) from “The Joint” at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Despite losing his WEC bantamweight title, Miguel “Angel” Torres was the bread winner on the night, pocketing $25,000 for his main event first round knockout loss to Brian Bowles. The new champ, on the other hand, took home $18,000 for his efforts.

Scheduled under card fighter Leonard Garcia hauled in the second biggest paycheck of $24,000, earning every penny of it with a hard-fought split decision win over Jameel Massouh that was bumped to the Versus telecast at the last minute.

Here is the complete list of WEC 42 payouts:

Brian Bowles — $18,000 ($9,000, $9,000 to win)
Miguel Torres — $25,000
Bowles defeated Torres via knockout (strikes) in round one

Dominick Cruz — $14,000 ($7,000 to show, $7,000 to win)
Joseph Benavidez — $12,500
Cruz defeated Benavidez via unanimous decision

Danny Castillo — $14,000 ($7,000 to show, $7,000 to win)
Ricardo Lamas — $4,000
Castillo defeated Lamas via technical knockout (strikes) in round two

Takeya Mizugaki — $12,000 ($6,000 to show, $6,000 to win)
Jeff Curran — $8,000
Mizugaki defeated Curran via split decision

Leonard Garcia — $24,000 ($12,000 to show, $12,000 to win)
Jameel Massouh — $3,000
Garcia defeated Massouh via split decision

Cole Province — $6,000 ($3,000 to show, $3,000 to win)
Fredson Paixao — $2,000
Province defeated Paixao via unanimous decision

Shane Roller — $20,000 ($10,000 to show, $10,000 to win)
Marcus Hicks — $8,000
Roller defeated Hicks via unanimous decision

Ed Ratcliff — $14,000 ($7,000 to show, $7,000 to win)
Phil Cardella — $3,000
Ratcliff defeated Cardella via unanimous decision

Diego Nunes — $8,000 ($4,000 to show, $4,000 to win)
Rafael Dias — $4,000
Nunes defeated Dias via unanimous decision

Rani Yahya — $16,000 ($8,000 to show, $8,000 to win)
John Hosman — $3,000
Yahya defeated Hosman via submission (north-south choke) in round one

LC Davis — $10,000 ($5,000 to show, $5,000 to win)
Javier Vasquez — $6,000
Davis defeated Vasquez via split decision

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 WEC 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 WEC 42 go here.

The total base fighter payroll for the Versus network event was $234,500.

For complete WEC 42 results and blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action click here and here.

Nick Diaz misses pre-fight drug test, jeopardizes Aug. 15 Strikeforce title fight (Updated)

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 11:53 AM PDT

Controversial Strikeforce welterweight Nick Diaz watched his August 15 title fight against Jay Hieron go up in smoke after missing his scheduled pre-fight drug test on August 7 and again today (August 10).

The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) made arrangements with Strikeforce to reschedule Diaz for today after last Friday’s no-show; however, Diaz failed to arrive at the testing facility.

He had until 3 p.m. PT to appear.

The CSAC was unable to accept a sample any later than this afternoon if it was to be processed and reported in time for Saturday’s “Carano vs. Cyborg” event. Therefore, Diaz has been removed from his scheduled bout against Hieron and former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 7 contestant Jesse Taylor will step up to replace him.

From Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker:

Caesar Gracie told me Diaz [missed his Aug. 7 drug test because] he was in the mountains training. He’s supposed to be on his way (right now) to Los Angeles to take his drug test with the California State Athletic Commission. He has until 3pm to get it done. We’re hoping he makes the right decision. [If he does] we should have the results by Thursday. We have a contingency plan in place if necessary. Regardless, Jay Hieron will be fighting on August 15.

Apparently that contingency plan was “JT Money.”

Despite testing negative earlier this year after whooping Frank Shamrock on April 11, Diaz does not exactly have a squeaky-clean history.

Diaz tested positive for marijuana after his surprising and sensational win over PRIDE FC 160-pound champion Takanori Gomi at Pride 33 back on Feb. 24, 2007.

That win was quickly overturned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and Diaz was suspended for six months. Because of that suspension, Diaz was unable to secure a corner's license for his brother Nate's fight against Manny Gamburyan at The Ultimate Fighter Finale 5.

Prior to the Shamrock fight, Diaz told the LA Times he was able to beat drug tests with the help of herbal cleansers and 10 gallons of water per day and that marijuana keeps him “consistent.”

If Diaz arrives today and passes his drug test (results will be available Thursday), then Friday’s no-show can be chalked up to a matter of poor scheduling.

However, if Diaz fails to show or the result is positive, he’ll likely have an uphill battle to get back into the hunt for a title shot in Strikeforce … or perhaps anywhere else.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com as we will continue to update this story as it unfolds.

Kenny ‘KenFlo’ Florian featured on tonight’s live presentation of Pro MMA Radio

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 11:11 AM PDT

In the wake of his lightweight title fight against BJ Penn at UFC 101: ‘Declaration’ from the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia on August 8, former UFC lightweight number-one contender Kenny Florian will join us tonight live at 9 p.m. ET on MMAmania.com's exclusive presentation of Pro MMA Radio.

“KenFlo” will break down his losing effort against “The Prodigy,” what he thought of BJ Penn’s performance, his preparations for the big fight and of course his future in the lightweight division.

Hosted by Larry Pepe, Pro MMA Radio is professional, guest-driven program that features some of mixed martial arts biggest names.

If you're looking for a radio show that revolves around a couple of MMA fans ranting and raving about everything that's already been covered ad nauseam, then Pro MMA Radio probably isn't for you.

However, if you want to hear from actual fighters and industry insiders answering questions that are relevant to the current MMA scene, tune in every Monday night at 9 p.m. ET for our exclusive live feed.

See you tonight at 9 p.m. ET!

Tito Ortiz UFC 101 video interview on Lyoto Machida rematch

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 10:50 AM PDT

M-1 Global ‘Breakthrough:’ Mark Kerr replaces Don Frye against ‘King Mo’ on Aug. 28

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 09:56 AM PDT

Undefeated up-and-comer Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal (4-0) will lock horns with ADCC champion Mark Kerr (15-10) at "M-1 Global Presents Breakthrough"after grizzled veteran Don Frye withdrew from the Aug. 28 bout scheduled for the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.

It will mark the United States debut for the decorated collegiate wrestling champion and Division I All-American from Oklahoma State University.

Lawal has competed exclusively under the World Victory Road banner in Japan since his professional mixed martial arts debut just last year. The 28-year-old has show tremendous promise, defeating several veterans of the sport and stopping most of them.

His biggest — and perhaps most surprising victory — came in his debut against Travis Wiuff at Sengoku: "Fifth Battle" — Lawal needed little more than two minutes to score a convincing technical knockout win via strikes. He most recently outpointed Ryo Kawamura via unanimous decision at Sengoku: "Seventh Battle" back in March 2009.

"The Predator" withdrew from the bout last week for undisclosed reasons.

Kerr is a mixed martial arts star of yesteryear, having stormed his way through the the UFC and PRIDE in the late 1990’s. The former Division I collegiate champion out of Syracuse University put together 12 straight wins to start his career, including a perfect 4-0 in the UFC.

“The Smashing Machine” first tasted defeat via unanimous decision opposite Kazuyuki Fujita in the 2000 PRIDE Grand Prix finals.

It would be all downhill from there. After a championship run in the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC), Kerr would go 3-9 in MMA and is currently on a four fight losing streak. His most recent effort went sour when he was choked out by Jeff Monson at Vengeance Fighting Championship last September.

It will be a difficult task for him to overcome the rising star of Lawal, but it is MMA and there are no absolutes (see Bowles, Brian).

M-1 Global Presents ‘Breakthrough’ will air on HDNet from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Missouri on August 28 and will also feature a exhibition sparring match between Fedor Emelianenko and Gegard Mousasi.

Dana White: Diego Sanchez vs BJ Penn ‘is a great fight’

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 08:41 AM PDT

“The great thing about the 155-pound division is how stacked it is. And I think Diego Sanchez is probably next in line for a title shot against B.J. It’s a great fight.”

UFC President Dana White reaffirms his plan during the UFC 101 post-fight press conference to bring surging lightweight Diego Sanchez into a championship bout against current 155-pound kingpin BJ Penn later this year or perhaps early 2010. “Nightmare” earned his shot after dropping to lightweight and outpointing Joe Stevenson and Clay Guida, effectively vaulting himself to the top of the number one contender list — which may have also been helped by his 8-2 record in the welterweight division. He’ll have his toughest test to date against “The Prodigy,” who submitted Kenny Florian at UFC 101 on August 8 to solidify himself as the best lightweight in the UFC — and perhaps the world.

Fedor Emelianenko’s next opponent is…

Posted: 10 Aug 2009 08:15 AM PDT

…Gegard Mousasi in an exhibition sparring match.

“The Last Emperor” and “The Dreamcatcher” are scheduled to touch gloves for the upcoming M-1 Global: ‘Breakthrough’ event from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 28.

From the M-1 Global press release:

“We were blown away by just how popular Fedor’s exhibition vs. Aoki in Japan was. Fedor and Gegard have sparred many times together and the sessions have always been intense. Now fight fans watching on HDNet and those attending live in Kansas City will get a rare glimpse at two of the best fighters in the world sparring each other.”

Mousasi is set to battle Renato “Babalu” Sobral for the Strikeforce light heavyweight championship at the upcoming ‘Carano vs. Cyborg’ event on August 15 from San Jose.

Emelianenko, who recently clowned lightweight grappler Shinya Aoki in an exhibition grappling match last April, is expected to make his Strikeforce debut later this Fall against an opponent to be named.

Fans will be able to see all the ‘action’ go down live via HDNet on fight night.
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