Sunday, August 16, 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

Cris ‘Cyborg’ Santos: Stopping the fight was good for Gina’s health

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 02:34 AM PDT

“I’m very happy! I was ready to face the five rounds, I was ready to face the crowd, I was ready to face Gina — I was ready for everything. I prefer Muay Thai but if I need to go to the ground then I’ll go to the ground. Whoever Scott Coker puts in [the cage] to face me, I’ll face, but if Gina wants a rematch, she can have a rematch — no problem at all. I think [the stoppage] was right. The judge’s showed a little sign that said 4:59 seconds and I think the stoppage was good for Gina’s health.”

First ever Strikeforce women’s champion Cristiane Santos sounds off via MMA Fanhouse on her first round TKO win over female mixed martial arts superstar Gina Carano. The lady warriors electrified the San Jose crowd on August 15 but in the end, ‘Cyborg’ just proved to be too much for ‘Conviction,’ forcing a referee stoppage with just one second left in the opening round. Did Carano deserve the chance to see a round two since it was a championship fight? Or was the stoppage in her best interest? Let’s hear where you stand on this one Maniacs…

Fabricio Werdum ‘happy’ to fight Fedor after beating Mike Kyle (Video)

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 02:12 AM PDT

MMA Quick Quote: Gegard Mousasi performs well under pressure

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 02:06 AM PDT

“There was some pressure coming into the fight because it was my first fight in the US, but I trained hard for it and I was very comfortable and confident in the ring. I wanted to fight stand-up with him but I knew he would go for the clinch. I didn’t want to give him any advantage so I knew when I could take him down, I would, [and] I had the chance so I took it. After 1-2 rights I felt he was a little bit dizzy, so I gave him some more — for better results.”

Newly crowned Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi adds another belt to his collection via Sho Sports after a complete and utter dismantling of Renato Sobral at the August 15 ‘Carano vs. Cyborg’ event in San Jose. “The Dreamcatcher,” who also held the DREAM middleweight title and Grand Prix championship, now pushes his record to 26-2-1 after winning his thirteenth straight fight. Mousasi will next fight Sokoudjou in the Super Hulk Tournament at DREAM 12 and is definitely a force to be reckoned with at light heavyweight — but is there anyone in the Strikeforce 205-pound division that can give him a run for his money?

Randy Couture joins fight roster for ‘EA Sports MMA’

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 12:46 AM PDT

Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture has signed with Electronic Arts (EA) to appear as a digitized version of himself facing any and all challengers — including Fedor Emelianenko — in “EA Sports MMA,” the company’s first entry into mixed martial arts video games.

From “The Natural:”

“I have been a part of MMA for over 10 years and I am excited about the global visibility that a game like EA SPORTS MMA will bring to the sport. Like my fighting career, I look forward to taking on all comers in EA SPORTS MMA.”

Couture joins Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko, Gegard “The Dreamcatcher” Mousasi, Renato “Babalu” Sobral and Jay “The Thoroughbred” Hieron as playable characters in the upcoming game.

UFC President Dana White blasted the video game publisher last month for being a fair weather business partner. White alleges that EA wanted nothing to do with a UFC video game so he went to THQ, which put its business on the line to produce "UFC Undisputed 2009."

After a wildly successful launch, EA announced a mixed martial arts video game of its own — much to the chagrin of Dana White, who acknowledged that any UFC fighter under contract would be unemployed if they signed on to the still-in-development fighting game.

Couture is likely exempt from any repercussions following the signing because he retains control over his ancillary rights and has language in his contract that allows him more freedom to use his likeness outside of the UFC.

Furthermore, EA vehemently denies banging the video game bandwagon and claims its MMA title has been in the planning stages for two years.

Having more than one video game is no different than having more than one MMA promotion. Competition is a good thing because it forces a company to produce the very best product it can to outshine the other.

It will be interesting to see what EA has in mind to try and upstage the first offering from THQ earlier this year. EA Sports MMA is expected in 2010, as is the next version of UFC ‘Undisputed.’

Let’s get it on!

For more information on the upcoming game check out the official website here.

Strikeforce recap and post-fight discussion for ‘Carano vs Cyborg’

Posted: 15 Aug 2009 09:11 PM PDT

Strikeforce is set to pull the trigger on its historic show tonight (Aug. 15) from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

Historic because the promotion crowned the first ever female 145-pound champion, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos, after an aggressive and dominant performance over Gina “Conviction” Carano.

It was fireworks from the get-go, with the Brazilian powerhouse pummeling the face of mixed martial arts and using every second of the five-minute first round to do so … literally.

Carano appeared to be handling the relentless attack and taking it in stride before a blitz in the final few seconds was too much to handle. In a buzzer-beating finish, Cyborg earned a technical knockout win with just one second remaining in the opening frame.

The ending was a bit confusing because it seemed the referee stepped in after the horn blared, but upon further review it was a legit call and a clear result:

Cyborg Santos is the new Strikeforce 145-pound female champion.

It’s perhaps not the storybook ending for which Strikeforce and Showtime were hoping, but one that will go down in the history books as one to remember.

What an exciting main event — quality over quantity.

In other action, as promised, the light heavyweight tilt between Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Gegard Mousasi did not last long.

60 seconds, to be exact.

A calm and cool Mousasi obliterated the Brazilian with a brutal ground and pound that forced the referee in charge of the action, “Big” John McCarthy, to call a halt to the action when Sobral’s eyes rolled back in his head.

It was a vicious assault and an incredible performance from the Armenian import in his United States debut against an opponent 10 years his elder. It was also the first fight for the former middleweight in his light heavyweight debut.

Talk about making a statement. With an exclamation point. Five of them.

Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou is up next for at the DREAM “Super Hulk” tournament later this year, but when it comes to Strikeforce, not really sure who is up next Mousasi. However, whoever it is, has certainly been put on notice.

"The Dreamsnatcher" is now a force at 205 pounds. Wow.

Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez was out for revenge against Mitsuhiro "Endless Fighter" Ishida, attempting to avenge the first loss of his young career.

Mission accomplished.

From the opening bell, Melendez peppered Ishida with a left jab to keep his distance and stay outside the range of Ishida, who took the first bout with relentless takedowns and ground and pound.

Not this time.

Melendez wore on the Japanese fighter, tiring him out by avoiding the takedowns and punishing him on the breaks. He took his time and essentially beat up Ishida for three rounds before going in for the kill.

He scored a big takedown and pounded his way to victory, leaving no room for controversy this time around and retaining his interim 155-pound title that he admitted he doesn’t even want.

Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson is now on the clock.

In the opening fight of the night, Fabricio Werdum made short work of his former training partner, Mike Kyle, with a nice guillotine choke. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylist was supposed to challenge Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem before the Dutch fighter had to withdraw because of a hand injury.

Werdum certainly kept his chances for a title shot alive with the convincing win tonight, but he’s perhaps more interested in taking on a different heavyweight instead, Fedor Emelianenko.

It’s a solid match up that would be a stiff test for the Russian — Werdum is a top fighter in the division. When asked after the win about his next fight, Werdum gave the diplomatic answer, saying he’d fight anyone.

He proved that tonight defeating Kyle quickly and on short notice. Perhaps with a win now under his belt, it was good enough to convince the Strikeforce brass that he’s ready for bigger and better things.

Emelianenko would certainly fit that bill.

That’s a wrap, folks. Strikeforce: “Carano vs. Cyborg” is now a footnote in mixed martial arts history. What were your thoughts — impressed or depressed? Let’s hear what you got, Maniacs, in the comments section below.

Sound off.

To check out complete Strikeforce: “Carano vs. Cyborg” results and round-by-round coverage of the main card action on Showtime click here.

LIVE Strikeforce Carano vs Cyborg results and coverage tonight (Aug. 15)!

Posted: 15 Aug 2009 10:39 AM PDT

Click the banner above or right here for up-to-the-minute results and blow-by-blow coverage of Strikeforce: "Carano vs. Cyborg."

Preliminary card fight results are in the books and round-by-round coverage of the main card action action will start with the Showtime telecast at 10:30 p.m. ET.

If you're going to leave comments and discuss the fights with all the other MMAmania.com readers be sure to do it on the main “Carano vs. Cyborg” results post and not this one.

Enjoy the show, Maniacs!

Ricco Rodriguez: ‘I’ve got a great shot at beating’ Fedor Emelianenko

Posted: 15 Aug 2009 10:21 AM PDT

Props: CageReport.net

Quoteworthy:

“I’m serious about being a factor in this division. First and foremost I want my belt back. I know Lesnar is a huge guy but I’ve noticed several holes in his top game during his last fight that I could capitalize on. Yeah he beat Mir, but Frank Mir doesn’t possess the level of jiu-jitsu I have, which is really needed to neutralize the size advantage of Brock. Personally I don’t get the hype, I think I was more impressive against Randy than Lesnar was, it looked like Randy was breaking him mentally until he landed the last shot… Yeah I've been approached about [fighting Fedor Emelianenko], nothing’s final yet but that’s a fight I would definitely want. I know people will say I don’t have a chance, but I destroyed the guy who handed Fedor his only loss. Fedor is a great fighter but, the training I’ve done at Wolfslair has improved my game tremendously so I think I’ve got a great shot at beating him.”

Former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez talks about taking on the top two heavyweights in mixed martial arts today, Brock Lesnar and Fedor Emelianenko. “Suave” indicates that he has been approached by Strikeforce about a possible showdown with its prized Russian acquisition in his promotional debut in October. Nothing is official at this time — please keep that in mind. Strikeforce has yet to sign an opponent for Emelianenko, but perhaps an announcement could come as early as tonight during the “Carano vs. Cyborg” broadcast on Showtime. Rodriguez, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, was among the most promising heavyweight prospects little more than five years ago before weight and substance abuse issues essentially derailed his career. The 31-year-old has recently attempted a comeback, but has struggled against decent competition such as Jeff Monson, Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, Travis Wiuff and others. Could he really put up a good fight against Emelianenko, and perhaps more important, is anyone interested in finding out?

UFC 100 video: Lesnar vs Mir and more on Spike TV tonight at 10 p.m. ET

Posted: 15 Aug 2009 08:35 AM PDT

For more details on the UFC 100: “Lesnar vs. Mir” fights on Spike TV at 10 p.m. ET to counter Strikeforce: “Carano vs. Cyborg” click here. Check out the Spike TV UFC 100 promo video after the jump.

Tickets information for M-1: ‘Breakthrough’ at Memorial Hall in Kansas City on Aug. 28

Posted: 15 Aug 2009 08:34 AM PDT

Tickets to "HDNet Fight Presents M-1 Global Breakthrough" will go on sale today, Saturday, Aug. 15, at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.

With a total of 12 exciting bout scheduled, "Breakthrough" will showcase the sport's next big stars on Friday, Aug. 28 at the historic Memorial Hall in Kansas City.

In addition to a main event featuring former NCAA champions "King" Mo Lawal vs. Mark Kerr, Fedor Emelianenko and Gegard Mousasi will be on hand for a special sparring exhibition.

The event will also mark French phenom Karl Amoussou's first-ever appearance on live television, as he takes on former BodogFIGHT welterweight champion Nick Thompson. Additional matchups include heavyweights Rob Broughton vs. Jessie Gibbs and middleweights Lucio Linhares vs. Mikhail Zayats.

Tickets for the event will go on sale at 10 a.m. CT/8 a.m. PT. CLICK HERE when it is time to order.

UFC Fight Night 19 results and LIVE fight coverage for ‘Diaz vs Guillard’ on Sept. 16 in Oklahoma City

Posted: 15 Aug 2009 08:30 AM PDT

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently put the finishing touches on its return trip to the "The Sooner State," which is scheduled for Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Saturday, Sept. 16.

UFC Fight Night 19: "Diaz vs. Guillard" will feature a main event between hungry lightweight up-and-comers and former TUF grads Nate Diaz and Melvin "The Young Assassin" Guillard.

In addition, Roger "El Matador" Huerta will throwdown for perhaps the last time inside the Octagon as he tries to leave on a high note against the stifling super-wrestler Gray "The Bully" Maynard.

Remember that UFC Fight Night 19 will serve as the lead-in for the upcoming tenth season of TUF, which features Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and a solid collection of 15 other heavyweight fighters competing in a tournament-style format to earn one "six-figure contract."

Here is the current “Diaz vs. Guillard” fight card:

Main event:

155 lbs.: Nate Diaz (10-4) vs. Melvin "The Young Assassin" Guillard (22-7-2)

Main card (Televised):

155 lbs.: Roger "El Matador" Huerta (20-2-1) vs. Gray "The Bully" Maynard (7-0)
185 lbs.: Nate "The Rock" Quarry (11-3) vs. "Crazy" Tim Credeur (12-2)
170 lbs.: Carlos "Natural Born Killer" Condit (22-5) vs. Jake Ellenberger (21-4)

Under card (May not be broadcast):

185 lbs.: Steve "Robot" Cantwell (7-2) vs. Brian "All American" Stann (6-2)
170 lbs.: Chris "The Professor" Wilson (14-5) vs. Mike "Quicksand" Pyle (17-6-1)
185 lbs.: Dan Miller (11-2) vs. CB Dollaway (8-2)
155 lbs.: Sam "Hands of Stone" Stout (14-5-1) vs. Kyle Bradley (14-6)
155 lbs.: Jeremy "Lil' Heathen" Stephens (15-5) vs. Justin Buchholz (8-3)
170 lbs.: Brock Larson (26-2) vs. Mike Pierce (9-1)
185 lbs.: Ryan Jensen (13-5) vs. Steve "The Hooligan" Steinbeiss (4-2)

MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of UFC Fight Night 19, beginning with the Spike TV telecast at 9 p.m. ET. In addition, we will deliver up-to-the-minute quick results of all the under card action much earlier on fight night.

We're still a few months away from showtime; therefore, feel free to share your thoughts and predictions on "Diaz vs. Guillard" in the comments section below. And remember that MMAmania.com will be the spot for the latest news and event-related highlights before, during and after the event.

For everything you need to know about UFC Fight Night 19 feel free to also hit up our event archive right here.
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