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- Not so fast: Dan Henderson not a lock to rematch Anderson Silva
- UFC Quick Quote: Dana White is not anti-Strikefarce
- UFC 102 press conference pics: Randy Couture-’Minotauro’ Nogueira face off and more
- UFC 102 video preview and more on Fedor Emelianenko vs Brett Rogers from ESPNs ‘MMA Live’
- UFC 102 press conference video feed LIVE at 4 p.m. ET from Portland
- Sengoku 10: Antonio Silva vs Jim York (not Ron Sparks) announced for Sept. 23
- Randy Couture UFC 102 video blog (Episode two)
- Keith Jardine thinks the UFC may not want him to be a champion …
- Knock, knock: Demian Maia UFC 102 interview exclusive with MMAmania
- Fedor Emelianenko has nothing to prove to no one
| Not so fast: Dan Henderson not a lock to rematch Anderson Silva Posted: 28 Aug 2009 04:12 AM PDT
One-time UFC number one middleweight contender and dual Pride FC champion, Dan Henderson, could have some competition when it comes to seeing who gets the next crack at middleweight kingpin, Anderson Silva. It appeared that “Hollywood” was all lined up to rematch “The Spider” after a thundering right hand turned off Michael Bisping’s lights at UFC 100 just last month. It was an epic knockout, which had company president Dana White saying that Henderson had done enough to earn another title shot against the Brazilian. But in recent days White has backed off that claim, leaving the door open for another Brazilian, undefeated jiu-jitsu phenom, Demain Maia. White announced at the UFC 102: “Couture vs. Nogueira” pre-fight press conference that the winner of the 185-pound bout between Maia and Nate Marquardt would also be under consideration to challenge for Silva’s bout in addition to Henderson. Marquardt, like Henderson, has already tried, and failed, to pry the 185-pound belt from Silva’s tummy. He, like Henderson, has rebounded nicely since that time, winning three of his next four fights. Henderson, on the other hand, has been perfect with three straight victories. So when White says he wants “wait and see” what happens at UFC 102 before making a final decision, he more than likely is curious to see how Maia — who has never fought Silva — performs inside the Octagon. He has torn through five straight opponents since his Octagon debut, earning four "submission of the night" bonuses during that span. If Maia can once come out and finish a bigger, stronger and very well-rounded fighter like Marquardt, and make it look effortless, it wouldn’t be surprising to see White insert Maia over Henderson opposite Silva. Then again, Silva’s manager, Ed Soares, recently suggested that he’d like to see Henderson take on the winner of Maia-Marquardt to create a true number one contender and, in the process, eliminate any and all speculation about who deserves to championship opportunity. We’ll find out soon enough — Maia and Marquardt are set to collide tomorrow night (Aug. 29) in the televised pay-per-view (PPV) card LIVE from the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon. It’s safe to say that there is a lot on the line for both fighters. Dan Henderson, too. |
| UFC Quick Quote: Dana White is not anti-Strikefarce Posted: 28 Aug 2009 02:14 AM PDT
– UFC President Dana White clarifies his stance (via MMAWeekly.com) on Strikeforce, which he recently dubbed “Strikefarce,” during yesterdays pre-fight press conference to promote UFC 102. He’s not necessarily irritated by Scott Coker and Co. — someone who White has said in the past that he respects — but by their cable television partner, Showtime. The network has carried mixed martial arts programming for years, beginning with the now defunct Elite XC. When the promotion collapsed, Strikeforce was able to slide into the slot. And now that Strikeforce and Showtime were able to recently land the top free agent in the sport, Fedor Emelianenko, out from under the noses of the UFC, it appears that the gloves have officially come off. The next round of their battle will likely begin in November, which is expected to feature Emelianenko’s debut for the promotion. White is currently cooking up a scheme to air a third event that month that will feature a main event between lightweight champion BJ Penn and Diego Sanchez to counter it. The event, its location and television distribution, remain a mystery at this time. |
| UFC 102 press conference pics: Randy Couture-’Minotauro’ Nogueira face off and more Posted: 27 Aug 2009 05:27 PM PDT
Check out Keith Jardine and Thiago Silva eying each other up after the jump. For the complete photo gallery of the UFC 102 pre-fight press conference head over to CombatLifestyle.com.
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| UFC 102 video preview and more on Fedor Emelianenko vs Brett Rogers from ESPNs ‘MMA Live’ Posted: 27 Aug 2009 12:52 PM PDT |
| UFC 102 press conference video feed LIVE at 4 p.m. ET from Portland Posted: 27 Aug 2009 12:17 PM PDT
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will today hold its final pre-fight press conference prior to “Couture vs. Nogueira,” which is scheduled for the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Aug. 29. The live presser feed from the Portland Marriott Downtown Hotel, which will feature headliners Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira, among others will begin at 4 p.m. ET. It will be available to watch at this time after the jump below. Enjoy, Maniacs. In the meantime, feel free to talk about anything UFC 102-related in the comments section below. It’s an open thread. Go nuts.
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| Sengoku 10: Antonio Silva vs Jim York (not Ron Sparks) announced for Sept. 23 Posted: 27 Aug 2009 11:30 AM PDT
World Victory Road has added two kiwis and two former Olympic judokas to the upcoming Sengoku 10 fight card, which will go down at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on Sept. 23. Despite a previous report, Antonio Silva (12-1) will not face the Louisville, Kentucky-based super heavyweight prospect, Ron Sparks. He was recently ruled out as a possible opponent. Instead, “Bigfoot” will now meet New Zealander, Jim “Big” York (11-2). Both fighters have momentum in their favor — Silva is riding a five-fight win streak and York reeled off a knockout win over PRIDE/Elite XC veteran, James Thompson, in his last Sengoku outing. In other new, former Olympic judo silver medalist, Hiroshi Izumi, will make his MMA debut against a fellow MMA newcomer, Antz “Notorious” Nansen. Both fighters venture into the MMA arena with lofty pedigrees in judo and kickboxing, respectively. While Izumi boasts world class judo experience, New Zealander, Nansen, has compiled several kickboxing titles, including WKBF cruiserweight and heavyweight, on his resume. 2000 Olympic judo gold medalist, Makoto Takimoto (5-5), will make his second appearance at welterweight after a successful submission victory over Michael Costa at Sengoku: Eighth Battle. He faces a Korean fighter, Jae Sun Lee (5-4), who makes his Sengoku debut. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for further bout confirmations for Sengoku 10. |
| Randy Couture UFC 102 video blog (Episode two) Posted: 27 Aug 2009 11:12 AM PDT |
| Keith Jardine thinks the UFC may not want him to be a champion … Posted: 27 Aug 2009 09:22 AM PDT
… because he's not as marketable, doesn't crave attention and/or make an ass out of himself, according to a Las Vegas Sun article today:
Can the "Dean of Mean" overcome the obstacles before him to one day become a champion or is he just too inconsistent (he hasn't won back-to-back fights in three years) against top-flight competition to ever get there? |
| Knock, knock: Demian Maia UFC 102 interview exclusive with MMAmania Posted: 27 Aug 2009 06:38 AM PDT
It's safe to say Demian Maia has made a successful transition from grappling sensation to mixed martial arts star. In fact, he's made it look way too easy. As a submission grappler he accumulated a laundry list of accomplishments in jiu-jitsu, including seven state championships in Brazil, a Brazilian national championship, two world championships, three World Cup championships, a Pan American Championship, and a ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship for good measure. In other words, he is one of the most accomplished submission grapplers on the planet. Perhaps Maia was too good, prompting him to pursue new challenges in the form of MMA a few years ago. In 2005, he began his professional career and rattled off five consecutive victories. The UFC took notice, signing him to a fight contract just about 24 months later. And he hasn't let up since. Maia has been extremely impressive, winning five consecutive UFC fights all by way of submission (no surprise). In four of those fights he also won the “Submission of the Night” monetary award from the UFC management. He now finds himself knocking on the door of a potential title shot in the middleweight division currently ruled by fellow Brazilian Anderson "The Spider" Silva. The man standing in his way of that potential opportunity of a lifetime is none other than UFC veteran Nate Marquardt whom he will meet on the main card at UFC 102 this Saturday, Aug. 29 in Portland, Oregon. Make no mistake about it: Marquardt will be the toughest test of Maia's career up to this point. The fight will also serve as a gauge as to how far along Maia's training has progressed into becoming a more well-rounded fighter with fewer holes in his game. Will he be able to go strike-for-strike with Marquardt on their feet if needed? Will he be able to bypass the strength and wrestling skill of Marquardt and get the fight to the ground where he is most comfortable? These questions will be answered Saturday night. For now, we'll answer a few others with the help of Demian, who was able to take some time out of his hectic fight week schedule to address his evolving skill set, getting a title shot, how to beat Anderson Silva, and UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. Check it out:
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You're known primarily as a jiu-jitsu fighter. With that being said what is your favorite submission to use? Demian Maia: I really don't have any favorite submissions. What the opponent gives to me is what I will take. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Some of the mainstream MMA fans in the United States find it hard to appreciate a guy with a phenomenal ground game. A lot of them would much rather prefer to see two guys slug it out. What do you have to say to those fans out there who are struggling to appreciate a guy like yourself? Demian Maia: Actually I don't feel that. I feel like everybody likes my fights. They want to see just an exciting fight. It doesn't matter where (it takes place). The problem is that too many people think it's always going to be exciting fighting. I always tell that guys like my way of fight. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Going back to Nate Marquardt. We all know he is a very well-rounded fighter and comes from a great camp. If you had to pick one, what would you say his biggest weakness is? Demian Maia: I don't think he has weaknesses. He is complete. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You've been competing in MMA for a few years now. Obviously. when you're competing in grappling tournaments you don't have guys punching and kicking you. As a result, have you adjusted your jiu-jitsu to tailor it more towards MMA? If so, what specifically have you changed? Demian Maia: Yes, of course we have. Since I started training jiu-jitsu we always trained a lot of MMA. Jiu-jitsu was made for self defense. We were training with punches and kicks and that kind. The only big complication is that in jiu-jitsu we don't have to think about that but in the training we always used to do. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Can you win this fight with Nate if you guys are standing the whole time or do you have to get the fight to the ground? Demian Maia: I prefer to get the fight to the ground for sure. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your standup at this juncture in your career? Demian Maia: I think it's about five right now, but I'm working hard. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What is your official prediction for the fight? Demian Maia: I don't like to do that, but I hope to win by submission. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): The word on the street is that Dan Henderson is getting the next title shot against Anderson Silva. Do you think there is a chance that the winner of your fight Saturday could leapfrog Henderson and get that shot if one of you pulls off an impressive performance and convinces the UFC otherwise? Demian Maia: Yeah, I think so. I think I need to change the fans mind and if I get the fans mind they (the UFC) will agree. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Nobody has been able to figure out Anderson so far. He's been the middleweight champ for a long time. Is he vulnerable and if so, how can he be beaten? Demian Maia: He's a man like everyone else. He can be beaten stand up or striking, but he's very hard to beat in both places. Even in his grappling game, which isn't as good as his striking. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): So he would be in trouble on the ground against a guy like yourself who is a world class jiu-jitsu fighter? Demian Maia: Yes, for sure. I'm not saying he's easy. He's very good on the ground but of course he's vulnerable. If he fights with me he will be vulnerable. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What did you think of Anderson's performance against Forrest Griffin at UFC 101? Demian Maia: It was amazing like he always is. He's amazing when he fights, especially his striking game. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Before I go I also wanted to ask you about Frank Mir. I know Frank is a guy you helped train for his UFC 100 fight with Brock Lesnar. What did you think of Frank's performance that night? Demian Maia: I think it's hard to fight a guy like Brock. He's very heavy and very athletic and a very good wrestler. Frank won and then Brock won again and I think they could fight again. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Do you think anyone in the UFC can beat Brock Lesnar going forward? Demian Maia: Of course. I think Frank has (a chance to win). Even Couture does. Minotauro (Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira) does. A lot of heavyweights have a chance to beat him. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): That is all I had for you Demian. Is there anything you would like to pass along to your fans out there or any sponsors you would like to thank? Demian Maia: I just want to say thank you to Bad Boy my new sponsor. Thank you for everybody who appreciates my game. Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Thank you for the time Demian and best of luck on Saturday. Demian Maia: Okay, thank you very much, Derek. Derek Bolender is a contributor to MMAmania.com and InsideFights.com. He is also syndicated to CBSSports.com and CNNSI.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/DerekMMAwriter and Facebook.com/Derek.Bolender. |
| Fedor Emelianenko has nothing to prove to no one Posted: 27 Aug 2009 06:37 AM PDT
Props: YouTube.com Quoteworthy:
Recent Strikeforce acquisition and the last man to hold the PRIDE FC heavyweight title, Fedor Emelianenko, doesn't feel he has anything to prove, even if those around him do. The reigning World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts (WAMMA) heavyweight champion next faces the heavy-handed Brett Rogers in what will be the Russian's Strikeforce debut. Rogers is fresh off a devastating 22-second knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski, which pushed his record to 10-0. Does he have enough weapons to take out "The Last Emperor" who is nearly perfect in 30 fights or will Emelianenko prove once again that he is indeed the best fighter in MMA today? Perhaps more important, will he ever be able to prove that without ever stepping foot inside the Octagon? Check out the complete video interview with Fedor after the jump.
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