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- UFC Quick Quote: Someone, somewhere will beat Anderson Silva
- Chuck Liddell Dancing with the Stars video behind the scenes (Part two)
- UFC 106: Forrest Griffin to step up and fight Tito Ortiz on Nov. 21 with Mark Coleman hurt
- Report: Antonio Silva vs Fabricio Werdum set for Nov. 7 Strikeforce event
- UFC Quick Quote: If Rampage wants to act, he should act like a (expletive) coach
- Alistair Overeem fighting Tony Sylvester — not Sam Hoger — at Oct. 17 Golden Glory event
- WEC 43 video preview, DREAM 11 review, Dan Henderson and more on ESPNs ‘MMA Live’
- WEC 43 preview and predictions for ‘Cerrone vs Henderson’ on Oct. 10
- ‘Sugar’ Rashad breaks down Team Evans 4-0 start to TUF 10 (Video)
- Sengoku 11: Jorge Masvidal vs. Satoru Kitaoka on tap for Nov. 7 event
| UFC Quick Quote: Someone, somewhere will beat Anderson Silva Posted: 09 Oct 2009 03:20 AM PDT
– UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva talks to Fighters Only magazine about his vincibility, saying that his time will eventually come if he continues to compete against the best in the world. “The Spider” is currently undefeated (10-0) inside the Octagon and holds the all-time record for the most consecutive wins under the UFC banner. He has not lost a bout decisively in nearly five years — a flying heel hook submission courtesy if Ryo Chonan at Pride: “Shockwave” in late 2004 (Yushin Okami scored a win over Silva via disqualification in 2006). The Brazilian has mentioned numerous times that he intends to retire from mixed martial arts in the near future. And why not? He’s essentially cleaned out the middleweight division and has handled 205-pound fighters with ease when called upon. Pretty soon, if he keeps on doing what he has been doing, there won’t be very many competitive options remaining. So can someone like Vitor Belfort at UFC 108 be the right man for the job or will Silva continue to roll in 2010 and beyond? |
| Chuck Liddell Dancing with the Stars video behind the scenes (Part two) Posted: 09 Oct 2009 03:16 AM PDT |
| UFC 106: Forrest Griffin to step up and fight Tito Ortiz on Nov. 21 with Mark Coleman hurt Posted: 08 Oct 2009 09:20 PM PDT
Two former light heavyweight champions will attempt another run at division greatness as Forrest Griffin (16-6) steps in on short notice to fight Tito Ortiz (15-6-1) at UFC 106 on Nov. 21 from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, the UFC confirmed earlier today. Griffin, who will look to avenge a controversial split decision loss to “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” in their first encounter at UFC 59, replaces the previously booked Mark Coleman, who was forced to withdraw from the event after tearing his MCL in training. Ortiz is coming off major spinal fusion surgery to correct a back problem that plagued him in his most recent bouts. His last appearance was in May 2008 — a unanimous decision loss to now 205-pound champion, Lyoto Machida. It's been more than a year since Ortiz saw action in that performance, which had him in trouble early only to nearly finish it with a triangle-to-armbar transition that "The Dragon" barely escaped. After the loss, it appeared that the decade-long tumultuous relationship between Ortiz and White had finally reached its breaking point; however, the pair was able to miraculously mend fences just last month and put their difference aside to start making money together once again. Ortiz has three wins, two defeats and one draw since he returned to action in 2006 from a brief hiatus. And those three victories have come at the expense of a past-his-prime, Ken Shamrock (twice), and the aforementioned split decision over Griffin. Whether or not a surgically repaired back will help him return to form and make a serious run at the light heavyweight championship remains to be seen. His latest journey begins on Nov. 21. Like Ortiz, Griffin has been on a career rollercoaster after they last met in April of 2006. The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) pioneer rebounded from a devastating loss against Keith Jardine at UFC 66 to stun former PRIDE superstar Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 76. The scrappy best-selling author followed up that performance by upsetting Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 86 to usurp the 205-pound crown. He promptly coughed up his new-found gold to fellow TUF grad “Sugar” Rashad Evans at UFC 92 and was then unceremoniously fed to Anderson Silva at UFC 101 last August. After dropping back-to-back fights, Griffin is in dire need of a win. Getting a chance for redemption — not just for the consecutive losses but also for the questionable decision at UFC 59 — would go a long way in returning him (as it would Ortiz) to the forefront of division contenders. As cliche as it sounds, this one could boil down to who wants it more. UFC 106 will feature a main event heavyweight title bout between two absolute monsters as champion Brock Lesnar will look to defend his gold for the second time against his newest challenger, Shane Carwin. For more on the developing UFC fight card and rumors click here. |
| Report: Antonio Silva vs Fabricio Werdum set for Nov. 7 Strikeforce event Posted: 08 Oct 2009 09:19 PM PDT
Strikeforce heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum (12-4-1) is poised to welcome former Elite XC heavyweight champion Antonio Silva (13-1) back into the United States when they face off at the Nov. 7 “Fedor vs. Rogers” event from the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, according to Sherdog.com. “Junior” was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for a full year in July 2008 following his championship winning performance at Elite XC: "Unfinished Business" because he tested positive for Boldenone — an anabolic steroid developed for veterinary use. The Brazilian giant defied that ruling by taking a fight with Sengoku last January due to financial difficulties. Rulings from athletic commissions in the United States aren't recognized in Japan, and according to Silva's manager Alex Davis, his fighter couldn't afford to sit out for a year. “Bigfoot” has maintained his innocence throughout the entire ordeal. In fact, he's the first fighter to take legal action against a ruling from the CSAC when he sued them (unsuccessfully) earlier this year. No hard feelings, according to CSAC Executive Officer Dave Thornton:
Silva may be back, but don’t expect a very warm welcome from Werdum.
After a successful run in the now-defunt PRIDE FC organization, the Brazilian went 2-2 upon joining the UFC in April 2007. After losing a cautious slapfest against Andrei Arlovski at UFC 70, Werdum put together two straight TKO victories over Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon Vera. “Vai Cavalo” seemed to be on the cusp of a title shot, only to get bounced from the promotion when he was upset (and uppercut) by out-of-the-blue bruiser Junior Dos Santos at UFC 90 in Oct. 2008. He returned to action at Strikeforce “Carano vs. Cyborg” after signing with the San Jose-based organization over the summer. Werdum made quick work of Mike Kyle, submitting him in the first round after Alistair Overeem bailed on the scheduled fight to heal a chronic hand injury. A win over Silva and he could face the victor of “Fedor vs. Rogers,” assuming “Demolition Man” remains in Japan. Headlining the Nov. 7 event will be a heavyweight clash between former PRIDE champion Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko and undefeated knockout artist Brett "The Grim" Rogers. Several of the promotion's other top fighters will be in action on the card as well, including a Strikeforce middleweight title bout pitting Jake Shields vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller for the 185-pound belt recently vacated by budding film star Cung Le. For more on Strikeforce: “Fedor vs. Rogers” click here. |
| UFC Quick Quote: If Rampage wants to act, he should act like a (expletive) coach Posted: 08 Oct 2009 09:14 PM PDT
– The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 contestant and guest blogger for Cagewriter Zak Jensen lashes out at the lack of support Demico Rogers received before, during and after his loss to Brendan Schaub on episode four of the Spike TV reality series. Following his submission defeat, Rogers was abandoned inside the cage by “Coach” Jackson, forcing members of Team Evans to come over and console him. It was a poor display of support that didn’t sit well with Jensen — or the viewers at home. |
| Alistair Overeem fighting Tony Sylvester — not Sam Hoger — at Oct. 17 Golden Glory event Posted: 08 Oct 2009 09:01 PM PDT
Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem (29-11) will make his previously scheduled appearance for Golden Glory on Oct. 17 against Tony Sylvester (11-2) — not Sam Hoger, despite a statement we reported from Hoger’s camp that indicated a deal with the former TUF star was being finalized. The bout is among the 14 announced for the upcoming hybrid card, which will feature both MMA and K-1 rules. Sylvester, who trains out of Midwest Training Center, had been riding a seven-fight winning streak before losing to current UFC prospect, Chris Tuscherer, at the YAMMA Pit Fighting event held last year. He has since bounced back with a victory over Roger Minton via first-round TKO last December. Overeem comes off his dominant performance over Dutch K-1 legend, Peter Aerts, in K-1 World Grand Prix Final Sixteen. To the chagrin of the weary fans, his first appearance in Strikeforce in more than two years likely will not take place until early 2010. He could likely defend his belt for the first time against the winner of Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers, who will hook ‘em up on Nov. 7. He will keep himself busy, however, as he is scheduled to participate in DREAM 12, the promotion’s first caged fight card, merely a week after the Golden Glory 11 bout. His opponent for the DREAM fight has yet to be confirmed. |
| WEC 43 video preview, DREAM 11 review, Dan Henderson and more on ESPNs ‘MMA Live’ Posted: 08 Oct 2009 04:54 PM PDT |
| WEC 43 preview and predictions for ‘Cerrone vs Henderson’ on Oct. 10 Posted: 08 Oct 2009 01:34 PM PDT
World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) is finally set for "Cerrone vs. Henderson" this Saturday night (Oct. 10) from The AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, beginning at 9 p.m. ET on the Versus network. WEC 43 was delayed for more than one month from its original scheduled date of Sept. 2 because the promotion was forced to change locations for the event. The time has finally come … almost. The headlining bout will feature an interim lightweight championship showdown between Greg Jackson pupil, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, taking on up-and-coming WEC star, Ben “Smooth” Henderson. The winner will face off against injured champion Jamie Varner at a later date to unify the 155-pound title. Former lightweight number one contender, Rich “Cleat” Crunkilton, will also make his return to the WEC cage following a string of injuries that have kept him sidelined for more than a year and a half. He’ll square off with undefeated Midwest product, Dave Jansen. There are plenty of other WEC stars who will compete on the card, too, including Raphael Assuncao, Damacio “The Angle of Death” Page, Anthony Njokuani, Wagnney Fabiano, Manny "The Mangler" Tapia and Charlie Valencia, among others. To help get you better prepared for WEC 43, I share some quick analysis and predictions for the four main card bouts set to hit the Versus airwaves on Saturday night. Check it out:
Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone (10-1) vs. Ben "Smooth" Henderson (9-1) for the WEC Interim Lightweight Title One of the only things that worries me about this fight for Cerrone is that he seems to be already looking ahead to a rematch with Varner. If you listen to the interviews leading up to this fight, Henderson has emphatically stated that this is the only fight on his mind. On the other hand, when you listen to “Cowboy,” Jamie Varner seems to be the focus of discussion. Whether or not that will come into play on Saturday night is to be determined. However, I do know that if “Cowboy” thinks he’s just going to walk through Henderson on his way to a rematch with “The Worm,” he is mistaken. He’s no cupcake opponent. With that said, I still think this is “Cowboy’s” fight to win. He has superior stand-up and ground skills, as well as more experience in big fights. Henderson has freakish athleticism, but no matter how I play this fight out in my head, “Cowboy” always comes out the winner. If he gets taken down, he’s scary good off his back. If “Smooth” tries to clinch with him for most of the fight, Cerrone has excellent knee work and elbows from there. And if it turns into a kickboxing match, Cowboy’s length and Muay Thai skills should prevail there, too. Look for Henderson’s heart to keep him in this fight, but I wouldn’t recommend putting any money down on him. I see Cowboy winning this thing with some sort of submission in the middle rounds. Final prediction: Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone via submission in round three Rich Crunkilton (16-2) vs. Dave Jansen (12-0) One would think this is a big step up in competition for Jansen, who is a promising prospect making his WEC debut. But the guy has faced some decent opposition to this point in his career. In fact, just this year alone he’s fought four times, winning each of those contests against competition with a combined record of (48-18-1). He’s no rookie. On the contrary, an argument could be made that “Cleat” is the one who will be dealing with some inexperience, or should I say cage rust, since he’s been out of action for the last 19 months. Don’t get me wrong, Crunkilton has proven to be versatile and capable in the past by going the distance with Hermes Franca, knocking out Bao Quach, and outpointing Sergio Gomez at WEC 33. But I can’t help but be bothered by the fact that he’s been sidelined for so long because of injuries, while Jansen has fought nine times since “Cleat” last saw action. Jansen is strong, methodical and he knows how to win fights. In short, he’s going to give Crunkilton some problems. I can also see conditioning coming into play as this fight wears on because it’s hard for a fighter to simulate what kind of cardio it actually takes to go non-stop for three rounds in a real fight. Training is one thing, but a fight is completely different. We’ve heard a million different fighters say that a million different times. There has to be some truth to it. It probably isn’t the popular opinion, but I got Jansen in a unanimous decision here. Final prediction: Dave Jansen via unanimous decision Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page (11-4) vs Will Campuzano (6-0) Page — another Greg Jackson-trained fighter — is coming off a super explosive knockout victory over jiu-jitsu expert, Marcos Galvao, at WEC 39. His only loss in three fights with promotion is to current champion, Brian Bowles, back in August 2008. He boasts explosive power and speed. And he can hurt you in a number of different ways because he’s good with his hands and with submissions. His only noticeable weakness is that he’s too aggressive sometimes, which leaves him susceptible to getting caught. Campuzano is pretty explosive himself. He’s never even been taken out of the second round by any of his six career opponents. He’s finished them all by either TKO or submission. Still though, fighting in the WEC on the Versus telecast is a different animal than fighting no named opposition on small circuit fight cards. He’ll also be dealing with a hungry, well trained beast in “The Angel of Death,” and his aggressive style will likely play right into the more experienced Page. Look for Damacio to come out guns blazing, looking to make a statement out of the new guy. His last fight lasted a total of 18 seconds. It’s safe to say this one will go a little bit longer than that, but how much longer is the question. I don’t think this thing makes it a full five minutes. Final prediction: Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page via technical knockout in round one Raphael Assuncao (13-1) vs. Yves "Tiger" Jabouin (14-4) Assuncao is a submission player who has only lost once so far in his five year mixed martial arts career — a majority decision to Jeff Curran three years ago. He holds wins over guys like James Birdsley, Joe Lauzon, Jorge Masvidal, Joe Pearson and most recently, Jameel Massouh, at WEC 40. In short, he looks like he’s the real deal. Jabouin — a striker making his WEC debut — has a solid resume as well with 11 of his 14 wins coming by way of (technical) knockout. But those wins were mostly against less credible opposition than what Assuncao has faced. Assuncao knows how to handle talented strikers, too. He’s had plenty of success with his jiu-jitsu against guys like Jabouin. That shouldn’t change much in this fight either, even though “Tiger” looks to have some pretty decent submission defense, having only been forced to tapout once in his career. But realistically he hasn’t faced anyone with the skill level, in terms of jiu jitsu, that he’ll see on Saturday night with Assuncao. It’s always fun to watch a grappler vs. striker fight play out because it can go a number of different ways. But I look for this one to be pretty one sided in the direction of Assuncao. I’m saying second round submission, maybe an armbar, which seems to be his go-to move. Final prediction: Raphael Assuncao via submission in round two That's a wrap. Remember that MMAmania.com will provide live coverage of the main card beginning with the Versus telecast at 9 p.m. ET, as well as up to the minute results of the under card action beginning at around 7 p.m. ET. Check in early and often — it should be an exciting night of fights. Any predictions of your own? |
| ‘Sugar’ Rashad breaks down Team Evans 4-0 start to TUF 10 (Video) Posted: 08 Oct 2009 12:15 PM PDT |
| Sengoku 11: Jorge Masvidal vs. Satoru Kitaoka on tap for Nov. 7 event Posted: 08 Oct 2009 11:57 AM PDT
Bellator FC standout Jorge Masvidal (18-4) has been added to Sengoku “Eleventh Battle” against former Sengoku lightweight champion Satoru Kitaoka (25-9-9) from the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo, Japan on Nov. 7 according to Tapology.com. The event will be broadcast stateside via HDNet. Kitaoka comes off a demoralizing loss to Mizuto Hirota at Sengoku: “Ninth Battle” in his first title defense. Kitaoka tore through the competition in the Sengoku Lightweight Grand Prix last year to become the tournament winner. He rode the momentum to dispatch the floundering former PRIDE champ Takanori Gomi in less than two minutes to become the inaugural Sengoku Lightweight champion. In his first title defense, he pressed the action in early rounds, threatening Hirota with multiple submission attempts; however, Hirota eventually turned the table, stuffing the takedown attempts from the fatigued and desperate Kitaoka before finishing him with a series of knee strikes in the fourth round. In his first bout since the title loss, Kitaoka will face another stiff challenge in Jorge Masvidal. “Gamebred,” who trains out of American Top Team, comes off his stint in the inaugural season of the Bellator Fighting Championship. One of the two blue-chip entrants in the Lightweight tournament, along with the eventual winner, Eddie Alvarez, Masvidal ultimately went 2-1 with victories over Nick Agallar and Eric Reynolds: In the semi-final bout, he succumbed to Toby Imada’s highlight-reel inverted triangle choke. He has also gone 2-1 in his three previous appearances in Sengoku, with victories over Ryan Schultz and Seng Hwan Bang and controversial stoppage loss to Rodrigo Damm. In his last few fights, he has unveiled his development into a complete fighter, with improved cohesiveness of his MMA game. Against Reynolds, he picked up his first submission victory of the career to complement the 9 (T)KO finishes.
A former UFC heavyweight champion and PRIDE staple, Randleman will fight for the first time since dropping a unanimous decision to Mike Whitehead at “Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields” in June. Returning after a year-long hiatus, Randleman looked tentative and sluggish throughout the three-round bout against Whitehead. He looks to bounce back from the lackluster performance and piece together the W’s that has largely eluded him since upsetting Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic in PRIDE in 2004. At Sengoku 11, he will make his second appearance in the promotion: He made his Sengoku debut at Sengoku: “Second Battle” where he notched a unanimous decision victory over Ryo Kawamura. Nedkov made his Sengoku debut on a high note in May at Sengoku: “Eighth Battle” by scoring a TKO victory over the grizzled veteran, Travis Wiuff. A fighter with strong wrestling base, Nedkov has reeled off seven consecutive stoppage victories in organizations such as Shooto, Pancrase, and now, Sengoku, since his pro debut in 2007. He will now look to add another high-profile name to his resume with a victory over Kevin Randleman. Stay tuned to MMAmania for more news regarding the upcoming Sengoku: “Eleventh Battle” event. |
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