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• Junie Browning video apology: ‘I have a lot of problems’
• UFC Quick Quote: Frank Trigg vs Tomato Can coming soon to an Octagon near you?
• UFC 105 poster for ‘Couture vs Vera’ in Manchester, England, on Nov. 14
• Stallone releases ‘The Expendables’ movie trailer with Randy Couture and Antonio Nogueira (Video)
• Chuck Liddell voted off ‘Dancing with the Stars’ 2009 after just four episodes
• Anderson Silva’s elbow + Vitor Belfort’s weight = UFC 108 trouble
• UFC 107 official for FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn., on Dec. 12
• Caol Uno vs Fabricio Camoes set for UFC 106 on Nov. 21 and more
• Yoshihiro Akiyama: I’m fighting Wanderlei Silva in early 2010
• Vale Tudo Japan announces Takanori Gomi vs Tony Hervey for 2009 event

Junie Browning video apology: ‘I have a lot of problems’ Posted: 14 Oct 2009 03:49 AM PDT

UFC Quick Quote: Frank Trigg vs Tomato Can coming soon to an Octagon near you? Posted: 14 Oct 2009 03:48 AM PDT “If my next fight is Serra, it’s going to be a loser leave town match cause he is on a 2-fight losing streak, so that would be 3 fights in a row that he lost and for me, it would be a 2-fight losing streak if I lost and I’m out. One of us is going to have to go home. If I fight somebody else and I lose, I’m going to have to leave regardless because I would have 2 losses. I would like for them to give me a tomato can, like some low-level martial artist, so I can beat the crap out of somebody for a change and get a win streak going, but the way they work with me, it’s going to be somebody tough no matter who it is.” – Former number one welterweight contender, Frank Trigg, tells FightHype.com that he’s got one more chance to prove he still belongs with the rest of the contenders in the UFC welterweight division. Josh Koscheck welcomed “Twinkle Toes” back to the Octagon after more than four years away from the promotion with a first round technical knockout at UFC 103 back on Sept. 19. Rumors have been swirling about a possible showdown with Matt Serra in early 2010; however, nothing is official at this time. Win or lose, does Trigg deserve the chance to finish out the remaining fights on his contract? Or is the 37-year-old fighter better off calling it quits if he drops two straight? Opinions please.

UFC 105 poster for ‘Couture vs Vera’ in Manchester, England, on Nov. 14 Posted: 13 Oct 2009 08:53 PM PDT To check out the latest UFC 105: “Couture vs. Vera” fight card click here.

Stallone releases ‘The Expendables’ movie trailer with Randy Couture and Antonio Nogueira (Video) Posted: 13 Oct 2009 08:51 PM PDT

Chuck Liddell voted off ‘Dancing with the Stars’ 2009 after just four episodes Posted: 13 Oct 2009 08:29 PM PDT Former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell tonight met his match on the dance floor, getting voted off "Dancing with the Stars" after just four episodes on the ABC network. “Iceman” and his professional dance partner, Anna Trebunskaya, got knocked out of the 16-person “celebrity” dance tournament after turning in a lackluster “two-step” on Monday night. This evening the judges delivered the bad news after it came down to the UFC Hall of Famer and singer Aaron Carter. He was visibly upset with the result, but shook off defeat in typical — and concise — Liddell fashion. His post-dance speech: “I had fun. We had a good time. We made a run at it, but it’s difficult. It’s hard to do.” What’s his next step? It’s unclear at this time. However, his popularity among soccer moms and geriatrics is more than likely at an all-time high. Whether or not the promotion intends to capitalize on this new-found demographic with a return to the Octagon in the near future remains to be seen. Let’s just hope he stays off the reality television circuit … unless it includes another run as coach on “The Ultimate Fighter” opposite another familiar legend of the sport, Randy Couture. Either way, job well done.

Anderson Silva’s elbow + Vitor Belfort’s weight = UFC 108 trouble Posted: 13 Oct 2009 07:33 PM PDT That’s the latest ominous word from “The Spider” camp” "They found some things that they weren't aware of (during the surgery), which is a good thing. If we're going to be fighting for the title, we want to make sure Anderson's 100-percent…. Vitor has not fought in the UFC at 185 pounds. Now, I know people can say Anderson fought for the belt after one fight, and that's true, but he fought at 185 pounds. At 195 pounds, he didn't make weight, at first. So he couldn't make weight at 195 pounds, but now he's going to fight for the title at 185 pounds?" Ed Soares, who manages Silva, indicated that out of respect for company president Dana White that they will accept the UFC 108 match, which is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2010, despite their reservations about Belfort’s weighty issues (although he competed twice at 185 pounds before the 195-pound catchweight fight against Rich Franklin last month). Ultimately, he said, it’s a “doctor’s decision” that should come within the next 10 days. Until then, we wait. Impatiently.

UFC 107 official for FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn., on Dec. 12 Posted: 13 Oct 2009 03:45 PM PDT Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) today made the official announcement that it will indeed return to “The Volunteer State” for the second time this year on Dec. 12, 2009. UFC 107 will feature a main event between lightweight division champion, BJ Penn, defending his title against number one division contender, Diego Sanchez. Company president Dana White, naturally, is excited about the match up … just like most fans. Here’s a snip: "In this sport it sometimes takes years for fighters to find the weight class where they're at their best. I don't think there's any question that BJ Penn and Diego Sanchez have finally found their homes at 155 pounds, making the UFC 107 main event a fight between the best Penn and Sanchez we've ever seen. BJ hasn't lost in this weight class in years, and Diego has looked unstoppable in his lightweight fights, and when these two meet in the center of the Octagon, it's going to make our first trip to Memphis one fight fans will never forget." In the co-featured fight of the night, former two-time heavyweight champion Frank Mir will “begin his quest for a third title” when he takes on Cheick Kongo. In addition, the welterweight showdown between former number one contender, Thiago Alves, and fellow Brazilian, Paulo Thiago, was also confirmed. Of course, several other bouts are also in the works, which you can check out on our developing UFC 107 fight card right here. Notably absent from the card is former light heavyweight champion, current coach on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 and Memphis native, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. He accepted the role as B.A. Barracus for the upcoming feature film “A-Team,” which caused a serious scheduling conflict and ultimately led to his premature retirement. His opposing coach and would-be opponent, Rashad Evans, is expected to move on and challenge Thiago Silva instead at UFC 108 on Jan. 2, 2010. For more on UFC 107 be sure to hit up our complete event archive right here.

Caol Uno vs Fabricio Camoes set for UFC 106 on Nov. 21 and more Posted: 13 Oct 2009 02:03 PM PDT On Tuesday, Yoshihiro Akiyama, along with current UFC fighters, Caol Uno and Yushin Okami, and WEC bantamweight, Takeya Mizugaki, attended the press conference for the release of the UFC’s “Undisputed” video game and the broadcast of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) series on Japanese TV channel, WOWWOW. TUF kicked off the Japanese broadcast on Oct. 6 and the “Undisputed” is slated for Oct. 15 release in Japan. As we reported earlier, the highlight of the presser came when Akiyama (13-1) confirmed the rumored bout with former Pride FC middleweight champion, Wanderlei Silva (32-10-1). The bout will take place at either UFC 110 on Feb. 6, 2010, in Las Vegas or at UFC 111, which is tentatively scheduled as the organization’s Australian debut in Sydney in late February. In addition to the fight announcement, Caol Uno (25-12-4) revealed he will return to the Octagon to take on Fabricio “Morango” Camoes at UFC 106 on Nov. 21 in Las Vegas. Uno made his unsuccessful return to the promotion at UFC 99 in Cologne, Germany, against Spencer Fisher. Following his prior stint in UFC during which he fought Jens Pulver, Din Thomas, BJ Penn (twice), and Hermes Franca amongst others, he became a mainstay in K-1 Hero’s and DREAM, facing some of the best in the lightweight division. Against Camoes, Uno looks to earn his first UFC victory in seven years that eluded him against Fisher. Camoes (10-4), a BJJ black belt under Royler Gracie, is a veteran of the now defunct Meca promotion. He fought twice on Showtime under the ShoXC banner, earning victories over Sam Morgan and Joe Camacho. He last fought in May in Strikeforce Challenger Series and submitted Torrance Taylor via rear naked choke in the first round. Yushin Okami (23-4), also present at the presser, will face Chael Sonnen at UFC 104 later this month at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Against Sonnen, he will return to the Octagon for the first time since earning a unanimous decision victory over Dean Lister at UFC 92 in December.

Yoshihiro Akiyama: I’m fighting Wanderlei Silva in early 2010 Posted: 13 Oct 2009 12:40 PM PDT Yoshihiro Akiyama, a fourth-generation Japanese-born Korean who made his Zuffa debut at UFC 100, will bring a lethal dose of sexiness to the Octagon in early 2010 in hopes of dulling the blade of Brazilian “Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva. “Sexyama” made the announcement earlier today during a news conference for the UFC's "Undisputed" video game release in the far east and comes courtesy of Sherdog.com. While no date or event is official, the former DREAM and K-1 star hinted at UFC 110 in Las Vegas and UFC 111 in Australia as probable front-runners for the proposed throwdown. A world class Judoka, Akiyama made his name in K-1 Hero's, compiling an undefeated record (11-0, 1 NC). After FEG pulled the plug on Hero's, he fought twice in the newly formed DREAM in 2008 before signing with UFC. He made his Octagon debut a successful one, narrowly edging out Alan Belcher via split decision on July 11. Will he be sexy enough for one of the sport’s most ruthless aggressors? On the heels of his recent facial surgery, Wandy could return with a level of sexiness all his own. Even though Silva has lost five of his last six fights, he's an extremely aggressive and dangerous fighter who is capable of ending things early. In fact, "The Axe Murderer" has a technical knockout percentage of more than 70 in his 43 professional mixed martial arts bouts — and even when he loses — he always comes to fight. Expect fireworks in this one. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more information on the reported contest as it becomes available.

Vale Tudo Japan announces Takanori Gomi vs Tony Hervey for 2009 event Posted: 13 Oct 2009 12:02 PM PDT At the press conference held today in Tokyo, the leading Shooto promoter, Sustain has unveiled the partial lineup for the upcoming Vale Tudo Japan 2009. The announcement of the opponent for Takanori Gomi (30-5, 1 NC) highlighted the presser: Sustain representative, Kazuhiro Sakamoto admitted that the search for Gomi’s opponent in what will likely be the former PRIDE lightweight king’s last bout had gone astray and took much longer than expected. Alas, with about two weeks left until the show that is scheduled for Oct. 30 at JCB Hall in Tokyo, Sakamoto and Co. secured Gomi’s opponent in the current King of the Cage lightweight champion, Tony Hervey (11-4). Hervey, a twenty four year-old Warren, MI native, holds notable victories over Victor Valenzuela and Alberto Crane. With a background in wrestling, muay thai, and taekwondo, Hervey is a fleet-footed southpaw who is equally sound offensively and defensively on the feet: A proficient striker who is adept at slipping and weaving through punches, he also boasts explosive takedown and fierce, ground-and-pound. Sakamoto commented that Hervey is a “lithe, aggressive, and dangerous opponent” whom no fighter can trifle with — if this will indeed be Gomi’s last fight in Japan, Hervey should more than fulfill his role in the momeroble occasion. He added that, while Hervey is still unknown in US, he likely will gain recognition in near future, and thus a good measuring stick for Gomi’s success in the US. Gomi, who attended the press conference, seemed cautious about facing the promising albeit little-known prospect. He noted that Hervey likely will be a tricky opponent due to his explosiveness, agility, southpaw stance, and his arsenal of kicks. Comparing Hervey to his past opponents, Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett and Luiz Azeredo, Gomi promised a fast-paced action from the opening bell that will live up to its billing as the main event. Gomi seems fully focused on the bout, as he has put aside his pursuit of professional surfing license and been hauled up in the gym. He also reiterated his desire to challenge himself overseas, citing UFC as one of his potential destinations. Gomi-Hervey is scheduled for the five-round main event under the special “VTJ” rule we previously reported on. The title match between “Lion” Takeshi Inoue and Alexandre “Pequeno” Nogueira will also proceed as a five-rounder under the VTJ rule. On the other hand, the 155-pound title bout between Kenichiro Togashi and Nova Uniao prospect, Willemy Chiquerim will be contested as a three-rounder. The additional bouts announced at the presser include a bantamweight bout between Mamoru Yamaguchi and Jesse Taitano under the Shooto rule and 143 lbs. bout between Tenkei Fujimiya and Tito Jones. Also, this year’s 167-pound rookie tournament champion, Yoichiro Sato has been added to the line-up against as-yet unnamed opponent. Elsewhere, the Shooto legend, Rumina Sato is still without an opponent. Sakamoto stated that, per Sato’s wish, he has been looking stateside for an opponent, listing Urijah Faber’s gym as one of the places he has contacted. Here is the current VTJ line-up: 71kg/156 lbs. – VTJ Rules – 5R x 5 min. Takanori Gomi (30-5, 1 NC) vs. Tony Hervey (11-4) 65kg/143 lbs. – VTJ Rules – 5R x 5 min. “Lion” Takeshi Inoue (16-3) vs. Alexandre Franca Nogueira (13-5-2) Shooto Welterweight (70kg/155.3 lbs.) Title Match – 3R x 5 min. Willamy Chiquerim (14-1) vs. Kenichiro Togashi (10-6-5) 56kg/123.5 lbs. – Shooto Rules – 3R x 5 min. Mamoru Yamaguchi (20-5-3) vs. Jesse Taitano (7-5-2) 65kg/143 lbs. – Shooto Rules – 3R x 5 min. Tenkei Fujimiya (7-4-2) vs. Tito Jones (6-3) Rumina Sato (24-14-2) vs. TBA Yoichiro Sato (5-1-1) vs. TBA Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates on Vale Tudo Japan 2009 as they become available.

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