Wednesday, December 23, 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

Dear idiots: King Mo is doing you a (expletive) favor

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 03:11 PM PST

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Props: MMA Fanhouse

Quoteworthy:

"Someone told me, 'You got fined.' I was like what? Fined by who? I told Strikeforce. I figured that everybody knew. I think it probably had to do with the huge uproar because everybody was like, 'Mo's unsportsmanlike,' and their corny a** bulls***. They don't want to see me have fun and what not. They think this is the NFL. I'm not sponsored by Rockstar. The thing is, I couldn't have any other beverage in the ring. If I could have, I would have had Pepsi. But Rockstar is cool, they are the sponsor for Strikeforce, I have a lot of respect for Strikeforce so I just did it. Why not? I was just out there having fun. I didn't splash the mat with the drink. The drink exploded when I opened it because someone shook it up. As far as people saying, 'Yeah, Mo got the mat slippery on purpose.' Let me telling you something, you idiots: the canvas is slippery anyway. If I get Rockstar on the mat and it dries up, I'm doing them a f***ing favor, you know what I'm saying? It irritates me when people run their mouths and sh**. They always say the dumbest sh** ever and they don't know sh** about what's going on."

Recent Strikeforce acquisition Muhammed Lawal is baffled by the hoopla surrounding his post-fight energy drink mishap that hosed down the floor of the cage following his Dec. 19 TKO win over Mike Whitehad at Strikeforce: "Evolution." The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) was not amused by his stunt and fined "King Mo" for his attempts at "having fun." Anyone out there in MMA land offended by his colorful entrances and outspoken persona?

Johnny Law busts UFC relic Harold Howard for playing chicken with Canadian Casino

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 03:09 PM PST

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UFC "veteran" Harold Howard (2-3), who is perhaps best known as the first man to stop Royce Gracie back in the 1990's (only to get creamed by Elfen ninja cop Steve Jennum on the same night) is now facing a new kind of cage after truck-bombing the lobby of the Fallsview Casino in Canada.

According to a report from The Niagra Falls Review, Howard, 51, blew a gasket after what sounds like some type of domestic dispute sent him on a city-wide rampage that ended with police drawing their guns and Casino janitors drawing their brooms.

From the Fuzz:

"Thank God it wasn't a Friday night. We were extremely fortunate not more people were around. A couple of people had to duck out of the way, but we could of had some real serious problems there if it had been a few hours earlier or another day. There were serious injuries, but not life-threatening at this point. There were head injuries and lacerations to arms and hands. They were taken to hospital and tests were being done."

After all was said and done the former fighter was charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a weapon, attempted break and enter, fail to remain, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, mischief and two counts of breach of recognizance.

Or as we call it in these parts: Hard Time.

Howard ended the undefeated streak of Royce Gracie at UFC 3: "The American dream" via TKO (Towel knockout). The jiu-jitsu legend was too exhausted to continue in the tournament after fighting a very game Kimo Leopoldo and his corner was forced to raise the white flag, setting up the eventual main event between Howard and Jennum.

Howard retired from active competition in 1996 after suffering two more losses.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more details on Howard's arrest as they become available.

Randy Couture vs Jeff Monson from EA Sports MMA video game (Pic)

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 01:35 PM PST

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Check out more screen shots from the upcoming EA Sports MMA video game after the jump. Thanks to MiddleEasy.com (via Bloody Elbow) for the scans.

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WEC 45 medical suspensions and injuries for 'Cerrone vs Ratcliff'

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 01:24 PM PST

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The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) today issued its list of medical suspensions for WEC 45: Cerrone vs. Ratcliff," which took place on Saturday, Dec. 19 from "The Pearl" at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

With several of the bouts ending via TKO stoppage, there were quite a few fighters who were flagged follow up visits with their doctors. Chief among them are Chris Horodecki (orbital/sinus fracture) — who went ass over tin cups courtesy of Anthony Njokuani's high kick  — and John Hosman (possible nasal fracture) -- who dropped a unanimous decision to Chad George on the preliminary card..

Ed Ratcliff was suspended until Jan. 19 for precautionary reasons -- and to give him ample time to get his popper knockers reattached after Donald Cerrone's knees put them on layaway. 

But that's not all.

Here is the complete list of WEC 45 injuries and their medical instructions:

Ed Ratcliff: Suspended until Jan. 19 with no contact until Jan. 10 for precautionary reasons

Chris Horodecki: Suspended until June 8 due to right orbital and sinus fractures; can return after Jan. 19 if cleared by an ENT doctor

Rani Yahya: Suspended until Jan. 19 with no contact until Jan. 10 for precautionary reasons

Zach Micklewright: Suspended until June 8; can return after Jan. 20 if left elbow x-rayed and cleared by orthopedic doctor

Muhsin Corbbrey: Suspended until Feb. 3 with no contact until Jan. 19 due to cut in right eyebrow

John Hosman: Suspended until June 8 due to possible nasal fracture; can return earlier if cleared by an ENT doctor

Courtney Buck: Suspended until Feb. 3 with no contact until Jan. 19 for precautionary reasons

Kyle Dietz: Suspended until Jan. 19 with no contact until Jan. 10 for precautionary reasons

Jameel Massouh: Suspended until Jan. 19 with no contact until Jan. 10 for precautionary reasons

Just a quick reminder: Fighters often return to action much quicker once doctors give them the green light. The lengthy suspensions are just a precaution in most cases.

For complete results and coverage of "Cerrone vs Ratcliff" click here and here.

WEC Quick Quote: Even Cowboys get the jewels

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 11:53 AM PST

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"I couldn’t figure it out either because I spar with guys his size. Leonard’s same size, 5’9”. I can hit Leonard just fine. I think it’s just the way he was coming in and like rolling. They were totally unintentional. I wasn’t going for his nuts. If I was I would’ve really ripped them in there. But I couldn’t figure out what was going so then I started doing the jump knees.  That was the only thing. Greg’s like, ‘Don’t knee anymore, okay?’ Yeah, good call."

Even Donald Cerrone isn't exactly sure what was going on with the bounty of errant knees that plagued the groin of Ed Ratcliff. "Cowboy" sat down with Pro MMA Radio this past Monday to discuss his victory over Ed Ratcliff at WEC 45 last Saturday night (Dec. 19). The fight ended in victory for Cerrone, but not before several illegal knees led to Herb Dean penalizing "Cowboy" on two separate occasions. Cerrone claims to be baffled about the misplaced shots. Any thoughts, Maniacs?

UFC Fight Night 20 video: Nate Diaz still ahead of Gray Maynard

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 09:59 AM PST

Rich Franklins wife, Beth, featured in Mens Fitness (Pics)

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 09:59 AM PST

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Props: MensFitness.com (Click the link to check out the complete gallery)

Rashad Evans hopes to inspire himself and kids with 'hard' upbringing

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 09:39 AM PST

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Props: Las Vegas Sun

Quoteworthy:

"I really never tell anybody my story, it's kind of something I use for personal motivation. But a lot of those kids may be going through something like I went through and it's good for them to know they're not alone.... Just because you don't always come from the best circumstances doesn't mean you can't persevere and come out on top.... I used to be so poor, I would go to school just to eat lunch. Other kids made fun of my clothes. I wasn't clean all the time. It was hard for me growing up — I had a lot of anger inside.... I had friends, that had parents that didn't want me hanging out with their kids. They'd tell me, 'I don't want you hanging out with my son. You're a bad seed and you're going nowhere. You'll end up in prison.... It's easy to go through the day-to-day motions and get consumed by a new lifestyle. But you can't forget where you came from."

Rashad Evans recently shared his path to one-time UFC light heavyweight champion and mixed martial arts star underprivileged kids at the Boys Town Nevada center in North Las Vegas. "Sugar," who grew up in Niagara, N.Y., detailed how he found salvation in sports as a child, which helped him overcome poverty and other childhood challenges. He admits that he doesn't often share intimate details of the experience with others. Instead, he uses it to motivate himself to perform his best inside the Octagon. And he'll need to be in top form if he intends to topple Thiago Silva at UFC 108 on Jan. 2 and all the other exceptional fighters in the talent-rich 205-pound weight class.

UFC Quick Quote: Matt Hughes and Renzo Gracie have history

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 09:06 AM PST

"Been some talk about Renzo and some people are wondering why I would fight him. I think he is a very formidable opponent and I would say he is the best of the Gracies. I don’t think it would be fair to compare him to Royce. Renzo and I have some history as he is the last guy to beat Pat Miletich and I have beat a couple of his students. I beat Ricardo Almeda back in Abu Dhabi and I just got done beating Matt Serra. Both motivating reasons for us to fight each other. One thing I’ll say about Renzo is that he is one of the nicest guys out there, but that won’t stop me from keeping myself motivated and doing my job."

-- Former welterweight champion Matt Hughes shares his reasons for accepting a bout with mixed martial arts legend Renzo Gracie at the upcoming UFC 112 event in Abu Dhabi on April 10, 2010. And it's not because Hughes beat up his cousin, Royce, at UFC 60 back in May 2006. Renzo -- who is six years Hughes' elder -- has competed just three times in the last four years and has not seen action since a disqualification win over Frank Shamrock in early 2007. Hughes, on the other hand, has been more active of late, but has dropped three of his last five. So will this quasi "grudge match" have what it takes to excite the fans or will it just be another opportunity for Hughes to perhaps ignite his career over another legendary, and perhaps fading fighter, like Royce?

Gloves are off: Aoki-Hirota, Kawajiri-Yokota announced for Dynamite!! 2009

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 07:52 AM PST

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Fighting and Entertainment Group today announced two additional fights for its upcoming year-end Dynamite!! 2009 event.

The "DREAM vs. Sengoku Raiden Championship (SRC)" bout series will come full circle as the lightweight champions and top contenders in the two organizations face off: Shinya Aoki and Mizuto Hirota bear the pride and championship belts of DREAM and SRC, respectively, while top lightweights, Tatsuya Kawajiri and Kazunori Yokota, square off.

Kazushi Sakuraba will most likely not participate due to an injury. Expect 1-2 more fights to be added.

Contentious mood pervaded the conference from the outset, as Aoki and Kawajiri balked at the photo ops with their opponents. Originally scheduled to face each other for the DREAM lightweight title bout, they made no effort to hide their displeasure at the proposed "DREAM vs. SRC" match ups.

Kawajiri, whose long-awaited title shot against Aoki has now been delayed, simply stated that he has no interest in the fight against Yokota and feel no motivation heading into the fight. Yokota, on the other hand, threw a series of verbal jabs at Kawajiri:

"I once said that a win over Takanori Gomi, not one over Kawajiri or (Mitsuhiro) Ishida, is the only one that means anything to me. Now, however, Kawajiri has more recognition and abilities, so it is a plum opportunity for me to make my name."

When Yokota piled on, claiming that he would be more competitive against the retiring K-1 MAX icon, Masato, than Kawajiri was (Yokota has had some success in shoot boxing, muay thai, and other striking competition), Aoki interrupted, telling him to "shut up."

SRC lightweight champion, Mizuto Hirota, threw down the gauntlet against Aoki: "It seems like Aoki does not know me so I will beat him up with full force."

The surly Aoki took the mic to bare his animosity against SRC. Besides being irate that the title bout against Kawajiri on New Year’s Eve unraveled, he expressed his fierce loyalty to DREAM and pledged to defend its honor:

"I would like (DREAM) to destroy SRC with a clean sweep."

DREAM and Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix runner-ups, Michihiro Omigawa and Hiroyuki Takaya, also attended the conference to discuss their bout that was announced last week.

Unlike the other four fighters in attendance, Omigawa and Takaya kept things civil but displayed their competitive fire and promised an intense showdown.

When fighters were asked to deliver their messages to the opponents to wrap up the conference, Kawajiri simply passed the mic without commenting while others kept their comments brief.

The tense air did not relent even at the very end. When the fighters gathered for a group shot, Aoki and Kawajiri ignored the urging of the staff to leave the room. Aoki later returned but refused to stand next to Hirota, as all fighters except Kawajiri poised for the picture.

It looks like the smoldering ill will might just explode with full force on New Year’s Eve.

The line-up for the event thus far is as follows:

MMA Super Fight:

Satoshi Ishii vs. Hidehiko Yoshida

DREAM vs. SRC:

Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto vs. Masanori Kanehara
Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Hideo Tokoro vs. Marlon Sandro
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai vs. Akihiro Gono
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Hiroshi Izumi
Alistair Overeem vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
Shinya Aoki vs. Mizuto Hirota
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kazunori Yokota

K-1 MAX Fight (5×3 minutes, 1×3 ext.):

Masato vs. Andy Souwer

K-1 Fight:

Ray Sefo vs. Yosuke Nishijima

Super Hulk Tournament Final:

Minowaman vs. Sokoudjou

The DREAM vs. SRC fights will be contested under three five minute rounds and no stomps or soccerkicks will be allowed. Also, the referees from both organizations will be employed and the specific judging criteria have yet to be disclosed.

Stay tuned to MMAmania for more news regarding the Dynamite!! 2009 NYE event.

Frank Mir video on UFC 111 fight against Shane Carwin and more

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 07:15 AM PST

UFC 108: 'Evans vs Silva' final line up now official for Jan. 2 in Las Vegas

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 07:15 AM PST

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Ultimate Fighting Championship cautiously announced the final line up for its traditional year-end pay-per-view (PPV) event, which is scheduled for the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 2.

UFC 108: "Evans vs. Silva" has been marred by injuries for months, forcing the likes of champions Anderson Silva and Brock Lesnar, as well as big names such as , Vitor Belfort, Shane Carwin, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Cain Velasquez, Rory Markham, Tyson Griffin, Sean Sherk, Carlos Condit and Gabriel Gonzaga, of the card.

Now UFC 108 will feature a reworked main event between former smooth-moving light heavyweight champion "Sugar" Rashad Evans and the hard-hitting Thiago Silva. British brawler Paul Daley is slated to battle Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Dustin Hazelett in the co-featured fight of the night.

Here is the official UFC 108 fight card:

Main event:
205 lbs.: Rashad Evans (13-1-1) vs. Thiago Silva (14-1)

Main card (Televised):

170 lbs.: Paul Daley (22-8-2) vs. Dustin Hazelett (12-4)
155 lbs.: Joe Lauzon (18-4) vs. Sam Stout (14-5-1)
155 lbs.: Duane Ludwig (19-9) vs. Jim Miller (15-2)
265 lbs.: Junior Dos Santos (9-1) vs. Gilbert Yvel (36-13-1)

Under card (Spike TV broadcast):

170 lbs.: Martin Kampmann (15-3) vs. Jacob Volkmann (9-1)
155 lbs.: Cole Miller (15-4) vs. Dan Lauzon (12-2)

Under card (May not be broadcast):

205 lbs.: Vladimir Matyushenko (23-4) vs. Steve Cantwell (7-3)
185 lbs.: Mark Munoz (6-1) vs. Ryan Jensen (15-4)
170 lbs.: Mike Pyle (18-6-1) vs. Jake Ellenberger (21-5)
155 lbs.: Rafael Oliveira (9-2) vs. John Gunderson (22-6)

Not too shabby ... all things considered.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of the UFC 108 PPV telecast at 10 p.m. ET on fight night. Our play-by-play coverage of the commercial-free Spike TV broadcast, which will feature two bouts, Martin Kampmann vs. Jacob Volkmann and Cole Miller vs. Dan Lauzon, will begin earlier in the evening at 9 p.m. ET.

Of course, we will also deliver up-to-the-minute quick of all the under card action well before all the other goodness begins.

We’re still several weeks away from showtime; therefore, feel free to share your thoughts and predictions on "Evans vs. Silva" 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 108 feel free to also hit up our event archive right here.

UFC 111: Phil Baroni vs Marcus Davis likely for March 27

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 06:38 AM PST

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Hard-hitting (and crowd-pleasing) welterweights, Marcus Davis (16-6) and Phil Baroni (13-12), have verbally agreed to throw leather at UFC 111 from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on March 27, 2010.

The promotion has made no official announcements about the 170-pound match up or the actual pay-per-view (PPV) event at this time; however, that's expected to change very soon.

"The Irish Hand Grenade" detonated unexpectedly in his match against Ben Saunders at UFC 106: "Ortiz vs. Griffin 2" just last month. The former boxer perhaps did not give the "Killa B" enough respect in the size department and the Muay Thai striker made him pay for it dearly with a barrage of knees that pulled the pin on Davis' title aspirations.

It was his second straight loss after coming up short against Dan Hardy at UFC 99: "The Comeback" last June.

Also tasting defeat in two straight fights is "The New York Bad Ass."

Baroni made his long-awaited return to the Octagon after taking a whooping from Jake Shields at the June 6 "Lawler vs. Shields" event that Strikeforce brought to St. Louis. Unfortunately the change in scenery didn't help him much, as Ultimate Fighter 7 champion Amir Sadollah battered him en route to a three round decision win.

"Fight of the Night" notwithstanding, it's hard to imagine where Baroni and Davis fit in should they lose their third straight bout.

UFC 111 is expected to feature a 170-pound title defense by promotion superstar Georges St. Pierre as "Rush" answers the call of British striker Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy. Heavyweights Frank Mir and Shane Carwin are also expected to collide in an interim title match while Brock Lesnar recovers from recent surgery.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates on this still-developing fight card.

Jose Aldo not ready to fight BJ Penn ... yet

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 06:38 AM PST

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Props: Terra

Quoteworthy:

"I think this is good. All the people speaking about me, saying I have chance of beating him (BJ Penn). I guess everything is great, but coming back to the reality, I first need to defend my belt and prove many times I am the champion. Who knows I can fight him and even win in the future? I would do what I like that is go towards the opponent and trade hits with him.”

WEC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo (16-1), who has torn apart the competition he has faced to date in the 145-pound division, talks about a potential match up with UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn. The Nova Uniao prospect is currently enjoying a nine-fight win steak, which culminated withan extraordinary performance against former champion Mike Brown in Las Vegas, Nevada, to capture the division crown. If the Brazilian keeps mowing through the competition, would you be curious to see him jump ship, and move up in weight to test his skills against the "Prodigy?" Or does Aldo still have a lot more to prove before potential scenarios like that can even be considered? Sound off, Maniacs.
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