Wednesday, December 30, 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

Programming reminder: UFC 'Countdown to 108' debuts TONIGHT (Dec. 29) on Spike TV

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 06:28 PM PST

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Countdown to UFC 108: "Evans vs. Silva" will debut TONIGHT (Dec. 29) at 11 p.m. ET on Spike TV to promote the upcoming pay-per-view (PPV) event scheduled for the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, Jan. 2.

The network special will provide a glimpse into the preparation and training camps of the fighters set to headline the show, featuring former light heavyweight champion "Sugar" Rashad Evans and challenger Thiago Silva.

For those who miss the "Countdown to UFC 108" premier it will re-air on Wednesday, December 30 at midnight on Spike TV.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action on fight night (Saturday, Jan. 2), which is slated to air at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view from Las Vegas. The latest quick updates of the live action will begin to flow earlier than that around 8 p.m. ET with the preliminary bouts.

Check out the Countdown to UFC 108 video preview after the jump.

 

 

For our complete UFC 108 archive click here.

WEC 46 video trailer for 'Varner vs Henderson' on Jan. 10

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 06:28 PM PST

Reminder: HDNet to broadcast FieLDS Dynamite!! 2009 Dec. 31 at 3 a.m. ET

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 05:45 PM PST

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(December 28, 2009) -- HDNet will feature exclusive coverage of "HDNet Fights Presents: FieLDS Dynamite!! 2009," from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on Thursday, December 31 at 3:00 a.m. ET.

Replays of the event will air on Thursday, December 31 at 8:00 p.m. ET and Friday, January 1, 2010 at 10:00 pm ET.

The combat sports world's signature event makes its North American television debut on HDNet with 17 fights featuring the brightest stars of DREAM, Sengoku Raiden Championship, K-1, and K-1 MAX. War has been declared between HDNet's Japanese MMA Partners - DREAM and Sengoku Raiden Championship.

"One of the greatest annual traditions in mixed martial arts is fights from Japan on New Year's Eve, and there is a reason Dynamite!! is the most watched MMA event in the world," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "Fight fans have been asking to see this event for years and as 'Your Home of MMA,' HDNet will deliver this event for the first time in North America! You can expect lots of surprises throughout the night in what is guaranteed to be the most unbelievable night in MMA."

A challenge series between the stars of DREAM and Sengoku headlines the evening as the DREAM Lightweight Champion Shinya Aoki (22-4) faces off with Sengoku Lightweight Champion Mizuto Hirota (12-3-1), DREAM star and Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem (31-11) faces Kazuyuki Fujita (15-8), Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto (17-2) tangles with Sengoku Featherweight Champion Masanori Kanehara (15-7-5), Hayato "Mach" Sakurai (35-9-2) takes on Akihiro Gono (30-15-7), Katsuyori Shibata (4-6-1) squares off with Hiroshi Izumi (0-1), Hideo Tokoro (23-19-1) meets Jong Man Kim (21-10-3) after injury caused Marlon Sandro to back out, Tatsuya Kawajiri (22-5-2) meets Kazunori Yokota (11-2-3); and Hiroyuki Takaya (12-7-1) battles Michihiro Omigawa (8-8-1) to decide promotional supremacy.

In other highly anticipated MMA bouts, Olympic Judo Gold Medalist and highly sought-after heavyweight prospect Satoshi Ishii makes his MMA debut against fellow Gold Medalist Hidehiko Yoshida (8-7-1) Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Gegard Mousasi (27-2-1) meets MMA pioneer Gary "Big Daddy" Goodridge (23-19-1), Melvin Manhoef (23-6-1) faces off with Kazuo Misaki (22-9-2), and the Super Hulk tournament concludes as Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (7-4) faces off with "Minowaman" Ikuhisa Minowa (43-30-8).

In other K-1 rules action, Japanese superstar MASATO enters the ring for the final time as he faces Andy Souwer in his K-1 farewell match, Ray Sefo meets Yosuke Nishijima in a K-1 Heavyweight clash, and the annual K-1 Koshien high school tournament reaches its climax.

Mike Kogan, Director of FEG USA, "We are very excited to further our already strong relationship with HDNet and bring North American fans our year-end megashow DYNAMITE!! for the first time. This partnership between FEG and HDNet has enabled us to deliver amazing fights to fans in 2009 and we are looking forward to another great year in 2010."

Calling the action for HDNet will be Michael "The Voice" Schiavello and Guy Mezger. They will be joined by Bully Beatdown star Jason "Mayhem" Miller!

Miguel Torres vs Joseph Benavidez in the works for WEC 47 on March 6

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 02:44 PM PST

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Former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres (37-2) will likely return to action against top division prospect Joseph Benavidez (11-1) at WEC 47: "Bowles vs. Cruz" from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on March 6, 2010.

MMAmania.com (www.mmamania.com) learned of the planned match up earlier today.

Torres hasn't see the inside of a cage since his stunning first round knockout loss to Brian Bowles at WEC 42 last August at "The Joint" from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Despite the loss, the former champ is still widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. That's because prior to the setback the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt had not tasted defeat since 2003. He was riding an amazing 17-fight win streak, which came to an abrup end courtesy of several unanswered bombs from the heavy-handed Bowles.

Unfortunately, the East Chicago native won't enjoy the opportunity to ease back into the title hunt as a plethora of hungry bantamweights are circling the waters for their shot at 135-pound gold.

Chief among them is Benavidez, fresh off a first round technical knockout over Rani Yahya at WEC 45: "Cerrone vs. Ratcliff" earlier this month.

Benavidez -- the protege and training partner of Urijah Faber -- battled Dominick Cruz in a number one contender eliminator match in the co-main event of WEC 42: "Torres vs. Bowles." The 25-year-old lost the first fight of his career that night, missing out on his chance to face the 135-pound division champion.

As a result, Cruz is now set to face Bowles at the March 6 event.

Like most bantamweights, Benavidez uses his speed and quickness to win fights. He's also a fantastic wrestler, which complements his athleticism nicely. Before the loss to Cruz, the Team Alpha Male product had won both of his appearances in the WEC cage by decision over Danny Martinez and Jeff Curran.

He's clearly near the top of the food chain in the fast growing WEC bantamweight division.

But is that enough to topple the former champ?

WEC 47 is expected to be headlined by Brian Bowles as he makes his first title defense against the 14-1 Dominick Cruz. Jens Pulver is also slated to make his WEC return after taking time off following a four-fight losing streak.

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

Report: Steve Cantwell out of UFC 108 bout with Vladimir Matyushenko

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 02:31 PM PST

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UFC 108 is considered to be far and away the most injury-plagued card in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and today the promotion learned of yet another reason that it seems completely cursed.

MMAweekly.com reports that Vladimir Matyushenko is without an opponent for this Saturday's event because his opponent, Steve Cantwell, has been forced to withdraw from the light heavyweight contest. 

The reason for Cantwell dropping off the card is unknown at this time.

For now, the UFC has removed both Cantwell and Matyushenko from the card, unless in some way a decent replacement can be made for "The Janitor." However, the under card fight is this weekend, which doesn't leave much time if any to find a suitable (and conditioned) opponent.

Stay tuned for more on this situation as it develops.

UFC 108 will feature a main event between slugger Thiago Silva and the quick, powerful Rashad Evans. Junior Dos Santos, Paul Daley, and Joe Lauzon are also some of the fighters featured on the first card of the 2010 for the UFC. 

To check out the latest fight card for UFC 108 click here.

Gegard Mousasi video talks Dynamite!! 2009 fight against Gary Goodridge

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 11:27 AM PST

Hulk Hogan: MMA is spanking the WWE pay-per-view business, brother

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 11:12 AM PST

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Props: MMA Fighting

Quoteworthy:

"MMA is spanking the WWE as far as the pay-per-view stuff. Dana White and the UFC has done an amazing job, and it's all about timing. The UFC was ready to close its doors, they were losing a ton of money, they were going under, they were getting ready to go out of business, and then they did a reality show called The Ultimate Fighter. They developed the characters; they made people care about the fighters; the people found out who the fighters were; they breathed life into the fighters. That's what I want to do with TNA. They've got the best talent in the world down there, but no one is breathing life into the characters. I have learned a ton of stuff from MMA, watching them. They remind me of TNA. Ton of talent, but no one has put that Frankenstein, shock the monster, breath some life into the characters. I learned a ton from MMA, and I get along great with Dana White -- he's awesome."

The immortal Hulk Hogan flexes his industry insight after studying the success of the UFC and how it managed to turn a sinking ship into a pay-per-view powerhouse. There have been several parallels between Zuffa and Hogan's previous place of employment and the irresistible force plans on using that strategy to build new business over in TNA Wrestling. Is "Hollywood" going to be able to replicate the success of the UFC? Or did Dana White and the Fertittas catch lightning in a bottle?

MMA Quick Quote: Herschel Walker fighting for unemployed husbands and housewives nationwide on Jan. 30

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 08:35 AM PST

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"I'm honored that Strikeforce and Scott Coker would give me this opportunity because a lot of people don't think a 47-year-old athlete can do this, but I told them I'm not your average athlete but at the same time I don't want to embarrass this sport. I think Dana (White) is just upset that he's not the only show in town. I think it's sad that he would say things [about me] when he doesn't even know me. I reckon everyone has a right to their opinion, but at the same time no one ever wanted to challenge me. I want to prove to all the 47-year-olds that if you get out of work you can do anything. To all the housewives and the husbands sitting on the couch saying they can't do anything, I want to prove that they can -- they just gotta get up and do it."

Recent Strikeforce acquisition and former NFL great Herschel Walker tells Sherdog.com that he's ready to prove that age ain't nothin' but a number when he debuts for the San Jose-based promotion in January 2010 in Sunrise, FL. Walker, a Taekwondo black belt, maintains his athleticism will propel him to great heights -- along with the 25-year-old personality he keeps on standby to take care of his dirty work. The 47-year-old former running back certainly sounds sincere, but is he headed for disaster when he finally steps into the cage? And does anyone want to take a stab in the comments section on who his first opponent will be?

Renzo Gracie: Rashad Evans is 'on fire' to fight Thiago Silva at UFC 108

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 08:22 AM PST

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Props: Graciemag.com

Quoteworthy:

"Rashad is a really tough guy. I even feel he should fight one division down, at middleweight, because he’s practically my size. But he doesn’t want to hear it; he likes that weight and is on fire. I feel he has a good chance of being division champion again. This fight will be tough, because he’s got a really tricky opponent. We worked together on several aspects so he can return to being champion and let’s see how it goes. I can’t wait for him to get in there."

Former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans has sharpened his jiu-jitsu skills with veteran Renzo Gracie for the upcoming fight against Thiago Silva at UFC 108, the first event of 2010 that takes place on January 1st, in Las Vegas. The 43-year-old Brazilian master makes his debut at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi to fight Matt Hughes, the man who stopped the legendary Royce Gracie in 2006. Will Evans beat Silva, Maniacs?

UFC 108 video blog with Dana White (Episode two)

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 08:02 AM PST

Gilbert Yvel: Junior dos Santos is not in my league

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 08:01 AM PST

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Props: MMAWeekly

Quoteworthy:

"This is like the highest point you can reach. It’s still a little bit difficult to believe, but I am in the UFC. What better way to prove myself than to knock out Dos Santos ... If I play my game and I be relaxed, and listen (to my corner) through the whole thing, I won’t, I hope there won’t be no problems because he is a good fighter, but his stand-up game is not in my league. For sure I’m going to knock him out. I do MMA to knock somebody out, because then you know you won. He’s on the ground. He’s sleeping, you’re standing, and it’s better than after two rounds the judge says to tell you who is better. If I knock him out then I did my job and nobody can say anything."

Gilbert Yvel anticipates a highlight reel debut when he takes on the fast-rising heavyweight prospect Junior dos Santos at UFC 108: "Evans vs. Silva" on Jan. 2 in Las Vegas. "The Hurricane" was last seen stomping a mudhole in Pedro Rizzo at "Ultimate Chaos" in Biloxi, Miss., back in June and was scooped up by the UFC after Affliction imploded in late July. Will his Octagon debut be a memorable one? Or will "Cigano" continue to plow his way through the ranks of heavyweight?

Alistair Overeem on Kazuyuki Fujita fight at FieLDS Dynamite!! (Video)

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 06:41 AM PST

Dynamite!! 2009: Jong Man Kim vs Hideo Tokoro with Marlon Sandro hurt

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 06:38 AM PST

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Last-minute alterations to Dynamite!! 2009 fight cards continue...

This time, one of the most compelling matchups in the "DREAM vs SRC" series suffered a major setback: Marlon Sandro (15-1), who was scheduled to face DREAM poster boy, Hideo Tokoro (25-21-1) in a featherweight bout was forced to withdraw due to an injury sustained during training. As a last-minute replacement for Sandro, Korean featherweight, Jong Man Kim steps up to keep the "DREAM vs SRC" format intact.

Jong Man Kim (21-10-3) made his Sengoku debut as an entrant in the promotion`s featherweight grand prix earlier this year. In the opening round, he fell to the tournament darkhorse-turned-eventual winner, Masanori Kanehara via unanimous decision.

Despite incurring five losses and two draws in his last seven fights dating back to December 2007, Kim stands as one of the four fighters to defeat top-ranked featherweight, Hatsu Hioki, whom he bested via split decision in October, 2007. He also holds notable victories over Kid Yamamoto protege, Atsushi Yamamoto and Seung Hwan Bang.

Stay tuned to MMAmania for coverage of pre-fight press conference on Dec. 30 during which the bout orders, as well as the details regarding the rules and contracted weight limits for the "DREAM vs SRC" inter-promotional bouts, will be unveiled.

Catch the replay of Pro MMA Radio year end show breaking down the top ten stories of 2009

Posted: 29 Dec 2009 06:38 AM PST

It's the traditional year-end show on MMAmania.com’s exclusive presentation of Pro MMA Radio, recapping the top ten stories of 2009. It was another banner year for mixed martial arts in 2009 and there were plenty of stories to choose from.

In addition, we break down our choices for knockout of the year, submission of the year, fighter of the year and of course, fight of the year.

Hosted by Larry Pepe, Pro MMA Radio is professional, guest-driven program that features some of mixed martial arts biggest names every Monday night at 9 p.m. ET with our exclusive live feed.

Click here for a replay of the Dec. 28 show.
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