Tuesday, January 12, 2010

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

Gray Maynard in no rush to fight BJ Penn at UFC 112 (Video)

Posted: 12 Jan 2010 04:29 AM PST

The more time he has to prepare for the "Prodigy," the better:

Efrain Escudero's arm isn't broken after Evan Dunham fight at UFC Fight Night 20

Posted: 12 Jan 2010 04:23 AM PST

Dunham_escudero_medium

Props: Twitter.com

Quoteworthy:

"Hey guys out the hospital nothing broke lil mess up tendons. I will be back soon now in hungry!! And expect and Evan vs Efrain 2!!! I'm not puttin my head down at all i'm gonna come back stronger quote my words!!!!!!!!!"

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 winner, Efrain Escudero, reports on his condition after X-rays revealed no broken bones in his right arm. "Hecho in Mexico" got trapped in a gruesome Evan Dunham armbar at UFC Fight Night 20 last night, waiting until the last possible second to tap before the limb more than likely snapped. Dunham remarked post-fight that "I knew I had it when I heard stuff starting to move and pop a bit." Ouch. Despite the loss -- the first of Escudero's career -- he can take comfort in knowing that no major damage was done -- it could have been much worse. Escudero indicates that the loss will even motivate him to come back stronger, which is often the case after previously unbeaten fighters taste defeat for the first time ever. And, apparently, he's already got his sights set on a rematch with the X-Treme Couture product. Want to see it?

Abu Dhabi-owned entertainment company 'Flash' gains 10 percent share in UFC

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 10:27 PM PST

Lorenzo_fertitta_sheikh_tahoon_medium

With UFC 112 scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in April, Dana White and Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta signified their ambition to cement their foothold in the Middle East and Asia when they announced that an Abu Dhabi-owned entertainment promotion company has bought a 10 percent share in the UFC.

UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta told the Associated Press (via TSN.ca) that UFC has chosen Flash Entertainment, an investment arm of the emirate's government, as a strategic partner in its ongoing effort to build a global mixed martial arts brand.

He elaborated that numerous suitors -- including private equity funds, hedge funds, and media companies -- have come onboard with lucrative offers. Flash, a promoter known for bringing high-profile concerts and other events to the Middle East, ultimately won the bidding competition because the UFC brass sees in it a potential to accelerate UFC's growth in Middle Eastern countries, as well as in China and India.

"We made the decision early on that if we were to bring on a partner, it wasn't for financial reasons," Fertitta said. "We didn't need to raise any money, that wasn't the purpose. If we were going to bring somebody it was going to be with someone that could really be a true strategic partner and could help create an increased value for the company long term."

The terms of the deal remains confidential and neither Fertitta nor Ossama Khoreibi, chairman of Flash, would reveal what Flash paid for the newly issued shares in Zuffa LLC, UFC's parent company. With Flash's ten percent stake in the company, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta will now claim 40.5 percent each. The deal also reduced White's share from 10 percent to nine percent.

Fertitta did not disclose what would be done with the money Flash invested or whether it would stay in UFC. A Forbes story in May 2008 estimated the UFC was worth perhaps US$1 billion: Fertitta said then that several investors have offered more than that for the privately held company.

The day-to-day operations at UFC would not likely change and Khoreibi simply wrote in an e-mail to AP that Flash's role will be to support UFC as it continues its global expansion.

UFC 112 will be the MMA juggernaut's first foray into the Middle East. The choice of Abu Dhabi for the inaugural event in the region is sensible, as the capital of the United Arab Emirates has been the host of the prestigious ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Submission Wrestling Championship. UFC recently entertained members of the royal family at UFC 103 in Dallas in September.

UFC Quick Quote: Gray Maynard isn't Kenny Florian

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 09:20 PM PST

Gray_maynard_medium

"The gameplan and technique went out the window once I saw that dude [Nate Diaz] across from me and I just wanted to throw. I saw his face and I wanted to fight. It was stupid but I hope you guys enjoyed it.... I ain't gonna make a cheesy speech about students and masters. If they want it, I'm here for [BJ Penn]. UFC if you want me to do it. Let’s fight."

-- CageWriter.com passes along the post-fight interview remarks from Gray Maynard that you didn't hear after he defeated Nate Diaz via split decision in the main event at UFC Fight Night 20 from the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia. "Bully" seemingly had a lot on the line, including a potential showdown with UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi on April 10. But he's not about to shout "I WANT BJs BELT" from the rafters like Kenny Florian did last year. He's also not going to get all profound and talk about how the fight has history because the "Prodigy" is the one who actually turned Maynard onto the sport several years ago. He's simply going to sit tight and wait for his phone to ring. Will it? Or perhaps more important, should it?

UFC Fight Night 20 bonuses and awards for 'Maynard vs Diaz' Spike TV fights

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 09:04 PM PST

UFC Fight Night 20: "Maynard vs. Diaz" from the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia, has officially wrapped, which means that it’s time for those select fighters who went above and beyond in their respective fights to get a little extra grease for their efforts.

To the tune of $30,000 each.

The promotion dished out its standard post-fight monetary bonuses to four out of the 22 fighters on the card. And it may not surprise you which combatants are leaving the "Old Dominion" with a little extra green.

In addition to their base salaries, the UFC awarded middleweight competitors Aaron Simpson and Tom Lawlor "Fight of the Night" for their hard hitting, back-and-forth war. "A-Train" was nearly derailed early on, but turned up the heat and eventually outpointed "The Filthy Mauler."

Representing the 155-pound weight class was the undefeated Evan Dunham. The Orgeon native deported Efrain Escudero with a bone crunching "Submission of the Night" (armbar) that gave "Hencho en Mexico" his first career defeat.

Also bringing home the proverbial bacon was the returning TUF contestant Gerald Harris. The "Ghost Dog" made his Octagon debut a memorable one, pounding out John Salter to grab "Knockout of the Night" in the evening's only (T)KO stoppage.

Here are the special fight bonuses for UFC Fight Night 20:

Fight of the Night — Aaron Simpson and Tom Lawlor
Submission of the Night — Evan Dunham
Knockout of the Night — Gerald Harris

Again, each fighter received $30,000 extra for their performances in addition to their respective base salaries, which we will pass along as soon as possible.

For complete UFC Fight Night 20: "Maynard vs. Diaz" results and blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action click here and here.

UFC Fight Night 20 results, recap and post-fight discussion for 'Maynard vs Diaz'

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 08:25 PM PST

Ufn20recap_medium

For the very first time ever, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) tour bus stopped in northern Virginia, staging a Spike TV-produced show from the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax.

UFC Fight Night 20: "Maynard vs. Diaz" from the Patriot Center featured a rematch from The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 5 between surging lightweight contender, Gray Maynard, and dangerous submission specialist, Nate Diaz.

Maynard was out to avenge an unofficial submission loss to Diaz on the reality series, and in the process, cement himself as the clear-cut number one contender in the cloudy 155-pound title picture.

Well, let's just say he accomplished at least one of those objectives ... for now, anyway.

"Bully" went toe-to-toe with the Stockton scrapper for 15 minutes, avoiding the ground and his fast fight-ending ability. The pair basically slung punches, a few kicks and several audible taunts for 15 minutes in the center of the cage.

It wasn't the relentless wrestling attack and ground and pound that has become Maynard's hallmark -- not by a long shot -- but it was effective tonight. And it possibly silenced a few critics who didn't think he was worthy of getting a crack at BJs belt.

What's more, it might also be a tough sell for the promotion giving Frank Edgar -- the other man under consideration as a possible contender -- an opportunity to fight Penn first because Maynard holds a win over Edgar.

Decisions. Decisions. They ruin everything.

Another TUF winner, Efrain Escudero, from season eight was featured in the co main event of the night, taking on unheralded Evan Dunham in what turned out to be the toughest fight of his previously undefeated professional career.

Escudero came out guns blazing, tagging the X-Treme Couture product early and often to start the action. Dunham appeared to be on his way out, but found momentary refuge when the fight hit the canvas.

It was enough for him to recover and continue deep into round three. And time was apparently all he needed to hand Escudero the first loss of his promising career.

Dunham -- a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt -- was able to isolate Escudero's arm and torqued it horribly in the wrong direction. Escudero thought twice about tapping and that may have been a major mistake.

He eventually submitted, giving Dunham a much-deserved win, but in the process could have sustained serious damage to his right arm.

Joe Rogan speculated that it could be dislocated, or perhaps even broken, which would deal the talented up-and-comer a major blow for several months if not longer. We'll find out more in the days and weeks ahead, but it looked fugly.

Big win for Dunham, who not only kept his perfect record (10-0) intact, but pushed his win streak inside the Octagon to three.

Watch out.

Tom Lawlor and Aaron Simpson hooked 'em in an unassuming middleweight attraction, which, on paper, more than likely didn't appear to be a show stealer.

Think again.

"Filthy" torched the Arizona State University wrestling standout in the opening frame, hitting him with everything but the kitchen sink. Somehow Simpson managed to tenuously hang on despite several hairy moments that would have rendered most mortals unconscious.

Not "A-Train." He came out steaming in the second stanza, making up for a lopsided match in the early going. Remarkably, he didn't really hit his stride until the final frame.

Lawlor appeared to fade as Simpson turned on the afterburners in the closing minutes, controlling the action with takedowns and top position.

It was enough to earn the nod from two of the three judges sitting ringside ... much to the chagrin of most in attendance.

Lawlor appeared dejected when Bruce Buffer read the official result and rightfully so -- a solid case can be made that he won that fight. But he didn't, making the survival skills and comeback ability of Simpson seem that much more impressive.

Don't be surprised if we see a rematch between these two brawlers sooner rather than later. It was a great back-and-forth battle with a controversial ending.

What more can the matchmakers and promoters ask for?

Amir Sadollah -- less than two months removed from a unanimous decision over veteran Phil Baroni -- was in for another tough test against the experienced Brad Blackburn in the first fight of the televised main card.

"Bad" had quietly racked up three straight wins inside the eight-walled cage (six consecutive) and, with a win over a TUF winner, might have been all he needed to get him over the hump.

Didn't happen.

Sadollah outworked and outstruck Blackburn for almost the entire 15-minute fight. In fact, he had him hurt "bad" on two separate occasions, but was unable to close the door early. It wasn't for lack of effort -- he kept charging forward, exchanging blows and mixing up his attack with flying knees, front kicks, head kicks, elbows, uppercuts ... you name it.

Blackburn was just too tough to put away.

Nonetheless, it's safe to say that Sadollah's stand up has come quite a long way in a very short amount of time. He's more than likely not quite ready to take on a top division player, but at the rate he seems to improve, the opportunity could be right around the bend.

That's a wrap from the "Mountain State," Maniacs. Now it's time to share your thoughts on everything that went down tonight inside the Octagon.

Whatcha got?

For complete UFC Fight Night 20: "Maynard vs. Diaz" results and play-by-play coverage of the televised main card click here.

UFC Fight Night 20 results live play-by-play TONIGHT (Jan. 11) for 'Maynard vs Diaz'!

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 06:16 PM PST

Ufn20-2_medium

Click the banner above or right here for up-to-the-minute results and blow-by-blow coverage of UFC Fight Night 20: "Maynard vs. Diaz."

The latest quick results of the preliminary fights have been recorded and LIVE round-by-round coverage of the main card Spike TV action is flowing RIGHT NOW!

If you’re going to leave comments and discuss the fights with all the other MMAmania.com readers be sure to do it on the main UFC Fight Night 20 results post and not this one.

WEC 46 payouts and salaries for 'Varner vs. Henderson'

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 04:10 PM PST

Ufc81-bonus_medium

The official fighter purses for the competitors of WEC 46: "Varner vs. Henderson" this past Sunday night (Jan. 10) from the ARCO Arena in Sacramento were released earlier today by the California State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

Unsurprisingly, Urijah Faber topped the list by a large margin, bringing in $52,000 for his efforts against fellow featherweight contender Raphael Assuncao. Faber also raked in a $10,000 bonus for "Submission of the Night," following his rear naked choke finish in the evening's co-main event.

Former featherweight champion Mike Thomas Brown claimed the second spot on the money list, leaving Sac-town with a cool $38,000. Waggney Fabiano, meanwhile, raked in a cool $30,000 for his WEC bantamweight debut.

Main event competitors Jamie Varner and Benson Henderson also broke into the double digits, earning $18,000 and $22,000, respectively. 

Here is the complete list of WEC 46 payouts. 

Benson Henderson – $22,000 ($11,000 to show, $11,000 to win)
Jamie Varner – $18,000
Henderson defeated Varner via submission (guillotine choke) in round 3

Urijah Faber – $52,000 ($26,000 to show, $26,000 to win)
Raphael Assuncao – $13,000
Faber defeated Assuncao via submission (rear naked choke) in round 3

Kamal Shalorus – $10,000 ($5,000 to show, $5,000 to win)
Dave Jansen – $4,000
Shalorus defeated Jansen via unanimous decision

Mike Thomas Brown – $38,000 ($19,000 to show, $19,000 to win)
Anthony Morrison – $4,000
Brown defeated Morrison via submission (rear naked choke) in round 1

Deividas Taurosevicius – $14,000 ($7,000 to show, $7,000 to win)
Mackens Semerzier – $4,000
Taurosevicius defeated Semerzier via unanimous decision

Charlie Valencia – $18,000 ($9,000 to show, $9,000 to win)
Akitoshi Tamura – $8,000
Valencia defeated Tamura via split decision

Wagnney Fabiano – $30,000 ($15,000 to show, $15,000 to win)
Clint Godfrey – $3,000
Fabiano defeated Godfrey via unanimous decision

Mark Hominick – $10,000 ($5,000 to show, $5,000 to win)
Bryan Caraway – $4,000
Hominick defeated Caraway via submission (armlock) in round 1

Eddie Wineland – $8,000 ($4,000 to show, $4,000 to win)
George Roop – $3,000
Wineland defeated Roop via unanimous decision

Coty Wheeler –  $6,000 ($3,000 to show, $3,000 to win)
Will Campuzano –  $3,000
Campuzano defeated Wheeler via unanimous decision

Keep in mind the salaries listed above do not include fight bonuses, sponsorships, percentages and other unofficial payments. It also does not include deductions for expenses such as insurance, taxes, etc.

For example, the WEC often hands out extra cash for "Fight of the Night," "Knockout of the Night" and "Submission of the Night." To check out these figures for WEC 46 go here.

The total base fighter payroll for the Versus TV event was $272,000.

For complete WEC 46 results and blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action click here and here.

WEC 46 medical suspensions and injuries for 'Varner vs Henderson'

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 03:19 PM PST

Ouch

The California State Athletic Commission (NSAC) today issued its list of medical suspensions for WEC 46: "Varner vs. Henderson," which was held at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2010.

None of the bouts ended in knockout, making the suspensions a little less lengthy. The two "Fight of the Night" participants, however, each were suspended after their war.

Will Campuzano is potentially out for 180 days for a left shoulder strain, while Coty Wheeler was suspended for the same amount of time for possible orbital and nose fractures. Wheeler was also slapped with a 60-day suspension for a nose laceration. 

Main event participant and former WEC lightweight champion, Jamie Varner, was suspended 180 days for a right foot and right knee injury. The good news is that clearance by a physician would end this suspension prematurely.

His opponent, meanwhile, WEC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson, was not suspended, which was likely a nice change of pace after his suspension after his bout with Donald Cerrone at WEC 43.

Here is the complete list of WEC 46 injuries along with their medical instructions:

  • Jamie Varner: Suspended 180 days; can return earlier cleared by a physician (right foot and right knee injury)
  • Kamal Shalorus: Suspended 180 days; can return earlier if cleared by a physician (left thumb fracture)
  • Dave Jansen: Suspended 180 days; can return earlier if cleared by physician (face and right ear laceration). Suspended 60 days, can return earlier if cleared by physician (right thumb fracture).
  • Mackens Semerzier: Suspended 60 days (right eye lid laceration)
  • Charlie Valencia: Suspended 180 days; can return earlier if cleared by physician (left elbow fracture)
  • Akitoshi Tamura: Suspended 60 days; can return earlier if cleared by physiciaion (left eye lid laceration)
  • George Roop: Suspended 60 days (facial laceration)
  • Coty Wheeler: Suspended 180 days; can return earlier with CT clearance (possible orbital fracture and nose fracture). Also suspended 60 days (left side nose laceration)
  • Will Campuzano: Suspended 180 days; can return earlier if cleared by physician (left shoulder strain)

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 WEC 46 results and blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action click here and here.

Gray Maynard talks about his introduction to MMA courtesy of BJ Penn (Video)

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 12:57 PM PST

Gray Maynard talks about his introduction to MMA courtesy of BJ Penn (Video)

NY Governor David Paterson proposes MMA legislation to reduce $9 billion deficit

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 11:44 AM PST

Paterson-mma_medium
The State of New York must really be hard up for cash -- so much so that they've even decided to revisit the frequently-stalled introduction of statewide legislation for the sport of mixed martial arts.

Apparently, all that moolah that Philly made last August (and that Boston will make in August 2010) has humbled a few of the blowhards in office who can't answer to the public as to why the state has plummeted to a staggering $9 billion deficit.

Bill A.2009-B, created with the intention to legalize and regulate MMA in the state of New York, passed 14-6 in the Assembly's Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports last June and (surprise) hasn't been heard from since.

MMA is currently unregulated in New York, and appeared to be on the verge of being sanctioned in 2008, but some eleventh-hour concerns from uneducated members of the Committee scuttled its passage.

I don't want to call it a filibuster but if Yugi Shimada was in the house there would be more than a few yellow cards being handed out.

UFC Vice President for Government and Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner and president of the company Dana White have been ratcheting up the economic rhetoric and financial success of its mixed martial events in hopes of using the economic benefits of live shows to influence voters who may be on the fence.

Money talks … and the UFC has the numbers to back it up. An independent economic impact study indicated that the promotion would generate about $11.5 million for the "Big Apple."

Still, it will have an uphill battle so long as detractors like Democratic Assemblyman Bob Reilly, who referred to the sport of MMA as a "glorification of brutality and violence," have their say in the vote.

Stay tuned.

The 'Answer' to where Frankie Edgar fights next could come from Gray Maynard on Jan. 11 (Video)

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 10:53 AM PST

Will it be UFC 111 in New Jersey or UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi against BJ Penn? That may depend on Gray Maynard's performance at UFC Fight Night 20.

Is UFC Fight Night 20 Chris Leben's last stand?

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 09:56 AM PST

Chris-leben_medium

Props: Five Knuckles

Quoteworthy:

"I'm going to fight my heart out. I love to stand up and bang with guys. This is a make it or break it for me. I have to lay it all on the line. When it comes Monday night, I'm going to go out there with bad intentions, I'm going to go out there with the belief that if I don't win, I go home. I'm not in the UFC anymore and that's not what I want. I need to win. I have to win. Expect some fireworks Monday night."

Embattled Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 1 star Chris Leben hopes to get himself back into the win column against promotion sophomore Jay Silva at UFC Fight Night 20 after back-to-back losses inside the Octagon. "The Crippler" had returned from a nine-month steroids suspension (following his defeat to Michael Bisping at UFC 89) only to get submitted by Jake Rosholt (arm-triangle choke) in front of a hometown crowd at UFC 102: "Couture vs. Nogueira" last August. Leben understands the dangers of going 0-3 under the Zuffa banner but could turn things around with a highlight reel knockout -- the same finish that helped propel him to notoriety earlier in his career. Does the power-puncher still have the chops to hang with today's elite? Or has the curtain lowered on a UFC career that spans 14 fights?

UFC Fight Night 21 tickets for The Odeum Colorado in Broomfield on March 21 for sale soon

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 09:39 AM PST

Vera_jones_medium_medium

Despite all the hoopla surrounding the upcoming UFC 111 event in Newark, New Jersey, there's another stellar fight card shaping up for the month of March.

Tickets for UFC Fight Night 21, which is slated for The Odeum Colorado in Broomfield, Colorado, on March 21, 2010, will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Jan. 16.

UFC Fight Club members and UFC Newsletter subscribers, naturally, will be able to scoop up tickets prior to them being available for public consumption.

UFC Fight Night 21 will feature light heavyweights Brandon Vera and Jon Jones in an exciting match-up that could determine the fate of "Bones" 205-pound contendership status. One has to imagine a dominating performance over "The Truth" has him knocking on the champion's door.

In addition, lightweights Clay "The Carpenter" Guida and Sean "The Muscle Shark" Sherk are in talks for a potential throwdown as are warring welterweights John "Doomsday" Howard and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson.

This is first event for the promotion that will air on the Versus network, meaning that tickets will likely sell super fast. So don’t delay if you intend to watch it all go down live in the "Centennial State."

Here is the UFC Fight Night 21 tickets sales schedule:

UFC Fight Night 21 tickets can be purchased through StubHub.com (Note: StubHub often has seats available even if the event is "sold out"). It will also be available to watch on Versus at 9 p.m. ET on fight night.

For more on UFC Fight Night 21 stay dialed in to MMAmania.com and remember to check out the latest fight card and rumors right here.

Gray Maynard: I'm the bully -- not the blanket

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 09:16 AM PST

Maynard-huerta2_medium
Props: USA Today

Quoteworthy:

"My last two (fights against Jim Miller and Roger Huerta) have been pretty much all stand-up. There's people that kind of get it in their head, and they don't let it go. You can't please everyone. I know my stand-up is at the top, so I'm not stressing it at all. I'm really working to improve my skills and to do it right and just not flail around ... I'm ready to go, whenever. But I need to get past Nate first."

Unstoppable UFC lightweight Gray Maynard is hoping to rid himself of the "lay-and-pray" label with a dominating performance against Nate Diaz in tonight's (Jan. 11) main event of UFC Fight Night 20. "The Bully" used his staunch wrestling attack to thwart the rise of Frankie Edgar in a high-profile bout at UFC 13 back in April 2008 but has since relied on a more versatile offense to keep his perfect record intact. Is Maynard successfully transforming himself into a complete mixed martial artist? Or will he always be known to fans as a wrestlemaniac?

UFC 111: Rodney Wallace vs Jared Hamman in the works for March 27

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 08:57 AM PST

Wallace-hamman_medium
Who is the master? Hopefully "Sho'nuff."

Coming off a disappointing Octagon debut at last month's Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 Finale, Rodney Wallace (9-1) will try to get back to his winning ways against Jared Hamman (10-2) at UFC 111 on March 27 in Newark, NJ, according to MMA 4 Real.

"Shonuff the Master" was stymied on Dec. 5 by fellow Tar Heel Brian Stann after the "All American" outworked him en route to a unanimous decision win. The loss snapped Wallace's perfect record at nine wins.

Like Wallace, Hamman came into the UFC with an impressive resume that boasted a plethora of wins on the independent circuit. Unfortunately he couldn't maintain that momentum against Alexander Gustafsson, who knocked out the former ShoXC fighter in round one of their UFC 105 scrap.

Expect fireworks in this one as an 0-2 start under the Zuffa banner is a dangerous place to be these days.

UFC 111 will 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 set to collide in an interim title match while Brock Lesnar recovers from recent surgery.

To check out the latest UFC 111 fight card and rumors click here.

Patrick Cote hits the mitts in anticipation of 2010 return (Video)

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 08:43 AM PST

(Thanks to MMACanada.net for the clip)

WEC Quick Quote: Varner's 'D' was trying to stop the run

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 07:55 AM PST

Varner-taps_medium

"I thought I was winning, definitely pushing the pace. I was expecting him to try and trade punches with me and that wasn't the case. He had a good game plan. He used his kick to keep me away. I guess that's the M.O. on me; use your kicks, keep me away, that way I don't have to touch you. I definitely came to fight. It seemed like Ben was doing a little bit more running ... a little bit more countering and that's his game plan. We all have our strategies and his was good. I was trying to punch and when that wasn't working , I figured I'll try and kick his legs out a little bit. Maybe he won't run so much and when that fell through I got caught in a guillotine. ... I started going out. I was trying at first and then it was just done. He had it in."

Former WEC Lightweight Champion Jamie Varner talks during the WEC 46 post-fight press conference about the effective gamplan Ben Henderson used to unify the 155-pound title via third round submission. "C-4" was trying to explode on the up-and-comer but had no answer for the "Smooth" strategy and left his neck out for a quick tap out. Is Varner trying to take a little something away from the Henderson win with the constant "run" references -- or is it merely a matter of outlining his opponent's strategy and commending him for it?

Tony 'The Viking' Halme 1963-2010

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 07:54 AM PST

Tony-halme_medium

Tony Halme, best known to mixed martial arts fans as the debut opponent for five-time UFC Champion Randy Couture, has passed away at the age of 47 according to The Baltimore Sun.

"The Viking" made his Octagon debut alongside "The Natural" way back at UFC 13: "The Ultimate Force" on May 30, 1997. Couture would make quick work of the pugilist, tapping him out with a rear-naked choke at just 0:56 of the first round.

The loss would be Halme's fourth straight after an unsuccessful stint that saw him go 0-3 in Japan's RINGS promotion. Prior to that, the 6' 4" Finnish Heavyweight Boxing Champion enjoyed a wrestling career from 1990-1995.

Aside from his work in New Japan Pro Wrestling, the former member of Finnish Parliament would become known to stateside fans as the brooding "Ludvig Borga" in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

The cause of death is not known at this time.

WEC 46: 'Varner vs Henderson' nets 10,027 in attendance for $550K live gate

Posted: 11 Jan 2010 07:06 AM PST

Varner-henderson2_medium
WEC 46: "Varner vs. Henderson" which took place from the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California, on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, finished the night with a whopping 10,027 in attendance for an estimated live gate of $550,000, according to WEC General Manager Reed Harris.

The official numbers will be released by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) later this week, but as they stand, WEC 46 ranks as the third biggest draw in the history of the promotion.

Only WEC 41 (13,027 / $815,415) and WEC 38 (12,682 / $738,855) have done better.

Interestingly enough, all three events were held at the Arco Arena -- in the backyard of the participating "California Kid" Urijah Faber.

Former WEC Lightweight Champion Jamie Varner voiced his displeasure with the promotion's favoritism and marketing push behind the one-time featherweight deity; however, Faber appears to have earned his spot on all three occasions.

The event saw Varner cough up his 155-pound strap to the out-of-nowhere Ben Henderson after "C-4" imploded under a "Smooth" guillotine in round three of their main event. Former WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Brown also got back to his winning ways by taking a bite out of Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison.

For a complete results and recap of WEC 46 click here and here.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Recent Articles on Sherdog.com

Loading...

UFC rss

Loading...

Recent Interviews on Sherdog.com

Loading...