Friday, February 19, 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


The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 11 teaser for 'Team Liddell vs Team Ortiz' on March 31 (Video)

Posted: 19 Feb 2010 04:45 AM PST

UFC 110 weigh in results LIVE from Sydney for 'Nogueira vs Velasquez'

Posted: 19 Feb 2010 04:44 AM PST

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The official weigh-in event for UFC 110: "Nogueira vs. Velasquez" is set to take place at the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, today (Feb. 20) at 4 p.m. local time.

It is currently scheduled to air LIVE right here on MMAmania.com, as well as on several other online destinations, via streaming video TONIGHT (Feb. 19) at 10 p.m. ET as a result of the disparity in time zones.

As usual, MMAmania.com will provide the latest coverage of the UFC 110 weigh-ins, as well as provide a detailed recap of the festivities as soon as they conclude.

UFC 110: "Nogueira vs. Velasquez" pits Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira against Cain Velasquez in a bout that could determine the next heavyweight number one contender. In the co-main event, Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva will try to put The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner/coach, Michael Bisping, down for "The Count."

Here are the complete UFC 110 weigh in results:

Main event:

265 lbs.: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira ( ) vs. Cain Velasquez ( )

Main card (Televised):

185 lbs.: Michael Bisping ( ) vs. Wanderlei Silva ( )
205 lbs.: Keith Jardine ( ) vs. Ryan Bader ( )
155 lbs.: Joe Stevenson ( ) vs. George Sotiropoulos ( )
265 lbs.: Mirko Filipovic ( ) vs. Anthony Perosh ( )

Under card (May not be broadcast):

205 lbs.: Stephan Bonnar ( ) vs. Krzysztof Soszynski ( )
170 lbs.: Brian Foster ( ) vs. Chris Lytle ( )
185 lbs.: CB Dollaway ( ) vs. Goran Reljic ( )
205 lbs.: James Te Huna ( ) vs. Igor Pokrajac ( )

For those fortunate enough to be "Down Under" for the promotion’s debut trip to Australia, remember that the weigh-in is FREE to attend and open to the public. Doors to the weigh-in will open at 3 p.m. local time for the general public.

In addition, UFC Fight Club members will be able to attend a special Q&A session with UFC President Dana White prior to that at 2 p.m. local time.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action on fight night (Saturday, Feb. 20), which is slated to air at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view from Sydney. The latest quick updates of the live action will begin to flow earlier than that around 8 p.m. ET with the preliminary bouts.

It’s going to be a fun night of fights so don’t miss it. And remember to check us out for all the pre, during and post-fight UFC 110 coverage you can handle.

Live stream and replay courtesy of UFC.com.

Anthony Perosh: 'I'm going to try and take Cro Cop down and choke him out'

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 09:26 PM PST

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Props: UFC.com

Quoteworthy:

"I actually said ‘no’ (to replacing Ben Rothwell) originally. I look up to Cro Cop and he’s a fellow Croatian. My parents are Croatian and I’ve actually been training the other Croatians appearing on this UFC 110 card. I then went and watched yesterday’s (Thursday) press conference and listened to the comment Dana White made about how many fighters actually turn down opportunities. That just made me realize what a big chance this was. How could I turn down the opportunity to fight on the main card at UFC 110 against one of the best guys in the world? Not only that, the fight takes place on the UFC’s first ever show in Australia. I quickly called Joe Silva back and said, ‘yeah – I’ll do it’. There were just far too many positives than negatives as far as this opportunity was concerned. I’m not looking to make any excuses after the fight, whatever happens. I won’t complain about not being fit or taking the fight on short notice. Luckily, I have a lot of experience in this sport. I’m just treating this as another match. He’s just another opponent for me. I’m not putting Cro Cop on any kind of pedestal for this fight. It’s no secret that I’m going to try and take him down, ground-and-pound him and then choke him out. I believe I have the ground skills to do this. I always hoped I’d be back and here is my chance."

Former UFC competitor Anthony Perosh (10-5) talks about his surprise return to the promotion and the whirlwind he's been through since filling in for Ben Rothwell when "Big" Ben stopped ticking due to a virus that forced him from the UFC 110 fight card. "The Hippo" has gotten another chance at UFC stardom but faces a very stiff test on short notice when he takes on feared striker Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic on Saturday night. Perosh is unfazed by the Croat's resume and hopes to exploit his questionable ground skills. Can he pull off a miracle in Sydney?

UFC 110 video preview and more on ESPNs 'MMA Live'

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 07:58 PM PST

Ready for anything: An MMAmania.com UFC 110 interview exclusive with Krzysztof Soszynski

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 07:33 PM PST

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Krzysztof Soszynski is looking for a fight. Specifically, "The Polish Experiment" is "hoping for a stand-up war" against his upcoming opponent, Stephan Bonnar - a type of fight Soszynski feels he's never had before in nearly 30 fights.

At 18-9-1, Soszynski is coming off his first loss in the UFC - to former heavyweight Brandon Vera - after stringing together three Octagon wins in a row, two of which earned him "Submission of the Night" honors. And while he took the fight with Vera on short notice - something he now admits was probably "not a smart idea" - he feels much more prepared for his upcoming scrap with "The American Psycho."

Since returning to action from a devastating knee injury that forced him to the sidelines for more than a year, Bonnar (11-6) is in desperate need of a win, having lost two in a row. Granted, those losses include unanimous decisions to rising sensation Jon Jones and to UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman, who put Bonnar on his back early and often and rode him to victory.

And by what Soszynski has said, it doesn't appear that his fight against Bonnar will be anything like the Coleman fight. He's hoping to keep this fight on the feet.

It all takes place this Saturday, February 21, 2010 at UFC 110: "Nogueira vs. Velasquez" from the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia. The main event features a heavyweight throw-down between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez, and in the co-main event, Wanderlei Silva makes his long-awaited middleweight debut against outspoken British slugger Michael Bisping.

Although the main card is loaded with action, it's actually a surprise the Soszynski vs. Bonnar fight didn't make the main card.

Soszynski caught up with us from his hotel room down under to give us insight into how he sees himself bouncing back from the close loss to Vera, what he expects to see from The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 1 runner-up, and how he's enjoying his stay in New South Wales.

Here we go.

Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): You're fighting in Sydney, Australia. What's that experience like? Have you been here before? Any plans to travel while you're here?

Krzysztof Soszynski: My wife, Genevieve, and I love to travel. The second Joe Silva said Australia, I said yes without hearing the opponent's name. I will not do too much site-seeing before the fight, but we are staying over for 17 days after. We will travel all over Australia. We are making a vacation of this great opportunity.

Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): You're coming off a loss to Brandon Vera. What do you take away from that fight? What did you learn from it?

Krzysztof Soszynski: The Vera fight was a huge opportunity for me. I did take the fight on very short notice. I only had five weeks to prepare. I just had nothing in the tank after the first round, but I kept on fighting and going after Vera.

The biggest thing I took away from that fight is that I am becoming very strong mentally. This sport is so much more mental than physical. I did not quit even when I had nothing to throw at Vera. I kept pushing myself; when I got taken down I could have easily folded there, but I jumped up right away and got back to my feet and kept on fighting. I believe this will help me tremendously in my future fights.

Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): You filled in for Matt Hamill and approached the fight against Vera on short notice. Do you think that had any effect on the outcome of the fight? Do you think you would have won if you had more than five weeks to prepare?

Krzysztof Soszynski: Taking a fight against Vera on such short notice was not a smart idea, but it was a huge opportunity to test myself. Even though I did not come out with a win, I felt that I performed to the best of my abilities given the short notice. I was never overwhelmed in the fight and I felt that I was in the fight right till the end. I would have done much better given a full training camp.

Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): You'll be facing Stephan Bonnar at UFC 110 this Saturday. Bonnar is coming off back-to-back losses and is desperate for a win, which could be weighing heavily on his mind. Does that make this fight in any way different from other fights? Could that work against Bonnar mentally?

Krzysztof Soszynski: I am not thinking about anything that Bonnar is or is not doing or thinking. I just focus on myself. I know that if I do all the right things during my training, I will be successful in the fight.

Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Bonnar is a Chicago Golden Gloves boxer, but he's also dangerous on the ground, having seven submission wins to his credit. Where do you foresee being most comfortable, standing up or on the ground?

Krzysztof Soszynski: I am hoping for a stand-up war, to be honest. I have never been involved in such a fight. If the fight does go to the ground I feel that I am ready for anything that Bonnar throws at me.

Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): A win here puts you right back in it. Do you think ahead to what 2010 has in store for you? Where do you see your career headed?

Krzysztof Soszynski: I do not look past my opponents. I take one fight at a time. My dream is to fight for the world light heavyweight title.

Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Thanks for taking the time, Krzysztof. Do you want to thank any sponsors or do you have any parting words for your fans?

Krzysztof Soszynski: Thank you to my sponsors: Skin Industries, Pain Away, Jaco and Hayabusa.

Thank you to my coaches and training partners: Ed Buckley, Lew Poley, Brandon Vera, Phil Davis, Joey Beltran, Travis Brown, Eric Del Fierro and Dan Henderson.

Thank you to all my fans all around the world. Get ready for a very exciting fight against Bonnar.

Shake-up in Sydney: Ben Rothwell and Elvis Sinosic removed from UFC 110 fight card (Updated)

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 04:51 PM PST

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A couple of fighters just went down in the land "Down Under.'

Heavyweight Ben Rothwell and light heavyweight Elvis Sinosic have been removed from the UFC 110 fight card. "Big" Ben is suffering from what the UFC is calling a "virus" while the "King of Rock n Rumble" injured his shoulder and is unable to compete.

The UFC confirmed the unfortunate news earlier today, adding that the Sinosic vs. Haseman contest has been canceled while Australian veteran Anthony Perosh will step up on short notice to face Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.

"The Hippo" actually has two UFC appearances on his resume. Much to his chagrin, they're back-to-back losses from 2006. After getting stopped by Jeff Monson at UFC 61: "Bitter Rivals," Perosh dropped a unanimous decision to Christian Wellisch at UFC 66: "Liddell vs. Ortiz 2" later that year.

Since then, the Aussie has compiled an impressive 5-2 record fighting primarily under the Cage Fighting Championships (CFC) banner in Sydney. All five of his wins have come by way of TKO or submission.

But will it be enough to hang with Cro Cop?

The Croatian dropped his third loss inside the Octagon in five attempts when he quit against Junior Dos Santos at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" last September. He has not defeated a top-level fighter since he made Josh Barnett tap at "Final Conflict Absolute," which earned him the Pride FC 2006 Open Weight Grand Prix Championship.

Still, it's hard to imagine Filipovic training much differently for Perosh than he would have for Rothwell, so expect him to come out firing on all cylinders. And credit to Perosh for taking a dangerous opponent on such short notice.

To check out the complete UFC 110 fight card, which has now been whittled down to nine bouts, click here.

UFC 113: Patrick Cote hits the mitts; talks May 8 Alan Belcher fight (Video)

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 12:52 PM PST

UFC Quick Pic: Arianny Celeste in Feb-March issue of UFC Magazine

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 12:48 PM PST

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More hotness after the jump.

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Check out the rest of her spread in the Feb./March issue of UFC Magazine on newsstands now.

Programming reminder: 'Countdown to UFC 110' debuts tonight (Feb. 18) on Spike TV

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:26 AM PST

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Countdown to UFC 110: "Nogueira vs. Velasquez" will debut TONIGHT (Feb. 18) at 11 p.m. ET on Spike TV to promote the upcoming pay-per-view (PPV) event scheduled for the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, Feb. 20.

The network special will provide a glimpse into the preparation and training camps of the fighters set to headline the show, featuring current UFC heavyweight contenders Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira and Cain Velasquez.

For those who miss the "Countdown to UFC 110" premier it will re-air tomorrow (Feb. 19) at 1:00 a.m. ET and again on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. ET 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, Feb. 20), which is slated to air at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view from Sydney. The latest quick updates of the live action will begin to flow earlier than that around 8 p.m. ET with the preliminary bouts.

To get up to speed on the "Nogueira vs. Velasquez" event be sure to check out the complete UFC 110 archive by clicking here.

UFC 110: Is it the end of PRIDE -- or a new beginning?

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:07 AM PST

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Nostradumbass here. I was taking a closer look at the significance of the UFC 110 fight card as it pertains to the careers of three PRIDE FC greats: Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva and Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira.

And as usual, an MMA Maniac beat me to the punch.

"Spinning Fat Kick" has a nice breakdown of their pending match-ups from the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia. All three warriors made their names in the Japanese fight scene and have also all held one form of championship gold overseas.

And for you numbers guys (and gals), chew on this: They have a combined record of 89-22. They've finished a staggering 70 of those 89 victims: 26 by submission and 44 by way of (technical) knockout. Tonight's homework is to find three homegrown UFC fighters that can match those numbers.

While "Minotauro" Nogueira is the only transplant (of these three) to sport a winning record under the Zuffa banner, they once again find themselves on the main card of a UFC pay-per-view. Of course, all three are in their thirties and have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success (and some heartbreaking failure).

Can they make one last run at Octagon greatness? Or will Saturday night be the final nail in the PRIDE coffin? SFK takes a closer look at the PRIDE parlay and the chances of a clean sweep after the jump.

Spinning Fat Kick here. Let's have at it.

265 lbs.: Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. "Big" Ben Rothwell

In Mirko's second UFC fight he found himself on the receiving end of a devastating knock out, the likes of which he is famous for usually dishing out. Since then he's gone back and forth from Japan picking up three wins, two losses and one no contest on the way. His most recent loss came at the hands of a Blackhouse stand out, touted by many as a future champion, Junior Dos Santos.

I for one don't see any shame in losing to a top heavyweight (HW) like "Cigano" in the fashion that he did.

Physically he was holding his own and firmly shut Junior's eye for probably the best part of a week. However, mentally, he never really seemed to go after the fight, more often than not on the back foot and trying to avoid exchanging.

I don't have any doubts myself that Mirko physically still has the ability to win fights against the likes of Rothwell and be a factor at HW. It comes down to whether he shares my confidence and how badly he wants to carry on fighting after almost a decade of pro MMA, but nobody knows that except the man himself.

A convincing win over Rothwell could really spark a return to form for Cro Cop and shake off any cobwebs lingering in the back of his mind. However, a loss to a fighter of Ben's calibre could spell disaster for his confidence (and mine) going into future fights.

185 lbs.: Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva vs. Michael "The Count" Bisping

Wanderlei is 1-5 in his last six fights. At first glance, that is a pretty damning assessment of Wanderlei's form. But when you look a little deeper, you see that things aren't all as bad as they seem. His last six fights have been against a pre-Gonzaga Cro Cop (CC), Dan Henderson, Chuck Liddell, Keith Jardine, Quinton Jackson and Rich Franklin. Dropping decision losses to "The Iceman" and "Ace" and KO losses to CC, "Hendo" and "Rampage".

I for one don't see that list as any indicator that Wanderlei can't hang with the likes of Bisping. Most people have never fought that many champions in their entire career, let alone in their last six fights. Realistically most people are in danger of getting KO'd by CC, Hendo and 'Page and there is no shame in going the distance with Chuck and Rich.

I’m still backing "Wandy," I think that he’s finally settled in the states, his gym is running smoothly and he is back training with Chute box guys like Raphael Cordeiro. The stage is well and truly set for him and this is Wandy's easiest fight in probably four years.

Basically what I’m saying is that if Wandy can’t make a come back now, then I doubt he ever will. But I’m pretty sure that he can do this. Not necessarily via one punch KO, but he should win this fight. However Wandy at 185-pounds is an unknown entity and that is the only reservation I have. But we can't make a judgement on that until fight night, so for now I'll stay on the "Wand wagon."

265 lbs.: Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez

Of all the PRIDE fighters on this card, "Big Nog" is the one whom I have most confidence in. He looks to be in fantastic shape, has performed in the UFC to a standard that most ex-PRIDE fighters can only aspire to and on paper has an advantage in almost every area of the fight.

Cain's only advantage is that he can more than likely control where the fight takes place. However, whether standing or on the ground, I would put Cain at a disadvantage in either position. The way I am looking at it, the only way Cain can end this fight, is by over whelming Nogueira, something that is seemingly impossible. He may well be hoping for a decision win, but staying on top of Big Nog for 15 minutes without getting caught in a submission is a pretty tall order.

Nog's biggest task on Saturday is to silence the critics. Following a prolonged struggle against a severe staph infection, which resulted in poor form and an insufficient  training camp, Nog suffered a TKO loss to current title contender Frank Mir. Many "experts" have decided that Nog is "done," saying that he no longer has the speed, athleticism and endurance to take on the UFC's best. I honestly believe that this fight is going to shut a lot of mouths and shoot Nogueira straight back into title contention.

Whether or not I believe all this because Mirko, Wandy and Nog are three old favorites of mine or if it's because everything I just said is true, I'm still hoping for a return to form for three greats of the sport.

-SFK

Michael Bisping UFC 110 video blog for Feb. 18

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:07 AM PST

Part 2 after the jump.

Bellator signs former NYU wrestling star and IFL standout Shad Lierley

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 10:05 AM PST

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CHICAGO, Ill. (February 18, 2010) – Bellator Fighting Championships put yet another piece in place for its upcoming Season 2 featherweight tournament today with the signing of 5-2 Shad Lierley, a former International Fight League (IFL) standout and elite-level college wrestler.

The 29-year-old Lierley—who was a top college wrestler while earning his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science at New York University—is perhaps best-known for his legendary 2007 fight against one-time IFL poster boy Chris Horodecki. Despite his wrestling background (and the fact that he was fighting at 155 lbs.), Lierley stood toe-to-toe with Horodecki for three full rounds, delivering one of the most dramatic and action-packed fights in the IFL’s short history.

"Shad Lierley has been part of some great fights. If you ever want to see an awesome highlight reel watch his fight with Chris Horodecki, which Shad took at 155 even though he’s a legit 145 fighter," said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "He is another solid addition to our featherweight tournament."

Leirley is the seventh featherweight to be announced as a participant in the eight-man tournament along with Georgi Karakhanyan, Joe Warren, Patricio Pitbull, Bao Quach, William Romero and Wilson Reis. Bellator will also conduct tournaments at 155, 170 and 185 lbs. with the winners in each division being declared No. 1 contenders to the current Bellator champions.

Each of Bellator’s 24 Season 2 and 3 events will be broadcast on FOX Sports Net, NBC and Telemundo.

Lierley was born in Utah but moved at a young age to Alaska with his parents and eight siblings. He was a four-time state wrestling finalist and was named as Alaska’s Wrestler of the Year during his senior year, earning him an invitation to continue his career at NYU. There, he became one of the best wrestlers in the school’s history and held the No. 1 national ranking during his sophomore year.

After graduating, Lierley considered a wide variety of career paths, but found himself being drawn toward professional fighting. In 2006, a wrestling buddy encouraged him to try out for the IFL and he earned a spot in that organization.

"When I started college, I never planned to get involved in MMA, but it’s what I fell into and I couldn’t be happier," he said. "There are a lot of well-educated people who have a lot of options in front of them and they choose fighting. It’s a great sport and I’m proud to be a part of it."

As a professional, Lierley is a perfect 5-0 when fighting at 145, with his only two losses (against Horodecki and eventual IFL Featherweight Champion Wagnney Fabiano) coming at 155. His most recent win came during Bellator IX last May in Monroe, La.

"I found out then that Bellator is just an awesome organization," Lierley said. "They’re doing some great things in MMA and the talent they’ve been recruiting is just phenomenal. There’s going to be a lot of fireworks come springtime and I think I’m going to be a part of that. I wouldn’t have signed if I didn’t think I could win this tournament."

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.

UFC Quick Quote: Dana White ready for MMA to come (back) to the Olympics

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 08:44 AM PST

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Props: smh.com.au

Quoteworthy:

"It would be a huge benefit to us if mixed martial arts became an Olympic sport. It would create instant awareness around the world, and it would be huge. I would support it 100-percent. I personally am not out there trying to get mixed martial arts as an Olympic sport - I got enough to do, somebody else can figure that out - but if it popped and they said, 'Yes, we're thinking about it,' I would go guns ablazing and try to make it happen. It would change the game forever."

UFC President Dana White is all for the return of mixed martial arts to the Olympic Games, International sport's most hallowed ground. MMA existed under the Olympic banner back in Ancient Greece in the form of Pankration, a combination of boxing and wrestling but may not have the public support that it once did. The UFC has been working tirelessly to sanction MMA in the United States as well as expand their efforts abroad. Is an Olympic appearance just a matter of time? Or has the 21st century made the world too soft and squeamish for the intricacies of cagefighting?

Wanderlei Silva talks UFC 110 weight cut; 'feels good' at 185 (Video)

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 06:31 AM PST

Michael Bisping has a message for whiny Yanks: Stop crying and 'get over it'

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 06:25 AM PST

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"I always hear the same comments all the time, ‘He is an arrogant so and so’, the truth is I’m not, I think I’m very humble and I’ve got a long way to go.’ I train very hard, I do my best and I’m trying to support my family. They’re always going on about how bad I was on the Ultimate Fighter, I for the life of me can’t see what I did wrong, I was just trying to help my team win. Yes there was a bit of fun and banter back and forth, but it was just a pisstake. Bloody hell, get over it. There’s no point crying yourself to sleep over it, I was just having a laugh. Also I think it was the fact I was the Team UK coach and they thought I was anti-US, which wasn’t the case at all but maybe that was the way it was portrayed and perceived, so now they like to criticize me, whatever, I know in England I’ve got a fan base and in Canada and hopefully here in [Australia]. If that’s how they’re going to be then so be it, tough luck."

Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner and coach Michael Bisping tells The Sydney Morning Herald that he's not getting much stateside love based on the fact that he was portrayed as a cocky Brit during his stints on the Spike TV reality show and that "Count" haters need to get over it and focus on his fights instead of his place of birth. Does Bisping get treated unfairly by U.S. fans? Or is he an overconfident trash-talker who gets what he deserves?

XKL poster for 'Evolution' in Ypsilanti, MI, on March 20

Posted: 18 Feb 2010 06:06 AM PST

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For ticket and seating information call 734-487-2282 or visit the EMU Convocation Center website by clicking here.

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