Friday, April 9, 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

Georgi Karakhanyan knockout of Bao Quach at Bellator 13 (Video)

Posted: 09 Apr 2010 04:40 AM PDT

Bellator 13 results recap: Roger Huerta, Joe Warren advance in tournament action

Posted: 09 Apr 2010 04:38 AM PDT

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Roger Huerta moved a step closer to a shot at the Bellator Fighting Championships lightweight tournament title Thursday night with a convincing victory over the previously undefeated Chad Hinton in front of an adoring crowd at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

The action-packed fight was the high point of Bellator 13, which marked Bellator’s Season 2 debut and its first live, nationwide broadcast on FOX Sports Net. The near-capacity crowd included Academy Award nominated actor Mickey Rourke and Super Bowl winner and NFL superstar Jeremy Shockey, who both came to cheer on Huerta in his first appearance under the Bellator banner.

In the night’s other tournament bouts, Joe Warren and Carey Vanier advanced into the semifinals of the featherweight and lightweight divisions and Georgi Karakhanyan advanced to the semifinals at featherweight with a highlight reel knockout of Bao Qauch.

But the night’s most talked-about fight will most certainly be the stirring match-up between the heavily-favored Huerta and Hinton, a 38-year-old Cincinnati native who refused to go down easy.

Hinton started strong and held his own during round one, but the momentum shifted early in round two when Huerta took Hinton to the ground and began rotating between ground-and-pound and a series of crushing hammer fists. Hinton was able to escape the round, but lasted only 56 seconds into round three when he was locked into a Huerta knee-bar.

"Chad Hinton was no joke," said Huerta, who improved his record to 21-3-1. "And that’s part of why I love Bellator. Just because a guy like Chad hasn’t been publicized and hasn’t been on TV before doesn’t mean he’s not a great fighter. It was an honor to be out there with him and an honor to fight for Bellator. I’m happy to be back."

Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney, who announced Huerta’s signing last month, called his return to the cage "great to watch."

"Roger Huerta is back and he’s going to pose a big threat to all the other fighters at 155," Rebney said. "He showed us a full arsenal of everything that he has to offer tonight and it was very impressive."

In the night’s other highly anticipated fight, Warren, the former world champion Greco-Roman wrestler and NCAA all-American improved his record to 3-1 with a unanimous decision over 17-3 Eric Marriott in the quarterfinals of Bellator’s eight-man featherweight tournament.

Warren took the fight to the ground just 20 seconds into the first round and kept it there for all three rounds, switching between half mount and full mount and wearing Marriott down with a series of blows to the head. The fight wasn’t without its scary moments for Warren, however.

Roughly four minutes into round one, he was able to narrowly escape a Marriott armbar. The crafty Marriott then immediately shifted into a triangle choke, but Warren was able to hold on until the end of the round.

"I give Eric Marriott a lot of credit – that was a tight, tight triangle," Warren said. "It was great technique and the bell definitely saved me. But I got out and I won and I’m excited to move on to the next round."

In the first televised tournament fight of the night—a quarterfinal matchup in Bellator’s eight-man featherweight tournament—Karakhanyan (13-1-1), a former pro soccer star, dominated MMA veteran Quach from start to finish, connecting with a variety of high leg kicks before finishing him via TKO with a brutal knee to the head 4:05 into round one.

"My corner was telling me to circle around and take my time and I capitalized and knocked him out," Karakhanyan said. "As soon as we clinched, I started throwing my knees and I connected and finished the fight. I’m excited to move on."

In the night’s fourth and final televised tournament bout, Vanier (8-2) made an impressive case that he is a fighter to watch in the lightweight tournament, finishing former Army Ranger and Purple Heart honoree Joe Duarte (5-2) via TKO at 4:14 in round three.

"It was a really good fight for me," said Vanier, a former all-American wrestler at Minnesota’s Augsburg College said. "It went exactly the way my camp and me thought it would go … We stuck to our game plan and it turned out well."

All four tournament fights will re-air this Saturday night during special late-night highlight shows on NBC and Telemundo. Thursday night’s event also included four Local Feature Fights between up-and-coming fighters from South Florida.

The results are as follows:

  • Chris Manuel (7-3-2) def. Ralph Acosta (5-5) via guillotine choke (10:35)
  • Mikey Gomez (10-8) def. Moyses Gabin (4-3) via unanimous decision
  • Edson Diniz (10-3) def. John Kelly (4-1) via knee bar (4:36)
  • Vagner Rocha (4-0) def. Francisco Soares (3-2-1) via TKO (7:07)

Arianny Celeste Maxim 2010 video shoot

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 03:46 PM PDT

And words cannot describe the level of hotness displayed here...

El Matador: 'The fans are definitely going to see an improved and hungry Roger Huerta'

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 03:46 PM PDT

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Props: MSG Fight Club

Quoteworthy:

"Basically the tournament format was what led to my decision to sign with Bellator. I like that I determine how far I go. I have the ability to stay active and fight four times this year. That’s what the fans want and what I want as well. I wanted to fight more and compete regularly. Fighting in Bellator gives me the opportunity to do that. If I make it through the tournament, I get to fight (lightweight champion) Eddie Alvarez for the title. But I’m not looking past anyone. All of these guys are hungry fighters. My style of fighting hasn’t really changed very much (in the tournament set-up). I’m still going to be the same Roger Huerta that comes in aggressive and takes the fight to my opponent. I train the same no matter who my opponent is. The fans are definitely going to see an improved and hungry Roger Huerta."

Former UFC lightweight contender Roger Huerta talks about joining a hungry roster of Bellator fighters that may now be licking their chops in anticipation of getting the opportunity to elevate themselves by taking down a "name" like Huerta. "El Matador" hasn't seen action since a gritty split decision loss to Gray Maynard on the final fight of his Zuffa contract at UFC Fight Night 19 last September. Can he return to form and battle his way to an eventual superfight with Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez?

Shine Fights: Alexandre Ferreira vs Jamal Patterson booked for 'World's Collide' on May 15

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 03:45 PM PDT

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Miami, FL ( USA ): Shine Fight Promotions (Shine Fights) today announced the official signing of another main card bout for its upcoming "WORLDS COLLIDE: MAYORGA VS. THOMAS" pay-per-view event, as a highly-anticipated light heavyweight bout between ground specialists Alexandre "Cacareco" Ferreira and IFL veteran Jamal "The Suit" Patterson has been finalized.

As two highly-ranked 205-pound fighters in the world, this fight is sure to determine a top contender in the Shine light heavyweight division. Ferreira, 30, is perhaps the best "unknown" fighter in the world.

The Chute Boxe member holds an impressive 18-6 record in mixed martial arts, with 17 of his victories coming via submission. Even more impressive is Cacareco's recent string of seven straight submission victories, with all seven fights lasting a total of just nine minutes.

The submission specialist, who favors the kimura armbar as his preferred way to end fights, feels that he has something to prove to the MMA world. Current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida turned down a fight with the explosive wrestler and BJJ expert in early 2009.

Shortly thereafter, Ferreira signed with Shine and now looks to make his next fight a sort of coming out party. "I'm well known for my submissions. I think people will be impressed with my standup game as well," says Cacareco.

Having stepped in with the likes of UFC fighter Chris Haseman, and holding victories over the likes of UFC/Pride veteran Heath Herring, Pride veteran "Dirty" Bob Schrijber, MMA veteran Shannon Ritch, UFC veterans Moti Horenstein and Branden Lee Hinkle, Team Black House member Fabio Maldonado, and IFL veteran Lew Polley, the 12-year veteran is a certifiable star.

Patterson, 36, made his MMA debut in the IFL for Renzo Gracie's New York Pitbulls, and subsequently went on to win four out of his first six contests, all against notable opponents. Nicknamed "The Suit" because of his day job as a salesman for a high-profile dental company, Patterson earned victories over UFC veteran Matt Horwich (twice), Ultimate Fighter season one veteran Alex Schoenauer, and Chris Baten. Patterson also did his best Cacareco impression at UWC 5 in 2009, earning a 44-second submission victory over Shine and Strikeforce veteran Antwain "The Juggernaut" Britt. Overall, he holds a 5-2 MMA record, with all five victories coming by way of submission.

A former collegiate football player who competed as a safety at Colgate University , Patterson has been featured in both Sports Illustrated as one of its "Faces in the Crowd" and in The New York Times for his prowess in business and the sport of MMA. Now setting his sights on Ferreira and Shine Fights gold, Patterson is as motivated and focused as ever: "I'm motivated for any fighter I face, no matter who it is." Patterson said. "If you have to get motivation from other areas, you're in trouble. You have to enjoy fighting and winning."

About his opponent for "Worlds Collide", Patterson had this to say: "He's a very good fighter, submission guy, tough guy, lots of experience. But I think he's going to give me some opportunities to end the fight. I think I'm a little more well-rounded, and I think my chance will come."

Stopping just short of predicting his first knockout victory, Patterson explained that he sees this as his chance to show off his striking: "I think this is going to be the fight where I show I can strike. I get praised for my submission game, but I'm a pretty good standup fighter. I'm not going to stand with a guy that is better than me in that area, so with Cacareco, I expect to show him I'm better on the feet."

"This is a fight between two of the best grapplers in the world, and I'm predicting that it will be fight of the night," Shine Fights matchmaker Ron Foster said. "Cacareco has a chip on his shoulder because of the Machida thing, and he feels like this will be his coming out party in the U.S. Patterson is a legitimate Renzo Gracie black belt and will be a tough matchup for anybody. I made this fight because of my selfish desire to see this incredible fight between two elite ground wizards."

With both fighters salivating at the thought of facing the other, each promised that fans won't be disappointed. "Root for me and expect a great show," Ferreira said. "Cacareco is in the house!" Patterson also promised fireworks in the upcoming bout: "I've never not had an exciting fight, even in my losses. So anyone that watches this fight is going to see something fun."

This pivotal bout in the Shine light heavyweight division joins the previously announced 160-pound catchweight main event between former boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga and MMA veteran Din Thomas as well as a welterweight contest between MMA veteran Nick "The Goat" Thompson and Brazilian star Eduardo Pamplona on the May 15th card. Another surefire ground war is set to take place at 175 pounds between 2009 ADCC Absolute Champion Braulio Estima and former Olympic Judo competitor Rick Hawn.

"WORLDS COLLIDE" is taking place at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville , NC , and will be beamed on PPV on cable and satellite in the United States and Canada . The event will be broadcasted in High-Definition, and it will be available in both English and Spanish (where available). The broadcast will start at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be produced by MultiVision Media, Inc. There will be a 30-minute countdown show prior to the live event at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT. The event will be available for $29.95. Tickets may be obtained by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420, or online at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Crown Coliseum Box Office. For box office hours and more info, please call (910) 438-4100.

For more information on Shine Fights or "Worlds Collide," please follow Shine on Twitter @ShineFights, Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/ShineFights), YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/ShineFights), or become a fan on Facebook.

UFC 112 video preview on 100th episode of ESPN's 'MMA Live'

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 01:46 PM PDT

'Spyder' Fighter: MMAmania.com UFC 112 interview exclusive with Mark Munoz

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 01:41 PM PDT

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Mark Munoz has officially found a home in the UFC middleweight division.

After suffering a devastating head kick knockout in his UFC debut courtesy of Matt Hamill, he decided to transition from light heavyweight to middleweight.

The 185-pound limit seems to be the ideal weight for him and it has paid dividends so far as he has since responded with two straight victories inside the Octagon.

Couple that with the fact that his overall skills as a young mixed martial artist have continued to develop and we have a quality contender in the making.

His next challenge will be Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 3 winner Kendall Grove at UFC 112 on Saturday, April 10.

The "Filipino Wrecking Machine" took some time out to discuss dealing with Grove's superior length, his ever-improving stand-up, his new gym, and why some decorated wrestlers succeed in MMA (and others fail).

Check it out:

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You're coming off an impressive victory over Ryan Jensen at UFC 108. Would you consider it your best win to date?

Mark Munoz: Yes, I would say that is my best win to date! I am improving with each fight.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You seemed much more comfortable and fluid with your stand-up in the Jensen fight. Do you feel like you've taken a big step forward with your striking in the past few months?

Mark Munoz: Being a wrestler, my stand-up has naturally been my weakness. My daily focus is on making my weaknesses my strengths. I constantly seek the knowledge of my striking coaches Abel Nunez and Billy Scheibe. The more I train with these guys, the more comfortable I feel on my feet. 

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): How much has training with Team Black House improved you as a mixed martial artist? Who are some of the guys over there that have really helped you?

Mark Munoz: Training with some of the best MMA guys in the world will no doubt help me improve. Since they have been at the top and are still there, I know that the techniques they do work. I work with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira the most. He is amazing is every sense of the word. I thank him tremendously. I also have worked with Anderson Silva and Junior Dos Santos. These guys are also like family to me. Team Black House is like a family. We look out for each other and look for the best interest of one another.

I also have other guys I rely on frequently including King Mo Lawal. Rashad Evans has helped me tremendously recently, Fabricio Werdum, Renato Babalu Sobral, Rafael Cordeiro, Jason Mayhem Miller, Siyar Bahadurzala, Pat Cummins, Jason Lambert, Rafael Davis, Tom Bunbury, and Daniel Pollacia. Not only does training with them improve me technically and physically, but also mentally and spiritually. These are normal everyday people doing extraordinary things. I'm fortunate and blessed to have them to be training partners and friends.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You also opened your own gym recently. Is this something you have always wanted to do and why?

Mark Munoz: Coaching is one of my passions in life. I always thought I would be coaching college wrestling until I started my mixed martial arts career. Since then, I knew opening a gym would be a perfect fit because it allows me to coach, train, and be with my family all at the same time. Everything all in one place! It's a win, win situation.    

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): How much time do you spend training at your own gym as opposed to heading over to Team Black House or other gyms?

Mark Munoz: I spend all my time at my gym right now. I spent the last couple of years training at other gyms to get the best trainers possible, but right now there's a lot to be done for my own facility. I have my trainers and training partners come to me for the time being, which I feel very fortunate to have.  

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You have a well-decorated collegiate wrestling background but you have made the transition to MMA look relatively easy. Some other guys who have that decorated wrestling base have not been so fortunate. Why do some fail, while others such as yourself, succeed?

Mark Munoz: I believe it's your mindset and how well you deal with adversity, work ethic, and humility. I think this is a huge part of the formula to becoming great not only in MMA but business, athletics, school, or whatever you do. I am constantly learning from everyone I go with. I drill the techniques I learn over and over again and I execute them. I believe some fail because a lot of them can't deal with failure. In my opinion, it takes failure to succeed. My UFC debut ended in a brutal KO in my opponents favor, but I chalked it up as a learning experience and continue to strive forward towards my goal!

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What is the toughest aspect of transitioning from a wrestler to an MMA fighter?

Mark Munoz: I believe that striking is the toughest part for a wrestler to transition because it is so different from wrestling. Although it has the same principles it takes a while to learn, because the techniques you learn in wrestling have been drilled into our heads for years and years. Trying to go against your instinct takes a while to learn. The only way to learn it is to do it and do it frequently and appropriately.   

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Kendall Grove is your upcoming UFC 112 opponent. He is extremely tall and lanky and has a big reach. How do you deal with those attributes from a technical standpoint?

Mark Munoz: It's not a secret. I'm a wrestler and I'm looking to take him to the ground and pound him out. I want to neutralize his length by slipping and parrying his punches and kicks, get in close, and take him down.   

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): We know Grove is dangerous off his back as he showed in his fight with Jake Rosholt. Does this force you to be extra cautious with your movements and your strikes if you find yourself in his guard?

Mark Munoz: I think you always need to be cautious with whoever you fight. Bruce Lee said it best, "Fighting has to have a perfect balance between instinct and control." The only way to be prepared is to practice the right techniques until you get it right and it becomes instinct. That's where your control comes into play.  

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Do you have an official prediction for the fight?

Mark Munoz: Knockout or submission, 2nd round.  

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Where do you think a win puts you in the middleweight division? Do you have anyone in mind that you would like to face next if you are fortunate enough to come away with a victory on Saturday?

Mark Munoz: I believe a win will catapult me up in the upper echelon of my division. I'm here to fight and fight whoever the UFC places before me. My main focus is to improve every time I step into the cage.  

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): The middleweight title is up for grabs on UFC 112 as well. Who wins between Anderson Silva and Demian Maia and what will be the deciding factor in the fight?

Mark Munoz: Anderson Silva will win by TKO in the first round, because of his stand-up and jiu-jitsu abilities.  

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Any sponsors you would like to thank at this time?

Mark  Munoz: I'd like to thank the following: Nate Welter from Warrior International, Art Decuna from OC Nutrition of Laguna Niguel, and Morgan Smith from Boneheads. Thanks to MusclePharm, Lexani and CPIResources for sponsoring for this fight. Last, but not least, my gym Reign Training Center. Go to Train2Reign.com for more details. I'd also like to thank Mike Roberts, Jeff Meyer, Urijah Faber, Andre Julian for being with me from the start and staying with me now. A special thanks goes out to Mike Joker Guymon! Thanks for everything you've done for me! You can also follow me on Twitter at @Mark_Munoz, Facebook, and MarkMunoz.net.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Thanks for your time. Good luck on Saturday.

Mark Munoz: Thank you!

Derek Bolender is a frequent MMAmania.com contributor. He is also a syndicated writer to FoxSports.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/DerekMMAwriter.

Meet Bellator's new round card girls Mercedes Terrell and Monica Arteaga (Pic)

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 01:41 PM PDT

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Meet Bellator's new round card girls Mercedes Terrell and
Monica Arteaga (Pic)

TUF 11: Coach Tito Ortiz won't let you fail, no bleeping way (Video)

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 01:13 PM PDT

Anyone think McKinney will eventually come around or should he just GTFO?

Bellator 13 channel guide and viewing options for Season 2 premier on Fox Sports Net

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 12:09 PM PDT

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Bellator Fighting Championships gets underway tonight (April 8) with their Season 2 premiere from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL.

Bellator 13 will feature first round bouts from this season's eight-man single-elimination lightweight and featherweight tournaments including a fantastic match-up between former UFC 155-pound contender Roger "El Matador" Huerta and undefeated Cincinnati brawler Chad Hinton.

Each of the tournament bouts will be broadcast live on FOX Sports Net nationwide and will also be featured during weekly Saturday-night Bellator highlight shows on NBC and Telemundo.

When and where to tune in?

Here is the current channel guide and viewing options for Bellator 13::

Fox Sports Net Broadcast Times
Show Channel  Date Time Time Zone
Bellator 13 COMCAST BAY AREA 4/9/2010 1:00 AM Pacific
Bellator 13 COMCAST BAY AREA 4/8/2010 8:00 PM Pacific
Bellator 13 COMCAST BAY AREA 4/12/2010 1:00 AM Pacific
Bellator 13 COMCAST BAY AREA 4/11/2010 5:30 PM Pacific
Bellator 13 COMCAST CHICAGO 4/8/2010 11:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 COMCAST NEW ENGLAND 4/8/2010 8:30 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS ARIZONA 4/8/2010 10:00 PM Mountain
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS ARIZONA 4/11/2010 4:00 PM Mountain
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS ARIZONA 4/11/2010 9:30 PM Mountain
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS DETROIT 4/8/2010 10:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS DETROIT 4/11/2010 10:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS FLORIDA 4/10/2010 8:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS FLORIDA 4/11/2010 7:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS HOUSTON 4/8/2010 11:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS HOUSTON 4/12/2010 3:00 AM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS HOUSTON 4/11/2010 5:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS HOUSTON 4/11/2010 6:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS MIDWEST 4/8/2010 7:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS MIDWEST 4/8/2010 9:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS MIDWEST 4/10/2010 1:00 AM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS MIDWEST 4/9/2010 11:00 AM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS MIDWEST 4/10/2010 7:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS MIDWEST 4/11/2010 7:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS NORTH 4/8/2010 11:30 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS OHIO 4/8/2010 8:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS OHIO 4/8/2010 11:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS OHIO 4/10/2010 8:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS OHIO 4/11/2010 7:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS SOUTH 4/8/2010 8:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS SOUTH 4/10/2010 4:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS SOUTH 4/10/2010 8:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS SOUTH 4/11/2010 7:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS SOUTH 4/11/2010 8:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST 4/8/2010 7:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST 4/8/2010 11:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST 4/12/2010 3:00 AM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST 4/11/2010 8:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS WEST 4/8/2010 10:30 PM Pacific
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS WISCONSIN 4/8/2010 7:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FOX SPORTS WISCONSIN 4/11/2010 7:00 PM Central
Bellator 13 FSN NORTHWEST 4/8/2010 10:00 PM Pacific
Bellator 13 FSN NORTHWEST 4/10/2010 2:00 AM Pacific
Bellator 13 FSN NORTHWEST 4/10/2010 5:00 PM Pacific
Bellator 13 FSN PITTSBURGH 4/8/2010 11:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FSN PITTSBURGH 4/11/2010 11:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 FSN ROCKY MOUNTAIN 4/8/2010 8:00 PM Mountain
Bellator 13 FSN ROCKY MOUNTAIN 4/10/2010 6:00 PM Mountain
Bellator 13 FSN ROCKY MOUNTAIN 4/11/2010 7:00 PM Mountain
Bellator 13 MSG PLUS 4/9/2010 2:00 AM Eastern
Bellator 13 MSG PLUS 4/8/2010 8:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 MSG PLUS 4/11/2010 8:00 PM Eastern
Bellator 13 THE COMCAST NETWORK 4/10/2010 10:30 PM Eastern

For the complete Bellator 13 fight card and line up click here.

War Machine vs Tex Johnson still on for Wild Bill's Fight Night 26 on April 17

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 11:31 AM PDT

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Despite a recent arrest outside a San Diego watering hole that landed him and cuffs (and a spit bag), the mixed martial artist formerly known as Jon Koppenhaver (10-3) will return to the fight game against Tex Johnson (6-2) at Wild Bill's Fight Night 26 on April 17 in Atlanta, Georgia.

"War Machine" has been in the news recently more for his new-found adult film career than mixed martial arts. 

After making his debut in the porn industry late last year, Koppenhaver ran amock at an insider's party in which numerous bystanders fell victim to the TUF veteran's insanity. A warrant was subsequently granted for his arrest.

As far as his MMA career, Mr. Machine actually won five consecutive bouts following the release from his UFC contract after his loss to Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC 84, before dropping his last contest to David Mitchell at the appropriately named Tachi Palace Fights 1: "Most Wanted."

"Tex" Johnson (6-2), 23, has yet to compete past the first round in any of his fights to date, and all six of his victories have come via submission.

Wild Bill's Fight Night 26 is also expected to feature Sonny South, Joe Merit, William Kuhn, Sean Kilgus, and Dustin Chovanic.

UFC President Dana White may 'Fight for the Troops' in Afghanistan by Summer 2010 (Video)

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:48 AM PDT

UFC Quick Quote: Thiago Alves brain surgery nothing more than a groin shot and superglue

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 07:43 AM PDT

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"You've got a vein, you've got an artery. A vein is low pressure; an artery is the high pressure. Once they touch inside your brain they cause bleeding, and they saw a vein and an artery were pretty close from each other, and they didn't know if it was something that I was born with, or if it was something that happened over the years. So what they do with the angiogram is they make a small incision on my groin, and they put a catheter inside. They shoot dye all the way into my brain and with the dye they can see clearly what it is, if it's something that needs to get fixed. They put superglue between the vein and the artery. That's what the doctors told me 'just tell everybody you've got superglue in your brain right now, and you'll be alright.' So that's what I'm going to tell everybody. That was the procedure pretty much. [The Fitch fight] needs to happen. That fight was supposed to be done in December, and that's the second time it couldn't happen, but I'm really happy. I'm sure he wants to fight me, too. [Watching him fight Ben Saunders] was torture. Especially the way Fitch fought, I trained for that, I was prepared. I was 100-percent prepared for his kind of fight. I wish it was me, but there's nothing I can do, it is what it is. I'm just going to try to make the best of it."

Former UFC welterweight number one contender Thiago Alves tells MMAWeekly that the worst part of his surgery was having to watch Jon Fitch fight someone else in his place. Ben Saunders stepped in for "The Pitbull" after a pre-fight CAT Scan showed a brain irregularity that required outpatient surgery to correct. Now the Brazilian is back on his feet and planning for a long overdue rematch against Fitch at UFC 115 in Vancouver. Is there anyone out there who's betting against him?

Programming reminder: 'Countdown to UFC 112' debuts tonight on Spike TV and Versus

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 06:46 AM PDT

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Countdown to UFC 112: "Invincible" will debut late tonight at 12:00 a.m. ET on Spike TV (Thursday night into Friday morning) to promote the upcoming pay-per-view (PPV) event scheduled for the Concert Arena at the Ferrari World theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, April 10.

It can also be seen on the Versus network, UFC's second home for combat programming, just one hour later at 1:00 a.m. ET.

The network special will provide a glimpse into the preparation and training camps of the fighters set to headline the show, featuring current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and number one contender Demian Maia. Also getting a closer look is the 155-pound championship tilt between lightweight kingpin BJ Penn and challenger Frankie Edgar.

For those who miss the "Countdown to UFC 112" premier it will re-air at the following times:

April 9 at 11 p.m. ET (Spike TV)
April 10 at 12:00 a.m. ET (MTV 3)
April 10 at 1:00 p.m. ET (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, April 10), which is slated to air at 1 p.m. ET on pay-per-view from Abu Dhabi. The latest quick updates of the live action will begin to flow earlier than that around 11 a.m. ET with the preliminary bouts.

To get up to speed on the "Invincible" event be sure to check out the complete UFC 112 archive by clicking here.

Inside BJ Penns UFC 112 training camp for Frank Edgar (Video)

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 06:45 AM PDT

Dan Hardy: Georges St. Pierre plays it safe to keep his belt

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 06:44 AM PDT

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Props: The Canadian Press

Quoteworthy:

"I wouldn't change it for the world. Even the result now. I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason and obviously I'm not ready to be the champion just yet. But there are a lot of positives to gain from it. Obviously one of them is the fans are now a little more aware of me and the fans that were aware of me before now, most of them, have a new respect for what I'm willing to do when I'm in there. [St. Pierre] took the win from me but he didn't take the fight from me. I wasn't beaten mentally or physically. I don't know, it must be frustrating for the fans and it's frustrating for me because I know that GSP has the kind of potential to make more of a fight out of it. But he's very good at wrestling and he chooses to stick with the safe option to keep his belt. I mean you can't hold it against him. It's not what I would do in his situation but I'm not in his situation right now, so I can't really make those calls. I certainly don't feel like I'm miles away from winning the belt. I know I've got work to do but I'm confident that it's within my ability to do it and get the belt."

Former UFC welterweight number one contender Dan Hardy insists he's going to learn from his loss to Georges St. Pierre at last months UFC 111 event in Newark, NJ and come back better than ever. "The Outlaw" was dominated for five rounds by "Rush" but contends that he was never beaten mentally despite a couple of tight submission holds. Was Hardy the sentimental winner as a result of his fighting spirit and refusal to quit? Or just another victim who needs to go back to the end of the line?

UFC 114 results and LIVE fight coverage for 'Rampage vs Evans' on May 29 in Las Vegas

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 06:07 AM PDT

Ufc114-poster-2_medium_medium

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently finalized their upcoming pay-per-view (PPV) fight card for the promotion's return trip to MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, May 29.

UFC 114 will run in conjunction with this year's Fan Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and feature a 205-pound grudge match between former light heavyweight champions and Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 coaches "Sugar" Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

Also slated for the main card will be another former light heavyweight champion and TUF coach in Forrest Griffin, who tries to quell the recent uprising of former PRIDE star Antonio Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira.

Here is the current "Rampage vs. Evans" line up:

Main event:

205 lbs.: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. "Sugar" Rashad Evans

Main card (Televised):

205 lbs.: Forrest Griffin vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
185 lbs.: Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller
170 lbs.: John Hathaway vs. Diego Sanchez
265 lbs.: Todd Duffee vs. Mike Russow

Under card (May not be broadcast):

155 lbs.: Melvin Guillard vs. Thiago Tavares
170 lbs.: Dong Hyun Kim vs. Amir Sadollah
155 lbs.: Joe Brammer vs. Aaron Riley
155 lbs.: Efrain Escudero vs. Dan Lauzon
205 lbs.: Luiz Cane vs. Cyrille Diabate
185 lbs.: Jesse Forbes vs. Ryan Jensen

MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of UFC 114 beginning with the PPV telecast at 10 p.m. ET. In addition, we will deliver up-to-the-minute quick results of all the under card action much earlier on fight night.

We’re still a few weeks away from showtime; therefore, feel free to share your thoughts and predictions on "Rampage vs. Evans" 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 more on the May 29 event click here.

'King' Mo Lawal: Gegard Mousasi started the trash talk for Strikeforce title fight (Video)

Posted: 08 Apr 2010 04:06 AM PDT
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