UFC blog for latest news, videos, results, betting odds, fighter interviews and MMA rumors - UFCmania.com

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• Roger Huerta on his May 6 loss to Pat Curran and future with Bellator (Video)
• Maxim "Hot 100" 2010 list includes UFCs Arianny Celeste (# 23) and Rachelle Leah (# 36).
• Strikeforce Quick Quote: Scott Coker's in no hurry to sign Paul Daley and Kimbo Slice
• Patrick Cote will have surgery tomorrow (May 11) to repair a hand fracture suffered in his UFC 113...
• Kazushi Sakuraba returns to Gracie hunting at DREAM 14
• Heavy Artillery: 'The Reem' returns to Strikeforce on May 15 (Video)
• UFC 116 poster for 'Lesnar vs Carwin' on July 3 in Las Vegas
• UFC 117: Clay Guida vs Rafael dos Anjos in the works for Aug. 7 in Oakland
• Randy Couture 'real close' to signing opposite James Toney at UFC 118 (Video)
• UFC 114: 'Rampage' Jackson fighting to KO Rashad Evans -- not for glory or fame
• Brett Rogers and Din Thomas featured guests tonight (May 10) on Pro MMA Radio
• Michael Bisping UFC 114 video blog (Episode 2)
• Strikeforce tickets for 'Fedor vs Werdum' from the HP Pavilion on June 26 on sale soon
• UFC Quick Quote: Paul Daley apologizes to Josh Koscheck for 'unprofessional' actions at UFC 113

Roger Huerta on his May 6 loss to Pat Curran and future with Bellator (Video) Posted: 10 May 2010 10:11 PM PDT "El Matador" is hoping to fight in DREAM or K-1 during the remainder of the Bellator tournament. Good or bad idea?

Maxim "Hot 100" 2010 list includes UFCs Arianny Celeste (# 23) and Rachelle Leah (# 36). Posted: 10 May 2010 04:37 PM PDT Maxim "Hot 100" 2010 list includes UFCs Arianny Celeste (# 23) and Rachelle Leah (# 36).

Strikeforce Quick Quote: Scott Coker's in no hurry to sign Paul Daley and Kimbo Slice Posted: 10 May 2010 02:56 PM PDT "I'm sure we'll get a call, but let's what happens. Who knows? [Daley] could be on suspension for four to six months. He's not going to be able to fight. I don't think that type of reaction or behavior from a fighter will be accepted. It's just unacceptable. You're like the sixth person who's contacted me saying, ‘Hey, you have to put together Herschel Walker vs. Kimbo Slice.' The thing is with Kimbo is he was successful with the ratings, but when we purchased (the contracts) from Pro Elite, the deal at that time (for Kimbo), we felt was too rich for long-term viability...We haven't revisited it internally yet, so as of right now I think we're going to stick with our course, which is putting on the best fighters in the world in the best matchups. The fighters that are important to develop our reach and growth, and are important to Showtime and CBS, we're going to keep those fighters. We've proven that we can stay in the game at the highest level with these athletes because believe me, Fedor (Emelianenko) is not a cheap fighter." Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker tells Sherdog.com that he's not exactly running to sign recently ousted UFC fighters Paul Daley and Kimbo Slice -- both of whom were passed over when the San Jose-based fight promotion first acquired the remaining contracts from Pro Elite, the parent company of Elite XC back in 2009. "Semtex" was given the heave-ho for taking a swipe at Josh Koscheck (after the bell) following their welterweight scrap at UFC 113 last Saturday night. Slice may also be on the unemployment line after being bounced from The Ultimate Fighter 10 and then turning in a losing effort to Matt Mitrione, also at UFC 113. The question is, if Strikeforce doesn't want them, where will they end up? And how much are they worth on the open market? Predictions please.

Patrick Cote will have surgery tomorrow (May 11) to repair a hand fracture suffered in his UFC 113... Posted: 10 May 2010 02:44 PM PDT Patrick Cote will have surgery tomorrow (May 11) to repair a hand fracture suffered in his UFC 113 loss to Alan Belcher on May 8.

Kazushi Sakuraba returns to Gracie hunting at DREAM 14 Posted: 10 May 2010 12:00 PM PDT Well, you know the old saying, stick with what you're good at. Former PRIDE star and aging mixed martial arts legend Kazushi Sakuraba (26-12-1) will once again try and stymie the grappling efforts from Brazil's first family of submission fighting when he takes on Ralek Gracie at DREAM 14 from the Saitama Super Arena on May 29 in Saitama, Japan. The promotion announced the 194-pound catchweight bout earlier today. Following back-to-back defeats in 2008 against Melvin Manhoef (TKO) and Kiyoshi Tamura (unanimous decision), "The Gracie Hunter" rebounded in 2009, stringing together consecutive submission wins over Rubin Williams (Kimura) and Zelg Galesic (kneebar). After submitting Royler Gracie (Kimura) at PRIDE 8 in 1999, the Japanese fighting pillar earned his moniker by defeating Royce (TKO), Renzo (Kimura) and the late Ryan Gracie (unanimous decision) in 2000, also under the PRIDE banner. Royce would later avenge his loss to Sakuraba at K-1 HERO's: "Dynamite!! USA" in 2007 but his victory was tarnished after the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) popped him for steroids (nandrolone). Gracie has not competed since. Now Ralek gets his chance to test himself against the Japanese legend -- though Gracie has only two fights under his belt and hasn't competed since a 2008 submission win (armbar) over Alavutdin Gadjiev at DREAM 4. Will Sakuraba be crafty enough to pull out yet another win over the Brazilian brotherhood? Time will tell. Also announced for the May 29 event are a pair WEC veterans set to throw down in a featherweight match-up when Kenji Osawa (15-9-2) takes on Yoshiro Maeda (26-8-2). For more on the updated DREAM 14 fight card click here. Editor's Note: Check out Boondock's video tribute to the Gracie/Sakuraba blood feud. Great stuff.

Heavy Artillery: 'The Reem' returns to Strikeforce on May 15 (Video) Posted: 10 May 2010 11:30 AM PDT

UFC 116 poster for 'Lesnar vs Carwin' on July 3 in Las Vegas Posted: 10 May 2010 11:25 AM PDT Are you ready for the "biggest heavyweight battle in history?" If not, get up to speed with out UFC 116 archive by clicking here.

UFC 117: Clay Guida vs Rafael dos Anjos in the works for Aug. 7 in Oakland Posted: 10 May 2010 10:20 AM PDT Fan favorite Clay Guida and submission specialist Rafael dos Anjos are in talks to compete in a lightweight bout at UFC 117 on August 7 from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, according to Tatame.com, who confirms an earlier report by MMA Recap. "The Carpenter," who has become one of the UFC's more popular fighters because of his relentless attack and never-say-die attitude, was finished via rear naked choke in a dominant performance from perennial lightweight contender Kenny Florian at UFC 107 in December of last year. He rebounded from that defeat with a second round submission victory over Shannon Gugerty at UFC on Versus 1 in March. Guida will be looking to compile back-to-back wins with a victory over dos Anjos after recently suffering consecutive losses to Diego Sanchez and "KenFlo." Rafael is coming off a "Submission of the Night" victory against Terry Etim at UFC 110: "Invincible" in Abu Dhabi last month and a unanimous decision win over Kyle Bradley at UFC Fight Night: "Maynard vs. Diaz." He's reeled of three straight wins inside the Octagon. The Brazilian notched his first win inside the Octagon by outpointing Rob Emerson at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" back on Sept. 19, 2009 after coming off the wrong end of Tyson Griffin decision at UFC Fight Night 18 back on April 1 of last year. Despite the loss, he was game the entire bout, earning him and Griffin an extra 30 G's for putting on "Fight of the Night." Dos Anjos definitely has skills. Aside from winning nine straight prior to UFC 91, where the Fury FC fighter was stifling Jeremy Stephens for most of their bout until a thunderous uppercut nearly air-mailed him back to Rio. Expect these two to put on yet another crowd-pleasing performance. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more UFC 117 fight announcements as they're made available.

Randy Couture 'real close' to signing opposite James Toney at UFC 118 (Video) Posted: 10 May 2010 09:57 AM PDT

UFC 114: 'Rampage' Jackson fighting to KO Rashad Evans -- not for glory or fame Posted: 10 May 2010 07:54 AM PDT Props: Bisping.tv Quoteworthy: "I still want to clear [something] up...some of my fans don't understand why I didn't fight Rashad in the beginning. I don't think...the fans that don't understand now, I don't think they'll ever understand. Just because I'm a fighter, doesn't mean I can't do other things. I just want my fans to know...no matter what, even though I haven't been in the cage for a while...people think that I went Hollywood, people always got negative stuff to say. People always underestimate me. I've been in this game for a while; I just think it's funny. I'm just gonna go out there and do my job. I wanna knock Rashad out as quick as possible and get on with my career ... I don't fight for glory and fame like some fighters. I don't wanna walk around acting all tough coz I'm a fighter. But when people run they mouth like Rashad...they get dealt with. I hope he learns his lesson." Former Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson prepares for his UFC 114 main event against fellow Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 Coach and ex-205 pound champ Rashad Evans on May 29 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. "Rampage" has been out of the fight game for over a year, skipping town on a 2009 Memphis event to film his role as "B.A. Baracus" in the upcoming A-Team movie. "Sugar" went on to face Thiago Silva in his absence, squeaking past the Brazilian via unanimous decision at UFC 108 earlier this year. Can these two finish what they started on TUF 10? Jackson sounds like he's ready to go, but how will the layoff affect him?

Brett Rogers and Din Thomas featured guests tonight (May 10) on Pro MMA Radio Posted: 10 May 2010 07:53 AM PDT Just days before his upcoming title fight against Strikeforce Champion Alistair Overeem at "Heavy Artillery" on May 15, hard-hitting heavyweight Brett Rogers will be the featured guest on MMAmania.com's exclusive presentation of Pro MMA Radio tonight (May 10) at 9 p.m. ET. In addition, former UFC lightweight standout Din Thomas joins the show to break down his upcoming "MMA vs. Boxing" superfight against Ricardo Mayorga at Shine Fights: "Worlds Collide," also on May 15. Hosted by Larry Pepe, Pro MMA Radio is professional, guest-driven program that features some of mixed martial arts biggest names right here on MMAmania.com every Monday night at 9 p.m. ET through our exclusive live feed. See you tonight!

Michael Bisping UFC 114 video blog (Episode 2) Posted: 10 May 2010 07:32 AM PDT

Strikeforce tickets for 'Fedor vs Werdum' from the HP Pavilion on June 26 on sale soon Posted: 10 May 2010 07:18 AM PDT Tickets for Strikeforce: "Fedor vs Werdum" at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on Saturday, June 26, will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 14, at 10:00 a.m. PT. However, "Strikeforce Insiders" e-newsletter subscribers will be afforded a special pre-sale ticket purchase opportunity that begins today (May 10) at 10:00 a.m. and ends on Friday (May 13) at 10 p.m. PT. Strikeforce Insiders will receive a special e-newsletter with the pre-sale code. The Showtime televised event will mark "The Last Emperor's" first-ever trip to the "Shark Tank." Confirmed for "Fedor vs. Werdum" is the long-awaited heavyweight showdown between top ranked heavyweight enigma Fedor Emelianenko and jiu-jitsu wizard Fabricio Werdum. Also expected too appear is Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos as well as Scott Smith and Cung Le, who are likely to hook 'em up in a rematch from their December 2009 bout in which "Hands of Steel" won via last-minute miracle (as usual). Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more details on this recently announced fight card as they develop.

UFC Quick Quote: Paul Daley apologizes to Josh Koscheck for 'unprofessional' actions at UFC 113 Posted: 10 May 2010 05:57 AM PDT "I've had a long flight home to consider my actions and regret the mistake I made on Saturday. I would like to apologize to the UFC and the Athletic Commission for what I've done as well as all the fans and sponsors that support me. I would also like to offer my sincerest apologies to Josh Koscheck who did not deserve the cheap shot I threw. He did what he needed to do in order to win the fight and get the job done, and I foolishly reacted to the situation. There is no excuse for my actions and I know what I did was very unprofessional. I was immensely frustrated by a collection of things that took place throughout the fight as well as leading up to it, but I'm certainly not trying to condone or excuse my actions. I feel ashamed and embarrassed by what I did and hope that together my team and I can get through this issue. It will be a long road back from where I am now to earning the trust and respect of the UFC and the MMA fans that have supported me for so long, I know I've let you all down but I'm determined to make it up to you all." Former UFC 170-pound contender Paul Daley issues a formal apology to the UFC and opponent Josh Koscheck (via Telegraph.co.uk) for hitting "Kos" long after the horn sounded on their welterweight mash-up at UFC 113 last Saturday night (May 8) from the Bell Centre in Montreal. Promotion President Dana White was not amused by the "Semtex" cheap shot and immediately booted the promising talent from the Zuffa roster. Should Daley get a second chance at a career in the Octagon? Or did he get what he deserved? What's your take?

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