Sunday, May 16, 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

Alistair Overeem calls out Fedor Emelianenko -- but Scott Coker wants to 'wait and see what happens' on June 26

Posted: 16 May 2010 12:09 AM PDT

Dsc_0853_medium 

"To be very honest, the situation with Fedor (Emelianenko) is that he's fighting June 26. Of course, we'll have to wait and see what happens. Alistair (Overeem) has told me many times he would love to fight Fedor. He has called Fedor out in Japan when he fights in Japan all the time. He's looking forward to taking the fight. That's going to be something where we'll have to sit down with him after the June 26 fight. Like I said, you can't count Fabricio (Werdum) out."

 - Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker talks to the media during the "Heavy Artillery" post-fight press conference about a potential match-up between Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem and top-ranked opponent Fedor Emelianenko. "Demolition Man" disposed of former contender Brett Rogers in the first round of their championship tilt on May 15 and now wants a crack at the man who once ruled PRIDE FC when the Golden Glory pupil was still wet behind the ears. While it's a match that many fans are now calling for, expect Fabricio Werdum to try and throw a Brazilian monkey wrench into those plans on June 26 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.

Strikeforce results, recap and post-fight discussion for 'Heavy Artillery' on May 15

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:47 PM PDT

Strikeforceheavyartrecap_medium

It was the heavyweights that took center stage in downtown St. Louis, Missouri at the Strikeforce: 'Heavy Artillery' event.

The not-so-gentle giants did not disappoint.

Alistair Overeem confirmed what many have believed for some time - this freak of nature is the real deal. A dominant first round knockout victory over a legitimate top ten heavyweight in the form of Brett Rogers should quiet a whole slew of critics who questioned how his skills would matchup against a legit opponent.

Frankly, the "Demolition Man" made it look easy. Midway through round one he essentially rag dolled the 265-pound Rogers to the ground from the clinch in an incredible display of brute strength. From there is was only a matter of time.

Rogers was never able to work his way back to his feet after being thrown on his back. Instead, he was on the receiving end of one powerful ground and pound strike after the next until Big John McCarthy was forced to intervene.

It was the first title defense for the champion Overeem. Predictably, he called out Fedor Emelianenko is his post fight interview, who has a fight of his own against Fabricio Werdum on June 26.

I would venture a guess that many are hoping and praying for Fedor to walk away victorious in order to set up the fight with Overeem.

Will this fight ever happen?

In the other marquee heavyweight bout Antonio Silva bounced back with a decisive unanimous decision over former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski.

Silva got the better of most exchanges on the feet and tagged Arlovski with numerous shots on the chin throughout. Surprisingly, Arlovski's beard held up nicely. Who knew, right? A late takedown in round three was the proverbial nail in the coffin for Silva. Arlovski, on the other hand, has now dropped his third fight in a row for the first time in his career.

Where does "The Pitbull" go from here?

Grappling stud Ronaldo Souza came out and hit takedowns at will on his way to a unanimous decision victory over a very game, but very overmatched Joey Villasenor.

"Jacare" had Villasenor on his back in all three rounds but was unable to control him long enough to register any sort of trademark submission. It was almost as if Jacare was toying with Villasenor at times and letting him up just so he could take him right back down again.

Neither man registered any significant damage on their feet. Jacare simply used his kickboxing to set up his takedowns. Couple that with some legit ground and pound and it was more than enough to secure the victory. He could have very well secured himself a shot at the middleweight crown.

It may have taken longer than some expected, but Roger Gracie lived up to expectations defeating veteran Kevin Randleman via rear naked choke early in round two. Gracie was content standing with Randleman for the majority of the first frame, likely trying to wear down the veteran Randleman, who has shown suspect cardio in the past.

In round two, however, it was a different story. Randleman found himself on his back with a multiple time ADCC and jiu-jitsu world champion in top position. It was elementary from there for Gracie, who sunk in the choke and forced Randleman to tap.

It had been over two years since we last saw Gracie fight under the Sengoku banner. He now has three submission victories in his three professional career bouts, and rightfully so, for arguably the best heavyweight submission grappler in the world.

Will Gracie be more active in MMA in the future?

Only time will tell.

The first fight on the main card was a matchup of two up-and-comers. Rafael Cavalcante wasted little time reminding us why he has been a highly touted prospect for some time now. He registered a first round TKO over a tough customer in Antwain Britt.

"Feijao" fought fire with fire and did not shy away from the power of Britt. He stood toe-to-toe and landed a clean combination to put down Britt before pounding him out on the mat. His efforts have likely earned him a title shot against newly crowned 205-pound kingpin Muhammad "King Mo" Lawal.

Overall, a solid night of scraps produced from yet another quality Strikeforce card. You can click here for full results.

It's now your turn maniacs. Sound off with your thoughts and comments on what went down tonight in the "Gateway City."

Rafael 'Feijao' Cavalcante talks Strikeforce knockout win over Antwain Britt at 'Heavy Artillery' (Video)

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:31 PM PDT

Is he ready for a shot at "King Mo's" 205-pound title?

Strikeforce results, updates and live play-by-play TONIGHT (May 15) for 'Heavy Artillery'

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:23 PM PDT

Strikeforceha-2_medium

Click the banner above or right here for up-to-the-minute results and blow-by-blow coverage of Strikeforce: "Heavy Artillery."

Quick results of the preliminary fights will begin to flow around 8 p.m. ET and round-by-round coverage of the main card action on Showtime will get started at 10 p.m. ET!

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 Strikeforce: "Heavy Artillery" results post and not this one. Comments in this thread are turned off.

Enjoy the show, Maniacs!

Eddie Alvarez vs Gilbert Melendez? Bellator champ responds to recent challenge from 'El Nino'

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:23 PM PDT

Melendez-alvarez_medium

CHICAGO, Ill. (May 15, 2010) - Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney responded today to Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez's call-out of reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez, saying that he will do everything in his power to make the fight happen.

Melendez, appearing on this weekend's edition of HDNet's "Inside MMA," told hosts Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten that he would "love to fight Eddie Alvarez."

"I think he's an amazing fighter and that's why I call out Eddie Alvarez - let's unify those titles," Melendez said. "I'd love to fight that guy and test myself. I think if I could beat him, I could be No. 1 and vice-versa."

Rebney said an Alvarez-Melendez fight would be "a great matchup between two of the best in the world."

"As an MMA fan, first and foremost, Alvarez versus Melendez is an awesome fight at 155 that deserves to be seen and needs to be made," Rebney said. "Gilbert has the heart of a warrior, just like our champion Eddie. I will do everything I can to get Gilbert what he asked for. Gilbert wants the fight, Eddie wants the fight and I want the fight. All we have to do is get Scott Coker on board and together we can make this happen. Eddie wants to fight the best and Gilbert wants to fight the best and there is no reason why any promoter or network should stand in the way of that."

Alvarez (22-2) was crowned Bellator's Lightweight World Champion last summer and is now the consensus No. 3-ranked 155-pounder in the world. He reaffirmed that status earlier this month with an impressive rear-naked-choke submission of former UFC standout Josh Neer before a nationwide audience on FOX Sports Net, NBC and Telemundo.

Melendez (20-2) won the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship belt from Josh Thomson last December and then defended the title late last month with a dominating unanimous decision victory over Shinya Aoki before a national TV audience on CBS. The 28-year-old is generally regarded as one of the top lightweights in the world.

Reached at his home in Philadelphia on Saturday, the 26-year-old Alvarez said he would relish the chance to take on Melendez on a national stage.

"Gilbert is a great fighter who's got a lot of momentum going right now," Alvarez said. "This is the match-up that all the fans want to see and it'd be a shame if it didn't happen. I want to do it, Bjorn wants to do it and it sounds like Gilbert wants to do it. If I could sum up my thoughts in four words, it'd be: ‘Let's make it happen.'"

Don King injunction prompts Shine Fights cancellation of 'Mayorga vs Thomas' (Updated)

Posted: 15 May 2010 01:17 PM PDT

Don-laughs_medium

In the battle between boxing and mixed martial arts, Shine Fights suffered an early defeat today (May 15) when the courts ruled in favor of Don King Productions (DKP), who filed an injunction earlier this week to try and stop the "Worlds Collide: Mayorga vs. Thomas" pay-per-view main event from Fayetteville, North Carolina.

SI.com corespondent Josh Gross reported the news earlier today.

King and his band of merry men argued that Mayorga was under an exclusive promotional agreement with DKP and that his fight against "Dinyero" put the former pugilist in breach of contract.

Shine Fights CEO Devin Price was confident that Mayorga was being employed and promoted legally, based on the distinction between boxing and mixed martial arts. He argued that DKP represents "El Matador" for the former, and Shine Fights for the latter.

Unfortunately Broward Country Circuit Court Judge Marc C. Gold did not agree.

James Kimball here with an update: As much as it makes absolutely zero sense, who didn't see this move coming by Shine Fights?

MMA Weekly confirms Josh Gross' earlier report that the promotion intends to ignore the court ruled injunction and carry on with the event as planned. 

Shine Fights' PR representative Phil Lanides was quoted as saying the following: "Official position at this point is that we're still going forward."

If Shine Fights maintains this stance, there will undoubtedly be some serious legal repercussions to pay. Two quick schools of thought on this; either Shine has no idea of what kind of trouble they will likely find themselves in if they ignore the ruling as they will of course subsequently hear from Don King's lawyers.

Or, as SB Nation's Brent Brookhouse points pout, Shine is just posturing to sell pay-per-views, and will cancel the main event bout once the card is already under way. 

Update 2: MMA Fighting spoke to Don King Productions lawyer Alex Brito:

"The judge made it abundantly clear that if anybody ignores this ruling there will be sanctions imposed, and there will be severe penalties. I would have to assume that they're going to honor the court's ruling and whatever statements they've made to the contrary are not reflective of what they actually intend to do.

We're going to be essentially prosecuting the claim of breach of contract by Mr. Mayorga and the claim of interference with that contract by Shine Fights. We'll need to pursue those claims going forward as we would in other case."

Oh, the drama. Who's gonna give in first?

Update 3: It's official. Shine Fights has come to their senses and canceled the main event contest featuring Ricardo Mayorga and Din Thomas.

Shine Fights announcer Karyn Bryant reported the news a short while ago.

The Murilo "Ninja" Rua vs. David Heath fight will now serve as the card's headliner. 

The show's over folks. Everybody can go home now... or at least turn your full attention to Strikeforce: "Heavy Artillery."

Update 4: Talk about foreshadowing. As I ended the last update with 'the show's over folks,' I was of course just referring to the circus that was Don King vs. Shine Fights as it related to the main event. Now, well, the show is literally over.

Shine Fights announcer Karyn Bryant recently reported that the North Carolina commission has scrapped the entire event. 

MMAmania.com will bring you Shine Fights' official statement regarding this amazingly peculiar/embarrassing/Don Kingified situation.

MMAmania.com correspondent James Kimball contributed to this report.

Bobby Lashley vs Ron Sparks official for Strikeforce: 'Los Angeles' on June 16

Posted: 15 May 2010 01:17 PM PDT

Lashley-sparks_medium

The search for a suitable opponent for Strikeforce heavyweight Bobby Lashley seems to have gone a bit smoother this time around. 

After weeks of a back-and-forth between Strikeforce and The Florida State Boxing Commission in an attempt to find the former TNA wrestler a justified opponent for Strikeforce: "Miami" in which both parties finally agreed on Wes Sims with just days to spare, Strikeforce found the selection of Lashley's second challenge with the promotion much easier.

Unbeaten heavyweight Ron Sparks was officially announced as Bobby's opponent for Strikeforce: "Los Angeles" earlier today.

Lashley is of course coming off of his dismantling of Sims back at Strikeforce: "Miami" in January as he easily disposed of the former UFC fighter in the first round.

"The Dominator" entered the world of cage fighting back in Dec. 2008 as a co-headliner for South Florida's Mixed Fighting Alliance (MFA). The 6'3" powerhouse needed just 41-seconds to extirpate Joshua Franklin via doctor's stoppage.

Of course comparisons to fellow ex-WWE and amateur wrestler Brock Lesnar quickly followed, as the pasty-faced Goliath needed just four fights to win the UFC heavyweight championship from Randy Couture just a month prior to Lashley's MMA debut.

 

Those comparisons were quickly eradicated courtesy of Jason Guida at "March Badness" earlier this year. Most expected the American Top Team-trained fighter in just his second professional fight to steamroll the floundering journeyman.

It didn't happen.

Despite taking the unanimous decision victory, "The Dominator" looked a bit green against the Ultimate Fighter washout and nearly succumbed to a guillotine choke in the third round of their pay-per-view contest.

His inexperience was clearly evident.

What was also evident was his desire to fight -- and improve. The Junction City, Kansas native took a fight against Mike Cook just two months later, submitting the Strikeforce veteran just 24-seconds into the first round at MFC 21: "Hard Knocks."

He then took on K-1 attraction Bob Sapp in the main event of "Ultimate Chaos" back on June 27. "The Beast" was put down in the first round via technical knockout and along with the quick win over Mike Cook, helped return some of the optimism to Lashley's future as a viable heavyweight contender.

His opponent, Ron Sparks, carries a 5-0 record while standing 6'5" and weighing in at 285 lbs.

"The Monster" was scheduled to face Ray Mercer at a King of the Cage event last month but the bout was scrapped due to an injury suffered by "Merciless."

Four of Sparks' five victories have ended via KO or TKO in 70 seconds or less. 

Keep it locked to MMAmania.com for more news on Strikeforce: "Los Angeles" as it's made available.

New UFC Undisputed 2010 Developers Q&A for May 14

Posted: 15 May 2010 09:34 AM PDT

Fitch_vs_alves_0047_medium

UFC Undisputed 2010 is less than two weeks away from hitting store shelves and if you haven't checked out our exclusive hands on review of the latest and greatest mixed martial arts video game you can do that here.

While fans eagerly await the next installment in the UFC Undisputed series, THQ developers took some time out of their post-production schedule to answer another batch of questions from inquisitive gamers who want to know what's new and improved for 2010.

Can "Rampage" Jackson execute his trademarked slam? Will your fighter be able to switch weight classes during his career? What about in-game voice chat?

Find out the answers to these questions and more after the jump.

Combat:

"My question comes from watching Belcher faceplant/powerbomb Cote last night. I notice neither Rashad nor Rampage has the powerbomb/piledriver slam from the sprawl position this year. Has this move been removed or will other fighters (such as Nate Marquadt, who famously did it on Thales Leites) have it in the full game?"

There was some controversy with the piledriver in last year's game in that technically, spiking your opponent on the head is an illegal technique. Undisputed has a pretty strict policy against illegal moves, as most UFC fighters are class acts and illegal techniques are quite infrequent, so this move was removed.

We still have lots of slams in the game though, including some all-new ones, so please check them out!

"With the new clinch mechanics (which are fantastic) do any fighters in the full game still possess the flying armbar move?"

Definitely!

"Will THQ tweak Machida's trip takedown for balance? If not, what is your design explanation for giving him a nearly instantaneous takedown that has no struggle state?"

We test Undisputed for game balance extensively, but let's be honest - the community is going to log more play hours the first day Undisputed is released than in all of the testing time we've done all year - things are going to come to light that don't reveal themselves through internal play. With that said we are aware of the potential balance issues that some people feel when dealing with takedowns without a struggle state, and we're monitoring the issue.

And if you saw this weekend's fight, I'd say we got Machida's takedown just right... kidding!

"Any tips to defend against Machida's takedown? It's overpowering!"

While it has no "struggle state," holding away from your opponent on the Right Stick/Right Analog while he's shooting on you (that is, before the fighters make contact) will defend against Machida's takedown 100% of the time.

"Does Rampage have his slam when someone gets him in the triangle?"

Ramage's slams are actually one of the most contentious issues during the development of Undisputed. While he was famous for them in Pride, he actually hasn't performed any slams in the UFC. We've chosen to try and recreate the UFC-era Rampage this year, which means no slams out of the triangle for the moment.

Of course, we have the functionality to update moves lists via DLC, so if Rampage ever does perform a UFC-era slam (or a head kick), we could always add it to his repertoire.

"I still can't seem to get submission transitions down whatsoever, could you explain again? (or provide any more tips?)"

If you're talking about Submission Switching (in real mixed martial arts, they are known as submission transitions), hold down the technique button (LB/L1) and press the Submission button (RSB/R3) in the midst of a submission that has a valid Switch. Each character has different Submission Switches, so consult the Action List in the pause menu to find out if your fighter has the available Switch you're attempting.

"Are there sweeps from the bottom this year, across the different guard positions?"

Yes, but they are rare. This is a concept we wanted to move away from a bit last year, as we felt their use in last year's game was unrealistic. We also didn't feel like the potential for protracted periods of top-control as they exist in reality were accurately reflected in 2009.

Career Mode:

"When you create a fighter, will you have to finish a career with him before you can use him in online play?"

No! You can now use your Career CAF in online play at any point you wish.

"Does career mode and being in an online camp work together? Or is it that you can't join a camp until you finish your career?"

These two modes definitely work together! Online Fight Camp Training is a gameplay type specifically created to merge the benefits of Career Mode and online Fight Camps. Between each fight in your Career, you'll have the opportunity to participate in an online training session with a member of your online Fight Camp. These training sessions will give you fighter an added CRED bonus that will advance his career faster. Plus, it will foster cooperation and camaraderie with your fight camp. We really like this feature.

"Will photo shoots & interviews STEAL a whole week from training time as it did in 2009? One day events should not screw up a full week."

We've made some changes to the activities in Undisputed 2010 - photo shoots and interviews are out. While they still take a week, they're all interactive, and we think players will really enjoy them!

"In 2009 once you went through career mode say as a light weight then wanted to go up a weight class your custom fighters attribute points would be reset. Is there a way to make the custom fighters able to compete in two weight classes or be able to go up a weight class?"

During the course of your Career you can be offered the opportunity to move up or down a weight class. And just like last year, you can reuse a fighter likeness in as many weight classes as you want, but no, stats do not carry over from career to career.

"When can we expect a UFC game where we can choose real fighters to play to the Career Mode? I know a lot of people want this in the game."

This is a pretty cool idea!

Fight Camps:

"Will you be able to teach the moves you learn in career mode from the various camps, to members of your own personal camp?"

We debated this, but ultimately we were concerned about how limiting this might be, as circumstances would have to align themselves (you being online at the same time as your buddy, etc.) to ensure that you could learn or teach the right moves. We feel that the move allocation system we've gone with has much less frustration involved with it.

"Will you be able to spar with members of your camp via online?"

Absolutely!

Online:

"What's new with the online... will there be voice chat while in a game?"

Yes! We've also added additional voice chat functionality for you and your fight camp members.

"Is there going to be a lobby system?"

Yes! We also have Online Fight camps, which are a full lobby unto themselves, exclusive to you and the members of your fight camp.

"I just was wondering if the connection is going to be as bad as it was on 2009 in 2010 for people in Hawaii online?"

I can't speak specifically to people in Hawaii, but we have taken steps to improve connections between all players. We've moved away from a system that favored the first available match to a system that favors the "best" available match, if that makes sense.

"The BIGGEST problem with 09 was all the scrubs quitting out. Is that going to be fixed this year? I know you can't control people leaving but will they get a loss if they dashboard or turn off the system? With this fight camp thing that is in this game I know for a FACT that these scrubs will quit a lot more often than normal. Any help will be great."

Anyone who leaves a match early will be given a loss as well as a "Did Not Finish" on their records.

For the rest of the Developer's Q&A check out the UFC Undisputed Community Forum by clicking here.

From a Fanpost edited and promoted by MMAmania.com.

UFC Primetime 'Rampage vs Evans' video (Episode 1)

Posted: 15 May 2010 09:11 AM PDT

Counter-programming reminder: Spike TV presents 'UFC's Ultimate Fights' tonight (May 15) at 10 p.m. ET

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:44 AM PDT

Ultimate-fights_medium

Get those DVR's ready.

Spike TV is hosting a special two-and-a-half hour presentation of "UFC's Ultimate Fights" to air opposite the Showtime and pay-per-view efforts of rival promotions Strikeforce and Shine Fights TONIGHT (May 15) at 10 p.m. ET.

And while Strikeforce might be bringing the "Heavy Artillery," Zuffa is counter-programming with some pretty big guns of their own, including the recent heavyweight slugfest between Shane Carwin and Frank Mir from UFC 111: "St. Pierre vs. Hardy" back in March.

In addition, the much-ballyhooed featherweight fisticuffs between Leonard "Bad Boy" Garcia and "The Korean Zombie" Chang Sung Jung will also be on display. Good thing all those WEC logos were missing in action at "Aldo vs. Faber."

But that's not all. Here is a list of the featured bouts for tonight's Spike TV presentation:

265 lbs.: Shane Carwin vs. Frank Mir (UFC 111)
145 lbs.: Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung (WEC 48)
185 lbs.: Mark Munoz vs. Kendall Grove (UFC 112)
155 lbs.: Terry Etim vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (UFC 112)
170 lbs.: Matt Serra vs Frank Trigg (UFC 109)
170 lbs.: Nate Diaz vs Rory Markham (UFC 111)
170 lbs.: Paulo Thiago vs Mike Swick (UFC 109)

This latest counter-programming effort should come as no surprise.

The UFC held a special encore presentation of  UFC 110: "Nogueira vs. Velasquez" to run opposite the Strikeforce and CBS "Saturday Night Fights" event from Nashville back on April 17.

Now Shine Fights is unfortunately caught in the middle.

Expect more of these televised specials in the near future, especially with the Strikeforce "Los Angeles" and Fedor vs. Werdum" events just around the corner. What will the UFC do to up the ante the next time around?

Stay tuned.

Brett Rogers wants to prove to the haters (and their mamas) that he's not losing to Alistair Overeem (Video)

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:44 AM PDT

Shine Fights: David Heath and Derrick Noble last minute additions to 'Worlds Collide' PPV

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:43 AM PDT

Heath-noble_medium

New York, NY (USA): Shine Fight Promotions (Shine Fights) today announced the official signing of David Heath to take on PRIDE veteran and former EliteXC Middleweight Champion Murilo "Ninja" Rua at a catchweight of 190 pounds. In addition, Derrick "The Eraser" Noble has signed on to replace Nick "The Goat" Thompson in his scheduled fight.

Both bouts will take place at the "WORLDS COLLIDE: MAYORGA VS. THOMAS" pay-per-view event.

Devin Price, CEO Shine Fights said, "I am truly disappointed that Travis Galbraith will not be fighting Ninja Rua tonight." The promoter stated, "It's a shame that his manager, MMA Agents, placed him in a position to lose out on the biggest opportunity of his career to date. A manager should look out for the best interest of his fighter. Shine Fights gave Travis a tremendous opportunity in fighting on a pay per view against a truly gifted and very tough fighter. This was a bad managerial decision that has affected a young fighter. But Galbraith's loss is David Heath's gain, and this man has stepped forward to show his talent on PPV for all the world to see," added Price.

Shine Fights matchmaker Ron Foster stated, "We're excited to have a true professional like Derrick Noble on this card. ‘The Eraser' is an exciting fighter that will bring the action to all the Shine fans. We're sorry that Nick is unable to compete, but we feel confident that Derrick will satisfy the appetites of fight enthusiasts in attendance and tuning in on pay per view."

Now scheduled to face PRIDE veteran and former EliteXC Middleweight Champion Murilo "Ninja" Rua in the co-main event, Heath (14-6), a native of Oklahoma, will bring his all-around skills to the Shine ring at "Worlds Collide: Mayorga vs. Thomas."

A five-time UFC veteran, Heath has proved he belongs with the big boys of MMA. He's faced top-flight competition such as former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida, former StrikeForce Light Heavyweight Champion Renato "Babalu" Sobral, as well as UFC veterans Mike Nickels, Tim Boetsch, and Sean Salmon.

After starting off his career with nine straight wins, Heath has experienced some highs and lows that come with professional fighting. But regardless of the outcome, he always delivers memorable fights. And with twelve finishes in his fourteen wins, he's now looking to thrust himself back into the MMA spotlight at Ninja's expense.

Born and raised in Curitiba , Brazil , Rua is the brother of UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Ninja began his career in his home country, running off four straight stoppage wins. His impressive beginning to his career earned him a call from Japan , and he soon began to make a name for himself as an athlete that finishes fights.

After his time in PRIDE, Ninja moved to England 's Cage Rage promotion, before making his way to the United States . Since then, he has competed in both EliteXC and StrikeForce, while still making appearances in Japan, England , and his native Brazil .

Over the course of his nine year career, he has faced many of the top fighters in MMA, including PRIDE/UFC veteran Akihiro Gono, former PRIDE Middleweight and Welterweight Champion Dan Henderson, former PRIDE contenders Sergei Kharitonov and Ricardo Arona, StrikeForce fighters Benji Radach and Kevin Randleman, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, former WEC Middleweight Champion Paulo Fihlo, UFC fighter Denis Kang, Japanese fighter Riki Fukuda, and the aforementioned Lawler.

Ninja has defeated notables such as Mario Sperry, Alex Stiebling, Mark Weir, Xavier Foupa-Pokam, and Joey Villasenor, who he beat for the EliteXC Middleweight Championship belt. 15 of his 17 wins have come either KO/TKO or submission, and he always puts on a show for the fans, win or lose.

And Ninja expects to continue to show that in his fight at "Worlds Collide" on May 15th: "I'll try to impose my game and come out with a great win, so I can start off [my career with] Shine Fights in the right way. I'll always try to give great performances, making it for great spectacles for my fans and if God helps, try to win a belt, which will certainly be another great dream for me. I would like to first of all thank all the fans, and tell them that I'll be at ‘Worlds Collide' with a great appetite to seek the win for me and my family. Finally, I want to thank Shine Fights for the effort of promoting our sport and giving me this chance of being part of it!"

UFC veteran Derrick "The Eraser" Noble is a well-rounded striker with a lot of experience. From Russia to Canada to the United States , fans across the world have been witness to his exciting fight style. He's defeated notable fighters such as Thiago Alves, Jake Ellenberger, Shonie Carter, and Carlo Prater.

And with his 25-14-1 record, which includes 19 finishes, viewing a Noble fight, whether he wins or loses, is a sure guarantee of entertainment. Now he will step into the Shine ring for the first time, as he will take the place of his mentor Nick "The Goat" Thompson on "Worlds Collide: Mayorga vs. Thomas." Thompson suffered a knee injury in training, and as a result, Noble has the opportunity.

"Stepping in for Nick is a good thing because I know him so well. I want to perform well, and since we train together so much, I want to put as good a performance on as he was planning to give."

Noble will be facing Brazilian Eduardo Pamplona . One of the top welterweights in Brazil , Pamplona is on a mission to prove that he is also one of the best 170-pound fighters in the world. Already a veteran of organizations like Pancrase, Shooto, the IFL, and M-1 Challenge, Pamplona will now bring his aggressive striking and world-class ground game to Shine Fights.

Having earned victories over MMA legends such as Jorge "Macaco" Patino, Jose "Pele" Landi-Jons, as well as fellow Shine signee Daniel Acacio, Pamplona made his U.S. debut in 2007 at "IFL: Atlanta" in an exciting three round war with former EliteXC champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler. Pamplona lost a hotly contested bout that night, but the 34-year-old has reeled off seven straight victories since, bringing his record to 12-2 overall.

"Since I did some training with Nick to prepare for Pamplona , I already feel like I had an idea of a game plan. And I had actually already been offered to fight Pamplona a few months ago in Brazil , and even though it didn't go through, I have already familiarized myself with him."

"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 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.
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...