Wednesday, May 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

Dana White confirms the winner of 'Jackson vs Evans' as Shogun Rua's first title defense

Posted: 18 May 2010 08:52 PM PDT

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Looks like Dana White is upping the ante for the UFC 114 main event.

The Octagon boss today confirmed that newly-crowned light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua will make his first title defense against the winner of Quinton Jackson vs. Rashad Evans, who collide on May 29 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"Shogun" finished what he started in October 2009, getting the better of then-division champion Lyoto Machida back on May 8 during their UFC 113 main event rematch from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

After putting the once seemingly-invincible Machida on ice, Rua now turns his attention to a couple of former Ultimate Fighter coaches -- and ex-UFC light heavyweight champions.

From the champ:

"I think Rampage [will win], but it's close to 50/50 to me. I'd say 55% for Rampage, 45% Rashad. To me Rampage or Rashad, it doesn't make a difference, they are both top fighters. But a fight against Rampage would be good ... for the pay-per-view."

Of course "Rampage" was among the Brazilian's victims during his storied run under the PRIDE banner, which also included wins over Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem and another burgeoning 205-pound import in Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Rua struggled in the early part of his Octagon career, falling to Forrest Griffin in his 2007 debut and then turning in a stinker against Mark Coleman the second time out.

A TKO win over Chuck Liddell vaulted him into a UFC 104 title fight against "The Dragon" last October, but a controversial decision left him high and dry until May 8.

Now he is officially the "Undisputed" champion.

Fans, like Shogun, are pretty much split right down the middle on picking a winner of "Rampage vs. Evans." Which fighter gives the champion a run for his money?

Both? Neither?

Let's hear your take, Maniacs.

It's a girl! Congratulations to Nate Marquardt. Follow him on Twitter here.

Posted: 18 May 2010 08:28 PM PDT

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It's a girl! Congratulations to Nate Marquardt. Follow him on Twitter here.

Strikeforce video highlights of 'Heavy Artillery' on May 15

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:53 PM PDT

'Rampage' Jackson and Rashad Evans trade verbal jabs during today's UFC 114 media call

Posted: 18 May 2010 02:37 PM PDT

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Wow. I guess these two gentlemen really don't get along after all.

Though we were all witnesses to the drama that unfolded on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 last fall, some people still viewed the beef between Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "Suga" Rashad Evans as somewhat of a facade. Well, if that's the case, the two light heavyweights successfully carried their brilliant acting performances to today's UFC 114 media call.

Below is a brief transcription of the verbal warfare that took place during the call.

Rampage: "It'd just be a moral victory for me. He has no title. He couldn't even defend it, you know? I didn't even know why I was fighting him. But after being on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10, now I know why, it's to teach guys like this a lesson. This ain't gonna be a big accomplishment for me. What has he done? I was the first undisputed champion in this sport. He hasn't done anything compared to me. This is a step backwards. He's real fake and real cocky for someone that hasn't done nothing."

Rashad: "I was a world champion man. I got the belt off the guy who beat you [Forrest Griffin]. Where's your belt? You don't got nothing either. So we're the same aren't we?"

 

 

Rampage: "We're no where near the same."

Rashad: "That's right, I'm better than you."

Rampage: "You can't do nothing better than me."

Rashad: "Hey, the best thing about all this s**t talking is that in two weeks we get to see what happens. And please be at your best. Let me know what I can do to make sure you're at your best."

Rampage: "Just show up. At the end of the day on May 29, you know you're getting your a** kicked."

Sounds legit to me. And that's only the first three minutes. I strongly suggest you listen to the rest of the call courtesy of Cagewriter.

So who won the opening exchange, "Rampage" or Evans? 

UFC 114's Todd Duffee on hype: 'To fans, you either saved America or you're the scum of the world'

Posted: 18 May 2010 12:51 PM PDT

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Props: Pro MMA Radio

Quoteworthy:

"That's the one thing it [his seven-second knockout of Tim Hague at UFC 102] did for me. It got me more acquainted with the public eye. It just got me more recognition. But not too much else has changed. I'm a low-key guy so I haven't had to deal with too much... [As for the hype or hate he's received since his last fight] In this sport, it's like that for everybody. I've been around athletics my whole life, but in the fight game there's just a different dynamic between the fighters and the fans. It's a real love hate relationship. You either saved America, or you're the scum of the world."

The hype machine has been fully behind UFC heavyweight Todd Duffee since his record-setting seven-second knockout of Tim Hague at UFC 102 last August. Many fans immediately proclaimed him to be the next big (literally) thing in the heavyweight division, and the guy is even gracing covers of fitness magazines nowadays. But Duffee recently told Larry Pepe that hype can be a fickle thing in this sport and that even he's not sold on his current standing in the division just yet. So what do we think, will Todd put on another awe-inspiring performance against Mike Russow at UFC 114 and live up to the hype that has been bestowed upon him, or will his meteoric rise to fame came crashing to a halt?

Frank Mir Sports Science video for ESPN

Posted: 18 May 2010 12:18 PM PDT


Don't worry test dummy, Tim Sylvia knows what you're going through.

UFC announces four grappling superfights for 2010 UFC Fan Expo

Posted: 18 May 2010 10:56 AM PDT

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As UFC 114: "Rampage vs. Evans" and the coinciding 2010 UFC Fan Expo quickly approaches, the world's leading mixed martial arts promotion has announced their plans for the second annual grappling tournament held in conjunction with Grappler's Quest.

On Friday, May 28 at 1 p.m. PT, ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) world champion Penny Thomas will battle EliteXC and Strikeforce veteran Shayna Baszler. Also on tap for the Friday afternoon session is a match up between UFC veteran and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Hermes Franca and 23 year-old jiu-jitsu phenom Bill Cooper.

Scheduled for Saturday, May 29 at 1 p.m. PT, is contest between former Shooto world champion and UFC veteran Caol Uno and current WEC featherweight contender Fredson Paixao. And finally, to wrap up the two-day event, WEC star Javier Vazquez will face 23-time Grappler's Quest champion Jeff Glover.

"For grappling fans, this is an awesome opportunity to see some of the world's best ground fighters compete against one another," UFC President Dana White said about the competition.

To find out more information on the 2010 UFC Fan Expo including a fighter autograph session schedule, further details on the Grappler's Quest tournament, a list of other special events planned such as the unveiling of Chuck Liddell's wax figure, and of course to purchase your ticket, click here.

Rousimar Palhares: It's time to test myself -- let the best fighters come

Posted: 18 May 2010 09:30 AM PDT

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Props: MMAWeekly.com

Quoteworthy:

"[Marquardt] is a great fighter, it will be a good test for me. I am working hard to develop and improve my game. My dream fight (is) a title shot some day, and if God helps me become a champion. I know that to reach my dream, I will have to work hard and fight the best fighters in the world. Right now I am feeling totally secure and confident about my skills. Let them come. I want the best opponents I can have. It is time to test myself against them."

Super-strong submissions expert Rousimar Palhares (11-2) fights Nate Marquardt at UFC 118 in Boston, a bout that means a step closer to making his dream of fighting for the title come true. "Toquinho" comes off three victories in a row. In his most recent performance he submitted Tomasz Drwal but was suspended for ninety days for holding the opponent's heel for too long. Will Palhares succeed versus "The Great" and become a real contender in the middleweight division?

Dana White look-alike contest follows Q&A, keynote speech at 2010 UFC Fan Expo

Posted: 18 May 2010 09:14 AM PDT

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So you wanna be an F-ing promoter? Here's how.

First, shave your head or go au naturel if you're already bald. Then pick up a PRIDE tee shirt and see how many times you can drop the F-bomb while your buddy records your daily exploits. When all else fails, find Loretta Hunt's Email address and send her a message that has the C-word in the subject line.

Voila! You're on your way to becoming the next Dana White.

And it could prove to be a lucrative transformation, as Stephan Bonnar has promised $5,000 to the person who comes the closest on Friday, May 28 at 1 p.m. PT on the main stage inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Also on tap for the company president at the 2010 UFC Fan Expo is a special Q&A session and keynote speech. Want to ask the man in charge what he thinks about a particular topic or who the next top signing will be? What about all those Jake Shields rumors?

From White:

"We’ve added even more cool stuff to this year’s UFC Fan Expo. Our goal was to make this Expo even bigger and better, and give our fans an experience that is second-to-none in the sports world. I’m pretty interested to see the look-alikes that show up. Between that and the Q&A, it should be a fun way to kick off this year’s event."

The two-day fan exposition of Mixed Martial Arts activities includes meet and greets with legendary UFC and WEC fighters, MMA demonstrations, fan-inspired special events, training and development sessions as well as other combat related opportunities and entertainment.

For tickets to the 2010 UFC Fan Expo click here.

WEC Twit Pic: Rosie O'Donnell hearts (and hugs) Urijah Faber

Posted: 18 May 2010 08:36 AM PDT

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I have to admit, I did not see this one coming...

Rachelle Leah shows off her guns and snacks in new photo shoot (Video)

Posted: 18 May 2010 08:19 AM PDT

Tim Sylvia: I think I ruined Andrei Arlovski -- since I knocked him out he hasn’t been the same'

Posted: 18 May 2010 08:08 AM PDT

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Props: TapouT Radio (via Fighter's Only)

Quoteworthy:

"I would imagine Strikeforce would be better for me because they would be a little more lenient with me instead of locking me down, there is a lot of things you can’t do when you fight for the UFC. With Strikeforce I could probably fight more often, the UFC has so many top guys now that they are only fighting twice a year and I don’t want to do that. I want to fight Overeem, Fedor again, Werdum is a good fight and me and Rogers would be a good fight. Arlovski I think would be [like our fight] number three again, me knocking him out. I think I ruined the poor guy, since I knocked him out he hasn’t been the same."

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia takes credit for the downward spiral that has been Andrei Arlovski's career since leaving the UFC in March 2008. "The Pitbull" is 2-3 in his post-Octagon career, having dropped three straight with two knockouts since falling to Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction: "Day of Reckoning" in January 2009 -- but was his trilogy with "The Maine-iac" the underlying cause? Or does Tim-eh want credit where it's not deserved? Opinions, please.

MMA Die Hards brings word that the WEC has parted ways with cage announcer Joe Martinez.

Posted: 18 May 2010 07:47 AM PDT

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MMA Die Hards brings word that the WEC has parted ways with cage announcer Joe Martinez.

Dan Henderson wants another crack at Jake Shields but is open to facing Gegard Mousasi

Posted: 18 May 2010 07:24 AM PDT

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Props: MMA Fighting

Quoteworthy:

"It was a possibility to fight [Mousasi] when I first came here and if I go to 205 (pounds) that's a fight that would make sense. If I stay at 185 there's a lot of guys who could give me a good fight. I'm 100-percent happy [with Strikeforce]. Like I said, it wasn't all about the money and it's refreshing to deal with an organization that has my best interests in mind as well as theirs. I would like to have that chance to fight [Shields] again but if he goes [to the UFC] then that's the way it goes."

Former UFC and Pride veteran Dan Henderson talks about his second fight under the Strikeforce banner after signing with the San Jose-based fight promotion earlier this year. Hendo was defeated in convincing fashion by Jake Shields in his "Nashville" debut but hope to eventually rematch the grappling wizard. If not, there is another high profile fighter coming off a loss in Gegard Mousasi that might make an interesting battle. Does Henderson still have the goods? Or has Father Time betrayed him?

Ringside 7: 'No Escape' set for June 18 in Montreal

Posted: 18 May 2010 07:23 AM PDT

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May 15, 2010 Montreal - Ringside MMA is proud to announce that their 7th event will be held on June 18, 2010 at 7pm. The MMA event will be held at the Pierre-Charbonneau Center, located on 3000 Rue Viau in Montreal, under the title, "No Escape". Guillaume "Il Toro" de Lorenzi will be making his first title defense of his lightweight belt against UFC veteran Dale Hartt.

There will be no less than 12 electrifying fights for this event. Tickets are already on sale via the Ovation website. This event will also be streamed live via the Internet from the official Ringside MMA website at http://www.ringsidemma.tv for a low fee.

Fighting in the main event of the evening, Guillaume de Lorenzi (8-1-0) has stopped 7 of his 9 opponents by way of KO, with his only loss coming at the hands of UFC veteran John "War Machine" Koppenhaver in February 2009. De Lorenzi bounced back from his loss to win his last 3 fights over the likes of young prospect Lindsey Hawkes, the French Sebastien Garguier, and most recently, Ryan Machan at the last Ringside event titled "Rage", where de Lorenzi won the lightweight belt.

The American Dale Hartt (6-2) is a member of Team Sityodtong, and has made 3 appearances in the UFC. Hartt's first appearance for the American promotion was in July 2009 at UFC Fight Night 14, where he suffered a defeat at the hands of Shannon Gugerty. He was able to rebound from that loss to capture a victory against Corey Hill at UFC Fight For the Troops, but suffered the 2nd loss in his career against Dennis Siver at UFC 99.

In the co-main event, another UFC veteran Tom Murphy (6-0-0) will face Sean Salmon (17-9-0). Still undefeated after 6 professional MMA fights, the American Tom Murphy spends much of his time training under Firas Zahabi at Tristar Gym in Montreal. After defeating Icho Larenas in UFC 58, Murphy continued his winning streak at the expense of Gregory Millard, Jason Cecil and Bruno Hosier. Salmon, who is also a veteran of the prestigious UFC promotion, lost to Rashad Evans and Alan Belcher earlier in his MMA career.

Salmon has also fought for Hardcore Championship Fighting where he defeated Marcus Vinicious, as well as Strikeforce, where he fought Jorge Santiago. He is coming off a loss courtesy of Alexander Shlemenko on March 13 in Finland. Sean Salmon is looking for a return to glory if he can be the one to hand Tom Murphy the first loss of his career.

Also on the card, fighting at lightweight, will be a battle between Derek Gauthier (6-1-0) from Quebec against the Nova Scotian Jason Mackay (9-2-0). Gauthier, who has been training at both Sparmax, under Normand Grimard, as well as at the Tristar gym under the tutelage of Firas Zahabi, is looking to pick up his 2nd straight victory since dropping down to lightweight. Gauthier's only loss was to Tyler Jackson, who is a veteran of Bodog Fight.

Gauthier showed tremendous character to rebound from that loss and get the KO win over Jason Rorison in Round 1. Jason Mackay did have 8 straight wins to begin his career, but then suffered losses against Steve Claveau and UFC veteran Drew Fickett. He did get back into the win column when he scored a split decision victory over Alex Sung in August 2009. Mackay will have a tough challenge ahead of him to shake off any ring rust quickly, since Derek Gauthier is sure to be ready and looking for his 5th KO win.

Another fight sees the undefeated Alex Garcia (3-0-0) facing Ricky Goodall (5-1-0) at 170 pounds. With 3 wins and 3 KO's behind him, Alex Garcia has quickly been gaining recognition from the public for being an exciting and athletic fighter. After defeating TJ Coletti, Matt Northcott and most recently Jaret MacIntosh at the Ringside "Rage" event in March, Garcia will be looking to maintain his perfect record.

For his part, Ricky Goodall is recognized as a fighter to watch from the East Coast, with 5 wins in 6 fights. Since making his professional debut in 2007, he waited 2 years before getting back into the ring. His only loss was suffered in the first match back after the long absence. He most recently defeated Jon McGrath and submitted Brian Mazerolle while fighting for Elite 1 Promotions.

Rounding out the fight card, the undefeated Daylin "The Caveman" Logan faces Lloyd Galindo, Samuel Guillet takes on Jason Rorison, Rejean Groulx of Drummondville fights Eugenio Carpine and a highly anticipated grudge match between Christopher Boisvert and his rival Kevin Morin. Mark Fraser, Denis Puric, Matt Northcott, Taylor Solomon, Dimitri Waardenburg, Pierre-Etienne Marcoux, Yohan Gariepy and Danny St-Gelais have also been added.

RINGSIDE 7 : NO ESCAPE - CONFIRMED MATCHES

Date: June 18, 2010 - 7:00pm

Location : CENTRE PIERRE-CHARBONNEAU, MONTREAL, QUEBEC

155 - Guillaume De Lorenzi vs Dale Hartt (Ringside MMA Lightweight Championship Match)

205 - Tom Murphy vs Sean Salmon

155 - Derek Gauthier vs Jason Mackay

170 - Alex Garcia vs Ricky Goodall

175 - Daylin Logan vs Lloyd Galindo

155 - Samuel Guillet vs Jason Rorison

145 - Réjean Groulx vs Eugenio Carpine

155 - Christopher Boisvert vs Kevin Morin

145 - Mark Fraser vs Denis Puric

170 - Matt Northcottvs Taylor Solomon

135 - Dimitri Waardenburg vs Pierre-Etienne Marcoux

150 - Yohan Gariepy vs Danny St-Gelais

Ringside is a proud partner of Bud Light ( http://www.budlight.ca ), Razor Wear ( http://www.razorwearclothing.com ), Karv Clothing ( http://www.karv.tv ), MMA Fight Shop ( http://www.mmafightshop.ca ), Le Journal de Montreal ( http://lejournaldemontreal.canoe.ca ), Equinoxe Productions ( http://www.production-equinoxe.com ), and Litho Mille Iles Printing ( http://www.lithomille- iles.com ).

For more information about Ringside MMA or the Ringside: No Escape event, please consult our website at http://www.ringsidemma.tv , contact Eric Champoux via email at eric@productionequinoxe.com , or the media relations department at media@ringsidemma.tv

DREAM 14 video preview for May 29 in Saitama featuring 'The Imperial March'

Posted: 18 May 2010 06:42 AM PDT

Will "The Evil Empire" storm the Saitama Super Arena and force their hand against Japan's alliance?

Alistair Overeem: There is nobody else out there with speed and technical ability to beat Fedor but me

Posted: 18 May 2010 06:30 AM PDT

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Props: Sherdog.com

Quoteworthy:

"I surround myself with people who have the same attitude, intelligent people which you can learn from and develop yourself. In the gym my sparring partners don't really like me. There's nobody else out there with the speed, technical ability and the sharpness [to beat Fedor]. I know how to turn myself into a very dangerous weapon."

Defending Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem comes off a quick technical knockout over Brett Rogers at "Heavy Artillery" last Saturday night (May 15) and now sets his sights on the elusive but still top ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko. "The Reem" returned to the states after a two year performance to impressive results -- but was it enough to convince the fans that he's the right guy to topple "The Last Emperor?"
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