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

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• Nogueira vows to avenge loss to Frank Mir, wherever the fight goes
• UFC 117 results, updates and LIVE fight coverage for 'Silva vs Sonnen' on Aug. 7 in Oakland
• UFC on Versus 2: 'Jones vs Matyushenko' video preview for Aug. 1 in San Diego
• Tim Sylvia vs Paul Buentello 'War on the Mainland' poster for Aug. 14 in Irvine
• Banzai Charge: DREAM owners change business model, declare war against the UFC
• Eddie Sanchez and Rogent Lloret added to Bellator’s Season 3 Heavyweight Tournament
• Despite losing out on "Submission of the Night" to Brock Lesnar at UFC 116, the promotion awarded...
• UFC Live's James Irvin: 'I've sacrificed everything, I'm going to beat Igor Pokrajac in all aspects of this fight'
• Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida talk Chael Sonnen, Rampage Jackson, 'Fedor vs Werdum' and more (Video)
• Vitor Belfort: 'I want to fight the winner of Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen'
• MMA Quick Quote: Ken Shamrock doesn't want to 'Play God' in the great steroids debate
• Jon 'Bones' Jones talks UFC on Versus 2, 'Lesnar vs Velasquez' video preview and more on ESPNs 'MMA Live'
• Jake Shields comes to terms with UFC; Gracie camp promises 'top contender' for welterweight debut (Updated)
• Strikeforce: Bobby Lashley vs Chad Griggs booked for Aug. 21 'Houston' event on Showtime
• 'King' Mo Lawal, Bobby Lashley and KJ Noons on CBS to promote Strikeforce: 'Houston' on Aug. 21 (Video)
• Bellator 24: Megumi Fujii vs Angela Magana set for Aug. 12 in Hollywood

Nogueira vows to avenge loss to Frank Mir, wherever the fight goes Posted: 16 Jul 2010 06:34 PM PDT Props: Graciemag Quoteworthy: "I think it will be a good fight for me. In the past time I couldn’t perform well but now I can do better. It’s a fight that I always wanted and happened. I already had some bouts in my career that I lost, but whenever I had the chance to get revenge, I fought better. I will try to do the same this time. It’s tough to plan what is going on in a fight like this because Frank is a guy who fights well either on the mat or standing. I’ll feel it on time. If we go to the ground, I like it, but if it’s to exchange on the feet, I like it, too. I’ll be ready for everything”. Former UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is out for revenge when he takes on Frank Mir at UFC 119 this September, training with teammates André Galvão and Rafael Feijao in Brazil. “Big Nog” is also slated to hook up with superstars Junior dos Santos and Anderson Silva to finish his camp and avenge the first knockout loss of his illustrious career. If completely healthy, is Nogueira able to outstrike Mir with his boxing? And if it goes to the ground, does he hold a superior advantage? Let’s hear it, Maniacs!

UFC 117 results, updates and LIVE fight coverage for 'Silva vs Sonnen' on Aug. 7 in Oakland Posted: 16 Jul 2010 06:00 PM PDT Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently put the finishing touches on its "Oaktown" debut when UFC 117 airs live via pay-per-view (PPV) on Aug. 7 from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. "Silva vs. Sonnen" will feature the put-up-or-shut-up middleweight title fight between division champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva and the sharp-tongued Chael Sonnen in the main event of the evening. Two fantastic showdowns with title implications -- Roy "Big Country" Nelson vs. Junior "Cigano" dos Santos and Jon Fitch vs. Thiago "Pitbull" Alves -- are also slated to highlight what is another stacked PPV offering from the world's largest fight promotion. Here is the current UFC 117 line up: Main event: 185 lbs.: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen Main card (Televised): 170 lbs.: Ricardo Almeida vs. Matt Hughes 265 lbs.: Junior Dos Santos vs. Roy Nelson 170 lbs.: Thiago Alves vs. Jon Fitch 155 lbs.: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Clay Guida Under card (May not be broadcast): 205 lbs.: Tim Boetsch vs. Thiago Silva 170 lbs.: Dennis Hallman vs. Ben Saunders 170 lbs.: Dustin Hazelett vs. Rick Story 170 lbs.: Johny Hendricks vs. Charlie Brenneman 265 lbs.: Christian Morecraft vs. Stefan Struve 205 lbs.: Rodney Wallace vs. Stanislav Nedkov MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of UFC 117, 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 couple of weeks away from showtime; therefore, feel free to share your thoughts and predictions for "Silva vs. Sonnen" 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 the latest UFC 117 news and notes click here.

UFC on Versus 2: 'Jones vs Matyushenko' video preview for Aug. 1 in San Diego Posted: 16 Jul 2010 02:57 PM PDT

Tim Sylvia vs Paul Buentello 'War on the Mainland' poster for Aug. 14 in Irvine Posted: 16 Jul 2010 02:56 PM PDT

Banzai Charge: DREAM owners change business model, declare war against the UFC Posted: 16 Jul 2010 02:27 PM PDT Props: MMA Fighting Quoteworthy: "This is a declaration of war against the WWE and UFC. From Asia, we will take the world. Mr. Ishii is completely supporting us. We won't stand a chance in the American market so we will spread to the rest of the world. When K-1 and PRIDE were competing against each other, 80-percent of the martial arts market was in Japan. It is now the opposite and Japan is only 20-percent. We were worried that Japan would be left behind if we let this continue, it is unacceptable. We needed to change our business model. We've let Dana White get a lead on us. Before (Shinya) Aoki beats (Gilbert) Melendez, we must win as promoters." K-1 President Sadaharu Tanikawa leads the charge at today's press conference announcing the financial partnership between Fighting and Entertainment Group (FEG) and Shanghai-based investment bank PUJI Capital. FEG holds DREAM and K-1 under its umbrella and expects great things from a new business model that focuses on a global expansion. Not since the days of PRIDE has mixed martial arts been a formidable presence in Japan. Can the deep pockets of PUJI help FEG recapture that glory? Or has the UFC's international expansion defeated them before they even get started?

Eddie Sanchez and Rogent Lloret added to Bellator’s Season 3 Heavyweight Tournament Posted: 16 Jul 2010 02:27 PM PDT CHICAGO, Ill. (July 16, 2010) - Eddie "The Manic Hispanic" Sanchez, the heavy-handed UFC veteran known for his electrifying, swing-for-the-fences style, was officially added today to Bellator's upcoming eight-man Season 3 Heavyweight Tournament. The 27-year-old Southern California native enters the tournament with an overall pro record of 12-3 including eight wins via KO or TKO. He is now in the midst of a four-fight win streak that includes his devastating 10-second KO of Jay White during Bellator 7 in 2009 and the miraculous come-from-behind TKO victory over colorful brawler Marcus Sursa at Bellator 20 in San Antonio on May 27th. Sanchez appeared headed for a shocking defeat after Sursa dropped him to the canvas with a massive right hand to the jaw early in the fight's second round. Clinging to Sursa on the canvas - absorbing punishment seemingly seconds from defeat - Sanchez somehow regained his composure, took the dominant position on the ground and wore Sursa down with relentless ground-and-pound as the round came to a close. Seemingly rejuvenated, Sanchez came out with a vengeance in the third and final round, knocking Sursa to the mat early before finishing him with a flurry of blows to the head. "In that fight, Eddie demonstrated that he has great heart and drive," Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney said. "With that kind of attitude and his solid MMA game, Eddie's a dangerous and exciting addition to our Heavyweight Tournament." Sanchez is the fifth confirmed participant in the tournament along with undefeated European finisher Damian "The Polish Pitbull" Grabowski, power-punching British behemoth Neil Grove, Seattle-area knockout artist Mike "300" Hayes and Georgia-based ground-and-pound specialist Scott Barrett. The tournament begins Aug. 12 on FOX Sports Net. A native of the San Diego area, Sanchez once seemed headed for a career in professional baseball. He was a standout catcher at San Marcos High School and later played the same position at nearby Palomar College. His dreams of making it to the big leagues, though, were cut short in 2002 after a near-fatal car crash that put him in the intensive care unit for more than three weeks. The car he was riding in slammed into the center divider along California's Interstate 5. Sanchez was knocked unconscious, ejected from the vehicle through the windshield and thrown more than 70 feet through the air flipping head over heels. He was taken by helicopter to a local hospital. "They were talking about amputating my right foot because it was de-gloved like a banana," he recalled. "All of my toes were dislocated and they told me that there was a 70 percent chance of amputation. Luckily I ended up fighting my way through 12 weeks of rehab so they could save it." Looking for a new outlet for his athletic talents, he took a friend's suggestion and began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He quickly expanded his training to include wrestling and boxing and began his pro MMA career just a few months later by finishing each of his first six fights, including a second-round KO of BJJ and judo black belt Mario Neto at UFC 63 in Anaheim, just 80 miles north of his hometown. "I'm in a better place right now - mentally and physically - than I have been in years, Sanchez said. "I feel like I'm in the best shape of my fighting career, and more than anything, my head is right. I belong here in this tournament with the rest of the top heavyweight talent Bellator has put together. I'm going to the Finale and I'm going to win this tournament." Bellator Fighting Championships put yet another piece in place for its much-anticipated Season 3 Heavyweight Tournament today with the addition of one of the top free-agent heavyweight fighters in Europe, Spanish submission specialist Rogent Lloret. The Gracie Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and M1 Global veteran has not lost a fight in more than three years and enters the Heavyweight Tournament with a 9-1-1 overall pro record. He is known for his smothering ground game - submitting six of his nine victims, including four by arm triangle choke - but also displayed his striking prowess when he KO'd Serbian MMA veteran Miodrag Petković with a devastating high head kick this past April. Lloret is the sixth confirmed participant in the tournament along with undefeated European finisher Damian "The Polish Pitbull" Grabowski, power-punching British behemoth Neil Grove, heavy-handed UFC veteran Eddie Sanchez, Seattle-area knockout artist Mike "300" Hayes and Georgia-based ground-and-pound specialist Scott Barrett. The tournament begins Aug. 12th on FOX Sports Net. "Ever since we decided that we would hold a Heavyweight Tournament, we were hoping to sign Rogent Lloret," said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "He was one of the top heavyweight free agents in Europe for a reason: he is devastating on the ground and has a very underrated standup attack as well. He'll be a tough draw for whomever he faces in our Heavyweight Tournament." Rogent was born and raised near Barcelona, Spain, and lives there today. He made his MMA debut in 2006 but first drew widespread attention in late 2008 with a dazzling first-round armbar submission of top Polish heavyweight Michal Kita at an M1 Challenge event in Finland. "Signing with Bellator means a big step forward in my career as a fighter since it provides me the opportunity to face other great fighters in an event with major media repercussions worldwide," Lloret said. "My goal is to advance as many rounds as possible and offer exciting fights to solidify my reputation as a fighter and Bellator's as an MMA event." For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.

Despite losing out on "Submission of the Night" to Brock Lesnar at UFC 116, the promotion awarded... Posted: 16 Jul 2010 01:47 PM PDT Despite losing out on "Submission of the Night" to Brock Lesnar at UFC 116, the promotion awarded Chris Lytle a "significant" bonus for his slick submission over Matt Brown on July 3. Props: MMA Weekly

UFC Live's James Irvin: 'I've sacrificed everything, I'm going to beat Igor Pokrajac in all aspects of this fight' Posted: 16 Jul 2010 11:28 AM PDT Props: Pro MMA Radio Quoteworthy: "There was a time for a few weeks [after the loss to Alessio Sakara] that I thought I was going to get my walking papers, I wasn't sure about my future. I'm not on Twitter, but a few of my friends are and they follow Dana White. They told me that he was saying some good things about me like I was one of his favorite fighters and that I'm always exciting, but he also said that I definitely don't belong at 185 pounds, and he's the boss. If he told me he wanted me to fight at 155 pounds, that's what I would do. So I got in touch with him and told him that I was sorry for the way I looked at weigh-ins and how I performed, and that it wouldn't happen again. He was great about the whole thing and the next day he offered me this fight [with Igor Pokrajac]. Now here we are... I'm going to win this fight. I don't care what happens. I've sacrificed everything. I'm going to beat him in all aspects of this fight." James Irvin, last seen auditioning for "The Machinist 2" on UFC Live back in March, details what it was like in the weeks following his loss to Alessio Sakara. "The Sandman" admits he was concerned for his job security, but thanks to UFC President Dana White, he was afforded another chance, just so long as it came at light heavyweight. Now that he is back at 205 pounds and fighting Igor Pokrajac on UFC Live, August 1 on Versus, who feels as though we're gonna see the vintage Irvin capable of producing some of the most impressive knockouts in the promotion's history? Let's get some predictions on how this fight will turn out.

Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida talk Chael Sonnen, Rampage Jackson, 'Fedor vs Werdum' and more (Video) Posted: 16 Jul 2010 08:53 AM PDT

Vitor Belfort: 'I want to fight the winner of Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen' Posted: 16 Jul 2010 08:49 AM PDT Props: Tatame Quoteworthy: “I want to fight the winner of Anderson vs Sonnen, I want to fight for the belt. Now let’s see what’s going on. If the fight is standing, Anderson wins by far. If the fight goes on the ground, Anderson also has a strong game. Sonnen is a very good guy. He will try to impose his pace to gas Anderson out, so let’s see.” On again/Off again middleweight contender and former UFC champion Vitor Belfort is back in training with the likes of Shawn Thompkins and Ray Sefo while waits for his next opponent to be named. "The Phenom" still wants his title shot and to become a champion once again, against whoever is next in line. Will we get the chance to watch an all-Brazilian title fight by year's end? Or will Sonnen shock the world? Hit the comments, Maniacs. Poll Which bout do you want the most? Vitor Belfort vs Anderson Silva Vitor Belfort vs Chael Sonnen   2384 votes | Results

MMA Quick Quote: Ken Shamrock doesn't want to 'Play God' in the great steroids debate Posted: 16 Jul 2010 08:29 AM PDT "Does anyone have the right to point one finger at one person? When I think everyone has a pretty good handle on how many people are actually doing it, that you're going to single out one person, one person that someone wants to pick on because he looks extremely bigger than everyone else. So you're going to point that finger and single that person out because he looks freakish? But, there's many, many, many people that are doing it. What is fair about that? Why do we have the right to pick an individual out and ruin his life? Because [Georges St. Pierre is] not 260 pounds or 240 pounds, but he's an extremely big 170 pounder. But because he's not this mammoth, he's safe. I'm not saying he is or he isn't, but what if he is? And he's extremely ripped and extremely muscular and he's put on 10 pounds of solid muscle since he's been in the UFC? And he's doing just as much as Overeem's doing? But yet, because he's a smaller fighter, we tag Overeem. What gives us that power to single out an individual and ruin that person's life? Nobody. Just because we think that he's doing something. And it's quite possibly that he is. But what makes him the person we want to be the poster child? What gives us the right to single out one individual and say, 'you know what? you're worse than this guy because you look better. Because you're better.' To me that doesn't make sense man. We're trying to play God." UFC Hall-of-Famer Ken Shamrock tells Ray Hui that he wants an all-or-nothing approach to combat sports drug testing and that PED accusations are unfair between "freakish" and "mammoth" fighters and those who carry a smaller but equally sturdy frame. Shammy hasn't been heard from since failing the world's most dangerous drug test back in early 2009. The MMA pioneer was popped for anabolic steroids — Norandrosterone, Noretiocholanolone and Stanozolol following his first round armbar submission win over the late Ross Clifton at War Gods: "Valentine’s Eve Massacre" and contends that he's clean for his July 18 bout against Pedro Rizzo at Impact FC. Does Shamrock make a convincing argument? Or does his past transgressions eliminate him from taking a stand in the great steroids debate?

Jon 'Bones' Jones talks UFC on Versus 2, 'Lesnar vs Velasquez' video preview and more on ESPNs 'MMA Live' Posted: 16 Jul 2010 06:54 AM PDT

Jake Shields comes to terms with UFC; Gracie camp promises 'top contender' for welterweight debut (Updated) Posted: 16 Jul 2010 06:33 AM PDT It's official (almost). Former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields (25-4-1) has come to terms with the UFC after getting his release from his contract with the San Jose-based mixed martial arts promotion he's called home since the collapse of Elite XC nearly two years ago. Shields is expected to finalize his contract next week and will return to the welterweight division against a "top contender" in his Octagon debut, according to the official Gracie Fighter website: "Jake Shields will be debuting at the 170lbs weight division in the UFC. After careful consideration and consulting with UFC representatives it was determined Jake would be finally going back to his original fighting weight. [His] opponent is one of the UFC's top contenders and will be announced shortly." After a successful title run under the Pro Elite banner from 2007-08, Shields was picked from the rubble by Scott Coker and Co. following the financial implosion of Elite XC, expedited by Kimbogate on the "Heat" fight card in October 2008. The Cesar Gracie disciple made his Strikeforce debut against Robbie Lawler in June 2009, strangling the former UFC brawler with a "Ruthless" guillotine just past the two minute mark in the first round of their main event attraction. Back-to-back decision wins over Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Dan Henderson on CBS would follow, leaving Shields with an option to stay for one more fight or head for greener pastures, depending on the promotion's ability to meet his salary requirements for one last ride. Able, but apparently not willing. During his recent negotiations, Shields flirted with the UFC and spoke publicly about his desire to fight Octagon champions Georges St. Pierre (welterweight) and Anderson Silva (middleweight). He also served as assistant coach to Chuck Liddell on Season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). While he competed in the 185-pound class in Strikeforce, Shields is a natural 170-pound competitor and has the flexibility to move between weight classes depending on what opportunities present themselves. For now, he'll concentrate on his longtime goal of facing St. Pierre should "Rush" defeat Josh Koscheck (again) later this year. In the interim, Shields will be paired up with a "top contender" shortly. Any guesses as to who it might be? Seems like the only available welterweight at this time is the always-dangerous Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann. Anyone have a better match-up? Let's hear your predictions Maniacs.

Strikeforce: Bobby Lashley vs Chad Griggs booked for Aug. 21 'Houston' event on Showtime Posted: 16 Jul 2010 05:56 AM PDT Strikeforce heavyweight attraction Bobby Lashley (5-0) will return to the world of cagefighting after a brief stint on the injured reserves when he takes on IFL and Rage in the Cage veteran Chad Griggs (8-1) at the upcoming Aug. 21 "Houston" event from the Toyota Center live on Showtime. MMAmania.com confirmed the pending match-up earlier today. The muscular mass of mayhem was last seen mistreating Wes Sims en route to a TKO stoppage at the "Miami" event earlier this year. The win, his first under the Strikeforce banner, pushed the former WWE wrestler's mixed martial arts record to 5-0. The promotion quickly paired him up with Ron "The Monster" Sparks for a trip to "Los Angeles" back in June; however, the American Top Team (ATT) product tweaked his knee in training and was unable to compete. Lashley entered the sport of mixed martial arts back in December 2008 as a co-headliner for South Florida's Mixed Fighting Alliance (MFA). The 6'3" powerhouse needed just 41-seconds to finish Joshua Franklin via doctor's stoppage. While he remains unbeaten, critics have called for him to step up his level of competition in 2010. Being paired up with the relatively unknown Griggs -- who's only competed once since 2007 -- may do little to help his cause. That being said, Griggs is still a dangerous fighter. "The Grave Digger" hasn't seen the scorecards once in his career. In addition to winning three straight, the 32-year-old Tucson native has finished all seven of his opponents by way of (T)KO. Will Lashley be number eight? Strikeforce "Houston" will feature a light heavyweight title fight between current 205-pound champion Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal and hard-hitting Brazilian contender Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante. Also battling for gold will be Tim Kennedy and Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza in a bid to claim the promotion's vacant middleweight title. For the current Strikeforce: "Houston" fight card and rumors click here.

'King' Mo Lawal, Bobby Lashley and KJ Noons on CBS to promote Strikeforce: 'Houston' on Aug. 21 (Video) Posted: 16 Jul 2010 05:22 AM PDT

Bellator 24: Megumi Fujii vs Angela Magana set for Aug. 12 in Hollywood Posted: 15 Jul 2010 07:50 PM PDT HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (July 15, 2010) - Bellator's much anticipated Women's World Championship Tournament will kick off on Thursday, Aug. 12th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., with two opening-round fights featuring four of the planet's top-ranked female fighters. In the first televised fight of the evening, the No. 1 pound-for-pound female fighter in the world, Megumi Fujii, will look to improve upon her flawless 20-0 pro MMA record against fast-rising submission grappler Angela Magana, the world's No. 8-ranked female fighter at 115 lbs. Magana has hopes of making history against the Japanese phenom while Fujii is looking to make an example out of the New-Mexico based fighter on her way to the semifinals. Then, in another nationally-televised opening round fight, the world's No. 6-ranked 125-pounder, Lynn "Lights Out" Alvarez, will square off against the world's No. 7-ranked 115-pounder Jessica Aguilar, who calls South Florida home. Both fighters are currently riding impressive winning streaks and have reputations for ending fights early. The event - which will be broadcast LIVE nationwide on FOX Sports Net and during weekend highlight shows on NBC, Telemundo and the cable network mun2 - also marks the beginning of Bellator's Season 3 Men's Heavyweight Tournament and features a special non-title Main Event bout between reigning Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard and former NFL standout Herbert "Whisper" Goodman. The two fighters in the event's Heavyweight Tournament fight will be announced in the coming days. "I can think of no better place than the Hard Rock to kick off the action for our third season and our Women's World Championship Tournament," said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "The four female fighters on the card for this event are each among the top 10 in the world and I know that they are going to put on a great show for the great MMA fans in South Florida ." In addition to the four nationally-televised fights, the event will also play host to five "Local Feature Fights" showcasing some of the best up-and coming talent in South Florida . More details on those fights will be announced soon. Tickets for the event are on sale NOW at ticketmaster.com and at the Hard Rock Live box office. For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow us on Twitter @BellatorMMA or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/Bellator.

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