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- Heavyweight prospect Todd Duffee released from his UFC contract for being 'an ass'
- UFC 123: Gabe Ruediger vs Paul Kelly in the works for Nov. 20
- Alex Karalexis out, Jason Reinhardt in against Tiequan Zhang at WEC 51 on Sept. 30 according to MMA...
- Georges St. Pierre: 'Skill-wise and tactically, I'm the best fighter in the world' (Video)
- Grappling ace 'Xande' Ribeiro eyes MMA return in March 2011
- Bellator 30: Jeremy Horn vs Bryan Baker added to Sept. 23 fight card in Louisville
- MFC owner Mark Pavelich: 'I can't stand watching Georges St. Pierre fight -- God, it kills me'
- Bellator 29: Neil Grove vs Alexey Oleinik set for Sept. 16 in Wisconsin
- 'EA Sports MMA' video game demo coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 on Sept. 28
- Virginia Athletic Commission fires back at Shine Fights after CEO slams sanctioning body for denial of license
- Dana White talks Jon Jones' title shot and Shane Carwin's steroid allegations on 'The Fight Fix' (Video)
- Shark Fight 13: 'Countdown to Jardine vs Prangley' coming to HDNet on Sept. 10
- Damn Dawg: Cro Cop, Nogueira, Sherk and Serra still the underdogs for UFC 119 on Sept. 25
- Dan Hardy: Wrestling to avoid fighting is 'timidity' and is against the rules -- stand 'em back up
- Cain Velasquez: Quickness, cardio and distance the keys to beating Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 (Video)
- MMA Quick Quote: Is Keith Jardine working his way back to a UFC title shot?
- TapouT and Silver Star sold to Authentic Brands Group
- UFC 122: Vitor Belfort 'not worried' about Yushin Okami
- The chase is on to get the new Wanderlei Silva PRIDE edition action figure from Round 5 MMA...
| Heavyweight prospect Todd Duffee released from his UFC contract for being 'an ass' Posted: 07 Sep 2010 07:41 PM PDT
That's according to his manager Alex Davis:
SI.com's Josh Gross passes along the quote from Davis about the apparent difficulty in dealing with the talented but ornery Duffee, who set the division ablaze with his record-setting knockout over Tim Hague, only to go belly up after a KO loss to Mike Russow just a couple of months later. Any chance he shows up in Strikeforce? And what kind of impact can he make if he does? |
| UFC 123: Gabe Ruediger vs Paul Kelly in the works for Nov. 20 Posted: 07 Sep 2010 04:41 PM PDT
Just like in the movies, every time you think "Godzilla" is finished, he comes back in yet another sequel. Less than a month after his Boston massacre at UFC 118: "Edgar vs. Penn 2," former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 5 contestant Gabe Ruediger has been given another chance to prove he belongs among the ranks of the Octagon's finest when he battles Paul Kelly at the upcoming UFC 123 pay-per-view on Nov. 20 in Auburn Hills, MI. MMA Weekly brought word of the pending match-up earlier today. Ruediger (17-6) was the recipient of a "Beantown" beatdown back on Aug. 28 when fellow TUF guy Joe Lauzon gave him a first round shellacking at the TD Garden during the Spike TV "Prelims" special featuring their 155-pound contest. The loss snapped a six-fight winning streak for "Cake Boss." Like Ruediger, things didn't exactly go as planned for Paul Kelly (10-3) his last time out. The Brit was canceled by "Christmas" at UFC on Versus 2 back in August, dropping a unanimous decision to Jacob Volkmann in San Diego. The loss marked "Telly's" second in three fights, pushing his Octagon record to 4-3 since his UFC 80 debut way back in early 2008. While it may not be "win or go home" just yet, dropping two straight is never an enviable position to be in with today's competitive landscape. UFC 123 is expected to be headlined by a light heavyweight match up of top contenders Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Karo "The Heat" Parisyan has also been given a second chance at UFC stardom against the venerable Dennis "Superman" Hallman. Stay tuned for more UFC 123 fight announcements as they become available. |
| Posted: 07 Sep 2010 04:20 PM PDT  Alex Karalexis out, Jason Reinhardt in against Tiequan Zhang at WEC 51 on Sept. 30 according to MMA Fighting. |
| Georges St. Pierre: 'Skill-wise and tactically, I'm the best fighter in the world' (Video) Posted: 07 Sep 2010 04:07 PM PDT
Any chance that Josh Koscheck can prove him wrong in Montreal? |
| Grappling ace 'Xande' Ribeiro eyes MMA return in March 2011 Posted: 07 Sep 2010 04:00 PM PDT
Props: SenseiBlog Quoteworthy:
Two-time jiu-jitsu world champion Alexandre Ribeiro has two fights in mixed martial arts -- both ending by way of (T)KO under the Japanese organization Sengoku. "Xande" was forced to keep himself away from both MMA and jiu-jitsu competitions due to knee injury but the "Arena Team" product promises to be back next spring and doesn't want his future employer to give him a can as his first opponent. Anyone want to take a guess as to when and where he shows up? |
| Bellator 30: Jeremy Horn vs Bryan Baker added to Sept. 23 fight card in Louisville Posted: 07 Sep 2010 03:53 PM PDT
CHICAGO, Ill. (September 7th, 2010) - Bellator Season 2 Middleweight Semifinalist Bryan "The Beast" Baker will face off with dangerous MMA veteran Jeremy Horn at Bellator 30 as Bellator Fighting Championships returns to Fourth Street Live! on September 23rd from Louisville, Kentucky. After suffering the first TKO loss of his career, Baker is ready to make his return to the Bellator cage. Impressive victories over Sean Loeffler and Eric Schambari put Baker in the Bellator Season 2 Middleweight Tournament Finals and a win away from having the chance at the Middleweight Championship. Knockout specialist Alexander "Storm" Shlemenko was the only fighter standing in Baker's way, and the hard-hitting Russian proved too much for Baker to handle, as Shlemenko delivered a first round TKO ending Baker's tournament run. "The whole goal was to have a shot at the title, and I didn't get to that point, so obviously there is disappointment," said Baker. "I didn't get much of a chance to show my abilities in that fight, but I'm excited I get another chance in Louisville to give the fans a good show." The chance Baker is referring to is at Bellator 30 when he battles one of MMA's most experienced fighters in Horn on September 23rd in Louisville, Kentucky. Horn, a veteran of over 100 fights since his professional career began in 1996, has fought MMA legends including Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Dan Severn, Frank Shamrock and Anderson Silva. Horn holds impressive victories over the likes of Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, Chael Sonnen and others during his decorated fighting career. Baker is well aware of the experience the battle-tested Horn brings to the cage, but hopes to use it to his advantage. "Knowing who Jeremy has taken on, it just makes me even more focused for this fight. Fighting an opponent with a history like that, it pulls the better fighter out of me, and I'm excited for Bellator 30," said an eager Baker. "Everyone knows Jeremy has made his career off of his submission moves, so I'm looking to stay on my feet. I'm more athletic than him, and my reach should give him all sorts of problems." For Horn, the longtime MMA mainstay sees the landscape of the sport changing in front of his eyes, and realizes that his vast amount of experience isn't as valuable as it once was. "As the sport progresses on, my experience starts to mean less and less in the ring," said Horn. "I obviously have a good understanding of when to stay calm and when to turn things on, but for the most part, I feel like a lot of us are on a pretty level playing field. With a guy like Bryan, he is a well rounded fighter that doesn't have a lot of weaknesses, and it's just going to be a great fight." Not surprisingly, Baker and Horn aren't the only ones looking forward to the matchup. "Bryan was the favorite going into our Season 2 Middleweight Tournament, and deserves another high caliber fight to put him right back in the mix," said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "Jeremy Horn will be a perfect test for Bryan, and fans should be looking forward to a great fight." Tickets for the event - which will also be broadcast LIVE nationwide on FOX Sports Net along with action-packed highlight shows that will air on NBC Saturday nights - are on sale now at ticketmaster.com For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator |
| MFC owner Mark Pavelich: 'I can't stand watching Georges St. Pierre fight -- God, it kills me' Posted: 07 Sep 2010 11:03 AM PDT
Props: AngryMarks.com Quoteworthy:
Don't count outspoken mixed martial arts promoter Mark Pavelich among the legions of GSP fans. The owner and president of Maximum Fighting Championship, who at one time promised a pink slip to guard-pulling butt-scooters, prides himself on a new breed of fighters who risk life and limb inside the cage. Is Pavelich sticking up for the sport? Or name dropping in an effort to promote his upcoming "Retribution" fight card on Sept. 10? |
| Bellator 29: Neil Grove vs Alexey Oleinik set for Sept. 16 in Wisconsin Posted: 07 Sep 2010 11:03 AM PDT
CHICAGO, Ill. (September 07, 2010) - Bellator Fighting Championships announced today that South African born, UK-based knockout artist Neil "Goliath" Grove will take on Russian submission specialist Alexey Oleinik in a Season 3 Heavyweight Tournament Semi-final fight taking place at Bellator 29 from the historic Rave/Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisc., on Sept. 16th. Bellator 29 will mark the first nationally televised, sanctioned MMA event to take place in the state of Wisconsin. "Neil vs. Alexey is a classic striker vs. grappler match-up that should provide fans with an explosive heavyweight fight," said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "We're thrilled to be able to bring our unique brand of Mixed Martial Arts to the great city of Milwaukee for their first taste of world class nationally televised MMA action. It will be a great night of fights." Grove literally punched his ticket to the semifinals with a brutal first-round TKO over hard-hitting UFC veteran Eddie Sanchez in quarterfinal action at Bellator 24. With the win, the 6'6", 265 lbs former professional rugby player improved his record to an impressive 9-2-1 with every one of his wins coming via TKO or KO. Oleinik had a tougher route to the semifinals, as the feared submission specialist engaged in a three round war with Mike "300" Hayes at Bellator 26. In a back and forth battle, Oleinik managed to remain busier than Hayes, drawing from an underestimated striking arsenal while consistently searching for his trademark Ezekiel Choke on the way to the unanimous decision victory. Oleinik brings an impressive 28-5-1 professional record into his highly anticipated semifinal fight with Grove, with an astounding 23 of those victories coming via submission. The Fox Sports Net event will take place at the Rave/Eagles Club that was built in 1926 and was named to the National Register of Historic Places on July 29, 1986. The Rave/Eagles Ballroom is the largest venue at the club featuring 25,000 square feet and 1,500 seats which will provide an intimate venue for MMA fans. Tickets for the event are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $35, and are on sale NOW at www.Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator |
| 'EA Sports MMA' video game demo coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 on Sept. 28 Posted: 07 Sep 2010 10:40 AM PDT
Can't wait for "EA Sports MMA" to drop on Oct. 19? You don't have to. Much like THQ's "UFC Undisputed 2010" mixed martial arts video game, EA will give fans an early test drive of their newest offering starting on Sept. 28.
The full version will feature Strikeforce heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko as a digitized version of himself facing any and all challengers — including UFC star Randy "The Natural" Couture, who retains control over his ancillary rights and has language in his Zuffa contract that allows him the freedom to use his likeness outside of the UFC. The San Jose-based Strikeforce promotion has been named the "Premiere League" and art seems to be imitating life as the current agreement between DREAM and Strikeforce allows the exchange of talent for select cards, like the Shinya Aoki vs. Gilbert Melendez lightweight title fight that went down on April 17 in Nashville. Of course comparisons to the "Undisputed 2010" video game are inevitable -- but don't call it a case of friendly competition. UFC President Dana White had a very public war of words back in 2009 after White accused the gaming giant of turning down his offer for a video game partnership only to then create one of their own after the massive success of THQ's "UFC Undisputed 2009." Which game the casual fan selects may depend heavily on their choice of fighters. Would you be willing to sacrifice the chance to play as BJ Penn or Anderson Silva to have a better overall game? EA Sports is banking on it and is expected to pull out all the stops in their debut effort. For a look at the full roster for the EA Sports MMA video game release on Oct. 19 click here. |
| Posted: 07 Sep 2010 10:19 AM PDT
If you're anywhere between Virginia and Oklahoma, be sure to duck if you leave the house. There's a lot of mud-slinging right now between Shine Fights and the Virginia Athletic Commission after the mixed martial arts promotion was denied a license to hold its lightweight grand prix pay-per-view on Sept. 10 in Fairfax. Shine Fights CEO Devin Price blamed the commission for hasty decision making after word spread that it had not fulfilled its financial obligations from the failed "Worlds Collide" event back in May.
The Virginia Atheltic Commission tells Sherdog.com it had no choice, as Shine failed to prove that it had "procured a surety bond" and was "either late or unable to provide complete medical records and test results."
Shine is committed to the Sept. 10 date for its 155-pound tournament and was able to secure a spot at the First Council Casino in Newkirk, Oklahoma, after Virginia put the kibosh on Saturday's event. Not coincidentally, the show will now be unsanctioned and unregulated, which means fighters are putting both their health and their paychecks at risk. Sounds like a blast. |
| Posted: 07 Sep 2010 09:50 AM PDT And not surprisingly, there isn't a confirmation from the UFC Prez on either subject. |
| Shark Fight 13: 'Countdown to Jardine vs Prangley' coming to HDNet on Sept. 10 Posted: 07 Sep 2010 09:43 AM PDT
Amarillo, Texas. - September 7, 2010 - Shark Fight Promotions announced today that they have officially engaged Picture Lab Entertainment Inc., to film and produce the "Shark Fights MMA: Jardine vs. Prangley" pay-per-view countdown show. Picture Lab Entertainment, a production company out of Los Angeles, California, will produce the 30 minute countdown show, the pay-per-view television commercial and several promotional web spots. The countdown show will include exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, including in-depth interviews with the fighters and commentating crew. The "Shark Fights MMA: Jardine vs. Prangley" countdown show will debut on HDNet Friday, September 10, at 8:30pm ET. The Picture Lab Entertainment team possesses a wealth of creative experience when it comes to capturing the essence of mixed martial arts on film. Their team has worked with a laundry list of notable clients, including Electronic Arts (EA), The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS), Showtime, and CBS." Picture Lab Entertainment, a full-service, film production company, was founded by Nate Adams, Joel Bergvall and Jeremy Lappen, industry professionals with over 50 years of combined experience working in commercials, reality and feature films.One of Picture Lab's founding partners, Joel Bergvall, earned an Academy Award nomination for his directorial debut for the short film "Victor." His first feature "The Invisible" won numerous awards before becoming the first Swedish picture in recent history to be remade in the U.S. The film was produced by Spyglass Entertainment and Disney with David Goyer at the helm. Joel Bergvall of Picture Lab Entertainment had this to say about working with Shark Fight Promotions, "We are very excited to be working with Shark Fights on their upcoming pay-per-view event. The promotion has been a growing presence in the mixed martial arts world for some time now and we feel that this event is really going to put them on the map. We are honored to be a part of it." Tune in to watch the "Shark Fights MMA: Jardine vs. Prangley" countdown show Friday, September 10, at 8:30pm ET on HDNet, just prior to Inside MMA's three year anniversary special. The September 10th special edition of Inside MMA will feature HDNet's CEO Mark Cuban. The countdown show will also air as part of the September 11 "Shark Fights MMA: Jardine vs. Prangley pay-per-view broadcast, along with other exclusive Picture Lab Entertainment footage. The broadcast will air live at 10:00 p.m. ET on iN DEMAND, AVAIL-TVN, Dish Network, Bell TV Canada, and Viewers Choice Canada. |
| Damn Dawg: Cro Cop, Nogueira, Sherk and Serra still the underdogs for UFC 119 on Sept. 25 Posted: 07 Sep 2010 09:30 AM PDT
Tough week for the veterans. Despite being a combined 89-20, Mirko Filipovic, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Sean Sherk and Matt Serra are all currently underdogs heading into the UFC 119 pay-per-view on Sept. 25 in Indianapolis. Maybe there's just too many miles on those tires? "Cro Cop" is a late replacement for the injured "Big Nog," and is saddled with a +180 line against fellow storied veteran Frank Mir, who stands above him at -230. Perhaps the bookies weren't impressed with Rogerio Nogueira's razor thin decision win over Jason Brilz back in May -- or maybe they just don't believe he's got anything left as he ages faster than Walter Donovan during Indy's "Last Crusade." Either way, he's wearing +130 to Ryan Bader's -160. Sean Sherk hasn't fought in well over a year, and when he last appeared, he was outstruck by Frankie Edgar in Las Vegas. Seemed like a pretty big upset at the time, until "The Answer" stymied BJ Penn on back-to-back occasions. Still, "The Muscle Shark" has only three losses in the past seven years: Edgar, Penn and Georges St. Pierre. Nothing to be ashamed of, but it hasn't kept him from rising above +185 while opponent Evan Dunham enjoys his -235. Last but never least is Matt Serra. Fellow veteran Chris Lytle is the favorite in their rematch at -140. Could his performance in their 2006 fight, coupled with his recent winning streak, explain "The Terror's" +110 line? There's a lot of money to be made on Sept. 25 if you can put your money where your mouth is. Of course it helps to win, which you can't do if you haven't taken advantage of those numbers by heading over to BetUS.com. Well, what are you waiting for? Don't just show up the day after the event and proudly declare "Dude, I called that one like three weeks ago." Man up and make some bread. Remember to bet smart and only risk what you can afford to lose! |
| Dan Hardy: Wrestling to avoid fighting is 'timidity' and is against the rules -- stand 'em back up Posted: 07 Sep 2010 08:49 AM PDT
Props: This is Nottingham Quoteworthy:
Former UFC welterweight number one contender Dan Hardy, who once accused Georges St. Pierre of "playing it safe to keep his belt," continues his anti-wrestling crusade in his latest blog as he prepares for UFC 120 on Oct. 16. "The Outlaw" is unhappy with the emerging trend in mixed martial arts that favors wrestlers who can disrupt their opponent's gameplan with frequent takedowns, leading to a decision win without actually engaging. Does anyone think the Brit is saying what the fans are thinking? Or is this just sour grapes from a striker who can't defend the shoot? Let's hear your stance and if your anti-wrestling, give us your most frustrating fight. St. Pierre vs Alves from UFC 100? King Mo vs. Gegard Mousasi from Strikeforce: "Nashville?" Sound off, Maniacs. |
| Cain Velasquez: Quickness, cardio and distance the keys to beating Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 (Video) Posted: 07 Sep 2010 08:34 AM PDT
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| MMA Quick Quote: Is Keith Jardine working his way back to a UFC title shot? Posted: 07 Sep 2010 07:49 AM PDT
The "Dean of Mean" certainly thinks so...
Jardine sounded confident during his appearance on MMA Weekly Radio, but how many times in recent memory have we seen "The Mean 1" go stiff in a high profile match-up? If the former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 2 contestant ever hopes to get back into the Octagon he must first get past Trevor Prangley on Sept. 11 under the Shark Fights banner. Anyone think he's got the tools to get it done? |
| TapouT and Silver Star sold to Authentic Brands Group Posted: 07 Sep 2010 07:12 AM PDT
Linens 'N Things, Polaroid, Tapout? Yup. The MMA merchandising giant is now going to share a bed with former rival Silver Star, as Authentic Brands Group (ABG) today announced their acquisition of the competing brands for an undisclosed sum. From ABG Chairman and CEO Jamie Salter:
ABG is expected to continue the expansion of both brands as well as penetrate the International market with a preliminary goal of doubling revenue by 2013. TapouT's Dan "Punkass" Caldwell will remain president under the deal while co-founder Tim "SkySkrape" Katz will serve as Marketing and Creative Director. Luke Burrett of Silver Star is also expected to remain on board. Any MMA fans think this move hurts their "underground" image? Or is it the next logical step as these brands continue to evolve? |
| UFC 122: Vitor Belfort 'not worried' about Yushin Okami Posted: 07 Sep 2010 06:31 AM PDT
Props: Las Vegas Review Journal Quoteworthy:
Longtime PRIDE and UFC veteran Vitor Belfort prepares for his UFC 122 main event against fellow middleweight contender Yushin Okami when they head to Deutschland on November 12. "The Phenom" watched his division title shot slip away thanks to a nagging shoulder injury earlier this year. Now with Anderson Silva locked into a rematch with Chael Sonnen following their UFC 117 shocker, the Brazilian must work his way back into the fold by overcoming the Japanese "Thunder" overseas. Anyone think that Okami gives him more than he bargained for? |
| The chase is on to get the new Wanderlei Silva PRIDE edition action figure from Round 5 MMA... Posted: 07 Sep 2010 06:13 AM PDT  The chase is on to get the new Wanderlei Silva PRIDE edition action figure from Round 5 MMA featuring the "Axe Murderer" in his classic pre-fight pose and signature PRIDE trunks. |
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