Tuesday, September 21, 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

Carlos Condit is going to have trouble clearing customs after Dan Hardy's through with him at UFC 120

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 03:12 AM PDT

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Props: This is Nottingham

Quoteworthy:

"Condit says it was 'nothing personal' when he went to the UFC and demanded a fight with me. It was, he said, purely business. No, Carlos. Calling me out, asking to fight me by name, does make it very personal. To go the UFC and say you want to fight someone in particular is to say: 'I can beat this guy, no problem, and further my career.' How can you not expect that to be taken personally? But this is very personal to me now. I am going to put a real beating on this guy. When he gets his flight back to the US, he will have trouble clearing customs because he will look nothing like his passport photo. Carlos is training with Greg Jackson, who no doubt is going to try and put another 'safety first' game plan together. He encourages his guys to take the low-risk route, which usually turns out to be quite strategic and a little boring. That will mess up Condit's natural instincts. I just don't think that a Greg Jackson game plan is suitable for Condit's style of fighting or his mentality as a fighter. Condit is called 'the Natural Born Killer' with reason and as soon as I drop him a couple of times, he will revert to his instincts and try to fight fire with fire. Carlos has got a lot of heart, no doubt about that. He will give everything he's got. But all of what he's got isn't just enough."

"The Outlaw" continues to crank up the anger, and trash talk, for his pivotal welterweight showdown with Carlos Condit at UFC 120, which will go down from the O2 Arena in London, England, on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010. Hardy is now miffed that the Greg Jackson-trained fighter requested the fight, which is apparently a sign of disrespect. No matter, the British slugger plans to make him pay on fight night be rearranging his mug. Unless, of course, "The Natural Born Killer" turns into the "The Natural Wet Blanket" and smothers the heavy-handed Hardy in an attempt to secure a "safe" win. More mind games from Hardy or does Condit really have it in him to just lay and pray in the biggest fight of his UFC career to date?

WEC 52 tickets for 'Faber vs Mizugaki' at The Palms in Las Vegas on Nov. 11 for sale soon

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 02:56 AM PDT

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Tickets for WEC 52, which was just made official for The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Thurs., Nov. 11., will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. PT.

WEC newsletter subscribers will be able to scoop up tickets prior to them being available for public consumption in a special presale set for Thurs., Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. PT.

Former featherweight champion Urijah Faber will headline the show, making his 135-pound debut against  "one of the division’s toughest in Japanese striking sensation Takeya Mizugaki." Former bantamweight champion Brian Bowles will be featured in the co main event, battling "grappling ace" Wagnney Fabiano.

Two critical 145-pound match ups were also made official -- Chad Mendes will tangle with Javier Vazquez and Josh Grispi will collide with Erik Koch -- that could determine the division's next number one contender.

WEC 52 tickets can be purchased through StubHub.com (Note: StubHub often has seats available even if the event is "sold out"). It will also be available to watch via Versus on fight night.

For more on UFC 52 stay dialed in to MMAmania.com. To check out the latest "Faber vs Mizugaki" news and notes click here.

Chuck Liddell still working on his decision to return or retire from MMA (Video)

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 02:37 AM PDT

UFC President Dana White confirms Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic's participation in Saturday night's UFC...

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 09:11 PM PDT

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UFC President Dana White confirms Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic's participation in Saturday night's UFC 119 main event opposite Frank Mir.

Again.

Efrain Escudero released from the UFC

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 06:03 PM PDT

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After missing weight twice (UFC 103, UFC Fight Night 22) and losing twice (Evan Dunham, Charles Oliveira). From "Hecho en Mexico:"

Hello true fan I was released by the Ufc today speaking to strikeforce and bellator. Taking a week off and make my way back!!!!!

Did Escudero, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 winner, get a fair shake? And what kind of impact can he make in the Strikeforce (or Bellator) lightweight division?

Melendez? Huerta? Bueller?

Now Playing: Pro MMA Radio featuring UFC 119 headliner Frank Mir

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 06:02 PM PDT

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Just days before his UFC 119 heavyweight showdown with fellow contender Mirko Filipovic, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir stops by Pro MMA Radio TONIGHT (Sept. 20) at 9 p.m. ET right here on MMAmania.com.

The former champ sounds off on his upcoming slugfest with "Cro Cop" at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN, on Sept. 25, as well as his place in the crowded heavyweight division -- and a whole lot more.

Anyone that knows how outspoken Frank Mir is doesn't want to miss this one.

Hosted by Larry Pepe, Pro MMA Radio is professional, guest-driven program that features some of mixed martial arts biggest names right here on MMAmania.com every Monday night at 9 p.m. ET through our exclusive live feed.

Live feed begins tonight at 9 p.m. ET after the jump.

Pro MMA Radio will begin playing automatically. Press (||) to turn it off.

Dave Herman vs Michael Kita booked for Bellator 31 with Ricco Rodriguez hurt

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 05:03 PM PDT

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Dave Herman has an opponent for Bellator 31 on Sept., 30, 2010.

After Ricco Rodriguez was forced off his scheduled bout with Herman, Bellator found a replacement in Michal Kita from Poland, according to MMAweekly.com. 

Kita has fought in four bouts for M-1 Global, winning three of those fights. "Masakra" has never gone to a decision in his mixed martial arts career. In all 14 bouts, Kita has either stopped his opponents or his opponents have stopped him.

This will be Herman's first bout since he was disqualified against Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou back in May of this year. This will also be Herman's first bout under Bellator since May of last year.  

Herman and Bellator were locked in a legal issue in which Herman sued the organization due to his contract, which prevented him from competing at certain promotions. Bellator counter-sued Herman, forcing him off the recent Shark Fights 13 card.

Now after nearly two years since signing the contract, Herman returns to compete at Bellator 31, which will take place at L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Mirko Cro Cop: Fighting without ocular trauma at UFC 119 would be eye-deal situation

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 02:34 PM PDT

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Assuming the Indiana State Athletic Commission allows him to compete in his Sept. 25 main event against Frank Mir...

"What can I say? I had bad luck in preparations. At the last training, in the last minute, I got a pretty bad eye injury. But I think it will be alright. I have to suck it up. I didn't want to cancel the fight under any circumstances. I took this fight to do a favor to UFC. I wouldn't do that fight for anybody else than UFC. I am ready to take the risk but I can say you this, all the money in the world is not worth getting my eye injured but at this point there is no chance in hell to back up. Frank Mir is gonna be my toughest fight in my UFC career. It won't be easy. It would be easier for me if I had time to do a full preparation cycle but at the end of the day that's my problem. I accepted the fight under these conditions. I was on vacation when they called me and I just couldn't say no to them. Not because of the money but because of respect to the guys at UFC. They provided me with everything and I secured my life existence fighting for them. To be completely honest, the money was pretty decent and I can assure you that no one would decline that offer. I will try to do my best, more as a routine fight, and if the fight goes to the third round it will be a handicap for me. But you know, that's life and nothing is ideal. Again I have to be honest, when you have 70 fights under your belt your priorities change. There is a fear of injuries but I assure I will give my best. I will most certainly go for a win but I think I did a lot just by accepting this fight. That's my opinion."

Heading into UFC 119 from Indianapolis, the Croat states his case (via Yahoo! Sports) and it sounds like he may have already resigned himself to losing despite promising his best effort. That's assuming Filipovic can pass his pre-fight medical exam. If he's cleared to compete, will he be at a serious disadvantage against Frank Mir? Was he already? Let's hear your take on these developments. How does it change your prediction for the fight -- if at all?

UFC 120 videos blog with Michael Bisping (Episode four)

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 02:12 PM PDT

Sean Sherk: 'I'm still a force to be reckoned with'

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 12:31 PM PDT

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Props: The Savage Dog Show

Quoteworthy:

"I'm a force to be reckoned with. Anyone who thinks I'm not can step in the Octagon with me. I've got all kinds of stuff left to offer this industry and this sport. I'm not going anywhere for a long time. I haven't lost any athleticism. I haven't lost any of my ability. I've only gotten better, and I've only gotten smarter."

Former UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk recently told The SDS on Sherdog Radio that he's still got a lot left in the tank, and is still one of the top lightweights in the sport. "The Muscle Shark" went as far as to challenge anyone who thinks otherwise to come and prove it in the cage. His fight with Evan Dunham at UFC 119 this coming Saturday will go along way in determining if this notion is fact or fiction. But before we get to fight night, let's get some of your reaction to Sherk's comments. Do you think Sean still has what it takes to compete against the top guys in the 155-pound division? Who do you like in this match up, Sherk or Dunham?

Programming reminder: 'Countdown' to UFC 119: 'Mir vs Cro Cop' debuts TONIGHT (September 20) on Spike TV

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 12:00 PM PDT

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Countdown to UFC 119: "Mir vs. Cro Cop" will debut TONIGHT (Monday, September 20 at 10:47 ET) on Spike TV to promote the upcoming pay-per-view (PPV) event scheduled for the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, September 25.

The network special will provide a glimpse into the preparation and training camps of the fighters set to headline the show, featuring former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir and MMA legend Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.

Co-main-eventers Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ryan Bader will also be featured in the episode.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of UFC 119, 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.

To get up to speed on the "Mir vs. Cro Cop" event be sure to check out the complete UFC 119 archive right here.

MMA Quick Quote: Josh Thomson sees no advantages in 'JZ' Cavalcante fight

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 11:24 AM PDT

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"I don't think either one of us have an advantage. He is a little shorter than me. We have completely different styles, so it's hard to say who has the advantage. We are both really well rounded, he has great standup. Everyone wants to talk about mine, but I hate to say it, but he's got phenomenal standup. He's a great fighter. He's got the fighter spirit in him and he will never give up. He will fight to the end. I think this will be a knockdown fight. I see this being a knockdown, drag out fight. I can't say that anyone really has the advantage. I fight a little bit faster. He's probably a little bit stronger. He probably has a little more power. Obviously I am going to try to beat him to the punch. Wrestling wise he is a little shorter so he will probably be a little harder to take down, those type of things play a big factor. I need to go out there and implement my game plan and get in his face and let him know that it's going to be a fight for three rounds."

During last week's Strikeforce conference call featuring lightweights Josh Thomson and Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante, advantages and disadvantages coming into the fight on October 9 were discussed. And according to "The Punk," there aren't many to be had. In fact, Josh doesn't know where either fighter holds a true advantage over the other. It's a close match up indeed, but surely some of you Maniacs can point out the strengths and weaknesses of both Thomson and Cavalcante and they will affect the outcome of this bout. Let's hear it.

UFC 122 poster for 'Belfort vs Okami' on November 13 in Germany

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 11:04 AM PDT

Ndvuzb_medium_mediumTo check out the latest UFC 122: "Belfort vs. Okami" fight card and rumors click here.

Josh Koscheck still hopes to fight 'sorry ass' Tito Ortiz -- if he has the guts to accept the fight

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 10:15 AM PDT

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Props: Bleacher Report

Quoteworthy:

"His head is on the block and next on the list. I walk around a solid 193 or so- I would be happy to fight (Tito Ortiz) at 205 if he would just find the guts to accept the fight. He never will but a man can hope. Don’t insult a man’s friends the way he insulted Mark Coleman (at UFC 109) and expect to not get smacked around for it. In fact I think I am going to learn open palm technique just for his sorry ass ... I’m the bad guy who will fight anyone. I want to be hated by my opponents and I don’t give a rat’s ass what anyone thinks about that. I just tell it how it is."

UFC welterweight number one contender Josh Koscheck hasn't let his pending rematch with Georges St. Pierre keep him from calling out Tito Ortiz. "Kos" was critical of "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" for giving a laundry list of excuses for his UFC 106 loss to Forrest Griffin. Koscheck also called Ortiz a "douche" for trying to clown Mark Coleman after "The Hammer" was submitted by Randy Couture at UFC 109. Does anyone have a desire to see these two hash it out inside the Octagon? And could Koscheck hang at 205-pounds -- even against a past-his-prime Ortiz?

UFC 119: Mirko 'Cro Cop' sparring video for Frank Mir fight

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 09:42 AM PDT

Can he finish Mir on Sept. 25 in Indianapolis? Part 2 after the jump.

Bellator 30: Greg Maynard vs Ron 'The Monster' Sparks official for Sept. 23

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 09:27 AM PDT

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CHICAGO, Ill. (September 20, 2010) - Bellator Fighting Championships today announced that undefeated heavyweight Ron "The Monster" Sparks will make his Bellator debut in his hometown of Louisville when he takes on undefeated ground-and-pound specialist and fellow Louisville product Greg Maynard at Bellator 30, taking place at Fourth Street Live! on September 23.

"We're thrilled to give the Louisville faithful a heavyweight match of this caliber," said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "Both fighters are beloved in Louisville, and will give the fans at Fourth Street Live! a great show."

Both heavyweights enter the fight sporting perfect professional records, Sparks is 5-0 and Maynard is 2-0 in their respective fighting careers. The massive 6'5" 265 lb Sparks has notched 4 of his professional victories by knockout, while his Maynard has won both of his outings from submissions due to strikes. The pair of hard-hitting heavyweights has finished a combined 6 of their 7 fights, which makes the odds of this heavyweight showdown making it to the judges very unlikely.

"This fight should end with a knockout," said a confident Sparks. "Although I wouldn't mind it going to the ground either. Everyone sees me as a huge stand up fighter, but I have taken my ground game to a whole new level, and I want people to see that."

The biggest struggle "The Monster" has faced hasn't been in the ring, but finding someone who is willing to take him on. After having his previous two fights cancelled or postponed, Sparks is truly thankful to be given this opportunity in his hometown.

"I'm just excited to get back into the ring," said Sparks. "Bellator is a huge promotion, and to make my debut in front of all my friends and family just makes it even more special. The fans know I always provide a great show, and this won't be any different."

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.

UFC 122: Winner of 'Belfort vs Okami' promised 2011 middleweight title shot

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 09:16 AM PDT

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Looks like UFC 122: "Belfort vs. Okami" is for all the marbles.

That's according to the UFC, which today promised the winner of the Nov. 13 main event in Oberhausen a 2011 middleweight title shot. And the recent steroid scandal involving Chael Sonnen may have played a part in its decision.

From UFC Managing Director of International Development Marshall Zelaznik:

We are glad to be coming back to Germany with UFC 122 and to reward our loyal UFC fans in Germany. Both Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami are one win away from a shot at the UFC Middleweight Title and are coming to Germany with a great deal to win and lose. This is a sporting event with tremendous international significance, and we are delighted to have been able to bring this event to Oberhausen.

Belfort (19-8) has been nursing an injury that kept him out of his scheduled UFC 112 title fight against Anderson Silva earlier this year. "The Phenom" was last seen in action at UFC 103, finishing Rich Franklin in the first round of his Octagon return back in September 2009.

It was the fifth consecutive win for the hard-hitting Brazilian, who also finished four of his five victims by way of (T)KO. In fact, Belfort hasn't lost since a lackluster performance against Dan Henderson under the PRIDE banner that saw "Hollywood" claim the unanimous decision.

Okami (25-5) has remained a top contender in the UFC's 185-pound division, floating in and out of contender status and always staying somewhere in the mix. Unfortunately for "Thunder," a lopsided loss to Chael Sonnen temporarily derailed his title aspirations in late 2009.

Since then, the Japanese juggernaut has won back-to-back fights against Lucio Linhares and Mark Munoz. One more and he's finally gotten his long-awaited rematch with "The Spider."

Silva hasn't lost since an illegal boot to the dome of Okami under the "Rumble on the Rock" banner back in 2004.

UFC 122 is expected to feature a bevy of German natives going to war; however, with the exception of the main event, the promotion has yet to announce an official card.

Stay tuned.

To check out the latest "Belfort vs. Okami" news and notes click here.

Latest UFC 119 odds and betting lines for 'Mir vs Cro Cop' on Sept. 25

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 08:36 AM PDT

 

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The clock is ticking ... literally.

We're just a few days away from the upcoming UFC 119: "Mir vs. Cro Cop" pay-per-view (PPV) event, which will take place from the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN, on Saturday, September 25.

And the closer we get to showtime, is less time that you have to place your bets.

This weekend's action is, of course, headlined by former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir, taking on PRIDE FC 2006 Grand Prix Champion Mirko Filipovic.

"Cro Cop" is a late replacement for the injured "Big Nog," and is saddled with a +190 line against fellow storied veteran in Mir, who stands above him at -240.

Perhaps the bookies weren't impressed with Antonio 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 +145 to Ryan Bader's -175.

Here are the latest UFC 119 odds (- = favorite; + = underdog):

Frank Mir
 -240 BET NOW
Mirko Cro Cop
 +190 BET NOW
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
 +145 BET NOW
Ryan Bader
 -175 BET NOW
Matt Serra
 +110 BET NOW
Chris Lytle
 -140 BET NOW
Sean Sherk
 +190 BET NOW
Evan Dunham
 -240 BET NOW
Jeremy Stephens
 +130 BET NOW
Melvin Guillard
 -160 BET NOW
Joey Beltran
 +125 BET NOW
Matt Mitrione
 -155 BET NOW
Joe Doerksen
 -140 BET NOW
CB Dollaway
 +110 BET NOW
Julio Paulino
 +135 BET NOW
TJ Grant
 -165 BET NOW

 

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of UFC 119 beginning with the PPV telecast at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 25. In addition, we will deliver up-to-the-minute quick results of all the under card action much earlier on fight night.

For the latest UFC 119: "Mir vs. Cro Cop" news and notes click here.

KSW 14: Mariusz Pudzianowski vs Eric 'Butterbean' Esch video

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 07:51 AM PDT

Pudzianowski wrestling overwhelmed Butterbean boxing.

Matt Serra: 'Life is short -- and so am I'

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 07:46 AM PDT

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And "The Terror" tells ESPN.com that his rematch with Chris Lytle at UFC 119 won't be any easier than it was the first time around:

"Last time it was two guys fighting not to lose, and this time it's two guys looking to take each other out. And I'll tell you something: Not only is he fighting in a rematch in a fight where he lost a very close decision with a lot on the line, but he's fighting in his hometown, in front of everybody he's ever known from his family on. He's going to want to make a statement ... You know, we're both durable veterans that are well-rounded. We're both not easy to get out of there. I know he's thinking the same thing as me, if he's able to take me out, that'll say something. And I'll tell you right now, there's nothing I want more, either ... To me, it's all about the journey. The glass is always half full for me. Life is short and so am I."

"Lights Out" has a chance to avenge his 2006 loss against the stocky-and-cocky New Yawker, who may fight sporadically but still has enough power to drop anyone in his division (See St. Pierre, Georges). Serra was last seen putting Frank Trigg to sleep at UFC 109 back in February, but can he stay competitive with his part-time fight schedule? Or will the resurgent Chris Lytle, winner of three straight, send him back to Long Island for good? Predictions?
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