Thursday, September 3, 2009

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

Fedor Emelianenko takes over Manhattan during Strikeforce media day (Video)

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 07:10 PM PDT

UFC 104: Josh Neer vs Gleison Tibau with Sean Sherk injured

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 07:07 PM PDT

Former lightweight champion Sean Sherk’s surprise return to California — where he says he was falsely accused by the state athletic commission of taking steroids in 2007 — just wasn’t meant to be.

“The Muscle Shark” has been forced out of an upcoming 155-pound tilt opposite Gleison Tibau at UFC 104: “Machida vs. Shogun,” opening up the door for the always-game Josh Neer to take his place inside the Octagon at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 24.

Sherdog.com reports that Sherk sustained a shoulder injury in training that will keep him out of action four at least four weeks, which would seriously cut in to his preparation for the Brazilian.

It’s a good thing “The Dentist” makes house calls.

Neer is coming off a frustrating unanimous decision loss to Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 101 on Aug. 8, during which he was stifled by the wrestling and ground skills of “Batman” for most of the 15-minute scrap. It was no doubt a tough pill to swallow for the Des Moines, Iowa, native because he has yet to string together consecutive wins since returning to the promotion in early 2008.

Neer was looking to build off a "Fight of the Night" winning performance over Mac Danzig at UFC Fight Night 17 earlier this year, which prompted the UFC to award him with a contract extension. It was his second bonus in as many fights — he dropped a different "Fight of the Night" in a three-round war against Nate Diaz before the win over Danzig.

His ability to electrify the crowd with his aggressiveness is among the best in the division; however, he may have a difficult time sparking fireworks against another talented Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist.

Tibau is also coming off a decision loss (split) after Melvin Guillard took him the distance at the TUF 9 Finale less than a month ago. It snapped a two-fight win streak for the Brazilian, who's been up and down since his debut against Nick Diaz at UFC 65 way back in November 2006.

The streaking American Top Team (ATT) product followed the Diaz loss by winning his next three fights inside the Octagon before dropping consecutive bouts to perennial division threats Tyson Griffin and Joe Stevenson.

UFC 104 features the first title defense for undefeated light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida against fellow Brazilian Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the main event of the evening. In addition, rising talent Cain Velasquez and veteran Ben Rothwell will "wage war" in a super-sized heavyweight showdown.

To check out the latest UFC 104: "Machida vs. Shogun" fight card and rumors click here.

‘Cowboy’ up: Donald Cerrone talks Ben Henderson, TapouT House, and of course, Jamie Varner

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 07:01 PM PDT

Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone has a few choice words for another World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) lightweight … and it isn't his upcoming opponent, Ben Henderson, who he fights for the WEC interim lightweight strap five weeks from now.

As the featured guest on MMAmania.com's exclusive presentation of Pro MMA Radio, "Cowboy" spent most of his time talking about the only fighter he's ever lost to — and the man holding the "other" WEC lightweight belt — Jamie Varner.

It's not just because of the controversial ending to their fight back at WEC 38. Nor is it because of the series of barbs the two fighters have traded back and forth since before — and after — the fight took place in January.

The most recent trash-talk stems from a close encounter the two had backstage at UFC 101, when they were left alone in a room together … well, along with Cerrone's right-hand-man, Leonard "Bad Boy" Garcia.

"(Varner) was like a deer in headlights," Cerrone recalled of the encounter, "Just scared shitting his pants. Leonard told him that he ain't going to jump in. It was just me and Varner … I was like, 'What's up, bitch?'"

But he didn't stop there. As Garcia, who also appeared on the show with host Larry Pepe, explained further: "('Cowboy') called him a pussy, a bitch, and then he almost spit in his face. But Varner just kept picking up his hands, saying, 'I got something for ya,' and 'Cowboy' was like, 'Well come show me, bitch.'

"I just stepped back, man," Garcia continued, "I wasn't trying to get in there or nothing. I told him, I was like, 'Shit, this is between ya'll, ya'll go ahead.' But he didn't do a fucking thing."

Seconds later, Garcia laughingly added, "Truth of the matter is, I woulda jumped that fool."

Despite Cerrone's dislike of Varner, he concedes that "The Worm" is a quality competitor. "As far as like the mixed martial arts part of the world, I think Varner's a hell of a fighter. He's got a lot of talent, a lot of potential, and I got nothing bad to say about that. It's just when he runs his mouth on the outside of that, that makes me mad."

Some might consider this a distraction from the task at hand: Ben Henderson, a formidable opponent in his own right who's riding an eight-fight win streak.

Even in Cerrone's own words, he's calling his impending fight with Henderson "a good tune-up fight for bitch-ass Varner" because he can work on his sprawl-and-brawl techniques for both opponents so he can keep the fights standing as much as possible … that is, assuming he makes it past Henderson first.

"Cerrone vs. Henderson" was originally booked for the Covelli Center in Youngstown, Ohio, on Sept. 2, and in many ways the first incarnation of this interim lightweight title bout showed a little more promise. The first major MMA event in Youngstown was expected to highlight four former world champion fighters — Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, Frank Mir, Jens "Little Evil" Pulver and Urijah "The California Kid" Faber — to help promote the WEC's first foray into the "Buckeye State."

But with Henderson reportedly suffering a "minor injury" just two weeks out, the event was ultimately postponed to Oct. 10, and venue changed to the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The move surprised "Cowboy"; however, he doesn't think it will affect him negatively, other than missing out on the payday, citing how it now puts him in "non-stop great shape" … right after a quick stop for some much-deserved grub.

"The first thing I did (after finding out about the fight being postponed) was me and Leonard went to the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet." Then it was right back to the gym for this Greg Jackson-trained fighter.

The few things that "Cowboy" did say about "Smooth" was that he wasn't concerned if the fight goes to the ground, and in fact might try to take it to the mat himself. He says he isn't too concerned about Henderson's jiu-jitsu, which he concedes is good, but that his opponent's wrestling is "sloppy."

In the meantime, Cerrone and Garcia both have their hands full with a new project they've put together currently being called the "TapouT House."

"We bought a brand new ranch in Edgewood," Cerrone explained. "It's about a 20-minute drive out from the gym. We bought a 10-acre ranch … We're opening our house to let fighters come in and train with us. See what it's like to train at a real camp, and see what it's like to train next to world champions, like Rashad (Evans), Keith (Jardine), Nate (Marquardt), Georges (St. Pierre) and Leonard and myself."

Cerrone and Garcia first got the idea when considering the dorms that are rented out to fighters training at Jackson Submission Fighting and wondered if there was a way to get a little help paying their own rent by renting out rooms in their own house. What started as a post on MySpace quickly turned into more than a thousand emails from prospective fighters, sharing their personal stories in an effort to secure a spot in the house.

And business is booming.

They currently have their first group of young fighters — six guys from Michigan, Minnesota, Texas and other states — who are finishing up their last week, but the house is booked through January 2010.

"The guys all want to learn," says Cerrone. "They get to sit back and say, 'What do you do on a day-to-day basis? What do you do the week before a fight, a month before a fight? What do you eat?' They all have their journals and take notes … We just bought a school bus yesterday, Leonard and I. We're putting a flat screen TV and an Xbox in right now as we speak … TapouT's going to wrap it for us. That's the plan anyways."

They plan eventually to post video blogs showing their exploits under such titles as "TapouT House, Week One" and "Week Two" etc. But it's not all fun and games.

"Our house is not The Ultimate Fighter," Cerrone says. "Leonard makes it real clear when they get in. It's not The Ultimate Fighter, you can't just go out and drink and come in and start breaking shit."

Cerrone says they are always looking for new up-and-coming fighters — guys who are "right on the cusp" — but they're not looking for fans to join the house.

If you're interested in training at Jackson Submission Fighting and want to attempt to secure a spot in the TapouT House, email Cerrone's manager at BrianHamper@gmail.com. The cost is $500 for one month, half of which goes to Jackson. The fee includes transportation from the house to the gym, but does not include food, for which you're on your own (Cerrone recommends bringing another $500 for food).

In this is too steep, think of it as an investment in your fighting future … one you'll never forget. Oh, and if it helps, you get a lot of good schwag from the boys at TapouT — "more than $500 worth of gear, easily," according to "Cowboy."

Check out the complete interview, as well as the entire Pro MMA Radio archive with host Larry Pepe, right here.

UFC 103: ‘Franklin vs Belfort’ extended video preview for Sept. 19

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 12:35 PM PDT

UFC Fight Night 19 weigh in event details and information for ‘Diaz vs Guillard’

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 12:32 PM PDT

The official weigh-in event for UFC Fight Night 19: “Diaz vs. Guillard” is set to take place at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

It is scheduledto air LIVE on UFC.com, as well as on several other online destinations, via streaming video. The first fighter is expected to tip the scale at 4 p.m. CT.

MMAmania.com will provide the most up-to-the-minute coverage of the UFC Fight Night 19 weigh-in, as well as provide a detailed recap of the festivities as soon as they conclude.

“Diaz vs. Guillard” will feature a main event between hungry lightweight up-and-comers and former TUF grads Nate Diaz and Melvin "The Young Assassin" Guillard.

In addition, Roger "El Matador" Huerta will throwdown for perhaps the last time inside the Octagon as he tries to leave on a high note against the stifling super-wrestler Gray "The Bully" Maynard.

Remember that UFC Fight Night 19 will serve as the lead-in for the upcoming tenth season of TUF, which features Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and a solid collection of 15 other heavyweight fighters competing in a tournament-style format to earn one "six-figure contract."

Here's the complete line up:

Main event:

155 lbs.: Nate Diaz (10-4) vs. Melvin "The Young Assassin" Guillard (22-7-2)

Main card:

155 lbs.: Roger "El Matador" Huerta (20-2-1) vs. Gray "The Bully" Maynard (7-0)
185 lbs.: Nate "The Rock" Quarry (11-3) vs. "Crazy" Tim Credeur (12-2)
170 lbs.: Carlos "Natural Born Killer" Condit (22-5) vs. Jake Ellenberger (21-4)

Under card:

185 lbs.: Steve "Robot" Cantwell (7-2) vs. Brian "All American" Stann (6-2)
170 lbs.: Chris "The Professor" Wilson (14-5) vs. Mike "Quicksand" Pyle (17-6-1)
185 lbs.: Dan Miller (11-2) vs. CB “The Doberman” Dollaway (8-2)
155 lbs.: Sam "Hands of Stone" Stout (14-5-1) vs. Phillipe Nover (5-2-1)
155 lbs.: Jeremy "Lil' Heathen" Stephens (15-5) vs. Justin Buchholz (8-3)
170 lbs.: Brock Larson (26-2) vs. Mike Pierce (9-1)
185 lbs.: Ryan Jensen (13-5) vs. Steve "The Hooligan" Steinbeiss (4-2)

For those in “The Sooner State" that week, remember that the weigh-ins are FREE to attend and open to the public. Doors to the weigh-in will open at 3:00 p.m. local time.

In addition, fans will be able to attend a Q&A session with a fighter to be named on that same day at about 2 p.m local time.

MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action on fight night (Wed., Sept. 16), which is slated to air at 8 p.m. ET on Spike TV from Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

Of course, the latest quick updates of the prelim bouts will begin to flow earlier than that right here at around 6:30 p.m. ET.

Remember to check out MMAmania.com for all the pre, during and post-fight UFC Fight Night 19 coverage you can handle!

UFC 106: Amir Sadollah vs Phil Baroni under consideration for Nov. 21

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 12:06 PM PDT

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 7 winner Amir Sadollah (1-1) is under consideration to welcome Phil Baroni (13-11) back into the Octagon in a welterweight clash planned for UFC 106 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 21.

Inside Fights was the first to float the possible 170-pound match up, and MMAmania.com has since been able to confirm that it is indeed under consideration. Bout agreements, however, have not been signed at this time.

Sadollah suffered a series of injury-related setbacks since a submission win over CB Dolloway at TUF 7 Finale. He was expected to follow up that performance against Nick Catone at UFC 91: "Lesnar vs. Couture" on November 15. However, just four days before fight night he had to withdraw because of a leg infection.

After more than a year on the sidelines, Sadollah finally got back into the cage at UFC 101 last month in his welterweight debut. Unfortunately his return was short lived after Johnny Hendricks put him down in the first round (with a little help from much-maligned referee Dan Miragliotta).

Now the likable and hard-working Sadollah will get a chance to erase those bad memories with a big win over potential opponent and master of self-promotion Phil Baroni.

“The New York Bad Ass” last appeared in St. Louis back in June of this year, dropping a unanimous decision to fellow MMA journeyman Joe “Diesel” Riggs. The loss marked his first defeat in four fights since rebounding from a three fight losing skid, as well as his first loss at 170 pounds.

The 33-year-old Pride FC, Elite XC and Strikeforce veteran recently agreed to return to where his career essentially began with the UFC, likely facilitated by his good relationship with company president, Dana White, and his colorful ability to promote fights.

Baroni competed eight times inside the Octagon between 2001 and 2005, compiling a lackluster record (3-5) during that span. He fought Evan Tanner and Matt Lindland twice (four total fights) and lost all of those middleweight matches. Baroni is perhaps best known for being upset by up-and-comer Pete Sell thanks to a guillotine choke that put the Long Island, N.Y., native to sleep.

How he performs against the up-and-coming Sadollah on November 21 will say a lot about his future in the UFC — and MMA overall.

UFC 106 will feature a main event heavyweight title bout between two absolute monsters as champion Brock Lesnar will look to defend his gold for the second time against his newest challenger, Shane Carwin. "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Tito Ortiz is also set to make his return to the Octagon against UFC Hall of Famer, Mark Coleman, after spending nearly a year and a half on the sidelines.

For more on the developing UFC fight card and rumors click here .

Octa-gone: ‘The best thing for Tim Sylvia right now is to be in the UFC’ (Video)

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 10:22 AM PDT

(Thanks to MMA4Real for the tip.)

Dan Henderson: ‘Anderson Silva is really trying not to fight me — it’s obvious’

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 10:05 AM PDT

Props: SI.com

Quoteworthy:

"I think I’m the one guy that poses enough dangers [to Silva] style-wise. If I were his manager, I’d be trying not to have him fight me as well. I know that Anderson Silva is really trying not to fight me. It’s obvious. I think (Marquardt’s) right in line for a title shot as well, but I feel I’ve earned that already … Silva is the only fight that interests me at 185. I said that before Nate’s fight … That’s a fight that more than likely will happen in the future, but I think right now, from the UFC’s standpoint, they shouldn’t be having me and Nate fight each other. They’re going to get stuck without any new opponents for Anderson Silva."

Former PRIDE champion and on-again, off-again UFC middleweight number one contender Dan Henderson vents his frustration over the muddy waters that surround the 185-pound title picture. "Hendo" thought his KO win over Michael Bisping at UFC 100 made him a lock for a rematch with "The Spider," however UFC President Dana White has been non-committal in securing that fight with Nate Maruqardt looming on the horizon — also a winner by knockout when he bested Demian Maia at UFC 102. Meanwhile Silva’s manager, Ed Soares, thinks Marquardt and Hendo should duke it out to face the Brazilian — who is currently enjoying some time off. What a tangled web this Spider weaves. Anyone care to make an argument for "The Great?" Or is "Dangerous" Dan going to be the man? Opinions please.

DREAM 11 poster for October 6 event

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 09:15 AM PDT

Everybody say DREAM!

Poster courtesy of DreamOfficial.com . For more on DREAM 11, including the latest fight card and event-related news, click here .

Randy Couture ‘leaning towards dropping down’ to 205

Posted: 02 Sep 2009 08:13 AM PDT

Props: Sherdog.com

Quoteworthy:

"I haven't really looked at the cards and the shows that they have. What's on the schedule, I don't know, but I'm especially leaning towards dropping down. I'm pushing in weight. It would be easy for me to make 205 and there's more interesting fights there right now. I don't know how realistic it is to think I'm going to be the guy in line to fight Lesnar after dropping the decision [last] Saturday night."

UFC hall-of-famer and five time champion Randy Couture contemplates a future at light heavyweight — a division he hasn’t dabbled in since Chuck Liddell knocked him out of it in February 2006. Since then, Captain America has gone 2-2 in the heavyweight division but after being put on his keister by Brock Lesnar and out-performed by Antonio Nogueira, Couture thinks it’s only "Natural" that he goes back down to light heavyweight for a slew of "interesting fights." How ’bout it Maniacs? Anyone at 205 you want to see go toe-to-toe with the living legend?
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

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

UFC Quick Quote: Ben Rothwell hasn’t done nothing … yet

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 08:32 PM PDT

"I embrace the challenge. They offered me the opportunity to be a co-main event against Cain, who's established himself in the UFC, and I was all for it. I feel like I've been paying my dues for a long time, and this is my time…. I've been doing this for ten years, and all along, it's always been about being in the UFC. In ten years, I really feel like I've had no accomplishments. It sounds like I've done some things, but to me, it's all been training to come here to the UFC. I know it's gonna be a great fight because I have a tough opponent like Cain, but I'm gonna show you what you all came to see."

– Former International Fight League (IFL) heavyweight standout “Big” Ben Rothwell talks today at the UFC 104: “Machida vs. Shogun” press conference about what it means to him to finally make it to the mixed martial arts big league. Rothwell is set to take on undefeated blue chip prospect, Cain Velaquez, in his Octagon debut at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 24. The importance of making a solid impression in a tough first fight is clearly not lost on the Miletich Fighting Systems (MFS) product, who has 36 professional fights in a career that dates back to 2001. He has just one loss in his last 15 fights, which was courtesy of an Andrei Arlovski knockout at Affliction: “Banned” in July 2008. He has competed just once since that time — a submission win (verbal) over Chris Guillen later that year. Now 10 months later he has to knock off the rust and take on one of the most relentless and well-conditioned athletes in the division. Can he handle the torrid pace that Velasquez will likely set or will it be just too much too soon?

Never say never: Tito Ortiz proved UFCs Dana White wrong (Video)

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 07:00 PM PDT

UFC 104: ‘Machida vs. Shogun’ a battle of fighting styles

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 02:05 PM PDT

As part of its media tour in Los Angeles, Calif., Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) held a press conference today for the UFC 104: "Machida vs. Shodun" event to be held at the Staples Center on Oct. 24.

The outdoor presser, which was open to fans, was held at the Nokia Plaza and featured the title fight headliners, UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida and top contender Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, as well as the co-headliners, heavyweights Cain Velasquez and Ben Rothwell.

As the year's second headlining UFC event that pits two Brazilians up against each other — and which features Mexican-American Cain Velasquez — UFC 104's bevy of Latin fighters was a fact not lost on the Los Angelenos in attendance.

However, if anyone is looking for good old-fashioned trash talking, you will not find it here.

In fact, Machida and Rua sat beside one another on the plane ride over from Brazil, although they didn't realize it until they boarded the plane. Having known one another for years, the champion described his relationship with the man who will be the first to challenge for his title as that of "old friends."

The question was posed if there is any rivalry between the two fighters, or even between the cities that they fight out of — Rio de Janeiro for Machida's Team Blackhouse, and Curitiba for Rua's Universidade da Luta — similar to the sports rivalries we often see in some American cities or between opposite coasts.

But the true rivalry that exists, and which we will all bear witness to on October 24, is that of fighting styles.

Machida is known for his elusive Shotokan karate style — so elusive in fact that he is one of the least-damaged fighters in mixed martial arts history, and has yet to lose a round or even be knocked down by an opponent in 15 fights … and he's fought a who's who of top fighters.

And if "The Dragon" is known for his elusiveness, "Shogun" is known for his aggression. The Muay Thai stylist has earned a very impressive 15 of his 18 victories by way of (T)KO.

It's a classic matchup that pits the aggressive striker against the pinpoint accurate counter-striker.
Rua says he plans to demonstrate to the world that his style is superb on October 24, as he attempts "to prove … Muay Thai can be efficient against (Machida's) style."

For his part, the champion doesn't plan on falling into that trap. As he told the fans in attendance, "I (will) try to push him to my style."

While the event is still eight weeks away — and falls after two upcoming September UFC events in Ultimate Fight Night 19 and UFC 103 — the media tour provided the UFC with the opportunity to reconnect with the Los Angeles market, which hasn't hosted a UFC event since UFC 60: "Hughes vs. Gracie" back in May 2006, although nearby Anaheim is a consistent destination for the promotion.

The big winners of the day were the UFC fans in attendance. Not only did they get to see four exciting fighters talk about their upcoming opponents, but they received complementary tickets to UFC 104 at the conclusion of the press conference. Not too shabby.

WEC 42: ‘Torres vs Bowles’ nets 2,082 in attendance for $175K live gate

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 11:46 AM PDT

WEC 42: "Torres vs. Bowles" which took place from "The Joint" at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, finished the night with 2,082 fans in attendance for an official live gate of $175,835, according to The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

Of the 2,082 tickets issued, 1,640 accounted for paid admission, while 442 passes went out as complimentary. 870 tickets remained unsold.

The event saw Miguel "Angel" Torres — widely considered the top 135-pound fighter on the planet — get dethroned by undefeated 29-year-old Brian Bowles. And he left no margin for controversy, pounding the East Chicago, Ind., native unconscious late in the first round.

In the co-main event of the night, bantamweights Joseph Benavidez and Dominick Cruz went at it for three full rounds with both men looking to earn number one contender status in the division. It was an all out war between two of the quickest and most exciting fighters on the WEC roster that saw Cruz take the unanimous decision victory.

For a complete recap of WEC 42: "Torres vs. Bowles" click here .

Frank Mir slams Joe Rogan’s pro-Nog UFC 102 commentating, tells Fedor to quit and go home

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 09:14 AM PDT

Props: RawVegas.tv

10,000 Maine-iacs: Vacationland legalizes mixed martial arts, projects 2010 event

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 08:35 AM PDT

Maine, current and former home to fighters like Tim Sylvia, Marcus Davis and Mike Thomas Brown, recently became the latest state to sanction the sport of mixed martial arts, according to The Bangor Daily News .

A measure passed by the House and Senate will establish the ‘Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine’ to regulate and promote mixed martial arts competitions, exhibitions and events with five governor-appointed members assigned to the authority.

Events can begin after March 1, 2010, which is the date given to the authority to have all the governing rules in place.

From Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth:

"It's nice to have an industry sector come and they didn't want tax incentives, they didn't want money, they didn't tell us about the bad challenges we have. They said, 'Please regulate us, and we will come.'"

The final bill was approved by Gov. John Baldacci, who held a ceremony in his office on August 31 to praise the new legislation.

"When I first learned of the legislation, I was a little skeptical. I have not followed mixed martial arts as it developed into one of the most popular and fast-growing sports, but I have begun to watch it and appreciate it more for the training that people go through. From the perspective of the state the most important part of the new law is to guarantee we have the rules and oversight to protect participants and fans.”

Not only does the new legislation give promoters an additional avenue for events, it could also help put pressure on the squatters over in New York who keep pushing the MMA regulation bill to the bottom of the pile, especially if New Yorkers make a mass exodus to spend their money in other states like Pennsylvania — who held a major pay-per-view event at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center back on August 8.

Don't cry for me Assemblyman Reilly.

Crushed Ice: Chuck Liddell won’t melt under the heat of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS)

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 08:07 AM PDT

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell, as expected, is getting some good-natured ribbing from his friends and fans alike after securing a spot on the upcoming season of the hit ABC television show "Dancing with the Stars."

"The Iceman" will compete against 15 other celebrity and notable non-dancers such as former Cowboy great Michael Irvin, snowboarder Louis Vito and celluloid butt-kicker Mark Dacascos.

Liddell hasn't fought since a technical knockout loss to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 97: "Redemption" from the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, back in April. It marked the fourth loss in his last five fights.

Company president Dana White has pressed his good friend and big time money-making machine to hang up the gloves, saying he has made a ton of cash and has nothing left to prove. Liddell — who will be 40 years old by the time April 2010 rolls around — is still on the fence about a possible return.

But the icy one is certainly keeping busy while he decides.

From Liddell (courtesy of TVGuide.com ):

"I thought it would be a good experience and a good chance for people to see what fighters are like outside the ring. All my friends think it’s funny. But they better freakin’ watch! I could wear the manliest outfit or the most flamboyant outfit on there and they’ll still make fun of me. I’m not worried about the costumes. I’m going to laugh at them myself. I’m trying to have fun with it. I am going to try to win, but I don’t want to make it a job. I’m going to go out and have fun."

The show pairs a number of celebrities with professional dancers as they compete in front of a panel of judges. Viewers cast their votes for their favorite performances via phone or Internet. The couple with the lowest combined score (judges plus viewers) is eliminated until only one couple remains.

Liddell's popularity as a fighter has made his future role as an ambassador for the sport practically a no-brainer. And if Mr. Mohawk avoids getting bounced out of the competition in the first or second show — and manages to look good while doing it — it could generate some additional mainstream interest.

The question now is, can he dance? One "step" at a time according to Chuck:

"I have quick feet, but it’s just about doing everything at the right time. It’s harder than it looks. It’s all different to me. With each day, it seems like I’m getting better, so we’re just slowly working toward getting better. I did a country-swing class, like a two-stepping swing class, a couple times in college. I like to go dance. Do I think I’m a good dancer? Not really. I have fun dancing. It’s something I like to do, but I’ve never been a great dancer. We’re trying to do a little everything while we have time. We’ll probably try to work some [mixed martial arts] moves in there."

"Dancing with the Stars" premieres on Sept. 23 on ABC. To check out the complete interview with Liddell, head over to TVGuide.com by clicking here .

WEC tickets at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, for ‘Cerrone vs. Henderson’ on Oct. 10 on sale soon

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 07:59 AM PDT

Tickets for the upcoming World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) show at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on Oct. 10, are scheduled to go on sale to the general public on Friday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. CT.

WEC Newsletter subscribers can pick up their presale tickets a day early, starting Thursday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. CT. To take advantage of presale tickets, users must register for the WEC newsletter through WEC.tv.

"Cerrone vs. Henderson" was originally booked for the Covelli Center in Youngstown, Ohio, on Sept. 2. Four former world champion fighters (Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, Frank Mir, Jens "Little Evil" Pulver, and Urijah "The California Kid" Faber) were expected to be on hand for the festivities during fight week to promote the promotion's first-ever trip to the "Buckeye State."

However, all that fell through because of what the promotion referred to as a "minor injury" to main event fighter, Ben "Smooth" Henderson, less than two weeks out from the original fight night.

With Henderson and Greg Jackson pupil Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone set to square off for the WEC interim lightweight title (current champion Jamie Varner is on the sidelines with a hand injury), the promotion certainly didn't want to scrap the fight all together, opting instead to postpone the event until Oct. 10.

Perhaps there were problems re-booking the Covelli Center, or maybe there was another reason, but either way, the show has been relocated to San Antonio.

In addition to the showdown between Cerrone and Henderson, former lightweight number one contender Rich "Cleat" Crunkilton — who will make his first appearance in the WEC cage in more than a year and a half because of various injuries — will take on undefeated Midwest prospect Dave Jansen.

WEC 43 tickets can also be purchased through StubHub.com (Note: StubHub often has seats available even if the event is "sold out"). The WEC 43 main card will air live on Versus at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT on fight night.

For more on WEC 43 and the "Cerrone vs. Henderson" fight card click here .

WEC and Versus dropped from DirecTV

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 07:09 AM PDT

World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) events will no longer be broadcast on DirecTV after the Satellite television provider dropped the Versus channel from its current line-up.

DirectTV carried the sports programming network up until midnight of August 31, when its current contract expired. Versus is owned by Cable television conglomerate Comcast and demanded a fee increase under a proposal for a new agreement.

While both sides claim to still be in contract negotiations, DirecTV balked at the fee increase, citing a hike in fees that were not consistent with the return for carrying the channel.

From DirectTV:

Our contract with Comcast expired August 31 and we were unable to reach agreement on a renewal. Comcast was not only demanding renewal terms that did not reflect market value for the channel but also demanding carriage terms that were discriminatory. Comcast forced us to drop Versus unless we agreed to their unreasonable terms.

I guess in this contract dispute DirectTV is M-1 Global and Comcast is UFC?

As usual, fans suffer as the two sides argue over whose wallet is bigger. Versus official website encourages fans to contact DirecTV. Or you could contact a friend who has cable TV on October 10 so you don’t miss WEC 43.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for any developments on the broadcast negotiations.

Coming soon: ‘Grappling Kings’ documentary on submission fighting (Video)

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 06:15 AM PDT
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

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

UFC 104 press conference today at Nokia Plaza in Los Angeles to promote ‘Machida vs Shogun’

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 04:23 AM PDT

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will today hold a press conference at Nokia Plaza in Los Angeles, Calif., at noon local time to promote the upcoming “Machida vs. Shogun” pay-per-view (PPV) event on Oct. 24.

Company president Dana White — who is also reportedly in town to discuss a potential television deal with a mystery network — will be joined by UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida and the man who he will defend his title against at the Staples Center on fight night, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

Today’s press conference is free to attend and open to the public. Fans are encouraged to swing through if they are in the area.

UFC 104 will feature an 11-fight line up. It’s the promotion’s first trip back to the "The Golden State" in more than two years.

In addition to the all-Brazilian main event, rising talent Cain Velasquez and veteran Ben Rothwell will "wage war" in a super-sized heavyweight showdown. And former light heavyweight champion Sean Sherk will also return to action opposite Gleison Tibau in a rock-solid 155-pound showdown.

To check out the latest UFC 104: “Machida vs. Shogun” fight card and rumors click here.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of UFC 104, beginning with the pay-per-view (PPV) telecast at 10 p.m. ET. In addition, we will deliver up-to-the-minute quick results of all the under card action on fight night.

We will also pass along any and all noteworthy tidbits from the press conference today as soon as possible.

UFC 106: Shane Carwin fight against Brock Lesnar won’t last five rounds (Video)

Posted: 01 Sep 2009 04:12 AM PDT

UFC 102 after party pics for ‘Couture vs Nogueira’ in Portland

Posted: 31 Aug 2009 06:48 PM PDT

Props: CombatLifestyle.com (Click the link to view the complete gallery)

Tyron Woodley vs Zach Light fight announced for Strikeforce Challengers Sept. 25

Posted: 31 Aug 2009 06:43 PM PDT

NEW YORK (August 31, 2009) — Budding superstar and two-time All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri, Tyron “T-Wood” Woodley (5-0) of St. Louis, will face his sternest test to date when he meets former Tito Ortiz protégé, Zach “The Lisbon Outlaw” Light (4-8) of Huntington Beach, Calif., in a welterweight (170 pounds) fight at the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Friday, Sept. 25.

The three-round, five-minute mixed martial arts (MMA) encounter at SpiritBank Event Center will be one of the five fights televised live on SHOWTIME.

It will be the second STRIKEFORCE start for Woodley, the 11th of 13 children raised mostly by a single mother. In an impressive debut, he registered a first round (4:20) submission (Brabo choke) of Sal Woods during the non-televised portion of the “Lawler vs. Shields” event at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri on June 6, 2009.

A popular up-and-comer, the 5-foot-9, 27-year-old Woodley has been victorious by submission in all of his outings since turning pro on February 27, 2009. His initial two starts lasted a combined 1:57 and he has yet to hear the bell for the second round.

“I’m really excited to be fighting in the Challengers series on SHOWTIME,” he said. “Any time a major organization like STRIKEFORCE calls, you’ve got to seize the opportunity. I’m trying to break down doors.”

Before turning to MMA, the talented Woodley was Missouri’s first conference wrestling champion. He went 48-0 and won a state championship during his senior year at McCluer High in St. Louis.

So, this is a young man accustomed to winning. But he had to overcome a lot, and his teenage years were definitely a struggle after his father left the family behind when “T-Wood” was 10.

“My mom deserves credit,” said Woodley, who not only persevered but also reconciled with his Dad. “I learned a lot. Having that many people in the house with limited resources made me a better person.”

While still relatively unknown outside St. Louis, the highly regarded newcomer remains one to watch. “I continue to work hard on whatever it takes that I can incorporate into my wrestling style that will make me better,” said Woodley, who credits the birth of his son, Tyron Jr., as a turning point in his life. “I just want to improve. My goal is to look completely different every fight.

“I’m an experienced wrestler, but a baby in MMA. The most important thing is to be able to go out and compete without hesitation. If I do that, I’ll win. In MMA, I get into that zone. I’m able to block things out. Hopefully, that will become routine for me. There’s a lot more at stake every fight.

“But sometimes it doesn’t matter who’s the best; it’s who wants it the most. Good people lose all the time. To go out there and take by force what’s yours is not something you get to do in every sport.”

Light was born and raised in Lisbon, Iowa. On the comeback trail, the 5-foot-8, 35-year-old also possesses a strong wrestling pedigree and has trained with one of the biggest names in the sport.

“I moved to California with nothing but a duffle bag and ended up meeting Tito,” said Light, who hopes to shine brightly in his first appearance before a paying audience since November 11, 2008. “After getting to know me, he offered me a spot on Team Punishment.”

In the main event on September 25, American military hero Tim Kennedy (10-2) of Fayetteville, North Carolina will face unbeaten Zak Cummings (10-0) of Springfield, Missouri in a middleweight (185 pounds) scrap.

In a second SHOWTIME fight, K-1 legend and six-time world kickboxing champion, Ray “Sugarfoot” Sefo (1-0) of Las Vegas takes on Alabama-born Kevin “The Shaman” Jordan (11-7) in a heavyweight match.

Amongst the Oklahomans scheduled to appear on the card are Tulsa rivals Travis “The Dark Knight” Calanoc (4-0) and Thomas Longacre (4-0), who will put their unbeaten records on the line against each.

The live SHOWTIME telecast, which will include up to five bouts, will begin at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira: Fighting Brock Lesnar would be ‘awesome’

Posted: 31 Aug 2009 05:17 PM PDT

Props: MMAWeekly

Quoteworthy:

“I like big fights like that. It would be my pleasure, but if they gave me a title shot, it would be awesome. I have more experience than (Lesnar). That’s a big advantage I have. A lot of jiu-jitsu and good standing up, make him tired man, move around, move around. When I get his timing, hit him with a good right hand and box him, box him and get him tired. I’ve been in there a long time. I can see what’s going on. If he goes on the top into my guard, I can play with him. Let’s see, let’s see what is going to happen.”

UFC heavyweight contender Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira breaks down a possible future bout against current champion Brock Lesnar. “Minotauro” reinserted himself into the title picture with a thrilling three round victory over Randy Couture at UFC 102 on August 29 in Portland. That victory helped erase the memories of a “half-dead” Nogueira getting trounced by a suddenly pugilistic Frank Mir back at UFC 92. Does a reborn Big Nog still have the ability to finish off the major players in his division? Or will bruising behemoths like Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar turn him into Brazilian confetti?

UFC ‘Countdown to 103′ debuts on Spike TV September 14

Posted: 31 Aug 2009 04:56 PM PDT

Countdown to UFC 103 will debut Monday, September 14 at 6 p.m. ET on Spike TV to promote the upcoming pay-per-view (PPV) event scheduled for the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, September 19.

The hour-long special presentation will provide a glimpse into the preparation and training camps of the fighters set to headline the show, including main event participants and former champions Rich Franklin and Vitor Belfort.

Also slated for the main card is a heavyweight tilt between former PRIDE superstar Mirko Filipovic and surging heavyweight prospect Junior Dos Santos, as well as a welterweight number one contender bout between Martin Kampmann and Mike Swick.

For those who miss the “Countdown to UFC 103″ premier it will re-air on Thursday, September 17 at 1 a.m. ET and then again on Saturday, September 19 at 8 p.m. ET.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action on fight night (Saturday, September 19), which is slated to air at 10 p.m. ET on PPV from the American Airlines Center.

To check out the complete UFC 103 fight card click here.

WEC 44 fight card under construction for Nov. 11 event

Posted: 31 Aug 2009 03:45 PM PDT

Even with WEC 43 being postponed until October 11, the promotion has still been busy putting matches together for WEC 44, which has yet to be formally announced but is tentatively scheduled for November 11 at a yet to be determined venue.

Over the past week, three fights have all but been confirmed for the event. Diego “The Gun” Nunes will mix it up with International Fight League and Affliction veteran L.C. Davis. Former 155 pound champion “Razor” Rob McCullough will clash with undefeated Wisconsin resident Anthony “Showtime” Pettis and featherweights Cub Swanson and John Franchi will do battle as well.

Nunes is a fast rising undefeated contender in the WEC 145 pound class. He’ll be making his third appearance for the promotion after previously winning unanimous decisions over Cole Province and Rafael Dias, respectively.

Davis, meanwhile, eked out a split decision win over Javier Vazquez in his debut for the organization earlier this month at WEC 42. One of his only two career losses came at the hands of current WEC featherweight contender Wagnney Fabiano back in late 2007.

“Showtime” was slated to face “The Ultimate Fighter” alum Alex Karalexis on the WEC 43 card on September 2, but this news pretty much confirms that that contest won’t be forwarded to San Antonio on October 10.

Pettis will be making his second start in the WEC cage and his eighth overall as a professional. He submitted Mike Campbell with a guillotine choke in the first round back in June on the WEC 41 card.

“Razor” Rob, on the other hand, hasn’t been seen in the cage since coming out on the winning end of a split judge’s decision against Marcus Hicks at WEC 39 back in March. Before that, the former champ had dropped two of three for the promotion, losing to current champ Jamie Varner and number one contender Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.

Swanson and Franchi are both coming off tough losses in their last outings, both on the WEC 41 card. Cub was dropped in the first eight seconds from a flying knee by Jose Aldo and Franchi was outpointed by UFC veteran Manny “The Pitbull” Gamburyan.

A featherweight title bout between Mike Thomas Brown and Jose Aldo has also been rumored as the headliner for WEC 44.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more information on this developing fight card.

Brett Rogers: Fedor ‘hasn’t felt the power that he’s about to get’

Posted: 31 Aug 2009 10:17 AM PDT

Props: SportsRadioInterviews.com

Quoteworthy:

"Life is kinda moving along pretty fast now, especially after this (Andre) Arlovski fight. I feel this is well deserved, I mean, everything that happened, happened for a reason, and I was the one to complete it. I feel that I'm a different fighter for Fedor; he hasn't felt the power that he's about to get. He's talented, but the same things he's skilled in, I'm skilled in. It's just we’re gonna see who's more hungry."

Undefeated heavyweight wrecking machine Brett Rogers anticipates giving former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko more power than he can handle when the two clash this Fall for the Strikeforce promotion on Showtime. "Da Grim" has taken a serious step up in competition after knocking out Andrei Arlovski at the "Lawler vs. Shields" event back in June. Is he ready to dethrone "The Last Emperor?" Or will Emelianenko drop the iron curtain on the aspiring heavyweight? Time will tell…

UFC Quick Quote: Opportunity is knocking for Jake Rosholt

Posted: 31 Aug 2009 08:33 AM PDT

"Leben hasn't spent much time on the ground with somebody who's really tried to pass his guard and advance positions. I knew sooner or later that was going to come out of him, he was going to get frustrated. He's tough. He's got a good chin and he doesn't tap. I knew that I was basically going have to put him out. I want to become the best fighter I can become down the road. If I'm able to go out there, stand-up and frustrate people and really use my boxing and striking to set up those takedowns, they're going to come easier. It's going to wear those people down and give me more opportunities when I do get it to the ground."

Up-and-coming middleweight Jake Rosholt reflects on his UFC 102 win over former TUF bad boy Chris Leben at UFC 102 on August 29 in Portland. The decorated collegiate wrestler tells Cagewriter that his ability to frustrate his opponents will be the key to his success going forward as it was against "The Crippler." Does Rosholt have the goods to become a serious threat to the top 185-pounders? Or is he boarding a sinking ship on the seas of Belfort, Marquardt and Silva? Opinions please…

Todd Duffee ‘coming into his own’ after record-setting knockout (Video)

Posted: 31 Aug 2009 07:57 AM PDT
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