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- Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson talks about turning his life around (Video)
- Youth in revolt: Rory MacDonald UFC Fight Night 20 interview exclusive with MMAmania
- WEC 46 weigh in photos gallery for 'Varner vs Henderson'
- Randy Couture: Brock Lesnar training, return in spring possible (Video)
- MFC 24: Yves Edwards vs Per Eklund booked for Feb. 26 with Hermes Franca retired
- UFC Fight Night 21: Sean Sherk vs Clay Guida possible for March 21
- WEC 46 weigh in results LIVE from Sacramento for 'Varner vs Henderson'
- Bobby Lashley vs Yohan Banks possible for Strikeforce: 'Miami'
- UFC 111: Jim Miller vs Mark Bocek on tap for March 27
- New UFC 109 poster for 'Relentless' on Feb. 6
- UFC Quick Quote: Efrain Escudero just needs to keep winning
- Hermes Franca retires after Jan. 8 loss to Eric Wisely
- John Salter replaces Mike Massenzio against Gerald Harris at UFC Fight Night 20
- Michael Bisping UFC 110 video blog (Week 1)
| Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson talks about turning his life around (Video) Posted: 09 Jan 2010 09:50 PM PST And he takes full responsibility for his actions: |
| Youth in revolt: Rory MacDonald UFC Fight Night 20 interview exclusive with MMAmania Posted: 09 Jan 2010 09:49 PM PST Most 20-year-old mixed martial artists don’t belong in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Whether it be because of a lack in overall skill, or just immaturity, the Octagon is normally too advanced for a person of that age. However, every rule has an exception, and, in this case, Rory MacDonald is it. MacDonald’s professional career began in 2005 when he was just 16 years young. The Canadian followed his debut victory with eight consecutive "W’s" all by knockout or submission. Six of those wins came in the "King of the Cage" (KOTC) promotion in Canada, where the "Water Boy" finished four fights by knockout and two via submission. The Toshido Fighting Arts Academy member also held the lightweight belt before making the move to welterweight. However, MacDonald’s biggest test is obviously yet to come, as he leaves the smaller venues for the "big show" … the UFC. MacDonald is set to meet fellow KOTC-veteran and newcomer to the UFC Mike Guymon this Monday night, Jan. 11, at UFC Fight Night 20. The bout is a test for each fighter to see who really has what it takes to be a fighter in the UFC. However, it is an even bigger test for the 20-year old MacDonald, who is more than a decade younger than his opponent. Yet the age factor and relative inexperience does not phase MacDonald. Come Monday night, the fans and UFC executives will get to see exactly what they are dealing with when it comes to one of the division’s top prospects. And MacDonald is confident that he will deliver just as he has his entire career. MMAmania.com woke MacDonald up from his Saturday nap to discuss his upcoming fight with Mike Guymon, his leap to the biggest promotion in mixed martial arts, and much, much more. Check it out: Nate Lawson (MMAmania.com): You are set to make your UFC debut against Mike Guymon at UFN 20. What do you know about your opponent and what have you done specifically to prepare for this kind of fighter? Rory MacDonald: I know he’s a strong guy. He’s older. He’s like 35. He’s like 15 years older than me. So he’s gonna be a big strong guy. Besides that, I don’t think technically he is going to be too much of a surprise for me. How I prepared for him is pretty much how I prepare for every other fight. Just train. Nate Lawson (MMAmania.com): This fight marks your UFC debut after a successful career in King of the Cage. Could you describe your feelings entering your UFC debut? Are you nervous? Anxious? Rory MacDonald: No, it’s just like any other fight. It’s just a big event. I’m definitely looking forward to it, though. Nate Lawson (MMAmania.com): You are only 20 years old right now and you have already accomplished a lot in your career. What is it like to enter the UFC at such a young age? Rory MacDonald: I have a little bit of a story behind me coming in as a young guy, but no pressure really. It’s just kind of a cool, little thing, I guess, for people to talk about. Nate Lawson (MMAmania.com): What’s it like getting a shot in the biggest promotion so early in your career, when some people have to wait until their late-20’s or early 30’s to get that opportunity? Rory MacDonald: It’s awesome, I guess. I’ve worked really hard for it, though, since I started to train. And I knew I could achieve it. Ever since I started fighting, I knew it was a goal I could achieve. So every fight since then has been a stepping stone closer to the UFC. I just kind of knew that I’d be in here at an early age. Nate Lawson (MMAmania.com): Well you were completely dominant in KOTC, taking out everyone that they put in front of you. What is the adjustment going to be like for the UFC and the step up in competition? Rory MacDonald: No real adjustment. I’m just still training hard and, you know. I don’t know. It’s just no real adjustment. Nothing changes. It’s still a fight. It’s still MMA. I was actually going to fight Mike at "Cage" last year, but it didn’t work out. So I’m just prepared, just like any other fight. Nate Lawson (MMAmania.com): How do you see this fight playing out? How do you see this fight against Guymon going? Rory MacDonald: I think I’m going to knock him out. I think my striking all around is going to be too much for him to handle. Nate Lawson (MMAmania.com): You find yourself in a division headed by champion Georges St. Pierre. How long until you see yourself falling into the middle of the pack, if not the upper echelon, at welterweight? Rory MacDonald: Um, yeah, I’m really young, so it’s probably still a few years away. The division itself is definitely stacked. A lot of danger. So it’s going to be an experience, being able to fight the best in the world. They’re all basically in the UFC at welterweight, so it’s a pretty cool experience. As far as me getting to the top level of the division, I don’t see myself getting into the mix until a few years, but it’s pretty much how it goes. If I’m winning, it’s pretty much up to the UFC. If I get a title shot I’m obviously gonna take it. Nate Lawson (MMAmania.com): A lot of people are saying that the current top contender Dan Hardy is undeserving of his title shot against Georges St. Pierre. What are your thoughts on that situation? Rory MacDonald: Well, Georges has pretty much wiped through the division, so they do need someone to fight him. It’s either him or nobody. He’s sort of done the best as far as anyone in the division, so either he fights him or nobody fights him. Nate Lawson (MMAmania.com): Well you are fighting this Monday night. Where do you see yourself after this fight with a win? Rory MacDonald: If I win, I want to fight in Vancouver. That’s close to my hometown and, yeah, I’d love to fight there. Rory MacDonald would like to thank all of his sponsors and his fight team at Toshido Fighting Arts Academy. |
| WEC 46 weigh in photos gallery for 'Varner vs Henderson' Posted: 09 Jan 2010 09:30 PM PST Props: CombatLifestyle.com (Click the link to check out the complete gallery) Is everyone sleeping on this main event or what? For complete WEC 46: "Varner vs. Henderson weigh in results click here. |
| Randy Couture: Brock Lesnar training, return in spring possible (Video) Posted: 09 Jan 2010 09:13 PM PST "The Natural" apparently heard it straight from the horse's mouth: |
| MFC 24: Yves Edwards vs Per Eklund booked for Feb. 26 with Hermes Franca retired Posted: 09 Jan 2010 09:11 PM PST Few lightweight mixed martial artists have been where Yves Edwards (36-15-1) has been and are still strapping on four-ounce gloves. Edwards has fought champions, and been written-off as washed up. He's fought around the world and in most major MMA promotions since 1997. And, now Edwards will ride a two-fight win streak into Maximum Fighting Championship at River Cree Casino February 26. Edwards TKO'd Kyle Jensen in October and tapped James Warfield in a triangle choke in September, both intense performances for the veteran who has recommitted himself at American Top Team to returning to the top of the lightweight division. "You know, I think it’s all mental. You hear coming up that so much of this sport is mental and you don’t really understand it until you’ve been around for awhile," Edwards explained Friday. "Now, I’ve been around for awhile and I’ve seen a lot of guys not perform the way they’re capable of. But, I know where I need to be and I’m just ready to fight." But, MFC CEO Mark Pavelich said Friday, "It's a one-off." He was referring to Edwards's new one-fight contract with MFC. "Let's see where Yves is at." That's a challenge to Edwards to show Canadian MMA fans and the world that he's still one of the world's most dynamic, intimidating fighters at 155-pounds. "I’m down to be around [in the MFC]," Edwards said. "Guys I’m friends with – Pete Spratt, Luigi Fioravanti – they’ve told me they’ve been treated real well by MFC. I’ve seen the shows and it’s a great production. This is a one-fight contract, but I want to show what I can do and sign a multi-fight deal." Before Edwards's two wins over Jensen and Warfield, Edwards had dropped two to Duane Ludwig and KJ Noons, and before that had won three consecutive. Streaks of wins and losses have defined Edwards's career since he went 7-0 from 2003 through 2005. That streak included a highlight reel flying head kick knockout of Josh Thomson and two split decision victories over fellow MFC lightweight Hermes Franca. At the River Cree Casino February 26, Edwards will fight Sweden’s Per Eklund (15-4-1), also debuting in MFC. "He’s good off his back, he’s a good kickboxer," Edwards said of his opponent. "He’s not a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. He’s good at everything." But, Edwards added, "My advantage is being able to make adjustments in fights to take advantage of weaknesses." Both lightweights have the full MMA skill set making for an unpredictable, exciting matchup. They share just one common opponent. Edwards lost a unanimous decision to Tatsuya Kawajiri in 2003 while Eklund was TKO’d by Kawajiri in 2006. Edwards will be the favorite going into the fight, but Eklund is eminently capable of an upset if Edwards takes him lightly. While gunning to extend his winning streak to three with a win over Eklund, Edwards said he has no interest in making it three wins over Hermes Franca during his MFC career. "Yeah, they were close fights, good fights, but I’ve beat [Franca] twice. There’s really no reason for me to fight him again unless it’s for a title," said Edwards. And, Edwards expects to ride his current win streak right into an MFC lightweight title, through Eklund in February, Franca in the future if necessary, and any fighter MFC pits him against. |
| UFC Fight Night 21: Sean Sherk vs Clay Guida possible for March 21 Posted: 09 Jan 2010 05:22 PM PST Just weeks after winning "Fight of the Year" at the 2009 World MMA Awards, Clay Guida has been matched up in a fight that could very well be one of the best of 2010. "The Carpenter," who has become one of the UFC's more popular fighters because of his relentless attack and never say die attitude, will likely take on Sean "The Muscle Shark" Sherk at UFC Fight Night 21 in Denver, Colo., according to NWItimes.com. Sherk had to drop off UFC 108 on Jan. 2 after receiving a nasty gash across his forehead. "The Muscle Shark" last fought at UFC 98, getting dominated on the feet en route to unanimous decision defeat at the hands Frankie Edgar. Guida has made a name for himself with his high-energy performances ... and the fans love to see him fight. He is on a two-fight skid; however, he still manages to get a fight with the former lightweight champion. Guida will certainly look for a better outcome than his fights with Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez. UFC Fight Night 21 has yet to be officially announced, but this lightweight bout will likely be featured on the Versus telecast. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for breaking news and updates surrounding UFC Fight Night 21. |
| WEC 46 weigh in results LIVE from Sacramento for 'Varner vs Henderson' Posted: 09 Jan 2010 02:53 PM PST The official weigh-in event for WEC 46: "Varner vs. Henderson" has just wrapped up from the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, Calif. Things went smoothly as each of the twenty fighters set to compete tomorrow night (Jan. 10) hit their respective marks, including the two main event lightweight title unification bout participants Jamie "C-4" Varner and Ben "Smooth" Henderson. Check out the complete WEC 46 weigh in results below:
Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action on fight night (Sun., Jan. 10), which is slated to air at 9 p.m. ET on the Versus network. The latest quick updates of the live action will begin to flow earlier than that around 8 p.m. ET. It’s going to be an awesome night of fights so don’t miss it. And remember to check us out for all the pre, during and post-fight WEC 46 coverage you can handle. |
| Bobby Lashley vs Yohan Banks possible for Strikeforce: 'Miami' Posted: 09 Jan 2010 12:20 PM PST
The "Miami" bout has yet to be finalized and is currently awaiting commission approval. "The Dominator," who also moonlights as a "face" for TNA Wrestling, entered the world of cage fighting back in Dec. 2008 as a co-headliner for South Florida's Mixed Fighting Alliance (MFA). The 6'3" powerhouse needed just 41-seconds to extirpate Joshua Franklin via doctor's stoppage. Of course comparisons to fellow ex-WWE and amateur wrestler Brock Lesnar quickly followed, as the pasty-faced Goliath needed just four fights to win the UFC heavyweight championship from Randy Couture just a month prior to Lashley's MMA debut. Those comparisons were quickly eradicated courtesy of Jason Guida at "March Badness" earlier this year. Most expected the American Top Team-trained fighter in just his second professional fight to steamroll the floundering journeyman. It didn’t happen. Despite taking the unanimous decision victory, Lashley looked a bit green against the Ultimate Fighter washout and nearly succumbed to a guillotine choke in the third round of their pay-per-view contest. His inexperience was clearly evident. What was also evident was his desire to fight -- and improve. The Junction City, Kansas native took a fight against Mike Cook just two months later, submitting the Strikeforce veteran just 24-seconds into the first round at MFC 21: "Hard Knocks." His most recent fight came against K-1 attraction Bob Sapp in the main event of "Ultimate Chaos" back on June 27. "The Beast" was put down in the first round via technical knockout and along with the quick win over Mike Cook, helped return some of the optimism to Lashley's future as a viable heavyweight contender. Standing in his way is two-time Strikeforce "Young Guns" competitor Yohan Banks. "The Body Snatcher" hasn't seen the inside of a cage since knocking out Michael Diaz at "Young Guns 3" back in September 2008; however, Banks has been busy as a pugilistic fighting out of his Undisputed Boxing Gym in California and compiling a 2-3-3 record in the sweet science. Can this power puncher avoid the takedowns and ground and pound of Lashley? It only takes one clean shot... Strikeforce: "Miami" features a main event between Nick Diaz and DREAM Welterweight Champion Marius Zaromskis for the promotion's vacant 170-pound world title. Female powerhouse Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos will put her 145-pound title on the line against Marloes Coenen in the co-featured fight of the night. In addition, feared K-1 striker "Marvelous" Melvin Manhoef will make his Strikeforce debut opposite the power-punching "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler. And joining them on the main card is the welterweight showdown between Jay "The Thoroughbred" Hieron and Joe "Diesel" Riggs. Not too shabby. For more on Strikeforce: "Miami" click here. |
| UFC 111: Jim Miller vs Mark Bocek on tap for March 27 Posted: 09 Jan 2010 11:50 AM PST
Fresh off his submission win over Duane Ludwig at UFC 108: "Evans vs. Silva" just last week, surging lightweight Jim Miller (16-2) has verbally agreed to a March 27 throwdown with streaking 155-pound prospect Mark Bocek (8-2) at UFC 111 from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Prior to his impressive victory over "Bang," Miller scored a technical knockout win over Steve Lopez at UFC 103 back in Sept., during which Lopez and his shoulder decided to part ways early into the second round, effectively halting the bout. The New Jersey product now has five wins in six attempts inside the Octagon. In fact, a unanimous decision loss to the seemingly unstoppable Gray Maynard at UFC 96 back on March 7 of 2009 is the only blip during that span. His other victims include Matt Wiman and David Baron. Like Miller, Bocek has been enjoying a three fight winning streak -- though his dates back to 2008, where he quickly rebounded from a submission loss to Mac Danzig at UFC 83: "Serra vs. St. Pierre II" to choke out Alvin Robinson at UFC 91: "Couture vs. Lesnar." Bocek would do likewise against David Bielkheden at UFC 97: "Redemption" back on April 18 of 2009, giving him three rear-naked choke finishes in as many attempts. Note to Jim Miller: Don't give up your back. UFC 111 will feature a 170-pound title defense by promotion superstar Georges St. Pierre as "Rush" answers the call of British striker Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy. Heavyweights Frank Mir and Shane Carwin are also set to collide in an interim title match while Brock Lesnar recovers from recent surgery. To check out the latest UFC 111 fight card and rumors click here. |
| New UFC 109 poster for 'Relentless' on Feb. 6 Posted: 09 Jan 2010 11:12 AM PST |
| UFC Quick Quote: Efrain Escudero just needs to keep winning Posted: 09 Jan 2010 08:20 AM PST
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 8 champion Efrain Escudero (12-0) talks to MMA Fighting about continuing his meteoric rise through the lightweight division when he faces Evan Dunham (9-0) at UFC Fight Night 20 this Monday (Jan. 11) in Fairfax. "Hencho en Mexico" put an exclamation point on his TUF 8 crown with an impressive TKO stoppage over Cole Miller at UFC 103 last September. Is Escudero underrated in the 155-pound division? And who's next for the 155-pound star if he wins on Monday night? |
| Hermes Franca retires after Jan. 8 loss to Eric Wisely Posted: 09 Jan 2010 07:57 AM PST UFC veteran and former WEC lightweight champion Hermes Franca is retiring from active competition after suffering a TKO loss to Eric Wisely on the Max Fights DM: "Ballroom Brawl IV" card in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday, Jan. 8. according to MMAWeekly.com. The Brazilian at one time was one of the industry's most feared lightweights. After winning eight straight fights including submission victories over Toby Imada, Jamie Varner and Nate Diaz, Franca finished Spencer Fisher at Fight Night 8 to earn a crack at Sean Sherk's 155-pound title at UFC 77 back in July 2007. He would drop a unanimous decision to "The Muscle Shark" and subsequently test positive for steroids. Unfortunately his career would go into a tailspin following his loss to Sherk. After returning from a 12-month suspension stemming from his positive drug test, he came up short against Frankie Edgar in his July 2008 comeback fight at UFC Fight Night 14. The Brazilian managed to bounce back with a win against his former Brazilian jiu-jitsu teacher Marcus Aurelio at UFC 90: "Silva vs. Cote" in October but then shortly thereafter was arrested in Jupiter, Fla., on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Franca was scratched from his 155-pound match up against Joe Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 17 in Feb. 2009 due to an ACL tear in his right knee. He was paired up with Tyson Griffin at UFC 103 later in the year where he was stopped via TKO in the second round. He was later released by the UFC. Now with the loss to Wisely, Franca has decided to call it a career and return to training his students and fighters at his gym East West Combat Club in Syracuse. |
| John Salter replaces Mike Massenzio against Gerald Harris at UFC Fight Night 20 Posted: 09 Jan 2010 07:57 AM PST Undefeated middleweight John Salter (4-0) has agreed to step up on short notice to face Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 7 contestant Gerald Harris (13-2) at the Jan. 11 Ultimate Fight Night 20 event from the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Salter replaces Mike Massenzio, who removed from the card for unspecified reasons. Harris was also a late replacement for Massenzio's original opponent, "Crazy" Tim Credeur who bowed out with an undisclosed injury. Harris was bounced from the Spike TV reality show by eventual winner Amir Sadollah. Since then, "The Hurricane" has been on a torrid six-fight winning streak, including a devastating knockout over Nissen Osterneck this past September to become the Shark Fights middleweight champion. No doubt the Tulsa native would like another crack at Sadollah down the road -- if he can get past Salter. In addition to his perfect mixed martial arts record, Salter captured the 2007 NAIA National Wrestling Championship out of Lindenwood University in St. Louis, MO. He also took home top honors at the 2007 NAGA Nationals (No-Gi, middleweight) in the Expert Division, as well as the 2007 Casca Grossa (No-Gi, 175lb and up) Professional Division after defeating Roan Carneiro in the tournament finals. This will be an exciting match up between two very talented middleweights. UFC Fight Night 20 features a rematch between Ultimate Fighter rivals Gray Maynard (8-0) and Nate Diaz (11-4), who will duke it out in a possible number one contender bout for the 155-pound title. Undefeated lightweights Efrain Escudero and Evan Dunham are also scheduled to hook 'em up. |
| Michael Bisping UFC 110 video blog (Week 1) Posted: 09 Jan 2010 07:07 AM PST |
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