Tuesday, March 30, 2010

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

MMA Mania

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

Georges St. Pierre continues to protect his house

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 10:20 PM PDT

 

Fresh off the heels of Georges St. Pierre's dominating UFC 111 title defense against Dan Hardy, Under Armour has released their latest GSP commercial in which the champ protects the house solo style. He will.

UFC 111 videos blog with Dana White (Episode five)

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 06:55 PM PDT

Another title run? Chuck Liddell shares his plans for the future

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 05:30 PM PDT

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During today’s UFC media conference call, former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell talked about his return to fighting and his experience coaching opposite Tito Ortiz on "The Ultimate Fighter (TUF)." The 11th Season 11 premieres Wednesday, March 31 on Spike TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Liddell won the UFC light heavyweight world title on his second of three fights against Randy Çouture and would go on to defend the title four consecutive times, including once against Ortiz. All of his title victories came by way of vicious (T)KO.

But having gone 1-4 since his reign of terror — albeit it to a "who’s who" of top 10 world-ranked light heavyweights — Liddell was urged into retirement by UFC president Dana White, who saw his close friend succumb to three brutal knockouts in those five fights.

Liddell admits he needed time off to rest from so many knockouts, saying, "I thought I was getting hurt by shots that shouldn’t hurt me."

While confirming White is taking his return on a fight-by-fight basis, Liddell is optimistic he is here to stay, referring to his upcoming fight against Ortiz as a "warm-up fight" throughout the call.

"I want to make another run at the title. If I can do it, I’m guessing it’s going to take another couple fights. I’m going to have to beat Tito, then beat a couple more guys, then hopefully a title shot after that. One more shot at going out on top. I can still beat anybody in the world. So I just want one more shot at it."

Liddell says he always knew he’d return to fight one day and that he first started to realize how much he missed training for competition during his time as a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars."

Thanks to training with the TUF competitors and to his renewed focus on his upcoming opponent, Liddell is already in fighting shape, weighing around 220 pounds — lighter than he walked around as champion. He sounded a bit like his old self when he reflected on what he missed the most about his fighting career and what’s driving him back to the cage.

"I love the game, I love fighting. I love trying to prove that I’m the best in the world. I love the sport, I love what I’m doing. I really do love being out in the ring fighting people."

Now back on TUF for his second stint as coach, Liddell noticed the contestants of today are more well-rounded as mixed martial artists than their predecessors. He confirmed that he was pursued about the coaching opportunity by White — which made sense to "The Iceman" because it was a means to build his return to the cage — but that he asked that they not use Ortiz as his coaching opponent.

Request denied.

The two former champions have a long, turbulent history, which has often become personal. Liddell complained of lies he attributes to Ortiz, saying, "I don’t like the guy. … If you listen to him, he took me off the street, taught me how to fight, and I betrayed him," referring to the 10 weeks they spent as training partners.

Ortiz recently called out former heavyweight champion Mark Coleman for allegedly insulting his girlfriend, former pornstar Jenna Jameson, which Liddell called preposterous because Ortiz has used personal attacks for years to get under his opponents’ skin.

"Tito complaining that people talking about personal life things is insane. I remember back when he was going to fight Vitor (Belfort), before he fought Vitor, he said in an interview, ‘I don’t date white trash bitches like Chuck (does),’ on a radio interview. Now the sad thing about that was he was talking about ‘Star Magazine’ that said I was dating Juliette Lewis, which obviously wasn’t true. She’s a nice person, but we weren’t dating. I met her a couple of times … But he was referring to her, he said, when I confronted him about it and warned him not to do that again or I’d beat him in his own living room. I told him not to talk about my family ever again or I’d beat him in his own living room, and he apologized in front of all of his friends."

Apology aside, that hasn’t stopped Ortiz from recently misinforming media that he is "proud of Chuck" for coming clean and battling alcoholism, which he had supposedly struggled with for years. All lies in order to get "The Iceman" heated during their first week of TUF taping, according to Chuck, who says Ortiz’s strategy has backfired by providing more fuel for the fire.

"Now he pissed me off enough so that now instead of training for a tune-up fight, I’m training to hurt him. I’m training to go out there and beat him. He did the worst thing he coulda done — he motivated me to train." Liddell also commented on rumors that Ortiz will not be his opponent when he returns to the cage and that he will instead be fighting former middleweight champion Rich Franklin.

"I’ve heard the rumors, of course, but from what I understand, (Tito) has signed to fight and is actually going to show up and get the beating that he’s supposed to get. I think I earned it, having to put up with him for seven weeks. … I’ve heard the rumors too, and I hope that’s not true, because I think I earned the right to punch him."

Fans will have to wait and see. TUF kicks things off Wednesday.

MFC 25: Thales Leites vs Jesse Taylor announced for May 7

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 05:30 PM PDT

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Fresh off signing a two-fight deal with the Maximum Fighting Championship, Jesse "JT Money" Taylor has garnered a spot in the main event for MFC 25: Vindication.

Taylor (14-5) will meet Thales Leites (16-3) in the headliner bout of the MFC’s upcoming show on Friday, May 7 at the Northlands Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, and seen live throughout North America on HDNet Fights.

"This is a main-event matchup that could easily become a Fight of the Year candidate," said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. "I love Jesse Taylor’s aggressive nature and he is coming here with bad intentions on his mind. And Thales Leites has a new-found desire to showcase his raw power and talent.

"Neither one of these guys is going to sit back and let the fight come to him – they are going to step up and bring it. There is a title shot at stake here and both of these guys are coveting the MFC championship belt."

Leites used solid takedown defense and took advantage of what opportunities were in front of him on his way to a unanimous decision victory over Dean Lister at MFC 23 back in December.

That win ended a two-fight losing skid for the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, native who holds career victories over such notables as Nate Marquardt, Drew McFedries, Pete Sell, and Jose Landis-Jons.

Taylor, who fights out of Murietta, California, has an impressive list of wins to his credit as well holding verdicts over Jason Day, Chris Camozzi, and Jesse Forbes. "JT Money" is a former reality show cast member and holds a decorated career in amateur wrestling including a Division I NCAA tournament appearance and honored twice as a junior college All-American.

The Leites-Taylor encounter tops a star-studded lineup for MFC 25: Vindication which includes:

  • Ryan Jimmo vs. Wilson Gouveia, light heavyweight
  • Dwayne Lewis vs. Emanuel Newton, light heavyweight
  • David Heath vs. Solomon Hutcherson, middleweight
  • Luigi Fioravanti vs. Pete Spratt, welterweight

Tickets for MFC 25: Vindication are on sale now via the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca and charge-by-phone (780) 451-8000.

UFC Quick Quote: Shane Carwin was very close to not fighting Frank Mir at UFC 111

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 02:38 PM PDT

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"The week leading into this fight was hectic. I was unable to get cleared based on the medical records I submitted so I spent a good part of one of the media days in the Dr.'s office. I was able to
pass the MRI/MRA that was initially in question but the doctors located a new
problem. Apparently there was
concern that one of the vessels in my brain looked as if it was connected on
one end but not the other. The Dr. told me it could be that or it could be a
vessel that was widening or ballooning but they could not really tell and
needed a better test. It sounded
serious and I wanted to fight so I agreed to the test, which involved CT Angiography
(CTA). They had to set up an IV
and inject a contrast material in me (containing iodine) and named off some
possible side effects, this was all fine, but not when you are less than a
couple of days out from a fight. The dye made me pretty sick for about the next 24 hours. I was thankful they were being so thorough, but it could not have come at a worse time."

Fresh off a dominating performance against Frank Mir at UFC 111 this past weekend, heavyweight Shane Carwin details the health struggle he faced in the week leading up to the fight on his blog. On the heels of Thiago Alves' health scare last week, it's certainly worrisome to hear about another high profile fighter's battle with a potentially serious brain ailment. Though he was eventually cleared to face Mir this past Saturday, Carwin states that he also dealt with an illness due to the tests he underwent just two days prior to the bout. Considering this surprising news, how impressive was Shane's knockout victory in hindsight?

Report: UFC 115 in Vancouver still on the ropes

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 02:24 PM PDT

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The Canadian Press brings word that the planed UFC 115 event in Vancouver appears to be a no-go and that the promotion is looking at other possible venues for the card.

Here's a snip:

"A planned UFC show in Vancouver in June is on the ropes, apparently due to insurance and other issues. A source told The Canadian Press that the show has been called off and the mixed martial arts promoter is looking at Cincinnati as a possible replacement city. The UFC has not officially announced the Vancouver card, other than to say that it planned to go there in June. The show had been pegged for June 15 at GM Place. UFC president Dana White said he could not comment on any issues affecting Vancouver. But a second source said the two sides had yet to resolve insurance and other indemnification matters."

Add this news to MMAmania.com's report a while back about the possibility of UFC 115 getting scratched from Vancouver, and it appears likely that the event will have to find a new home. 

As the report states, Cincinnati, Ohio, looks to be the early favorite.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more information on this news as it becomes available.

Georges St. Pierre talks UFC 111 fight with Dan Hardy -- is content with his performance

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 01:25 PM PDT


Despite some initial unhappiness with his efforts in the UFC 111 title fight against Dan Hardy, a day removed from the bout, GSP says he is satisfied with the outcome.

HT: Sherdog

Dana Whte and the Fertittas are happy to have Brock Lesnar back ... just a little bit (Pic)

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 01:19 PM PDT

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Dana Whte and the Fertittas are happy to have Brock Lesnar back ... just a little bit (Pic)

UFC's Marc Ratner predicts early 2011 event in New York

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 11:28 AM PDT

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Props: New York Post

Quoteworthy:

"To me there's no fathomable reason the sport shouldn't be regulated in New York. Nobody can give me a real reason for it not to be here. This isn't 1995 anymore. They do have rules. It's not no-holds barred anymore. I'm feeling very strongly we're going to get it done. I'm feeling confident. I want the commission to be completely ready for it. I want their employees ready, the judges trained, as well as the referees and inspectors. There's no reason for this sport not to be allowed in New York."

The man behind the UFC's attempt -- and usual inevitable success -- in the sanctioning and regulation of mixed martial arts across the United States and the rest of the world alike, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner, spoke to the New York Post about the prospects of the UFC heading to New York in the near future. And as we all believe, Ratner states that there is absolutely no reason for MMA not be sanctioned in the "Empire State." The UFC executive goes on to say that he expects the promotion to make its way to the "Big Apple" early next year. Though we've been hearing that MMA sanctioning is on the brink in New York for quite some time, are you encouraged by Mr. Ratner's optimism? Or, are you taking an "I'll believe it when I see it" approach to the situation?

Rashad Evans and Houston Alexander seeking 'Vengeance' in November 2010

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 11:14 AM PDT

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Hollywood, CA (USA) - Mixed martial arts stars "Suga" Rashad Evans and Houston "The Assassin" Alexander are set to make their big screen debuts in Danny Trejo's Vengeance, an upcoming film expected for a late 2010 release. Directed by Gil Medina (Vengeance, Vengeance II, Ambition), the film stars Hollywood Legend Danny Trejo (Predators 2010, Machete, 50's Gun), Jason Mewes (Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back), 50 Cent (Get Rich or Die Tryin', Righteous Kill), Noel G (Training Day), recording artist Tech9ne and former WWE star "Diamond" Dallas Page.

In the film, Jack (Trejo) is a retired undercover vice cop whose world is suddenly torn apart by the murder of his wife and daughter. After serving a prison term for a crime he didn't commit, Jack returns to the streets with a vengeance against crimes, and takes to vigilantism. Evans (K.O.) and Alexander (Strong Arm) both play Jack's partners from prison known as the Gorilla Family.

Evans, a former star collegiate wrestler at Michigan State University, broke onto the mixed martial arts scene in 2005 by winning the second installment of the Ultimate Fighting Championship's popular reality series, The Ultimate Fighter. An underdog from the start of his career, Evans grew into a fan favorite by defeating the likes of Brad Imes, Stephan Bonnar, Sean Salmon, Michael Bisping, Chuck Liddell, and Forrest Griffin. His win over Griffin in 2008 earned him the UFC light heavyweight championship and has been the crowing achievement of his career thus far. A coaching gig on The Ultimate Fighter 10 opposite fellow UFC star Quinton "Rampage" Jackson -- who he will face in the main event at UFC 114 on May 29 -- brought his career full circle.

 

A popular radio personality and hip hop youth outreach mentor in Nebraska, Alexander is also one of mixed martial arts' breakout stars. A single father of six children who gave a kidney to one of his daughters in 2000, Alexander's priorities have oftentimes lain outside of the cage. "The Assassin" stormed onto the mixed martial arts scene in 2007, beating the heavily favored Keith Jardine in one of the most exciting fights of the year. Alexander went on to defeatAlessio Sakara in 2007, before losing three straight fights from late 2007-2008. He lost via unanimous decision to former street fighter turned mixed martial arts star Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson in one of the most-watched fights of 2009.

Known as Hollywood's "ultimate bad ass," Danny Trejo is a certified big screen legend. Having starred in films like Heat, Con Air, xXx, From Dusk Till Dawn, and the upcoming 20th Century Fox remake of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Predators 2010 (July 4th weekend) and also Robert Rodriguez & Quinton Tarantino's Machete with Robert DeNiro and Jessica Alba, Trejo has certainly come a long way from his days as a troubled youth on the streets of Los Angeles. Trejo developed skills as a boxer during his teenage years, but a lengthy prison sentence snuffed out any aspirations that he had of going pro. Nevertheless, Trejo became the California state prison boxing champion and became a member of the twelve-step program, which he credits with his success in overcoming drug addiction. An avid mixed martial arts fan, Trejo was recently described as the "Spike Lee of MMA," being a popular celebrity always on the sidelines cheering on his favorite sport.

Director Gil Medina sees Trejo's days as a prison boxer as the reason why he appeals to fans of mixed martial arts: "they called it boxing but it was MMA," Medina said. "He was kneeing them, elbowing them, throwing punches at them,Danny would rather knock you out then shank you but he'd shank you if he had to; so Danny was the ultimate warriorbecause this wasn't sanctioned boxing... this was prison boxing and Danny was the champion of the prisons."

Knowing that fans of combat sports and movies were looking for something real to be a part of, Trejo and Medina created the Vengeance Army (www.vengeancearmy.com) for fans of the movie to gather. The plan is to give the movie away for free to anybody who wants it, and the person who gives away the most copies of the movie will earn a prominent speaking role in the already-planned Vengeance II.

"Vengeance Army is like an army," Medina said. "It is for everybody who's ever been a fan of Danny Trejo, a fan of Charles Bronson, a fan of action and just badass motion pictures.  Once you join the Vengeance Army and the film's been released the film is going to be free off of our website. Let's say you're Tommy in Texas and you become a Vengeance Army member and you give away the most free movies. Then he will land a speaking role in our next movie, Vengeance 2. Vengeance II is written and ready to go."

Medina and Trejo have already planned to feature MMA even more in Vengeance II: "Danny calls in MMA fighters to come in and snap the neck of Al-Qaeda terrorists that are trained in hand-to-hand combat, that's what you'll see in the next film. He's calling MMA fighters in to basically defend America," Medina said.

UFC Fight Night 21 weigh in results, information and details from Charlotte, NC, on March 30

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 09:32 AM PDT

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The official weigh-in event for UFC Fight Night 21: "Florian vs. Gomi" is set to go down from the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Tuesday, March 30.

It is currently scheduled to air LIVE right here on MMAmania.com, as well as several other online destinations via streaming video. The first fighter is expected to tip the scale at 4 p.m. ET.

As usual, MMAmania.com will provide the latest coverage of the UFC Fight Night 21 weigh-ins, as well as provide a detailed recap of the festivities as soon as they conclude.

UFC Fight Night 21 will feature a main event with perennial lightweight contender Kenny "KenFlo" Florian welcoming Japanese superstar "The Fireball Kid" Takanori Gomi to the UFC for the first time in his career.  In addition, Ultimate Fighter 10 Champion Roy "Big Country" Nelson tries to keep his momentum going against the up-and-coming Stefan "Hightower" Struve.

Here is the current "Florian vs. Gomi" fight card:

Main event:

155 lbs.: Kenny Florian vs. Takanori Gomi

Main card (Televised):

265 lbs.: Roy Nelson vs. Stefan Struve
185 lbs.: Nate Quarry vs. Jorge Rivera
155 lbs.: Ross Pearson vs. Dennis Siver

Under card (May not be broadcast):

155 lbs.: Rob Emerson vs. Nik Lentz
155 lbs.: Gleison Tibau vs. Caol Uno
155 lbs.: Rafaello Oliveira vs. Andre Winner
155 lbs.: Ronys Torres vs. Jacob Volkmann
185 lbs.: Gerald Harris vs. Mario Miranda
170 lbs.: Charlie Brenneman vs. Jason High

For those fortunate enough to be in "The QC" for the promotion’s trip to the Bojangles Coliseum, remember that the weigh-in is FREE to attend and open to the public. Doors to the weigh-in will open at 3 p.m. local time for the general public.

In addition, UFC Fight Club members will be able to attend an exclusive Q&A session with UFC 112 competitor and grappling legend Renzo Gracie on that same day at 2 p.m. ET (check-in starts at 1:30 p.m.)

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action on fight night (Wednesday, March 31), which is slated to air at 8 p.m. ET on Spike TV from Charlotte. The latest quick updates of the live action will begin to flow earlier than that around 6 p.m. ET with the preliminary bouts.

It’s going to be a fun night of fights so don’t miss it. And remember to check us out for all the pre, during and post-fight UFC Fight Night 21 coverage you can handle.

Patrick Cote trains for Alan Belcher at UFC 113 in Montreal (Video)

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 09:23 AM PDT

Dana White: They're going to need the Hulk to referee Lesnar vs Carwin

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 08:13 AM PDT

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Props: Cagewriter

Quoteworthy:

"I think a lot of people are happy that Lesnar's back and this is a real heavyweight fight with two real heavyweights that deserve to be there. I think it's going to be big. I was debating whether I was going to bring [Lesnar into the cage at UFC 111.] I wanted to see what Shane's disposition was after the fight. [If] those two started going at it, there wasn't enough people in there to break that thing up. They're going to have to have like the F-ing Hulk referee that fight. I don't even think Miragliotta's big enough. We might need two refs."

UFC President Dana White anticipates a colossal clash of heavyweights at UFC 116 in Las Vegas on July 3 when current Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar once again tries to unify the division title when he faces UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Shane Carwin. Anyone hoping for a last-minute phone call from the Governor that somehow returns "Big" John McCarthy to the Octagon this summer? Or does the current crop of officials have what it takes to keep this one under control?

Roy 'Big Country' Nelson featured on tonight's presentation of Pro MMA Radio

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 07:26 AM PDT

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Just days before his UFC Fight Night 21 heavyweight showdown against Stefan Struve, Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 winner Roy Nelson stops by Pro MMA Radio TONIGHT (March 29) at 9 p.m. ET right here on MMAmania.com.

"Big Country" will break down the unusual physical contrasts in his bout with "Skyscraper," earning respect as a UFC fighter, the days of the IFL and a whole lot more.

Anyone that knows how outspoken Roy Nelson 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.

See you tonight at 9 p.m. ET!

UFC Quick Quote: Rousimar Palhares 'sorry' for late ending submission on Tomasz Drwal

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 07:04 AM PDT

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"I didn't feel that he was tapping. I felt that he was pushing my leg. And I held on until the referee stopped the fight because I didn't want to misunderstand. I didn't want to hurt him. I was very excited about the fight. I'm really sorry if I hurt him."

Muscular middleweight menace Rousimar Palhares apologizes (via MMA Fighting) for failing to break the heel hook submission he applied in the first round to submit Tomasz Drwal at UFC 111 back on March 27. The "Gorilla" tapped to no avail and referee Kevin Mulhall had to physically intervene upon calling the fight. "Toquinho" insists there was no harm intended but the NJSACB wasn't impressed with his post-fight apology and slapped him with a 90-day suspension.

Bellator video trailer for season two

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 06:48 AM PDT

Alistair Overeem to defend heavyweight title at Strikeforce 'Heavy Artillery' on May 15

Posted: 29 Mar 2010 06:35 AM PDT

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It only took two and a half years, but it looks as if Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem will finally put his strap on the line when he faces longtime nemesis Brett Rogers at Strikeforce: "Heavy Artillery" from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., on Saturday, May 15

MMAmania.com learned of the official decision earlier today, putting an end to the speculation of whether or not "Demolition Man" would defend his belt or save it for the winner of a planned Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabricio Werdum bout tentatively scheduled for June.

Overeem (32-11) was expected to return in 2009 until he suffered a hand injury from beating up rent-a-cops in Holland, effectively keeping himself from two of last year's summer events.

During his absence, Rogers (10-1) floored one Russian and got knocked out by another.

But that didn't keep him from calling out Overeem for his extended absence. While the pillar of Golden Glory racked up a 7-0-1 MMA record against lesser competition overseas, "The Grim" felt like his new and improved physique was to blame for his failure to appear stateside.

From Rogers:

If you're a title holder, I'm sorry man but you should be fighting at least a couple of times a year. No excuses. If you can't get the job done then give it up. One, I say he's ducking me. He knows I'm gonna get him. I could care less who he is. Two, I don't think he can fight in the states right now. I don't think you can get that big in such a small amount of time. I don't know, who knows."

Of course Overeem wasn't going to just sit idly by while the former tire mechanic dragged his name through mud.

"I will not comment on [Brett Rogers], I am very busy with K-1 right now, with all the fight I have there. When there will be time to meet in the ring he will see. For now, I will not comment. I am very busy these days, I have a fight in Glory, then in DREAM.12 and after that I’ll fight in the K-1 Finals so I am very busy with training and fighting and I don’t have time for this bullshit."

It's going to be interesting to see what happens when these two mammoth strikers finally collide at the May 15 Showtime event in a bout that is scheduled for five rounds -- but may not make it past the first.

Strikeforce: "Heavy Artillery" will feature several of the promotion’s other top fighters as well, including a heavyweight scrap between former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski and hard-hitting Brazilian Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva.

Fast-rising lightweight prospect Lyle "Fancy Pants" Beerbohm is rumored to face Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro while Roger Gracie is expected to make his promotion debut opposite Kevin "The Monster" Randleman.

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