Marcos Galvao getting Bellator tournament spot after controversial decision loss to Joe Warren

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Marcos Galvao put in a valiant effort on Saturday night against Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Warren, winning the fight in the eyes of most all watching, save for the three that determined the outcome of the fight in the judges.

Though he lost the decision, he has been given a consolation prize with a spot in the next Bellator bantamweight tournament. Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney confirmed that consideration in comments made to MMAJunkie.com.

Rebney agreed that the 30-27 score handed down in Warren's favor was "completely out of line," but also tried to quell talk of a fix with the assertion made by all promoters in situations like these.

"The commissions and judges that oversee our events are appointed by the state or by the tribal nation that we work with," he said. "We don't control them. Sometimes they do an amazing job, and sometimes they don't. But they're human beings, and our sport remains comparatively new when you compare it to boxing and other combat sports."

"We've seen it across all promotions. There isn't a group of highly qualified professional judges in mixed martial arts. It's not because people don't want to be good or don't care but because MMA is relatively new. I'm not the first person to say it, and I don't think it's defamatory toward judges. We need to strive to get people who want to judge mixed martial arts better education."

There's no definitive word on when the next Bellator bantamweight tournament will take place, though it could come in this year's fifth season.

Link to Original Source Article

Penick's Analysis: With him already being under contract with Bellator with taking this fight against Warren, Galvao will at least be guaranteed a number of fights and a chance to make a lot of money during the next bantamweight tourney. All it takes is winning his fights, and hoping he doesn't again get screwed by poor judging.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Bellator/article_9104.shtml

Joachim Hansen Antoni Hardonk Dan Hardy

UFC 129 Results: John Makdessi KO's Kyle Watson With Spinning Back Fist

Source: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/4/30/2145329/ufc-129-results-john-makdessi-vs-kyle-watson

Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao Alexander Gustafsson

Bellator 42 boasts ratings increase from season-low Bellator 41 event on MTV2

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Bellator's up and down ratings on MTV2 continued with last weekend's Bellator 42 event from the Lucky Star Casino in Concho, Okla.

According to a report from MMAJunkie.com, the show bounced back from a season low for the previous week's Bellator 41 event to bring 199,000 viewers to the cable network.

This week's show featured the semifinal bouts in the light heavyweight tournament, with Richard Hale and Christian M'Pumbu advancing to this season's finals. The numbers made this Bellator's fourth most watched live event on the network for season four. Per the MMAJunkie report, the viewership numbers for this season are below:

* Bellator 35 ratings: 200,000
* Bellator 36 ratings: 230,000
* Bellator 37 ratings: 173,000
* Bellator 38 ratings: 150,000
* Bellator 39 ratings: 174,000
* Bellator 40 ratings: 218,000
* Bellator 41 ratings: 132,000
* Bellator 42 ratings: 199,000

Penick's Analysis: There's no rhyme or reason to the numbers Bellator is getting this season. They've had big numbers against competing televised events and small numbers against no-competition, and the biggest factor on people tuning in regularly is probably the night of the week they're running. Saturday's are not a good day to run for week-to-week viewership. That's a night where most in their target demos are going out and not staying in to watch fights every week. Sure, they'll take a couple of Saturday's out of the month to watch a UFC or Strikeforce event, but to ask fans to dedicate 12 weeks in a row to Saturday viewing is simply not going to bring a regular audience, and I think that's what we're seeing with these fluctuations in viewership.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Bellator/article_9165.shtml

Don Frye Tony Fryklund Kazuyuki Fujita

UFC targeting returns to Denver, Houston for major events this fall

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

The UFC is looking to make a couple of return visits to some previous host cities this fall, as they are targeting UFC 135 for Sept. 24 in Denver, Colo., and UFC 136 on Oct. 8 in Houston, Texas. The Houston event is also expected to play host to the next UFC Fan Expo on October 7 and 8.

UFC President Dana White confirmed the Houston event during a Q&A at the UFC Fan Expo in Toronto on Friday, and MMAJunkie.com reports that the event is expected to take place at the Toyota Center, an 18,000-seat venue that hosted the UFC's first-ever event in Texas back in 2007 with UFC 69.

The September event does not have a set location or venue, according to a separate report from MMAJunkie.com, but the Pepsi Center in Denver is in the running for the event. In addition, Matt Hughes stated on his personal blog that he would be fighting Diego Sanchez on that date in Denver. The Hughes-Sanchez matchup was announced this week by the UFC to be coming "in the fall," though no specific date had been mentioned by the organization.

A trip back to Denver would be a historic return to the city where the UFC got it's start. The city hosted the first two Ultimate Fighting Championship tournaments in 1993 and 1994, but the organization hasn't been back to Denver since 1995's UFC: Ultimate Ultimate 1995 event.

If both of these events go through as planned, it will mark four events in five weeks, with Fight Night 25 coming Sept. 17 in New Orleans, UFC 135 on Sept. 24 in Denver, UFC 136 on Oct. 8 in Houston and what presumably will be UFC 137 on Oct. 15 in England.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_9193.shtml

Aldrin de Jesus  Todd Duffee  Marvin Eastman 

Bellator adds Marlon Sandro, Adam Schindler to ?Summer Series? tournament

Bellator Fighter Championships has furthered deepened an impressive pool of participants in their upcoming featherweight tournament with the additions of former SRC 145-pound champion Marlon Sandro and 9-1 Adam Schindler to the field. Lightweight tournament finalist Pat Curran and British phenom Ronnie Mann have already been confirmed for the special three-show offering between seasons starting [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2011/04/29/bellator-adds-marlon-sandro-adam-schindler-to-%e2%80%9csummer-series%e2%80%9d-tournament/

Rolles Gracie Royce Gracie Royler Gracie

UFC?s Biggest Trash Talkers Picked By The Fans

UFC’s Biggest Trash Talkers Picked By The Fans Before UFC 129.

Source: http://www.mmatko.com/ufcs-biggest-trash-talkers-picked-by-the-fans/

Marcus Aurelio  Mikhail Avetisyan Luiz Azeredo 

Jason MacDonald: Magnitude of UFC 129 doesn't compare to career implications

TORONTO - Like every fighter on UFC 129's card, Jason MacDonald has been asked a million times how he feels about competing at event watched live by 55,000 people.

He has no problem saying that's the least of his concerns.

"I'm fighting for my job," he said Thurday following an open workout in support of the event, which takes place Saturday as UFC 129.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/1x3-24_npho/jason-macdonald-magnitude-of-ufc-129-doesnt-compare-to-career-implications.mma

Mac Danzig  Karen Darabedyan Viacheslav Datsik

Ben Askren, Jay Hieron and Michael Chandler Win at Bellator 40

by Michael David SmithBellator welterweight champion Ben Askren won a one-sided unanimous decision in a non-title match, and Jay Hieron and Michael Chandler advanced to the finals of their respective Season 4 tournaments on Saturday night at Bellator 40.

As is so often the case, Bellator put on an entertaining show on MTV2, but it will be largely overlooked because it took place on a night when there was a bigger MMA event going on in the Strikeforce card on Showtime. That's a shame for Bellator, which is putting good fighters in the cage consistently.

Askren is one of the best wrestlers in MMA, and it was no surprise that he completely dominated Nick Thompson. All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Askren, who's the best welterweight outside the UFC and Strikeforce.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/04/09/askren-hieron-chandler-win-at-bellator-40/

Paul Buentello  Josh Burkman  Mikey Burnett 

Grappling with Issues ? 4/27/11

Will Saturday night mark Georges St. Pierre?s last appearance at welterweight? Should the UFC have held off on replacing an injured Jon Jones with Phil Davis against Rashad Evans? Did Strikeforce make a mistake by letting Jason Miller go without a fight? Can either contender pull off the upset this weekend at UFC 129? Welcome [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2011/04/27/grappling-with-issues-42711/

Dennis George Kultar Gill Allan Goes

Ludwig vs. Sadollah, O?Brien vs. Miller announced for UFC on Versus 5

UFC president Dana White announced two bouts for the upcoming UFC on Versus 5 event slated for August. In a battle of welterweights Duane “Bang” Ludwig will take on Amir Sadollah. The veteran Ludwig (20-11) has competed in most major MMA organizations during his career, including Strikeforce, Sengoku and King of the Cage. Bang made [...]

Ludwig vs. Sadollah, O?Brien vs. Miller announced for UFC on Versus 5 is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News

Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/ufc-news/ludwig-vs-sadollah-o%e2%80%99brien-vs-miller-announced-for-ufc-on-versus-5-54385/

Dan Bobish Vagam Bodjukyan Kotetsu Boku 

Dana White: UFC not interested in giving Royce Gracie a fight at UFC 134 in Brazil

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Royce Gracie will not be making a return to the Octagon in Brazil, according to UFC President Dana White.

The UFC Hall of Famer and legend caused a slight stir this week when an interview with Esporte.UOL.com hit MMA websites with him stating he was in negotiations to return to action for one fight at UFC 134 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, according to a report from Mike Chiappetta at MMAFighting.com, Dana White has shot down a return bout for the 44-year-old Gracie.

Gracie, the original UFC winner, and tournament winner in UFC 1, 2 and 4, hasn't appeared in the Octagon since his loss to Matt Hughes at UFC 60. He also hasn't fought since 2007, and the UFC is not interested in giving him a slot on this card, coming to the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro on August 27.

That card will be headlined by the UFC Middleweight Championship bout between Anderson Silva and Yushin Okami.

Link to Original Source Article

Penick's Analysis: Though I would have understood Gracie being given one more fight to close out his career, this is the right move. It will have been more than four years since his last fight by the time this event comes around, and with how badly he was beaten by Hughes in his last UFC fight, it was hard to think of who they possibly could have gotten for him to fight. While wanting to be on this card is understandable, he's simply well beyond needing to be in the cage. Today's age of fighter is simply on another level than when he introduced the world to Gracie Jiu Jitsu through the first several UFC events, and though he's a legend for a reason, he doesn't need to be in the cage in 2011.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_9110.shtml

Martinsh Egle Eric Butterbean Esch Efrain Escudero

ROUNDTABLE (pt. 1 of 2): Who should Nick Diaz fight next after defeating Paul Daley? Hansen, Amadi, Carter, Pelkey and Penick

Who do you want to see Nick Diaz fight next and why?

RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Nick Diaz needs to make his way to the UFC, because he's being wasted fighting against non-UFC welterweights.� Penn, Alves, Koscheck, Fitch, Story, Ellenberger, Swick, Johnson... doesn't matter to me which one.

JASON AMADI, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Nick Diaz has firmly cemented himself as one of the most exciting fighters in MMA, however the question now is whether or not he?s the best. It's time to fight a wrestler, and Tyron Woodley fits that bill. However, beyond that fight Zuffa would likely have to entertain sending over a few welterweights to challenge Diaz because StrikeForce is fresh out of welterweights, credible or otherwise.

ALVIN CARTER, MMATORCH SPECIALIST

Nick Diaz should defend his title against Tyron Woodley.� Woodley is ready, and he is impressive.� He is 8-0, a record that includes five submissions in a row (four of which came in the first round) and a TKO stoppage sandwiched between two decisions.� Diaz might have to use more of his game with Woodley as both fighters are comfortable standing or on the ground.

MATT PELKEY, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
�
I'd love to see Nick Diaz vs. any top-10 UFC welterweight, but I'm afraid he's stuck fighting the Tyron Woodley's of the world until his contract runs out. Fulfilling Strikeforce contracts is the UFC's number one priority right now because they don't want any loose ends when its time to fold up the Strikeforce brand just like Affliction, Pride, and the WEC. The last thing the UFC needs is a breach of contract lawsuit mucking things up.�

JAMIE PENICK, MMATORCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

It's probably going to end up being Tyron Woodley, but there are so many bigger and better fights for him on the UFC's welterweight roster. It may not be probable at this point that the UFC would bring him over for a fight in the Octagon, but that doesn't mean they won't entertain the idea of sending someone into Strikeforce instead. With that idea on the table, I'd like to see someone the likes of Josh Koscheck be sent over to give him the biggest and best opponent he's faced in the last five years. This is not meant to disparage the young and talented prospect in Woodley, not in the least; the simple fact of the matter is that, while Woodley is 8-0, Diaz is simply several steps above the opponents he has been fighting. Diaz should be fighting a higher level of competition than he's relegated himself to over the last several years, and Zuffa's acquisition of Strikeforce should allow for that to take place.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/roundtables/article_9074.shtml

Cody Guinn Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao

Forrest Griffin bored and having fun on Twitter

---Quote---
"Hi it's me I'm the guy who still buys cd's cus apearently I'm too stupid to steal music" - *Forrest Griffin*
---End...

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/general-mma-discussion/90546-forrest-griffin-bored-having-fun-twitter.html

Spencer Fisher Jon Fitch Kenny Florian

Top 5 Best Moments Of Bellator 42

Bellator 42 featured several great performances. Ronnie Mann utterly dominated in his Bellator debut. Christian M?Pumbu scored a big TKO win to advance to the finals of Bellator?s Season Four Light Heavyweight Tournament. Richard Hale outlasted and outworked a tough DJ Linderman to claim the second spot in the Light Heavyweight Tournament finale. But which [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/24/top-5-best-moments-of-bellator-42

Hermes Franca Rich Franklin Ian Freeman

UFC 129 Video: The Biggest Event in UFC History

More than 55,000 fans will be on hand Saturday at Toronto's Rogers Centre for UFC 129 featuring welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre vs. Jake Shields, featherweight champ Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick, and Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida.

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/18345/ufc-129-video-the-biggest-event-in-ufc-history/

Rashad Evans Urijah Faber Wagnney Fabiano

Frank Mir Talks UFC 130, Fedor, Dana, Overeem, And Nelson

Source: http://mmasportsreport.com/2621/frank-mir-talks-ufc-130-fedor-dana-overeem-and-nelson

Per Eklund Jason Ellis Aleksander Emelianenko

Exclusive pictures from Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley

Check out our exclusive photo gallery from Tracy Lee, including a very bloody Keith Jardine, an emotional Shinya Aoki, UFC executives at Strikeforce, and dogs and cats living together in harmony.*

*No dogs or cats are pictured in this gallery. Everyone knows dogs are better, anyway.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Exclusive-pictures-from-Strikeforce-Diaz-vs-Da?urn=mma-wp1134

Daiki DJ taiki Hata He Peng David Heath

The Middle East is Safer than Mexico Nowadays

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/us_usa_mexico_travel

Why doesnt the US send their military over to Mexico and take care of the drug cartels?

Source: http://ninjashoes.net/forum/showthread.php?74366-The-Middle-East-is-Safer-than-Mexico-Nowadays&goto=newpost

Dean Amasinger  Jimmy Ambriz Matt Andersen 

UFC Central debuts for 129

The UFC announced the debut of “UFC Central” on UFC.tv for this Saturday at UFC 129. The UFC is encouraging fans to purchase the PPV online and experience the UFC’s comprehensive coverage. Via UFC press release: UFC Central, which begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, will feature pre-fight analysis and be available for free [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Payout/~3/iL7IyaYdJME/

Lyman Good Gary Goodridge Gerard Gordeau

Bader Feels Fight With Ortiz Is A Novelty Fight

Ryan Bader will take on Tito Ortiz at UFC 132 this summer and talked about the match up with the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and his thoughts on fighting a guy like Ortiz instead of a Jon Jones:<Br><Br>

"Although it's a step down in competition from Jon Jones and (Antonio Rogerio) Nogueira, I got a chance fight a guy like Tito, a legend of the sport, and we took it. It's almost like a novelty fight for me going in there and (fighting) a guy I grew up watching. I'm a fan and a fighter. I want to be a part of his legacy and vice versa. I want to have Tito Ortiz in my win column."<Br><Br>

Props: <a href=http://mmaweekly.com/ryan-bader-wants-to-be-part-of-tito-ortizs-legacy-by-beating-him>MMAWeekly.com</a>

Source: http://www.mmanews.com/home.php

Viacheslav Datsik Marcus Davis  Tony DeSouza 

Mark Hominick on How to Defeat Aldo: 'Not Being Intimidated'

Filed under: MMA Videos, UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos

TORONTO -- Watch below as featherweight title contender Mark Hominick talks about fighting Jose Aldo at UFC 129, fighting in his home province for the first time, training while his wife expects to give birth this week and his partnership with the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/04/27/mark-hominick-on-how-to-defeat-aldo-not-being-intimidated/

Pat Barry  Vitor Belfort  Robert Berry

Dana White Goes Nuts After Nick Diaz?s Victory Over Paul Daley (Video)

Here’s to never saying never. For the first time in mixed martial arts history, UFC president Dana White was caught on camera going fanboy during a Strikeforce event. After dogging his rival for numerous years, White quickly became Strikeforce’s biggest fanatic after purchasing the company in March. In his latest video blog, White is seen [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/74456/dana-white-goes-nuts-after-nick-diazs-victory-over-paul-daley-video/

Eric Butterbean Esch Efrain Escudero Rashad Evans

Shogun not worried about Jones

ShareThis

Source: http://www.ufcrundown.com/blog/shogun-not-worried-about-jones-2/

Luke Cummo  Jeff Big Frog Curran Dai Shuanghai 

Two Announced for UFC on VS Event in August

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/Two-Announced-for-UFC-on-VS-Event-in-August

Lorenzo Borgomeo  Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney 

Paul Daley Feels Scott Coker 'Sold Out' - Paul Daley

Paul Daley Feels Scott Coker 'Sold Out' Video by Paul Daley

Source: http://mmalice.com/paul-daley/paul-daley-feels-scott-coker-sold-out-video_cda44b1be.html

Ian Freeman Don Frye Tony Fryklund

Legendary Moura Discusses Aldo's Evolution

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/Legendary-Moura-Discusses-Aldo-Evolution

Volk Han Joachim Hansen Antoni Hardonk

VIDEO: Dana White's UFC 129 video blog part one

Dana White's UFC 129 video blogging kicks off with episode 1 today, and White gets fight predictions from Chuck Liddell, gives a tour of the UFC office and gives some footage of him attending this month's Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley event. Check it out below:



App Users Click Here For Video: http://youtu.be/s5bO0Gqmsu0

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_9168.shtml

Mikey Burnett  Murilo Bustamante  Grant Campbell 

Jon Jones injured, Phil Davis vs. Rashad Evans now booked for UFC 133 (Updated)

With UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones injured, UFC officials have now booked a bout between the champ's original opponent, Rashad Evans, and replacement Phil Davis.

Sources today confirmed with MMAjunkie.com the new matchup, which takes place at UFC 133. The Canadian Press' Neil Davidson first reported the opponent switch, which was later officially announced by the UFC.

A source told MMAjunkie.com that Jones is facing a lengthy recovery from a torn right-hand ligament suffered in his title win. A timetable for his return wasn't immediately available.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/AB0OBrZzmt8/jon-jones-injured-phil-davis-vs-rashad-evans-now-targeted-for-ufc-133.mma

Ba Te er  Ryan Bader  Siyar Bahadurzada

6 Year Old Girl Groped By TSA....WTF

Please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this shit is wrong......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3sH1GaO_nw

I love this guys response

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR-BXxk9PDo

Source: http://ninjashoes.net/forum/showthread.php?74328-6-Year-Old-Girl-Groped-By-TSA....WTF&goto=newpost

David Bielkheden Michael Bisping  Dan Bobish

All 12 UFC 129 Bouts to Air

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-129-full-fight-card-press-release-0421011

Shinya Aoki  Andrei Arlovski  Ricardo Arona 

UFC 129 prelim fights Menjivar vs. Valencia, Patrick vs. Roberts expected to stream on Facebook

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

In what should be expected from the UFC in 2011, MMAFighting.com reports that they are planning on airing at least two fights on Facebook for next week's UFC 129 event from the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

According to the report, a bantamweight fight between Ivan Menjivar and Charlie Valencia and the welterweight bout between Claude Patrick and Daniel Roberts are being targeted for slots on the Facebook.com live stream.

Available for free for fans by "liking" the UFC's Facebook page at Facebook.com/UFC, the live streams have become a staple for UFC cards since they introduced them in January for the UFC Fight for the Troops 2 event.

The bouts will air in addition to the two preliminary card fights already scheduled for the card in Rory MacDonald vs. Nate Diaz and Sean Pierson vs. Jake Ellenberger. If no other fights are added to the Facebook stream, it will leave just three fights not scheduled for broadcast in Jason McDonald vs. Ryan Jensen, John Makdessi vs. Kyle Watson and Yves Jabouin vs. Pablo Garza.

The night's main pay-per-view card is headlined by the Welterweight Championship fight between Georges St. Pierre and Jake Shields in front of a record sold out crowd of 55,000 fans at the Rogers Centre.

Link to Original Source Article

Penick's Analysis: I hope they add more to the Facebook stream, because John Makdessi should be seen in action, and Jabouin-Garza should be extremely exciting. That said, it's great that the UFC continues to utilize this to make more fights available for viewing. Sure, not everyone who watches the Spike broadcast or orders the pay-per-view will also go online for these fights, but for those that want to see more fights, it's great to have them available.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_9113.shtml

Tom Big Cat Erickson Martinsh Egle Eric Butterbean Esch

Melendez defends belt, makes case to be No. 1 lightweight

Gilbert Melendez held onto his Strikeforce lightweight championship belt with a dominating performance at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley. Melendez quickly TKOed Kawajiri in San Diego on Saturday.

Melendez started aggressively in the first round, dropping Kawajiri with a right hook and then following up with a bevy of strikes. He took Kawajiri's back, and continued to land strikes even as Kawajiri struggled to his feet. When they returned to stand-up, Kawajiri, a noted wrestler, shot in for a takedown but Melendez sprawled, threw an upper cut and then followed up with strikes and elbows to finish the fight at 3:14 in the first round.

After he ran through Kawajiri, Melendez wanted to make it clear that he believes he's the best lightweight in the world, not UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.

"I think it's time to unify some titles. I'm the No. 1 lightweight in the world. Let's get it done," Melendez said.

Melendez�hadn't been in the cage for a year;�his last win was over another Japanese fighter, Shinya Aoki. Melendez's record is now 19-2. Kawajiri, who faced numerous training difficulties because of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, was making his American debut. He�fell to 27-7-2.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Melendez-defends-belt-makes-case-to-be-No-1-li?urn=mma-wp1074

Forrest Griffin Tyson Griffin Karn Grigorian

Reminder: "Countdown to UFC 129" debuts tonight on Spike TV

As a reminder, the UFC's traditional pre-event preview show returns tonight with the debut of "Countdown to UFC 129."

The one-hour episode airs at midnight ET/PT on Spike TV.

UFC 129 takes place Saturday at Toronto's Rogers Centre, and the pay-per-view main card features welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre vs. top contender Jake Shields.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/f_DXErquxdI/reminder-countdown-to-ufc-129-debuts-tonight-on-spike-tv.mma

Jason Grace Crosley Gracie Gregor Gracie

Manager: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira expecting late summer/early fall return to UFC

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

It's been 14 months since Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira has been inside the UFC's Octagon, where he was last seen getting demolished by now Heavyweight Champion Cain Velaquez at UFC 110 in Australia.

That knockout loss, coupled with one 14 months prior to that fight to Frank Mir at UFC 92, as well as a series of injuries that have forced him to undergo both hip and knee surgery, have led to Nogueira being fairly written off in the division. Despite the fact that he's only 34 years old, the many battles he's been through in his career have him seemingly aging much further as far as his fighting career is concerned.

However, his manager Ed Soares, in comments made to MMAWeekly.com this week, warns against writing "Minotauro" off, and expects to see the one-time Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion surprise everyone upon a return being targeted for late summer or early fall.

"His recovery, his therapy is getting really good," Soares said. "His physical therapy, he's doing really, really well. He's walking better than he's walked since I've known him. They fixed a lot of his injuries, and he's recovering very, very well."

"He's hungry. He wants to get back in there. A lot of people in the world, and a lot of people in the MMA world, think 'oh Nogueira has had it, his best days are behind him,' but I think people are going to be surprised when they see how well and how prepared when Rodrigo comes back."

Though there remains a slight possibility of Nogueira's return coming in his home country of Brazil at UFC 134 in late August, Soares hints that it could be a little bit later than that.

"The number one thing on his mind is getting back in that Octagon and showing the world who Rodrigo Nogueira is," Soares said. "We're hoping by the end of summer, early fall [for his return]."

Link to Original Source Article

Penick's Analysis: Can Nogueira make a return to prominence in the division? It's hard to really make any real determinations on where he's at in his career. With two knockout losses in his last three fights, major knee and hip surgeries and an accumulation of damage perhaps unrivaled by any of his peers, it would be easy to say he's at the end of the line, with maybe just a few fights remaining before serious calls of retirement. At the same time, he's only 34 years old, and if the surgeries helped to get him back to as close to 100% as he's been in years, maybe, just maybe, he's got some of his old magic left in him and can find a way to make a run. He's already established his name and his legend in this sport, and it would be great to see him return to greatness, but it's certainly not the most likely thing we'll see.

[Antonio Nogueira art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_9137.shtml

Kultar Gill Allan Goes Takanori The Fireball Kid Gomi

Jacob Volkmann Gets KO'd By Barack Obama Last Night On Jay Leno

Source: http://www.watchkalibrun.com/2011/1/7/1921779/jacob-volkmann-gets-kod-by-barack-obama-last-night-on-jay-leno

Luke Cummo  Jeff Big Frog Curran Dai Shuanghai 

Anderson Silva: Chael Sonnen Doesn't Respect Anyone

Filed under: UFC

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva still has no explanation for the controversial and outspoken Chael Sonnen's behavior leading up to their title fight at UFC 117 last August.

"Chael disrespected me, disrespected all of the fans in MMA, Chael disrespected my people in Brazil. Chael no respect nothing," Silva said Monday on The MMA Hour in a rare interview in English without manager Ed Soares as his translator. "I don't know what happened with Chael, but he's a good fighter. Maybe I don't look at Chael as a bad guy, but sometimes Chael has a problem with the fight. He has no control. I don't know. This is Chael's problem."

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/04/26/anderson-silva-chael-sonnen-doesnt-respect-anyone/

Vagam Bodjukyan Kotetsu Boku  Tony Bonello

After going 0-2 in his UFC comeback, Seth Petruzelli (13-6) blasted his way back into the win...

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2011/4/25/2131745/after-going-0-2-in-his-ufc-comeback-seth-petruzelli-13-6-blasted-his

Tomasz Drwal Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus 

The Ultimate Fighter Season 13 Finale, June 4

The Ultimate Fighter Season 13 Finale
Saturday June 4, 2011
Pearl at the Palms
Las Vegas, NV
Airing on Spike

* Anthony Pettis (#9 Ranked Lightweight) vs. Clay Guida
* Finalist No. 1 vs. Finalist No. 2
* Jonathan Brookins vs. Jeremy Stephens
* Josh Grispi vs. George Roop
* Tim Credeur vs. Ed Herman
* Scott Jorgensen (#6 Ranked Bantamweight) vs. Ken Stone
* Fabio Maldonado vs. Kyle Kingsbury
* Reuben Duran vs. Francisco Rivera

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Upcoming_Events_42/article_8692.shtml

Roger Gracie Rolles Gracie Royce Gracie

Matt Grice returns to UFC for featherweight bout with Ricardo Lamas at UFC on Versus 4

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Former UFC lightweight Matt Grice makes his return to the organization in June for the first time since UFC 100.

The organization this week announced that Grice will meet Ricardo Lamas in a featherweight bout at UFC on Versus 4, coming to Pittsburgh's Consol Energy Center on June 26.

Grice went just 1-3 in his first stint in the UFC, getting submitted by Terry Etim and Shannon Gugerty, and losing a TKO to Matt Veach to go along with his lone decision victory over Jason Black. However, Grice has won four straight fights outside of the organization since then, and with the UFC now promoting the featherweight division he'll return at 145 lbs.

Lamas sports a 4-2 mark under the Zuffa banner, all with the WEC. His last appearance inside the WEC didn't go well for him though, as he had a three fight win streak snapped by a knockout loss to Yuri Alcantra at WEC 53.

UFC on Versus 4 will be headlined by an exciting welterweight clash between Nate Marquardt and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_9083.shtml

Spencer Fisher Jon Fitch Kenny Florian

QUOTABLES: UFC welterweight Jon Fitch discusses his shoulder injury, wants B.J. Penn rematch when he returns

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

"I'm going to have to get the labrum worked on, and I also have a tear of one of the rotator cuff muscles that's going to need to be repaired, too... It's functional. I can move around and do stuff with it. I could probably even fight with it. But going through a camp and going through six-hour days of workouts, eventually it's going to break down. I don't think I would get through a full fight camp without it breaking down completely... It's really depressing. My most favorite thing in the world to do every day with my life, I don't get to do now for a few months.

[A rematch is] the best fight for each of us. I think it would be dumb for either of us to take a fight with anybody else but each other before we settle it. Either me or B.J. would love to just fight the winner of Jake (Shields) and [Georges St-Pierre]. But I think it's realistic that if Jake wins that fight, that there will be a rematch. And if GSP wins that fight, he only fights a couple times a year. So he'll probably take a break, and there will be time for [Penn and me] to fight. If GSP moves up to fight Anderson (Silva), there's still time for him to do that and me and B.J. to fight. There's a lot of options. I hope it works out favorably for me. But I can't ask the world to stop turning just because I have an injury."

-Jon Fitch talks to MMAJunkie.com about his shoulder injury and his desire to still have his rematch with B.J. Penn upon his return.

Penick's Analysis: It sounds like it's not as severe necessarily as it could have been feared, as it's not a complete rotator cuff tear and he can still function with it. Hopefully it's not the type of injury that will have a very real negative effect on his skill set when he's able to return. I'd agree with him that the Penn rematch makes the most sense for both fighters after their draw, but it really depends on a lot of factors right now, mostly just how long he'll be out, but also when Penn is able to return, what GSP does after the Jake Shields fight at UFC 129 and how the rest of the welterweight division handles their business while he's out of action. But with their first encounter ending in a draw, the two will meet again.

[Jon Fitch art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_9121.shtml

Rich Franklin Ian Freeman Don Frye

Mom Makes Son Fight

But its ok, because there in their front yard LMAO

By the way, that guy who stepped in has restored by faith i humanity. He deserves an...

Source: http://forums.ufc.production.sparkart.net/showthread.php?t=84426&goto=newpost

Nick Diaz  Tadhg Steamfist Dixon Joe Doerksen 

Diaz vs. Daley Pro Fighter Predictions: Munoz, Cooper, Silva, Soszynski - Strikeforce

Pro fighters Mark Munoz, Brett Cooper, Jay Silva and Krzysztof Soszynski take their picks of this coming saturdays Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley fight,

Source: http://mmalice.com/strikeforce/diaz-vs-daley-pro-fighter-predictions-munoz-cooper-silva-soszynski-video_68f3f40cf.html

Jesse Forbes Xavier Foupa Pokam Hermes Franca

TUF 12 runner-up Michael Johnson to face Edward Faaloloto at UFC on Versus 4 in June

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Ultimate Fighter 12 runner-up Michael Johnson will get his first fight in the UFC at the UFC on Versus 4 card in June, as the organization announced on Monday that he will meet WEC vet and UFC newcomer Edward Faaloloto on the card.

The 24-year-old Johnson brings an 8-5 record into his second appearance in the Octagon. A member of Georges St. Pierre's team on TUF 12, Johnson defeated Pablo Garza, Aaron Wilkinson, Alex "Bruce Leroy" Cacares and Nam Phan to make it to the finals. However, Johnson was defeated by Jonathan Brookins in the finals of the season 12 lightweight tournament in December.

Faaloloto took on Anthony Njokuani at WEC 52 in his first appearance under the Zuffa banner, suffering his first defeat in the fight. After winning his first two career fights, Faaloloto gave a valiant effort against Njokuani, but was overwhelmed late in the second round and finished off with only seconds left in the round.

UFC on Versus 4 takes place from Pittsburgh's Consol Energy Center on June 26, and also features Tyson Griffin vs. Manny Gamburyan, Joe Stevenson vs. Javier Vasquez, Pat Barry vs. Cheick Kongo and Matt Brown vs. Rich Attonito.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_9034.shtml

Tony Fryklund Kazuyuki Fujita Masakatsu Funaki

Arianny&#8217;s talent cannot be contained, check out her new song

Above, that's Arianny Celeste from the UFC. She's best known for being sweet eye candy at UFC events and that little naked deal in Playboy. With this new song, Arianny wants to show she's more than a pretty face. Check it out.� Is it any good? Or does it rank right up there with Kieren Mulvaney's favorite song by Rebecca Black? Before you say Arianny won't hit it big in the music world check out the hits on this "great" song.

Oh you crazy Internet, now Black has a billboard in Hollywood and some wackos are sending her death threats.

Tip via MMAFix

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Arianny-s-talent-cannot-be-contained-check-out-?urn=mma-wp1355

Ricardo Almeida  Eddie Alvarez Thiago Alves 

Jason Miller Meets Aaron Simpson at ?UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber II?

Less than 24 hours after bringing the “Mayhem” back to the Octagon, the UFC announced Jason Miller will break in his freshly inked contract against Aaron Simpson at UFC 132 on July 2nd. Miller’s Strikeforce deal expired following his TKO victory over Tim Stout at ?Strikeforce: Nashville? last April. He bumped his record to 24-7 [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/74091/jason-miller-meets-aaron-simpson-at-ufc-132-cruz-vs-faber-ii/

Rich Franklin Ian Freeman Don Frye

Stone Cold Steve Austin Talks Brock Lesnar

Source: http://mmasportsreport.com/2607/stone-cold-steve-austin-talks-brock-lesnar

Stephan Bonnar Lorenzo Borgomeo  Kyle Bradley 

Inside MMA 516 Preview: Randy Couture Talks Retirment

Inside MMA airs tonight on HDNet at 9:00 PM ET. Inside MMA Archive

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/89PUubkfqLQ/

Tony Bonello Stephan Bonnar Lorenzo Borgomeo 

Early Breakdown of Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Aaron Simpson at UFC 132

The masses know Jason “Mayhem” Miller as the host of MTV’s Bully Beatdown. Sure, they realize he’s a fighter, but perhaps they’re not quite sure just how good he is. Well, they’re about to find out in the biggest MMA promotion in the land, as on Saturday UFC officials announced that Miller (24-7) will take [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/04/24/early-breakdown-of-jason-mayhem-miller-vs-aaron-simpson-at-ufc-132

Matt Andersen  Alex Andrade  Jermaine Andrè 

Frank Mir Talks UFC 130, Fedor, Dana, Overeem & Nelson

w40e9eGiR2M

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/90392-frank-mir-talks-ufc-130-fedor-dana-overeem-nelson.html

Tomasz Drwal Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus 

Phil Baroni Reaches Low Point Following Cut From The UFC

Source: http://www.watchkalibrun.com/2011/1/6/1919319/phil-baroni-reaches-low-point-following-cut-from-the-ufc

Per Eklund Jason Ellis Aleksander Emelianenko

MMAjunkie.com's John Morgan on today's "MMA:30 Radio"

MMAjunkie.com lead staff reporter John Morgan is a guest on today's edition of "MMA:30 Radio."

Morgan joins hosts Dave Farra and Jason Mahoney to preview next week's "UFC 129: St-Pierre vs. Shields," as well as addressing numerous hot topics in the world of MMA. UFC fighters Frank Mir, Tyson Griffin and Brad Tavares will also appear on the show.

Catch the segment at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT local time) on Las Vegas' KXNT Radio 100.5 FM/840 AM, or online at KXNT.com.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/TmKabX6g27Q/mmajunkie-coms-john-morgan-on-todays-mma30-radio.mma

Alberto Crane Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz Luke Cummo 

Gilbert Melendez smashes "Crusher" Kawajiri on Showtime, calls for Strikeforce-UFC Lightweight Title unification bout

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Gilbert Melendez is on a mission to prove himself as the best lightweight fighter in all of MMA, and on Saturday night he made one hell of a statement in San Diego.

Taking on Tatsuya "Crusher" Kawajiri in a rematch of their 2006 bout in Pride - a fight Melendez won by decision - Melendez made short work of the Japanese star, destroying him with a relentless assault and ending the fight by employing the new weapon in Strikeforce: elbows.

The fight consisted of Melendez swarming Kawajiri early and often, continuously staying aggressive and landing brutal punches that took their toll as the round wore on. Finally, after sending Kawajiri to the canvas with a series of strikes, Melendez battered him with a few vicious elbows on the ground and prompted the stoppage just 3:12 into the opening round.

With no signs of rust after a year out of action, Melendez made his statement with his performance in the cage, but he wasn't done there. Speaking to Gus Johnson in the cage after the win, Melendez made his intentions clear for the future now that Strikeforce is under Zuffa's roof.

"I think it's time we unify some titles," Melendez exclaimed. "Who wants to see me fight the UFC Champ here in this hexagon?

"I'm the number one lightweight in the world, I'm coming for that spot."

Penick's Analysis: Melendez looked absolutely fantastic in that fight Saturday night. Kawajiri's no joke, and Melendez destroyed him. He might be the best lightweight fighter in the world, but he still needs to prove it against the current best in the UFC. He might just get that chance soon, and he's going to be ready for the challenge, but you can't do anything but admire the performance he put out on Saturday in San Diego. That was as good as he's ever looked, and with elbow strikes now at his disposal, he's one of the most dangerous and violent lightweights in the world, and I can't wait to see him get his shot against the top end of the UFC lightweight division.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Affliction2/article_9023.shtml

Tyson Griffin Karn Grigorian Karen Grigoryan

UFC's Tom Wright: UFC 129 is a truly global event

While next week's UFC 129 event has a decidedly U.S. vs. Canada feel to it, UFC Director of Canadian Operations Tom Wright sees it as a truly global show.

The April 30 event takes place at Toronto's Rogers Centre and will produce UFC and North American MMA records for attendance and live gate.

But during a recent media call for the event, Wright said North Americans weren't the only ones lured to Canada by the UFC's first stadium show.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/bcw86FSqv3c/ufcs-tom-wright-ufc-129-is-a-truly-global-event.mma

Phil Cardella Roan Jucao Carneiro Shane The Engineer Carwin