MMA News Thread

[RM211]

Bellator signs Wolfslair fighters Peter Graham, Gavin Sterritt, Linton Vassell

With Wolfslair MMA, the former main training ground of Quinton Jackson, getting some attention with "Rampage" signing with Bellator MMA, the England-based gym now will send a trio of fighters to the promotion.

Bellator has signed Peter Graham (9-5 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), Gavin Sterritt (4-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) and Linton Vassell (11-3 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) to deals, promotion officials recently announced. All three will fight during the upcoming ninth season, which will feature 11 events on Spike TV and one on pay-per-view – with Wolfslair alum "Rampage" headlining against fellow former UFC champion Tito Ortiz.

Bellator's ninth season begins with a Saturday event on Sept. 7, then returns to a regular Friday night lineup the following week for all events but the Nov. 2 pay-per-view.

"Wolfslair’s produced some of the best talent in MMA over the last 10 years," Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney stated. "As Bellator continues expanding internationally, and particularly with our huge new TV partnership with Viva in the U.K., Wolfslair will be a tremendous asset and partner for our brand in the future."

Graham, a heavyweight from Australia, has won eight straight, all by KO or TKO. The 38-year-old has a storied career in kickboxing that includes 31 knockouts in his 57 victories. Fighting MMA professionally since 2008, he started his career with five losses in six fights – all by submission, including setbacks to Rolles Gracie and Dion Staring. But then he went on his current tear.

Sterritt, a welterweight, has won four straight fights, all by stoppage and three by submission. He already is set for his Bellator debut with a fight booked against Andy Murad (6-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) at Bellator 99 on Sept. 13 in California.

Vassell, "The Swarm," will debut with a six-fight win streak, and he, too, has his first Bellator appearance already set. He'll step into the promotion's cage for the first time at Bellator 107 on Nov. 8 in Oklahoma, though his opponent has not yet been named. Ten of Vassell's 11 wins have come by stoppage, with five knockouts and five submissions. The native of Milton Keynes, England, has but one decision win on his resume, and that came at Cage Warriors 41 against Simon Carlsen more than two years ago.

 

[RM211]

Still waiting on medical clearance, UFC champ Dominick Cruz eyes 2014 return

It's been 22 months since UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz (19-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) last fought in the octagon. While he's set a personal goal of returning in early 2014, Cruz admits it's still up to doctors to give him the green light.

"I'm just setting personal goals to be back," Cruz told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com). "I'm looking to be back the beginning of next year is what it's looking like from what the doctors have told me, to that's my goal. Unfortunately, the doctor hasn't even released me, so I couldn't even make a date if I wanted to.

"It's like when you got knocked out and you get put on suspension. It's the same type of deal with this injury. There's a set time and stipulation with a knee injury that I've gone through, especially doubled. So I'm just listening to the doctor so I stay back and don't just come back."

Cruz, of course, has battled through a pair of ACL surgeries over the past two years, leaving him unable to defend the UFC bantamweight title. A trilogy match with rival Urijah Faber was canceled along the way, and the promotion instituted an interim belt during Cruz's time off.

At just 28 years old, Cruz has missed a huge part of his physical prime, and he admits it's been a difficult road back to full health. But the goal-driven Cruz said he hasn't let himself sulk.

"Of course you get depressed, but I gave myself the time to be depressed, and I put a limit on it," Cruz said. "I gave myself three days after it happened, and I cried and whined and felt sorry for myself for a good three days, and I allowed myself the sorrows of losing my knee and losing my opportunities. After those three days were up though, I made a personal decision that I was done feeling sorry for myself, and I made that goal right when I hurt my knee.

"I said I'm going to give myself three days and feel sorry and sad. After that, there is no option to feel that way, and I'm just going to think positive. the only way you get back is to believe in yourself and be positive. That's the only way you get back from an injury like this."

Brazilian sensation Renan Barao claimed the interim belt in Cruz's absence, and he'll look to defend it again in September in the co-feature of UFC 165, where he meets Eddie Wineland. Should Barao win, it would be his second successful defense of the interim title, and some observers have suggested the UFC should strip Cruz of the belt to allow Barao to shed the interim tag. UFC President Dana White has thus far refused to take that step and instead stood firm behind the injured Cruz, who said it's comforting to know his employers understand his plight.

"It has to mean something to you if your bosses are saying we believe in you," Cruz said. "I think the reason why they're behind me is because they know I'm not just sitting around doing nothing. They know I'm taking every step physically possible to be back. Two months ago, if it was possible, I would have been.

"I've sat down and had meetings with them. I've looked in their eyes. They've looked in my eyes. There's an understanding of where I'm at and my goals and my focus, and they know as much as I know that my focus is to fight. I'm not an analyst first. I'm not a coach first. I'm not a teammate first. I'm a fighter first. That's what I'm in this world to do right now, I believe."

Should Cruz make it back from his injuries in time for an early 2014 appearance, it could very well be a title unification bout against the Barao vs. Wineland winner. Both fighters present legitimate challenges, especially for anyone looking to return from a two-year layoff. Some observers have suggested Cruz would be better off willingly relinquishing the belt in order to face a lesser opponent on his return.

"The Dominator" could not disagree more.

"First of all, it's silly to think that a champion would ever willingly give away the belt that he's worked for," Cruz said. "I've defended it four times – not once, not twice, not three times. Four times if you count the WEC. Not just that, but boxing is the only sport where you can get an easy fight before you fight for the title. That's the difference between boxing and mixed martial arts, and that's why mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the world and not boxing.

"Anyone I fight in my division is just as threatening as Renan Barao or Eddie Wineland. It's just they may have a few less tools or a few less wins or maybe a little less focus. It's all little things here and there that can change the style and the dynamic of the fight, but the bottom line is everybody in my division is just as dangerous to me, so why would I want to take a step back? I'm in the position. I've been the champion. I want to challenge myself and fight the best in the world. Whether I've had two years off or not doesn't make any difference."

Cruz is scheduled to return to his doctor this week, and he hopes he'll be cleared to begin grappling again. Little by little, he's building himself back to full strength, and he believes he'll be able to return at the same high level that saw him rattle off 10 straight wins before suffering the injury.

"I have so much to do," Cruz said. "I'm only 28 years old, and yes this injury is very bad and I've had a couple back-to-back, but the truth is it's part of this sport, and I'm just going to have to adjust to it. Right now I'm in physical therapy and just working my leg back. Once my leg is back and I don't have to think about having my leg back and I can fight in camp, that's when I can really start thinking about how I'm going to feel when I get out there, preparing myself for the adrenaline rush when I get to walk out that tunnel and fight, getting my mind prepared for just being there again and preparing myself to the best I can. For me, I truly believe it's just going to be joy.

"I have to say thanks for all the support so far from the fans. I know it's hard to sit back and wait for me. It could be viewed that I'm sitting back doing nothing, but that's absolutely not the case. The understanding from the fans and the patience form the fans is veryu much appreciated. I can't wait to come back and put a show on for them.

 

[RM211]

Pat Curran talks Bellator pay-per-view hopes, superfight with Michael Chandler

Pat Curran doesn't know against whom yet, but he knows where he wants to be in November.

Bellator's featherweight champ is hoping to land a spot on the promotion's first pay-per-view card. He knows he won't get top billing – that honor goes to former UFC champs and friends Quinton Jackson and Tito Ortiz.

Curran wants on the card badly enough that he's already talking like it's a done deal, even if it was a Freudian slip.

"It's up to Bellator, (but) I'd love to be on that card," Curran today told MMAjunkie.com Radio (MMA Radio, UFC Radio - MMAjunkie Radio*–*MMAjunkie.com). "Tito vs. 'Rampage' would be a huge card to be on, and I'd definitely like to be a part of it.

"I don't know what fighter is going to be on Nov. 2 – but hopefully in the next week or two, we can get an opponent set and get a strategy down."

But then Curran was asked if he knew his appearance on the show was a done deal, and he realized his slip of the tongue.

"I honestly don't know if I'm on the card yet," he said. "I've just seen some interviews saying it'd be nice to stack the card with the champions. I just haven't signed the paper yet."

Those interviews came from his boss, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney, who on a Monday call with media members, and again in an interview on MMAjunkie.com Radio, said the promotion hopes to build the card beneath "Rampage" and Ortiz with multiple title fights.

That pay-per-view takes beach at Long Beach Arena in California.

Curran (19-4 MMA, 9-1 BMMA) has two options waiting for him in the form of Bellator tournament winners who have yet to get their title shot. Daniel Straus (21-4 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) was first in the queue, but had to be passed over when he broke his hand, then was arrested and went on to deal with legal issues. And Magomedrasul Khasbulaev (21-5 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) was the Season 8 tourney winner – and could pass Straus in line if Straus can't be ready.

But Curran said he hasn't been informed by Bellator yet just which fighter will be ready first and be his next test, and first since a win over Shahbulat Shamhalaev in April.

"I know they're both still waiting," he said. "I know Straus has been on the shelf for a long time. I know Frodo had the most recent win. ... I have a slight back injury that's getting better every couple days or so, but I'm ready to go whenever they call me. I just like to have six or seven weeks at the least."

And then he has a possible third option that may be a long shot, but it's not one he'd immediately rule out.

Curran said he'd be interested in meeting lightweight champion Michael Chandler in a superfight if that ever came to fruition. It just may not happen for the Nov. 2 pay-per-view.

"I haven't heard anything about that, but that would be definitely something we could work out in the future," Curran said. "Definitely down the road, I can see that happening."

But until then, Curran lies in wait to hear just who will be next – and cross his fingers that it's part of the pay-per-view.

 

[RM211]

Andrei Arlovski in for injured Anthony Johnson vs. Mike Kyle at WSOF 5

A training injury has forced Anthony Johnson (15-4) to withdraw from World Series of Fighting 5.

Johnson's scheduled opponent,

Mike Kyle (20-9-1), will now meet ex-UFC champ Andrei Arlovski (30-10) at heavyweight in the headliner of the Sept. 14 event. WSOF 5 takes place at Revel Atlantic City in Atlantic City, N.J. Its main card airs live on NBC Sports Network.

MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) confirmed the switch with the promotion following a report from MMAFighting.com.

Arlovski most recently appeared at WSOF 2 in March, where he lost a unanimous decision to Johnson in the event's headliner. He won his WSOF debut with a first-round TKO of Devin Cole.

Kyle makes his promotional debut following a 21-second knockout of Travis Wiuff at CFA 11, which put him on good footing after a first-round submission loss to Gegard Mousasi in the now-defunct Strikeforce.

WSOF 5 also features the opening round of a four-man middleweight tournament, featuring Dave Branch (12-3) vs. Danillo Villefort (14-4) and Elvis Mutapcic (13-2) vs. Jesse Taylor (26-9).

WIth the change, the WSOF 5 card now includes: • Andrei Arlovski vs. Mike Kyle
• Dave Branch vs. Danillo Villefort - middleweight tournament semifinals
• Elvis Mutapcic vs. Jesse Taylor - middleweight tournament semifinals

 

[RM211]

Arrest cancels mayor vs. mayor fight in South Florida

lol...


It looks like Miami Lakes (Fla.) Mayor Michael Pizzi's next fight is with the federal government – not Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez.

The two South Florida mayors were set to square off next month in an MMA bout for charity, but Pizzi was arrested Tuesday alongside another South Florida mayor on bribery charges, according to the Miami Herald.

Pizzi and the other mayor, Manuel "Manny" Maroño, of Sweetwater, were the subject of an FBI sting investigation, according to the report.

Pizzi was preparing for the fight just before his arrest, which Hernandez called "a very unfortunate event for not only Miami Lakes and Sweetwater, but all of South Florida."

Dubbed "MMA Mayhem at Milander: Mayor vs. Mayor," the bout was set for Sept. 6 at Hialeah's Milander Auditorium.

In May, the mayors talked up the fight in separate interviews with MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com). Hernandez planned to raise money for Best Buddies, a non-profit charity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while Pizzi targeted college scholarships and anti-child obesity efforts.

The pair conceived the bout after a friendly dinner and some alcohol led to talk about who was the tougher man.

Hernandez said he had trained with the Gracie family, while Pizzi called himself a "Brooklyn street-brawler."

Pizzi, however, said the fight wasn't just for bragging rights, but to set a good example for Florida citizens over 50.

"It gives us an excuse to get into shape, so people don't laugh when we take off our shirts," he said.

Hernandez told the Herald that ticket buyers would be issued full refunds.

 

[RM211]

Charles Oliveira vs. Estevan Payan added to UFC 166

Featherweights Charles Oliveira (16-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) and Estevan Payan (14-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) are the latest additions to this fall's UFC 166 lineup.

The Houston Chronicle first reported the matchup, which UFC officials later confirmed. The fight is expected for the event's preliminary-card, though it's not clear whether it will serve on the FOX Sports 1-televised or Facebook-streamed portion.

UFC 166 takes place Oct. 19 at Houston's Toyota Center and is headlined by a rubber match between heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez and ex-champ Junior dos Santos.

Despite a good showing in his most recent outing, Oliveira is badly in need of a win in the UFC. The Texas-based Brazilian took on ex-champ Frankie Edgar at UFC 162 and lost a unanimous decision. Previously, he was knocked out by Cub Swanson at UFC 152.

In his first appearances at featherweight, Oliveira went 2-0 with wins over Eric Wisely and Jonathan Brooks. As a lightweight, he went 2-2 in the octagon.

Payan, meanwhile, looks to get on the right foot after a decision loss to Jeremy Stephen in his UFC debut at UFC 160. The Arizona-based fighter transitioned to the promotion after winning back-to-back fights in the now-defunct Strikeforce.

Prior to his setback, Payan had won five straight bouts.

With the addition to the lineup, UFC 166 now includes: •Champ Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos - for heavyweight title
•Daniel Cormier vs. Roy Nelson
•Gilbert Melendez vs. Diego Sanchez
•Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Shawn Jordan
•Tim Boetsch vs. Luke Rockhold
•Hector Lombard vs. Nate Marquardt
•K.J. Noons vs. George Sotiropoulos
•Tony Ferguson vs. Mike Rio
•Adlan Amagov vs. T.J. Waldburger
•George Roop vs. Francisco Rivera
•Matt Grice vs. Jeremy Larsen
•Charles Oliveira vs. Estevan Payan

 

[Johnny Truelove]

 

[RM211]

On UFC champ Ronda Rousey, exit strategies, and the Gina Carano Principle

Think what you want about Ronda Rousey's MMA exit strategy, but at least she's giving us fair warning.

Not that we couldn't have guessed where this was headed, even without her admission that

she might only have another two years or so of fighting left in her.

After all, we know how this works. Female fighter hits it big, then starts landing magazine covers followed by movie roles? The Gina Carano Principle tells us that she is not long for this sport. Next stop: Hollywood. Because if you can make a good living without getting punched in the face, why not?

And yet, when you talk to fans and even fellow female fighters about Carano's career trajectory, there's often a little resentment lingering under the surface. She was great for women's MMA, and it was great for her, too. But almost as soon as she was presented with other options she was perfectly content to leave the division behind to fend for itself. So long and thanks for all the exposure.

But here's where Rousey's plan might differ from Carano's. Not only is Rousey letting us know upfront that she doesn't plan to be slugging it out full-time 10 years from now, she's also giving some thought to what the women's division will look like without her. As she told me on Thursday when I asked about her plan to be gone in two years, "Women's MMA is my responsibility because I made it my responsibility."

"If I was to walk away now and it fell apart, all that hard work would be for nothing but my own personal gain," Rousey said. "Contrary to what a lot of people believe, that's not all I care about."

That's the ironic thing about the situation, when you think about it. Remember back when Rousey bullied her way into that Strikeforce title fight against Miesha Tate? The criticism from her peers was that she had cut the line, that she was selfish, too willing to step on the necks of women who had blazed the trail for her. She didn't share the unstated but always palpable us-against-the-world mentality that had united female fighters for years before she showed up, and she didn't apologize for it, either.

And that, all by itself, was fairly new for women's MMA. That got people's attention, and undoubtedly helped transform her bout with Tate into a must-see event.

Still, Rousey claims she doesn't exactly feel the love from her predecessors in women's MMA. They might respect her skills and appreciate what she did to build a place for female fighters in the UFC, she said, but she still thinks they regard her with a "restrained resentment," she said.

So who would have guessed that we'd be here, just about a year and a half after her win over Tate, and it would be Rousey who was worrying about the future of the women's division. Even with a film career on the horizon, and even though her own future in MMA seems secure for as long as she cares to stick around, she claims she can't leave until she knows that women's MMA will be fine without her. And what would that look like, exactly?

"I think there should be several top contenders that are well-known and generally agreed-upon as the best chicks out there," Rousey said. "When I feel like the depth and knowledge and public interest for these girls is there, then I'll feel more comfortable leaving the division and trusting it to survive. Having a legacy is becoming more and more important to me."

That's the part that Carano didn't seem quite so concerned with. She brought a new wave of fans to women's MMA, gave us glimpses of what a thriving women's division might be capable of, then she left without so much as a wave goodbye. If there's any lingering bitterness about the way Carano ended her MMA run, that's definitely the source, and Rousey knows it as well as we do.

"I love Gina, but I think we're two different people," Rousey said. "The goals that I have and the goals that she has are very, very different. I want to retain this title while also having another career that I can fall back on when I'm done fighting. The big mistake I made after judo was I had no plan B."

Now it seems like she's in the process of crafting a pretty sound backup plan, though fans are understandably ambivalent when they see Rousey's name beside movie titles in all the headlines. After all, what does it say about women's MMA if its most successful fighters are the ones who jump at the first opportunity to leave? How invested can fans really get if they think female fighters are just using the UFC as a platform to audition for something better?

These are fair questions, and ones that Rousey seems to have considered. You can't exactly blame her for trying to make the most of her fame while it lasts, but you also can't blame fans who would rather see her fight than act.

At least Rousey is thinking about what she'll be leaving behind when she goes. And at least she's giving herself some time – in between movie roles, of course – to make her dreams for women's MMA into a reality that will outlast her.

 

[RM211]

UFC champ Ronda Rousey fires back at critics of future plans

When Ronda Rousey gets riled up, she really gets riled up.

The UFC women's bantamweight champ on Saturday took to her official Twitter account to fire back at anyone who has been critical of her recent comments to MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) that she could retire from fighting in as few as two years.

"I said from the beginning that I work in quadrennials," Rousey (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) told MMAjunkie.com earlier this week. "I do four-year cycles. I think I've got two years left in me, realistically, if I'm going to do this like an Olympic run."

But then the critics came out in the media and on Twitter wondering why Rousey, a Olympic medalist who turned 26 in February, who consider leaving the sport so early into her run.

She's been on the cover of ESPN The Magazine, has a photo spread in Maxim, and recently was cast in "The Expendables 3" and may have a role in "Fast & Furious 7," both out next year.

So the detractors want to believe, apparently, that she's ready to quit fighting for a cushy Hollywood life.

Regardless of what anyone thinks, though, the outspoken Rousey, who has said she often speaks with little filter, told the "hating Twitter b---hes" exactly what they could do:
"To everyone giving me s--t for 'hypothetically retiring' someday – ill retire when I feel like my mark has been made and Im ready to make babies. My best guess was 2-3 years but thats a guess, who knows, the day Im not overjoyed 2 go 2 the gym is the day I quit. Could be tomorrow or in 7 years. But ill tell you what, every1 giving me s--t 4 entertaining the idea is expediting it. Im a fighter & always will be, only ill know when its enough. So f--- all you hating twitter b---hes, have a great time spending the rest of your day seething over my options and choices. And for everyone that has my back and has been supportive through all this. Thank you so much, I can't explain how much I appreciate you all."
Rousey next will appear as a coach on Season 18 of "The Ultimate Fighter" this fall on FOX Sports 1 opposite her biggest rival, Miesha Tate. The two then will rematch for Rousey's title on Dec. 28 at UFC 168 in Las Vegas.

Next week, Rousey will appear at a UFC Fight Club Q&A session in Boston ahead of UFC Fight Night 26 – when her Twitter comments are no doubt likely to come up.

 

[RM211]

Jake Shields vs. Demian Maia targeted for UFC Fight Night 29 in Brazil

A previously reported fall bout between welterweights Jake Shields (28-6-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) and Demian Maia (18-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) appears to have a date.

MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) passed along news of the potential bout this past month, though an exact date wasn't available. However, according to MMAFighting.com, it'll be part of a currently unannounced UFC Fight Night 29 event.

The show, expected to air on FOX Sports 1, is slated for Oct. 9, likely in Brazil.

Since a move down to welterweight, Maia, a former middleweight title challenger, has won three consecutive bouts. The Brazilian, who made the drop after a decision loss to now-champ Chris Weidman in early 2012, has defeated Dong Hyun Kim (TKO via injury), Rick Story (submission) and Jon Fitch (decision).

Maia was expected to fight Josh Koscheck earlier this month at UFC 163 but was forced off the card when his opponent suffered an injury.

Shields, meanwhile, looks to build on a recent split-decision victory over Tyron Woodley in June. If not for a failed drug test (due to an undisclosed substance) at UFC 150, he'd be a three on a three-fight win streak. Still, the former Strikeforce champion remains undefeated since back-to-back losses to UFC champ Georges St-Pierre and Jake Ellenberger in 2011.

 

[RM211]

UFC Fight Night 26 preview: 50 pre-fight facts for 'Shogun vs. Sonnen' in Boston

The UFC's highly anticipated debut event on FOX Sports 1 is just around the corner, and the world's premier MMA organization has put together a star-studded event in order to showcase its product on a different platform for the sixth time in less than two years.

From hosting events on Spike TV, Versus, FOX, FX and FUEL TV, the UFC has waited years for a permanent location for non-pay-per-view fight cards, and now they've found it.

On Saturday night, that home will officially become FOX Sports 1, and for the historic event, the company has loaded the card with big names and significant matchups.

Headlining the event is a light-heavyweight contest as hard-nosed wrestler Chael Sonnen (27-13-1 MMA, 6-6 UFC) looks to pick up his first win at 205 pounds in more than eight years when he takes on former champion and one of the sport's most diverse knockout artists, Mauricio Rua (21-7 MMA, 5-5 UFC).

Also, Alistair Overeem (36-12 MMA, 1-1 UFC) and Travis Browne (14-1-1 MMA, 5-1-1 UFC) meet in an important matchup for the future of the heavyweight division while Urijah Faber (28-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) attempts to continue to work his way toward another bantamweight title shot when meets upset-minded Yuri Alcantara (28-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC).

It may look like a top-heavy event, but Saturday's show from Boston's TD Garden has much more to offer as the 26 competitors have combined for 162 career UFC fights.

With all that time in the cage, the athletes have racked up more than a statistic or two of note, and this is where you can find them all in one handy place.

With the help of FightMetric, continue reading for 50 pre-fight facts going into "UFC Fight Night 26: Shogun vs. Sonnen."

MAIN EVENT: MAURICIO RUA VS. CHAEL SONNEN

Rua and Sonnen share a combined UFC record of 11-11.

Rua's .500 UFC win percentage (5-5) is the lowest win percentage among top-10 ranked light heavyweight fighters. "Shogun" is winless (0-3) in his UFC career in fights that go to a decision.

Rua has defeated his opponent by knockout in 18 of his 21 professional victories with 16 of those stoppages coming in the first round. All five of Rua's UFC wins are by knockout, and he is tied for the fourth-most knockdowns landed in 205-pound history with six.

Rua's nine leg-lock-submission attempts in UFC/PRIDE competition are tied for second most in history behind Rousimar Palhares (11 attempts).

Rua's 44% career takedown defense rate is 15% below the overall UFC average of 59%.

Sonnen has not earned a victory in the light-heavyweight division since July 9, 2005.

Sonnen has been finished by knockout or submission in 12 of his 13 professional defeats. His lone decision loss came in 2004.

Sonnen's 56.4% takedown accuracy as a middleweight is the fourth best in the division's history.

CO-MAIN EVENT: ALISTAIR OVEREEM VS. TRAVIS BROWNE

Overeem will compete in his 50th professional MMA bout.

Overeem enters the event on the heels of his first defeat since September 2007, a knockout loss to Antonio Silva at UFC 156 in February.

At 6-7, Travis Browne is the second tallest fighter on the UFC roster (Stefan Struve).

URIJAH FABER VS. YURI ALCANTARA

Urijah Faber is a 7-0 in his past seven non-title fights and is 0-5 in his past five title bouts.

Faber owns the longest average fight time in UFC bantamweight history at 15:43. He also owns the most total fight time in the division's history at 1:34:17.

Faber has connected with the second most significant strikes with 305, second only to interim bantamweight champion Renan Barao (308). On the flip side, "The California Kid" has the highest significant strike defense rate in bantamweight history (67.3%).

Faber has earned 16 career submission victories, with 14 of them coming by rear-naked or guillotine chokes. His 10 submission victories in UFC/WEC competition are tied with Nate Diaz for most in the modern era. Only Royce Gracie (11) has more in UFC/WEC history.

Alcantara will fight outside of his home country of Brazil for just the second time in his 33-fight professional career.

Alcantara has earned 24 of his 28 professional victories by knockout or submission.

Alcantara is undefeated in two fights since dropping to the UFC bantamweight division.

REMAINING MAIN CARD

Matt Brown's five-fight winning streak is tied for the third longest in the welterweight division behind Johny Hendricks (six) and Georges St-Pierre (11). His current streak is the longest of his 28-fight career.

Brown's seven knockout victories under the UFC banner are the most in welterweight history. He holds the highest significant strike accuracy of any 170-pound fighter in UFC history at 56.69%. "The Immortal" has scored six knockdowns in his UFC career, which is tied for fourth most in his weight class. He has finished his opponent by knockout or submission in 15 of his 17 professional wins.

Brown has also attempted the third most submissions in UFC welterweight history with 18, which is tied for third most behind Georges St-Pierre (22) and Chris Lytle (31). Oppositely, the 32-year-old is one of only seven fighters in UFC history to have suffered four or more submission losses inside the octagon.

Mike Pyle, 37, is the oldest active fighter in the UFC welterweight division.

Pyle's four-fight winning streak is tied for the fourth longest in the 170-pound division. Part of that streak includes three consecutive first-round knockout victories, a feat no other UFC welterweight has ever accomplished.

Pyle's 73.5% takedown defense rate is fifth among active welterweight fighters.

John Howard returns to the UFC for the first time since June 2011. "Doomsday" went 4-3 in his first stint with the promotion and has gone 6-1 since his release.

Howard's knockout of Dennis Hallman at the 4:55 mark of Round 3 at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale is the latest knockout ever in a three-round UFC fight.

Uriah Hall will enjoy an eight-inch reach advantage over Howard, the largest margin of any matchup on the 13-bout card.

Joe Lauzon has the third shortest average fight time in lightweight history at 6:28.

Lauzon is tied with former middleweight champion Anderson Silva for the most post-fight bonuses in UFC history at 12; he and/or his opponent have earned a post-fight bonus in his past nine UFC fights.

Lauzon has only fought to a decision once in his 30-fight career and has never won a fight that's gone the distance.

Michael Johnson has been submitted in six of his eight professional defeats.

PRELIMINARY CARD

Brad Pickett has earned post-fight bonuses in four of his five UFC fights for a total of $220,000.

Michael McDonald is tied with three other fighters for the most knockdowns landed in bantamweight history with three.

Conor McGregor has never fought to a decision in his 15-fight career, with the longest bout of his career to date lasting 9:10. Twelve of his 13 career wins have come via knockout.

McGregor's 67-second knockout of Marcus Brimage in his UFC debut was the fifth fastest knockout in UFC featherweight history. It was also the second fastest knockout by a debuting featherweight in UFC/WEC history, bested only by Pablo Garza's 51-second KO of Fredson Paixao at The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale.

Max Holloway, 21, is the youngest active fighter on the UFC roster.

Holloway owns a 78.4% takedown defense rate, which is second in featherweight history behind 145-pound titleholder Jose Aldo (89.7%).

Holloway has landed 353 significant strikes in his UFC career, second in featherweight history behind Nam Phan (483). "Blessed" is tied with three other fighters for the most knockdowns landed in featherweight history with three.

Holloway's 6.07 strikes landed per minute are the most of any fighter in featherweight history and second overall in UFC history behind Cain Velasquez (6.50). His 71.3% significant strike defense is third best in UFC/WEC featherweight history.

Mike Brown will compete in just his third bout in a 24-month span.

Brown has landed 25 takedowns in his UFC/WEC career, more than any other 145-pound fighter in history. His 820 total strikes landed are the most ever by a UFC/WEC featherweight.

Steven Siler holds the record for third-most total strikes landed in UFC featherweight history at 444. "Super" has attempted seven submissions in his UFC career, third most in UFC/WEC featherweight history.

Of a combined 35 professional wins, Diego Brandao and Daniel Pineda have finished 32 of their opponents by knockout or submission.

Pineda is the only fighter in the past 50 UFC events to earn a kimura submission victory, a win that came against Justin Lawrence in his most recent fight, at April's The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale. Pineda has the highest submission attempt average per 15 minutes of fighting rate of any fighter in featherweight history at 2.8.

Pineda has earned the third, fourth and sixth fastest submission wins in UFC featherweight history at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale, UFC on FX 1 and UFC on FX 2.

Pineda owns the shortest average fight time in the 145-pound division at 4:18.

Cole Miller will compete in his fourth bout since dropping to the featherweight division. He is 1-2 in his first three contests.

Miller's past six UFC victories are by submission, and his 21 submission attempts are the sixth most all-time in UFC history. His most recent decision win came against Leonard Garcia in September 2007.

Miller's submission of Jorge Gurgel at the 4:48 mark of Round 3 at UFC 86 is the latest submission victory ever in a three-round UFC fight.

At 6-3, James Vick is tied with Quinn Mulhern for tallest lightweight on the UFC roster.

 

[RM211]

Belfort vs. Lyoto enters the Ultimate plans for the end of the year in Brazil

A spectacular fight between two of the biggest names in MMA in Brazil entered the UFC's plans in recent days and is being greatly entertained internally. The desire of the organization is to score Vitor Belfort x Lyoto Machida for the end of the year in Brazilian soil, as Combate.com found with sources close to the Ultimate. If confirmed, it is likely that the duel is the main attraction of the event that has already been agreed for November 9, in Goiânia Arena, the capital of Goiás The weight class - the middleweight (84kg), medium heavyweight (93kg) or a combined weight - yet to be discussed.

The report came in contact with both sides. The team Belfort said he has not been contacted about the possibility and chose not to comment for now. Lyoto said he had not been officially contacted. On the other hand, said that the Dragon is professional and assured that he would accept the fight against compatriot at any weight.
The initial idea of Ultimate is that combat is the middleweight division. It would be the first time Machida, who has always been a heavyweight, 84kg in weight. He has said he intends to lower division in the future and was willing to move between the two weights for now. Victor, meanwhile, recently said that waiting Winner Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva fight and only accepts before that if the category of medium-heavy or a combined weight.
General Information:

Vitor Belfort: 36 years, former heavyweight champion and heavyweight in the UFC, number 2 ranking 84kg; cartel of 23 wins and 10 losses; comes from wins over Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold

Lyoto Machida: 35; former heavyweight champion of the UFC, number 2 ranking 93kg; cartel of 19 wins and 4 losses; comes backhand before Phil Davis
The main objective of the UFC with the possible appointment of Vitor Belfort vs. Lyoto Machida is an event in Brazil again be absolute sales success of pay per view and especially for tickets. The organization was concerned with many tickets left over in "4 UFC Rio: Aldo x Korean Zombie" and the low sales for "UFC: Glover Teixeira x Ryan Bader," scheduled for September 4, at the gym Mineirinho in Belo Horizonte. Undoubtedly, a confrontation between two names and the size of Vitor Lyoto attract much attention from both the media and the public and would be a success in that sense.
Remember that Vitor Belfort and Lyoto Machida have had small disagreements in the past. First, Rio, Brazil only big name to defend the professionalism fight between friends, in circumstances belt at stake, said the countryman was demagogue for not supporting the idea, since he had already faced brother Chinzo Machida repeatedly in late karate championships. Then, at the time agreed to face Jon Jones with little preparation time, unlike Lyoto Machida, the Phenomenon did a critique of "divas MMA", a term used to refer to fighters in general usually choose opponents. The Dragon did not like and told Vitor "fight silent" and "do not diminish the other." Shortly thereafter, Belfort explained that the criticism was not directed to Lyoto and apologized for the case of the declaration have it hurt.

 

[RM211]

Bellator tournament winner Daniel Straus explains his side of March arrest on drug ch

To say Daniel Straus has had a rough 2013 would be an incredible understatement.

The Bellator season six featherweight tournament winner was slated to face top-ranked champion Pat Curran at the end of the promotion's season eight debut on Spike TV, but a broken hand forced him out of the bout.

But that was the least of Straus' concerns, as last March he was picked up in Florida and charged with possession of cannabis, MDMA as well as drug paraphernalia.

Every media site reported on the arrest, as a number one contender for a top promotion getting those charges was a pretty big deal. Problem was, no one ever reached out to Straus to get his side of the story.

That was five months ago.

Straus finally had an opportunity to explain his side of the situation to MMAmania.com on a recent episode of The Verbal Submission and it sheds a much different light on the story.

See for yourself:

"Basically what happened was I was at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. I was driving, there was two other people in my car. We got pulled over. There was stuff in my car and whatnot but it wasn't like it was mine or I had it on me and once we got pulled over, we got popped in my car that I was driving so I went to jail for it. It wasn't like I was walking around or driving around with drugs on me or like I was doing drugs or selling drugs or anything like that.

To have the media put it out there like that's what it was, it really frustrated me because no one ever came to me and asked me what my side was. No one ever mentioned the fact that there were other people in my car. I'm the only one that had the name so I'm the only one that went to jail. It really bugged me. That's what bugged me, it made people put me in a certain light and that's just not what it is.

How people look at me really doesn't bother me period. If you're gonna be a fan of mine, you're gonna be a fan of mine regardless. If you're not, you're not. I'm still gonna wake up in the morning and I'm still gonna go to bed at night. it did make me concerned about how people see me but I definitely always wanted to get my side and my view out there because I had family and friends calling me going, "Oh my God, you're down there doing this and you're partying!"

Man, I've lived down here so long and I couldn't even tell you where the closest bar is. Definitely not how the media put it out there. It was a bad situation, being in the wrong place at the wrong time like I said. I learned form that. I'm not gonna sit up here and say, "Oh, I'm completely innocent," because I shouldn't have been with certain people, but that's what it is. With that, I picked up the ball and kept on moving with my life. I'm not still pissed about it or stuff like that. Somebody else saying things isn't gonna hold me back from what I'm getting to.

For the younger generation that do look up to me, I apologize. Being put in that type of spotlight does hurt a little bit. I'm just gonna keep moving forward. My next step is to win the world title. That was my dream before this and it'll be my dream after it."
If Straus has his way, he'd like to be the next man to challenge Curran for his Bellator featherweight title this fall. Are you willing to give him the benefit of the doubt?

 

[RM211]

UFC president Dana White makes Nick Diaz an offer: Lyoto Machida at 185 pounds

BOSTON – For now, Nick Diaz remains retired. But if he wants to come back, UFC President Dana White has an offer for him: Lyoto Machida in a middleweight contest.

"I talked to Diaz today, and I made him an offer, so we'll see what happens," White said. "He had been talking about going to 185 pounds. Machida has been talking about going to 185 pounds. So we wanted to see if he wanted to fight Machida at 185."

White revealed his offer during a special Q&A session at Boston's Barrio Cantina, where he appeared as part of a fundraising effort for The Shawn Thornton Foundation at an event billed as the UFC Homecoming.

Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC), the former Strikeforce welterweight champ, hasn't fought since March, when he lost a unanimous decision to Georges St-Pierre in a failed bid for the UFC welterweight title. It was Diaz's second decision loss in a row after he also fell short against Carlos Condit in a UFC 143 bout for the UFC's interim welterweight title.

After the loss, a frustrated Diaz said he was done with the sport and has thus far kept his word.

Meanwhile, former UFC light heavyweight champion Machida (19-4 MMA, 11-4 UFC) fought earlier this month at UFC 163, where he suffered a hotly contested unanimous-decision loss to Phil Davis. Both before and after the bout, Machida teased the potential for a move down to 185 pounds but ultimately said he'd defer to UFC brass to make the decision.

The offer seems to throw some doubt on a rumored Machida vs. Vitor Belfort fight, which White was also said to be looking to book. Belfort has repeatedly refused to fight at 185 pounds unless he's granted a shot at the title, but that belt is currently tied up until new champ Chris Weidman rematches former titleholder Anderson Silva in December. Instead, Belfort has expressed a desire to fight outside of the division in hopes of retaining his position as a No. 1 contender in the middleweight class.

"I wanted Machida to fight Vitor Belfort, but Vitor Belfort is his own matchmaker, apparently," White joked. "He wants to make his own fights."

White said he's not sure whether or not Diaz will accept the offer, and an exact date for the matchup has yet to be determined, though November seems the most likely timeframe. But for now, it remains Diaz's choice. White said he tendered the offer and will now wait for a response.

"They said they'd get back to me," White told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com).

 

[RM211]

Dana White: Georges St-Pierre's VADA stance before UFC 167 'a little weird'

BOSTON – Maybe Dana White isn't used to fighters volunteering to foot the bill for things.

Maybe he doesn't understand why one of his champions would put himself through any additional hardships in the buildup to what many believe is his most dangerous opponent yet.

But he knows one thing when it comes to UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre and his new insistence that he'll pay to be drug tested himself by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association: "It's a little weird," White said at a Wednesday charity event in Boston, where he is for Saturday's UFC Fight Night 26.

St-Pierre (24-2 MMA, 18-2 UFC) in November meets Johny Hendricks (15-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in the main event of UFC 167. And the champ recently said as long as there are those who want to lob performance-enhancing drug use accusations his way, he'll shut down any doubters by undergoing VADA testing on his own.

"For me, when they accuse me, I take that as a compliment," GSP recently told MMA Fighting. "I believe they compliment my athleticism. I want to prove also that it's possible to be champion without using drugs, and I know VADA is the most professional."

Earlier this year, St-Pierre offered an invitation for his opponent to undergo testing, as well.

But with UFC 167 taking place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 16, White perhaps doesn't see the need for his fighters, and his current most long-reigning champion in particular, to go out of their way to be tested.

"We're regulated by the government – the government comes in and does all the drug testing," White said. "Georges St-Pierre is one of those guys that people have been talking about (being on steroids). B.J. Penn said he was on steroids. Somebody else said he was on steroids. And he said, 'I'll pay for my own VADA testing,' which isn't cheap and it's a pain in the ass.

"He doesn't have to do it, but I guess he wants to do it. What are you gonna do? Knock yourself out, Georges. Good luck."

St-Pierre fought Penn at UFC 94 in January 2009, dominating the former lightweight and welterweight champion over four rounds before Penn's corner stopped the fight. That was his second defense of the title, and he since has gone on to defend it six more times, all by unanimous decision, against Thiago Alves, Dan Hardy, Josh Koscheck, Jake Shields, Carlos Condit and Nick Diaz.

Under VADA testing, fighters agree to be tested randomly throughout the leadup to their fight – outside the normal testing that might be done by a ruling commission body. Thus far, it has not been deemed a cost-effective way to act as a deterrent from fighters using performance-enhancing drugs.

 

[RM211]

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira wants UFC 168 return against Stefan Struve

It shouldn't be very surprising that Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira would like to return on the same card that good friend Anderson Silva is headlining. The former Pride and UFC interim heavyweight champ suffered an arm injury in a loss to Fabricio Werdum at UFC on Fuel 10, but thinks he's ready to fight again in 2013 and would like to compete at UFC 168. He even has an opponent in mind. UFC Tonight tweeted the news:UFC Tonight ✔ @UFCTonight

Accoring to A @Ari elHelwani, Big Nog wants to fight on the same card as S @spider Anderson at #UFC168 and still down to fight S @Stef anStruve




Nogueira (34-8-1, 1 NC) and Struve (25-6) previously talked up a contest back in June, right after Big Nog's surgery was declared a success. The bout makes sense in a few different ways, and it would be a solid anchor to the two title fights on top if the UFC did want it on their December 28th card in Vegas. If they're looking to make this one of the biggest cards of the year, they could do a lot worse than having a bout like this on the main card.

 

[RM211]

UFC boss wants to talk to Ben Askren, not pursuing Paul Daley

BOSTON – UFC President Dana White said his promotion may very well be interested in Bellator welterweight champion and current free agent Ben Askren. Controversial British slugger Paul Daley, not so much.

"We'll talk to Ben," White said following Thursday's pre-UFC Fight Night 26 press conference. "Yeah, we'll talk to him."

Askren (12-0 MMA, 9-0 BMMA), a four-time collegiate All-American wrestler, turned to MMA in 2009. After three wins on the regional circuit, he signed with Bellator MMA and promptly claimed the promotion's Season 2 welterweight tournament crown. In his seventh professional fight, he defeated then-champ Lyman Good to claim the promotion's welterweight title, and he's since successfully defended the title four times.

In July, Askren scored a TKO win over Andrey Koreshkov, fulfilling his contract in the process and becoming a free agent.

Recently, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said he is maintaining clear communications with Askren and believes the champ could return to the promotion's roster.

"At this point, we're having communications with Ben and we'll see how it goes," Rebney said. "It'll probably just happen naturally. We'll see. Ben and I have always had a pretty open line of communication. I like Ben."

Askren has earned back-to-back TKO victories in his two most recent Bellator MMA appearances. However, his prior six wins were all via decision, leading some fans to question the entertainment value behind his wrestling-heavy technique.

White said he was aware of Askren's top-game-dominance approach but wasn't sure "Funky" would be able to replicate that success if he does make the move to the UFC.

"You can do that in Bellator, you know what I mean?" White asked. "It's going to be tougher to do that here."

Meanwhile, Askren wasn't the only non-UFC fighter White was asked to address. Knockout artist Daley (33-12-2), who fought three times for the UFC before being released after a post-fight suckerpunch of Josh Koscheck at UFC 113, has in recent times made an effort to get back in White's good graces in hopes of a return to the octagon.

Despite Daley's 6-1 mark over his past seven fights, White said there was more to the equation than simple wins and losses.

"I think I've been pretty clear about where I am on Paul Daley," White said. "I'm not saying that Paul Daley couldn't change. But what he did, he was only guy that's ever done that in the history of the UFC – our UFC since we've been here – literally walked over after you've just fought a guy for 15 minutes, it's all legal, you can do whatever you want, and after the fight he walks over and suckerpunches him in the face. I hate it."

Daley was also contracted by Bellator MMA until recently, when the fighter's inability to secure a travel visa and his conviction on an assault charge led to the promotion terminating his deal. While the 30-year-old Brit certainly boasts a fan-friendly style, White said he's just not quite ready to forgive and forget.

"I'm not saying that he couldn't be forgiven and it couldn't change, but he'd have to win some fights and – I don't know what he'd have to do," White said. "I'm not there though."

UFC Fight Night 26 takes place Saturday at Boston's TD Garden. Ten main-card and preliminary matchups air on FOX Sports 1.

 

[RM211]

30 post-event facts about 'UFC Fight Night 26: Shogun vs. Sonnen'

"UFC Fight Night 26: Shogun vs. Sonnen" took place Saturday and was about as successful of an event as the UFC could have hoped for on the debuting FOX Sports 1 channel.

Decisive endings were a theme inside the octagon throughout the evening with seven of the card's 13 fights decided by knockout or submission.

Chael Sonnen showcased his submission skills for the first time in more than two years in the main event when, inside Boston's TD Garden, he tapped out Mauricio Rua with a first-round guillotine choke.

A loaded fight card filled with big names and relevant match ups was sure to produce some notable figures, and with the help of FightMetric, it's time to recap 30 post-event facts to come out of UFC Fight Night 26.

GENERAL

UFC Fight Night 26 was the third Zuffa-era UFC event to feature three sub-one-minute knockout or submission finishes. The other two events were UFC 84 and UFC Fight Night 13.

Sonnen, Travis Browne, Matt Brown, Michael McDonald and Brad Pickett earned $50,000 post-fight bonuses.

UFC Fight Night 26 drew an attendance of 12,539 for a live gate of $1.53 million

Betting favorites went 7-6 on the card.

Total fight time for the 13-bout card was 1:52:02.

MAIN CARD

Sonnen earned his first victory in the light-heavyweight division since July 2005.

Sonnen attempted two submissions against Rua, the most ever in his UFC/WEC career.

Rua is on the first two-fight losing streak of his 29-bout career and has lost four of his past six fights overall.

Rua suffered his first submission defeat since Sept. 22, 2007 – a span of 2,157 days (nearly six years) and 10 fights. The loss at the 4:47 mark of Round 1 was the second shortest defeat of Rua's career.

Travis Browne defeated Alistair Overeem by knockout despite a 27-strike deficit in significant strikes landed (14 to 41), the fourth largest deficit for a heavyweight comeback in UFC history. "Hapa" has earned 13 of his 15 pro victories by knockout or submission.

Overeem has lost consecutive fights for the first time since 2006 and has been knocked out in eight of his 13 professional defeats.

Urijah Faber kept intact his record of never losing a non-title bout by defeating Yuri Alcantara.

Alcantara suffered his first defeat since dropping to the bantamweight division.

Matt Brown extended his career-best winning streak to six and is now tied with Johny Hendricks for the second longest winning streak in the welterweight division behind champion Georges St-Pierre (11).

Brown earned his eighth knockout victory under the UFC banner, extending his record for the most knockout finishes in welterweight history. "The Immortal" has defeated his past four opponents by knockout.

Brown's nine knockout/submission finishes are the second most in welterweight history behind Matt Hughes (10). His 11 welterweight victories are fourth all-time behind Jon Fitch (12), Hughes/Josh Koscheck (14) and St-Pierre (18).

Mike Pyle has been finished by knockout or submission in eight of his nine professional defeats.

John Howard earned his first UFC victory since March 21, 2010 – a span of 1,245 days (more than three years) and 11 professional fights.

Joe Lauzon fought to a decision for just the third time in his 31-fight career.

PRELIMINARY CARD

Michael McDonald landed two knockdowns against Brad Pickett, which ties him with Eddie Wineland for the most knockdowns in UFC/WEC bantamweight history at six.

McDonald earned his first submission victory since Nov. 11, 2010 – a span of 1,010 days (nearly three years) and six fights. "Mayday" has earned 14 of his 16 career victories by knockout or submission.

Brad Pickett has won a post-fight bonus in five of his six UFC fights for a total of $270,000.

Conor McGregor fought to and won a decision for the first time in his 16-fight career. His previous longest fight lasted nine minutes and 10 seconds.

Steven Siler's 50-second knockout of Mike Brown is tied for the fifth fastest knockout in UFC/WEC featherweight history. "Super" earned his first knockout victory since Aug. 25, 2007 – a span of 2,184 days (nearly six years) and 18 fights.

Diego Brandao completed eight takedowns against Daniel Pineda, twice as many as his previous four UFC fights combined.

Daniel Pineda fell to 3-3 inside the octagon and has lost three of his past four UFC fights.

Manny Gamburyan is on his first two-fight winning streak since 2009.

Gamburyan landed five takedowns against Cole Miller, tying him with Brown for the most takedowns in UFC/WEC featherweight history at 25.

James Vick's 58-second submission of Ramsey Nijem was the second fastest in history for a debuting UFC lightweight. Charles Oliveira's 41-second tap-out of Darren Elkins at UFC on Versus 2 leads the category. Vick has finished his opponent by knockout or submission in all but one of his professional wins.

Ramsey Nijem was defeated by submission for the first time since Oct. 24, 2009 – a span of 1,393 days (nearly four years) and nine fights.

 

[RM211]

UFC's 'Shogun' Rua 'achieved everything I wanted' but not considering retirement

Despite his loss this past weekend in UFC Fight Night 26's headliner, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua said he's accomplished everything he's wanted to in his career.

However, the 31-year-old is not considering retirement.

In a statement sent to MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) and other media outlets following the Aug. 17 event, which took place at Boston's TD Garden, Rua (21-8 MMA, 5-6 UFC) said he was disappointed with his first-round submission loss to fellow light heavyweight Chael Sonnen (28-13-1 MMA, 7-6 UFC). The bout, which kicked off the UFC's debut on FOX Sports 1, moved the former UFC 205-pound champion to just 1-3 in his past four fights and 2-4 since winning the title from then-champ Lyoto Machida in 2010.

However, the former PRIDE star isn't dwelling on his latest defeat and instead is looking at the big picture.

"I achieved everything I ever wanted," he stated. "I've reached all my dreams, and I still fight because I want to live them again. I still plan on many victories and becoming world champion again. I will be the one who decides when to stop, no one else. Thankfully, I am financially stable and these days I fight because I love it."

His full statement (translated by MMAjunkie.com) included:

Last Saturday, August 17, Mauricio 'Shogun' was surprised by Chael Sonnen in the main event of UFC Fight Night on FOX Sports 1, in Boston, United States. The submission setback was greatly felt by the Brazilian, but will serve as a learning for his upcoming fights in the organization.

Already recomposed after the defeat, the fighter analyzes the bout and promises to identify the mistakes inside the Octagon, as to not be surprised again.

"I'm a very competitive guy, who hates being defeated. I know I did everything I should have done in preparation, but Sonnen was better in our fight; credit goes to him. Unfortunately, in fighting, we have to wait a long time for redemption. In soccer, you may lose on Sunday and win on Wednesday, and everything is OK. I'll go home, see what went wrong in the fight and train hard so this error does not happen again," he reflects.

At 31 years of age and with an accomplished career, Shogun, former UFC light-heavyweight champion and Pride champion, is not contemplating retirement upon his return to Brazil, which will place this Thursday, the 22th, when he will be joined by his daughter Maria Eduarda and his wife Renata, three months pregnant.

"I have an 11-year career in MMA/Vale Tudo and I am an accomplished athlete; I achieved everything I ever wanted. I've reached all my dreams, and I still fight because I want to live them again. I still plan on many victories and becoming world champion again. I will be the one who decides when to stop, no one else. Thankfully, I am financially stable and these days I fight because I love it," he says.

Mauricio 'Shogun' wishes to thank those who have always been by his side, his true fans. Regarding their loyalty, the fighter reverses the roles and considers himself a fan.

"I've always been a fan of Ayrton Senna, and I never though he wasn't good when he didn't win. I was a true fan, who admired him for everything he did, whether he came last or first in a race. His name is now etched in history, and I believe mine will also be etched in MMA history. I thank the fans who comforted me with words through social networks; you are very important to me. "

The team assembled by Mauricio 'Shogun' and his managers for the matchup against Rogerio Nogueira and subsequently Chael Sonnen will remain the same in preparation for his next fight in the UFC.

"Mauricio has invested a lot in this camp, trained with the best, came to the United States to learn new techniques, so we decided to keep the same base. He trained with Freddie Roach in the United States, brought Jacob Harman to Curitiba, and had the support of Glaube Feitosa, Roberto Gordo and Renato 'Babalu' in his corner. He was very well prepared, but it was Sonnen who was happy that day. Mauricio is a winner by nature and I have full confidence that we will bounce back", shares Leonardo Salomao, who alongside Lucas Pires manages the fighter's career.

 

[RM211]

Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald targeted for UFC 167

A planned welterweight matchup with big implications for the division's title picture is targeted for this fall.

Several days after UFC President Dana White confirmed that the promotion would book a fight between Rory MacDonald (15-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) and Robbie Lawler (21-9 MMA, 6-3 UFC), MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) has learned the fight is targeted for UFC 167, which takes place Nov. 16 at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena. While verbal agreements are in place, contracts have yet to be signed.

Both fighters are coming off significant wins and could take a step closer to a title shot with a win, which may or may not put the UFC in an awkward position.

MacDonald, who recently outpointed Jake Ellenberger in a lackluster affair at UFC on FOX 8, has said he will not fight training partner and welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre. He might not have to, however.

St-Pierre headlines UFC 167 against challenger Johny Hendricks, who many believe could be the first person to beat him in six years.

Lawler, who knocked out Bobby Volker with a head kick just prior to MacDonald's win, will do his best to make the issue moot. The former EliteXC champion is surging since rejoining the UFC with the shuttering of Strikeforce earlier this year, earning back-to-back knockouts over such opponents as Voelker and onetime welterweight title challenger Josh Koscheck.

As of late, White has been far more generous in his praise of Lawler than MacDonald, whose performance he blasted following UFC on FOX 8.

"Rory didn't do anything to try and finish [Ellenberger] and put a stamp on it and make a statement, not only to the world, but to the guys that are in the division."

Despite his criticism, White is adamant that MacDonald will fight St-Pierre if the opportunity comes.

"If you don't think he wants to be the world champion and make the kind of money that Georges St-Pierre makes, you're crazy, my friend," White told reporters prior to the July 27 event.