MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

Fury FC to stream live on Sherdog tomorrow

The good news is that if you a hardcore MMA addict looking for something to do tomorrow, Sherdog.com will be streaming Fury FC 6 free of charge tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET.

Fury FC is stocked with Brazilian MMA prospects, with fighters such as Thiago Silva, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, and Rousimar Palhares all having fought for the promotion.

It’s very intriguing to see Sherdog involved with live streaming. You’ll be able to view the stream by clicking here.

Tomorrow’s card is as follows:

Lightweight Grand Prix (Under 70.5 kg)

Paulao Bueno (Zenedim PG) vs. Vitor Tofanelli (Toshinkai/De La Riva)
Henrique Mello (Nova União) vs. Gabriel Veiga (99 JJ)
Adriano Goncalves (Fefél) vs. Eduardo Pachu (Gracie Fusion)
Giovanni Diniz (Nova União) vs. Mauricio Reis (BTT)
Middleweight GP (Under 84 kg)

Rafael Sapo (Gracie Fusion) vs. Eduardo Telles (99 JJ)
Rodrigo Pimpolho (UDL) vs. Leandro Batata (Nova União)
Cassiano Tytschyo (Nynyko JJ) vs. Rodrigo Ximbica (Gracie Pitbull)
Rodrigo Smurf (Pejor) vs. Jorge Michelan (Léo Vieira)
Superfight 77 Kg

Yoshitomo Watanabe (AACC Japan) vs. Fabricio Monteiro (Gordo JJ)
Fury FC Lightweight Championship

Rafael dos Anjos (Gracie Fusion) vs. Otsuka Takafumi (AACC)

 

[Shogun Locc]

Mike Swick undergoes elbow surgery

Former UFC middleweight contender and rising welterweight star, Mike Swick, underwent minor elbow surgery on Thursday to remove several bone chips that had been bothering him for several months.

According to a source close to MMAmania.com, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) alum is already on the road to recovery and plans to return to competition before the 2008 fight campaign expires.

Swick is coming off his most recent performance in more than a year, outpointing Marcus Davis on all three judges scorecards at UFC 85: “Bedlam” last month. It was the first loss for the “Irish Hand Grenade” in 11 fights, snapping a win streak that dated back to early 2006.

“Quick” took home a lackluster majority decision win over Josh Burkman at UFC Fight Night 12 prior to the win.

While there is no exact timetable for a return, Swick will possibly compete in October or November of this year provided there are not setbacks in training. We’re told he should be back in the gym in a few weeks.

 

[Shogun Locc]

JLB Injured! The Fifth Fight Will Have To Wait

It seems that Jerome Le Banner is injured and the fight between him and Mark Hunt will not happen. However, Hunt will still participate on the card.

UPDATE: Since this interview, Mark Hunt has now informed MMAWeekly.com that he will not be facing Le Banner. The French K-1 veteran suffered a late injury and has withdrawn from his fight with Hunt.

It is unknown yet who will replace Le Banner as Hunt’s opponent, but a replacement is expected to be named shortly.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Calvancanti May Return on NYE

Following his Dream.2 loss to Shinya Aoki in April, two-time HERO’S 154-pound champion Gesias “JZ” Calvancanti underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL. PDG caught up with the American Top Team star to talk about rehabilitation and the possibility of returning by year’s end.

“My knee is doing really, really good; even the doctor and my therapist are really impressed because I’m doing really well,” says Calvancanti. “That doesn’t mean much though because I need the time to recover.”

With a serious injury that could easily be worsened if strained too soon, “JZ” is taking it easy and not rushing into things.

“I can do upper body, the bicycle, and my hands,” he says. “I’m really determined and disciplined [so it is easy to wait]. I’m going to keep being patient and do what I need to do [to heal] so that I can do what I love.”

Calvancanti hopes to return by the end of the year to fight on New Year’s Eve.

 

[Shogun Locc]

UFC 86 fighters test clean

The eight fighters who were tested during this past weekend's UFC 86 event have come up clean for performance-enhancing drugs (anabolic steroids) and drugs of abuse.

Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer today confirmed the clean tests in an email sent to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

New UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin and former title-holder Quinton Jackson were among those tested at the July 5 event, which took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Griffin defeated Jackson via unanimous decision in the night's main event.

The others fighters tested were Melvin Guillard, Justin Buchholtz, Cole Miller, Gabriel Gonzaga, Joe Stevenson and Patrick Cote -- all of whom claimed victories at the event.

The NSAC tests for drugs of abuse (also known as recreational drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana), as well as performance-enhancers, including anabolic steroids.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Mark Coleman: 'I’m considering dropping to 205lbs'

What was the injury you suffered which prevented you from fighting Brock Lesnar?

I tore my MCL ligament because in this sport, on any day, you can hurt yourself. I knew I was fighting Brock Lesnar, a hell of a tough opponent, so I knew there were no corners to be cut, I was training all out and when you train like this, you take a risk every day in practise training so hard and this time I was on the bad end of a knee injury. It’s part of the sport and I’ve been competing, wrestling and fighting for 30 years and I’ve only had two surgeries, so I can’t complain too much.

Did you have to have surgery on your knee?

I avoided surgery this time, a big set back, totally disappointing. It was a huge opportunity for my career but I’ll get that shot again.

So the door still open with the UFC?

Yeah, I’ll be fighting in November and I’m considering dropping to 205lbs. I’d prefer to fight 205, I’d fight whoever. I’ve always fought who the promoters tell me to fight, I don’t ever pick my opponents, but I’d love to know if they could find a big enough name, or match me up at 205. I would prefer that, but if not, I’ll stay at heavyweight.

How you think you would cope, going down in weight?

I can make the weight no problem, making the weight is not going to be a problem.

What kind of a fighter do you think you would be at 205?

I think I can do very well at 205. I can’t say I’m going to tear up these guys, there’s a lot of great talent down there; it’s just, over the years, the athletes have got a little bit bigger and a little bit heavier, so it would just be a wise move for me to go down to 205.

Are there any names in particular that you’ve got in mind in the light-heavyweight division?

Whoever. I want it to be a big name, obviously, at this stage of my career I don’t need no tune up fights; whoever the promoters, whoever the fans want me to fight, that’s fine.

It appears Forrest Griffin is now the man to beat in the division, how do you think you would do against him?

Right now, he’s got the biggest heart in the business and he’s the hardest worker in the business. I’ve often said, the guy who works the hardest is going to win, and I think that prevailed in his last fight for sure. I don’t know anyone who’s as dedicated as Forrest Griffin and for me, I would have to dedicate my life to the sport to have a chance to beat this guy.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Revised Gate Figures for UFC 86

According to MMAJunkie and the Nevada State Athletic Commission, UFC 86 drew 10,990 attendees for a live gate of $3,350,730. Of the 10,990 tickets, 9,630 were paid attendees (1,360 were complimentary).

The event's live gate is the sixth highest in UFC history.

Additionally, an additional 673 spectators (533 paid) showed up at Mandalay Bay for a closed-circuit TV feed of the event. That gathering accounted for an additional gate of $33,650 (approximately $63 per paid attendee).

For the sake of comparison, the most recent figure for tickets sold to the Affliction: Banned card comes in at around 8500 with a week to go until the event. Attempts by MMAPayout.com to get further information on the gate have been unsuccessful at this time.

 

[Shogun Locc]

More on the UFC Merchandising Agreement

Sherdog.com's Jason Probst has an excellent article on the UFC's merchandising agreement entitled "Putting a Price on Fame." The articles includes some quotes on the subject from several notable quotes from practicing sports lawyers:

"The fighters should be wary of granting these rights in perpetuity," said Peter Bonfante, a licensing attorney based in Beverly Hills who has represented several athletes, including major league baseball players. "At the very least, fighters should seek a term that continues only as long as they are promoted by the UFC."
Peter Carfagna - General Counsel at IMG and Professor of ports law at Harvard School of Law:

"I'd counsel strongly against signing this agreement for any of the top guys," said Carfagna. "Because of the lack of an opt-out right. With the potential for perpetual rights, you don't want to sell those away. There may be some who'd be happy to take it, because it's 10 or 20 percent of gross royalties. That's better than zero percent of zero percent. It's all about leverage. Also it's in the eye of the beholder. It's not good if you're one of the top guys who can cut their own deals. And why sign for no audit rights? That's the real killer for me."
Not everyone was critical of the deal. Noted boxing attorney Judd Burstein told Sherdog.com:

"You have to look at the UFC as a unified business," said Burstein, who has represented Oscar De La Hoya and Lennox Lewis, among others. "All of the fighters are employees of the UFC. It's not unusual in the intellectual property area that, an employer gives you a career, and without them, you wouldn't be able to sell shoes. You're (also) dealing with something extraordinarily successful over a short time. As there is (promotional) competition, superstars could develop their own deals. I don't think it's too far over the edge. This is not boxing promotion."
...
"If there's a significantly enough fighters demanding more, the UFC will cough up the money," Burstein said. "If they organized, they could shut the thing down with a strike. It's America. If they give you a draconian contract, sign it if it's the only deal."
The article is well worth reading in its entirety.

 

[Shogun Locc]

U.K. Boxing Community Talks MMA

From flyweight terror Jimmy Wilde back in the early 1900s, through the golden era of the 50s when Randy Turpin briefly ruled the world, to today's current stars like Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton, it's an undeniable fact that Britain has consistently produced household names and sporting heroes in the sport of boxing.

Despite the sport's ups and downs, not to mention sometimes-wavering credibility, boxing has remained comfortable in a relatively unchallenged niche. Indeed, the "sweet science of bruising" has been the established combat sport on the British Isles for decade upon decade.

But it's no longer alone. Recently, MMA has quickly risen from little more than an unruly terrier snapping its heels to a serious and rapidly growing sporting entity that's surging in popularity, selling out big arenas, making sporting headlines and now teetering on the edge of the mainstream. Is it a threat to boxing, a fad or simply just another sport?

Sherdog.com spoke with some well-known British boxing figures to find out their thoughts on the United Kingdom's latest sporting phenomenon.

"Perception might very well be age related," says respected boxing journalist and britishboxing.net editor Ian McNeilly. "Relative old-timers -- and as boxing is a young man's sport, I mean anyone over 30 -- tend, in general, to have a negative view of MMA, whereas the younger audience can be more open-minded and accepting."

Dazzling submissions and beautifully executed takedowns may provide wonderful eye candy to connoisseurs of MMA who recognize the skill involved. But what if you're a lifelong boxing fan and your first glimpse of MMA is a suffocating 15-minute horror show of Randy Couture (Pictures) repeatedly taking down a bleeding Vitor Belfort (Pictures) and elbowing him in the face, or worse again, Joe Stevenson turning the canvas into a crimson mess with a badly hemorrhaging Yves Edwards (Pictures)?

"It's rather brutal for my pallet," continues McNeilly. "The boxing skills of MMA fighters are usually appalling too. I don't think it's as artistic or aesthetically pleasing as boxing. My general negativity isn't helped by my ignorance, though. Promotionally, I think it's outstanding and can teach boxing more than a thing or two, but most people I know just call it 'cage fighting,' if I'm honest with you. Some think UFC is a sport."

Frank Maloney, the man responsible for steering Lennox Lewis to the heavyweight title, is one of the U.K.'s leading fight figures. He's of a similar opinion.

"I read about it sometimes and have a look if it's on TV, and [promotionally] we do look at it," he says. "But to be honest, I can't get too excited by it. I think you'll find [in the U.K.] MMA attracts boxers at the end of their career. It lacks proper organizational structure, and there's too many pirate outfits operating. I think boxing is the truest and purest of all the combat sports. I see judo, karate as sports, but not MMA. It seems to me to be like modern-day gladiator fighting."

Despite MMA's growing popularity and ever-increasing coverage, it seems the sport still represents something of a leap of faith for traditional boxing people. Mark Bateson is a popular, respected boxing manager and trainer. He also regularly promotes sellout professional shows in his home city of Leeds.

"MMA -- what's that? I know the sport as ‘cage fighting,' to be honest," says Bateson. "But I think it's OK. It's actually taking over boxing in a fashion. Some of the young lads are moving away from boxing to give it a try -- even Butterbean's been doing it!"

Does Bateson see MMA as a threat to boxing ticket sales?

"Quite possibly," he acknowledges. "If there's an MMA event on the same sort of time as one of my shows, that could possibly affect the numbers.

"My friend Dave Mangon promotes cage shows in Doncaster, and they always sell out. My main problem with it is the lack of consistency. From what I know, there's very few long-running champions in MMA. Everyone seems to lose their titles quickly, and almost everybody's been beaten at some stage. It seems to me that you get a guy good enough at any one thing, like Royce Gracie (Pictures) for example, they'll just take the fight where they want it and win. In a way, it's another form of street fighting."

British Boxing Board of Control Secretary Simon Block is in similar accord to McNeilly, Bateson and Maloney.

"The board's position on this and similar sports may be as relevant as our position on golf or cricket," Block says with a laugh. "I'm a great admirer of the former Nevada state athletic commissioner Marc Ratner, and recently I attended the UFC show at the 02 Arena in London as a guest of Marc. … As for my personal opinion, commenting on it would be rather like Brian Barwick [chief executive of the Football Association] talking about rugby!"

So how did Mr. Block rate the overall experience at UFC 85?

"All I can say is it's not my sport, but some of our people were there, such as doctors, medical staff," he says. "I did have one observation: There were 12,000 [actually more than 13,000] in attendance. I've seen similar numbers for boxers like Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton. This is just a general observation based on a quick glance around, but there seemed to be a greater number of women and a different mix of people than you can expect to see at a boxing show."

The issue of fighter safety is at the top of the Board of Control's agenda. They take a dim view of a licensee -- be it a boxer, trainer, promoter or second -- having any involvement in an unsanctioned boxing event.

For most, it would be a considerable stretch of the imagination to compare a UFC event with an unlicensed boxing show. But to the British Boxing Board of Control, MMA is technically just that -- an unlicensed combat event. However, board policy on a boxing license holder's participation in MMA at least indicates recognition of MMA's legitimacy in terms of fighter safety.

"We wouldn't penalize one of our members for involvement in an MMA event," Block says. "That has no real interest to us on anything other than medical grounds of an injured athlete [who may also box regularly] of course."

Everyone seems to agree that a U.K.-based independent sanctioning body would be a huge step forward to further legitimize the sport in Britain and Ireland. Could the British Boxing Board of Control be the organization to take on that mantle?

"Not in the foreseeable future," Mr. Block tells Sherdog.com. "Remember that the British Boxing Board of Control was formed about 80 years ago because people working in the sport recognized that boxing needed an independent regulatory authority. The likes of UFC and Cage Rage are a business, rival promoters running an enterprise, and anyone that works with them is part of that business. With boxing we license our managers, promoters and boxers. And until those who work in the business of MMA get together and do what people in boxing did many decades ago, that status won't change."

Mr. Block raised a further point by highlighting an interesting, and potentially worrying, gray area that could affect MMA's status in the U.K.

"Even with permission, you're not allowed to assault someone," he says. "For example, even if someone paid a lady dressed in leather to inflict pain, that's still assault. It's seen as a breach of the peace.

"The reason why boxing is not a criminal offense is because it has clearly defined laws. To my knowledge, [MMA] has not had a court case due to an injured fighter, so it's unclear what the legal position of these types of events are [in the U.K.]. So if someone is injured or killed in one of these promotions, [legally speaking] that may bring its status into question."

It seems that while boxing and MMA will always be similar yet different, there's ample room for fans and detractors of each -- and room for those of us in the middle. While MMA is undoubtedly growing, boxing, as Maloney points out, has rich tradition on its side.

"Boxing is like football," Maloney says. "It has history and has been around forever. I can't imagine a world without boxing. I can easily conceive of one without MMA."

From an albeit limited consensus, it seems the British boxing barometer on MMA is set somewhere between disdain and moderate interest, rudimentary knowledge to perhaps a lack of genuine understanding, acknowledgment and indifference. The latter part of that statement is best summed up by McNeilly.

"Most boxing folk acknowledge its success but fall back on boxing's longevity, even in these days of political correctness descending into farce," McNeilly says. "MMA is a foreign land to most of them -- and not one they want to visit."

 

[Shogun Locc]

HOMINICK TO STAND AND PROVE AT AFFLICTION

Next Saturday at the Affliction show in Anaheim, Calif., Canadian 145-pound fighter Mark Hominick has an opportunity to start over again.

After having an up and down time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at lightweight, Hominick was supposed to make a big splash moving down to his natural weight of 145 pounds in World Extreme Cagefighting, but again was met with mixed results.

Eager to prove himself as one of the best in the featherweight division, he has been given such an opportunity in Affliction against the currently rebounding Trenell “Savant” Young.

“I’m just pumped to be a part of history,” stated Hominick of his participation in Affliction. “I was lucky to be on this card. I’m thrilled and plan on stealing the show.

“They put the fighters first, that’s what they’re concerned about, and they’ve also got the fans in mind as well. I think the fans can really appreciate how great of a card this is. Top to bottom, it’s just stacked.”

Recently, Hominick’s opponent, Savant Young scored a major upset when he defeated Shooto superstar “Lion” Takeshi Inoue. In facing off against Young, Hominick feels he could put himself back in the running for a title, should Affliction decide to crown a champion at 145-pounds.

“Well, with Savant, I’m fighting a top ten fighter, who previously beat the No. 2 ranked guy in the division, so beating him puts my name back where it belongs, in my opinion,” he said. “Coming out of the show as the winner, I think it puts me in contention right away.”

However, Hominick knows that is easier said than done.

“I think it’s an exciting match-up,” he commented. “He’s going to stand and bang with me, and he brings it and is 100 percent with whatever he does, but on paper, I think it’s going to go my way, and in the ring as well.

“He’s short and stocky, and he definitely wants to be on the inside, and I on the outside. He throws caution to the wind with his punching, and that’s the type of fighter I like. I like catching guys when they make mistakes, and make them pay for it.”

Currently Hominick is signed to three-fight deals with both Affliction and TKO in Canada, where he has only one aspiration, to regain his lost title.

“I really don’t want to fight anyone unless it’s for a title,” he said about TKO. “I lost to (Hatsu) Hioki twice, with the last one happening in controversial decision, so I don’t think there’s anyone really left in that division right now.

“I just want to fight for the title, and I think that’s what they’re saying too. If he has to fight someone first and then I have to fight the winner, whoever, I’m just looking to be the champion there.”

Regardless of individual promotional desires, Hominick’s overall goal remains the same.

“You’re only as good as your last win, and I have to prove where I am in this division,” he stated. “Talk is cheap. I consider myself to be one of the best in the division, I just have to step up and prove it.

“I just have to prove it in this next fight with Savant, show that I belong in the Top 10. I won’t be calling out anyone above that, because I’ve got to prove myself and show them where I belong.”

With aspirations to be recognized as one of the best 145-pound fighters in the world, and with ample opportunities in multiple promotions before the end of the year, this could be the time for Mark Hominick to put his stamp on the division once and for all.

“I’d like to thank NCFC Fight Management and MMATraining.com,” he closed out. “I’ve been doing a daily blog for my training for this camp, and they’ve been monitoring both workouts, day and night, for this past month.

“To the fans, come and be a part of history. It’s going to be a great show with a stacked card. The card is based around heavyweights, but there’s a couple of 145’ers that are planning on stealing the show.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Kawajiri wants to fight Aoki in final

Tatsuya Kawajiri showed his training to the press at JB SPOTS in Tokyo on July 11. JB SPOTS is a boxing gym whose owner, George Morikawa, is an author of a comic book about boxing, Hajimeno Ippo. Mitsuhiro Ishida and Hiroyuki Takaya who fights in WEC on Aug 03 trained together.

His training lasted for 1.5 hours. After training, he had an interview. His training menu:
- 3 min./3R sparring in a striking with boxing gloves
- 3 min./2R sparring in a striking with open finger gloves
- 5 min./2R sparring
- 3 min./2R working with a hanging heavy bag
- 10 min./1R, 5 min./2R a combination training of ground sparring and mitts punching)
- Shadow boxing 3min.

Kawajiri:
I fight twice per a day; therefore, I train 2 times harder than usual. I'm very tired because I'm having incentive trainings every day. I'll adjust my condition by reducing my training load gradually. I know my next fight with Alvarez will be a tough fight. The harder my next fight is, the more I enjoy my victory. I studied his fighting style by watching his fight video with Hansen. I carry out everything I want to do regardless of his style. I want to defeat him by KO ideally. (He was asked which fighter he wants to fight, Uno or Aoki) Doesn't matter to me. I'm not worried about fighting either of them. I know their style well because I have trained with Aoki and fought Uno before. The key to fight them is do not let them touch me and don't fight on the ground. (He said he wanted to fight UNO in DREAM.3, after Ishida was defeated) I forgot about that when I found out my next opponent is Alvarez. I suppose PRIDE fans want to see me fight Aoki. I always have good luck in Osaka; I won the tournament of SHOOT and I had good experience in a curry restaurant. I think it's time for me to shine.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Chonan updated his blog

My next fight with Roan "Jucaon" Carneiro is arranged. I have a lot I want to say regarding this issue, but I keep silent and show my anger in the ring because I got injured last time.

I'm training every day though my injury is cured only 70%. I will have more intense trainings once I totally recover. I cannot wait to fight, yet I'm afraid of getting injured again. I should be patient now.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Couture, Hieron Featured on ‘Inside MMA'
videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1683
On this week's HDNet "Inside MMA," Bas Rutten (Pictures) and Kenny Rice were joined by guest panelists Kim Couture (Pictures), IFL welterweight champion Jay Hieron (Pictures) and comedian Rob "Deuce Bigalow" Schneider.

 

[Shogun Locc]

KOSCHECK TALKS UFC 86 WIN AND FIGHTING FUTURE

Coming off an impressive, dominating performance over Chris "Lights Out" Lytle at UFC 86, Josh Koscheck sets his sights on his next challenge and addresses rumors of him possibly going down to the lightweight division to fight BJ Penn.



"My goal was to come in and finish this fight," Koscheck told MMAWeekly. "Chris Lytle's never been finished. And he's still never been finished in a fight.



"I think this fight showed I'm right there in the top of the division," added the American Kickboxing Academy trained fighter. "I'm just looking for my next fight."



The fight with Lylte was one of the bloodiest MMA bouts in recent memory. Koscheck, as well as many viewers, were surprised the fight wasn't stopped due to the multiple cuts suffered by Lytle.



"I was pretty surprised (that the referee didn't stop the fight). At the end of the second round I was pounding on him pretty good," said Koscheck. "They were pretty bad cuts.



"After the second round I was like, this guy's dead. And then he recovered. He must have been in great shape."



Rumors have been swirling that Koscheck and Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight titleholder B.J. Penn could square off in the future in the lightweight division. Addressing those rumors, Koscheck commented, "That's just chatter."



"B.J. Penn is a good friend of mine. I've trained with him for a long time," said the 30-year-old welterweight fighter. "If the fight made sense and me and B.J. could make a lot of money off of it, of course we would do it.



"It is what it is. Me being a wrestler, I can cut the weight. I'm sure I can cut the weight. I've wrestled at 163 before. It's a miserable life, but I'd be willing if it was for a title shot and that belt. That's the ultimate goal."



Koscheck has not made plans to move down to the lightweight division and believes the welterweight division is where he'll make his mark in mixed martial arts.



"I think that 170 is my weight class," stated The Ultimate Fighter season one cast member. "I'm going to win the 170 pound belt. As soon as (Jon) Fitch fights Georges St-Pierre and beats him, maybe me and Fitch will have a showoff at AKA."

 

[Shogun Locc]

UFC ANNOUNCES FIGHT NIGHT IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA

Early Saturday morning, the Ultimate Fighting Championship confirmed what has long been rumored, the promotion is set to make it’s debut in the Cornhusker State. The UFC will make its first stop ever in Nebraska on September 17 at the Omaha Civic Auditorium in Omaha.

In announcing that UFC Fight Club presale tickets will be available Wednesday, July 16, starting at $35, the promotion confirmed the UFC Fight Night event on Spike TV.

Although no bouts have yet been announced, the rumor mill has generated a lengthy list of probably fights for Omaha, including:

-Josh Neer vs. Nate Diaz
-Mac Danzig vs. Clay Guida
-Joe Lauzon vs. Kyle Bradley
-Houston Alexander vs. Eric Schafer
-Ed Herman vs. Alan Belcher
-Tamden McCrory vs. Luke Cummo

 

[Shogun Locc]

STEVE STEINBEISS VS MARK MUNOZ AT WEC 36

K-1 and BodogFight veteran Steve Steinbeiss will make his World Extreme Cagefighting debut against Mark Munoz on Sept. 10 at a location to be determined.

Sources from within Steinbeiss’ camp confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that both parties have signed bout agreements. Steinbeiss has also signed a multi-fight agreement with the Zuffa, LLC owned organization.

Steinbeiss, a light heavyweight, currently trains out of Arizona Combat Sports in Tempe, Ariz. along with his older brother Ray, a welterweight and fellow BodogFight veteran. The junior Steinbeiss is 4-1 in professional mixed martial arts competition. Despite the step up in exposure, he makes no bones about how he feels about the fight.

"He's not the best match-up for me," Steinbeiss tells MMAWeekly.com. "I'm a kickboxer and he's a national wrestling champ. I think I'll be able to hold my own. I guess you can look at it two different ways: one, you can say I'm going to get him while he's young to the sport; the other way, you can say I'm screwed either way."

Munoz, a former NCAA wrestling champion at Oklahoma State, is fresh off a successful debut in the WEC, stopping Chuck Grigsby with strikes at WEC 34 in June. Undefeated in four professional fights, Munoz trains out of Ultimate Fitness with WEC featherweight champion Uriah Faber.

On paper, the fight appears to be a classic striker vs. grappler match-up. Steinbeiss’ seasoned striking capabilities represent Munoz’s toughest challenge yet on his feet, while Munoz presents great danger to Steinbeiss if the fight hits the ground. So there's no mystery in this fight.

"I'm not going to go out there and shoot a double leg on him," Steinbeiss says. "There's no behind the scenes 'he's going to do this, he's going to do that.' He's going to try to wrestle with me and I'm going to try to stand on my feet. It's nice you can take all of that out of the way."

 

[Shogun Locc]

MMA Quick Quote: Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley not to keen on Pro Elite double standards

“I’ve got a few things I want to get out in the air with regards to Pro Elite, Cage Rage and the future. I’ve got no contract with Cage Rage, my contract stands with Pro Elite. My fight with Cage Warriors seems to be a problem with the guys at Pro Elite. I know Cage Warriors and Cage Rage are rival promotions but I have no loyalty to Cage Rage as there’s no contract there. Before Pro Elite got hold of the reigns at Cage Rage, they [Cage Rage] didn’t really wanna know who I was. I was always an upset for them, me winning both belts, me beating their poster boys, and you know, it’s just one of those things. Now I’m getting a bit of recognition and moving away from them, they’re realizing their fans don’t give a fuck about their fighters and it was really me who was putting bums on seats. They’ve lost one of their star fighters…. They [Pro Elite] did offer me a fight on the July 26th card against Rory Markham, who we all know has signed with the UFC, so I thought it was a ploy to stop me fighting on Cage Warriors. I felt that if I had accepted the fight, they would have just cancelled on me. A lot of other guys had fought twice in the same month for two different promotions, a non-Pro Elite and then a Pro Elite event – I said look, I’ll fight July 12th and I’ll fight July 26th, not a problem. I feel confident in this fight and all being well I would get out uninjured and with a victory and I’d fly straight to America. They didn’t want to hear any of that. If I had been Nick Diaz, it wouldn’t have been a problem. The guy smokes weed, starts riots on TV, doesn’t make weight, fights whoever the fuck he wants, and there’s no problem there. It’s a bit of a piss-take really.”

– Cage Rage Welterweight Champion and Elite XC (Pro Elite) fighter, Paul “Semtex” Daley, tells Fighters Only Magazine about some hesitation from the powers that be on allowing him to compete on the same night one of their other organizations (Cage Rage) is putting on an event in the same country. He claims Pro Elite knew about his fight with Cage Warriors months ago and that he is going to fight no matter what anyone says. It’s also interesting he mentions Nick Diaz in regard to him fighting in other organizations. Diaz has probably had more trouble than any other fighter under contract with Pro Elite when it comes to fighting in another organization. Apparently “Semtex” isn’t aware that Diaz has had one title fight with another organization postponed - DREAM welterweight title fight against “Mach” Sakurai - and another one almost canceled - DREAM 3 fight against Katsuya Inoue - during his time with Pro Elite. One thing is for sure though, Daley certainly isn’t afraid to speak his mind.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Sam Stout vs Terry Etim UFC 89 fight on the horizon

Sam Stout (13-4-1) and Terry Etim (10-2) will likely throw leather in a lightweight scrap at UFC 89: “Leben vs. Bisping” at The National Indoor Arena (NIA) in Birmingham, England, on October 18.

Shawn Tompkins — who is Stout’s striking coach at XTreme Couture and just so happens to date his sister — revealed the potential 155-pound match up in a recent interview with FCFighter.com.

Here’s a snip from Tompkins:

“Sam Stout just re-signed with the UFC. They gave him another four fight deal, and it looks like he’ll be fighting October 18th in the London, England show against Terry Etim, who just fought Rich Clementi. They were going to try to make that fight happen (with Taylor) but I think Taylor decided he can’t make the 155 division so he’s going to stay at 170. Were itching to get Sam back in there, he’s pretty much had the whole summer off.”

“Hands of Stone” dropped a controversial split decision to Rich Clementi his last time out at UFC 83: “Serra vs St. Pierre 2″ in front of his hometown Canada crowd.

Prior to that showing, Stout bounced back from a “Fight of the Year” candidate bout in which he lost a unanimous decision to Spencer Fisher to outpoint Per Eklund on all three judges scorecards at UFC 80: “Rapid Fire” earlier this year.

Etim also lost his last time out to Clementi at UFC 84: “Ill Will” back in April — albeit via unanimous decision. It marked his second consecutive loss inside the Octagon and just the second time in the young Brits career that he tasted defeat.

He has one win in three attempts under the UFC banner — a submission (triangle choke) of Matt Grice at UFC 70: “Nations Collide” back in April 2007.

 

[Shogun Locc]

An older, wiser Melvin Guillard

What does a brash, boisterous, 25-year-old do when handed a bonus check for $60,000?

"My money's sitting in the bank," UFC lightweight Melvin Guillard (22-7-2 MMA, 4-3 UFC) proudly proclaimed.

Guillard earned that check as UFC 86's "Knockout of the Night" award winner. Guillard discussed that brief, 36-second bout, as well as his new outlook on life, while a guest on TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"I broke more of a sweat warming up in the back," Guillard joked about his fight. "But that's how it goes. You've got to be ready."

Guillard's victory over European fighter Dennis Siver on July 5 was his first victory in the UFC in nearly two years. Guillard had previously suffered back-to-back losses to Joe Stevenson and Rich Clementi.

"I came in (to the fight) in real good shape," Guillard said. "I trained hard. I'm focused now. I'm back to knowing what's important in my life. Right now, fighting is what's important. That's how I live. I'm taking it more serious now. I took my talent for granted for a while. I was getting away with not taking it too serious. Then my career was threatened. I thought I was going to be cut by the UFC. So I had a lot riding on this mentally."

Guillard's UFC career was threatened not only by his losses in the octagon, but a failed drug test confirming cocaine usage after his bout with Stevenson. Guillard said that the embarrassment the incident caused his family forced him to choose a different path.

"I got busted, but I don't care about the media and all that," Guillard said. "I care more about hurting my family. I embarrassed my mom. My dad, he passed away a year and a half ago, but if he was here, he would have been upset, too. ... I felt bad because I embarrassed my mother and my church members.

"I didn't straighten up because of all the bad talk. I straightened up because it was the right thing to do."

Now clean and sober, the 25-year-old realizes the error in his previous ways, and he’s recommitted himself to improving as a fighter.

"I didn't try to blame anybody else," Guillard said. "Yeah, I went out and I had fun. I made a mistake. I admitted to my wrongdoing, and I accepted my punishment.

"(But now) I'm sober. I'm not hanging out or partying. I'm just training. I came back home. I'm not even taking any time off. I'm back at the gym already."

Guided by a fresh outlook on life, Guillard has even come to terms with his anger toward his well-documented rival, Clementi.

"I was young and stupid," Guillard said of the feud. "I was angry. I was mad at Rich for a lot of reasons. A lot of reasons we were never clear about. We never got to sit down and say, 'Hey, did you really say this? Did this really happen?' But I'm over it. He won in the ring."

Guillard said meeting the many issues in his life head on was the key to his resurgence.

"Facing your troubles, and not hiding it -- being up front with it, and not trying to make it seem like nothing's going on," Guillard said. "I went through my rough times. If people really want to know, I went through a lot of things. I lost my father. Before my father, it was (Hurricane) Katrina. All that happened between a two-year [period]. People that don't know the real me, they just know me as a fighter. They don't know me."

With those challenges now firmly in Guillard's rearview mirror, "The Young Assassin" said there is only one priority in his life.

"Fighting is my job," Guillard said. "I'm focused on what's important now."

Guillard also talked about mending his differences with Josh Burkman, why Guillard doesn't think he is ready to tangle with B.J. Penn, and why he thinks Roger Huerta isn't a top-level fighter. To hear the full interview, download Thursday's edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio archives.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Cole Miller on his come-from-behind victory

UFC 86 "Submission of the Night" bonus winner Cole Miller (14-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) will soon be able to drive his own car to practice.

Miller, who had been using his brother's car because his own 2000 Nissan Altima doesn't work, discussed the plans for utilizing his $60,000 bonus while a guest on TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"I'm probably going to pay off last year's taxes," Miller said. "I'm going to put some money away for this year's taxes. I'm going to go home and get my car fixed, which isn't running at the moment."

Miller's undercard bout with Jorge Gurgel didn't make it to the July 5 pay-per-view broadcast. But the UFC thought highly enough of the back-and-forth battle to allow fans to view the fight for free on its official website, UFC.com.

"I thought that I won the second round, for sure," Miller said. "I thought the first round was pretty close, but he edged me out. He was obviously winning the third round until the submission."

Miller won the fight with a swiftly applied triangle choke that forced fellow lightweight Gurgel to tap with just 12 seconds remaining in the bout.

"If it would have went the distance, they probably would have given it to him, two rounds to one on the scorecards," Miller admitted. "But I really wasn't thinking if I was behind or not. I was just thinking 'finish him' the entire time I was fighting him."

The 24-year-old Georgia native attributed the win to a game plan derived specifically for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt opponent, as well as crafty use of the spider guard.

"It's a common position I use," Miller said. "I was trying to play more of an open guard. When [Gurgel] faces guys in the closed guard, that's kind of what he wants."

With his fifth win in his past six fights, Miller is unsure who his next opponent will be, but he knows there are numerous options given the depth of the UFC's lightweight division.

But the American Top Team-trained fighter was sure of one thing: that he will be purchasing a very-un-fighter-like 2009 Honda Accord and that he will be through using his brother's car.

"I had to make it to and from the gym to train," Miller said. "So it was either drive that or drive nothing."

Miller also discussed his younger brother Micah's budding MMA career, as well as his near-decision to sell his championship belt on eBay. To hear the full interview, download Friday's edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio archives.