MMA News Thread
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Inside MMA: UFC to Buy IFL
Senior Producer at HDNet’s Inside MMA tells MMAPayout.com that the IFL will be bought by the UFC.
MMAPayout.com has confirmed talks between the IFL and UFC.
More details as they become available
Wagnney Fabiano, Chris Horodecki, Ryan Schultz, Roy Nelson, Jim Miller, Jay Hieron, Vladimir Matyushenko would all be great additions to Zuffa whether it be for UFC or WEC
Senior Producer at HDNet’s Inside MMA tells MMAPayout.com that the IFL will be bought by the UFC.
MMAPayout.com has confirmed talks between the IFL and UFC.
More details as they become available
Wagnney Fabiano, Chris Horodecki, Ryan Schultz, Roy Nelson, Jim Miller, Jay Hieron, Vladimir Matyushenko would all be great additions to Zuffa whether it be for UFC or WEC
The Rampage Effect: Booking the LHW Division in Light of Jackson’s Arrest
July 17, 2008
The recent developments in the personal life of Quinton Rampage Jackson will certainly have an affect on the business plans of the UFC over the next half year. Either through a suspension or legal proceedings, Rampage is more than likely out past the end of the year. The following scenarios are put forth on that premise.
A November fight with Wanderlei Silva or a December rematch with Forrest are almost certainly out of the question. With a Chuck Liddell win (giving a Liddell vs Griffin match-up), Rampage could have been slotted into a possible rematch with Wanderlei. The re-match of Forrest vs Rampage would have a built-in audience stoked by a somewhat controversial decision. Either would have been better than average PPV draws but neither look plausible this calendar year given the circumstances.
With the deck shuffled, Joe Silva looks to have a few options with how he books the rest of the year. To borrow a poker term, most of the UFC’s stack will be pushed to the middle, hoping that Chuck Liddell will overcome Rashad Evans. Chuck represents the biggest money match possible for the traditional big box office New Year’s Eve card. While it won’t match the one million plus buys that Chuck vs Tito II did in December 2006, it has the potential to do above the 650,000 buys that Chuck vs Wanderlei did last New Year’s Eve.
In the event that Liddell loses to Evans, well, all bets are off at that point. Rashad would have an undefeated record with a win over Chuck Liddell, but it would be hard to imagine him getting the nod to headline one of the biggest events of the year. Rashad has the perfect record and the TUF pedigree that would seem to make him a star but it just hasn’t happened. If Rashad were to get the shot they would more than likely move Forrest vs Rashad off the New Year’s card and slot in the much anticipated GSP vs BJ Penn match as the main event with Mir vs Nog as the sub main.
Two other possibilities for that shot, Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva, are being paired up at UFC 89 and would likely be unavailable for the big year end card. Anderson Silva would be an idea, but The Spider has stated he has no intentions of staying at 205. Which brings us to…..
Wanderlei Silva. In the absence of a Forrest-Chuck fight, this would likely be the biggest 205lb fight they could make for the end of the year show. Since his re-entry into the Octagon, Wanderlei has gone just 1-1 but in those two fights he has made quite an impression on the UFC fanbase. The second round of his fight with Chuck is the stuff of legend, and he put on a star-making performance in his demolition of Keith Jardine. Wanderlei’s charisma and entertaining fighting style seem to transcended any language barrier there might be for the Brazilian fighter.
The question is would Forrest and Wandy fight each other? Both operate out of the Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas and train with each other on a regular basis. Given how promiscuous training is becoming, people are going to have to start fighting people they’ve trained with. Fighters in this day and age are like bees skipping from flower to flower (the individual camps) cross-pollinating their game. It is going to become increasingly hard for guys to avoid someone they have trained with. In the end money talks and the match that will draw the most money will win out, intra-camp politics be damned
July 17, 2008
The recent developments in the personal life of Quinton Rampage Jackson will certainly have an affect on the business plans of the UFC over the next half year. Either through a suspension or legal proceedings, Rampage is more than likely out past the end of the year. The following scenarios are put forth on that premise.
A November fight with Wanderlei Silva or a December rematch with Forrest are almost certainly out of the question. With a Chuck Liddell win (giving a Liddell vs Griffin match-up), Rampage could have been slotted into a possible rematch with Wanderlei. The re-match of Forrest vs Rampage would have a built-in audience stoked by a somewhat controversial decision. Either would have been better than average PPV draws but neither look plausible this calendar year given the circumstances.
With the deck shuffled, Joe Silva looks to have a few options with how he books the rest of the year. To borrow a poker term, most of the UFC’s stack will be pushed to the middle, hoping that Chuck Liddell will overcome Rashad Evans. Chuck represents the biggest money match possible for the traditional big box office New Year’s Eve card. While it won’t match the one million plus buys that Chuck vs Tito II did in December 2006, it has the potential to do above the 650,000 buys that Chuck vs Wanderlei did last New Year’s Eve.
In the event that Liddell loses to Evans, well, all bets are off at that point. Rashad would have an undefeated record with a win over Chuck Liddell, but it would be hard to imagine him getting the nod to headline one of the biggest events of the year. Rashad has the perfect record and the TUF pedigree that would seem to make him a star but it just hasn’t happened. If Rashad were to get the shot they would more than likely move Forrest vs Rashad off the New Year’s card and slot in the much anticipated GSP vs BJ Penn match as the main event with Mir vs Nog as the sub main.
Two other possibilities for that shot, Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva, are being paired up at UFC 89 and would likely be unavailable for the big year end card. Anderson Silva would be an idea, but The Spider has stated he has no intentions of staying at 205. Which brings us to…..
Wanderlei Silva. In the absence of a Forrest-Chuck fight, this would likely be the biggest 205lb fight they could make for the end of the year show. Since his re-entry into the Octagon, Wanderlei has gone just 1-1 but in those two fights he has made quite an impression on the UFC fanbase. The second round of his fight with Chuck is the stuff of legend, and he put on a star-making performance in his demolition of Keith Jardine. Wanderlei’s charisma and entertaining fighting style seem to transcended any language barrier there might be for the Brazilian fighter.
The question is would Forrest and Wandy fight each other? Both operate out of the Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas and train with each other on a regular basis. Given how promiscuous training is becoming, people are going to have to start fighting people they’ve trained with. Fighters in this day and age are like bees skipping from flower to flower (the individual camps) cross-pollinating their game. It is going to become increasingly hard for guys to avoid someone they have trained with. In the end money talks and the match that will draw the most money will win out, intra-camp politics be damned
Quinton Jackson picked up again by police for mental evaluation
A day after being arrested on a felony hit-and-run charge and posting $25,000 bail, UFC light heavyweight Quinton Jackson has been apprehended again by police in California, according to TMZ.com.
According to today's report, friends of "Rampage" waved down police at approximately 4:30 p.m. after they were "worried about his behavior."
Jackson was reportedly taken to a hospital for observation.
According to TMZ.com:
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has been picked up by police again.
Sources say around 4:30 PM yesterday, friends who were hanging out with Rampage, waved down an Irvine police car after they were worried about his behavior. This, of course, following the insane chase the day before in which the UFC fighter hit several cars in his monster truck and was arrested at gunpoint.
We're told Irvine cops saw Rampage, deemed him a danger to himself and others, and took him to a hospital for observation. Rampage was very coopertive with police.
Cops won't officially confirm if it's a psychiatric hold.
According to NBCSports.com, Jackson was admitted to a hospital for a mental evaluation and is not being charged with any crime.
As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported on Tuesday, MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported on Tuesday, Jackson was arrested on Tuesday after an alleged hit-and-run accident and subsequent police chase. He was charged with felony evading, hit-and-run and reckless driving.
Jackson allegedly hit multiple cars during a short police chase Tuesday afternoon. He eventually pulled over and surrendered to police after traveling from Costa Mesa to Newport Beach in California. No injuries were reported.
According to a press release from the Costa Mesa Police Department, Jackson ignored an officer's directions to pull over and continued "weaving in and out of traffic" while forcing "pedestrians to flee for their lives" as he continued "running several red lights."
MMAjunkie.com will have more on the story later today.
A day after being arrested on a felony hit-and-run charge and posting $25,000 bail, UFC light heavyweight Quinton Jackson has been apprehended again by police in California, according to TMZ.com.
According to today's report, friends of "Rampage" waved down police at approximately 4:30 p.m. after they were "worried about his behavior."
Jackson was reportedly taken to a hospital for observation.
According to TMZ.com:
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has been picked up by police again.
Sources say around 4:30 PM yesterday, friends who were hanging out with Rampage, waved down an Irvine police car after they were worried about his behavior. This, of course, following the insane chase the day before in which the UFC fighter hit several cars in his monster truck and was arrested at gunpoint.
We're told Irvine cops saw Rampage, deemed him a danger to himself and others, and took him to a hospital for observation. Rampage was very coopertive with police.
Cops won't officially confirm if it's a psychiatric hold.
According to NBCSports.com, Jackson was admitted to a hospital for a mental evaluation and is not being charged with any crime.
As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported on Tuesday, MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported on Tuesday, Jackson was arrested on Tuesday after an alleged hit-and-run accident and subsequent police chase. He was charged with felony evading, hit-and-run and reckless driving.
Jackson allegedly hit multiple cars during a short police chase Tuesday afternoon. He eventually pulled over and surrendered to police after traveling from Costa Mesa to Newport Beach in California. No injuries were reported.
According to a press release from the Costa Mesa Police Department, Jackson ignored an officer's directions to pull over and continued "weaving in and out of traffic" while forcing "pedestrians to flee for their lives" as he continued "running several red lights."
MMAjunkie.com will have more on the story later today.
JOHNSON LOOKS TO RUMBLE AT UFC FIGHT NIGHT 14
There’s no reason why Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight prospect Anthony “Rumble” Johnson couldn’t become one of the promotion’s next superstars.
A combination of personality outside the Octagon and knockout power inside, he may just find himself in the spotlight more often than not if he can produce more performances like he did in his last fight, a 51-second destruction of Tommy Speer at the last UFC Fight Night in April.
Should he execute his style of fighting in such a way at this Saturday’s UFC Fight Night at The Palms in Las Vegas against Kevin Burns, Johnson may well be on his way towards that stardom.
“I feel great,” he stated enthusiastically. “Like always, I’ve got a couple of pounds to lose, but other than that, my cardio is good, I’m mentally prepared and I’m just ready to get it on.”
According to Johnson, preparations for this upcoming fight couldn’t have gone better, which is a scary thought considering how he feels he prepared for his last fight.
“I was really happy with training camp this time,” he said. “It was better than the last one I had for my fight with Tommy Speer.
“This training camp was awesome. I had a lot of support and people helping me out, so I think it will pay off even better this fight than the last fight I had.”
Do not let Johnson’s enthusiasm fool you, though, he is firmly focused on his task at hand and by no means is he taking Kevin Burns lightly.
“I know this guy’s kind of a grappler, but he’s willing to trade too,” he said of Burns. “I don’t think his striking is as good as mine, so we’ll see Saturday night.
“He’s a tough guy and good on the ground, I mean, a blue belt (Burns) submitting a black belt (Roan Carneiro at UFC 85) is no joke. I think both of us will test each other’s skills to see how good we really are.”
Respect aside, Johnson feels that Burns had better fight perfectly should he have any chance in the fight, or suffer the consequences.
“If I see an opening, I go for it,” he exclaimed.
“You make a mistake, you better hope I wasn’t paying attention and didn’t see it, but if I catch you doing it and you think I’m not paying attention, then that’s when you get in trouble.”
Regardless of the outcome of this match-up, Johnson is looking to stay more active in the coming months than he has previously, especially when it comes to returning home for a potential fight.
“I’m hoping to fight in Atlanta (at UFC 88) after this fight,” he commented. “I’m originally from Georgia, so hopefully I’ll get to fight on the Sept. 6 card with Chuck Liddell and Rashad (Evans).
“Hopefully at the end of the year I’ll also get to fight on the New Year’s show; that’s always been a dream of mine to fight on that show.”
Beyond that, he has big goals set for himself across multiple weight classes.
“First and foremost, I want to be the champ,” he said. “I’m going to keep working my ass off so I can be the champ one day. After I win that belt, I can go up to 185 and win that belt.
“I think that would be the most awesome thing out there to accomplish. 185 is down the road, but my immediate focus is on the 170 title.”
With big goals, personality and potential, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson may just make a name for himself in more than one weight division, but first and foremost he’s looking to make an impact at welterweight this Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 14.
“I’d like to thank my sponsors Tapout and KNOXX; the UFC and MMAWeekly for this interview,” concluded Johnson. “I’d like to send a shoutout to my boys in RBG, Royal Blue Generation, and everybody that supported me after my loss; my mom and dad, and family overall.
“I always go out there and perform at my best and give it all that I have. I just want to keep the fans and organization happy – if they’re happy, I’m happy.”
There’s no reason why Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight prospect Anthony “Rumble” Johnson couldn’t become one of the promotion’s next superstars.
A combination of personality outside the Octagon and knockout power inside, he may just find himself in the spotlight more often than not if he can produce more performances like he did in his last fight, a 51-second destruction of Tommy Speer at the last UFC Fight Night in April.
Should he execute his style of fighting in such a way at this Saturday’s UFC Fight Night at The Palms in Las Vegas against Kevin Burns, Johnson may well be on his way towards that stardom.
“I feel great,” he stated enthusiastically. “Like always, I’ve got a couple of pounds to lose, but other than that, my cardio is good, I’m mentally prepared and I’m just ready to get it on.”
According to Johnson, preparations for this upcoming fight couldn’t have gone better, which is a scary thought considering how he feels he prepared for his last fight.
“I was really happy with training camp this time,” he said. “It was better than the last one I had for my fight with Tommy Speer.
“This training camp was awesome. I had a lot of support and people helping me out, so I think it will pay off even better this fight than the last fight I had.”
Do not let Johnson’s enthusiasm fool you, though, he is firmly focused on his task at hand and by no means is he taking Kevin Burns lightly.
“I know this guy’s kind of a grappler, but he’s willing to trade too,” he said of Burns. “I don’t think his striking is as good as mine, so we’ll see Saturday night.
“He’s a tough guy and good on the ground, I mean, a blue belt (Burns) submitting a black belt (Roan Carneiro at UFC 85) is no joke. I think both of us will test each other’s skills to see how good we really are.”
Respect aside, Johnson feels that Burns had better fight perfectly should he have any chance in the fight, or suffer the consequences.
“If I see an opening, I go for it,” he exclaimed.
“You make a mistake, you better hope I wasn’t paying attention and didn’t see it, but if I catch you doing it and you think I’m not paying attention, then that’s when you get in trouble.”
Regardless of the outcome of this match-up, Johnson is looking to stay more active in the coming months than he has previously, especially when it comes to returning home for a potential fight.
“I’m hoping to fight in Atlanta (at UFC 88) after this fight,” he commented. “I’m originally from Georgia, so hopefully I’ll get to fight on the Sept. 6 card with Chuck Liddell and Rashad (Evans).
“Hopefully at the end of the year I’ll also get to fight on the New Year’s show; that’s always been a dream of mine to fight on that show.”
Beyond that, he has big goals set for himself across multiple weight classes.
“First and foremost, I want to be the champ,” he said. “I’m going to keep working my ass off so I can be the champ one day. After I win that belt, I can go up to 185 and win that belt.
“I think that would be the most awesome thing out there to accomplish. 185 is down the road, but my immediate focus is on the 170 title.”
With big goals, personality and potential, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson may just make a name for himself in more than one weight division, but first and foremost he’s looking to make an impact at welterweight this Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 14.
“I’d like to thank my sponsors Tapout and KNOXX; the UFC and MMAWeekly for this interview,” concluded Johnson. “I’d like to send a shoutout to my boys in RBG, Royal Blue Generation, and everybody that supported me after my loss; my mom and dad, and family overall.
“I always go out there and perform at my best and give it all that I have. I just want to keep the fans and organization happy – if they’re happy, I’m happy.”
Jeremy Horn vs Wilson Gouveia UFC Fight Night 15 fight confirmed
Jeremy Horn (80-18-5) and Wilson Gouveia (10-5) have been booked to go toe-to-toe at UFC Fight Night 15 from the Omaha Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Neb., on September 17, according to UFC.com.
There’s currently no confirmation under which weight class the two will compete — Horn has most recently seen action at middleweight and Gouveia typically takes care of business at light heavyweight. However, it’s likely that this will take place at 185 pounds.
And if that’s the case, Gouveia is a fine addition to a category that needs talented and experienced fighters. The American Top Team-trained product has a five-fight win streak snapped vie technical knockout when he last stepped inside the Octagon against Goran Reljic at UFC 84: “Ill Will” back in May.
It was the first loss for Gouveia under the UFC banner since his debut against Keith Jardine back in 2006. His UFC record stands at 4-2.
Horn is on a two fight skid since returning to the promotion, losing to Dean Lister and Nate Marquardt, respectively, via submission (guillotine chokes). In fact, “Gumby” has won just two of his last six fights. He’s a journeyman and a legend in the sport at just 32-years-old, however, which means that he has the ability to win a fight every time he competes.
It’s not going to be easy — Gouveia is very well-versed in submissions and can hit hard.
Jeremy Horn (80-18-5) and Wilson Gouveia (10-5) have been booked to go toe-to-toe at UFC Fight Night 15 from the Omaha Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Neb., on September 17, according to UFC.com.
There’s currently no confirmation under which weight class the two will compete — Horn has most recently seen action at middleweight and Gouveia typically takes care of business at light heavyweight. However, it’s likely that this will take place at 185 pounds.
And if that’s the case, Gouveia is a fine addition to a category that needs talented and experienced fighters. The American Top Team-trained product has a five-fight win streak snapped vie technical knockout when he last stepped inside the Octagon against Goran Reljic at UFC 84: “Ill Will” back in May.
It was the first loss for Gouveia under the UFC banner since his debut against Keith Jardine back in 2006. His UFC record stands at 4-2.
Horn is on a two fight skid since returning to the promotion, losing to Dean Lister and Nate Marquardt, respectively, via submission (guillotine chokes). In fact, “Gumby” has won just two of his last six fights. He’s a journeyman and a legend in the sport at just 32-years-old, however, which means that he has the ability to win a fight every time he competes.
It’s not going to be easy — Gouveia is very well-versed in submissions and can hit hard.
UFC 87 video Heath Herring on road to Brock Lesnar fight (Part I)
videolink: http://mmamania.com/2008/07/17/ufc-87-video-heath-herring-on-road-to-brock-lesnar-fight-part-i/
videolink: http://mmamania.com/2008/07/17/ufc-87-video-heath-herring-on-road-to-brock-lesnar-fight-part-i/
UFC ‘Countdown’ to ‘Silva vs. Irvin’ on Spike tonight at 11 p.m. ET
“Watch Anderson Silva and James Irvin as they train in their home towns for their clash at The Pearl in Las Vegas on July 19 2008.”
The hype machine continues to roll tonight for UFC Fight Night 14: “Silva vs. Irvin” from “The Pearl” at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, July 19. The hour-long Spike TV “Countdown” special will re-air on Friday, July 18 at 11 a.m. 7 p.m. ET for those who miss it tonight
“Watch Anderson Silva and James Irvin as they train in their home towns for their clash at The Pearl in Las Vegas on July 19 2008.”
The hype machine continues to roll tonight for UFC Fight Night 14: “Silva vs. Irvin” from “The Pearl” at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, July 19. The hour-long Spike TV “Countdown” special will re-air on Friday, July 18 at 11 a.m. 7 p.m. ET for those who miss it tonight
Lyoto wants to remain unbeaten
The victory over Tito Ortiz was what Lyoto Machida expected to throw him directly to a title shot, but the Brazilian fighter still have one fight to do and prove that he deserve it. With 13 victories and no losses, Lyoto faces his compatriot Thiago Silva, that has an identical card and the same objective: the belt. At an exclusive interview with TATAME, Lyoso analyzed his bout against the ATT athlete, spoke about facing a Brazilian fighter and analyzed the light-heavyweight category. “I know that this fight will show who is going to lose. The event will sell it this way, two unbeaten guys. I wanna do a great fight, a great show”, said Lyoto.
The victory over Tito Ortiz was what Lyoto Machida expected to throw him directly to a title shot, but the Brazilian fighter still have one fight to do and prove that he deserve it. With 13 victories and no losses, Lyoto faces his compatriot Thiago Silva, that has an identical card and the same objective: the belt. At an exclusive interview with TATAME, Lyoso analyzed his bout against the ATT athlete, spoke about facing a Brazilian fighter and analyzed the light-heavyweight category. “I know that this fight will show who is going to lose. The event will sell it this way, two unbeaten guys. I wanna do a great fight, a great show”, said Lyoto.
Thiago analyzes bout against Lyoto
On the unbeaten Brazilian fighters bout, one of them will leave , after the UFC 89, with a loss on the card. Thiago Silva and Lyoto Machida, both with 13 victories on a perfect card, will face each other at Birmingham, , at October 18th, and Thiago wants another victory to earn a title shot. “It’ll be a good fight, we’re determined fighters. I trained a lot and I’ll do my job”, commented Thiago, that analyzed Lyoto’s style, that was a reason why a lot of athletes refused facing him.
“I believe it’ll be a fight with more strategy. Lyoto likes to escape, fight moving backwards, it’s his style, but it’ll do my job”, analyzed Thiago, that will face a Brazilian fighter for the second time in a row on the UFC octagon (the last one was Antônio Mendes “Samuray”, at UFC 84). “Unfortunately yes, I can’t say that I like (facing Brazilian fighters), but I want the belt, and wanna prove my talent and win. I want the belt. I already can fight for the belt. I’ve already showed UFC what I can and what I can’t do. I’m here to fight for the belt”, guarantees the ATT athlete.
On the unbeaten Brazilian fighters bout, one of them will leave , after the UFC 89, with a loss on the card. Thiago Silva and Lyoto Machida, both with 13 victories on a perfect card, will face each other at Birmingham, , at October 18th, and Thiago wants another victory to earn a title shot. “It’ll be a good fight, we’re determined fighters. I trained a lot and I’ll do my job”, commented Thiago, that analyzed Lyoto’s style, that was a reason why a lot of athletes refused facing him.
“I believe it’ll be a fight with more strategy. Lyoto likes to escape, fight moving backwards, it’s his style, but it’ll do my job”, analyzed Thiago, that will face a Brazilian fighter for the second time in a row on the UFC octagon (the last one was Antônio Mendes “Samuray”, at UFC 84). “Unfortunately yes, I can’t say that I like (facing Brazilian fighters), but I want the belt, and wanna prove my talent and win. I want the belt. I already can fight for the belt. I’ve already showed UFC what I can and what I can’t do. I’m here to fight for the belt”, guarantees the ATT athlete.
Aoki showed his training and had an interview
Shinya Aoki invited the press to DEEP Officialgym Impact and showed his training on July 15. After the training, he had an interview.
Aoki:
I entertained everyone to show Zen trainings with Saeki last couple of times and I was scolded for joking too much by many people, so I had a normal training today. I'm getting ready for my fight. I'm not tired despite of having a short period of time between the last fight and the next. I have no pressure. Uno is a great fighter who I have been respect since I was one of MMA fans. He has been representing Japanese MMA for long time. I cannot wait challenging such a great fighter and I think this will be a fight I never forget. On the other hand, Japanese MMA is aging now and it's time to make it younger. I'm going to prepare 2 outfits; for the semi final and the final. I would like to get the lightweight belt this time and will fight Mach Sakurai in the welterweight tournament final for the belt in September. I have a dream conquering 3 classes.
Shinya Aoki invited the press to DEEP Officialgym Impact and showed his training on July 15. After the training, he had an interview.
Aoki:
I entertained everyone to show Zen trainings with Saeki last couple of times and I was scolded for joking too much by many people, so I had a normal training today. I'm getting ready for my fight. I'm not tired despite of having a short period of time between the last fight and the next. I have no pressure. Uno is a great fighter who I have been respect since I was one of MMA fans. He has been representing Japanese MMA for long time. I cannot wait challenging such a great fighter and I think this will be a fight I never forget. On the other hand, Japanese MMA is aging now and it's time to make it younger. I'm going to prepare 2 outfits; for the semi final and the final. I would like to get the lightweight belt this time and will fight Mach Sakurai in the welterweight tournament final for the belt in September. I have a dream conquering 3 classes.
Tokoro fights Yamazaki in DREAM.5.
On July 15, DREAM announced that Hideo Tokoro faced Takeshi Yamazaki on DREAM.5.
Sasahara:
Both fighters won last fights and only one of them can keep being a non-defeated fighter in DREAM. This is also a battle of handsome guys. This is a great opportunity for them to appeal to a lot of MMA fans because TBS broadcasts this event live on TV.
Tokoro:
I know about Yamazaki well and I wish I could avoid fighting him. He has excellent ground techniques and never gives up. I will avoid getting his choke sleeper and his arm triangle from a mount position. Kid is a top fighter in the featherweight class in the world. Losing any fight before facing him means that I leave from the line. I'll do my best to survive.
Yamazaki:
I'm a good friend of his brother. I know him quite a long time. I knew we would fight someday since we chose to fight in DREAM. I think we will have a good fight and I definitely want to win. He is very aggressive and fearless. We're both different type of grappler; his techniques are vivid and mine is insistent. I saw his last fight and noticed that he developed his strikings. This will be a tough fight. I'm not thinking about Kid now. I focus on my next fight to get a next chance.
On July 15, DREAM announced that Hideo Tokoro faced Takeshi Yamazaki on DREAM.5.
Sasahara:
Both fighters won last fights and only one of them can keep being a non-defeated fighter in DREAM. This is also a battle of handsome guys. This is a great opportunity for them to appeal to a lot of MMA fans because TBS broadcasts this event live on TV.
Tokoro:
I know about Yamazaki well and I wish I could avoid fighting him. He has excellent ground techniques and never gives up. I will avoid getting his choke sleeper and his arm triangle from a mount position. Kid is a top fighter in the featherweight class in the world. Losing any fight before facing him means that I leave from the line. I'll do my best to survive.
Yamazaki:
I'm a good friend of his brother. I know him quite a long time. I knew we would fight someday since we chose to fight in DREAM. I think we will have a good fight and I definitely want to win. He is very aggressive and fearless. We're both different type of grappler; his techniques are vivid and mine is insistent. I saw his last fight and noticed that he developed his strikings. This will be a tough fight. I'm not thinking about Kid now. I focus on my next fight to get a next chance.
BEN ROTHWELL: HE HITS HARD... I HIT HARD TOO
Despite an impressive record with over 30 professional fights, training at one of the top camps in the world, and being on a 13-fight win streak, former International Fight League heavyweight Ben Rothwell seems to be quite the underdog heading into his upcoming fight at Affliction “Banned” against Andrei Arlovski.
Whether it’s Arlovski’s reputation, his Ultimate Fighting Championship title reign, or maybe the scary mouthpiece he wears, many critics believe Rothwell is stepping into the lion’s den by facing the Belarus native.
But Rothwell feels his experiences are more than enough to prepare him for a showdown with Arlovski on July 19.
“It wasn’t just the nine fights in the IFL, it’s the 20-plus fights I had went through before then. I even go back as far as when I started in the sport, at 17-18 years old. I was having to fight more than once a night in tournaments,” said Rothwell recently. “I also did the Hawaiian tournament in Super Brawl when I had to fight Friday night, come back and fight Saturday two times. All of those experiences have prepared me for the worst and I’m excited about my fight with Andrei and I feel well prepared for it.”
Rothwell is more familiar with Arlovski’s style than most fighters could ever be prepared for coming into a fight. See, he worked exclusively as Tim Sylvia’s training partner for two of the three fights the former champion had with Arlovski and it was Rothwell’s job to study and mimic him to help his training partner succeed.
“I helped with his last two fights with Andrei. I played as Andrei Arlovski and played that role, so I really studied Andrei. I tried to be like him, and showed Tim things that he was going to see in the ring so he wasn’t going to see anything he wasn’t prepared for,” said Rothwell. “The difference is I’m not 6’8” and I don’t have as long of a reach as Tim, so my style is different than Tim. I can’t go in and do what Tim did. I have to go in there and impose my will and impose my game plan and use the skills that I have against Andrei.”
One major factor that has been mentioned going into the fight is Rothwell’s long absence from fighting following a contract dispute with the IFL that saw him leave the organization for a new promotion, but the Miletich System’s fighter says time off was just what the doctor ordered.
“I welcomed it,” he commented. “I put in eight fights from September (2006) to September (2007). I had a lot of fights that year and I was getting burnt out and wanted to be done. I utilized this time to greatly improve my skills, get my mind where it needed to be, and this is perfect timing.”
Having trained for this fight and being as well prepared as ever, Rothwell isn’t intimidated by Arlovski. He isn’t scared of Arlovski. He’s just ready to punch Arlovski.
“He hits hard,” said Rothwell. “Well, I know I hit hard too.
Despite an impressive record with over 30 professional fights, training at one of the top camps in the world, and being on a 13-fight win streak, former International Fight League heavyweight Ben Rothwell seems to be quite the underdog heading into his upcoming fight at Affliction “Banned” against Andrei Arlovski.
Whether it’s Arlovski’s reputation, his Ultimate Fighting Championship title reign, or maybe the scary mouthpiece he wears, many critics believe Rothwell is stepping into the lion’s den by facing the Belarus native.
But Rothwell feels his experiences are more than enough to prepare him for a showdown with Arlovski on July 19.
“It wasn’t just the nine fights in the IFL, it’s the 20-plus fights I had went through before then. I even go back as far as when I started in the sport, at 17-18 years old. I was having to fight more than once a night in tournaments,” said Rothwell recently. “I also did the Hawaiian tournament in Super Brawl when I had to fight Friday night, come back and fight Saturday two times. All of those experiences have prepared me for the worst and I’m excited about my fight with Andrei and I feel well prepared for it.”
Rothwell is more familiar with Arlovski’s style than most fighters could ever be prepared for coming into a fight. See, he worked exclusively as Tim Sylvia’s training partner for two of the three fights the former champion had with Arlovski and it was Rothwell’s job to study and mimic him to help his training partner succeed.
“I helped with his last two fights with Andrei. I played as Andrei Arlovski and played that role, so I really studied Andrei. I tried to be like him, and showed Tim things that he was going to see in the ring so he wasn’t going to see anything he wasn’t prepared for,” said Rothwell. “The difference is I’m not 6’8” and I don’t have as long of a reach as Tim, so my style is different than Tim. I can’t go in and do what Tim did. I have to go in there and impose my will and impose my game plan and use the skills that I have against Andrei.”
One major factor that has been mentioned going into the fight is Rothwell’s long absence from fighting following a contract dispute with the IFL that saw him leave the organization for a new promotion, but the Miletich System’s fighter says time off was just what the doctor ordered.
“I welcomed it,” he commented. “I put in eight fights from September (2006) to September (2007). I had a lot of fights that year and I was getting burnt out and wanted to be done. I utilized this time to greatly improve my skills, get my mind where it needed to be, and this is perfect timing.”
Having trained for this fight and being as well prepared as ever, Rothwell isn’t intimidated by Arlovski. He isn’t scared of Arlovski. He’s just ready to punch Arlovski.
“He hits hard,” said Rothwell. “Well, I know I hit hard too.
M-1 Challenge 5 Japan live results
On-line results of the fifth edition of M-1 Challenge ongoing right now in Tokio, where Team France battlers it out against Team USA and Team Japan defends the home soil against Team Netherlands
Main Event
13. Tatsuya Mizuno def. Yoshiyuki Nakanishi via KO 4:13 R1
M-1 Challenge: Netherlands (4) vs. Japan (1)
12. +93kg: Jessie Gibbs (Nl) def. Katsuhisa Fujii via KO 1:34 R1
11. 93kg: Kamil Uygun (Nl) def. Yuji Sakuragi via TKO R1
10. 84kg: Jason Jones (Nl) def. Yuta Watanabe via TKO 2:03 R2
9. 76kg: Romano delos Reyes (Nl) def. Ken Hamamura via decision (2-0)
8. 70kg: Daisuke Nakamura (Jp) def. Bogdan Cristea via decision (3-0)
Superfights
7. Yuki Ito def. Takaaki Aoki via decision (2-0)
6. Seigo Inoue def. Nobuhiro "Mike" Hayakawa via decision (2-0)
M-1 Challenge: France (3) vs. USA (2)
5. +93kg: Malick Ndiaye (Fr) def. James Jack via submission (key lock) 3:54 R1
4. 93kg: Christian Mpumbu Ndjoku (Fr) def. Bryan Harper via TKO 0:32 R2
3. 84kg: Karl Amoussou (Fr) def. Mike Dolce via TKO 0:41 R2
2. 76kg: Jake Ellenberger (US) def. Farouk Paco Lakebir via decision (2-0)
1. 70kg: Keith Perrigon (US) def. Samuel Judes via TKO 3:16 R1
On-line results of the fifth edition of M-1 Challenge ongoing right now in Tokio, where Team France battlers it out against Team USA and Team Japan defends the home soil against Team Netherlands
Main Event
13. Tatsuya Mizuno def. Yoshiyuki Nakanishi via KO 4:13 R1
M-1 Challenge: Netherlands (4) vs. Japan (1)
12. +93kg: Jessie Gibbs (Nl) def. Katsuhisa Fujii via KO 1:34 R1
11. 93kg: Kamil Uygun (Nl) def. Yuji Sakuragi via TKO R1
10. 84kg: Jason Jones (Nl) def. Yuta Watanabe via TKO 2:03 R2
9. 76kg: Romano delos Reyes (Nl) def. Ken Hamamura via decision (2-0)
8. 70kg: Daisuke Nakamura (Jp) def. Bogdan Cristea via decision (3-0)
Superfights
7. Yuki Ito def. Takaaki Aoki via decision (2-0)
6. Seigo Inoue def. Nobuhiro "Mike" Hayakawa via decision (2-0)
M-1 Challenge: France (3) vs. USA (2)
5. +93kg: Malick Ndiaye (Fr) def. James Jack via submission (key lock) 3:54 R1
4. 93kg: Christian Mpumbu Ndjoku (Fr) def. Bryan Harper via TKO 0:32 R2
3. 84kg: Karl Amoussou (Fr) def. Mike Dolce via TKO 0:41 R2
2. 76kg: Jake Ellenberger (US) def. Farouk Paco Lakebir via decision (2-0)
1. 70kg: Keith Perrigon (US) def. Samuel Judes via TKO 3:16 R1
Dana White Comments On Rampage Situation
UFC president Dana White was a guest on the Los Angeles based KLOS-FM morning show and made the following comments on the Rampage situation:
"I'm actually here right now, I'm in Southern California," said White. "I've been dealing with this all day yesterday, I haven't really gotten to the bottom of this yet. I don't know what I'm going to do about it yet. Last night when he got out, Rampage is very religious...yeah I'm dealing with it."
One of the hosts of the show asked if Rampage would be fined for his behavior:
"It's not really about a fine," said White. "At the end of the day, we care about these guys. A lot of these guys are our friends. I want to find out what's wrong with Rampage and get him taken care of."
UFC president Dana White was a guest on the Los Angeles based KLOS-FM morning show and made the following comments on the Rampage situation:
"I'm actually here right now, I'm in Southern California," said White. "I've been dealing with this all day yesterday, I haven't really gotten to the bottom of this yet. I don't know what I'm going to do about it yet. Last night when he got out, Rampage is very religious...yeah I'm dealing with it."
One of the hosts of the show asked if Rampage would be fined for his behavior:
"It's not really about a fine," said White. "At the end of the day, we care about these guys. A lot of these guys are our friends. I want to find out what's wrong with Rampage and get him taken care of."