MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

EliteXC.com To Offer Fight Night Full Coverage

LOS ANGELES–EliteXC, ProElite Inc.’s live events division dedicated to producing world-class mixed martial arts (MMA) events, today announced that EliteXC.com will now offer full coverage of EliteXC events, including pre-fight and post-fight interviews, statistics on fighters, and the latest news from the organization that brings MMA fans Saturday Night Fights on CBS.

Additionally, EliteXC.com has introduced “MMA 101,” an interactive tutorial for fans interested in understanding the rules and regulations of MMA, common vocabulary, fighting styles and strategies, as well as gaining historical perspective on what is considered one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

“EliteXC produced the most widely watched MMA event on primetime television of all time, and EliteXC.com is now a resource for MMA fans who are interested in learning more about the sport, our athletes and our organization,” said Douglas DeLuca, executive chairman of ProElite Inc. “We plan to provide exclusive content at EliteXC.com, encouraging MMA fans to visit the site before, during and after our events.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Anthony Johnson’s agent to appeal loss

Ken Pavia, the agent for UFC welterweight Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, recently revealed that he will be filing a formal appeal as a result of Johnson’s TKO loss on Saturday during UFC Fight Night 14.

During the bout, Johnson had been on the receiving end of several eye pokes from his opponent, Kevin Burns. In spite of multiple warnings, Johnson still received a severe poke during the third and final round of the fight. After taking the finger to the eye, Johnson retreated to the canvas and covered up. Referee Steve Mazzagatti then called a stop to the fight and later ruled Burns the winner via TKO.

I would be remiss if I didn’t file a complaint and seek recourse for the outcome of the Anthony Johnson fight results this weekend,” Pavia stated during a forum post in the Underground forum at MixedMartialArts.com.

“Anthony Johnson has accepted what has happened and has shown nothing but class through the process,” Pavia added towards the end of his post. “This was most evident in the first round when he inadvertently kick Kevin Burns in the groin and backed off and apologized. He didn’t not call Kevin Burns out for the six or so eye gouges with and open hand or for pouncing after putting three of his finger print on the back of his eye socket. Rumble told me he thought his eye popped out.”

Whether Pavia will have any success in trying to get the decision overturned remains to be seen, as fight outcomes are rarely changed after the fact. Complicating matters is the fact that the Nevada State Athletic Commission may not even allow a decision to be overturned. Pavia expressed that he still believes the commission may take action.

“While there may not be a code section that affords the opportunity to overturn a decision as (NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer) informed me, he has always considered all input and done his best to effectuate justice,” said Pavia.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Nogueira wants to be the Affliction's champion

Debuting with the best way at Affliction, Rogério “Minotouro” Nogueira was very happy with his fight against Edwin Dewees. With a perfect kick defense and a good Boxing game, Nogueira commented his fight to TATAME. “He’s an expert fighter, coming from 47 fights and 35 victories, but I felt the victory was close when I got the right distance... He was kicking me a lot, but I was defending it well and I was calm. I started hitting the left hands, he felt the punches and I was confidence and started going up to knockout”, analyzed Nogueira, that is confidence about Affliction. “I wanna be champion here. Affliction came to stay, and I wanna stay at Affliction”, said the athlete.

 

[Shogun Locc]

DREAM Gets It's Highest TV Ratings for DREAM 5

DREAM has just released their rating numbers for DREAM.5, and they have smashed through their previous ratings.


Dream 1 reached a 8.9% Rating
Dream 5 averaged 10.0% Rating with a peak of 13.7% during the Akiyama x Shibata fight.


These numbers show that the company is moving in the right direction. Ratings were predicted to be lower than the 1st show because of Cro Cop, Nick Diaz and Kid Yamamoto pulling out. Dream 6 will also be live on TBS and they plan on stacking that event with their stars and are working on AKiyama vs Tamura and adding in Mirko Crocop, which will be a huge ratings puller.

 

[Shogun Locc]

There at Last: The Career of Joachim Hansen

Joachim Hansen (Pictures)’s journey to capturing the Dream lightweight grand prix began in Turku, Finland, almost 10 years ago. At just 20 years of age, he traveled there from his hometown of Oslo, Norway, to take part in one of the most brutal and grueling events in the history of MMA: FinnFight.

In a time when gloves and time limits were completely out of the question and head butts were the favorite move of any strong wrestler, Hansen, with only a little bit of grappling experience, entered the ring against local fighter Marcus Peltonen. Although Peltonen already had a fight under his belt, Hansen stomped him for a technical knockout in 98 seconds.

Hansen then made his way around the local Shooto circuit. After just one fight, a submission victory over Sami Hyyppa in October 2002, he was invited to Japan for Shooto’s big year-end show. His opponent there was Takumi Nakayama (Pictures), an eventual King of the Cage lightweight champion and a veteran of 14 fights, including a win over Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures) and a draw with legendary shooter Rumina Sato (Pictures).

After going the distance with the Paraestra Osaka fighter, Hansen was awarded a split decision -- something that was quite a rarity for a foreign fighter at the time. Sato, who was present at the show, was amazed that a European nobody managed to do what he had not and therefore wasted no time challenging the Norwegian.

The two met three months later, and Hansen stopped Sato minutes into the opening round. A star was born.

The win over Sato propelled Hansen to an immediate title shot against Takanori Gomi (Pictures). Gomi had won the vacant title in a fight against Sato and was on an unprecedented 14-fight win streak that spanned four and a half years. Even though Gomi was not yet the exceptional phenomenon he would become during his stint with Pride between 2004 and 2007, it was already clear that the “Fireball Kid” was poised for superstardom.

Hansen had other plans, though. He dominated Gomi on the ground, putting him in one awkward position after another. At the end of the fight, the judges were left with no other choice than to award the challenger another majority decision.

Now the champion of the oldest fighting promotion in the world, the “Hellboy” had completely arrived in the homeland of “Kakutō.”

Despite dropping the belt in his first defense to Brazilian Vitor Ribeiro (Pictures) -- an even more advanced ground fighter than himself -- Hansen became the nightmare of numerous Japanese champions in the years to come. He posterized both Caol Uno (Pictures) and leglock specialist Masakazu Imanari (Pictures) with his patented knee strike. He also went to war with Hayato Sakurai (Pictures), a fighter who had competed two weight classes higher than Hansen for the majority of his career, losing only a razor-thin split decision to “Mach” in the semifinals of the 2005 Bushido lightweight tournament.

With the loss, Hellboy’s first in almost two years, doubts began to arise about his skills. Due to bad luck, the downfall of Pride and a subsequent eight-month layoff, Hansen dropped to the status of a .500 fighter in 2006-2007. If he had won the previous fight, it was a safe bet he would lose the next. In those years, inconsistency characterized his career.

Having put those troubles behind him, however, Hansen began proving his critics wrong. He started out with a slick submission over Japanese Olympic wrestler Kazuyuki Miyata (Pictures) on New Year’s Eve 2007 and carried that momentum with him into the Dream lightweight grand prix.

In the opening round, longtime Shooto companion Kotetsu Boku (Pictures) fell prey to Hansen’s superior striking and grappling. In the quarterfinals, Hansen was matched with American Eddie Alvarez (Pictures). For 15 minutes the pair traded punches, knees, takedowns and submission attempts in a fight that reminded fans of what’s so great about the sport. Despite delivering a fight-of-the-year type of performance, Hansen had to let Alvarez, who was just a little better, move on to the semifinals via unanimous decision. Hansen was out.

Then three weeks ago, Joachim received a call from manager John Benjamin. Dream promoter FEG had been so impressed with his showing against Alvarez that the promotion wanted to bring him back for an alternate match.

The rest is history: Hansen stepped up his game Monday at the grand prix final and dispatched of Kultar Gill (Pictures) via armbar 2:33 into the first. With little hope of getting back into the tournament, it was the irony of fate that he got to take Alvarez’s place when the American couldn’t continue due to a nasty cut.

Well knowing that this was a chance that was unlikely to happen again anytime soon, Hansen seized the opportunity and brought his A-game against fellow finalist Shinya Aoki (Pictures). The only stumbling block was the fact that the Japanese grappling ace with the flamboyant spandex pants had embarrassed him in their previous meeting 18 months earlier, schooling him on the ground before finishing with a gogoplata submission.

Hansen proved that he had learned his lesson from that defeat. He stayed out of the lanky judo star’s submission attempts, instead using ground-and-pound to stop the pre-tournament favorite for the win at 4:19 of the opening round.

Now the Dream lightweight grand prix winner as well as the first Dream lightweight champion, the Norwegian obviously has a bull’s-eye on his back. But with four wins in his last five fights and a fight-of-the-year performance in losing to Alvarez, Hansen has brought his career full circle. He’s been in the best shape of his life and can kick back and wait for New Year’s Eve, when he is likely to fight again.

FEG could match him with Aoki for a third and final time, or give fans the pleasure of experiencing Hansen-Alvarez II, or even pair Hansen with Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures) and hope for a more conclusive ending this time. Regardless, 2008 has been Joachim Hansen (Pictures)’s year so far, and another win will make him an even stronger candidate for fighter of the year.

 

[Shogun Locc]

UFC and Spike TV close to deal for UFC 89; title fight could be added

The UFC and Spike TV are close to finalizing a deal that would put October's UFC 89 event on free basic cable -- a week before the recently announced UFC 90 event that will likely air on pay per view.

A source close to the event tells MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the UFC 89 announcement is expected soon.

However, when reached for comment today, Spike TV Vice President of Communications David Schwarz had no comment.

UFC 89 takes place Oct. 18 at The NIA in Birmingham, England. The main event features "The Ultimate Fighter 3" winner and popular British fighter Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben. Also slated to compete are Lyoto Machida, Thiago Silva, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Shane Carwin and Marcus Davis.

However, a major addition to the card has been discussed.

After this past weekend's UFC Fight Night 14 event in Las Vegas, UFC President Dana White said that UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, who defeated James Irvin in the event's headline bout, will likely next fight Patrick Cote. (Yushin Okami had been next in line for the title shot, but he recently suffered a broken hand while training.)

White said that if Silva fights in September at UFC 88, that it would likely be against Cote.

However, one source close to the fighter tells MMAjunkie.com that Silva, largely considered the world's top pound-for-pound fighter, could instead be added to the UFC 89 fight card in Birmingham to bolster the nationally televised line-up. (And UFC 88 would instead feature its originally scheduled pay-per-view main event of Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans.)

Before the deal is finalized for UFC 89, Spike TV and the UFC first need to agree to a fee for the broadcast. The addition of a marketable star such as Silva, whose fight with Irvin peaked with a hefty 3.8 million viewers this past Saturday, would surely make the event more attractive to Spike TV and potential advertisers.

If Silva is moved to UFC 89, it's not known if Cote would still be his opponent.

Again, though, the possible UFC 89 title fight is far from finalized and has merely been discussed as a possibility.

 

[Shogun Locc]

September EliteXC event to air on Showtime

After this weekend's "EliteXC: Unfinished Business" event at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif., ProElite Inc. officials will begin preparations for its next major event, which will take place in September.

ProElite, Inc. Executive Chairman Doug DeLuca today revealed the September event during a media conference call and said a formal announcement will be made this weekend.

No location or venue has been finalized for the event, which will air on Showtime, possibly on Sept. 20.

"You're going to see another CBS show down the road," said DeLuca, clarifying that the September show wouldn't be part of the "Saturday Night Fights" series on CBS.

Earlier this year, EliteXC and CBS reached an agreement to air four annual EliteXC events in Saturday prime time. However, the non-CBS events (including an Aug. 15 ShoXC event in California) will continue to air on Showtime, which is owned by CBS' parent company.

No fighters have been announced for the September event, though a few bookings could be revealed during Saturday's "Unfinished Business" event, which features three title fights, including a main event of EliteXC middleweight championship Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Vitor Belfort: "I'd like to fight Frank Shamrock"

Vitor Belfort is comming off a very impressive victory at Affliction "Banned", and what made it even more impressive is that he finished the fight with a Broken Hand. The old Vitor is not back, however the NEW and improved Vitor is here.

What is next for Vitor Belfort? He was asked this very thing over at ExtremeCouture, and here is what he said.

"We have a contract with Affliction. I'm looking forward to them giving me good fights. I want to fight the best. I'd like to fight Frank Shamrock. That would be an exciting fight. It is something I would like to accomplish. He used to be one of the best. I think we are both still top 10 contenders. It will be an explosive fight, let's get it on.

 

[Shogun Locc]

7/22 EliteXC Conference Call Notes

Executive Chairman of ProElite Doug DeLuca spoke with the press this afternoon via conference call. Here is a quick summary of the business-related questions. These are not direct quotes but a paraphrasing of his words. More to come once we get a full transcript:

On the Gate: He said that the Stockton Arena seats 10,000, would be configured for 7500-8000, and as of last week-end they had sold a little over half of the stadium. He expected a sell out by fight time on Sat. night.

On the Expected Ratings Number: They are managing expectations but are confident in their product. Not expecting as big numbers as the first show on CBS but expect good numbers. “The first Card did well because we grabbed their attention and them gave them great fights, intend to do that again.” He did not give a definitive number for this card like they did with the May card (which they aimed for and got a 3.0 on).

On the FSN deal that was reported first here at MMAPayout.com: He is friends with Mr Greenburg…he’s not prepared to talk about anything in detail at this point but stated we should be seeing something soon.

Asked about the PPV model as it relates to their Broadcast deal: Doug stated that the network deal was definitely a driver to both their Showtime broadcasts and eventually to PPV. They want to use the network shows to build stars, build interest, tell stories, and that will drive folks to buy the PPV. Spoke of a possible early 09 PPV show.

On Possible Co-promotions: Always in talks with others in the industry about co-promoting (save one particular company). They have on more card left on the Strikeforce Co-promo deal, have talked about with Dream about a possible Co-Promo show in Japan.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Silva’s manager says GSP not deserving of fight against Anderson

Anderson Silva’s manager, Ed Soares, was recently a guest on ProMMA Radio and had the following to say regarding a dream fight against Georges St. Pierre:

“That’s sound great, I think GSP is an incredible fighter. But I think GSP needs to prove himself. He still hasn’t had a successful title defense (at 170 lbs.). I don’t really feel that he deserves (a Silva fight) yet. Go defend your title a few times and then we’ll talk.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Elite XC weigh-in details for ‘Unfinished Business’ July 25

The weigh-ins for Saturday’s Elite XC: “Unfinished Business” will be open to the public at the Stockton Arena, in Stockton, Calif., this Friday, July 25. The fighters will begin to tip the scales at 2 p.m. local time on the North Side Concourse Level of the venue.

With there being so much local talent on this card, the weigh-ins will likely be an event in itself. If nothing else, it’s always interesting to try and get a read on what mindset a fighter is in as he stares down his opponent.

Plus, we all know Nick Diaz had a lot of trouble making 160 pounds in his June 14 fight against Muhsin Corbbrey. He came in at a jaw-dropping nine pounds over the limit. His opponent for Saturday — Thomas “Wildman” Denny — has not been shy about saying Diaz better be on weight for this fight or he won’t hesitate to pull out.

It should be noted that Nick Diaz is always in great shape. The fact that he was also training for a welterweight title fight against a super-tough Hayato “Mach” Sakurai around that same time may have had something to do with him not making weight — he was likely trying to bulk up to deal with Sakurai’s strength.

It’s doubtful Diaz will put this fight — the first of his pro career in his hometown — in jeopardy of being canceled over a weight issue. He’ll likely be on weight, but we won’t know until he actually gets on the scale Friday afternoon.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Tom Atencio: Affliction ‘Banned’ PPV buys to top 100,000

“I don’t have everything on that yet, but for the people who felt this was going to be a total flop in that regard, I have news for them. It’s already done a lot better than what I’ve heard people speculating. I’m not going to release the (official) number, but it’s already well beyond what people have been saying. Well beyond.”

Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio doesn’t have any final numbers, however he reveals that the pay-per-view (PPV) buys for “Banned” on July 19 will “definitely” surpass 100,000. That’s a figure that may appear to be small at first blush, but it’s important to note that no other mixed martial arts promotion besides the UFC has ever exceeded that number (the UFC scored more than 1 million buys with UFC 66 alone). It’s a big victory for the upstart promotion, considering that prior to the event most in the know were saying that anything north of 75,000 would be deemed a total success.

 

[Shogun Locc]

DREAM.5: Post fight interview 1

** Black Mamba **
Our fight was developed in my aggressive pace. I lost by tapping, but I don't regret anything about my fight. He was an excellent grappler. I am sure that he is a true top fighter. My trainer told me that I moved well and threw good punches.

** Joseph Benavidez **
- Tell me what you though about fighting in DREAM.
My dream came true. The atmosphere was awesome and it was totally different with what I saw on TV. I felt like being in a different world. Supported by many MMA fans, I enjoyed fighting.
- You fought in small events and now you could fight in DREAM.
I feel like my efforts such as hard trainings bore fruit. Small events I have fought were also good; however, I was so happy to fight in DREAM.
- What do you think about a change of your opponent at the last moment?
I felt strange when I heard about his cancellation. I had been asked so many question about KID since I arrived in Japan. In fact, I was confused because I trained so hard to fight him. I wanted to not only fight him but also fight in DREAM, so I'm glad that DREAM arranged my opponent and KODO agreed to fight me.
- DREAM may have a feather weight tournament someday.
If so, I would definitely like to participate in. I like fighting in a tournament and it would be wonderful if I can be a champion.
- Urijah Faber, what do you think about DREAM?
This event was cool and I felt a lot of potential to be better. This event has more top class 135lb fighters than other MMA events . I notice that stage effects were great too. I think Joseph did great job. I sent him to this event because I knew how strong he is and he could beat Kid.
- Don't you want to fight KID, Urijah?
I think it's not simple and easy to arrange our fight, and it will need more time. I want him to fight my teammates first. I think Joseph will prove that he is stronger than Kid. Thank you.

** KODO **
I couldn't do anything. This was my first time to fight a foreign fighter. He was strong and I wasn't good enough. That's why I lost.

** Yoshihiro Akiyama **
I was in a good condition including my knee. (I suppose you enjoy being booed.) I think no one is happy to be booed. I think I'm the only one who is always booed in Japanese MMA event. I should just play a role in DREAM after understanding how MMA fans think about me.
(Who do you want to fight next?) I want to fight Tamura because he called me names in public.
I will shut his mouth in the ring.

** Alistair Overeem **
I'm happy to win. As a result of trained very hard for my last fight in DREAM.4, I could have a good fight and win. I was offered this fight when I was in Thailand for vacation. I would definitely like to fight in DREAM again if I'm offered. I want to be a champion and I actually have an illusion that I am a champion sometimes. I would like to fight Mirko someday.

 

[Shogun Locc]

DREAM.5: Post fight interview 2

** Caol Uno **
- How was your fight?
I wish I could win. I deeply regret that I was dragged into Aoki's pace.
- You were crying before the fight. Why?
I don't want to tell the reason. I was very emotional.
- Did you think about giving up during the fight?
Yes, a couple of time actually. I didn't give up, for I remember about my fans and a word from Moriyama, "A chance will come if I keep moving and avoid being submitted. "
- What do you think about a young fighter?
I admit he was strong.

** Tatsuya Kawajiri **
- How was your fight?
I'm not satisfied with my performance even though I did everything I could do. I let chances to win slip through my fingers because I couldn't do what I have to do. I lost because I was off my guard when I see a chance. That's why I'm not a top fighter now.
- What did you think about your opponent?
I had chances to win. I was attacked in the stand and got many punches and was pushed to the rope. I leaned what I'm lacking and what I need to improve to be a top fighter in this tournament.
- What do you think about your next fight?
I have no idea. I don't even know if I can fight in DREAM again even. I will take a break and start working on my weaknesses. I won't come back until I improved myself.

** Eddie Alvarez **
I'm disappointed that I couldn't fight in the final due to Dr. stop. I want to challenge Joachim for a title as soon as I recover from my injury.

** Shinya Aoki **
- How was your fight?
I lost. I accept this result and work on to be a better fighter.
- I think you were trying to do something before you were pounded.
I was so tired that I couldn't move as quick as I wanted.
- Tell me what you think about Uno.
I reconfirmed that he was a great fighter. I put everything I had in the semi final, and the final fight was something extra. My legs and my body were so sore after the fight with Uno. I had never said anything bad about Uno. I knew how good he was.
- You had fought Hansen before. How was your fight with him tonight?
I was so tired after 1R in the fight with Uno that I wanted to go home. I put everything I had in the semi final and didn't have any energy left for the final.
- Do you think you want to participate in the tournament?
I have no choice.
- How much could you recover physically and mentally before the final?
I was tired physically. This is not the reason why I lost. Everybody fought in the same condition. Hansen was a great fighter. I don't know about my mental condition. I think I adjusted and I ware ready for the final mentally.

** Joachim Hansen **
- You won this tournament.
Frankly speaking, I feel very strange. I came here to fight Black Mamba. I wasn't thinking about anything except fighting Mamba. I'm very happy.
- You didn't think about getting a chance to fight in the final?
My goal was to fight in the final when this tournament was started, but my dream was destroyed by being defeated by Alvarez. I knew I had a chance to fight in the final since my fight with Mamba was designated as a reserved match.
- What did you think when you knew you fought in the final.
I completely relaxed and was talking about which fighters would win this tournament with my teammates. When I was told I have one more fight, I reset and adjusted myself for my fight.
- You were defeated by Aoki once.
I followed advices which my trainer gave me, and everything went well. Aoki kicked me from the bottom when I was in the mount position. His kicks were very effective and I concentrated to find an unguarded moment. I caught him napping and won by throwing a good punch.

 

[heyzel]

Keith Jardine says he's fighting Brandon Vera at UFC 89

by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:52 am ET
Keith Jardine (13-4-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC) will look to rebound from his recent loss to Wanderlei Silva when he meets Brandon Vera (9-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) at UFC 89, an event that takes place Oct. 18 at The NIA in Birmingham, England.

Jardine today announced the fight on an Albuquerque radio show.

The light heavyweight bout will likely end up on the night's main card, which currently features a headline bout between Michael Bisping and Chris Leben.

However, the UFC has yet to announce the fight.

Jardine most recently suffered a stunning, 36-second knockout to Wanderlei Silva at UFC 84. The loss came right after the biggest win of his career -- a split-decision victory over Chuck Liddell in September 2007.

With a May 2007 loss to Houston Alexander, the Team Jackson fight has now lost two of his past three fights -- the first such stretch of his seven-year career.

Vera, meanwhile, will look to shake a recent three-fight funk. After a unanimous-decision loss to Tim Sylvia at UFC 77, Vera then suffered a first-round TKO to Fabricio Werdum at UFC 85. He then decided to drop to 205 pounds, and though he scored a unanimous-decision victory over UFC newcomer Reese Andy at this past weekend's UFC Fight Night 14, the performance was flat and heavily criticized.

The fight with Jardine is essentially a must-win for Vera, a former top heavyweight contender who had, at one time, been promised a title shot with then-champ Tim Sylvia, but a feud with his manager kept the fight from happening. Since returning from that year-long layoff, Vera -- who began his UFC career with four consecutive stoppage victories -- has posted three lackluster performances.

 

[heyzel]

EliteXC's Shayna Baszler fighting for what's hers

by David Andrest on Jul 23, 2008 at 2:43 pm ET
Fight of the night. Those four words are music to the ears of a professional fighter and words that have more often than not been associated with the lone female bouts on some recent high-profile fight cards.

This trend could very well continue as the "Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler (9-4) faces off against Chute Boxe's Cristiane "Cyborg" (4-0) Santos on July 26 as CBS and EliteXC preset "Unfinished Business."

The event will be held Saturday at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif., and will be shown live on CBS with undercard matches airing on Showtime.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) recently had a chance to speak with Baszler as she prepares for her network television debut in a fight that many consider the stepping stone to the first-ever EliteXC women's championship fight.

Baszler spoke about many topics, including the 140-pound women's division weight limit, the use of three-minute rounds, the overall exposure of women's MMA, and her game plan for Cyborg.

MMAjunkie.com: Your match fight Cris Cyborg was announced to the public on July 8. When did you first find out about the fight?

Shayna Baszler: I found out about a week before the public announcement. I knew EliteXC had planned to have me fight on the 26th, so I was training. I just wasn't sure for who.

MMAjunkie.com: How did that affect your training camp?

Shayna Baszler: Well, I [just finished] one (final) hard week of training, but it does make it make it a little tough. You are training to fight an imaginary opponent. But now I know who I'm fighting, and I'm ready.

MMAjunkie.com: What are your thoughts on your opponent?

Shayna Baszler: I have all the respect in the world for her as a fighter, and I don't want this to sound wrong but … I was insulted. I've put my time in with the company. I fought the fights, and she is going to fight me in her first fight for EliteXC and try to take away everything I've worked for ... in nine minutes? I can't let that happen. I won't let it happen.

MMAjunkie.com: How much do you know about Cris Cyborg?

Shayna Baszler: As much as I can. I've watched video. She's the Chute Boxe template -- strong Muay Thai, aggressive, and she has some freestyle wrestling. My coach Josh (Barnett) is very familiar with Chute Boxe, and I will be ready.

MMAjunkie.com: This fight will take place at 140 pounds. Is that your natural fighting weight?

Shayna Baszler: I think 135 (pounds) is my best weight, but I'm not one to complain. I knew what I was signing up for when I agreed to fight for EliteXC. If you are a female fighter, EliteXC is the place to fight. You can't gain this type of exposure anywhere else. It's great. And besides, it's much easier to bulk up a little as opposed to going in the other direction.

MMAjunkie.com: So 140 pounds is much better than 125?

Shayna Baszler: Absolutely.

MMAjunkie.com: Many people are saying that this fight will decide who will move forward and fight for the first ever EliteXC women's championship. Have you been told anything?

Shayna Baszler: I've heard the talk, and that would be cool, but I've heard nothing from the company. I really can't think past Cris Cyborg at this point, or I'll be toast.

MMAjunkie.com: People are also talking about the women's division fighting three-minute rounds and how that affects fights. Have you heard anything about the company making a move to five-minute rounds for the division?

Shayna Baszler: Again, I haven't heard anything from the company, but I'd like it. I have fought five five-minute rounds with one-minute rests in between. I know I can handle it. I've even spoke with Gina (Carano), and she agrees. MMA is five-minute rounds.

MMAjunkie.com: How do three-minute rounds affect you?

Shayna Baszler: It's huge. I have to make sure I capitalize on the first mistake made on the ground and end the fight. That is something my coaches and I work on all the time. With a three-minute round, you have to set up the takedown, get the takedown, advance position, set up and either submit or knock out your opponent. A lot of times setting up the takedown and getting the takedown can take over a minute or so. This can leave me sometimes with only a minute to set up and submit my opponent and end a fight.

MMAjunkie.com: So one would assume you will be looking to get this fight to the ground as soon as possible.

Shayna Baszler: I think it's obvious where each of us would like the fight to be. Sure, I think it plays to my strengths when the fight gets to the ground, but I have to establish my stand up and be crisp. I have no fear of standing with her.

MMAjunkie.com: With the exposure that EliteXC has given women's MMA, and with you fighting on a nationally televised CBS event, have you seen a noticeable public response.

Shayna Baszler: Yeah, for sure. My grandfather would always tell me, "You need to stop this fighting thing." I live in the Midwest, and we are the last people to get things, but I was walking through the mall and some people recognized me and stopped and talked for a minute. I think we both now realize how big this thing getting.

MMAjunkie.com: Are you a guitar player as well as fighter? I noticed you wear ESP clothes, and their logo is a prominent fixture on your website.

Shayna Baszler: Yes, I play guitar. ESP is the best. They are a sponsor of mine as well and very special. When most mainstream companies shy away from MMA, not only do they sponsor MMA, but they sponsor women's MMA. I am their first fighter, and they have been great to me. I'm the first non-rockstar type they have sponsored.

MMAjunkie.com: Do you have any other supporters or sponsors you would like to send a shout-out to? Who's sponsoring you for this fight?

Shayna Baszler: Thank you to my fans. Thank you to Hitman Fight Gear, Sinful Clothing, Room 101 Silver, and Lockflow.

MMAjunkie.com: Do you have a website where your fans can visit??

 

[Shogun Locc]

LAWLER FORGETS THE PAST, FOCUSES ON THE FIGHT

Since his early days fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, current EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler has been a man of few words when it came down to talking before his fights. Instead, he let his hands do the talking for him in the ring or cage.



With 14 of his 17 professional wins coming by way of knockout or TKO, there is no doubt that Lawler has become one of the most feared punchers in all of mixed martial arts.



Unfortunately for Lawler, the chance to defend his middleweight championship for the first time ended when doctors stopped his fight with Scott Smith due to an accidental eye poke in the third round that caused the fight to be called a no-contest.



According to Lawler, the last fight is the past, and his fight with Scott Smith this Saturday night is just like a new opponent all over again.



“Really I don’t care,” Lawler said about fighting the same opponent twice. “I look at it as a new fight, and I kind of look at it as we’ve never fought before and I’ll be ready to go.”



To his credit, Lawler has been able to move on much better from past performances, where the former Miletich fighter was as emotional as they come in many of his fights.



During a 2004 fight with Nick Diaz in the UFC, Lawler bought into his opponent’s antics and allowed the fight to become a pure slugfest for which he came out on the short end, being knocked out in the second round.



After moving up to 185 pounds, Lawler has seen his success grow along with his maturity in the sport. He now trains exclusively with close friend Matt Hughes at his H.I.T. Squad gym and he avoids most outside distractions by focusing on training and getting ready for his next fight.



“More bouts under my belt, just training a little harder, a little smarter and working on aspects and working on the mental game,” Lawler commented on his growth and maturity in the sport.



One thing is for sure. Lawler is not thinking about the last fight with Smith. He is truly focused and ready for round two in Stockton, Calif. on Saturday night.



“I’m focusing on this next fight and I don’t care how that last one went,” Lawler said. “I just need to go out there and get the job done on Saturday.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

MARKHAM CRITICAL OF UFC DEBUT, EVEN WITH KO

It’s taken him a few years to get to where he’s wanted to be, but when he got there, he made a statement.

Such could be said about Miletich Fighting Systems welterweight Rory Markham of his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut.

Eager to prove himself as one of the most entertaining and viable new talents in the promotion, Markham’s step up into the UFC at this past Saturday’s Fight Night event at The Palms let him do exactly what he wanted.

Matched up against a tough Brodie Farber, also making his promotional debut, the two lived up to their words as they stood and traded shots right from the start, with Farber seemingly getting the best of the Chicago native.

But it all turned in the blink of an eye.

Backing up from an onslaught of punches by Farber, Markham unleashed a high kick that immediately saw Farber’s body go stiff and fall to the ground. Markham had his spectacular debut and earned the vaunted “Knockout of the Night” bonus, accompanied by a $25,000 check, awarded by UFC President Dana White.

Relaxing after his win from his hotel in Vegas, Markham said this of his highlight reel victory, “I don’t think it’s really settled in yet.

“It’s always the same emotions I always run when I get the victory. It actually takes me a few days to realize something like that’s taken place, but I’m thrilled.”

While Markham had initially predicted a big possibility of a knockout in the fight, having it actually come to fruition was not something that was planned, it simply happened.

“It’s funny how generally that’s the way you get them to play out, by not thinking about them,” he commented. “I’m just lucky enough that’s just how I fight. I’m not sure what my knockout percentage is, but it will come when I’m not really looking for it.

“I always do try to go out there and put on a good show for the fans.”

Even with the excitement he generated with his fight and the spectacular fashion in which it ended, Markham is critical of what he did in the match-up.

“I’m not too happy about my performance,” he admitted. “I don’t like to go out there and get hit as much as I do, but that’s just the way I fight.

“I’m definitely trying to remedy that, but at the same time, it makes for exciting come-from-behind victories.”

He is quick to complement his opponent, Brodie Farber, for his part in the fight.

“He’s an excellent competitor,” said Markham. “That fight wouldn’t have gone down the way it did unless he came out to fight like he did.

“It was his UFC debut too and he brought it. I thank him for competing and making it a fight.”

With a memorable first win in the promotion now behind him, Markham intends on taking some time off after his recent quick turn around between fights, with the hopes of making his earlier statements about being included on the UFC 90 card in his native Chicago come true.

“I’m just going to relish the moment and wait for the call,” he stated. “I’ve nothing (signed) as of yet, but it’s still a little young, and you’ll know as soon as I know – I promise you that.”

With multitude of possibilities for entertaining match-ups in the most stacked division in the UFC, Rory Markham could become the name to watch for the company in the coming year, should he continue to do what comes naturally to him.

“I’d like to thank Tapout, Fairtex, Michael Bruno, Muscle Milk and Sandy Bowman for supporting me for this fight,” he closed out.

“I’d like to always thank the fans. My style is directly for them. I hope that they appreciate it and I’ll keep putting on great fights for them and try to earn many, many more.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

MMAWEEKLY WORLD MMA RANKINGS UPDATED

The latest MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings were released on Wednesday, July 23. This system ranks the Top 10 MMA fighters from all across the world in each of the six most widely accepted weight classes.

Taken into consideration are a fighter's performance in addition to his win-loss record, head-to-head and common opponents, difficulty of opponents, and numerous other factors in what is the most comprehensive rankings system in the sport.

Fighters who are currently serving drug-related suspensions are not eligible for Top 10 consideration until they have fought one time after the completion of their suspension.

Fighters must also have competed within the past 12 months in order to be eligible for Top 10 consideration.

Below are the current MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings, which are up-to-date as of July 23.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (over 205 pounds)

#1 Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Fedor Emelianenko

2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

3. Josh Barnett

4. Randy Couture

5. Andrei Arlovski

6. Tim Sylvia

7. Fabricio Werdum

8. Gabriel Gonzaga

9. Mirko &#8220;Cro Cop&#8221; Filipovic

10. Aleksander Emelianenko

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (205-pound limit)

#1 Light Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Forrest Griffin

2. Quinton Jackson

3. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

4. Chuck Liddell

5. Lyoto Machida

6. Wanderlei Silva

7. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou

8. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

9. Keith Jardine

10. Thiago Silva

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION (185-pound limit)

#1 Middleweight Fighter in the World: Anderson Silva

2. Paulo Filho

3. Rich Franklin

4. Robbie Lawler

5. Matt Lindland

6. Kazuo Misaki

7. Yushin Okami

8. Nathan Marquardt

9. Dan Henderson

10. Yoshihiro Akiyama

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION (170-pound limit)

#1 Welterweight Fighter in the World: Georges St. Pierre

2. Jon Fitch

3. Thiago Alves

4. Josh Koscheck

5. Matt Hughes

6. Matt Serra

7. Jake Shields

8. Diego Sanchez

9. Carlos Condit

10. Karo Parisyan

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION (160-pound limit)

#1 Lightweight Fighter in the World: B.J. Penn

2. Takanori Gomi

3. Eddie Alvarez

4. Shinya Aoki

5. Joachim Hansen

6. Tatsuya Kawajiri

7. Gesias "JZ" Calvancante

8. Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro

9. Mitsuhiro Ishida

10. Josh Thomson

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION (145 pounds and under)

#1 Featherweight Fighter in the World: Urijah Faber

2. Akitoshi Tamura

3. Hideki Kadowaki

4. Hatsu Hioki

5. "Lion" Takeshi Inoue

6. Masakazu Imanari

7. Mike Brown

8. Jeff Curran

9. Rafael Assuncao

10. Wagnney Fabiano

 

[Shogun Locc]

UFC 88 fight card gets three official bouts added for Atlanta

It seems like it has taken forever, however the UFC today made official three more bouts for its &#8220;Breakthrough&#8221; pay-per-view (PPV) event, which will take place from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on September 6.

There&#8217;s no real Earth-shattering news to report because we&#8217;ve already passed along the match ups to our readers weeks ago. Then again no fight is truly official until it appears on the promotion&#8217;s Web site in some way, shape or form.

Nonetheless, as previously reported &#8220;three of mixed martial arts&#8217; biggest stars&#8221; will be in action in little more than one month, including Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson and Karo Parisyan. That&#8217;s in addition to, of course, the main event of the evening between Chuck Liddell and Rashad Evans.

Just a quick refresher for those who may have missed the earlier reports here at MMAmania.com: Franklin will return to the 205-pound division to take on Matt Hamill, Henderson is in-line to face submission specialist Rousimar Palhares, and Parisyan has a very tough test against Japanese import (and fellow Judo player), Yoshiyuki Yoshida.

UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva was thought to perhaps defend his 185-title at the show; however, with a hand injury to likely opponent Yushin Okami it&#8217;s possible that he will now compete on an October card against Patrick Cote.