MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

5 Oz. Exclusive: EliteXC trying to lure Javi Vazquez out of retirement

Stockton, Calif. — After a planned swing bout between lightweight competitors Malaipet Team Diamond and David Douglas fell through after Malaipet was forced to bow out due to injury, EliteXC officials have been left scrambling to find a replacement in time for CBS’s second-ever telecast of “Saturday Night Nights” this past Saturday.

According to a source speaking to FiveOuncesOfPain.com on the condition of anonymity, EliteXC had attempted in recent days to lure Javier Vazquez out of retirement.

Vazquez, a renowned competitive grappler who compiled an impressive 12-2 record during an injury-plagued MMA career, announced his retirement immediately following his first round submission over J.C. Pennington during a ShoXC event last October.

The planned swing bout would air on CBS prior to the night’s main event between Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith if one or more of the three fights scheduled before ended early. If there was no time to air the swing bout, it would take place immediately following the end of the telecast.

As of Wednesday night, no decisions had been made in regard to the swing bout and it is unknown whether Vazquez has any desire to come out of retirement.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Diaz still wants to fight Sakurai

One of the feature matches at the previous DREAM 5 card was set to have Hayato “Mach” Sakurai take on Nick Diaz. Due to Diaz’s upcoming fight with Thomas “Wildman” Denny on Saturday’s EliteXC show, the Diaz - Sakurai fight was taken off the show.

Diaz hopes the the fight was merely postponed and not canceled.

I want the Sakurai fight to come about again,” said Diaz, “I think the fight would be an excellent match-up.”

The Diaz-Sakurai fight would be a very entertaining one. Even though Diaz’s main commitment is to EliteXC, he is grateful for the opportunity to fight in other organizations as well. Hopefully, the fight can be rescheduled in the not-to-distant future.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Daniel Acácio leaves Chute Boxe

Chute Boxe’s official site announced today the leaving of one of the biggest names of the team, Daniel Acácio, that joined Univerdidade da Luta (UDL), Maurício Shogun, Murilo Ninja and André Dida’s team. “Daniel trained here today and he was very happy, and it’s good to have a good athlete like here on the team”, said Dida. Daniel spoke to TATAME and guaranteed that leaves the team without resentments. “I just made friends there. I appreciate everybody there for the support and help, Master Rafael Cordeiro, Rudimar Fedrigo”, said Daniel, that explained why he left Chute Boxe.

“I felt that I wasn’t doing well inside there anymore, not because of the team, because of me. I came to UDL because of Shogun, Dida, they’re friend of mine, and because of Wanderlei (Silva) at ”, explained Daniel, that told how will work Wand’s partnership at . “Wanderlei will work a team there and we’ll do an exchange work. I wanna go to , because the MMA world is there”, revealed Acácio, that is studying event proposals. According to some sources, Luiz Azeredo can move from Chute Boxe to UDL too.

 

[Shogun Locc]

DEEP, Cage Force, IFL And KOTC LW Champions In SENGOKU! Gomi Vs. Hwan Announced

The opponent of Takanori Gomi and the four tournament fights for SENGOKU IV were announced today. Gomi’s opponent will be Korean DEEP Lightweight Champion Bang Seung Hwan as rumored. In the tournament two champions will meet as Cage Force Lightweight champion Mizuto Hirota takes on IFL Lightweight champion Ryan Schultz. In the three other tournament fights Rodrigo Damm faces Eiji Mitsuoka, Satoru Kitaoka is pitted against KOTC Lightweight champion Clay French and former DEEP Lightweight champion Kazunori Yokota will fight Slovenian Bojan Kosednar.

The semifinals and the final of the tournament will take place at SENGOKU VI in November. Duane Ludwig will not participate in the tournament. It seems that he has a fight in the U.S. that he must participate in.

SENGOKU IV
Date: August 24th, 2008
Place: Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan

Lightweight Fight:
Takanori Gomi vs. Bang Seung Hwan

Middleweight Fight:
Frank Trigg vs. Makoto Takimoto

Heavyweight Fight:
Peter Graham vs. Moise Rimbon

Lightweight GP Series 2008 1st Round:
Eiji Mitsuoka vs. Rodrigo Damm
Satoru Kitaoka vs. Clay French
Mizuto Hirota vs. Ryan Schultz
Kazunori Yokota vs. Bojan Kosednar

Possible Participants:
Daniel Acacio
Cristiano Marcello

 

[Shogun Locc]

DreamFighters.com Exclusive Interview With Donald Trump

DreamFighters.com: Donald, thanks for talking to me once again at DreamFighters.com
Donald Trump: Adam, it is great hearing from you again.



DreamFighters.com: So, what did you think of the Affliction fight? Was it greater than what you expected?
Donald Trump: I knew the fight was going to be great. We have the best fighters who put on a great show for 15,000 hardcore fans. I thought the venue was great, Megadeth created serious energy and the production was first rate.



DreamFighters.com: How did you enjoy the fights?
Donald Trump: From the undercard to the main event, I was impressed with the athleticism and abilities of all of the fighters. Unfortunately, there can be only one winner.



DreamFighters.com: What are you impressions of Fedor Emelianenko and his very fast victory?
Donald Trump: Fedor is an amazing athlete. What makes him unique is that he is visually smaller than so many of the other fighters; however, unanimously he is described as the pound for pound best fighter in Mixed Martial Arts today. Based on his performance, I must agree.



DreamFighters.com: Will you be apart of further affliction shows?
Donald Trump: As I explained to you in our earlier interview, I own a substantial portion of Affliction Entertainment. I will continue to be a presence in this company and will be on site for all of our great events.



DreamFighters.com: Any news on the next Affliction Fight?
Donald Trump: We are currently negotiating a contract for the venue and have finalized the second fight card. Unfortunately, I cannot give you the specifics at this time.




DreamFighters.com: How did it feel being in the ring presenting Fedor with the first unified belt, the WAMMA belt?
Donald Trump: I was honored to present Fedor with the belt. He put on a fantastic show and deserved the recognition.




DreamFighters.com: Finally Donald, What was your favorite fight of the night?
Donald Trump: I dont have a favorite. I was impressed by all of the fighters, even those who were not victorious.

 

[Shogun Locc]

EILERS GETS SECOND CHANCE IN ELITE XC

At one time, Justin Eilers was considered a great future prospect in the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight division.

Having amassed a solid record previous to joining the company, he won his debut in impressive fashion over Mike Kyle at UFC 49 in comeback fashion after being rocked early in the fight. Things seemed to be heading Eilers’ way.

That’s where things hit a snag.

Over the course of the coming year and a half, Eilers lost three fights in a row, including a devastating defeat to then UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski.

After exiting the promotion, Eilers decided changes were needed, and has since returned to his earlier form, taking an impressive 10 of 11 fights.

Now a veteran fighter, Eilers looks to continue his winning ways as he steps back up into the big time with his EliteXC debut on the July 26 card, where his bout with Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva will be broadcast live on Showtime.

“I’ve been kinda going under the radar lately in the IFC or whatever, but now that I’m back in the big show again, it feels good,” he said of his return to big time MMA.

“It kind of kicked me in the butt, because I’ve been training my ass off. It just feels good, because I get to go, I get to be seen, I get to be on TV – it’s awesome.”

Comparatively speaking, Eilers feels that this time around, as opposed to his UFC experience, will be much different due to a change in his career attitude.

“I think now I’m just more focused,” he admitted. “All I do is train, six days a week, two or three times a day; this is it.

“I’m not doing this for anything but (for the fact) that this is my job, this is what I do. Now I’m 100 percent focused and this is all I want to do for the next few years.”

On Saturday, July 26, he will be facing his biggest opponent yet, literally, in the former super-heavyweight behemoth Antonio Silva.

Known for his uncanny agility and quickness, Silva presents a massive challenge both in size and skill for any opponent. Eilers, on the other hand, isn’t intimidated, and in fact, feels he has advantages over his larger opponent.

“He’s a big guy and I’m sure he’s going to have a lot of strength and power, but really I like fighting big guys,” he commented. “I think I have a huge speed advantage, and I think I’ll be in much better shape.

“You can’t get caught when you fight a big guy. You can’t take that one shot. If it were a lighter guy, you could maybe shake that off, but against a big guy, you get hit with that one clean shot, it’ll put you down.”

Even with the stability of a multi-fight contract, Eilers is not one to rest on his laurels, as he intends to keep things rolling as they have over the last year.

“I like to fight about once every two months if possible,” he said. “I have a four-fight deal with EliteXC, so I need to go out there and put on a good show and stay with these guys, but if other fights come along, I’ll take those as well.

“I try to stay as busy as possible, as busy as my body will allows me to be. I don’t want to be fighting in just one area, I want to be fighting all over the place – I want to be fighting everywhere.”

With his new attitude towards fighting and a dedication to the sport that he had lacked in previous years, Eilers feels that he could make an impact in the heavyweight division, starting with his match-up against Silva.

“I think I can compete with anybody out there,” he stated. “I’ve got good people around me now, I’m back here in Idaho and everything is good in my life. There’s nothing I can say now that I’m lacking.

“Everything’s in my hands now. Give me time to train and come in shape, and I’ll fight anybody out there. I want to grab as much hardware as possible, so I’m just going to start with this one and go from there.”

With a second opportunity to shine on the big stage of the sport, Justin Eilers intends to put his past behind him and show how he’s matured into a veteran fighter that can be truly viable in the current MMA heavyweight division.

“I want to thank Tapout and Sinister, and all the other sponsors that are coming in,” he concluded. “Thank you to all the haters who say I can’t do it, because that’s what pushes me. Everybody that supports me, I appreciate it, thank you very much.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

MISTAKES PAST, SCOTT SMITH READY FOR ROUND 2

No one in the sport of mixed martial arts can ever question the heart, determination or perseverance of current EliteXC middleweight fighter Scott Smith for his constant effort to stay in and win a fight.



During his time with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he was involved in one of the most memorable knockouts in the promotion’s history during a bout with former “Ultimate Fighter” housemate Pete Sell.



As Sell landed a thunderous body shot that seemed to crumble his opponent, Smith jumped up with a huge punch that sent Sell crashing to the canvas. After following up with another shot before the referee stopped the fight, Smith instantly fell down in the cage, still feeling the effects of the punch he endured before unloading his own fight finishing shot to his opponent.



During Smith’s title fight with current EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler, he once again showed his will to survive as he fell victim to a very tough first round that saw him end the session leaning against the cage, appearing to be out on his feet.



What happened in the second round could not have been predicted as Smith came out looking fresher and better than ever, pummeling Lawler with punches, kicks and elbows that likely won him the round on. Unfortunately for Smith, the third round brought an end to the fight as an accidental eye poke caused doctors to stop the fight, declaring a no contest between the two fighters.



Having recovered from the eye poke and injured foot he dealt with after the fight, Smith is back and ready for round two with Lawler and he predicts the same high pace he produced in the first fight, but with better results this time around.



“I’m notorious for being a slow starter so I tried to start out quick in that fight. I did start out fast, but not smart,” said Smith during a recent appearance on MMAWeekly Radio. “I came out without moving around and ate a lot of shots. I’m going to come in and try to do the same thing, start the fight out at a good pace, except just a smarter pace.”



Understanding those mistakes is what Smith believes he can change and make him the better fighter on July 26.



“Anybody that’s ever watched MMA can watch that fight and tell you that I need to move my head a little more and not get hit so much, that’s a big thing,” Smith stated. “I moved backwards to try to avoid his punches instead of side to side, that’s a big thing, head movement. And setting things up, I threw big head kick after big head kick after big overhand right, I need to set up those punches and kicks.”



But what about Lawler’s advantages from having fought him just under 2 months ago?



“I’m thinking he’s going to be prepared for that, but it’s one of those things that it doesn’t matter if you’re prepared for it or not, if I execute it well it’s going to be devastating,” said Smith about his gameplan for the fight.



One thing is for sure that anyone who doubts Smith’s heart and determination usually come up on the losing end and the California based fighter doesn’t mind being doubted. That just makes him work that much harder to prove them all wrong.



“I really think that first fight they put me out there as the former UFC fighter to come in and get knocked out,” Smith said. “I think they really thought I was just tough enough to go out there and give Lawler a fight and they had no expectations of me winning. I think after watching that first fight, they’re like ‘oh, wow maybe he can beat Lawler.’ I think they’re real excited about this fight. It doesn’t matter if they put me out there and expect me to lose, I’m just honored to be out there and given that opportunity.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Preliminary card, swing bout finalized for "EliteXC: Unfinished Business"

With just two days remaining before EliteXC's second foray into network-television MMA, the organization today released its complete line-up.

New additions to the schedule include a swing bout for the CBS portion of the broadcast, as well as three un-televised preliminary bouts to be contested prior to the Showtime-broadcast portion of the evening.

In the swing bout, which may or may not make it to the evening's broadcast based on time constraints, lightweight David Douglas (3-1) will face Chute Boxe fighter Marlon Mathias (5-2).

On the undercard, Gladiator Challenge and ShoXC fighter Drew Montgomery (4-3) will meet a fellow veteran of both organizations in Brandon Tarns (1-1). Strikeforce and Palace Fighting Championship's Mike Cook (5-1) will meet a veteran of the Jackson, Calif.-based Global Knockout with undefeated heavyweight Carl Seumanutafa (3-0).

As previously reported on MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), the preliminary card will be filled out by a bout between Capital City Fighting's Jeremy Freitag (6-6) and Anthony Ruiz (20-11). The fight, previously expected to earn swing-bout status, will instead be relegated to the un-televised prelims.

In Ruiz's previous bout, the Team Voodoo fighter lost a unanimous decision to Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion Bobby Southworth. He'll go for his third win over Freitag.

The finalized card for "EliteXC: Unfinished Business," to be aired live Saturday night from Stockton, Calif. on Showtime and CBS, now consists of the following fights:

MAIN CARD (CBS)

Champ Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith (for EliteXC middleweight title)
Jake Shields vs. Nick Thompson (for vacant EliteXC welterweight title)
Thomas Denny vs. Nick Diaz
Shayna Baszler vs. Cristiane Cyborg
David Douglas and Marlon Mathias (swing bout)
MAIN CARD (SHOWTIME)

Justin Eilers vs. Antonio Silva (for vacant EliteXC heavyweight title)
Brian Caraway vs. Wilson Reis
Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante vs. Travis Galbraith
PRELIMINARY CARD

Jeremy Freitag vs. Anthony Ruiz
Mike Cook vs. Carl Seumanutafa
Drew Montgomery vs. Brandon Tarn

 

[Shogun Locc]

Report: ZUFFA buys International Fight League

The Fight Network has the scoop:

The long speculated moratorium of the International Fight League now has a date. According to IFL senior vice president of communications Joe Favorito, the team-based MMA promotion will turn out the lights July 31 as its assets are sold to a yet-to-be-named buyer, confirmed today by several anonymous sources as the UFC ownership group Zuffa LLC.

“As of July 31 my role at the IFL will be no more as the company goes into its final stage of being sold and/or closed down,” Favorito stated via email.

This would make a lot of sense seeing as how the UFC has signed a handful of the IFL’s more talented fighters in recent weeks such as Rory Markham, Brad Blackburn, Jim and Dan Miller, and Andre Gusmao. I’m sure we can expect to see even more IFL talent roll into the UFC now. Guys like Jay Hieron, Chris Horodecki, and Wagnney Fabiano, to name a few, are all people that fans would love to see in the UFC. It also makes sense because on Monday, the IFL’s stock skyrocketed. They also showed a lot of IFL footage during the UFC Fight Night 14 show as well as the UFC Countdown: Silva vs. Irvin buildup show.

It’s a sad day for the IFL, but we all knew the end was drawing nearer day by day. They put on a good product, but came out of the gates all wrong and by the time they realized that drastic changes needed to be made it was too little, too late. They tried to treat the sport like a sport and not a spectacle and that’s to be commended. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work, at least not yet. One thing I can say, however, is that I won’t lose sleep over never being able to see the hexagon shaped ring in action.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Aoki's column from kamipro.com

Aoki's column was updated on July 23.

I experienced a lot in this tournament. Even though I couldn't get a result I wanted, I have no regret about my performance because I did my best.

I lost because I was weaker than Hansen. All I can do now is to train hard and to be stronger. I cried after the fight because I knew my fans and supporters, who were looking forward to seeing me winning the tournament, were disappointed. In addition, when my teammates told me that I did my best, more tears came up to my eyes.

I couldn't achieve my goal this time; however, I definitely come back and get a title sometimes soon. I improve myself and I know I can be better fighter. No matter what other people say, I'm the one who represents DREAM!

~ He got a reward of $29K(JPY3000000) for his performance in the final. ~

 

[Shogun Locc]

IFL champ Jay Hieron waiting through IFL's possible final days

UFC veteran and current IFL welterweight champion Jay Hieron (15-4) has been forced to watch from the sidelines as several of his fellow IFL fighters have found new homes in other organizations.

But with the IFL's future still up in the air, Hieron has targeted a late 2008 return to action.

Hieron, who could soon become one of the sport's top free agents, discussed his contract status while a guest on TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"I'm under contract with [the IFL]," Hieron said. "I'm waiting to hear something. It is what it is with this stuff. That's part of the game."

Hieron's most recent bout was a TKO over Mark Miller in April. The win was the Xtreme Couture fighter's second straight TKO victory and third straight win overall.

Hieron credits his recent resurgence to a newfound focus on the mental aspects of the sport.

"I started working on my mental skills," Hieron said. "I think that was the only part of my game I really wasn't paying attention to. Once I started working on that, I started doing real well for myself."

Hieron had built a 7-2 record in the IFL en route to earning the 170-pound title. The New York native was prepared to face Brad Blackburn in August in a rematch of a June 2007 defeat, but recent financial concerns for the IFL put that opportunity -- and all business operations -- on hold. Zuffa LLC, the UFC's parent company, is now expected to purchase its remaining assets.

Despite the issues, Hieron remains focused on his own training, as well as the rest of his Las Vegas-based teammates.

"I train with the best guys in the world, and I train just as hard as everybody else," Hieron said. "I can't control any of [the IFL's financial struggles]. If I start stressing out, it's going to show in my game."

Instead, Hieron patiently awaits the Dec. 29 end of his IFL contract, while watching IFL exports Rory Markham, Brad Blackburn, Dan Miller, Jim Miller and others secure deals with larger organizations such as the UFC.

"Everything goes in circles," Hieron said. "It's everybody else around me's time, and it's cool. My time will come back around again."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Maurício Shogun Rua interview

How is UDL?

Thanks God the gym is great. The opening was a success, it was really crowded. I went to United States, was ten days there and didn’t see any gym like ours there. It’s really great.

Daniel Acácio left Chute Boxe and went do UDL?

That’s true. Acácio is a great athlete, he’s a high level fighter and will have great sparrings here with us, and surely will do great at MMA.

How is your knee now?

Well, I came back to training last week and I’ll go to Canada at August 4th to do an intensive treatment. A medical team from there called me to do a different kind of treatment, so I’ll go there with (Andr&#233 Dida, and maybe he do some fights there too.

Did UFC say anything about your next fight?

I spoke with my manager now and he said they called him and said it would depend on October’s event. I might face Mark Coleman on December, but nothing has been signed yet. He wanted to face me on November, and I really wanna face him, I hope this time he don’t run from me. He said no to me a couple of times, but I believe now it will happen.

Thierry Sokoudjou said he’d like to face you, but now he’ll fight with Luis “Banha” Cane…

That fight will be great. Banha is a complete fighter and great on the ground, and Sokoudjou it’s the opposite. I wanna Banha to win, of course, he’s “Brazil”.

What do you expect from Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans?

It was settled to June, right? It’s a tough fight, Liddell is fucking good and Rashad too, but Liddell has more chances…

And between Lyoto Machida against Thiago Silva?

I don’t bet on this fight… I’ve trained with both guys and I believe it’s 50% each. I think Lyoto will try to do his game and Thiago will go to knock him out.

Do you think Toquinho (Rousimar Palhares) can beat Dan Henderson?

I think Toquinho will submit Henderson. Toquinho is fucking great. If he put Henderson down, he’ll easily submit him.

 

[Shogun Locc]

ST. PIERRE PUTS RUMORS OF UFC EXIT TO REST

Speculation has run rampant for the last few months with everyone from fighters to promoters weighing in on the possible defection of Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight champion, Georges St. Pierre, leaving the company when his current deal is up.

According the St. Pierre, he still has time left on his current deal and an ongoing negotiation is already happening between his camp and the UFC.

“I’m with the UFC, I have two more fights on my contract, and you know we’re in negotiations,” said St. Pierre during an appearance on MMAWeekly Radio Thursday night. “Everything is going well, you know. We’re talking and everything is good.”

Despite just about everyone having an opinion on what he should do next, St. Pierre says that he’s confident a deal will get done and the UFC will remain his home.

“We’ll end up to an agreement, I’m sure,” St. Pierre said. “I like the UFC, I’m glad I’m champion, I want to represent the sport and also the UFC well.”

St. Pierre still maintains a strong relationship with his main sponsor, Affliction, regardless of the UFC’s current ban on the company’s shirts and name brands being worn by their fighters.

But the current welterweight champion isn’t looking at his sponsor as a future home for fighting. While nothing is ever certain until a deal is done, according to St. Pierre, he plans on fighting in the Octagon for a very long time to come.

“The UFC, that’s what made me known, and if possible I want to retire there."

 

[Shogun Locc]

MMA Quick Quote: Nick Diaz on fighting in Stockton hometown

“Fighting in Stockton is going to be great for me. Stockton is a great fight town because if you drive long enough on some of these roads you’ll probably see a pretty good street fight.”

– Nick Diaz talks about fighting in his hometown at the final press conference for this Saturday’s (July 26) Elite XC: “Unfinished Business” event. It seems like he’s confident and relaxed heading into his lightweight fight against Thomas “Wildman” Denny tomorrow evening on CBS live from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif. Pretty funny stuff from “Diablo.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

WEC 36: Faber vs. Brown & Sonnen vs. Filho II

When: Sept 10, ‘08
Where: Seminole Hard Rock; Hollywood, FL
Watch: VERSUS channel; 9pm EST


Current Champs Urijah Faber and undefeated Paulo Filho defend their respective belts. Jens Pulver vs. Leonard Garcia, are you kidding me?!?! Plus it’s the WEC debut of Jake Rosholt and Johny Hendricks. If you are a hardcore MMA fan, you are loving this card. If you’re a casual fan, you NEED to watch this card.

Here’s the latest on WEC 36:

Urijah Faber vs. Mike Brown @ FW (WEC Featherweight Belt)

Paulo Filho vs. Chael Sonnen @ MW (WEC Middleweight Belt)
Leonard Garcia vs. Jens Pulver @ FW
“Razor” Rob McCullough vs. Donald Cerrone @ LW
Jake Rosholt vs. Danillo Villefort @ MW
Johny Hendricks vs. Alex Serdyukov @ WW
Steve Steinbeiss vs. Mark Munoz @ LHW

 

[Shogun Locc]

DreamFighters.com Exclusive Interview With Vitor Belfort

DreamFighters.com: Vitor, will you be fighting at Affliction II?

Vitor Belfort: Yes, I will be ready to fight at Affliction II

DreamFighters.com: Do you know who you will be fighting at Affliction II?

Vitor Belfort: No Not yet, but I will fight anyone. I want a good fight and to fight the best.

DreamFighters.com: Vitor, you broke your hand in the first round against Terry Martin. Can you tell us about that?

Vitor Belfort: Yes yes, first punch i threw it broke. After that I try to control the fight. Every punch, Knee, Kick I threw, I made sure they all hit. If my hand did not brake, I would of finished fight within a few minutes.

DreamFighters.com: How is your hand now? When will you be back to training?

Vitor Belfort: Only 4 weeks. After that 2 weeks rehand, and back to full training. For now just cardio and drills, still trianing hard, just not with my hands.

DreamFighters.com: Are you training at Extreme Couture?

Vitor Belfort: No, im back in Brazil training at my own camp. I will go to Extreme Couture later on. They are very good over there.

DreamFighters.com: Would you ever want a Tito Ortiz Re-match?

Vitor Belfort: Yes of course. I thought I won the first time we fought and I think it would be a good fight.

DreamFighters.com: You have made public that you wish to fight Frank Shamrock. Why?

Vitor Belfort: He talks too much. He talks too much about how good he is, and how he's the best in the world. I want to show him, I am better.

DreamFighters.com: Was there a lot of presure to show everyone the old Vitor?

Vitor Belfort: It was some presure to show everyone the old vitor, but i just must improve every fight, and show everyone the new Vitor Belfort.

DreamFighters.com: Are you going to let your hands fly in the next fight?

Vitor Belfort: [Laughs] Yes my man, you will see my hands fly.

DreamFighters.com: Vitor is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

Vitor Belfort: Really appreciate new and old fans, you are all the most important thing in the business. I want to be a good role model for everyone, show how important family is, help kids not to do drugs, and just be a good role model for everyone.

DreamFighters.com: Vitor, it was great speaking with you.

Vitor Belfort: No problem my man. Thank you!

 

[Shogun Locc]

Franchise Feature: The EliteXC Press Conference
videolink: http://www.mmarated.com/users/video/163/646.html

 

[Shogun Locc]

Anthony Johnson has eye surgery

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson had to get laser surgery today because Kevin Burn’s finger damaged the retina of his eye. He also had a laceration from one end of his eye to the other end which required stitches. UFC took care of all expenses for this surgery since it was related to his incident in his last UFC fight.

He wants to tell everyone that his surgery went smoothly and he would also like to give thanks to all his family, friends and fans for their continuous support. Once his eye heals he will start up his training because he would like to fight atleast one more time before the end of this year.

 

[Shogun Locc]

HOUSTON ALEXANDER: "KARMA'S A BITCH WITH A RED DRESS"
link: http://fighthype.com/pages/content3114.html?PHPSESSID=297b76249e2d5d9ba2ceb32e7310cbc3

 

[Shogun Locc]

SHONIE CARTER: "THEY'RE GOING TO FORCE THE UFC TO PAY THEIR FIGHTERS"
link: http://fighthype.com/pages/content3113.html