MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

10 October Tussles Worth Watching

Welterweights are the name of the game this month as three of the top 10-ranked 170-pounders in the world and a trio of the best European 77-kg fighters go at it in October.

Sherdog.com has compiled a list of 10 worthwhile battles to watch outside the blockbuster fare of Anderson Silva vs. Patrick Cote and Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs. Ken Shamrock, all within the span of 31 days.

10. Daiki Hata vs. Naoya Uematsu
Deep 38th Impact, Oct. 23 -- Tokyo

With Dream and Sengoku already firing their big guns in late September, it is former Pride feeder show Deep who will put on the most compelling fight in Japan this month. Matchmaker extraordinaire Shigeru Saeki has found probably the two best featherweight fighters currently not under contract with a major Japanese promotion. Uematsu (15-7-2) is a strong grappler who holds wins over Shooto champions Caol Uno and Hideki Kadowaki, while “DJ.taiki” Hata (8-5-3) excels on his feet, underlined by a TKO win over King of Pancrase Yoshiro Maeda.

9. Bob Schrijber vs. Barrington Patterson
K.O. Events, Oct. 5 -- Rotterdam, Holland

This bout has “old school” written across it in big red letters. Schrijber (20-16-1) comes out of a 41-month retirement to take on Englishman Patterson (3-4). “Zulu” -- as the man from Coventry is called -- is well known in the Netherlands from his legendary wars with Schrijber’s longtime associates Hans Nijman and Dick Vrij. With both men preferring the knockout to end their fights, fans at the completely sold-out Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam are in for a battle.

8. Daniel Weichel (15-5) vs. Peter Irving (8-5-1)
Strike & Submit 8, Oct. 26 -- Newcastle, England

The Strike & Submit European welterweight title is on the line for a pair of Europe’s most promising welterweights. Only 23 years old, German Weichel (15-5) has had mixed success fighting in the UK, defeating former Cage Rage British lightweight champion Abdul Mohamed and Brazilian submission expert Josenildo Ramarho. He has also suffered losses against Paul Daley and UFC fighters Thiago Tavares and Dan Hardy. Irving (8-5-1) has gone undefeated for close to two years and comes off a decision victory over tough-as-nails Swede Reza Madadi.

7. Murilo "Ninja" Rua vs. Benji Radach
EliteXC: Heat, Oct. 4 – Sunrise, Fla.

There is a reason why this middleweight tilt will lead off EliteXC’s third Saturday Night Fights broadcast on CBS. Former Pride brawler Rua (16-8-1) is on a mission to try and regain the 185-pound title Robbie Lawler plucked from his waist a year ago and has reeled off two consecutive wins to prove it. Radach (18-4) is a recent acquisition from the defunct International Fight League, where the heavy-handed Washington native pillaged for five straight bouts before falling to underdog Matt Horwich in December 2007. Expect punches in bunches for this experienced pair.

6. Ricco Rodriguez vs. Rob Broughton
Cage Gladiators IX, Oct. 4 -- Liverpool, England

The Lord works in mysterious ways. Once a proud UFC and Abu Dhabi World Submission Grappling champion, Rodriguez (32-9) will now ply his trade in Liverpool, England. What was unthinkable three years ago is now made possible by Cage Gladiators, one of the fastest rising promotions in the UK. Rodriguez’ opponent will be no slouch either. Massive 280-pound colossus Broughton (7-3-1) is a former Cage Rage British heavyweight champion and has convincingly defeated the likes of James Thompson, Robert "Buzz" Berry and Eric "Butterbean" Esch.

5. Drew Fickett vs. Jesse Taylor
Total Combat 32, Oct. 2 -- El Cajon, Calif.

Under normal circumstances a guy like Fickett (35-6), who holds wins over UFC stalwarts Kenny Florian and Josh Koscheck, would be under contract with Zuffa. Though Fickett has been freelancing for his last six fights, the 28-year-old submission specialist has managed to keep his notoriety up during that time with his behavior in and out of the cage. Taylor (6-3) missed his first shot at fame on “The Ultimate Fighter 7.” Now both of these wandering standouts have the chance to prove they do belong in the upper echelon of MMA as they fight each other outside of the Octagon.

4. Sami Aziz vs. Emmanuel Fernandez
Superior Challenge II, Oct. 25 -- Stockholm, Sweden

What is a promoter to do if his top ace defeats one of the continent’s best judo players? Book a fight against the older, more well-rounded and experienced brother of the losing fighter. This scenario began to unfold at the Superior Challenge in Sweden earlier this year when undefeated featherweight Aziz (4-0-1) took out Frederic Fernandez. Now Aziz, a Bodog Fight standout, gets to feel the wrath of older sibling Emmanuel (9-4-1). “Pythagoras” is currently ranked No. 2 at 145 pounds in Europe and is certain to put on a jiu-jitsu clinic against Aziz.

3. Denis Kang vs. Marvin Eastman
Raw Combat, Oct. 25 -- Calgary, Alberta

After a few deviations that led to two crushing first-round defeats at the hands of Yoshihiro Akiyama and Gegard Mousasi, former top 10 ranked middleweight Kang (30-10-1) has returned to his roots. At the end of August, he made short work of experienced wrestler Jae Young Kim in Korea, homeland for Kang’s father. Two months later, Kang will fight in his home country for the first time in over five years as he takes on always-dangerous kickboxer Eastman (15-8-1).

2. Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley
EliteXC: Heat, Oct. 4 -- Sunrise, Fla.

This was the fight British welterweight Daley (18-6-2) has been looking for since he put his signature to paper with EliteXC. After proposed title fights between Shields (21-4-1), Drew Fickett and John Alessio did not come to fruition during the first go-around, “Semtex” immediately jumped at the chance to get a crack at Sherdog.com’s No. 6 ranked welterweight when the offer came again. The question is whether the 25-year-old Brit, who promised a knockout over the Californian, has the wrestling and grappling prowess to survive a ground clash with his much more seasoned foe.

1. Diego Sanchez vs. Thiago Alves
UFC 90, Oct. 25 -- Rosemont, Ill.

On the undercard of UFC 90 “Silva vs. Côté” there is a fight worthy of headlining its own show -- the original “Ultimate Fighter” Sanchez (19-2) will square off against white-hot Brazilian knockout machine Alves (15-3). Though not announced officially, this bout is for No. 1 contender status of champion Georges St. Pierre’s crown. If the “Nightmare” comes in the shape and with the aggression he showed in his last fight against Luigi Fioravanti and the “Pitbull” can duplicate his performance against Matt Hughes (minus the weigh-in fiasco), fight fans are in for a “fight of the year” caliber confrontation.

 

[Shogun Locc]

A Student of the Game
videolink:http://sherdog.com/videos/recent/A-Student-of-the-Game-1788
A change in opponents has not slowed Andrei Arlovski down one bit. The Belarusian bruiser kept up a demanding training cycle for his EliteXC debut this Saturday against Roy Nelson, which included a camp with world-famous boxing coach Freddie Roach in Los Angeles.

In this exclusive video, Sherdog.com takes you inside the Wildcard gym for a glimpse of this unique mentorship and gets Roach’s progress report on the former UFC heavyweight champion.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Strikeforce delivers "Payback" for its first show in Colorado

The theme of the latest Strikeforce show is "Payback," and that's exactly what Duane Ludwig will be seeking in a rematch with Sam Morgan.

Ludwig and Morgan headline the Strikeforce offering Friday night at the Broomfield Event Center in Colorado, outside of Denver. The first meeting between Denver native Ludwig and Morgan, who appeared on the third season of "The Ultimate Fighter," lasted all of 52 seconds.

Morgan, known primarily for his submission work, landed a short right hand, which dropped Ludwig in the main event of Ring of Fire 16 back in April of 2005. Morgan (19-11) followed up with a flurry of shots that ended the proceedings in quick fashion.

Since the loss, Ludwig (16-8), who was favored in the bout, went on to fight some familiar names in the sport, including Tyson Griffin, Josh Thomson, Paul Daley and, in March, Takanori Gomi.

However, the 30-year-old banger hasn't been able to beat any of those top-shelf opponents. Ludwig's biggest victory came back in 2003, when he knocked out Jens Pulver.

Morgan, 27, has endured his share of disappointments, as well, since pulling the upset against Ludwig. He's just 3-5 since the bout and has lost three straight to Fabricio Camoes, Daley and Cung Le.

Ludwig and Morgan meet in a 165-pound match-up, which heads seven pro fights on Strikeforce's second show in less than two weeks. The promotion held an event at the Playboy Mansion on Sept. 20.

In a battle of middleweights, former UFC welterweight title contender Frank Trigg (17-6) faces Hawaiian submission specialist Falaniko Vitale (26-8).

"He's been to the big shows and the bigger organizations a couple times, but didn't do very well. He's done well in the mid-level shows and he's a formidable opponent," said Trigg, who earlier this week told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that he's reached a point in his career where his outlook is one fight at a time. "He's a guy who can give me some trouble."

"The New York Bad Ass," Phil Baroni, was originally scheduled to be on the card to face James Martinez. However, Baroni suffered an eyelid cut during a unanimous-decision victory over Olaf Alfonso in a Palace Fighting Championship bout last Friday. MMAjunkie.com has learned that the cut required stitches, forcing Baroni off the show.

"Payback" will also feature the MMA debut of American Top Team member and two-time New York State Metropolitan Boxing champion, Carlos Zevallos. The 29-year-old Queens, N.Y. native, who's been studying Muay Thai since he was 16, will face Andre Walker (1-3) in a light heavyweight bout.

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time," said Zevallos. "I'm going to make it very far (in MMA) because I pay a lot of attention to detail. I really dissect the sport and study it to the fullest – every aspect of it. Not only do I learn it very fast, but I get really good at it."

The featured women's fight of the evening matches Michelle Waterson against Tyra Parker. Both fighters will be making their Strikeforce debuts.

Fans of the "Fight Girls" reality show will remember Waterson, who appeared on the 2007 Oxygen channel series.

"It was a great experience," said Waterson. "It helped me become a stronger person and helped me learn how to deal with problems on my own. It also showed me that fighting is not just physical but also mental."

Since the show, the 22-year former bikini model and Colorado native moved to Albuquerque, N.M., to train under Greg Jackson.

"I needed to come here to take my career to the next level," she said. "I've learned how to grapple on the ground and use my wrestling as a weapon. I'm a much more well-rounded fighter now."

The "Payback" event marks Strikeforce's first trip to Colorado and its seventh show of the year. As MMAjunkie.com first reported, the promotion is expected to return to its home base of San Jose, Calif., for another show on Nov. 21.

Strikeforce "Payback"
Broomfield Event Center, Broomfield, Colo.
Friday, Oct. 3

165 pounds – Duane Ludwig (16-8) vs. Sam Morgan (19-11)
185 pounds – Frank Trigg (17-6) vs. Falaniko Vitale (26-8)
170 pounds – Pete Spratt (18-14) vs. Donnie Liles (11-5)
155 pounds – Luke Caudillo (15-11) vs. Billy Evangelista (7-0)
205 pounds – Andrew Walker (0-0) vs. Carlos Zevallos (0-0)
112 pounds – Michelle Waterson (3-2) vs. Tyra Parker (0-1)
145 pounds – Tyler Toney (0-0) vs. Ricky Johnson (0-1)

 

[Shogun Locc]

Broken arm healed, John Alessio hopes for less costly "Night of Combat"

A broken arm in the course of an MMA bout is never a positive experience. But as Xtreme Couture fighter John Alessio (23-11) proved in his June bout with Pete Spratt at Superfights MMA's inaugural "Night of Combat," it doesn't always mean a loss.

Alessio recounted the experience while an in-studio guest on Wednesday's episode of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

Alessio said the reason Spratt was able to inflict the injury was simple.

"That bastard can kick hard, man," Alessio admitted.

In that bout, a first round flurry by Spratt put Alessio on the defensive. Alessio did his best to evade the onslaught, but ended up ducking into a Spratt kick. Alessio's attempt to block the strike caused the fracture.

While Alessio said he knew right away that his arm was broken, the thought of conceding never crossed his mind.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," Alessio explained. "I knew [my arm] was broken right away. I heard it crack. I felt it go numb and weird. I was just like, 'Here we go. I've got to take it down.'

"Not once in my mind did I think about pulling out or saying, 'Oh ref, my arm's broken. I'm done.' I was just like, 'Now I've got to win fast.'"

Fortunately for Alessio, the tide of the fight turned at just the right moment.

"Once I got the takedown, and happened to land right in the mount, I knew I was in a good spot," Alessio recounted. "So I was l`ike, 'OK, control him. You know your ground (game) is better. Control him.' He gave up his back and tried to stand up with it, which is a big mistake."

While Alessio had clearly established a dominant position in the bout by taking Spratt's back, the battle for the fight-ending choke was far from over.

"The funny part is I had my right arm, which is the broken arm, trying to get on his throat," Alessio said. "And [Spratt was] pulling on [my arm] with his hand, and I'm trying to pull it free, and I can hear the bone moving. So I baited him with the left (arm) and then went back in with the right. When I got the choke on, I could feel my arm bending. I could hear the bone cracking and grinding."

After the bout, Alessio was forced to visit the hospital for the first time in his 34-fight career. With a titanium plate now holding his arm together, Alessio feels he's better than ever.

"[The titanium plate has to remain in] for at least two years, but I'm going to keep it in there forever," Alessio said. "Why not? The doctor said once it's completely healed, I can go ahead and bash the crap out of people with it -- and it's going to be stringer than ever."

Despite the traumatic experience in his "Night of Combat" debut, Alessio will return on Oct. 11 for the second edition of the series at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Alessio will face fellow UFC veteran Gideon Ray.

Alessio said he was thankful for the co-promoter of "Night of Combat II" -- and Xtreme Couture Vice-President -- Kim Couture for the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas.

"[Couture is] good at what she does, and she loves it," Alessio said. "She loves the sport of MMA. Obviously she loves it, because she got in there and fought. She's a big fan and she's very supportive of the guys. I've got to thank her for that -- giving us an opportunity to fight right here at home again."

And as for his opponent next Saturday night, Alessio has a simple message.

"Gideon Ray -- watch out."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Andrei Arlovski not assured of future with win over Roy Nelson

The addition of Affliction heavyweight contenders Andrei Arlovski and Roy Nelson to Saturday night's "EliteXC: Heat" was a stunning advance in the idea of cross-promotion between major organizations.

And as Arlovski noted in Wednesday's public press conference, the excitement of a former UFC heavyweight champion appearing on network television is not lost on the Belarusian.

"Fighting on CBS is a very big opportunity for me and very exciting," Arlovski told the gathered fans and media. "I promise I will show a great fight."

The last-moment addition of the Arlovski versus Nelson bout has caused some concern as to how EliteXC will fit the five announced bouts into the two-hour time slot allotted by CBS. That matter falls well away from the concerns of the fighters, and Arlovski said he was thrilled to be on a card that was packed with such superstars as Jake Shields, Gina Carano, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, Murilo "Ninja" Rua and Ken Shamrock.

"I am happy to be on a show with so many great fighters," Arlovski noted during the conference. "Fans new to the sport or fans who know the sport very well are in for a great fight."

One question that remains to be answered is where a win would lead Arlovski in his next bout. Affliction's top-tier heavyweight trio of Arlovski, WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko and Josh Barnett have all been linked together at one time or another.

With a tentatively re-scheduled January 2009 date for Affliction's next promotion "Day of Reckoning," the ultimate goal for Arlovski is a shot at the world's No. 1 heavyweight, Emelianenko.

The 29-year-old said he won't count on that bout until the contracts are signed.

"[Affliction officials] are talking like the winner of my fight will face Fedor, but I have heard that kind of talk before," Arlovski said. "I have learned not to believe anything until it happens. So I will wait and see and continue to only focus on Saturday and on Roy."

 

[Shogun Locc]

MMA Quick Quote: Cro Cop ready for revenge, possible groin shot

I accept what happened at DREAM 6. A disqualification win would have meant nothing. I do not need such a victory. But next time he better not hit me close to my genitals. If he tries it again, I will pay him back with the same measure. And I’ll do it deliberately, with no hesitation. Mixed martial arts is a brutal sport, but there are certain rules that should be respected. I’ve respected them my whole career, as have my opponents. I’m not going to cry over spilled milk. I will have my revenge at the DREAM tournament on December 31 against Overeem.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Brandon Vera reveals why he declined fight with Lyoto Machida in new interview

Planet Tatami, the official Brazilian MMA content partner of FiveOuncesOfPain.com, recently had the opportunity to interview UFC light heavyweight Brandon Vera.

Vera made a successful debut at light heavyweight following a unanimous decision victory over Reese Andy at UFC Fight Night 14 this past July. He is set to return to the Octagon against Keith Jardine in Birmingham, England at UFC 89 on Oct. 18.

The Vera vs. Jardine bout will be the co-feature to a card that will be headlined by a middleweight matchup between Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben and broadcast in the United States on a tape-delay basis on Spike TV.

Vera, who is making final preparations for the fight, recently took time out to speak with Planet Tatami and FiveOuncesOfPain.com for an exclusive interview in which he discusses his motivation for dropping from heavyweight to light heavyweight; whether reports are true that he declined a fight vs. Lyoto Machida, his current contract status with the UFC, and more.

Felipe Maurer de Barros: How is your training for the upcoming fight vs. Keith Jardine?

Brandon Vera: It’s going very well. No complaints at all.

Felipe Maurer de Barros: What was behind your decision to drop from heavyweight to light heavyweight.

Brandon Vera: The UFC asked me to so I said “Sure let’s try it out.”

Felipe Maurer de Barros: How was your adjustment to light heavyweight?

Brandon Vera: My first fight was hard, especially with cutting weight. I haven’t had to do that in about nine years. That sucked.

Felipe Maurer de Barros: How often do you practice your ground game? Who is your Jiu-Jitsu trainer and what’s your belt rank?

Brandon Vera: I train my ground everyday. My instructor is Master Lloyd Irvin and I’m currently a brown belt under him.

Felipe Maurer de Barros: How many fights do you still have in your UFC contract?

Brandon Vera: After this fight with Keith Jardine I will have one more fight with the UFC.

Felipe Maurer de Barros: Which fighter would you like to face in the light heavyweight division and why?

Brandon Vera: There are so many good fighters in the light heavyweight division that are phenomenal (and) I will probably have to face them all some day.

Felipe Maurer de Barros: Who are you training with these days?

Brandon Vera: I train with a whole slew of guys. Dominic Cruz, Gary Padillia, to Gator Man “Jacare,” Rampage Jackson, Tim Carpenter, Cain Velasquez… the list goes on and on.

Felipe Maurer de Barros: Talk about your loss to Fabrício Werdum? Do you still want a rematch?

Brandon Vera: I’m still upset about that fight and I can’t wait to get that avenged.

Felipe Maurer de Barros: Could you explain us what really happened about your proposed fight against Lyoto Machida? Did you really deny the fight against him or it was a misunderstanding?

Brandon Vera: I said that I did not want to fight Lyoto Machia on short notice. For a fighter like him I need to study his gameplan and be ready for that fight. I didn’t want to take it on three and a half weeks notice.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Xande Ribeiro and his MMA debut

“It couldn’t be better”. That’s how Xande Ribeiro analyzes his first MMA fight, after a third round knockout against Takashi Sugiura at Sengoku 5. Besides the celebrations, Ribeiro says he still has a lot of thing to develop, and wants to come back as soon as possible to the Japanese ring. “By the technical side, I failed when I could have tried an arm-lock finish the fight. But it was cool, I like being in the ring and I’m just waiting for the next fight”, said the black belt, that explained why he got tired on the last part of the fight. “There’s a lot of explanations. The adrenaline on the first round consumed me a little and I came back to the second a little tired, I have to train more cardio and get faster”, told. At the Japanese’s corner, the expert Josh Barnett helped Sigiura for the fight, and Xande realized that in the fight. “He’s an expert fighter and knows how to avoid the ground, might have help him a little. Sigiura was strong, but when I tried the single leg I didn’t felt so much pressure”, revealed the two times BJJ open weight champion, who’ll come back to trainings in one week. “I don’t know yet (about his next fight), but I might be back in November. I’ll rest this week, train another three and fight again”, finished the athlete, that wants to train more to continue at 205lbs division. “There are a lot of good guys in Sengoku in this division… I wanna get stronger for this weight”.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Aoki updated his column at www.kamipro.com

Shinya Aoki updated his colum and talks about Akiyama.

I'm very mad. I'm proud to fight in DREAM. I believe In DREAM, both staff members and fighters work together to create the best MMA event. We have been working very hard since this event was started last March.

In the last event, a fighter said he wanted to fight someone who belonged to the other event. He added that he wouldn't mind fighting in the other event. I wonder why he could say that in front of DREAM fun, who love this event and want to watch exciting events in DREAM. He always only care about his own convenience.

I don't forget what he said. I believe I can be more popular than him and bring more benefits the event. I think I can be stronger and famous all over the world. He can go anywhere but I don't run away. I represent DREAM.

 

[Shogun Locc]

KENDALL GROVE: "I WOULDN'T MIND FIGHTING THOSE FAGS"
link: http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content3539.html?PHPSESSID=8739c2602db45374e60fab1d1c6cd83a
"They're giving us a bad name. F@#king fight. If you want to act, go to Hollywood. That's life though. It is what it is; you do you and I'm going to do me. At the end of the day, that's all you can do. I might not support some of the stuff, but at the end of the day, that's just my f@#king opinion. I wouldn't mind fighting those fags to show them what fighting is about," stated UFC middleweight Kendall Grove as he talked about some of the recent and current crop of Ultimate Fighters. Check out what else he had to say he shares his thoughts on Even Tanner, his future plans and much more.

 

[Shogun Locc]

EDDIE ALVAREZ VS NICK DIAZ FOR ELITEXC GOLD

Following a phenomenal run in the inaugural Dream Lightweight Grand Prix, Philadelphia’s own Eddie Alvarez is ready to return to fighting in the United States and his first test appears to be Nick Diaz on Nov. 8 for the vacant Elite XC 160-pound divisional title. The belt was recently stripped from its first holder, K.J. Noons in a dispute between the fighter and the promotion.

Alvarez just recently got married, but as soon as he returned his fight schedule was almost immediately filled with a chance to put gold around his waist.

“I got back from my honeymoon about a week and a half ago and as soon as I got back I was on the horse that Monday,” Alvarez said in an exclusive interview with MMAWeekly.com. “I’ll be fighting Nick Diaz, we’re about 90-something percent positive I’ll be fighting Nick Diaz for the EliteXC title at 160 (pounds).”

While bout agreements have yet to be signed, and EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw would not commit to the bout during an appearance on MMAWeekly Radio Wednesday night, the fight has been verbally agreed to and seems all but a go between to the two lightweight contenders.

After fighting in Japan for most of this year, with a new six-fight contract with EliteXC in hand, Alvarez is excited to return home and face a tough challenge from the always-interesting Diaz.

“Nick’s a great opponent, he poses a lot of threats. Very good striking, as well as good jiu-jitsu, so he’s been in the game a while, he’s a pure fighter and I like that,” commented Alvarez. “He gets a lot of bad rap from a lot of people with his attitude, but deep down he likes to fight, he enjoys to fight and I consider myself the same kind of person. I enjoy to fight, my heart’s in this.”

While competing in Japan, Alvarez made the 154-pound weight limit for the tournament, but he’s excited to fight at 160 pounds when he returns to EliteXC in November.

“I like 160, I feel like at 160 I’m stronger, I’m faster, I’m not as depleted as I am at 155,” he said. “I’m excited, I can’t wait for this to happen.”

Many fans have been clamoring to find out what Alvarez would do next and while a return to Japan isn’t out of the question, the former Bodog champion says that “Dream is behind him.”

Now his focus turns to a title fight against Nick Diaz and he’s already back in training and ready for a showdown that could top his already impressive bouts from earlier this year.

“I think it makes for a great battle and the fans are going to win in the end,” Alvarez stated. “That’s all that really matters, you get paid in the end and the fans are happy.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

UFC Internal Estimates: 250k New PPV Buys for UFC 91

Ryan Hockensmith of ESPN The Magazine had a small piece on Brock Lesnar in the recent print version of the magazine. The main thrust of the piece was putting over Brock and hyping the the UFC 91 show. Hockensmith spoke with Dana White for the article, who said internal research shows the fight will bring in a host of new fans:

“We Estimate we’ll get at least 250,000 buys from fans who’ve never bought one of our fights before,” says UFC president Dana White. “Brock is a huge new draw.”

These estimates fall in line with MMAPayout.com’s Adam Swift and his view on the prospects of UFC 91 breaking the 1 million buy mark. A small portion of these new 250k viewers will be WWE fans that have resisted the urge to order Brock’s fights up to this point, but the vast majority of the 250k new buys will depend on the effectiveness of the UFC’s marketing campaigns within the mainstream media.

It would be interesting to peak under the hood of the UFC’s internal research efforts, to see how quantifiables are attached to items like ESPN coverage, USA Today coverage and ad buys, etc. These internal projections are easier for the UFC with cards whose main promotional vehicle efforts are done with Spike TV. With those, the UFC uses items like ratings for their Countdown shows to project buyrates, something that MMAPayout.com also does but on a much less complex level.

 

[Shogun Locc]

EliteXC: Heat Press Conference

 

[Shogun Locc]

A newly sober Don Frye ready for another run at big time

Forty-two-year-old MMA legend Don Frye (19-7-1) has a newfound focus on training and is ready for another shot at MMA prominence.

Frye shared his vision for the future, and what change was most needed, while a guest on a recent edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"I quit drinking a month ago because I was doing too much of it," Frye admitted. "It lost its fun for me, but I was still doing it. Now I'm clean and sober."

Frye said the change has made an immediate impact in his lifestyle.

"I get up at 6 o'clock in the morning," Frye said. "I used to stumble out of bed at about 10 o'clock."

Frye certainly wouldn't be the oldest competitor in elite-level MMA. UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture has single-handedly rewritten the books on what can be accomplished by a fighter that most would deem over the hill.

Frye also wouldn't be the first legend to wander into relative obscurity before making a return to the sport's highest level. With UFC 93's recent addition of 43-year-old Mark Coleman's , the door has been opened for other pioneers of the sport to return.

But don't expect Frye to follow precisely in Coleman's footsteps.

"For some reason (UFC President) Dana White doesn't like me, and I don't care enough to find out why," Frye said. "So he can go pound sand up his ass as far as I'm concerned."

Instead Frye, a veteran of the UFC, PRIDE, K-1, DEEP and King of the Cage, will focus on alternate paths to the MMA forefront as he plays out the remainder of his 12-year career.

"I've got about two years left," Frye said. "Eventually I'll get my head out of my ass and make another run at it."

And never one for self-censoring, Frye said he won't limit his options -- with one notable exception.

"I'm a whore," Frye admitted. "It's all about the money. I'll fight for anybody but the UFC."

Frye also fielded listeners' questions and doled out personal advice in his always-entertaining weekly segment, "Don Frye-days," as well as recounted his two bouts with fellow UFC legend Coleman. To hear the full interview, download Friday's edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio archives.

 

[Shogun Locc]

LUDWIG READY FOR SOME PAYBACK AT STRIKEFORCE

An electrician by trade, Duane “Bang” Ludwig only takes on such work now when he wants to keep busy. He doesn’t have to do electrical work, but he says he’s one of those guys that has to be doing something all the time.

He’s been around conduit and wiring a lot recently, as it has been more than six months since his last throwdown.

That is all set to change on Friday night however, as he steps into the cage for Strikeforce to avenge a knockout loss at the hands of Ultimate Fighter alumnus Sam Morgan three years ago.

“I just took a little time off, helping the guys (in my camp) get ready for their fights,” he said of his time out of the ring in an exclusive interview with MMAWeekly.com. “Slowly just starting to pick up my training and starting to get a little better in all aspects. My game is definitely coming together, so I guess the layoff helped.

“I feel better with the wrestling. I feel comfortable on the ground, top and bottom. I definitely feel I’m the best I’ve ever been as far as completeness as an MMA fighter now.”

Opening his career as an accomplished kickboxer, Ludwig has held numerous titles in various striking only competitions. In MMA, he has struggled to stay at the top of the heap, something he attributes to a lack of focus. He believes that was his downfall in his first go around with Morgan at Ring of Fire 16, and something he has corrected.

“I feel I know myself a little bit better. I think I just didn’t show up to fight and he did. That’s my responsibility as an athlete, to show up to fight and I just showed up for a paycheck. I came from a bigger K-1 shows with 10, 15, 20 thousand people to a smaller show with a couple thousand people and just wasn’t up for it.

“It’s just the truth. It’s taking nothing away from Sam’s win because he came to fight. He did his job 100 percent and I didn't. Definitely I took him for granted. “

This time around, Ludwig believes his fight with Morgan is a completely different animal than the fox and hound chase it was to be in 2005. This time, he feels it’s more of an even battle as both fighters have been around the block and rounded out their games.

“I’m not just a striker any more. I feel good in all positions. I know what to do now, not just scrap,” he commented. “Sam’s not just a striker, he’s not just a grappler. He’s pretty well rounded too. So, I think it’s a good match-up. I’m way better than him technically. But that doesn’t always count. You go in there and don’t use your technique and the other guy throws some wild (stuff) and catches you; that’s just the way it is.”

Definitely a much more mature view than the fighter that used to enter bouts looking to take his opponent’s head off, no matter who that opponent might be.

“I feel more ready for the fight (this time around),” closed Ludwig. “I know it’s not just a paycheck. Hopefully, come fight night, I’ll be ready to go.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

BARNETT VS. FEDOR NOT HAPPENING IN JANUARY

Top-ranked heavyweight Josh Barnett was originally scheduled to fight Andre Arlovksi in the main event of Affliction’s second pay-per-view card, “Day of Reckoning,” before it was postponed due to sagging ticket sales and an impending partnership with boxing promoter Golden Boy Promotions.

Shortly after, Affliction and Golden Boy announced their boxing/MMA hybrid event for Jan. 17 in Anaheim, Calif., to feature No. 1 ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko.

Though it was widely assumed that the Arlovski/Barnett tilt would be moved to the January card, things changed when Affliction inserted Arlovksi and Roy Nelson into EliteXC’s third CBS televised card, “Heat,” on Oct. 4.

Barnett says he was in Japan during the EliteXC announcement, and it didn’t come as good news.

“I was disappointed, yes,” he told MMAWeekly.com. “That was supposed to be my fight. We talked about it at some point prior to going to Japan, and I found out that I didn’t get the fight while in Japan. I continued to work on some business there, especially after I found out I wasn’t getting the fight.”

A fight with Fedor Emelianenko on the Jan. 17 card would seem a logical concession, but Barnett says he has turned it down.

“It would be (logical) for the fans, but the fans don’t understand contracts or the way things have been put down on the back end in terms of the business aspect of it,” he said. “Or the details between both of the fighters. So, it’s not really that we want to rob the fans of something, it’s just that I don’t think it’s possible.”

He maintains his decision is based on personal and business reasons.

“There’s just some times it’s better to keep your mouth shut and just not really talk too much about things,” he said. “I’m not trying to make anybody look bad or talk about the details of it, but it’s just not a fight that’s going to happen in January. And I think that the feeling is actually mutual.”

Barnett met Emelianenko for dinner during his trip to Japan, and the possibility of the fight was discussed. It was there Barnett concluded he would not fight his friend in January.

“There’s a lot of factors that go into this one,” he continued. “It’s not so simple.”

Affliction vice president Tom Atencio now says a Jan. 24 date for the first Affliction/Golden Boy venture is likely, due to the recent announcement of UFC 93 scheduled to take place on the same date in Dublin, Ireland.

“It doesn’t make any sense for us to go head to head with them,” Atencio said.

For Barnett, these things are part of the ups and downs of the fight business.

“Sometimes they’re surprising and sometimes they’re not, but I live for doing this my way and I’m never going to take second best from anyone ever,” he said.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Belfort fires back at Mousasi

Dream middleweight GP champion Gegard Mousasi is showing he is brimming with confidence and ready to spread his wings.
“I’m going to train with Fedor for the January Affliction show. I think it will be Fedor versus Josh Barnett and they want to see me against Belfort,” Mousasi was quoted as saying on the FightersOnlyMagazine.co.uk website.

Sought by GRACIEMAG.com, Belfort was caught off guard, as he had not yet read Mousasi’s declaration. “He said that? Where did you read that? What’s his record? What’s his style of fighting? Who is this guy?” he wanted to know.

After some information regarding Mousasi, and recognizing the fact he is the fighter to have knocked Jacare out at Dream, Belfort took a while to conclude. “If he wants it he’s got it. If he said that, I hope he’s ready.”

Belfort, who injured his hand at his last appearance, at Affliction: Banned, in July, when he knocked out Terry Martin, is still recovering. “I’m going to the doctor today for an MRI, tomorrow I’ll go for other exams. I did some ground training with Gordo [Jiu-Jitsu]. In a nutshell, I’m going about my training in accordance with my recovery,” he said.

“I’m holding out for my hand. I’m doing power lifting. I’ll wait a bit longer on boxing, I’m just waiting to have a check up in a few days, but I’m already almost well,” the black belt finished.

 

[BROWN GUERRERO]

Got damn! UFC 92 is fucking stacked. Can't wait for that card!

 

[Shogun Locc]

STRIKEFORCE DENVER WEIGH-IN RESULTS

BROOMFIELD, Colo. – The fighters for Strikeforce’s Friday night foray over the Rocky Mountains and into the Denver area weighed in on Thursday night. There were a couple of hiccups along the way, but in the end, the fight card stayed intact.
UFC veteran and local favorite Duane “Bang” Ludwig will look to exact a little payback on Ultimate Fighter alumnus Sam Morgan. The two fought several years ago at a Ring of Fire event where Morgan upset Ludwig by knocking out the knockout artist. Both fighters came in on weight, making the headline bout official.
Frank Trigg made his landing in the Mile High City with his wife and four-week old son alongside. He easily made weight, tipping the scale at 183.8 pounds for his middleweight contest. His opponent, like Trigg a UFC veteran, Falaniko Vitale also made weight at 185.6 pounds, which is within the one-pound tolerance for non-title bouts.
The first hiccup came as Michelle Waterson, who weighed in at 111.4 pounds for her 112-pound bout, had her opponent, Tyra Parker, come in well over the limit at 116 pounds. Waterson’s camp still agreed to take the fight, although Parker will have to pay Waterson a penalty for every pound over the limit.
“Michelle has worked really hard for this fight, so we’re going to do a penalty fight,” said Waterson’s corner, Julie Kedzie. “We just didn’t want to take this fight away from Michelle. She’s worked too hard.”
In amateur action, Lumumba Sawyer initially weighed in at 171.8 pounds for his welterweight bout with Drew Dober, who weighed in at 167.8 pounds. Sawyer was given and hour, weighing in at 171.2 pounds on his second attempt. Dober and his camp accepted the bout even though Sawyer was still over the limit.
According to Colorado Office of Boxing Director Josef Mason, Sawyer could not be fined as there was no purse for his bout, but he would be reprimanded for not making weight.
The main card will air live on HDNet on Friday night, beginning at 8 p.m. MT.

EXCLUSIVE STRIKEFORCE “PAYBACK” PHOTO GALLERY
(All weights in pounds)

MAIN CARD (Professional Bouts):

-Duane Ludwig (165) vs. Sam Morgan (164.8)

-Frank Trigg (183.8) vs. Falaniko Vitale (185.6)

-Donnie Liles (170.8) vs. Pete Spratt (170.8)

-Luke Caudillo (155) v. Billy Evangelista (155)

-Michelle Waterson (111.4) vs. Tyra Parker (116)

-Andre Walker (202.4) vs. Carlos Zevallos (205.4)

-Tyler Toner (146) vs. Ricky Johnson (143.6)



PRELIMINARY CARD (Amateur Bouts):

-Lumumba Sawyers (171.2) vs. Drew Dober (167.8)

-Jordan Goodwin (157.6) vs. Alan Gomez (155.6)

-Jeremy Malaterre (159.4) vs. Eric Galvin (160)

-Brett Tillis (141.8) vs. Turrell Galloway (139.2)

-Aaron Trujillo (122.8) vs. Haven Torres (126.4)

 

[WXS STOMP3R]

BARNETT VS. FEDOR NOT HAPPENING IN JANUARY

Top-ranked heavyweight Josh Barnett was originally scheduled to fight Andre Arlovksi in the main event of Affliction’s second pay-per-view card, “Day of Reckoning,” before it was postponed due to sagging ticket sales and an impending partnership with boxing promoter Golden Boy Promotions.

Shortly after, Affliction and Golden Boy announced their boxing/MMA hybrid event for Jan. 17 in Anaheim, Calif., to feature No. 1 ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko.

Though it was widely assumed that the Arlovski/Barnett tilt would be moved to the January card, things changed when Affliction inserted Arlovksi and Roy Nelson into EliteXC’s third CBS televised card, “Heat,” on Oct. 4.

Barnett says he was in Japan during the EliteXC announcement, and it didn’t come as good news.

“I was disappointed, yes,” he told MMAWeekly.com. “That was supposed to be my fight. We talked about it at some point prior to going to Japan, and I found out that I didn’t get the fight while in Japan. I continued to work on some business there, especially after I found out I wasn’t getting the fight.”

A fight with Fedor Emelianenko on the Jan. 17 card would seem a logical concession, but Barnett says he has turned it down.

“It would be (logical) for the fans, but the fans don’t understand contracts or the way things have been put down on the back end in terms of the business aspect of it,” he said. “Or the details between both of the fighters. So, it’s not really that we want to rob the fans of something, it’s just that I don’t think it’s possible.”

He maintains his decision is based on personal and business reasons.

“There’s just some times it’s better to keep your mouth shut and just not really talk too much about things,” he said. “I’m not trying to make anybody look bad or talk about the details of it, but it’s just not a fight that’s going to happen in January. And I think that the feeling is actually mutual.”

Barnett met Emelianenko for dinner during his trip to Japan, and the possibility of the fight was discussed. It was there Barnett concluded he would not fight his friend in January.

“There’s a lot of factors that go into this one,” he continued. “It’s not so simple.”

Affliction vice president Tom Atencio now says a Jan. 24 date for the first Affliction/Golden Boy venture is likely, due to the recent announcement of UFC 93 scheduled to take place on the same date in Dublin, Ireland.

“It doesn’t make any sense for us to go head to head with them,” Atencio said.

For Barnett, these things are part of the ups and downs of the fight business.

“Sometimes they’re surprising and sometimes they’re not, but I live for doing this my way and I’m never going to take second best from anyone ever,” he said.

SOUNDS LIKE BARNETT DICK TUCKED.