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Cummo Arrested On DWI for Drugs
UFC welterweight Luke Cummo, who recently pulled out of a planned Dec. 10 UFC fight, is facing a charge of driving while impaired by drugs out of Nassau County, New York.
Cummo, 28, was arrested around 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 14 in Franklin Square, N.Y., and charged with driving while impaired, according to a public information officer for the Nassau County Police Department.
The Lynbrook, N.Y., resident was not charged with drunk driving. County police could not specify what drug Cummo is alleged to have had in his system; that is determined through tests that were administered by the courts. Information about Cummo’s court status was not available.
Cummo (6-6), a finalist on season two of “The Ultimate Fighter,” was scheduled to face Steve Bruno on the Dec. 10 “UFC Fights For The Troops” event at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He will be replaced by Johnny Rees on the show, which will be a fundraiser for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which supports the families of severely wounded and deceased military personnel. Cummo last competed at UFC 87 in August, dropping a unanimous decision to fellow New Yorker Tamdan McCrory.
Cummo’s dropping out of the fight for an unspecified injury was reported by fiveouncesofpain.com the week before his DWI arrest. The day after the arrest, Cummo posted a message on his personal forum at lukecummo.com taking fans through his daily routine as a fighter and father.
“Its (sic) amazing how life just zips by,” Cummo wrote in the post, dated Oct. 15. “Only a few years ago I was a single, up and coming MMA fighter with a few clients on the side. Now, I'm married with children and teaching full-time (well, technically part-time as I'm home weekdays with my son). This is a major reason why I decided to pull out of the ‘UFC Fight for the Troops.’”
Cummo also commented on the beating his body has taken in training and pledged not “to do anything that will affect me negatively in the way of side effects or something later on in life.”
“I'm in it for the long haul,” Cummo wrote. “So now I am doing Jubb's Cell Rejuvenation program, not for a fight, but for my own health. I hope to be able to take this respite to heal my injuries naturally and improve all functions of my system.”
UFC welterweight Luke Cummo, who recently pulled out of a planned Dec. 10 UFC fight, is facing a charge of driving while impaired by drugs out of Nassau County, New York.
Cummo, 28, was arrested around 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 14 in Franklin Square, N.Y., and charged with driving while impaired, according to a public information officer for the Nassau County Police Department.
The Lynbrook, N.Y., resident was not charged with drunk driving. County police could not specify what drug Cummo is alleged to have had in his system; that is determined through tests that were administered by the courts. Information about Cummo’s court status was not available.
Cummo (6-6), a finalist on season two of “The Ultimate Fighter,” was scheduled to face Steve Bruno on the Dec. 10 “UFC Fights For The Troops” event at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He will be replaced by Johnny Rees on the show, which will be a fundraiser for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which supports the families of severely wounded and deceased military personnel. Cummo last competed at UFC 87 in August, dropping a unanimous decision to fellow New Yorker Tamdan McCrory.
Cummo’s dropping out of the fight for an unspecified injury was reported by fiveouncesofpain.com the week before his DWI arrest. The day after the arrest, Cummo posted a message on his personal forum at lukecummo.com taking fans through his daily routine as a fighter and father.
“Its (sic) amazing how life just zips by,” Cummo wrote in the post, dated Oct. 15. “Only a few years ago I was a single, up and coming MMA fighter with a few clients on the side. Now, I'm married with children and teaching full-time (well, technically part-time as I'm home weekdays with my son). This is a major reason why I decided to pull out of the ‘UFC Fight for the Troops.’”
Cummo also commented on the beating his body has taken in training and pledged not “to do anything that will affect me negatively in the way of side effects or something later on in life.”
“I'm in it for the long haul,” Cummo wrote. “So now I am doing Jubb's Cell Rejuvenation program, not for a fight, but for my own health. I hope to be able to take this respite to heal my injuries naturally and improve all functions of my system.”
No Love Loss Between Former Teammates Aurelio & Franca
videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/recent/No-Love-Loss-Between-Former-Teammates-Aurelio-Franca-1798
Few secrets exist between Marcus Aurelio and Hermes Franca, two veteran lightweights who will square off on the UFC 90 “Silva vs. Cote” undercard this Saturday at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
Born a year apart in Fortaleza, Brazil, Aurelio and Franca are uniquely familiar with one another. In fact, Aurelio coached his younger countryman before they joined American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla. ATT has since exiled Franca, and no love loss exists between him and his one-time mentor.
“I think my weakness is I’m so nice with everybody,” Franca told Sherdog.com in an exclusive video interview. “For this fight, I’m not going to be nice. I can say we have [a] beef. I’m angry. I’m pissed. I want to kick his ass.”
A respected Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who has never been finished, Aurelio finds himself on the rebound after a unanimous decision loss to rising contender Tyson Griffin at UFC 86 in July. The setback snapped a two-fight winning streak for the 35-year-old, who has yet to assert himself inside the Octagon. Wins against former Pride Fighting Championships titleholder Takanori Gomi and reigning Cage Rage world featherweight champion Masakazu Imanari highlight his resume.
Emotions run high when it comes to Franca.
“I think it will be awesome, because there will be both guys trying to kill each other,” Aurelio said. “He’s got to hate me, and I got to hate him. He’s not my teammate anymore. He’s not my student anymore. He’s not with us anymore. He got kicked out of ATT.”
His UFC lightweight title bout against former champion Sean Sherk now a distant memory, Franca needs a victory in order to remain relevant in the 155-pound picture. The 34-year-old followed an eight-fight winning streak with decision losses to Sherk and Frankie Edgar. An embarrassing year-long suspension for admitted steroid use was sandwiched in between.
Franca likes his chances against his former mentor.
“I know the gameplan,” Franca said. “He’s going to try to take me down. That’s what he tries to do in his fights. I’m going to work my sprawl and beat his ass.”
videolink: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/recent/No-Love-Loss-Between-Former-Teammates-Aurelio-Franca-1798
Few secrets exist between Marcus Aurelio and Hermes Franca, two veteran lightweights who will square off on the UFC 90 “Silva vs. Cote” undercard this Saturday at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
Born a year apart in Fortaleza, Brazil, Aurelio and Franca are uniquely familiar with one another. In fact, Aurelio coached his younger countryman before they joined American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla. ATT has since exiled Franca, and no love loss exists between him and his one-time mentor.
“I think my weakness is I’m so nice with everybody,” Franca told Sherdog.com in an exclusive video interview. “For this fight, I’m not going to be nice. I can say we have [a] beef. I’m angry. I’m pissed. I want to kick his ass.”
A respected Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who has never been finished, Aurelio finds himself on the rebound after a unanimous decision loss to rising contender Tyson Griffin at UFC 86 in July. The setback snapped a two-fight winning streak for the 35-year-old, who has yet to assert himself inside the Octagon. Wins against former Pride Fighting Championships titleholder Takanori Gomi and reigning Cage Rage world featherweight champion Masakazu Imanari highlight his resume.
Emotions run high when it comes to Franca.
“I think it will be awesome, because there will be both guys trying to kill each other,” Aurelio said. “He’s got to hate me, and I got to hate him. He’s not my teammate anymore. He’s not my student anymore. He’s not with us anymore. He got kicked out of ATT.”
His UFC lightweight title bout against former champion Sean Sherk now a distant memory, Franca needs a victory in order to remain relevant in the 155-pound picture. The 34-year-old followed an eight-fight winning streak with decision losses to Sherk and Frankie Edgar. An embarrassing year-long suspension for admitted steroid use was sandwiched in between.
Franca likes his chances against his former mentor.
“I know the gameplan,” Franca said. “He’s going to try to take me down. That’s what he tries to do in his fights. I’m going to work my sprawl and beat his ass.”
Shannon Gugerty: You will know me after UFC 90 win
Some fighters are built up slowly, crafting a winning record through carefully selected opponents.
UFC lightweight Shannon Gugerty (11-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will apparently not be that guy.
But on the verge of a "UFC 90: Silva vs. Cote" showdown with perennial contender Spencer Fisher -- in just his second bout for the organization -- Gugerty recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that he welcomes the challenge.
"Spencer Fisher is almost like a household name," Gugerty said. "Everyone who follows the sport knows who he is. A win over him would definitely be huge for my career."
Gugerty debuted for the UFC in July, defeating fellow newcomer Dale Hartt at "UFC Fight Night 14." Gugerty said the joy of earning a win in the sport's premier organization is a feeling he won't soon forget.
"It was like my first win all over again," Gugerty said. "I was really excited. It was like a real surreal feeling. I was really stoked."
The California native believes this weekend could provide him with that same joy.
"I want to feel that feeling again," Gugerty said. "I think I'll feel that same way again when I beat Spencer."
Gugerty wasn't originally scheduled for the bout with Fisher. But when original opponent Melvin Guillard was forced out of the bout due to ongoing legal issues, the UFC contacted Gugerty as a possible replacement. The 26-year-old said turning down the bout was never even an option.
"No hesitation at all," Gugerty said. "I knew I was going to get somebody tough. I won fairly quickly for my first one. I always knew that if you win they were going to have you fight right away. I knew it was going to be someone super tough.
"I mean everybody in the UFC is super tough. You're not going to get an easy fight. But it's a great opportunity for me. Spencer Fisher, he's just one of those guys who everybody knows. And I think he's pretty much up there in the rankings in the lightweight division. [A win] would definitely be huge for my career, so I jumped on that."
While Gugerty is excited at the opportunity to establish his name with a victory over a recognizable opponent, he is not oblivious to the challenge that lays before him.
"I think he's very well-rounded, like myself," Gugerty said of Fisher. "Obviously he's a banger, and he's going to want to keep it up on his feet -- try and knock me out. But it's not an easy thing to knock me out. It hasn't really happened yet, and I don't plan on it happening anytime soon. But it's going to be a tough fight. I'm not going to lie about that."
After starting his career 3-2, Gugerty has now won his past eight contests. While Fisher will certainly represent a step up in class of opponent, Gugerty believes his training with UFC veterans Dean Lister and Brandon Vera has prepared him for the challenge.
"I'm honored to fight [Fisher]," Gugerty said. "I feel like I'm ready. I've trained the hardest I've ever trained for this fight. And I'm just super-excited to get the opportunity to fight him. I'm going out there guns blazing, and I'm going to get job done."
And while the challenge will be stiff, Gugerty knows the reward will be great.
"A win over Spencer Fisher is definitely going to be huge for my career," Gugerty said. "I don't know where it's going to put me in the (lightweight) division because it's such a stacked division. Everybody's doing well. But it's definitely going to be big for me. At least people will remember my name after I beat him. I know that. That's all I care about."
Some fighters are built up slowly, crafting a winning record through carefully selected opponents.
UFC lightweight Shannon Gugerty (11-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will apparently not be that guy.
But on the verge of a "UFC 90: Silva vs. Cote" showdown with perennial contender Spencer Fisher -- in just his second bout for the organization -- Gugerty recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that he welcomes the challenge.
"Spencer Fisher is almost like a household name," Gugerty said. "Everyone who follows the sport knows who he is. A win over him would definitely be huge for my career."
Gugerty debuted for the UFC in July, defeating fellow newcomer Dale Hartt at "UFC Fight Night 14." Gugerty said the joy of earning a win in the sport's premier organization is a feeling he won't soon forget.
"It was like my first win all over again," Gugerty said. "I was really excited. It was like a real surreal feeling. I was really stoked."
The California native believes this weekend could provide him with that same joy.
"I want to feel that feeling again," Gugerty said. "I think I'll feel that same way again when I beat Spencer."
Gugerty wasn't originally scheduled for the bout with Fisher. But when original opponent Melvin Guillard was forced out of the bout due to ongoing legal issues, the UFC contacted Gugerty as a possible replacement. The 26-year-old said turning down the bout was never even an option.
"No hesitation at all," Gugerty said. "I knew I was going to get somebody tough. I won fairly quickly for my first one. I always knew that if you win they were going to have you fight right away. I knew it was going to be someone super tough.
"I mean everybody in the UFC is super tough. You're not going to get an easy fight. But it's a great opportunity for me. Spencer Fisher, he's just one of those guys who everybody knows. And I think he's pretty much up there in the rankings in the lightweight division. [A win] would definitely be huge for my career, so I jumped on that."
While Gugerty is excited at the opportunity to establish his name with a victory over a recognizable opponent, he is not oblivious to the challenge that lays before him.
"I think he's very well-rounded, like myself," Gugerty said of Fisher. "Obviously he's a banger, and he's going to want to keep it up on his feet -- try and knock me out. But it's not an easy thing to knock me out. It hasn't really happened yet, and I don't plan on it happening anytime soon. But it's going to be a tough fight. I'm not going to lie about that."
After starting his career 3-2, Gugerty has now won his past eight contests. While Fisher will certainly represent a step up in class of opponent, Gugerty believes his training with UFC veterans Dean Lister and Brandon Vera has prepared him for the challenge.
"I'm honored to fight [Fisher]," Gugerty said. "I feel like I'm ready. I've trained the hardest I've ever trained for this fight. And I'm just super-excited to get the opportunity to fight him. I'm going out there guns blazing, and I'm going to get job done."
And while the challenge will be stiff, Gugerty knows the reward will be great.
"A win over Spencer Fisher is definitely going to be huge for my career," Gugerty said. "I don't know where it's going to put me in the (lightweight) division because it's such a stacked division. Everybody's doing well. But it's definitely going to be big for me. At least people will remember my name after I beat him. I know that. That's all I care about."
UFC 89 on Spike TV peaks with 3.4 million viewers
Spike TV drew an average of 2.6 million viewers for UFC 89, which aired via tape delay this past Saturday, Oct. 18, in Birmingham, England.
Additionally, the event, which featured a headline bout between "The Ultimate Fighter 3" winner Michael Bisping and fellow middleweight Chris Leben, peaked with a 2.3 rating for an audience of 3.4 million viewers.
Spike TV today released the ratings information.
The ratings spike came during Bisping's unanimous-decision victory over Leben.
Going up against NCAA football and other sports events, UFC 89 overall ranked No. 2 in the key demographics of men ages 18-49, men 18-34 and men 25-34 among ad-supported cable stations during the 9 p.m. to midnight time slot, according to Spike TV.
The latest major UFC event that Spike TV broadcast was September 2007's UFC 85 event, which featured UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson vs. PRIDE title-holder Dan Henderson. That event drew a then-record 4.7 million viewers. The most recent "Fight Night" event on Spike TV, "UFC Fight Night 15: Diaz vs. Neer," had an average audience of 1.8 million viewers back in September.
Spike TV, which has been a UFC broadcast partner since 2005, is available in 97.3 million homes.
Spike TV drew an average of 2.6 million viewers for UFC 89, which aired via tape delay this past Saturday, Oct. 18, in Birmingham, England.
Additionally, the event, which featured a headline bout between "The Ultimate Fighter 3" winner Michael Bisping and fellow middleweight Chris Leben, peaked with a 2.3 rating for an audience of 3.4 million viewers.
Spike TV today released the ratings information.
The ratings spike came during Bisping's unanimous-decision victory over Leben.
Going up against NCAA football and other sports events, UFC 89 overall ranked No. 2 in the key demographics of men ages 18-49, men 18-34 and men 25-34 among ad-supported cable stations during the 9 p.m. to midnight time slot, according to Spike TV.
The latest major UFC event that Spike TV broadcast was September 2007's UFC 85 event, which featured UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson vs. PRIDE title-holder Dan Henderson. That event drew a then-record 4.7 million viewers. The most recent "Fight Night" event on Spike TV, "UFC Fight Night 15: Diaz vs. Neer," had an average audience of 1.8 million viewers back in September.
Spike TV, which has been a UFC broadcast partner since 2005, is available in 97.3 million homes.
SHIFTING GEARS, TUF 9 GOES WITH LIGHTWEIGHTS
As the ninth season of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show starts to gain momentum, MMAWeekly.com has confirmed with sources close to the situation that the weight classes for this season's show will feature lightweights (155 pounds) and welterweights (170 pounds).
The original announcement had been middleweights and welterweights, but the promotion seems to have shifted gears just as tryouts have begun.
The first run of tryouts in the United Kingdom garnered a great deal of attention as over 200 potential participants showed up with many UFC stars such as Paul Taylor, Terry Etim, and new Ultimate Fighter 9 coach Michael Bisping there to show support.
The show's format should be similar to the last two seasons of the popular reality show where a group of fighters selected for the initial run on the show will have to fight their way into the house, which will feature a United States vs. United Kingdom theme.
While Bisping has been announced as the coach for the U.K. team, current rumors place the winner of the upcoming fight between Rich Franklin and Dan Henderson slated for January as the other coach.
There has been no further word as to why the weight classes were changed, but as of now the welterweights and lightweights will fill the house of The Ultimate Fighter season 9.
As the ninth season of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show starts to gain momentum, MMAWeekly.com has confirmed with sources close to the situation that the weight classes for this season's show will feature lightweights (155 pounds) and welterweights (170 pounds).
The original announcement had been middleweights and welterweights, but the promotion seems to have shifted gears just as tryouts have begun.
The first run of tryouts in the United Kingdom garnered a great deal of attention as over 200 potential participants showed up with many UFC stars such as Paul Taylor, Terry Etim, and new Ultimate Fighter 9 coach Michael Bisping there to show support.
The show's format should be similar to the last two seasons of the popular reality show where a group of fighters selected for the initial run on the show will have to fight their way into the house, which will feature a United States vs. United Kingdom theme.
While Bisping has been announced as the coach for the U.K. team, current rumors place the winner of the upcoming fight between Rich Franklin and Dan Henderson slated for January as the other coach.
There has been no further word as to why the weight classes were changed, but as of now the welterweights and lightweights will fill the house of The Ultimate Fighter season 9.
Wanderlei Silva training to score a hat-trick
Getting ready to face Quinton “Rampage” Jackson for the third time in career, Wanderlei Silva isn’t resting in Las Vegas. The man behind Wandy’s preparation, Rafael Alejarra seeks a hat-trick over Rampage. “I want another victory, it doesn’t matter if it comes with a knockout, submission or decision. Score is a score, we want the victory and go after the belt. The most important is the victory, and we wanna a great one. We have the goal and we’ll fight smart to win”, said Alejarra, commenting Wanderlei’s training. “The training is excellent, he’s 60% ready, just wait for the fight comes. We didn’t stop training since his last fight, we’re strong and focused on everything, Wrestling, Boxing… We just came from a Muay Thai class and we’re developing every technique”, told the physical coach to TATAME, who’s opening a training center with Silva in Vegas. “Wanderlei keeps the sparring trainings at Xtreme Couture, but now we can do some training in the octagon at our training center, but he’ll keep doing sparring at Couture’s gym, because there he has a lot of great sparrings to do”.
Getting ready to face Quinton “Rampage” Jackson for the third time in career, Wanderlei Silva isn’t resting in Las Vegas. The man behind Wandy’s preparation, Rafael Alejarra seeks a hat-trick over Rampage. “I want another victory, it doesn’t matter if it comes with a knockout, submission or decision. Score is a score, we want the victory and go after the belt. The most important is the victory, and we wanna a great one. We have the goal and we’ll fight smart to win”, said Alejarra, commenting Wanderlei’s training. “The training is excellent, he’s 60% ready, just wait for the fight comes. We didn’t stop training since his last fight, we’re strong and focused on everything, Wrestling, Boxing… We just came from a Muay Thai class and we’re developing every technique”, told the physical coach to TATAME, who’s opening a training center with Silva in Vegas. “Wanderlei keeps the sparring trainings at Xtreme Couture, but now we can do some training in the octagon at our training center, but he’ll keep doing sparring at Couture’s gym, because there he has a lot of great sparrings to do”.
Business as Usual for King of the Cage
King of the Cage issued the following statement concerning the reported demise of ProElite and its effect on KOTC:
King of the Cage, Inc. (“KOTC”
is fully aware of the reports surrounding the financial difficulties of ProElite, Inc. (“PE” and the reports that PE has filed or may soon file a bankruptcy case. KOTC is currently reviewing and investigating the situation and has determined that no bankruptcy case has yet been filed by PE . Although KOTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of PE, it has maintained its own independent operational structure since its acquisition by PE. While there may be some short term impact on KOTC’s operations, KOTC intends to fulfill all of its existing obligations and to conduct all of its scheduled events. KOTC further intends to resume normal business operations as quickly as possible and to continue to grow its brand as it has for the past 10 years.
We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
King of the Cage issued the following statement concerning the reported demise of ProElite and its effect on KOTC:
King of the Cage, Inc. (“KOTC”
is fully aware of the reports surrounding the financial difficulties of ProElite, Inc. (“PE” and the reports that PE has filed or may soon file a bankruptcy case. KOTC is currently reviewing and investigating the situation and has determined that no bankruptcy case has yet been filed by PE . Although KOTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of PE, it has maintained its own independent operational structure since its acquisition by PE. While there may be some short term impact on KOTC’s operations, KOTC intends to fulfill all of its existing obligations and to conduct all of its scheduled events. KOTC further intends to resume normal business operations as quickly as possible and to continue to grow its brand as it has for the past 10 years.We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
CAGE RAGE'S DAVE O'DONNELL TO FORGE AHEAD
And so the fallout begins… as EliteXC hit the wall, there will understandably be a massive scurry for top tier talent as well as speculation on the future of all the other brands that were held under the umbrella. One such brand cut its teeth in the U.K. and tittered on the edge of international expansion before being amalgamated into the behemoth that was ProElite.
Originally founded by Dave O’Donnell and Andy Geer as a small regional show before taking onboard once silent partner John Faraday, the company started to grow and attract talent from Brazil, the U.S., and Japan; and in turn relocate from venue to venue before settling on Wembley Arena and crowds that varied between 4,500 and 8,000 depending on the card. High times indeed, but since ProElite came onboard there has been a significant cost-cutting and business streamlining process that lead to a date for Cage Rage 28 at the smaller Troxy venue in East London and a trimming of staff, some left, others had their roles reduced and pursued other business endeavours.
Dave O’Donnell, the one constant since its inception, told MMAWeekly.com of the demise of the brand’s parent company, “For Cage Rage it is business as usual. The next show is Contenders. It’s still going ahead. I can tell you that much.”
An interesting statement, and one that begs the question: so if ProElite pull out of MMA with EliteXC, does that mean they are going to sell their umbrella brands back to their previous owners? “Put it this way, one way or another we will still keep going, maybe it’s eventually under another name, maybe it’s not, but we will still be here, that’s all I can say,” added O'Donnell.
It did seem that Cage Rage had been treading on water with the last card, but the upcoming Cage Rage 29 card had been shaping up to be a return to some of the previous competitive cards we have seen in its past. And love it or hate it, they had been targeting a new audience with the series on Nuts TV “Fighting Hurts.”
O’Donnell addressed the future of the series stating, “There will be another series after this one, a Fighting Hurts Series 2, a platform for guys who want to try this cage fighting stuff they have heard about and try to give them a chance to taste it, start their careers.”
So with irons in the fire, it would appear that the promotion will be soldiering on regardless – ultimately when it comes to distributing ProElite’s assets, things may change, but O’Donnell for one remains confident in there being a future in MMA for himself and his team.
Will we see a return of Andy Geer into the fold? “Andy was at the last show, and will be at the next one as well, but I don’t think he will be doing MMA again. He’s one of my best friends, but he is a successful businessman in his own right and has his own interests to look after,” concluded O’Donnell.
Back to the original point, will Cage Rage continue? In one form or another, the answer is yes from the main man. The bigger picture is that if the show ends, the effects on U.K. MMA are negative and will dovetail with the situation in the U.S. – an increase in the free agents flooding the market, thus devaluing the fight purses offered to “name” fighters because of an abundance of resources and in turn stifling the chances of developing fighters to come through.
And so the fallout begins… as EliteXC hit the wall, there will understandably be a massive scurry for top tier talent as well as speculation on the future of all the other brands that were held under the umbrella. One such brand cut its teeth in the U.K. and tittered on the edge of international expansion before being amalgamated into the behemoth that was ProElite.
Originally founded by Dave O’Donnell and Andy Geer as a small regional show before taking onboard once silent partner John Faraday, the company started to grow and attract talent from Brazil, the U.S., and Japan; and in turn relocate from venue to venue before settling on Wembley Arena and crowds that varied between 4,500 and 8,000 depending on the card. High times indeed, but since ProElite came onboard there has been a significant cost-cutting and business streamlining process that lead to a date for Cage Rage 28 at the smaller Troxy venue in East London and a trimming of staff, some left, others had their roles reduced and pursued other business endeavours.
Dave O’Donnell, the one constant since its inception, told MMAWeekly.com of the demise of the brand’s parent company, “For Cage Rage it is business as usual. The next show is Contenders. It’s still going ahead. I can tell you that much.”
An interesting statement, and one that begs the question: so if ProElite pull out of MMA with EliteXC, does that mean they are going to sell their umbrella brands back to their previous owners? “Put it this way, one way or another we will still keep going, maybe it’s eventually under another name, maybe it’s not, but we will still be here, that’s all I can say,” added O'Donnell.
It did seem that Cage Rage had been treading on water with the last card, but the upcoming Cage Rage 29 card had been shaping up to be a return to some of the previous competitive cards we have seen in its past. And love it or hate it, they had been targeting a new audience with the series on Nuts TV “Fighting Hurts.”
O’Donnell addressed the future of the series stating, “There will be another series after this one, a Fighting Hurts Series 2, a platform for guys who want to try this cage fighting stuff they have heard about and try to give them a chance to taste it, start their careers.”
So with irons in the fire, it would appear that the promotion will be soldiering on regardless – ultimately when it comes to distributing ProElite’s assets, things may change, but O’Donnell for one remains confident in there being a future in MMA for himself and his team.
Will we see a return of Andy Geer into the fold? “Andy was at the last show, and will be at the next one as well, but I don’t think he will be doing MMA again. He’s one of my best friends, but he is a successful businessman in his own right and has his own interests to look after,” concluded O’Donnell.
Back to the original point, will Cage Rage continue? In one form or another, the answer is yes from the main man. The bigger picture is that if the show ends, the effects on U.K. MMA are negative and will dovetail with the situation in the U.S. – an increase in the free agents flooding the market, thus devaluing the fight purses offered to “name” fighters because of an abundance of resources and in turn stifling the chances of developing fighters to come through.
ELITEXC CHAMP JAKE SHIELDS EYES FUTURE AND UFC
Almost immediately after the news broke that EliteXC would be shutting down, just about everyone began to speculate what would happen to its fighters. On the top of that list is Jake Shields, likely to be one of the most sought after fighters from the roster. MMAWeekly.com spoke to the first and only EliteXC welterweight champion about his future.
Shields commented first that no one from EliteXC contacted him personally to tell him about the company's shutdown, and he only found out about it just before the whole world knew the promotion's fate.
"I found out yesterday right before it went up on the Internet," Shields said in an exclusive interview with MMAWeekly.com. "I got a call from Cesar (Gracie, Shields' manager and trainer) and he had talked to EliteXC and it was a wrap. I just kind of found out last minute."
Since making his move to EliteXC, Shields amassed an impressive 4-0 record with wins over fighters like Nick Thompson, Mike Pyle, and most recently defending his title against Paul Daley in October.
"It's mixed feelings," he commented about EliteXC's fate. "It's great being the champ, great exposure being on CBS, but I feel like I'm in a situation where a lot of people are going to want me to fight for them. I got great exposure out of them and it just gives me options going to another show."
The biggest question of course now becomes where will Shields land?
"The UFC's the most likely option," he said. "That's where I'm certainly leaning. I haven't had any talks with them yet; I have to get my contract released. That's definitely the number one option I'm looking at. I was on good terms with them before I signed this last contract, so I don't think there should be any problem."
While he won't rule out other promotions as viable contenders, it seems clear where Shields wants to go.
"The UFC's where I've wanted to fight for years, and also the guys ranked above me in the world are there so that's certainly the most logical show to go to."
As Shields mentioned, at this time he hasn't had any kind of contact with the UFC, but he says he first has to deal with his official release from his existing EliteXC deal, which could end up mired in bankruptcy proceedings, so he can start shopping around as a free agent.
"I don't want to get stuck in some complicated thing where they're trying to hold onto my contract, trying to sell it," he stated. "I want to be a free agent and then re-negotiate contracts from there."
The California native also complimented the UFC as being "very professional" and understands that they won't negotiate with him until his current situation is resolved, but he is hopeful they will be in contact.
"As far as I know they'll be interested so hopefully it will work out," said Shields in closing.
Almost immediately after the news broke that EliteXC would be shutting down, just about everyone began to speculate what would happen to its fighters. On the top of that list is Jake Shields, likely to be one of the most sought after fighters from the roster. MMAWeekly.com spoke to the first and only EliteXC welterweight champion about his future.
Shields commented first that no one from EliteXC contacted him personally to tell him about the company's shutdown, and he only found out about it just before the whole world knew the promotion's fate.
"I found out yesterday right before it went up on the Internet," Shields said in an exclusive interview with MMAWeekly.com. "I got a call from Cesar (Gracie, Shields' manager and trainer) and he had talked to EliteXC and it was a wrap. I just kind of found out last minute."
Since making his move to EliteXC, Shields amassed an impressive 4-0 record with wins over fighters like Nick Thompson, Mike Pyle, and most recently defending his title against Paul Daley in October.
"It's mixed feelings," he commented about EliteXC's fate. "It's great being the champ, great exposure being on CBS, but I feel like I'm in a situation where a lot of people are going to want me to fight for them. I got great exposure out of them and it just gives me options going to another show."
The biggest question of course now becomes where will Shields land?
"The UFC's the most likely option," he said. "That's where I'm certainly leaning. I haven't had any talks with them yet; I have to get my contract released. That's definitely the number one option I'm looking at. I was on good terms with them before I signed this last contract, so I don't think there should be any problem."
While he won't rule out other promotions as viable contenders, it seems clear where Shields wants to go.
"The UFC's where I've wanted to fight for years, and also the guys ranked above me in the world are there so that's certainly the most logical show to go to."
As Shields mentioned, at this time he hasn't had any kind of contact with the UFC, but he says he first has to deal with his official release from his existing EliteXC deal, which could end up mired in bankruptcy proceedings, so he can start shopping around as a free agent.
"I don't want to get stuck in some complicated thing where they're trying to hold onto my contract, trying to sell it," he stated. "I want to be a free agent and then re-negotiate contracts from there."
The California native also complimented the UFC as being "very professional" and understands that they won't negotiate with him until his current situation is resolved, but he is hopeful they will be in contact.
"As far as I know they'll be interested so hopefully it will work out," said Shields in closing.
ProElite notifies NSAC of Nov. 8 cancellation and its closing
EliteXC Manager of Fight Operations J.T. Steele notified the Nevada State Athletic Commission via e-mail on Tuesday that the promotion was formally canceling its planned Nov. 8 event in Reno at the Nevada Events Center.
In the same e-mail, Steele also informed NSAC that EliteXC closed operations on Tuesday.
The e-mail obtained by FiveOuncesOfPain.com serves as the first confirmation from a full-time employee with ProElite that the company was ceasing operations.
In other ProElite-closing related news, both CBS and Showtime submitted official communication with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday.
A Form 8-K was filed by Showtime and informed ProElite that the company was in violation of a promissory note that required the company to maintain at least $550,000 of liquid funding with a major national bank. The form also signaled that Ken Hershman had resigned from ProElite’s Board of Directors. Hershman is also Showtime’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sports and Event Programming.
CBS also filed a form SC 13D with the commission in response to a Sept. 17 that declared the company’s intent to open acquisition talks with ProElite. Today’s filing stated that the companies had broken off all talks of a potential buyout.
“Showtime has ceased its exploratory discussions with the Issuer with respect to a possible acquisition of assets of the Issuer,” a passage within the filing reads. “The person designated by Showtime to serve as a director of the Issuer has resigned. Showtime believes that the Issuer is in default under the promissory notes dated June 18, 2008 and September 10, 2008 that evidence indebtedness of the Issuer to Showtime. Showtime has given the Issuer notice of such default and may from time to time pursue remedies available to it under such promissory notes and related documentation. However, there can be no assurance as to which remedies (if any) that Showtime will determine to pursue.”
As of now, ProElite has yet to formally file for bankruptcy. However, such paperwork is expected to be submitted by week’s end.
EliteXC Manager of Fight Operations J.T. Steele notified the Nevada State Athletic Commission via e-mail on Tuesday that the promotion was formally canceling its planned Nov. 8 event in Reno at the Nevada Events Center.
In the same e-mail, Steele also informed NSAC that EliteXC closed operations on Tuesday.
The e-mail obtained by FiveOuncesOfPain.com serves as the first confirmation from a full-time employee with ProElite that the company was ceasing operations.
In other ProElite-closing related news, both CBS and Showtime submitted official communication with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday.
A Form 8-K was filed by Showtime and informed ProElite that the company was in violation of a promissory note that required the company to maintain at least $550,000 of liquid funding with a major national bank. The form also signaled that Ken Hershman had resigned from ProElite’s Board of Directors. Hershman is also Showtime’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sports and Event Programming.
CBS also filed a form SC 13D with the commission in response to a Sept. 17 that declared the company’s intent to open acquisition talks with ProElite. Today’s filing stated that the companies had broken off all talks of a potential buyout.
“Showtime has ceased its exploratory discussions with the Issuer with respect to a possible acquisition of assets of the Issuer,” a passage within the filing reads. “The person designated by Showtime to serve as a director of the Issuer has resigned. Showtime believes that the Issuer is in default under the promissory notes dated June 18, 2008 and September 10, 2008 that evidence indebtedness of the Issuer to Showtime. Showtime has given the Issuer notice of such default and may from time to time pursue remedies available to it under such promissory notes and related documentation. However, there can be no assurance as to which remedies (if any) that Showtime will determine to pursue.”
As of now, ProElite has yet to formally file for bankruptcy. However, such paperwork is expected to be submitted by week’s end.
DENIS KANG TESTING FREE AGENCY WATERS AGAIN
Considered a top free agent just over a year ago, former Pride fighter Denis Kang is back on the market after his most recent deal with Dream expired and he is looking for a new home.
The Canadian based fighter will next compete on the Raw Combat card this weekend against Marvin Eastman, but soon after he hopes to sign on with a new organization to call home.
"The Dream contract actually expired," Kang said on MMAWeekly Radio Monday. "I got one fight left, but it expired in September and we're negotiating with a few different parties right now."
While Kang could not name any of his potential suitors he did verify that "several" of them are based out of North America.
During Kang's last free agency period he was adamant about being able to fight in Korea as a part of any contract. While it is sure to still be a point of order, Kang did talk about the possibility of landing with an exclusive contract if the right promotion came along.
"Of course money's a huge thing, but it's got to be a contract that makes sense, and doesn't tie me down," said Kang. "If it's going to be an exclusive contract then pay me something that's going to make it worth my while to be exclusive and not fight anywhere else and not work anywhere else."
Many other factors will also play into Kang's final decision including an organization's willingness to promote him and not let him get lost in the pack of fighters vying for a top spot.
"It's also how is the event going to market me," he commented. "If they're going to just take me and just make me a regular fighter and shelf me or are they going to go out of their way and make me house fighter."
While his main focus this week is on Marvin Eastman, he said ideally he would like to have a deal done within a couple of weeks after that fight.
Considered a top free agent just over a year ago, former Pride fighter Denis Kang is back on the market after his most recent deal with Dream expired and he is looking for a new home.
The Canadian based fighter will next compete on the Raw Combat card this weekend against Marvin Eastman, but soon after he hopes to sign on with a new organization to call home.
"The Dream contract actually expired," Kang said on MMAWeekly Radio Monday. "I got one fight left, but it expired in September and we're negotiating with a few different parties right now."
While Kang could not name any of his potential suitors he did verify that "several" of them are based out of North America.
During Kang's last free agency period he was adamant about being able to fight in Korea as a part of any contract. While it is sure to still be a point of order, Kang did talk about the possibility of landing with an exclusive contract if the right promotion came along.
"Of course money's a huge thing, but it's got to be a contract that makes sense, and doesn't tie me down," said Kang. "If it's going to be an exclusive contract then pay me something that's going to make it worth my while to be exclusive and not fight anywhere else and not work anywhere else."
Many other factors will also play into Kang's final decision including an organization's willingness to promote him and not let him get lost in the pack of fighters vying for a top spot.
"It's also how is the event going to market me," he commented. "If they're going to just take me and just make me a regular fighter and shelf me or are they going to go out of their way and make me house fighter."
While his main focus this week is on Marvin Eastman, he said ideally he would like to have a deal done within a couple of weeks after that fight.
VILLASENOR TALKS ELITEXC AND WHAT COMES NEXT
As the fallout from the shutdown of EliteXC continues, some of the fighters hardest hit by this news were the competitors for the upcoming Nov. 8 show in Nevada. None may have taken a bigger hit than top middleweight contender Joey Villasenor, who for the second time in just three months had the rug pulled out from under his fight schedule.
Originally set to be a part of the Sept. 20 show that was eventually canceled as well, Villasenor was gearing up for a rematch against Robbie Lawler on Nov. 8, but now that fight has been scrapped as well.
"Yesterday my manager called me and he said I have some bad news for you and I said, 'Robbie Lawler got hurt?' and he said, 'No, it's worse than that, Elite folded,'" Villasenor told MMAWeekly.com in an exclusive interview. "I knew that they were in turmoil, but I was really banking on Nov. 8 happening.
"I felt good going into the fight that I would beat the No. 3 ranked middleweight in the world and have a great plan for my future, but these things happen and now we just have to prepare for what's next."
Villasenor disclosed in the interview that he only had one fight left on his existing EliteXC contract and was hopeful to renegotiate a better deal after his fight with Lawler. Now, much like EliteXC welterweight champion Jake Shields, he is hopeful to get out of whatever legal bind his current deal holds him to so he can hit the free agent market.
After dealing with such a tumultuous situation at EliteXC, Villasenor said there are certain priorities that will play into his decision to sign with another promotion.
"It's basically job security," Villasenor commented about whatever company he signs with next. "I want to go to a company that's going to take care of you. We're not millionaires and most everybody knows that us MMA guys are in it because we love it and it's a dream to do something you love and get paid doing it."
As far as security in the MMA business, there may be no better place than the UFC and their growing stable of fighters, which Villasenor knows all too well training with Greg Jackson and his group of fighters including UFC stand-outs like Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine, Nate Marquardt and of course welterweight champion, Georges St. Pierre.
"I would love to be on the same circuit with them and it's always been a dream of mine to compete in the UFC, but right now I just really don't know what's going to happen, what the stipulations are, but if they're real close to giving me a full opportunity then I'd love to go over there," stated Villasenor.
As far as his past dealings with EliteXC, the New Mexico based fighter commented that overall it was a positive experience, but did say that there were people in the company that he "will no longer have associations with, and didn't feel comfortable around."
He also said that for all the talk about the executives at EliteXC, they were a group he rarely dealt with during his time with the promotion.
"The Shaws and all the higher-ups, I had nothing in common with those people," said Villasenor. "The people that I got to see the most were the photographers, the people who helped show you around, gave you your per diem. I have a lot of friends that work for Elite and it was a great experience for me."
Villasenor again stressed that his future must be met with stability and after having two fights canceled in just three months, the sooner he can settle his next deal to fight, the better.
"As soon as possible," Villasenor said about fighting next. "I'm extremely bummed out that I'm looking at a possible 8 to 12 months of inactivity. That really bothers me. The lifetime in this sport is so small and to have you take a whole year off, that hurts, that's bad."
As the fallout from the shutdown of EliteXC continues, some of the fighters hardest hit by this news were the competitors for the upcoming Nov. 8 show in Nevada. None may have taken a bigger hit than top middleweight contender Joey Villasenor, who for the second time in just three months had the rug pulled out from under his fight schedule.
Originally set to be a part of the Sept. 20 show that was eventually canceled as well, Villasenor was gearing up for a rematch against Robbie Lawler on Nov. 8, but now that fight has been scrapped as well.
"Yesterday my manager called me and he said I have some bad news for you and I said, 'Robbie Lawler got hurt?' and he said, 'No, it's worse than that, Elite folded,'" Villasenor told MMAWeekly.com in an exclusive interview. "I knew that they were in turmoil, but I was really banking on Nov. 8 happening.
"I felt good going into the fight that I would beat the No. 3 ranked middleweight in the world and have a great plan for my future, but these things happen and now we just have to prepare for what's next."
Villasenor disclosed in the interview that he only had one fight left on his existing EliteXC contract and was hopeful to renegotiate a better deal after his fight with Lawler. Now, much like EliteXC welterweight champion Jake Shields, he is hopeful to get out of whatever legal bind his current deal holds him to so he can hit the free agent market.
After dealing with such a tumultuous situation at EliteXC, Villasenor said there are certain priorities that will play into his decision to sign with another promotion.
"It's basically job security," Villasenor commented about whatever company he signs with next. "I want to go to a company that's going to take care of you. We're not millionaires and most everybody knows that us MMA guys are in it because we love it and it's a dream to do something you love and get paid doing it."
As far as security in the MMA business, there may be no better place than the UFC and their growing stable of fighters, which Villasenor knows all too well training with Greg Jackson and his group of fighters including UFC stand-outs like Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine, Nate Marquardt and of course welterweight champion, Georges St. Pierre.
"I would love to be on the same circuit with them and it's always been a dream of mine to compete in the UFC, but right now I just really don't know what's going to happen, what the stipulations are, but if they're real close to giving me a full opportunity then I'd love to go over there," stated Villasenor.
As far as his past dealings with EliteXC, the New Mexico based fighter commented that overall it was a positive experience, but did say that there were people in the company that he "will no longer have associations with, and didn't feel comfortable around."
He also said that for all the talk about the executives at EliteXC, they were a group he rarely dealt with during his time with the promotion.
"The Shaws and all the higher-ups, I had nothing in common with those people," said Villasenor. "The people that I got to see the most were the photographers, the people who helped show you around, gave you your per diem. I have a lot of friends that work for Elite and it was a great experience for me."
Villasenor again stressed that his future must be met with stability and after having two fights canceled in just three months, the sooner he can settle his next deal to fight, the better.
"As soon as possible," Villasenor said about fighting next. "I'm extremely bummed out that I'm looking at a possible 8 to 12 months of inactivity. That really bothers me. The lifetime in this sport is so small and to have you take a whole year off, that hurts, that's bad."
Cowboy Bebop: Donald Cerrone branding the WEC lightweight division
Donald “The Cowboy” Cerrone (8-0) is set to face “Razor” Rob McCullough (16-4) at WEC 36 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida on November 5, airing live on the Versus Network at 9 p.m. ET.
It will be Cerrone’s third fight for the Zuffa-owned promotion, after making a mockery of the lightweight division in Ring of Fire.
In addition to being undefeated in eight fights, he’s finished all eight of his opponents by submission.
Not bad for a U.S. Muay Thai Champion that went 28-0 in his Muay Thai career. In fact, Cerrone admits to being bit of a late bloomer in the grappling department.
“I remember when I first started training I was like ‘Man, I don’t know why people always submit people, that’s gay, I just want to stand on my feet’. Then I started learning jiu-jitsu and now here I am submitting people, it’s funny.”
What isn’t funny is the $3,000 fine and eight month suspension he served after testing positive for diuretics following his match against Kenneth Alexander at WEC 30 - a match he won via armbar in just 56 seconds.
Cerrone blames the diuretic use not on weight cutting but rather on his desire to flush his system of the medication he used to treat staph infection - medication that he says wreaked havoc on his system.
“The medication they give you makes you feel worse than the actual [staph infection]. It kind of runs you down and you feel like shit. I shouldn’t have done it. I have no one to blame but myself.”
It was a rookie mistake, but one that he says taught him a valuable lesson - especially after the Nevada State Athletic Commission overturned the decision and ruled it a No Contest.
Cerrone has only been competing professionally for two years yet has a natural talent for fighting that doesn’t stem from a hard-knock life.
“I don’t have a bad childhood to blame, I didn’t have a father that beat me. I came from a wealthy family and out of a good school district. I can’t really point the finger at why I do what I do. I guess I used to think I was a lot cooler than everyone else and would try and streetfight all the time. One of my buddies was like ‘Man you think you’re tough? Come down and start kickboxing’ and I just enjoyed it, it started to become my passion”.
Now “The Cowboy” is using some of that passion to make a name for himself in the ranks of the WEC’s 155lb division. And speaking of names, what is it about that nickname?
“When I was riding the bulls in high school I used to wear my hat and boots, I still wear [them] everywhere, it’s just how it is. My own Grandmom and Mom call me Cowboy, that’s just what people call me”.
Cerrone was big on the rodeo scene as well as motocross before he discovered fighting. In fact a horrific wipeout on his 4-wheeler hospitalized him with a coma when he was younger.
That experience has left him with little fear of what can happen in a fight. Of course training with Team Jackson doesn’t hurt either, a place Cerrone would call home after just a one week trial.
“We have so many good people in different areas that you have to constantly be improving or you’re just going to be getting beat all the time. There’s always someone better [here at the Jackson camp].”
No question the Team Jackson influence will assist him when he faces the dangerous WEC veteran and fellow Muay Thai practitioner in McCullough. Cerrone looks forward to the challenge, but doesn’t want any free passes.
“I want to fight the old Rob, the old Rob that was the champion, the one that comes out and just lets it go, that’s who I want. I don’t want the timid, scared Rob. I’m looking for a war”.
The winner of Cerrone vs. McCullough was rumored to get a title match against WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner at a future event, which Cerrone has confirmed.
“They offered me a title fight even if I didn’t want to fight Rob [but] I needed this fight financially and just to get myself back in the ring after having eight months off”.
Despite the opportunity, Cerrone is in no hurry to fight for the title. He’s confident that his shot will come and has indicated that he still has some unfinished business with a fellow WEC lightweight.
“I wouldn’t mind fighting Rich Crunkilton after [McCullough] just because he acted like he hurt his ankle (prior to WEC 34) and skipped out on me. I don’t like that”.
Crunkilton was replaced by Danny Castillo, who was easily submitted by Cerrone in the first round via armbar.
He may not have things end so easily for him against Rob McCullough on November 5, but he’s not going to take any chances. Cerrone has called upon his best friend and training partner, former UFC lightweight Leonard Garcia to help him prepare.
Apparently he doesn’t share the same view many fighters do about fighting a friend.
“I try to knock the little bastard out every time we spar - and then we’re friends afterwards”.
What are friends for?
Donald “The Cowboy” Cerrone (8-0) is set to face “Razor” Rob McCullough (16-4) at WEC 36 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida on November 5, airing live on the Versus Network at 9 p.m. ET.
It will be Cerrone’s third fight for the Zuffa-owned promotion, after making a mockery of the lightweight division in Ring of Fire.
In addition to being undefeated in eight fights, he’s finished all eight of his opponents by submission.
Not bad for a U.S. Muay Thai Champion that went 28-0 in his Muay Thai career. In fact, Cerrone admits to being bit of a late bloomer in the grappling department.
“I remember when I first started training I was like ‘Man, I don’t know why people always submit people, that’s gay, I just want to stand on my feet’. Then I started learning jiu-jitsu and now here I am submitting people, it’s funny.”
What isn’t funny is the $3,000 fine and eight month suspension he served after testing positive for diuretics following his match against Kenneth Alexander at WEC 30 - a match he won via armbar in just 56 seconds.
Cerrone blames the diuretic use not on weight cutting but rather on his desire to flush his system of the medication he used to treat staph infection - medication that he says wreaked havoc on his system.
“The medication they give you makes you feel worse than the actual [staph infection]. It kind of runs you down and you feel like shit. I shouldn’t have done it. I have no one to blame but myself.”
It was a rookie mistake, but one that he says taught him a valuable lesson - especially after the Nevada State Athletic Commission overturned the decision and ruled it a No Contest.
Cerrone has only been competing professionally for two years yet has a natural talent for fighting that doesn’t stem from a hard-knock life.
“I don’t have a bad childhood to blame, I didn’t have a father that beat me. I came from a wealthy family and out of a good school district. I can’t really point the finger at why I do what I do. I guess I used to think I was a lot cooler than everyone else and would try and streetfight all the time. One of my buddies was like ‘Man you think you’re tough? Come down and start kickboxing’ and I just enjoyed it, it started to become my passion”.
Now “The Cowboy” is using some of that passion to make a name for himself in the ranks of the WEC’s 155lb division. And speaking of names, what is it about that nickname?
“When I was riding the bulls in high school I used to wear my hat and boots, I still wear [them] everywhere, it’s just how it is. My own Grandmom and Mom call me Cowboy, that’s just what people call me”.
Cerrone was big on the rodeo scene as well as motocross before he discovered fighting. In fact a horrific wipeout on his 4-wheeler hospitalized him with a coma when he was younger.
That experience has left him with little fear of what can happen in a fight. Of course training with Team Jackson doesn’t hurt either, a place Cerrone would call home after just a one week trial.
“We have so many good people in different areas that you have to constantly be improving or you’re just going to be getting beat all the time. There’s always someone better [here at the Jackson camp].”
No question the Team Jackson influence will assist him when he faces the dangerous WEC veteran and fellow Muay Thai practitioner in McCullough. Cerrone looks forward to the challenge, but doesn’t want any free passes.
“I want to fight the old Rob, the old Rob that was the champion, the one that comes out and just lets it go, that’s who I want. I don’t want the timid, scared Rob. I’m looking for a war”.
The winner of Cerrone vs. McCullough was rumored to get a title match against WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner at a future event, which Cerrone has confirmed.
“They offered me a title fight even if I didn’t want to fight Rob [but] I needed this fight financially and just to get myself back in the ring after having eight months off”.
Despite the opportunity, Cerrone is in no hurry to fight for the title. He’s confident that his shot will come and has indicated that he still has some unfinished business with a fellow WEC lightweight.
“I wouldn’t mind fighting Rich Crunkilton after [McCullough] just because he acted like he hurt his ankle (prior to WEC 34) and skipped out on me. I don’t like that”.
Crunkilton was replaced by Danny Castillo, who was easily submitted by Cerrone in the first round via armbar.
He may not have things end so easily for him against Rob McCullough on November 5, but he’s not going to take any chances. Cerrone has called upon his best friend and training partner, former UFC lightweight Leonard Garcia to help him prepare.
Apparently he doesn’t share the same view many fighters do about fighting a friend.
“I try to knock the little bastard out every time we spar - and then we’re friends afterwards”.
What are friends for?
Anytime, anywhere: Josh Koscheck UFC 90 interview exclusive with MMAmania.com
Disaster nearly struck last week when Diego Sanchez suffered torn rib cartilage while training for his co-main event fight against Thiago Alves at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., on October 25, forcing him off the card with less than two weeks until showtime.
“The Nightmare,” fortunately, was short lived.
With one quick phone call to the management team of Josh Koscheck, the promotion had secured a worthy replacement — a top contender who could keep the 170-pound title implications intact and would no doubt present another stiff test for the powerful Brazilian Muay Thai specialist.
Alves has been on a tear, leveling — not just winning against — the opponents put in front of him, including division stalwart Karo Parisyan and former welterweight champion Matt Hughes. In fact, “The Pitbull” has not tasted defeat in more than two years and is riding a six-fight win streak, finishing all but one of the bouts during that span.
Not the caliber of fighter anyone wants to take on with just 12 days notice. Unless, of course, your name is Josh Koscheck.
The American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) standout, however, jumped at the chance. He views it as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to accelerate his journey to the top of the division and emerge as the clearcut number one welterweight contender.
But his journey will not stop there.
Should he defeat Alves on Saturday he does not intend to sit and wait around to see how the division sorts itself out in the coming months. Instead, he plans to be ready to headline UFC Fight Night 16: “Fight for the Troops” against Yoshiyuki Yoshida on December 10.
Say what you want about Koscheck, but he is certainly not taking the easy route to a future title shot. He wants to earn it the hard way … and he’s ready to start this Saturday.
We just recently caught up with “Kos,” who is fresh off a unanimous decision blood-soaked drubbing of Chris Lytle at UFC 86: “Jackson vs. Griffin” back in July, to find out more about what went into his decision to take the fight with Alves on such short notice, how he intends to approach the showdown, what it will mean for his career and much more.
For what it’s worth, we have interviewed Koscheck numerous times and he never sounded this determined and focused. He’s on a mission.
Let’s get to it:
MMAmania.com: Josh thanks for taking the time to speak with us — we know right now things are probably crazy with the fight against Thiago Alves literally right around the corner. How are you feeling and what’s going on as we speak?
Josh Koscheck: I’m good. Let’s get this started. I’m not really training right now just resting.
MMAmania.com: You agreed to take this fight on incredibly short notice, considering the caliber of the opponent and the implications it will have on your bid to become the number one contender in the division. Tell us how it all went down.
Josh Koscheck: I got the phone call on Monday (October 14), saying Diego Sanchez got hurt and that the UFC was looking for someone to step up and take his place. My manager Bob Cook approached me about it — he handles all that stuff. I told him let’s talk about it after training because I wanted to think about it and also I didn’t want to ruin my upcoming session. Training went real well and as soon as it was over I told Bob let’s take the fight.
MMAmania.com: Was there any hesitation outside of not wanting to ruin your training session?
Josh Koscheck: No, not really. Fighting Thiago Alves is a fantastic opportunity for me to prove that I am the number one contender in the 170 pound weight class. I’m the type of guy who is willing to step up and fight anybody, anywhere and anytime. Me taking this fight just proves that. Two weeks notice doesn’t really matter to me — I’m a professional and this is what I do. I’m always training year-round. Now I just have to be ready to come out and perform and put on a good show for the fans.
MMAmania.com: From a conditioning, as well as a preparation standpoint, will you be as ready for this fight with Thiago if you had say two months to prepare instead of just two weeks?
Josh Koscheck: I’m a fighter. I’m going to step up and fight anybody. This is what I do. It doesn’t really matter. I’m treating this as a street fight. If I’m walking out of a club and a fight breaks out I can’t say, ‘Stop, let me go train.’ You have to be ready to fight at the drop of a dime with no notice. That’s pretty much my mindset going into this. I can guarantee you that I will be in great shape on October 25 … that’s for sure.
MMAmania.com: In the past, Thiago has actually had a difficult time with conditioning — he often has a hard time making weight because he’s such a big welterweight fighter. He also does not push a frantic pace like let’s say a Diego Sanchez … he likes to take his time. Is this an area or weakness that you can exploit?
Josh Koscheck: History proves that Thiago definitely has had a hard time making weight in the past. That could be because of a lack of discipline on his part and not being prepared 100 percent. Making weight is an important part of the sport and competition so hopefully he does have a hard time making weight again. That’s certainly an advantage for me. He’s a big guy and I know he cuts a lot of weight and that can definitely affect his performance inside the Octagon. But I can’t worry about that. I have to prepare for the best Thiago Alves imaginable. I have to fight my ass off and prove that I am the number one contender. That’s what it comes down to.
MMAmania.com: While we’re on this issue of weight, prior to accepting the fight did you step on a scale to ensure that you would have no problems yourself making the 170-pound limit?
Josh Koscheck: Not at all. Weight is never an issue for me. It never has been. And my weight would never be a deciding factor in me taking or not taking a fight. Neither would training, money, or anything else. This is about me proving to the UFC and the fans that I can win this fight. That’s why I took this fight. To prove to myself, all the fans and the UFC that I can deliver on short notice when called upon and prove that I am a top welterweight contender who accepts all challenges and challengers. I’m coming into this fight to win … that’s the bottom line.
MMAmania.com: Given the collapsed window to prepare for Thiago Alves what are you doing to get ready … is there any cramming or sense of urgency or is it just business as usual?
Josh Koscheck: I haven’t really changed anything in my routine to be totally honest. The biggest difference would be my eating habits and diet. I cleaned that up real quick to be ready to make 170. But that’s not really a big change because I already lead a clean lifestyle. Like I said, this is what I do. Being a fighter is who I am and I take that very seriously. So I’m always ready. Nothing really changed besides that. I’m getting plenty of rest. I moved into the hotel already. I’m in fight mode, man, just like that.
MMAmania.com: That may sound like the understatement of the century, considering you’re still scheduled to fight Yoshiyuki Yoshida on December 10 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 16: “Fight for the Troops.”
Josh Koscheck: Yep, I’m looking forward to fighting him on December 10. That’s a big fight for sure. But I can’t think about him right now. Fighting Thiago Alves this Saturday is all I’m really thinking about and all I have been thinking about since we got that call from the UFC.
MMAmania.com: Why on Earth would you want that fight when UFC President Dana White has essentially said that you will earn a title shot with a win over Thiago. “Zenko” is one bad dude. Is it necessary to take such a big risk with the title shot so close?
Josh Koscheck: I just want to fight, man. I wish I had eight or night fights per year. This is a rare opportunity to do what I love to do and stay busy. I’d rather be fighting in the main event on December 10 on Spike TV than being inside the gym training. No one sees that. I want to compete. I want to put on a good show for the fans so I would never turn down that opportunity even if it’s considered dangerous. I could go from five to eight fights per year if the UFC would let me. One thing people may not realize is that I’m used to the wrestling grind — it was a way of life for me for a very long time. I’d often wrestle 40 matches in three months back in the day. So fighting up to eight times per year would really be no big deal.
MMAmania.com: I know you didn’t take the call, but did the UFC dangle any carrots or mention the possibility of a title shot in the near future if you took this fight? I’m sure Dana White and Joe Silva breathed huge sighs of relief when you accepted because the promotion was able to come up with what many people feel to be a better match up than the original.
Josh Koscheck: I didn’t ask that question and it never came up so I don’t know. Bob handles all that stuff and he works directly with the UFC … not me. There wasn’t any negotiating, if that’s what you are asking. I was asked if I wanted the fight and I said yes. That’s pretty much it. But it would be hard to argue that if I win these next two fights that I wouldn’t be the number one contender. There are certainly no guarantees but I’m putting myself in the best position possible and want to eliminate any doubt about who deserves the next title shot. I know that I will be the number one contender if I win these next two fights hands down. And I’m going to do everything possible to ensure that I make that happen.
MMAmania.com: Okay, let’s talk about Thiago for a little bit. I’m sure you saw him cream Matt Hughes at UFC 85 and before that he stopped the very durable and resilient Karo Parisyan. I mean these are two very respected and talented fighters in the division and Thiago handled them. What does he bring to the table that might give you some problems?
Josh Koscheck: He definitely comes to fight. Thiago is a very dangerous opponent who has really powerful striking. Good knees, good kicks, solid punches. I haven’t really seen him use his hands too much because he is so effective with those knees and kicks. We have a good gameplan for this fight. I went back to my roots after that loss to Georges St. Pierre and have really polished my wrestling. I kind of lost sight of that aspect of my game while I improved in all the other areas. So I’m ready to fight wherever it goes.
MMAmania.com: So does that mean we will see an approach similar to your most recent fight with Chris Lytle: Stand, trade, shoot and then work the ground and pound?
Josh Koscheck: Listen, this is a fight. It doesn’t matter who has the better stand up or the better wrestling. This is a fight. I have to be prepared to strike, wrestle, use my jiu-jitsu — everything. He’s a tough kid and I have to be prepared for anything and everything.
MMAmania.com: You mentioned he has good knees, which are pretty much what set up the recent wins over Hughes and Parisyan. How are you going to deal with that as to not get caught like you did against Drew Fickett?
Josh Koscheck: We have a strategy, like I said. We always put together gameplans that give me the best chance of winning. Let’s just say that I don’t intend to put myself in too many dangerous situations and we are well aware of the damage that he can do with those knees.
MMAmania.com: How do you plan to handle his size and strength?
Josh Koscheck: Well, my good friend, Jon Fitch, who I train with every day pretty much kicked his ass not too long ago. And Jon is not the only big guy who I work with at AKA. Trevor Prangley is a huge 185 pounder who walks around at like 220 and I’m in the gym working with him everyday, too. Phil Baroni, Mike Swick and all of my other training partners are big guys. So competing against someone who may be bigger, faster or more powerful than me is really not that much of a concern. I’ve also already fought the best 170-pound fighter in the world, Georges St. Pierre, so nothing really worries me at this stage of my career.
MMAmania.com: If he comes in several pounds over the division limit like he did against Hughes do you intend to still take the fight? It seemed to be a big advantage for him in that one.
Josh Koscheck: Absolutely, Thiago can weigh 190 and I’ll still fight him. I don’t care about that. It isn’t about him making or losing weight. He can weigh whatever he wants and I’ll still fight him.
MMAmania.com: Since Fitch fought him in 2006 Thiago has clearly evolved in more ways than one. He’s certainly a better fighter and he is clearly much bigger. I know you joked about his physical transformation a little bit in a video that MMAmania.com passed along not too long ago, but do you ever seriously wonder what’s in the juice this guy is drinking?
Josh Koscheck: Well, for someone who has tested positive for illegal substances in the past (diuretics) there might be something going on there or some concerns. But who am I to say what he does or what he may have done. He’ll be tested just like every other fighter on the card. I can’t worry about stuff like that. I just know that I’m ready to fight and perform. The rest will take care of itself.
MMAmania.com: Does training with Fitch give you any competitive or psychological advantage heading into this fight? On the flip side Fitch is in Thailand right now — is it a disadvantage not having him around or in your corner for this one?
Josh Koscheck: I’ve been training with Jon Fitch for years and months. Every time I’m preparing to step into the cage he helps me out. And I do the same for him. We talk on the phone all the time and he has helped put together this gameplan for Thiago even though he is not around right now. We’re ready to go. It’s really just been one week that he hasn’t been in town and we have been talking about fighters, fight strategies and everything else for years. I’m the one who has to step in the cage on Saturday night — not Jon Fitch or anyone else. I’m going to win with what I have. That’s my plan.
MMAmania.com: Is there any bad blood between you and Thiago or AKA and American Top Team (ATT) where he trains?
Josh Koscheck: There’s no hard feelings between me and Thiago. We’re both professionals and we know what’s at stake with this fight. I respect him and everyone else at his gym. People don’t realize that for him to take this fight with me on two weeks notice is pretty ballsy — he could have said no just like me. But he didn’t. That’s the way I look at it. He stepped up and took the fight with me on short notice … not the other way around. May the best man win.
MMAmania.com: Ideally, how would you like to see this fight end?
Josh Koscheck: I’d like to knock him out in the first round like Seth Petruzelli did to Kimbo Slice the other night. If I had my way that would be the ultimate. If I get the quick knockout then I don’t have to deal with him for 15 minutes. But I don’t think that’s going to happen. I see this as a dog fight. We’re both going to come in and do our thing. He’s probably been training his ass off. Thiago was supposed to fight Diego Sanchez so I’m sure he’s been working his ass off to get ready for him.
MMAmania.com: Let’s say you get this fight to the ground … can you keep him there? He appears to be able to get back to his feet real well.
Josh Koscheck: We’ll find out on October 25. If I take him down and he gets up that’s just part of the sport. It won’t be anything new if he does. I’ll just have to take him down again if that’s how the fight goes. I’ve been in this situation before. I just have to go in and fight my fight.
MMAmania.com: Well we wish you the best of luck against Thiago on Saturday night. It should be a hell of a fight. Thanks for speaking with us and for stepping up.
Disaster nearly struck last week when Diego Sanchez suffered torn rib cartilage while training for his co-main event fight against Thiago Alves at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., on October 25, forcing him off the card with less than two weeks until showtime.
“The Nightmare,” fortunately, was short lived.
With one quick phone call to the management team of Josh Koscheck, the promotion had secured a worthy replacement — a top contender who could keep the 170-pound title implications intact and would no doubt present another stiff test for the powerful Brazilian Muay Thai specialist.
Alves has been on a tear, leveling — not just winning against — the opponents put in front of him, including division stalwart Karo Parisyan and former welterweight champion Matt Hughes. In fact, “The Pitbull” has not tasted defeat in more than two years and is riding a six-fight win streak, finishing all but one of the bouts during that span.
Not the caliber of fighter anyone wants to take on with just 12 days notice. Unless, of course, your name is Josh Koscheck.
The American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) standout, however, jumped at the chance. He views it as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to accelerate his journey to the top of the division and emerge as the clearcut number one welterweight contender.
But his journey will not stop there.
Should he defeat Alves on Saturday he does not intend to sit and wait around to see how the division sorts itself out in the coming months. Instead, he plans to be ready to headline UFC Fight Night 16: “Fight for the Troops” against Yoshiyuki Yoshida on December 10.
Say what you want about Koscheck, but he is certainly not taking the easy route to a future title shot. He wants to earn it the hard way … and he’s ready to start this Saturday.
We just recently caught up with “Kos,” who is fresh off a unanimous decision blood-soaked drubbing of Chris Lytle at UFC 86: “Jackson vs. Griffin” back in July, to find out more about what went into his decision to take the fight with Alves on such short notice, how he intends to approach the showdown, what it will mean for his career and much more.
For what it’s worth, we have interviewed Koscheck numerous times and he never sounded this determined and focused. He’s on a mission.
Let’s get to it:
MMAmania.com: Josh thanks for taking the time to speak with us — we know right now things are probably crazy with the fight against Thiago Alves literally right around the corner. How are you feeling and what’s going on as we speak?
Josh Koscheck: I’m good. Let’s get this started. I’m not really training right now just resting.
MMAmania.com: You agreed to take this fight on incredibly short notice, considering the caliber of the opponent and the implications it will have on your bid to become the number one contender in the division. Tell us how it all went down.
Josh Koscheck: I got the phone call on Monday (October 14), saying Diego Sanchez got hurt and that the UFC was looking for someone to step up and take his place. My manager Bob Cook approached me about it — he handles all that stuff. I told him let’s talk about it after training because I wanted to think about it and also I didn’t want to ruin my upcoming session. Training went real well and as soon as it was over I told Bob let’s take the fight.
MMAmania.com: Was there any hesitation outside of not wanting to ruin your training session?
Josh Koscheck: No, not really. Fighting Thiago Alves is a fantastic opportunity for me to prove that I am the number one contender in the 170 pound weight class. I’m the type of guy who is willing to step up and fight anybody, anywhere and anytime. Me taking this fight just proves that. Two weeks notice doesn’t really matter to me — I’m a professional and this is what I do. I’m always training year-round. Now I just have to be ready to come out and perform and put on a good show for the fans.
MMAmania.com: From a conditioning, as well as a preparation standpoint, will you be as ready for this fight with Thiago if you had say two months to prepare instead of just two weeks?
Josh Koscheck: I’m a fighter. I’m going to step up and fight anybody. This is what I do. It doesn’t really matter. I’m treating this as a street fight. If I’m walking out of a club and a fight breaks out I can’t say, ‘Stop, let me go train.’ You have to be ready to fight at the drop of a dime with no notice. That’s pretty much my mindset going into this. I can guarantee you that I will be in great shape on October 25 … that’s for sure.
MMAmania.com: In the past, Thiago has actually had a difficult time with conditioning — he often has a hard time making weight because he’s such a big welterweight fighter. He also does not push a frantic pace like let’s say a Diego Sanchez … he likes to take his time. Is this an area or weakness that you can exploit?
Josh Koscheck: History proves that Thiago definitely has had a hard time making weight in the past. That could be because of a lack of discipline on his part and not being prepared 100 percent. Making weight is an important part of the sport and competition so hopefully he does have a hard time making weight again. That’s certainly an advantage for me. He’s a big guy and I know he cuts a lot of weight and that can definitely affect his performance inside the Octagon. But I can’t worry about that. I have to prepare for the best Thiago Alves imaginable. I have to fight my ass off and prove that I am the number one contender. That’s what it comes down to.
MMAmania.com: While we’re on this issue of weight, prior to accepting the fight did you step on a scale to ensure that you would have no problems yourself making the 170-pound limit?
Josh Koscheck: Not at all. Weight is never an issue for me. It never has been. And my weight would never be a deciding factor in me taking or not taking a fight. Neither would training, money, or anything else. This is about me proving to the UFC and the fans that I can win this fight. That’s why I took this fight. To prove to myself, all the fans and the UFC that I can deliver on short notice when called upon and prove that I am a top welterweight contender who accepts all challenges and challengers. I’m coming into this fight to win … that’s the bottom line.
MMAmania.com: Given the collapsed window to prepare for Thiago Alves what are you doing to get ready … is there any cramming or sense of urgency or is it just business as usual?
Josh Koscheck: I haven’t really changed anything in my routine to be totally honest. The biggest difference would be my eating habits and diet. I cleaned that up real quick to be ready to make 170. But that’s not really a big change because I already lead a clean lifestyle. Like I said, this is what I do. Being a fighter is who I am and I take that very seriously. So I’m always ready. Nothing really changed besides that. I’m getting plenty of rest. I moved into the hotel already. I’m in fight mode, man, just like that.
MMAmania.com: That may sound like the understatement of the century, considering you’re still scheduled to fight Yoshiyuki Yoshida on December 10 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 16: “Fight for the Troops.”
Josh Koscheck: Yep, I’m looking forward to fighting him on December 10. That’s a big fight for sure. But I can’t think about him right now. Fighting Thiago Alves this Saturday is all I’m really thinking about and all I have been thinking about since we got that call from the UFC.
MMAmania.com: Why on Earth would you want that fight when UFC President Dana White has essentially said that you will earn a title shot with a win over Thiago. “Zenko” is one bad dude. Is it necessary to take such a big risk with the title shot so close?
Josh Koscheck: I just want to fight, man. I wish I had eight or night fights per year. This is a rare opportunity to do what I love to do and stay busy. I’d rather be fighting in the main event on December 10 on Spike TV than being inside the gym training. No one sees that. I want to compete. I want to put on a good show for the fans so I would never turn down that opportunity even if it’s considered dangerous. I could go from five to eight fights per year if the UFC would let me. One thing people may not realize is that I’m used to the wrestling grind — it was a way of life for me for a very long time. I’d often wrestle 40 matches in three months back in the day. So fighting up to eight times per year would really be no big deal.
MMAmania.com: I know you didn’t take the call, but did the UFC dangle any carrots or mention the possibility of a title shot in the near future if you took this fight? I’m sure Dana White and Joe Silva breathed huge sighs of relief when you accepted because the promotion was able to come up with what many people feel to be a better match up than the original.
Josh Koscheck: I didn’t ask that question and it never came up so I don’t know. Bob handles all that stuff and he works directly with the UFC … not me. There wasn’t any negotiating, if that’s what you are asking. I was asked if I wanted the fight and I said yes. That’s pretty much it. But it would be hard to argue that if I win these next two fights that I wouldn’t be the number one contender. There are certainly no guarantees but I’m putting myself in the best position possible and want to eliminate any doubt about who deserves the next title shot. I know that I will be the number one contender if I win these next two fights hands down. And I’m going to do everything possible to ensure that I make that happen.
MMAmania.com: Okay, let’s talk about Thiago for a little bit. I’m sure you saw him cream Matt Hughes at UFC 85 and before that he stopped the very durable and resilient Karo Parisyan. I mean these are two very respected and talented fighters in the division and Thiago handled them. What does he bring to the table that might give you some problems?
Josh Koscheck: He definitely comes to fight. Thiago is a very dangerous opponent who has really powerful striking. Good knees, good kicks, solid punches. I haven’t really seen him use his hands too much because he is so effective with those knees and kicks. We have a good gameplan for this fight. I went back to my roots after that loss to Georges St. Pierre and have really polished my wrestling. I kind of lost sight of that aspect of my game while I improved in all the other areas. So I’m ready to fight wherever it goes.
MMAmania.com: So does that mean we will see an approach similar to your most recent fight with Chris Lytle: Stand, trade, shoot and then work the ground and pound?
Josh Koscheck: Listen, this is a fight. It doesn’t matter who has the better stand up or the better wrestling. This is a fight. I have to be prepared to strike, wrestle, use my jiu-jitsu — everything. He’s a tough kid and I have to be prepared for anything and everything.
MMAmania.com: You mentioned he has good knees, which are pretty much what set up the recent wins over Hughes and Parisyan. How are you going to deal with that as to not get caught like you did against Drew Fickett?
Josh Koscheck: We have a strategy, like I said. We always put together gameplans that give me the best chance of winning. Let’s just say that I don’t intend to put myself in too many dangerous situations and we are well aware of the damage that he can do with those knees.
MMAmania.com: How do you plan to handle his size and strength?
Josh Koscheck: Well, my good friend, Jon Fitch, who I train with every day pretty much kicked his ass not too long ago. And Jon is not the only big guy who I work with at AKA. Trevor Prangley is a huge 185 pounder who walks around at like 220 and I’m in the gym working with him everyday, too. Phil Baroni, Mike Swick and all of my other training partners are big guys. So competing against someone who may be bigger, faster or more powerful than me is really not that much of a concern. I’ve also already fought the best 170-pound fighter in the world, Georges St. Pierre, so nothing really worries me at this stage of my career.
MMAmania.com: If he comes in several pounds over the division limit like he did against Hughes do you intend to still take the fight? It seemed to be a big advantage for him in that one.
Josh Koscheck: Absolutely, Thiago can weigh 190 and I’ll still fight him. I don’t care about that. It isn’t about him making or losing weight. He can weigh whatever he wants and I’ll still fight him.
MMAmania.com: Since Fitch fought him in 2006 Thiago has clearly evolved in more ways than one. He’s certainly a better fighter and he is clearly much bigger. I know you joked about his physical transformation a little bit in a video that MMAmania.com passed along not too long ago, but do you ever seriously wonder what’s in the juice this guy is drinking?
Josh Koscheck: Well, for someone who has tested positive for illegal substances in the past (diuretics) there might be something going on there or some concerns. But who am I to say what he does or what he may have done. He’ll be tested just like every other fighter on the card. I can’t worry about stuff like that. I just know that I’m ready to fight and perform. The rest will take care of itself.
MMAmania.com: Does training with Fitch give you any competitive or psychological advantage heading into this fight? On the flip side Fitch is in Thailand right now — is it a disadvantage not having him around or in your corner for this one?
Josh Koscheck: I’ve been training with Jon Fitch for years and months. Every time I’m preparing to step into the cage he helps me out. And I do the same for him. We talk on the phone all the time and he has helped put together this gameplan for Thiago even though he is not around right now. We’re ready to go. It’s really just been one week that he hasn’t been in town and we have been talking about fighters, fight strategies and everything else for years. I’m the one who has to step in the cage on Saturday night — not Jon Fitch or anyone else. I’m going to win with what I have. That’s my plan.
MMAmania.com: Is there any bad blood between you and Thiago or AKA and American Top Team (ATT) where he trains?
Josh Koscheck: There’s no hard feelings between me and Thiago. We’re both professionals and we know what’s at stake with this fight. I respect him and everyone else at his gym. People don’t realize that for him to take this fight with me on two weeks notice is pretty ballsy — he could have said no just like me. But he didn’t. That’s the way I look at it. He stepped up and took the fight with me on short notice … not the other way around. May the best man win.
MMAmania.com: Ideally, how would you like to see this fight end?
Josh Koscheck: I’d like to knock him out in the first round like Seth Petruzelli did to Kimbo Slice the other night. If I had my way that would be the ultimate. If I get the quick knockout then I don’t have to deal with him for 15 minutes. But I don’t think that’s going to happen. I see this as a dog fight. We’re both going to come in and do our thing. He’s probably been training his ass off. Thiago was supposed to fight Diego Sanchez so I’m sure he’s been working his ass off to get ready for him.
MMAmania.com: Let’s say you get this fight to the ground … can you keep him there? He appears to be able to get back to his feet real well.
Josh Koscheck: We’ll find out on October 25. If I take him down and he gets up that’s just part of the sport. It won’t be anything new if he does. I’ll just have to take him down again if that’s how the fight goes. I’ve been in this situation before. I just have to go in and fight my fight.
MMAmania.com: Well we wish you the best of luck against Thiago on Saturday night. It should be a hell of a fight. Thanks for speaking with us and for stepping up.
Lions Den To Open New Gym In California
Modesto, CA. October 17, 2008 Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den Modesto (www.lionsdenca.com), California's premier Mixed Martial Arts training center is set to open this Fall. This state-of-the-art facility boasts over 12,000 square feet of training area, which includes 4,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a 4,000 square foot free weight and cardio theatre, full circuit training area, a professional raised floor boxing ring and a full size competition cage for mixed martial arts. The Modesto Lion’s Den Facility has it all, including a fully stocked MMA apparel store, carrying name brands such as Tap Out, Xtreme Couture and Affliction.
Lion's Den Modesto classes and world renowned instructors are unparalleled. Classes are set up to accommodate men, women and children of all skill levels, from beginners to professional athletes. Members have the opportunity to train with the best instructors in the area and along side elite athletes. MMA fans can train at the same facility as the fighters they cheer on in competition.
Lion’s Den Modesto MMA Classes:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Both Gi (training in the traditional kimono) and no-Gi classes are offered. This program is for men, woman and children of all skill levels.
Krav Maga- The most intence of all Martial Arts. Krav Maga is a practical and tactical system which teaches how to prevent and overcome violence and attacks. KM teaches self-defense, self protection, fighting and combat skills, as well as skills to defend others.
Kickboxing A full body workout that incorporates martial-arts-style kicks and western-boxing-style strikes
Muay Thai - A form of martial arts that uses all parts of the body, including the elbows and knees, for both training and competitions
Grappling - A combination of multiple martial arts with influences from combat submission wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Mixed Martial Arts - MMA classes allow members to put all of their trained disciplines together (Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Grappling). Mixed Martial Arts classes are for advanced students that have acquired skills in each individual discipline.
Martial Arts Programs for Children: Lion's Cub classes are for ages 4-8 and Lion's Juniors classes are for ages 9-14. These age-defined programs include Kick Boxing, Grappling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing.
Private Lessons: Private Lessons are offered for Kick-boxing and Jiu Jitsu.
“No facility in California’s central valley can compete with the talent that our Lion’s Den trainers bring to the table”, says Lions Den Founder and MMA legend Ken Shamrock. “Lion’s Den Modesto is the most advanced training center in the area and offers the best in mixed martial arts programs; not only will members train with some of the best instructors in the industry, they will have access to top of the line equipment, in which to perfect their skills.”
For those interested in taking their MMA career to the next level, tryouts for the Lion’s Den Elite team will be held at Lion's Den Modesto semi-annually. Athletes are required to put all of their MMA training to the test against other competitors in this elimination style format. Members of the Elite team will be chosen by Ken Shamrock himself and will compete professionally, while representing the Lion’s Den.
The training center is located at 518 Kiernan Ave in Modesto California. Lion’s Den Modesto will hold several exciting events during grand opening week. Free submission clinics instructed by Ken Shamrock will be held for local military, firefighters and police officers. In addition, the first annual Lion's Den Modesto Elite Team tryouts will be conducted at the new facility.
Pre sales are going on now, Monday-Friday 9:00am-7:30pm and Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm. The first 200 members to sign up will receive a V.I.P. Ken Shamrock Training Experience and MMA Uniform valued at over $1,000.00.
Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den Modesto
Modesto based Lion’s Den Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training Center located at 518 Kiernan Ave in Modesto is the premier training facility of its kind in California. This state-of-the-art facility has over 12,000 square feet of training area, including 4,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a full weight and cardio room, professional size boxing ring and a competition octagon for mixed martial arts. Lions Den Modesto employs a world renowned team of instructors, hand selected by the legendary Ken Shamrock to ensure that every member exceeds their personal goals in each selected discipline. Programs are offered for both men and women in Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts. Lions Den also offers the best in child martial arts programs. Classes are set up to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from entry level students to world class athletes. Private lessons are available. At Lion’s Den Modesto you don’t have to be a world Champion to train like one. For more information visit www.lionsdenca.com.
Modesto, CA. October 17, 2008 Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den Modesto (www.lionsdenca.com), California's premier Mixed Martial Arts training center is set to open this Fall. This state-of-the-art facility boasts over 12,000 square feet of training area, which includes 4,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a 4,000 square foot free weight and cardio theatre, full circuit training area, a professional raised floor boxing ring and a full size competition cage for mixed martial arts. The Modesto Lion’s Den Facility has it all, including a fully stocked MMA apparel store, carrying name brands such as Tap Out, Xtreme Couture and Affliction.
Lion's Den Modesto classes and world renowned instructors are unparalleled. Classes are set up to accommodate men, women and children of all skill levels, from beginners to professional athletes. Members have the opportunity to train with the best instructors in the area and along side elite athletes. MMA fans can train at the same facility as the fighters they cheer on in competition.
Lion’s Den Modesto MMA Classes:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Both Gi (training in the traditional kimono) and no-Gi classes are offered. This program is for men, woman and children of all skill levels.
Krav Maga- The most intence of all Martial Arts. Krav Maga is a practical and tactical system which teaches how to prevent and overcome violence and attacks. KM teaches self-defense, self protection, fighting and combat skills, as well as skills to defend others.
Kickboxing A full body workout that incorporates martial-arts-style kicks and western-boxing-style strikes
Muay Thai - A form of martial arts that uses all parts of the body, including the elbows and knees, for both training and competitions
Grappling - A combination of multiple martial arts with influences from combat submission wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Mixed Martial Arts - MMA classes allow members to put all of their trained disciplines together (Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Grappling). Mixed Martial Arts classes are for advanced students that have acquired skills in each individual discipline.
Martial Arts Programs for Children: Lion's Cub classes are for ages 4-8 and Lion's Juniors classes are for ages 9-14. These age-defined programs include Kick Boxing, Grappling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing.
Private Lessons: Private Lessons are offered for Kick-boxing and Jiu Jitsu.
“No facility in California’s central valley can compete with the talent that our Lion’s Den trainers bring to the table”, says Lions Den Founder and MMA legend Ken Shamrock. “Lion’s Den Modesto is the most advanced training center in the area and offers the best in mixed martial arts programs; not only will members train with some of the best instructors in the industry, they will have access to top of the line equipment, in which to perfect their skills.”
For those interested in taking their MMA career to the next level, tryouts for the Lion’s Den Elite team will be held at Lion's Den Modesto semi-annually. Athletes are required to put all of their MMA training to the test against other competitors in this elimination style format. Members of the Elite team will be chosen by Ken Shamrock himself and will compete professionally, while representing the Lion’s Den.
The training center is located at 518 Kiernan Ave in Modesto California. Lion’s Den Modesto will hold several exciting events during grand opening week. Free submission clinics instructed by Ken Shamrock will be held for local military, firefighters and police officers. In addition, the first annual Lion's Den Modesto Elite Team tryouts will be conducted at the new facility.
Pre sales are going on now, Monday-Friday 9:00am-7:30pm and Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm. The first 200 members to sign up will receive a V.I.P. Ken Shamrock Training Experience and MMA Uniform valued at over $1,000.00.
Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den Modesto
Modesto based Lion’s Den Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training Center located at 518 Kiernan Ave in Modesto is the premier training facility of its kind in California. This state-of-the-art facility has over 12,000 square feet of training area, including 4,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a full weight and cardio room, professional size boxing ring and a competition octagon for mixed martial arts. Lions Den Modesto employs a world renowned team of instructors, hand selected by the legendary Ken Shamrock to ensure that every member exceeds their personal goals in each selected discipline. Programs are offered for both men and women in Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts. Lions Den also offers the best in child martial arts programs. Classes are set up to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from entry level students to world class athletes. Private lessons are available. At Lion’s Den Modesto you don’t have to be a world Champion to train like one. For more information visit www.lionsdenca.com.
Despite short break and trans-Atlantic journey, Dan Miller eager for UFC 90
A trans-Atlantic trip less than a week before a scheduled fight isn't generally considered a recommended practice.
But that's exactly what UFC middleweight Dan Miller (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), brother of UFC lightweight Jim Miller, did in advance of his Saturday night bout with Matt Horwich at "UFC 90: Silva vs. Cote." Dan made the trip to Birmingham, England, to watch brother Jim in action at UFC 89.
"It was tough," Dan recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the travel. "I was exhausted, but I wouldn't have missed it."
After earning a first-round submission win over Rob Kimmons at UFC Fight Night 15 in September, Dan will now look to take the fighting Miller brothers' record to 3-0 in the UFC. Despite fighting twice in just a six-week span, Dan said missing Jim's fight wasn't an option.
"There's no way that I was going to miss Jimmy fight," Dan said. "I've done that once, and it was only because I was in the hospital. If there's a way for me to be in his corner, I'm going to be there."
Dan admitted the journey left him a bit depleted, but he said he knew there was a price to pay for the continued support of his brother.
"It's something that I had to deal with," Dan said of the difficulties of travel. "I knew that going into this fight, that I was going to be over [in England]. I just accepted it and went over there. But it was tough, the plane ride. I'm still kind of tired."
Dan said that despite the challenge of the trip to Birmingham, he will benefit from returning to action so quickly after his most recent bout.
"I like [the short layoff]," Dan said. "If I could do this all the time, I would do it all the time. I like fighting as fast as possible. I like staying in shape.
"The hardest thing is losing it and then having to get everything back -- trying to get your wind back. All that. I didn't really have to do much. I didn't have to work that hard to get my wind back. It was already there. I just had to continue what I was doing. I liked it."
Dan will face fellow IFL veteran and submission expert Horwich. While Dan doesn't generally watch tape of his opponents, exposure to Horwich during their tenure in the IFL has left Dan confident of his chances.
"I actually never scout," Dan said. "I don't watch tape on guys. But I have seen Matt fight just from seeing events and stuff like that. ... I do know how I match up with him. I match up pretty well.
"I think I'm better on the feet. I'm a better wrestler. And I think I'm better on the ground. It doesn't matter where the fight goes. I have the advantage."
The Miller brothers were both victorious in their UFC debuts, and Dan will look to keep the family's streak alive Saturday night.
"It would be a big win -- just getting my second win in the UFC," Dan said. "(I'm) just trying to climb that ladder. Just keep winning and keep performing well."
A trans-Atlantic trip less than a week before a scheduled fight isn't generally considered a recommended practice.
But that's exactly what UFC middleweight Dan Miller (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), brother of UFC lightweight Jim Miller, did in advance of his Saturday night bout with Matt Horwich at "UFC 90: Silva vs. Cote." Dan made the trip to Birmingham, England, to watch brother Jim in action at UFC 89.
"It was tough," Dan recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the travel. "I was exhausted, but I wouldn't have missed it."
After earning a first-round submission win over Rob Kimmons at UFC Fight Night 15 in September, Dan will now look to take the fighting Miller brothers' record to 3-0 in the UFC. Despite fighting twice in just a six-week span, Dan said missing Jim's fight wasn't an option.
"There's no way that I was going to miss Jimmy fight," Dan said. "I've done that once, and it was only because I was in the hospital. If there's a way for me to be in his corner, I'm going to be there."
Dan admitted the journey left him a bit depleted, but he said he knew there was a price to pay for the continued support of his brother.
"It's something that I had to deal with," Dan said of the difficulties of travel. "I knew that going into this fight, that I was going to be over [in England]. I just accepted it and went over there. But it was tough, the plane ride. I'm still kind of tired."
Dan said that despite the challenge of the trip to Birmingham, he will benefit from returning to action so quickly after his most recent bout.
"I like [the short layoff]," Dan said. "If I could do this all the time, I would do it all the time. I like fighting as fast as possible. I like staying in shape.
"The hardest thing is losing it and then having to get everything back -- trying to get your wind back. All that. I didn't really have to do much. I didn't have to work that hard to get my wind back. It was already there. I just had to continue what I was doing. I liked it."
Dan will face fellow IFL veteran and submission expert Horwich. While Dan doesn't generally watch tape of his opponents, exposure to Horwich during their tenure in the IFL has left Dan confident of his chances.
"I actually never scout," Dan said. "I don't watch tape on guys. But I have seen Matt fight just from seeing events and stuff like that. ... I do know how I match up with him. I match up pretty well.
"I think I'm better on the feet. I'm a better wrestler. And I think I'm better on the ground. It doesn't matter where the fight goes. I have the advantage."
The Miller brothers were both victorious in their UFC debuts, and Dan will look to keep the family's streak alive Saturday night.
"It would be a big win -- just getting my second win in the UFC," Dan said. "(I'm) just trying to climb that ladder. Just keep winning and keep performing well."
California commission upholds Antonio Silva's one-year suspension and fine
The California State Athletic Commission today voted unanimously to uphold the suspension and fine issued to Antonio Silva following his July victory over Justin Eilers for the vacant EliteXC heavyweight title.
After the July 26 fight, which took place in Stockton, Calif., the CSAC issued Silva a one-year suspension and $2,500 fine due to a failed test for Boldenone, an anabolic steroid.
Silva denied the use, but his appeal was struck down today during a hearing in Los Angeles, CSAC executive Bill Douglas confirmed with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
"Both (were) completely upheld across the board unanimously," Douglas said of the fine and suspension.
Soon after news of the failed test, Silva's manager, Alex Davis, said that not only did Silva not use any banned substances leading up to the fight but that they'd "go to the very gates of hell" to prove it. Silva even employed the services of noted doping lawyer Howard Jacobs.
After Davis' statement, former EliteXC Head of Fight Operations Jeremy Lappen issued one of his own stating that the organization wouldn't decide whether to strip Silva of the title until the hearing. However, with the organization's recent demise, Silva will go down as EliteXC's first and only heavyweight title-holder.
Boldenone was developed for veterinary use -- primarily for horses -- but has been used by football players, boxers, mixed martial artists and other athletes in recent years as a performance-enhancing drugs.
Independent tests were conducted by Quest Diagnostics for Silva's "A" sample and Laboratoire De Controle Du Dopage for the "B" sample.
Silva (11-1) has won his past four fights will be shut down until July 2009.
The California State Athletic Commission today voted unanimously to uphold the suspension and fine issued to Antonio Silva following his July victory over Justin Eilers for the vacant EliteXC heavyweight title.
After the July 26 fight, which took place in Stockton, Calif., the CSAC issued Silva a one-year suspension and $2,500 fine due to a failed test for Boldenone, an anabolic steroid.
Silva denied the use, but his appeal was struck down today during a hearing in Los Angeles, CSAC executive Bill Douglas confirmed with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
"Both (were) completely upheld across the board unanimously," Douglas said of the fine and suspension.
Soon after news of the failed test, Silva's manager, Alex Davis, said that not only did Silva not use any banned substances leading up to the fight but that they'd "go to the very gates of hell" to prove it. Silva even employed the services of noted doping lawyer Howard Jacobs.
After Davis' statement, former EliteXC Head of Fight Operations Jeremy Lappen issued one of his own stating that the organization wouldn't decide whether to strip Silva of the title until the hearing. However, with the organization's recent demise, Silva will go down as EliteXC's first and only heavyweight title-holder.
Boldenone was developed for veterinary use -- primarily for horses -- but has been used by football players, boxers, mixed martial artists and other athletes in recent years as a performance-enhancing drugs.
Independent tests were conducted by Quest Diagnostics for Silva's "A" sample and Laboratoire De Controle Du Dopage for the "B" sample.
Silva (11-1) has won his past four fights will be shut down until July 2009.
WORLD MMA RANKINGS: BANTAMWEIGHTS DEBUT!
The latest MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings were released on Wednesday, October 22. This system ranks the Top 10 MMA fighters from all across the world – now in each of the seven most widely accepted weight classes.
This week, the Bantamweight fighters make their debut as part of the MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings. The Bantamweights are classified as athletes that compete at a weight of 135 pounds or less. Leading the initial charge for the class is World Extreme Cagefighting champion Miguel Torres.
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 October 22.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (over 205 pounds)
#1 Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Fedor Emelianenko
2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
3. Josh Barnett
4. Andrei Arlovski
5. Tim Sylvia
6. Fabricio Werdum
7. Gabriel Gonzaga
8. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic
9. Aleksander Emelianenko
10. Sergei Kharitonov
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (205-pound limit)
#1 Light Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Forrest Griffin
2. Quinton Jackson
3. Lyoto Machida
4. Rashad Evans
5. Chuck Liddell
6. Wanderlei Silva
7. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
8. Keith Jardine
9. Rich Franklin
10. Thiago Silva
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION (185-pound limit)
#1 Middleweight Fighter in the World: Anderson Silva
2. Paulo Filho
3. Robbie Lawler
4. Matt Lindland
5. Kazuo Misaki
6. Yushin Okami
7. Nathan Marquardt
8. Dan Henderson
9. Gegard Mousasi
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. Jake Shields
6. Matt Hughes
7. Matt Serra
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. Mitsuhiro Ishida
9. Josh Thomson
10. Joe Stevenson
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION (145-pound limit)
#1 Featherweight Fighter in the World: Urijah Faber
2. Akitoshi Tamura
3. Hideki Kadowaki
4. Hatsu Hioki
5. "Lion" Takeshi Inoue
6. Mike Brown
7. Jeff Curran
8. Rafael Assuncao
9. Wagnney Fabiano
10. Antonio Carvalho
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION (135 pounds or less)
#1 Bantamweight Fighter in the World: Miguel Torres
2. Masakatsu Ueda
3. Brian Bowles
4. Koetsu Okazaki
5. Marcos Galvao
6. Takeya Mizugaki
7. Manny Tapia
8. Will Ribeiro
9. Chase Beebe
10. Atsushi Yamamoto
The latest MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings were released on Wednesday, October 22. This system ranks the Top 10 MMA fighters from all across the world – now in each of the seven most widely accepted weight classes.
This week, the Bantamweight fighters make their debut as part of the MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings. The Bantamweights are classified as athletes that compete at a weight of 135 pounds or less. Leading the initial charge for the class is World Extreme Cagefighting champion Miguel Torres.
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 October 22.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (over 205 pounds)
#1 Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Fedor Emelianenko
2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
3. Josh Barnett
4. Andrei Arlovski
5. Tim Sylvia
6. Fabricio Werdum
7. Gabriel Gonzaga
8. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic
9. Aleksander Emelianenko
10. Sergei Kharitonov
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (205-pound limit)
#1 Light Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Forrest Griffin
2. Quinton Jackson
3. Lyoto Machida
4. Rashad Evans
5. Chuck Liddell
6. Wanderlei Silva
7. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
8. Keith Jardine
9. Rich Franklin
10. Thiago Silva
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION (185-pound limit)
#1 Middleweight Fighter in the World: Anderson Silva
2. Paulo Filho
3. Robbie Lawler
4. Matt Lindland
5. Kazuo Misaki
6. Yushin Okami
7. Nathan Marquardt
8. Dan Henderson
9. Gegard Mousasi
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. Jake Shields
6. Matt Hughes
7. Matt Serra
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. Mitsuhiro Ishida
9. Josh Thomson
10. Joe Stevenson
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION (145-pound limit)
#1 Featherweight Fighter in the World: Urijah Faber
2. Akitoshi Tamura
3. Hideki Kadowaki
4. Hatsu Hioki
5. "Lion" Takeshi Inoue
6. Mike Brown
7. Jeff Curran
8. Rafael Assuncao
9. Wagnney Fabiano
10. Antonio Carvalho
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION (135 pounds or less)
#1 Bantamweight Fighter in the World: Miguel Torres
2. Masakatsu Ueda
3. Brian Bowles
4. Koetsu Okazaki
5. Marcos Galvao
6. Takeya Mizugaki
7. Manny Tapia
8. Will Ribeiro
9. Chase Beebe
10. Atsushi Yamamoto
Stephan Bonnar vs Jon Jones UFC 94 fight on tap
Stephan Bonnar (11-4) confirmed that he will return to action against Jon Jones (6-0) at UFC 94 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 31, according to a recent interview with InsideFighting.com.
Bonnar — The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season one light heavyweight finalist — has been on the mend nursing a surgically repaired knee back to health for the past several months.
He sustained the catastrophic injury while training for a big fight against Matt Hamill at UFC Fight Night 13 back in April, derailing the progress he had made after a suspension for steroids. In fact, he was on a two-fight win streak, finishing Eric Schafer and Mike Nickels, respectively, establishing himself once again as a dangerous light heavyweight threat.
Now training at X-Treme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Chicago transplant will have to gear up for one of the most promising prospects in the division.
Jones scored a unanimous decision win over veteran Andre Gusmao at UFC 87: “Seek and Destroy” back in April, electrifying the crowd with his raw talent and improvisation within the cage that included spinning backfists, double spinning back elbows … crazy stuff.
And he did it all on just days notice.
It marked the sixth career win for Jones and his sixth fight of 2008. That’s right, “Bones” is a decorated collegiate wrestler who just recently made the transition to mixed martial arts and is already making some waves at the UFC level.
He’ll have his hands full, however, against a very hungry and experienced “American Psycho” on Super Bowl weekend.
UFC 94 will feature the welterweight superfight between former 170-pound champion and current lightweight kingpin BJ Penn versus reigning welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, as well as the highly anticipated showdown between light heavyweight unbeatens Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva.
Stephan Bonnar (11-4) confirmed that he will return to action against Jon Jones (6-0) at UFC 94 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 31, according to a recent interview with InsideFighting.com.
Bonnar — The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season one light heavyweight finalist — has been on the mend nursing a surgically repaired knee back to health for the past several months.
He sustained the catastrophic injury while training for a big fight against Matt Hamill at UFC Fight Night 13 back in April, derailing the progress he had made after a suspension for steroids. In fact, he was on a two-fight win streak, finishing Eric Schafer and Mike Nickels, respectively, establishing himself once again as a dangerous light heavyweight threat.
Now training at X-Treme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Chicago transplant will have to gear up for one of the most promising prospects in the division.
Jones scored a unanimous decision win over veteran Andre Gusmao at UFC 87: “Seek and Destroy” back in April, electrifying the crowd with his raw talent and improvisation within the cage that included spinning backfists, double spinning back elbows … crazy stuff.
And he did it all on just days notice.
It marked the sixth career win for Jones and his sixth fight of 2008. That’s right, “Bones” is a decorated collegiate wrestler who just recently made the transition to mixed martial arts and is already making some waves at the UFC level.
He’ll have his hands full, however, against a very hungry and experienced “American Psycho” on Super Bowl weekend.
UFC 94 will feature the welterweight superfight between former 170-pound champion and current lightweight kingpin BJ Penn versus reigning welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, as well as the highly anticipated showdown between light heavyweight unbeatens Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva.