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Lashley: 'I Can Match Up with Any Heavyweight Right Now'
He’s been wrestling for 18 years and won three national amateur wrestling titles at Missouri Valley College from 1996-1998. He’s an Armed Forces champion as well, but that’s not how most people know Bobby Lashley.
Wrestling for the WWE for three years seems to take center stage, but that’s a distinction Lashley hopes will take a backseat after joining American Top Team.
“Coming into MMA, I just wanted to make sure people realize that I’m coming in this for real and I want to be known as a fighter that used to be a professional wrestler as opposed to a professional wrestler that’s now fighting,” Lashley told the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Beatdown” last week. “So when I came to American Top Team that was my way of showing dedication to these MMA guys because it’s still an appreciation factor. I appreciate a lot of the guys out there and I hope they appreciate that I’m taking the necessary steps. I’m learning the techniques.”
Lashley said he’s ready to put in the time, and hopes fans recognize it.
“I’m fighting the necessary shows and learning how to box, learning kickboxing, muay Thai, jiu-jitsu and tying it all together,” he said. “Now I’m going out to be an MMA fighter and I hope people appreciate that and not just bad mouth me because I used to be a professional wrestler.”
In his MMA debut last December, Lashley dispatched of Joshua Franklin in 41 seconds via a technical knockout from a cut at the Mixed Fight Alliance in Miami. He has since signed on for two fights with the Palace Fighting Championships and will be taking on Mike Hayes on Feb. 6 at the Tachi Palace and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.
Lashley, another hulking figure at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, seems to be moving at the appropriate pace. Yet, with another former WWE champion in Brock Lesnar making recent waves with his UFC heavyweight championship victory over Randy Couture, many wonder how soon it will be before Lashley signs on with the UFC as well.
“I think it’s not going to be my decision or my manager’s decision,” said Lashley. “Ultimately, it’s going to be Dana White’s decision. I think they understand what I’m doing right now. I’m not just trying to jump in there right away. If we jumped in there right now it’s just a professional wrestler fighting. I want to feel comfortable in the ring and I want to build myself up. I want to be an established MMA fighter, than take on those big fights.”
Lashley, 32, said he has a list of goals he’s tackling one by one.
"As far as a timeline, that first fight was short, but I did get a lot of checks that I wanted,” he said. “Seeing that door close was check number one. Next thing is this guy coming up (Mike Hayes) -- he’s a striker. That will be another check. We’re going to try and go bigger and bigger and bigger. So whenever Dana White is ready for us, we’re going to be doing the necessary things to progress and be ready to step in there.”
That’s not to say Lashley doesn’t believe he can’t step into the Octagon right now.
“I think I’d do real well against a lot of those guys because they’re heavyweights and I’m a heavyweight also,” Lashley said. “At the lighter weights there are a lot of things to consider. At heavyweight some of those things get taken out of the equation. So at heavyweight you’re going to have brawlers, guys with good takedowns and decent submissions. Right now I have those. I think that I can go match up with almost any heavyweight right now.”
Coming from a world of steel chairs and cage matches isn’t something new. How does Lashley separate himself from that other former WWE wrestler?
“Fight him,” said Lashley. “There’s no real reason to separate myself from him. He’s at the top of the totem pole right now. He’s a champ. Myself and every other heavyweight in this business wants to be the best, and to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. Right now the best is Brock. I don’t think there’s going to be too much separation between the two of us. My eye is still going to be on the target whether it be fighting Brock or whoever the champ is at the time. I’m sure we’ll meet some time.”
And how will that bout play out?
“I would like for Bobby Lashley to be victorious by way of knockout,” Lashley said. “Everyone wants something like that. But we’re not just going to steer completely away from the wrestling. It will turn into a wrestling match. But at the same token he’s been training jiu-jitsu as I have and we’ve both been training standup. So I think it’s just going to be a brawl. We’re both two big athletic heavyweights with quick hands, hard punches and quick takedowns. It’s going to be a brawl.”
He’s been wrestling for 18 years and won three national amateur wrestling titles at Missouri Valley College from 1996-1998. He’s an Armed Forces champion as well, but that’s not how most people know Bobby Lashley.
Wrestling for the WWE for three years seems to take center stage, but that’s a distinction Lashley hopes will take a backseat after joining American Top Team.
“Coming into MMA, I just wanted to make sure people realize that I’m coming in this for real and I want to be known as a fighter that used to be a professional wrestler as opposed to a professional wrestler that’s now fighting,” Lashley told the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Beatdown” last week. “So when I came to American Top Team that was my way of showing dedication to these MMA guys because it’s still an appreciation factor. I appreciate a lot of the guys out there and I hope they appreciate that I’m taking the necessary steps. I’m learning the techniques.”
Lashley said he’s ready to put in the time, and hopes fans recognize it.
“I’m fighting the necessary shows and learning how to box, learning kickboxing, muay Thai, jiu-jitsu and tying it all together,” he said. “Now I’m going out to be an MMA fighter and I hope people appreciate that and not just bad mouth me because I used to be a professional wrestler.”
In his MMA debut last December, Lashley dispatched of Joshua Franklin in 41 seconds via a technical knockout from a cut at the Mixed Fight Alliance in Miami. He has since signed on for two fights with the Palace Fighting Championships and will be taking on Mike Hayes on Feb. 6 at the Tachi Palace and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.
Lashley, another hulking figure at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, seems to be moving at the appropriate pace. Yet, with another former WWE champion in Brock Lesnar making recent waves with his UFC heavyweight championship victory over Randy Couture, many wonder how soon it will be before Lashley signs on with the UFC as well.
“I think it’s not going to be my decision or my manager’s decision,” said Lashley. “Ultimately, it’s going to be Dana White’s decision. I think they understand what I’m doing right now. I’m not just trying to jump in there right away. If we jumped in there right now it’s just a professional wrestler fighting. I want to feel comfortable in the ring and I want to build myself up. I want to be an established MMA fighter, than take on those big fights.”
Lashley, 32, said he has a list of goals he’s tackling one by one.
"As far as a timeline, that first fight was short, but I did get a lot of checks that I wanted,” he said. “Seeing that door close was check number one. Next thing is this guy coming up (Mike Hayes) -- he’s a striker. That will be another check. We’re going to try and go bigger and bigger and bigger. So whenever Dana White is ready for us, we’re going to be doing the necessary things to progress and be ready to step in there.”
That’s not to say Lashley doesn’t believe he can’t step into the Octagon right now.
“I think I’d do real well against a lot of those guys because they’re heavyweights and I’m a heavyweight also,” Lashley said. “At the lighter weights there are a lot of things to consider. At heavyweight some of those things get taken out of the equation. So at heavyweight you’re going to have brawlers, guys with good takedowns and decent submissions. Right now I have those. I think that I can go match up with almost any heavyweight right now.”
Coming from a world of steel chairs and cage matches isn’t something new. How does Lashley separate himself from that other former WWE wrestler?
“Fight him,” said Lashley. “There’s no real reason to separate myself from him. He’s at the top of the totem pole right now. He’s a champ. Myself and every other heavyweight in this business wants to be the best, and to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. Right now the best is Brock. I don’t think there’s going to be too much separation between the two of us. My eye is still going to be on the target whether it be fighting Brock or whoever the champ is at the time. I’m sure we’ll meet some time.”
And how will that bout play out?
“I would like for Bobby Lashley to be victorious by way of knockout,” Lashley said. “Everyone wants something like that. But we’re not just going to steer completely away from the wrestling. It will turn into a wrestling match. But at the same token he’s been training jiu-jitsu as I have and we’ve both been training standup. So I think it’s just going to be a brawl. We’re both two big athletic heavyweights with quick hands, hard punches and quick takedowns. It’s going to be a brawl.”
5 Questions for Affliction ‘Day of Reckoning’
As infomercials go, Saturday’s three-hour Affliction “Day of Reckoning” telecast promises to be relatively painless -- providing you’re not a participant.
The apparel company’s second semi-charitable show is low on tomato-can stock, and like the best events, it promises to pose questions about records, careers and legacies. The $44.95 pay-per-view premium is the price paid for answers.
Cases in point:
1. Is the “old” Vitor Belfort hiding at 185 pounds?
There’s no denying that Belfort’s iconic performance at UFC 12 in 1997 guaranteed him work in MMA for as long as he desired: Slicing through a heavyweight tournament, Belfort embarrassed the competition with his athleticism and hand speed. Viewers knew he was something special.
Belfort -- and fans -- have been chasing that potential ever since.
Disinterested performances and personal strife followed; mid-fight, Belfort was predisposed to easy knockouts of his will. But like Tyson, the clichéd comparison, he would always draw a crowd -- one waiting to see a glimpse of the kinetic terror that had once thrilled them.
Shedding bulk that had seen him balloon to upward of 230 pounds, Belfort fought at 185 in July for Affliction, scoring an impressive knockout of canned-ham-handed Terry Martin. Saturday, he makes a significant step up by opposing Matt Lindland, a wrestler who can shut down virtually anyone.
It’s a tall order for Belfort, who traditionally hasn’t done well against wrestlers -- Dan Henderson, Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz have all handled him -- but if he can put up a fight against Lindland, it bodes well for his future as a Shrinky-Dinked contender.
2. Does Freddie Roach matter in MMA?
Hardly a minute passes by in the hype footage for Andrei Arlovski that someone doesn’t mention Freddie Roach, the renowned stand-up trainer for hands as skilled as Oscar De La Hoya’s and Manny Pacquiao’s. We’re supposed to be galvanized by Roach blessing us with his presence in MMA, boxing’s ugly kid sister, and by Arlovski’s sharpened striking ability.
Roach has even committed to media record that Arlovski has a future in boxing -- something to be taken with a grain of salt considering that Jake La Motta once said the same thing about Robert De Niro. (Inflation of ego is one unwritten duty of hired handlers.)
But boxing is boxing, and MMA is MMA. Roach has openly dismissed grappling, and it’s questionable whether he will be able to adopt his proven philosophies for a sport with as many variables as this one. Arlovski looked sharp against Ben Rothwell and Roy Nelson, but both men are hardly known for their takedowns or kickboxing savvy; in both cases, Arlovski needed -- and got -- a boxing match with four-ounce gloves.
Against Fedor Emelianenko, his Roach-informed style might be shut down the moment his opponent decides to get underhooks. De La Hoya, after all, never had to worry about the mount.
3. Can Gilbert Yvel behave himself?
This space previously hosted an indoctrination of Yvel, as bad a boy as we have in MMA, calling into question the intelligence in giving him a prizefight in the states. Yvel has repeatedly ignored the laws of good sportsmanship to gouge eyes, strike illegally and even knock out a referee. He makes Tank Abbott look like Sportsman of the Year.
Sitting on an “Inside MMA” panel Friday, Yvel was contrite and even charming, promising to mind his ring manners against Josh Barnett. Whether it’s genuine sentiment or not, you could hardly expect him to say anything else. Like Andrew Golota before him, who was given opportunity after opportunity to clean up his act, the civilian Yvel is likely a different animal than the fighting Yvel. In the heat of the fight, he seems to lose his grasp on proper judgment.
Misconduct is rarely tolerated in other life-altering jobs: police, fire, air traffic control. Yvel has two tree-trunk thighs and dangerous hands. In the wrong frame of mind, he’s a lethal weapon. Why he’s been given a permit is still in question.
4. Can Affliction thrive?
Ticket sales are slow; ticket sales are booming. Pay-per-views are threadbare; pay-per-views are in the six figures. Affliction won’t last; Affliction is here to stay.
Spin from all angles abounds where it concerns the promotion alternately described as “upstart,” “struggling” and “cash-strapped.” In employing Emelianenko, Barnett and Arlovski -- heavyweights with price tags as large as their necks -- Affliction has set itself up for the short-term gain. Two or three shows with daunting payrolls are one thing, but five or six? 10? Inconceivable.
With this -- only the second show in six months -- Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio will gauge whether there’s a retention rate in his audience, whether Emelianenko possesses box-office power on the level of his right uppercut and if a top-heavy card is a better business strategy than a series of modest evenings.
5. Will announcer Tito Ortiz use the term “For Sure” more or less than 24 times?
Take the Over. For sure.
As infomercials go, Saturday’s three-hour Affliction “Day of Reckoning” telecast promises to be relatively painless -- providing you’re not a participant.
The apparel company’s second semi-charitable show is low on tomato-can stock, and like the best events, it promises to pose questions about records, careers and legacies. The $44.95 pay-per-view premium is the price paid for answers.
Cases in point:
1. Is the “old” Vitor Belfort hiding at 185 pounds?
There’s no denying that Belfort’s iconic performance at UFC 12 in 1997 guaranteed him work in MMA for as long as he desired: Slicing through a heavyweight tournament, Belfort embarrassed the competition with his athleticism and hand speed. Viewers knew he was something special.
Belfort -- and fans -- have been chasing that potential ever since.
Disinterested performances and personal strife followed; mid-fight, Belfort was predisposed to easy knockouts of his will. But like Tyson, the clichéd comparison, he would always draw a crowd -- one waiting to see a glimpse of the kinetic terror that had once thrilled them.
Shedding bulk that had seen him balloon to upward of 230 pounds, Belfort fought at 185 in July for Affliction, scoring an impressive knockout of canned-ham-handed Terry Martin. Saturday, he makes a significant step up by opposing Matt Lindland, a wrestler who can shut down virtually anyone.
It’s a tall order for Belfort, who traditionally hasn’t done well against wrestlers -- Dan Henderson, Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz have all handled him -- but if he can put up a fight against Lindland, it bodes well for his future as a Shrinky-Dinked contender.
2. Does Freddie Roach matter in MMA?
Hardly a minute passes by in the hype footage for Andrei Arlovski that someone doesn’t mention Freddie Roach, the renowned stand-up trainer for hands as skilled as Oscar De La Hoya’s and Manny Pacquiao’s. We’re supposed to be galvanized by Roach blessing us with his presence in MMA, boxing’s ugly kid sister, and by Arlovski’s sharpened striking ability.
Roach has even committed to media record that Arlovski has a future in boxing -- something to be taken with a grain of salt considering that Jake La Motta once said the same thing about Robert De Niro. (Inflation of ego is one unwritten duty of hired handlers.)
But boxing is boxing, and MMA is MMA. Roach has openly dismissed grappling, and it’s questionable whether he will be able to adopt his proven philosophies for a sport with as many variables as this one. Arlovski looked sharp against Ben Rothwell and Roy Nelson, but both men are hardly known for their takedowns or kickboxing savvy; in both cases, Arlovski needed -- and got -- a boxing match with four-ounce gloves.
Against Fedor Emelianenko, his Roach-informed style might be shut down the moment his opponent decides to get underhooks. De La Hoya, after all, never had to worry about the mount.
3. Can Gilbert Yvel behave himself?
This space previously hosted an indoctrination of Yvel, as bad a boy as we have in MMA, calling into question the intelligence in giving him a prizefight in the states. Yvel has repeatedly ignored the laws of good sportsmanship to gouge eyes, strike illegally and even knock out a referee. He makes Tank Abbott look like Sportsman of the Year.
Sitting on an “Inside MMA” panel Friday, Yvel was contrite and even charming, promising to mind his ring manners against Josh Barnett. Whether it’s genuine sentiment or not, you could hardly expect him to say anything else. Like Andrew Golota before him, who was given opportunity after opportunity to clean up his act, the civilian Yvel is likely a different animal than the fighting Yvel. In the heat of the fight, he seems to lose his grasp on proper judgment.
Misconduct is rarely tolerated in other life-altering jobs: police, fire, air traffic control. Yvel has two tree-trunk thighs and dangerous hands. In the wrong frame of mind, he’s a lethal weapon. Why he’s been given a permit is still in question.
4. Can Affliction thrive?
Ticket sales are slow; ticket sales are booming. Pay-per-views are threadbare; pay-per-views are in the six figures. Affliction won’t last; Affliction is here to stay.
Spin from all angles abounds where it concerns the promotion alternately described as “upstart,” “struggling” and “cash-strapped.” In employing Emelianenko, Barnett and Arlovski -- heavyweights with price tags as large as their necks -- Affliction has set itself up for the short-term gain. Two or three shows with daunting payrolls are one thing, but five or six? 10? Inconceivable.
With this -- only the second show in six months -- Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio will gauge whether there’s a retention rate in his audience, whether Emelianenko possesses box-office power on the level of his right uppercut and if a top-heavy card is a better business strategy than a series of modest evenings.
5. Will announcer Tito Ortiz use the term “For Sure” more or less than 24 times?
Take the Over. For sure.
Once buddies, Matt Serra now wants to retire Matt Hughes at UFC 98
Matt Serra wears his heart on his sleeve. If he doesn't like you, he won't talk behind your back. He'll say it to your face without thinking twice.
That doesn't mean he's a bad or vindictive person. He goes out of his way to prove that perception is far from reality. He's proud of how he's been labeled the underdog his entire MMA career, more so about the crop of fighters he's developing at his Long Island-based Serra Jiu-Jitsu academies and his future as a full-time instructor.
When it comes to Matt Hughes, Serra puts on that persona. To put it bluntly, Serra flat out hates Hughes, and neither nine months of inactivity nor 13 months of waiting for what he calls his "legacy fight" has cooled the bad blood between the two that will finally come to a head May 23 in Las Vegas.
"The guy's a dick," Serra told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "I might cuss once in a while, but I'm not that guy."
Time heals all wounds? Yeah, right.
The animosity reaches its boiling point at UFC 98, when Serra and Hughes will collide after injuries to both fighters postponed the bout originally scheduled for December 2007. Hughes initially wrote on his Web site he received a call from UFC matchmaker Joe Silva about the bout but added it wasn't 100 percent confirmed. Serra, though, has now confirmed the fight is official.
Serra was supposed to defend the welterweight championship, earned with his shocking TKO of Georges St. Pierre, against Hughes at UFC 79 before Serra suffered a herniated disc in his lower back while demonstrating a move to a student. He hoped to get Hughes in January, but Hughes was still rehabbing a partially torn PCL and a completely torn MCL in his left knee sustained during his TKO defeat to Thiago Alves. Silva then targeted March and UFC 96 in Columbus for the bout, but Serra declined with his wife set to give birth to the couple's first child, and that led to the May 23 date in Vegas.
"The most important thing is we got a freaking date," Serra said. "I think this is definitely the biggest fight of my career. Not that I want to give this guy a compliment, but he's a future hall-of-hamer in the fight game. Me taking out Matt Hughes, man that would be a couple of hall-of-hamers I'd have wins over, thinking St. Pierre is headed that route.
"Let me go on the record: I can't stand him. I don't like him. There's a lot of pride on the line here."
It wasn't always like this. In fact, after Serra lost a split decision to Din Thomas in Atlantic City at UFC 41 in February 2003, he met Hughes at a bar in the Trump Taj Mahal. Hughes approached Serra and struck up a friendship, and he proposed on working with each other to build up respective weaknesses.
"I thought he was a good guy," Serra said.
Once Serra saw Hughes coach opposite Rich Franklin on "The Ultimate Fighter 2," he noticed something a lot different: his attitude. By the sixth season of the show, Hughes and Serra were opposing coaches, and it left Serra thinking, "What a jerk," he said.
"This is no BS," Serra (9-5) said. "I don't like him; he don't like me. I'm going to train and do the right thing with one goal: to decapitate Matt Hughes."
Hughes (42-7) steps into the octagon for the first time since the devastating loss to Alves. This will be Serra's first fight since April 19, 2008, when he lost a rematch to St. Pierre and the welterweight crown while suffering an injury to the ulner nerve to his left elbow. Finally healthy, Serra recently completed negotiations on a new multi-fight deal with the UFC and plans on fighting more than once a year.
"Right now I'm all good, knock on wood," Serra said. "I want to keep it that way. And I plan on it."
But Serra never looks past any fight, especially this one. He believes his guard has improved since the GSP rematch and likes his chances better in a three-round bout. Rather than bide his time, wear out his opponent and then try to put him away, Serra intends to go for the kill immediately.
"I thought I was way too reserved (in the second GSP fight), especially with my ju-jitsu game," Serra said. "I'm going to come up with strategies standing up and on the floor. I'm going to be squared away no matter what happens."
Hughes hinted at retirement after the Alves fight. Last September, Serra told MMAjunkie.com he plans on making his decision easier. While Hughes has dropped three of his past four fights, Serra is expecting a dangerous rival hellbent on leaving on a high note. Serra is expected to be the underdog, but he's defeated the odds before. And in his world, fighting for pride is more important than becoming a champion.
"Do you think he'd be a gracious winner?" Serra said. "I can't have that. I cannot – cannot – lose to this guy, and I know that."
Matt Serra wears his heart on his sleeve. If he doesn't like you, he won't talk behind your back. He'll say it to your face without thinking twice.
That doesn't mean he's a bad or vindictive person. He goes out of his way to prove that perception is far from reality. He's proud of how he's been labeled the underdog his entire MMA career, more so about the crop of fighters he's developing at his Long Island-based Serra Jiu-Jitsu academies and his future as a full-time instructor.
When it comes to Matt Hughes, Serra puts on that persona. To put it bluntly, Serra flat out hates Hughes, and neither nine months of inactivity nor 13 months of waiting for what he calls his "legacy fight" has cooled the bad blood between the two that will finally come to a head May 23 in Las Vegas.
"The guy's a dick," Serra told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "I might cuss once in a while, but I'm not that guy."
Time heals all wounds? Yeah, right.
The animosity reaches its boiling point at UFC 98, when Serra and Hughes will collide after injuries to both fighters postponed the bout originally scheduled for December 2007. Hughes initially wrote on his Web site he received a call from UFC matchmaker Joe Silva about the bout but added it wasn't 100 percent confirmed. Serra, though, has now confirmed the fight is official.
Serra was supposed to defend the welterweight championship, earned with his shocking TKO of Georges St. Pierre, against Hughes at UFC 79 before Serra suffered a herniated disc in his lower back while demonstrating a move to a student. He hoped to get Hughes in January, but Hughes was still rehabbing a partially torn PCL and a completely torn MCL in his left knee sustained during his TKO defeat to Thiago Alves. Silva then targeted March and UFC 96 in Columbus for the bout, but Serra declined with his wife set to give birth to the couple's first child, and that led to the May 23 date in Vegas.
"The most important thing is we got a freaking date," Serra said. "I think this is definitely the biggest fight of my career. Not that I want to give this guy a compliment, but he's a future hall-of-hamer in the fight game. Me taking out Matt Hughes, man that would be a couple of hall-of-hamers I'd have wins over, thinking St. Pierre is headed that route.
"Let me go on the record: I can't stand him. I don't like him. There's a lot of pride on the line here."
It wasn't always like this. In fact, after Serra lost a split decision to Din Thomas in Atlantic City at UFC 41 in February 2003, he met Hughes at a bar in the Trump Taj Mahal. Hughes approached Serra and struck up a friendship, and he proposed on working with each other to build up respective weaknesses.
"I thought he was a good guy," Serra said.
Once Serra saw Hughes coach opposite Rich Franklin on "The Ultimate Fighter 2," he noticed something a lot different: his attitude. By the sixth season of the show, Hughes and Serra were opposing coaches, and it left Serra thinking, "What a jerk," he said.
"This is no BS," Serra (9-5) said. "I don't like him; he don't like me. I'm going to train and do the right thing with one goal: to decapitate Matt Hughes."
Hughes (42-7) steps into the octagon for the first time since the devastating loss to Alves. This will be Serra's first fight since April 19, 2008, when he lost a rematch to St. Pierre and the welterweight crown while suffering an injury to the ulner nerve to his left elbow. Finally healthy, Serra recently completed negotiations on a new multi-fight deal with the UFC and plans on fighting more than once a year.
"Right now I'm all good, knock on wood," Serra said. "I want to keep it that way. And I plan on it."
But Serra never looks past any fight, especially this one. He believes his guard has improved since the GSP rematch and likes his chances better in a three-round bout. Rather than bide his time, wear out his opponent and then try to put him away, Serra intends to go for the kill immediately.
"I thought I was way too reserved (in the second GSP fight), especially with my ju-jitsu game," Serra said. "I'm going to come up with strategies standing up and on the floor. I'm going to be squared away no matter what happens."
Hughes hinted at retirement after the Alves fight. Last September, Serra told MMAjunkie.com he plans on making his decision easier. While Hughes has dropped three of his past four fights, Serra is expecting a dangerous rival hellbent on leaving on a high note. Serra is expected to be the underdog, but he's defeated the odds before. And in his world, fighting for pride is more important than becoming a champion.
"Do you think he'd be a gracious winner?" Serra said. "I can't have that. I cannot – cannot – lose to this guy, and I know that."
Perez replaces Paixao, Henderson replaces Ratcliff at Sunday's WEC 38
Sunday's "WEC 38: Varner vs. Cerrone" fight card has undergone a couple changes.
Rolando Perez replaces Fredson Paixao in a televised fight with rising featherweight contender Jose Aldo, and Benson Henderson replaces Ed Ratcliff in a preliminary bout with fellow WEC newcomer Anthony Njokuani.
Paixao and Ratcliff were forced off the Jan. 25 card with undisclosed injuries.
Perez (4-1-1) turned pro in 2005 and has fought exclusively for the California-based Total Combat organization. He's only defeated fighters with losing records and will face the toughest test of his career against Aldo (12-1), who picked up his fifth consecutive victory with a November TKO of Jonathan Brookins at WEC 36. Also cracked many of the division's top-10 rankings with the victory.
Henderson (7-1), meanwhile, had been scheduled to compete at the Jan. 24 EVO MMA event before its recent postponement. Coming off an October decision victory over UFC veteran Diego Saraiva, Henderson will but his six-fight win streak on the line against Njokuani (9-1), a Ring of Fire and Art of War lightweight who's lost only to Donald Cerrone, who fights WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner in WEC 38's main event.
WEC 38 airs on Versus live from the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego.
Sunday's "WEC 38: Varner vs. Cerrone" fight card has undergone a couple changes.
Rolando Perez replaces Fredson Paixao in a televised fight with rising featherweight contender Jose Aldo, and Benson Henderson replaces Ed Ratcliff in a preliminary bout with fellow WEC newcomer Anthony Njokuani.
Paixao and Ratcliff were forced off the Jan. 25 card with undisclosed injuries.
Perez (4-1-1) turned pro in 2005 and has fought exclusively for the California-based Total Combat organization. He's only defeated fighters with losing records and will face the toughest test of his career against Aldo (12-1), who picked up his fifth consecutive victory with a November TKO of Jonathan Brookins at WEC 36. Also cracked many of the division's top-10 rankings with the victory.
Henderson (7-1), meanwhile, had been scheduled to compete at the Jan. 24 EVO MMA event before its recent postponement. Coming off an October decision victory over UFC veteran Diego Saraiva, Henderson will but his six-fight win streak on the line against Njokuani (9-1), a Ring of Fire and Art of War lightweight who's lost only to Donald Cerrone, who fights WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner in WEC 38's main event.
WEC 38 airs on Versus live from the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego.
David Bielkheden says he's fighting Mark Bocek at UFC 97
Swedish fighter David Bielkheden (13-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC), originally expected to fight in March at UFC 96, now says he has agreed to fight Canadian jiu-jitsu specialist Mark Bocek (6-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) in April at UFC 97.
Bielkheden recently announced the fight in his official blog.
UFC 97 takes place April 18 in Canada at Montreal's 20,000-seat Bell Centre.
As UFC President Dana White announced this past weekend, UFC 97 will feature a main event between former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva could also make a title defense against Thales Leites.
Bielkheden, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who's also well-versed in kickboxing, signed with the UFC in 2008 after fighting with PRIDE, Shooto and other organizations around the globe. He made his octagon debut at UFC 82 and suffered a late first-round submission loss (due to strikes) to Diego Sanchez. Bielkheden then dropped to lightweight and rebounded for the victory over Jess Liaudin. He's now won three of his past four fights.
Bocek, meanwhile, last competed in November when he defeated Alvin Robinson via third round submission. The victory pushed his UFC record to 2-2, which includes losses to Frankie Edgar and Mac Danzig and victories over Robinson and Doug Evans.
Swedish fighter David Bielkheden (13-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC), originally expected to fight in March at UFC 96, now says he has agreed to fight Canadian jiu-jitsu specialist Mark Bocek (6-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) in April at UFC 97.
Bielkheden recently announced the fight in his official blog.
UFC 97 takes place April 18 in Canada at Montreal's 20,000-seat Bell Centre.
As UFC President Dana White announced this past weekend, UFC 97 will feature a main event between former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva could also make a title defense against Thales Leites.
Bielkheden, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who's also well-versed in kickboxing, signed with the UFC in 2008 after fighting with PRIDE, Shooto and other organizations around the globe. He made his octagon debut at UFC 82 and suffered a late first-round submission loss (due to strikes) to Diego Sanchez. Bielkheden then dropped to lightweight and rebounded for the victory over Jess Liaudin. He's now won three of his past four fights.
Bocek, meanwhile, last competed in November when he defeated Alvin Robinson via third round submission. The victory pushed his UFC record to 2-2, which includes losses to Frankie Edgar and Mac Danzig and victories over Robinson and Doug Evans.
SHOGUN PROMISES BETTER RETURN
From the outset of UFC 93’s post-fight press conference, it was clear Mauricio “Shogun” Rua had many questions to answer.
While he managed to stop former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Coleman in the final seconds of their co-main event fight, his gas tank ran empty after just one round with the 44 year-old Hall of Famer.
Widely regarded as the number one light heavyweight in the world at the time of Pride Fighting Championship’s collapse, Rua again appeared to be a shell of the fighter who dominated opponents in Japan.
Rua said two knee injuries sustained in 2007 and 2008 took more from him than he could have anticipated.
“I stayed sidelined for a year and a half,” explained Rua. “I went through surgeries and that was not easy. So that took a lot of my conditioning. It’s one thing to train, and another to fight, and when you get back to fighting you’ve got to get back in rhythm. So I think I paid a price because of that.”
Had Coleman not been equally unprepared, the outcome might have been far worse. But Rua said he was unsurprised when he was taken down repeatedly in the fight, even as his foe was exhausted.
“I didn’t get surprised at all because I knew that Coleman was a really strong guy, and also I knew that he’s a great wrestler,” said Rua. “I fought him three years ago, so I already had a strong sense of his strength as a wrestler and his power, and I knew that it would be a hard fight.”
For a fighter with a lesser name, the performance might have cost him a trip to the bench, if not a pink slip. But UFC president Dana White, perhaps wanting to satisfy a match-up long dreamed by fans, offered the Brazilian a main event against Chuck Liddell at UFC 97 in April. Rua was quick to promise a better showing next time out.
“I’m sure by my next fight I will be more prepared (and) in better shape, and better conditioning to give my fans a great show,” he said.
Rua says he will take his comeback as slowly as one can for an April return against one of the sport’s hardest punchers. Saturday’s performance did not quash his dreams of UFC gold, no matter what the feedback.
“Obviously my dream, as any fighter, is to have the UFC belt,” he said. “But I know that my weight class is full of great fighters—the toughest weight class in the world right now in MMA—so all I have to think about is my next fight. I have to focus on my next fight, train for my next fight, take one step at a time. I’m a guy with many dreams. Thank god I was able to fulfill a number of those dreams already, and I hope to keep fulfilling the other dreams that I have.”
From the outset of UFC 93’s post-fight press conference, it was clear Mauricio “Shogun” Rua had many questions to answer.
While he managed to stop former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Coleman in the final seconds of their co-main event fight, his gas tank ran empty after just one round with the 44 year-old Hall of Famer.
Widely regarded as the number one light heavyweight in the world at the time of Pride Fighting Championship’s collapse, Rua again appeared to be a shell of the fighter who dominated opponents in Japan.
Rua said two knee injuries sustained in 2007 and 2008 took more from him than he could have anticipated.
“I stayed sidelined for a year and a half,” explained Rua. “I went through surgeries and that was not easy. So that took a lot of my conditioning. It’s one thing to train, and another to fight, and when you get back to fighting you’ve got to get back in rhythm. So I think I paid a price because of that.”
Had Coleman not been equally unprepared, the outcome might have been far worse. But Rua said he was unsurprised when he was taken down repeatedly in the fight, even as his foe was exhausted.
“I didn’t get surprised at all because I knew that Coleman was a really strong guy, and also I knew that he’s a great wrestler,” said Rua. “I fought him three years ago, so I already had a strong sense of his strength as a wrestler and his power, and I knew that it would be a hard fight.”
For a fighter with a lesser name, the performance might have cost him a trip to the bench, if not a pink slip. But UFC president Dana White, perhaps wanting to satisfy a match-up long dreamed by fans, offered the Brazilian a main event against Chuck Liddell at UFC 97 in April. Rua was quick to promise a better showing next time out.
“I’m sure by my next fight I will be more prepared (and) in better shape, and better conditioning to give my fans a great show,” he said.
Rua says he will take his comeback as slowly as one can for an April return against one of the sport’s hardest punchers. Saturday’s performance did not quash his dreams of UFC gold, no matter what the feedback.
“Obviously my dream, as any fighter, is to have the UFC belt,” he said. “But I know that my weight class is full of great fighters—the toughest weight class in the world right now in MMA—so all I have to think about is my next fight. I have to focus on my next fight, train for my next fight, take one step at a time. I’m a guy with many dreams. Thank god I was able to fulfill a number of those dreams already, and I hope to keep fulfilling the other dreams that I have.”
COLEMAN THANKFUL FOR RETURN, BUT NOT FINISHED YET
Making his way back to the UFC for the first time since 1999, Mark "The Hammer" Coleman was unable to take a victory home to Ohio, but he did walk away with a certain sense of pride, while also gaining the respect of every fan that saw him go to battle on Saturday night.
Fighting a tough opponent and his own demons in the cardio game, Coleman lost by TKO late in the third round to former pound for pound king, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in a rematch from a fight the two had while in the Pride organization in 2006.
Coleman was humble in defeat, but also grateful for the chance to get back into the Octagon – a place he called home when his career began nearly 13 years ago.
"It was great, it was an honor, a dream come true, what I've been waiting for," Coleman told MMAWeekly after the fight. "Obviously disappointed in my performance, but under the circumstances I guess I did alright. I'm not going to cry about it, I didn't have my best training camp ever."
The former Ohio State wrestler told MMAWeekly Radio prior to the fight that he worked primarily with his Hammer House teammates in Ohio to get ready for the Shogun fight. He commented that he had originally planned on making a trip to Las Vegas to work with another team out there, but timing didn't work out before this bout.
"I feel like I can put together a hell of a better training camp," Coleman stated. "I'm not going to deny I was a little tired out there, but I didn't quit. But I do plan on getting with some real professional coaches. I've trained myself basically my whole life, so I did the best I could tonight."
Following the fight, Coleman was asked about the knee strike that Shogun threw that caused the referee to stop the bout for a moment, believing it was to the head of a downed opponent. There were also noticeable lumps on the back of Coleman's head that he addressed when talking about the possibility of strikes that landed there that were not called by the referee.
"If you ain't cheating you ain't trying," Coleman said. "He got away with it. He's a pretty good fighter, he needs to go back to the drawing board himself. If I had more in the gas tank, he would have been in a lot of trouble."
It would seem at this point that the multiple years of bad blood that's seared between Coleman and Shogun has been put to rest, and the 44 year old fighter had words of advice for the Brazilian, as well as his hopes for a third match between the two someday down the road.
"I've got nothing against Shogun. I hope he gets his (expletive) together, and gets his own ass in shape," said Coleman. "Cause he was obviously tired himself, so he's got a lot of work to do as well. I'm pulling for him cause I want him to win a few, I want to win a few and I want to do it again."
Making his way back to the UFC for the first time since 1999, Mark "The Hammer" Coleman was unable to take a victory home to Ohio, but he did walk away with a certain sense of pride, while also gaining the respect of every fan that saw him go to battle on Saturday night.
Fighting a tough opponent and his own demons in the cardio game, Coleman lost by TKO late in the third round to former pound for pound king, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in a rematch from a fight the two had while in the Pride organization in 2006.
Coleman was humble in defeat, but also grateful for the chance to get back into the Octagon – a place he called home when his career began nearly 13 years ago.
"It was great, it was an honor, a dream come true, what I've been waiting for," Coleman told MMAWeekly after the fight. "Obviously disappointed in my performance, but under the circumstances I guess I did alright. I'm not going to cry about it, I didn't have my best training camp ever."
The former Ohio State wrestler told MMAWeekly Radio prior to the fight that he worked primarily with his Hammer House teammates in Ohio to get ready for the Shogun fight. He commented that he had originally planned on making a trip to Las Vegas to work with another team out there, but timing didn't work out before this bout.
"I feel like I can put together a hell of a better training camp," Coleman stated. "I'm not going to deny I was a little tired out there, but I didn't quit. But I do plan on getting with some real professional coaches. I've trained myself basically my whole life, so I did the best I could tonight."
Following the fight, Coleman was asked about the knee strike that Shogun threw that caused the referee to stop the bout for a moment, believing it was to the head of a downed opponent. There were also noticeable lumps on the back of Coleman's head that he addressed when talking about the possibility of strikes that landed there that were not called by the referee.
"If you ain't cheating you ain't trying," Coleman said. "He got away with it. He's a pretty good fighter, he needs to go back to the drawing board himself. If I had more in the gas tank, he would have been in a lot of trouble."
It would seem at this point that the multiple years of bad blood that's seared between Coleman and Shogun has been put to rest, and the 44 year old fighter had words of advice for the Brazilian, as well as his hopes for a third match between the two someday down the road.
"I've got nothing against Shogun. I hope he gets his (expletive) together, and gets his own ass in shape," said Coleman. "Cause he was obviously tired himself, so he's got a lot of work to do as well. I'm pulling for him cause I want him to win a few, I want to win a few and I want to do it again."
WHITE CONSIDERS IRELAND SHOW AMONG THE PROMOTION'S BEST
As the UFC closed out their second show in Ireland, the crowd filtered through the doors of the 02 arena satisfied with an exciting night of fights, and president Dana White could not say enough good things about the promotion's latest venture to the Emerald Isle.
The show packed in close to 10,000 fans that according to White ranks along some of the loudest shows the company has ever had in his tenure.
"Tonight was an amazing event," White said following the event at the post fight press conference. "I was just saying to these guys, pound for pound probably one of the best arenas and best crowds we've ever been to."
White paid tribute to the shows that produced the biggest reaction from the fans in attendance. It is interesting to note that 2 of the 3 shows he mentions actually take place outside of the promotion's home base in America, a testament to the growth of the sport and the UFC in broader venues.
"The three that stand out for me – Montreal, 22,000 seats sold, the crowd was absolutely insane, the whole three days that we were there was crazy. The other one is Columbus, OH the first time we ever went. 18,000 people, crowd was absolutely insane," White commented.
"9,500 people here tonight and one of the most energetic, incredible crowds I've ever been a part of. It was an amazing night. The fights were great, everybody came out and really fought their hearts out for these fans here in Ireland. We knew how excited they were for the UFC to be here and they were excited to be a part of this fight too."
At the post fight press conference, White cut out early after spending multiple weeks on the road, but fighters such as Maurcio "Shogun" Rua, Dan Henderson, Marcus Davis, and others answered questions from the thrall of media in attendance.
It seemed that every fighter on the card, felt the energy from the packed house in attendance, making the UFC's return to Ireland seemingly a lock.
As the UFC closed out their second show in Ireland, the crowd filtered through the doors of the 02 arena satisfied with an exciting night of fights, and president Dana White could not say enough good things about the promotion's latest venture to the Emerald Isle.
The show packed in close to 10,000 fans that according to White ranks along some of the loudest shows the company has ever had in his tenure.
"Tonight was an amazing event," White said following the event at the post fight press conference. "I was just saying to these guys, pound for pound probably one of the best arenas and best crowds we've ever been to."
White paid tribute to the shows that produced the biggest reaction from the fans in attendance. It is interesting to note that 2 of the 3 shows he mentions actually take place outside of the promotion's home base in America, a testament to the growth of the sport and the UFC in broader venues.
"The three that stand out for me – Montreal, 22,000 seats sold, the crowd was absolutely insane, the whole three days that we were there was crazy. The other one is Columbus, OH the first time we ever went. 18,000 people, crowd was absolutely insane," White commented.
"9,500 people here tonight and one of the most energetic, incredible crowds I've ever been a part of. It was an amazing night. The fights were great, everybody came out and really fought their hearts out for these fans here in Ireland. We knew how excited they were for the UFC to be here and they were excited to be a part of this fight too."
At the post fight press conference, White cut out early after spending multiple weeks on the road, but fighters such as Maurcio "Shogun" Rua, Dan Henderson, Marcus Davis, and others answered questions from the thrall of media in attendance.
It seemed that every fighter on the card, felt the energy from the packed house in attendance, making the UFC's return to Ireland seemingly a lock.
James Irvin returns against Drew McFedries at UFC 98
James Irvin will return from a nine-month suspension at UFC 98, which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 23, and shed 20 pounds in the process to compete at middleweight for the first time ever.
MMAmania.com can confirm that “The Sandman” will challenge Drew McFedries, setting up a hard-hitting 185-pound match up.
Irvin tested positive for Methadone and Oxymorphone after his first round technical knockout loss to Anderson Silva at UFC Fight Night 14 on July 19. “The Sandman” — who was nursing a broken foot just weeks before accepting the bout — claims that he used the banned substances to mask the pain associated with the injury.
He has a split record (4-4) in eight fights for the promotion.
Before the loss to Silva, Irvin rebounded from an injury-riddled and bizarre 2007 fight campaign, during which he blew out his knee in a loss to Thiago Silva and was knocked silly courtesy of an errant Luis Arthur Cane knee that resulted in a disqualification win, to knockout Houston Alexander in record time at UFC Fight Night 13 this April.
But the momentum was cut short once again in 2008. And he’ll have to try get it going in 2009 against the Miletich-trained fighter.
McFedries has also had a rollercoaster career inside the Octagon, winning every other fight and being unable to string together consecutive wins in six attempts with the promotion.
That is until he locked horns with Thales Leites on short notice at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” back in October 2008. “Massacre” dropped his second consecutive bout courtesy of a first round submission (rear naked choke). He lost to Mike Massenzio via submission (kimura) at UFC Fight Night 15 in Omaha, Neb., on September 17, before the loss to the Brazilian.
In short, he needs a win bad. The good news for him is that his stand up style matches up better with a power puncher like Irvin. Should be a solid scrap.
James Irvin will return from a nine-month suspension at UFC 98, which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 23, and shed 20 pounds in the process to compete at middleweight for the first time ever.
MMAmania.com can confirm that “The Sandman” will challenge Drew McFedries, setting up a hard-hitting 185-pound match up.
Irvin tested positive for Methadone and Oxymorphone after his first round technical knockout loss to Anderson Silva at UFC Fight Night 14 on July 19. “The Sandman” — who was nursing a broken foot just weeks before accepting the bout — claims that he used the banned substances to mask the pain associated with the injury.
He has a split record (4-4) in eight fights for the promotion.
Before the loss to Silva, Irvin rebounded from an injury-riddled and bizarre 2007 fight campaign, during which he blew out his knee in a loss to Thiago Silva and was knocked silly courtesy of an errant Luis Arthur Cane knee that resulted in a disqualification win, to knockout Houston Alexander in record time at UFC Fight Night 13 this April.
But the momentum was cut short once again in 2008. And he’ll have to try get it going in 2009 against the Miletich-trained fighter.
McFedries has also had a rollercoaster career inside the Octagon, winning every other fight and being unable to string together consecutive wins in six attempts with the promotion.
That is until he locked horns with Thales Leites on short notice at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” back in October 2008. “Massacre” dropped his second consecutive bout courtesy of a first round submission (rear naked choke). He lost to Mike Massenzio via submission (kimura) at UFC Fight Night 15 in Omaha, Neb., on September 17, before the loss to the Brazilian.
In short, he needs a win bad. The good news for him is that his stand up style matches up better with a power puncher like Irvin. Should be a solid scrap.
Updated: Roy Jones Jr. To Headline Boxing-MMA Hybrid PPV
While the possibility of Affliction and Golden Boy putting on PPV events that contain both boxing and MMA is still a question, boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr looks to go forward with the concept with his next appearance on PPV. Dan Rafael of ESPN.com spoke with John Wirt, CEO of Jones promotional company Square Ring, and confirmed a bout with Omar Sheika at the Pensacola Civic Center on March 21. Wirt then elaborated on the the MMA portion of the card:
In a twist, Wirt said the pay-per-view card would include mixed martial arts bouts along with boxing matches.
“We’re working on that right now,” Wirt said. “By combining Roy’s boxing match and other boxing matches with MMA fights, we are planning on drawing from both boxing and MMA fan bases. We believe that the demographics of boxing and MMA are distinct, so we are trying to introduce boxing fans to MMA and MMA fans to boxing. That’s the business model.”
Boxing matches and MMA bouts have appeared together on shows from time to time, but not at the top level of either sport or on a pay-per-view basis.
“We believe the biggest market out there of boxing is MMA fans and this gives them an opportunity to see a quality boxing event,” Wirt said. “It also gives boxing fans a chance to see some compelling MMA matches. We’re still putting the rest of the card together but Roy believes this is a good business opportunity.”
Wirt said the Florida commission has given Square Ring the green light for a show combining both sports. The MMA matches, Wirt said, will take place in a traditional boxing ring. However, he said a fifth rope will be added to the ring and the ring apron will be extended by a few feet to make it more unlikely that any MMA competitors, who often grapple on the ground, would fall out of the ring.
It should be interesting to see who RJJ partners with to put on the MMA portion of the card. The UFC is certainly out of the question but other mangers/fight companies could see this as an opportunity for good exposure with little downside. One possible avenue would be using a local promotion for talent, if so something like the XFC promotion HQ’ed in Florida would fit the bill. Another possible avenue would be to contact some of the fight teams with larger stables to fill out the card, if so ATT comes to mind.
Update: One possible party that RJJ may reach out to in the MMA sphere would be the WAMMA organization. Jones’ former attorney Fred Levin serves as Executive Legal Counselor for the WAMMA organization and his ties to Jones are trumpeted on the organization’s site:
WAMMA’s Executive Legal Counselor, Fred Levin, is a nationally known lawyer who has handled legal matters and negotiations for Roy Jones Jr., one time considered “the best pound-for-pound boxer” in the world. Fred was the recipient of the 1995 Boxing Writers Association of America Manager of the Year award and the 1994 Rocky Marciano Award recipient as Manager of the Year.
While the possibility of Affliction and Golden Boy putting on PPV events that contain both boxing and MMA is still a question, boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr looks to go forward with the concept with his next appearance on PPV. Dan Rafael of ESPN.com spoke with John Wirt, CEO of Jones promotional company Square Ring, and confirmed a bout with Omar Sheika at the Pensacola Civic Center on March 21. Wirt then elaborated on the the MMA portion of the card:
In a twist, Wirt said the pay-per-view card would include mixed martial arts bouts along with boxing matches.
“We’re working on that right now,” Wirt said. “By combining Roy’s boxing match and other boxing matches with MMA fights, we are planning on drawing from both boxing and MMA fan bases. We believe that the demographics of boxing and MMA are distinct, so we are trying to introduce boxing fans to MMA and MMA fans to boxing. That’s the business model.”
Boxing matches and MMA bouts have appeared together on shows from time to time, but not at the top level of either sport or on a pay-per-view basis.
“We believe the biggest market out there of boxing is MMA fans and this gives them an opportunity to see a quality boxing event,” Wirt said. “It also gives boxing fans a chance to see some compelling MMA matches. We’re still putting the rest of the card together but Roy believes this is a good business opportunity.”
Wirt said the Florida commission has given Square Ring the green light for a show combining both sports. The MMA matches, Wirt said, will take place in a traditional boxing ring. However, he said a fifth rope will be added to the ring and the ring apron will be extended by a few feet to make it more unlikely that any MMA competitors, who often grapple on the ground, would fall out of the ring.
It should be interesting to see who RJJ partners with to put on the MMA portion of the card. The UFC is certainly out of the question but other mangers/fight companies could see this as an opportunity for good exposure with little downside. One possible avenue would be using a local promotion for talent, if so something like the XFC promotion HQ’ed in Florida would fit the bill. Another possible avenue would be to contact some of the fight teams with larger stables to fill out the card, if so ATT comes to mind.
Update: One possible party that RJJ may reach out to in the MMA sphere would be the WAMMA organization. Jones’ former attorney Fred Levin serves as Executive Legal Counselor for the WAMMA organization and his ties to Jones are trumpeted on the organization’s site:
WAMMA’s Executive Legal Counselor, Fred Levin, is a nationally known lawyer who has handled legal matters and negotiations for Roy Jones Jr., one time considered “the best pound-for-pound boxer” in the world. Fred was the recipient of the 1995 Boxing Writers Association of America Manager of the Year award and the 1994 Rocky Marciano Award recipient as Manager of the Year.
Explosive Lineup Announced for MFC 20
Explosive lineup for MFC 20
Two title fights plus superfight highlight dynamic Destined for Greatness card
EDMONTON, AB – It is without a doubt the very best lineup of mixed martial arts fights ever put together by the Maximum Fighting Championship.
Two title fights. An international superfight of epic proportion. A roster of athletes exhibiting power, speed, skill and aggression unlike anything ever put forth before.
The Maximum Fighting Championship, one of the elite mixed martial arts organizations in North America, is excited to announce its full card for MFC 20: Destined for Greatness which will take place on Friday, February 20 at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton , Alberta , Canada .
MFC 20 will be broadcast live throughout the United States , Canada and Mexico on Mark Cuban’s HDNet Fights.
“This is unquestionably the best show we’ve ever put together,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “I wanted to start 2009 with a bang that the whole world would notice and that has been accomplished in a big way.”
In the main event MFC welterweight champion Pat “Bam Bam” Healy (24-14) will make the first defence of his belt against the man he beat for the title – Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford (8-1). The rematch is certain to be as electrifying as the first encounter at MFC 17 when Healy submitted Ford in the third round despite being battered throughout the first two rounds. The loss was the first and only setback of Ford’s blossoming career and he badly wants revenge while Healy is determined to show he is the better man by remaining the champ.
For the first time ever, the MFC will put is lightweight title up for grabs as well when Derrick “The Eraser” Noble (24-11) clashes with well-schooled veteran Antonio “Mandingo” McKee (27-3). Noble made a splash in his MFC debut when he defeated Ariel Sexton at MFC 19 while McKee brings a stellar 11-fight undefeated streak into the matchup.
“Derrick Noble is a terrific fighter who is a complete package,” noted Pavelich. “But the new and improved Antonio McKee should be extremely dangerous. If it’s possible for a title fight to be a showstealer, this is it.”
At Destined for Greatness, the MFC will continue its mission to showcase a superfight of international intrigue. There could be no better way to do that than by bringing back devastating welterweight Paul “Semtex” Dale y who made an incredible impact at MFC 19 when he knocked out John Alessio. This time around, Dale y (19-7) will go head-to-head against another star 170-pounder as he faces Nick “The Goat” Thompson (36-10) who has won 12 of his last 13 fights.
The remainder of the televised card features some major names in the world of MMA as well. The MFC re-ignites its middleweight division with a pair of top-notch battles. Power-packed Bryan “The Beast” Baker (8-1) joins the MFC ranks as he faces Rory Singer (11-8), a member of Team Ortiz from The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Singer’s former Ultimate Fighter rival Solomon Hutcherson (10-5) also steps into the MFC spotlight as he faces undefeated newcomer Dave Mewborn (7-0).
And in a much-anticipated light heavyweight tilt, former MFC champ Roger “The Hulk” Hollett (8-2) looks to get back on track as he squares off against David Heath (9-4). Both fighters are coming off losses to new MFC light heavyweight champion Emanuel “The Hardcore Kid” Newton so it is vital that both return to winning ways to stay in the title picture.
Undercard and prelims set
A strong contingent of up-and-coming fighters will get an opportunity to shine in the early bouts of MFC 20. Amongst those encounters is a meeting between two of the MFC’s top young lightweights as Simon Marini (6-1) takes on Ryan Machan (9-2). The winner of the matchup will certainly move into the upper echelon of the MFC’s 155-pound division.
Other undercard/prelim bouts include:
* Donovan Foley (6-2) vs. Josh Russell (2-0), lightweight
* Kyle Dietz (13-0) vs. Evan Sanguin (7-2), featherweight
* Mike Sorensen (4-2) vs. Jesse Clarke (2-1), welterweight
* Jason Height (2-0) vs. Sheldon Westcott (2-1), welterweight
Less than 100 tickets remain available for MFC 20: Destined for Greatness as the Maximum Fighting Championship fast approaches is 13th consecutive sold-out crowd. Fans can purchase the remaining tickets by calling the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 or by contacting Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca, charge-by-phone at (780) 451-8000 or at Ticketmaster outlets.
For more information, please contact:
Scott Zerr, Director of Media and Fighter Relations
Maximum Fighting Championship
(780) 914-5813
[email protected]
www.maximumfighting.com
Explosive lineup for MFC 20
Two title fights plus superfight highlight dynamic Destined for Greatness card
EDMONTON, AB – It is without a doubt the very best lineup of mixed martial arts fights ever put together by the Maximum Fighting Championship.
Two title fights. An international superfight of epic proportion. A roster of athletes exhibiting power, speed, skill and aggression unlike anything ever put forth before.
The Maximum Fighting Championship, one of the elite mixed martial arts organizations in North America, is excited to announce its full card for MFC 20: Destined for Greatness which will take place on Friday, February 20 at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton , Alberta , Canada .
MFC 20 will be broadcast live throughout the United States , Canada and Mexico on Mark Cuban’s HDNet Fights.
“This is unquestionably the best show we’ve ever put together,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “I wanted to start 2009 with a bang that the whole world would notice and that has been accomplished in a big way.”
In the main event MFC welterweight champion Pat “Bam Bam” Healy (24-14) will make the first defence of his belt against the man he beat for the title – Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford (8-1). The rematch is certain to be as electrifying as the first encounter at MFC 17 when Healy submitted Ford in the third round despite being battered throughout the first two rounds. The loss was the first and only setback of Ford’s blossoming career and he badly wants revenge while Healy is determined to show he is the better man by remaining the champ.
For the first time ever, the MFC will put is lightweight title up for grabs as well when Derrick “The Eraser” Noble (24-11) clashes with well-schooled veteran Antonio “Mandingo” McKee (27-3). Noble made a splash in his MFC debut when he defeated Ariel Sexton at MFC 19 while McKee brings a stellar 11-fight undefeated streak into the matchup.
“Derrick Noble is a terrific fighter who is a complete package,” noted Pavelich. “But the new and improved Antonio McKee should be extremely dangerous. If it’s possible for a title fight to be a showstealer, this is it.”
At Destined for Greatness, the MFC will continue its mission to showcase a superfight of international intrigue. There could be no better way to do that than by bringing back devastating welterweight Paul “Semtex” Dale y who made an incredible impact at MFC 19 when he knocked out John Alessio. This time around, Dale y (19-7) will go head-to-head against another star 170-pounder as he faces Nick “The Goat” Thompson (36-10) who has won 12 of his last 13 fights.
The remainder of the televised card features some major names in the world of MMA as well. The MFC re-ignites its middleweight division with a pair of top-notch battles. Power-packed Bryan “The Beast” Baker (8-1) joins the MFC ranks as he faces Rory Singer (11-8), a member of Team Ortiz from The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Singer’s former Ultimate Fighter rival Solomon Hutcherson (10-5) also steps into the MFC spotlight as he faces undefeated newcomer Dave Mewborn (7-0).
And in a much-anticipated light heavyweight tilt, former MFC champ Roger “The Hulk” Hollett (8-2) looks to get back on track as he squares off against David Heath (9-4). Both fighters are coming off losses to new MFC light heavyweight champion Emanuel “The Hardcore Kid” Newton so it is vital that both return to winning ways to stay in the title picture.
Undercard and prelims set
A strong contingent of up-and-coming fighters will get an opportunity to shine in the early bouts of MFC 20. Amongst those encounters is a meeting between two of the MFC’s top young lightweights as Simon Marini (6-1) takes on Ryan Machan (9-2). The winner of the matchup will certainly move into the upper echelon of the MFC’s 155-pound division.
Other undercard/prelim bouts include:
* Donovan Foley (6-2) vs. Josh Russell (2-0), lightweight
* Kyle Dietz (13-0) vs. Evan Sanguin (7-2), featherweight
* Mike Sorensen (4-2) vs. Jesse Clarke (2-1), welterweight
* Jason Height (2-0) vs. Sheldon Westcott (2-1), welterweight
Less than 100 tickets remain available for MFC 20: Destined for Greatness as the Maximum Fighting Championship fast approaches is 13th consecutive sold-out crowd. Fans can purchase the remaining tickets by calling the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 or by contacting Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca, charge-by-phone at (780) 451-8000 or at Ticketmaster outlets.
For more information, please contact:
Scott Zerr, Director of Media and Fighter Relations
Maximum Fighting Championship
(780) 914-5813
[email protected]
www.maximumfighting.com
Gesias might be back at Dream in April
After the frustration of traveling to Japan, hitting the weight and ending without fighting at K-1 Dynamite, Gesias Cavalcante guarantees that the "hangover" has been gone. The ATT’s athlete arrived this week at Rio de Janeiro and expects to relax after a very troubled 2008. "I'm on vacation. I came to spend two weeks to relax", said Gesias, that commented the episode that happened with Dream’s GP champion, Joachim Hansen, that didn’t entered on the ring on December 31st.
"It’s part of the job what happened to Hansen. A day before the fight someone told me that he was sick, he had passed out. On the day of the event they took his medical examination, took the plate of his head and it had some problem, therefore they banned him from the fight. But to be honest, until now I don’t know what happened, but he stayed in the hospital, because he couldn’t even catch a plane to go back home", said.
Despite not having fought, after much work to recover the knee surgery, Gesias is conformed. “It’s better that this happened, that he hasn’t fought, than have something happen over the ring. At the time I was angry, but I saw that the guy had a problem. I was solidary to him", revealed the two times Hero's champion, who spoke of his recovery.
"I didn’t fight the whole year because of the injury, the doctors said I was going to take some time to return. It was a year of recovery and in less time I came back and began to train at a high level. I ate, slept, and train, all depending on the knee. In three months everybody was chocked with my recovery. After training hard to get there, I ended without fighting. But the good thing is that in the next e I'll be 100% ready, I already gave back on top and I'm even more confident".
Gesias’s expectation now is to fight at Dream’s April edition. "I may return to fight in March or April. The most certain is in April, but I still don’t have a date and even the opponent. I know that it won’t be against Hansen, because he will be away for at least six months and it won’t happen a tournament in my category this years, because the Dream will do featherweight and welterweight tournaments", finalized Gesias.
After the frustration of traveling to Japan, hitting the weight and ending without fighting at K-1 Dynamite, Gesias Cavalcante guarantees that the "hangover" has been gone. The ATT’s athlete arrived this week at Rio de Janeiro and expects to relax after a very troubled 2008. "I'm on vacation. I came to spend two weeks to relax", said Gesias, that commented the episode that happened with Dream’s GP champion, Joachim Hansen, that didn’t entered on the ring on December 31st.
"It’s part of the job what happened to Hansen. A day before the fight someone told me that he was sick, he had passed out. On the day of the event they took his medical examination, took the plate of his head and it had some problem, therefore they banned him from the fight. But to be honest, until now I don’t know what happened, but he stayed in the hospital, because he couldn’t even catch a plane to go back home", said.
Despite not having fought, after much work to recover the knee surgery, Gesias is conformed. “It’s better that this happened, that he hasn’t fought, than have something happen over the ring. At the time I was angry, but I saw that the guy had a problem. I was solidary to him", revealed the two times Hero's champion, who spoke of his recovery.
"I didn’t fight the whole year because of the injury, the doctors said I was going to take some time to return. It was a year of recovery and in less time I came back and began to train at a high level. I ate, slept, and train, all depending on the knee. In three months everybody was chocked with my recovery. After training hard to get there, I ended without fighting. But the good thing is that in the next e I'll be 100% ready, I already gave back on top and I'm even more confident".
Gesias’s expectation now is to fight at Dream’s April edition. "I may return to fight in March or April. The most certain is in April, but I still don’t have a date and even the opponent. I know that it won’t be against Hansen, because he will be away for at least six months and it won’t happen a tournament in my category this years, because the Dream will do featherweight and welterweight tournaments", finalized Gesias.
Marcelo Garcia back to MMA in 2009?
With only one professional fight in MMA, in 2007, Marcelo Garcia can return to the rings in 2009. Sengoku’s middleweight champion, Jorge Santiago trains next to the phenomenon at American Top Team and bet his chips on the fellow for 2009.
"Marcelo Garcia impresses me in training, he’s finally adapted to MMA and I’m sure he’ll give some trouble to his opponents", bets Santiago. In the only fight that he did in the MMA, Marcelinho was defeated by Dae Won Kim with 20 seconds of the second round by medical interruption, due to a cut in the head, at K-1.
About his bets in other categories, Santiago believes that ATT will dominate the events in the United States and in Japan. "At 155lbs, I have to say that Gesias (Cavalcante) is coming very strong and I really believe he’ll beat anyone in this category in 2009. Up to 170, my friend, Thiago Alves (“Pitbull”
is also in great shape. He’s dreaming with this title for a long time and I think he will get it".
In the categories above, Jorginho keeps the optimism. "In the category up to 205lbs, Thiago Silva is in great shape and has great chances to beat (Lyoto) Machida and take the title. At the heavyweights, Antônio "Bigfoot" (Silva) is a monster. I'm sure he’ll beat anyone in Japan. I only hope that the CSAC allows Bigfoot to return to fight in the United States as soon as possible", concluded Santiago.
With only one professional fight in MMA, in 2007, Marcelo Garcia can return to the rings in 2009. Sengoku’s middleweight champion, Jorge Santiago trains next to the phenomenon at American Top Team and bet his chips on the fellow for 2009.
"Marcelo Garcia impresses me in training, he’s finally adapted to MMA and I’m sure he’ll give some trouble to his opponents", bets Santiago. In the only fight that he did in the MMA, Marcelinho was defeated by Dae Won Kim with 20 seconds of the second round by medical interruption, due to a cut in the head, at K-1.
About his bets in other categories, Santiago believes that ATT will dominate the events in the United States and in Japan. "At 155lbs, I have to say that Gesias (Cavalcante) is coming very strong and I really believe he’ll beat anyone in this category in 2009. Up to 170, my friend, Thiago Alves (“Pitbull”
is also in great shape. He’s dreaming with this title for a long time and I think he will get it".In the categories above, Jorginho keeps the optimism. "In the category up to 205lbs, Thiago Silva is in great shape and has great chances to beat (Lyoto) Machida and take the title. At the heavyweights, Antônio "Bigfoot" (Silva) is a monster. I'm sure he’ll beat anyone in Japan. I only hope that the CSAC allows Bigfoot to return to fight in the United States as soon as possible", concluded Santiago.
Darrel Gohlar and the Wrestling at ATT
If American Top Team already had some of the best MMA coaches and athletes, the Wrestilng training now has a big enforcement. One of the greatest Wrestling coaches of the world, that have already trained athletes like Paulo Filho, Rodrigo Minotauro, Ricardo Arona, Dan Henderson and many others, Darrel Gohlar is commanding the team training in the United States.
"All the coaches are great and now we have Darrel Gohlar, whose teaching American Wrestling techniques for us for two months. Everybody is very happy with his training, not only because of the impressive techniques that he has, but because he puts everybody to scream all the time during the training", revealed Jorge Santiago, Sengoku’s middleweight champion. "We have Conan and Libório in MMA, Parrumpinha and Libório in Jiu-Jitu, Benkei as physical coach... It’s better than ever", finalized.
If American Top Team already had some of the best MMA coaches and athletes, the Wrestilng training now has a big enforcement. One of the greatest Wrestling coaches of the world, that have already trained athletes like Paulo Filho, Rodrigo Minotauro, Ricardo Arona, Dan Henderson and many others, Darrel Gohlar is commanding the team training in the United States.
"All the coaches are great and now we have Darrel Gohlar, whose teaching American Wrestling techniques for us for two months. Everybody is very happy with his training, not only because of the impressive techniques that he has, but because he puts everybody to scream all the time during the training", revealed Jorge Santiago, Sengoku’s middleweight champion. "We have Conan and Libório in MMA, Parrumpinha and Libório in Jiu-Jitu, Benkei as physical coach... It’s better than ever", finalized.
March Participation Doubtful! KID Still Not Completely Healed
Norifumi “KID” Yamamoto says that his knee has not completely healed yet so a March participation in the DREAM Featherweight GP is doubtful. He can’t train at 100% now so even if his knee heals until then he won’t be at his best. His plan is to come back in April and after. Will he get seeded into the second round?
Norifumi “KID” Yamamoto says that his knee has not completely healed yet so a March participation in the DREAM Featherweight GP is doubtful. He can’t train at 100% now so even if his knee heals until then he won’t be at his best. His plan is to come back in April and after. Will he get seeded into the second round?
Rumina Sato to fight at Shootboxing event on Feb. 11
Rumina Sato showed up at Shooto “Tradition 5” on January 18 and announced his participation in a Shootboxing event on February 11. His opponent will be announced shortly.
Fight result of shooto “Tradition 5” at Differ Ariake on January 18:
* Sakae Kasuya(64.7kg) defeated Tomonori Taniguchi(65.0kg) by unanimous decision
* Akihiro Yamazaki(75.9kg) defeated Young-Se Song(76.0kg) by arm bar (Round 2)
* KODO(59.6kg) defeated Takahiro Hosoi(59.7kg) by TKO (Round 2, 0:36)
* Ayumu "Gozo" Shioda(56.0kg) defeated Jin Akimoto(55.9kg) by unanimous decision
* Shintaro Ishiwatari(64.8kg) and Michihiro Omigawa(64.7kg): Draw(19-19, 19-19, 19-19)
* Hiroshi “Iron” Nakamura(65.0kg) defeated Hayate Usu(65.0kg) by unanimous decision
* BJ(56.0kg) and Jesse Taitano(55.9kg): Draw (19-19, 19-20, 19-19)
* Yusuke Endo(69.9kg) and Kotetsu Boku(70.0kg): Draw (28-30, 29-29, 29-29)
Rumina Sato showed up at Shooto “Tradition 5” on January 18 and announced his participation in a Shootboxing event on February 11. His opponent will be announced shortly.
Fight result of shooto “Tradition 5” at Differ Ariake on January 18:
* Sakae Kasuya(64.7kg) defeated Tomonori Taniguchi(65.0kg) by unanimous decision
* Akihiro Yamazaki(75.9kg) defeated Young-Se Song(76.0kg) by arm bar (Round 2)
* KODO(59.6kg) defeated Takahiro Hosoi(59.7kg) by TKO (Round 2, 0:36)
* Ayumu "Gozo" Shioda(56.0kg) defeated Jin Akimoto(55.9kg) by unanimous decision
* Shintaro Ishiwatari(64.8kg) and Michihiro Omigawa(64.7kg): Draw(19-19, 19-19, 19-19)
* Hiroshi “Iron” Nakamura(65.0kg) defeated Hayate Usu(65.0kg) by unanimous decision
* BJ(56.0kg) and Jesse Taitano(55.9kg): Draw (19-19, 19-20, 19-19)
* Yusuke Endo(69.9kg) and Kotetsu Boku(70.0kg): Draw (28-30, 29-29, 29-29)
TYSON GRIFFIN VS RAFAEL DOS ANJOS ON APRIL 1
The upcoming April 1 UFC Fight Night card continues to fill up as MMAWeekly.com has confirmed that Tyson Griffin is set to return to action on the show with his likely opponent being Brazilian fighter, Rafael Dos Anjos.
The bout was confirmed on Monday by sources close to the fight, who indicated that while it is not signed yet, it is likely to take place at this point in the negotiation.
Tyson Griffin, currently sporting a 5-2 record in the UFC, steps into the bout off the heels of a loss to former lightweight champion, Sean Sherk, in late October.
The two powerful lightweights waged an impressive stand-up battle for the biggest portion of the fight, but in the end Griffin came up short in a three round decision loss.
Looking to step right back into competition, Griffin will now likely face another top grappler in Rafael Dos Anjos, who made his debut at UFC 91 in November, losing by knockout to Jeremy Stephens.
Dos Anjos was doing very well in his performance during the fight with Stephens, until he was caught with a devastating uppercut in the third round that brought about the end of the fight.
With a rapidly growing lightweight division, the bout between Griffin and Dos Anjos will be critical for the futures of both fighters.
While the UFC has made no official announcement about the card, it is believed to be taking place in Nashville, Tenn and will serve as a lead in for the 9th season of the "Ultimate Fighter" reality show.
The upcoming April 1 UFC Fight Night card continues to fill up as MMAWeekly.com has confirmed that Tyson Griffin is set to return to action on the show with his likely opponent being Brazilian fighter, Rafael Dos Anjos.
The bout was confirmed on Monday by sources close to the fight, who indicated that while it is not signed yet, it is likely to take place at this point in the negotiation.
Tyson Griffin, currently sporting a 5-2 record in the UFC, steps into the bout off the heels of a loss to former lightweight champion, Sean Sherk, in late October.
The two powerful lightweights waged an impressive stand-up battle for the biggest portion of the fight, but in the end Griffin came up short in a three round decision loss.
Looking to step right back into competition, Griffin will now likely face another top grappler in Rafael Dos Anjos, who made his debut at UFC 91 in November, losing by knockout to Jeremy Stephens.
Dos Anjos was doing very well in his performance during the fight with Stephens, until he was caught with a devastating uppercut in the third round that brought about the end of the fight.
With a rapidly growing lightweight division, the bout between Griffin and Dos Anjos will be critical for the futures of both fighters.
While the UFC has made no official announcement about the card, it is believed to be taking place in Nashville, Tenn and will serve as a lead in for the 9th season of the "Ultimate Fighter" reality show.
PALASZEWSKI VS. CRUNKILTON IN WEC MARCH 1
As the March 1 WEC card in Corpus Christi, TX starts to take shape, MMAWeekly.com has confirmed that Bart Palaszewski and Richard Crunkilton will do battle in a lightweight match-up that could land the winner in title contention.
The fight was confirmed to MMAWeekly.com on Monday by sources close to the fight, who indicated the bout was official between to the two competitors.
After spending 2 years with the now defunct International Fight League, Bart "Bartimus" Palaszewski, made his debut with the WEC in Dec 2008 with a TKO win over former "Ultimate Fighter" cast member, Alex Karalexis.
A training partner of fellow WEC contender Jeff Curran, Palaszewski is seen as a powerfully strong striker with a solid ground game to back him up.
Now Palaszewski has a chance to cement himself as a contender in the WEC's lightweight division against another tough competitor in Richard "Cleat" Crunkilton.
Previously earning a shot at the 155lb title, Crunkilton lost by TKO to now former champion, Rob McCullough, in Sept 2007, but returned to form with a win over Sergio Gomez in March 2008.
Since that time Crunkilton has not fought, but he will have a chance to possibly get back to a title shot when facing Palaszewski on March 1.
It is unknown at this time if the bout between Palaszewski and Crunkilton will be featured on the televised card, but the show will be headlined with two title fights pitting Carlos Condit against Brock Larson for the welterweight crown, and Mike Brown against Leonard Garcia for the 145lb title.
As the March 1 WEC card in Corpus Christi, TX starts to take shape, MMAWeekly.com has confirmed that Bart Palaszewski and Richard Crunkilton will do battle in a lightweight match-up that could land the winner in title contention.
The fight was confirmed to MMAWeekly.com on Monday by sources close to the fight, who indicated the bout was official between to the two competitors.
After spending 2 years with the now defunct International Fight League, Bart "Bartimus" Palaszewski, made his debut with the WEC in Dec 2008 with a TKO win over former "Ultimate Fighter" cast member, Alex Karalexis.
A training partner of fellow WEC contender Jeff Curran, Palaszewski is seen as a powerfully strong striker with a solid ground game to back him up.
Now Palaszewski has a chance to cement himself as a contender in the WEC's lightweight division against another tough competitor in Richard "Cleat" Crunkilton.
Previously earning a shot at the 155lb title, Crunkilton lost by TKO to now former champion, Rob McCullough, in Sept 2007, but returned to form with a win over Sergio Gomez in March 2008.
Since that time Crunkilton has not fought, but he will have a chance to possibly get back to a title shot when facing Palaszewski on March 1.
It is unknown at this time if the bout between Palaszewski and Crunkilton will be featured on the televised card, but the show will be headlined with two title fights pitting Carlos Condit against Brock Larson for the welterweight crown, and Mike Brown against Leonard Garcia for the 145lb title.