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DaMarques Johnson insists TUF 9 Finale match with James Wilks nothing but business
Team U.S. welterweight DaMarques Johnson (9-6 MMA, 0-0 UFC) was pegged as a favorite early on in the ninth season of "The Ultimate Fighter: U.S. vs. U.K."
To Johnson's credit, he took care of business throughout the season and waltzed his way into Saturday's live finale at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas with two first-round TKO's and a unanimous decision win.
But along the way, Johnson was portrayed as a bit cantankerous and seemed to develop a healthy rivalry with his Saturday opponent, British finalist James Wilks (5-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
On Thursday's media call promoting the event, Johnson said don't believe everything you see on TV.
"I think a little bit of that was editing," Johnson said. "I think most of that was done more in like the spirit of the competition and in the middle of – the person I am in the middle of a competition is definitely not the indicator of who I am as a regular person.
"So I think everything that was said, was said, and sometimes a couple of things were taken out of context. But for the most part, I’m definitely not that angry nor that brash. It kind of is what it is."
Johnson's budding rivalry with Wilks – and with Team U.K. coach Michael Bisping – often took center stage during this season's "TUF" episodes. But with the finals now set, Johnson insists those rivalries are a thing of the past.
"I don’t know James well enough to dislike him, just as much as I don’t know Michael Bisping to personally dislike him or hate him or anything like that," Johnson said.
"I mean a lot of people didn’t really pick up on after my fight with Nick Osipczak I told Mike right there in the middle of the ring in front of everybody. I was like, 'You know I kind look up to you as a fighter and as a guy that’s in the situation similar to mine. [The show] didn’t really pick up on that. It kind of didn’t really go with the story line."
With the emotion of the rivalry aside, Johnson will instead simply focus on the formidable skills of his opponent.
"I think James is very game, and he's a dangerous opponent," Johnson said. "He's a tall, lanky guy. He's got good ground, and he's got standup. I would expect a really good fight.
"I fought a tall rangy guy before (in Nick Osipczak, Johnson's lone decision win on the show) and it was a fairly exciting fight. So I would just expect a good fight."
And while often brash on the show, Johnson refused to speculate on how this next chapter of his life would be written.
"I don't predict my own fights," Johnson said. "I don't predict any fights.
"I just know it's going to be a good fight."
Team U.S. welterweight DaMarques Johnson (9-6 MMA, 0-0 UFC) was pegged as a favorite early on in the ninth season of "The Ultimate Fighter: U.S. vs. U.K."
To Johnson's credit, he took care of business throughout the season and waltzed his way into Saturday's live finale at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas with two first-round TKO's and a unanimous decision win.
But along the way, Johnson was portrayed as a bit cantankerous and seemed to develop a healthy rivalry with his Saturday opponent, British finalist James Wilks (5-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
On Thursday's media call promoting the event, Johnson said don't believe everything you see on TV.
"I think a little bit of that was editing," Johnson said. "I think most of that was done more in like the spirit of the competition and in the middle of – the person I am in the middle of a competition is definitely not the indicator of who I am as a regular person.
"So I think everything that was said, was said, and sometimes a couple of things were taken out of context. But for the most part, I’m definitely not that angry nor that brash. It kind of is what it is."
Johnson's budding rivalry with Wilks – and with Team U.K. coach Michael Bisping – often took center stage during this season's "TUF" episodes. But with the finals now set, Johnson insists those rivalries are a thing of the past.
"I don’t know James well enough to dislike him, just as much as I don’t know Michael Bisping to personally dislike him or hate him or anything like that," Johnson said.
"I mean a lot of people didn’t really pick up on after my fight with Nick Osipczak I told Mike right there in the middle of the ring in front of everybody. I was like, 'You know I kind look up to you as a fighter and as a guy that’s in the situation similar to mine. [The show] didn’t really pick up on that. It kind of didn’t really go with the story line."
With the emotion of the rivalry aside, Johnson will instead simply focus on the formidable skills of his opponent.
"I think James is very game, and he's a dangerous opponent," Johnson said. "He's a tall, lanky guy. He's got good ground, and he's got standup. I would expect a really good fight.
"I fought a tall rangy guy before (in Nick Osipczak, Johnson's lone decision win on the show) and it was a fairly exciting fight. So I would just expect a good fight."
And while often brash on the show, Johnson refused to speculate on how this next chapter of his life would be written.
"I don't predict my own fights," Johnson said. "I don't predict any fights.
"I just know it's going to be a good fight."
Mirko Cro Cop’s first fight outside of the UFC may be against Salmonella
When Mirko Filipovic bolted from a potential UFC contract to fight more often overseas, I don’t think even he expected it to be this soon.
The famed Croatian striker has been hospitalized after reportedly suffering from high temperature, diarrhea and stomach pain, the textbook symptoms of Salmonella according to Index.hr.
The illness could potentially jeopardize his July 20 bout against “Mighty Mo” Siligia at DREAM 10 on July 20.
“Cro Cop” most recently competed at UFC 99: “The Comeback,” making a brief return to the Octagon with a controversial win due to an inadvertent eye poke that was missed by the referee that led to a victory over British heavyweight Mostapha Al-turk.
At the UFC 99 post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White gave “Cro Cop” a verbal lashing for welching on a supposed verbal deal for more fights within the UFC.
Filipovic refutes the claim, saying the deal was for only one fight and that he would renegotiate after the event. Cro Cop wanted to fight multiple times this year and claims the UFC expected him to wait six months for another fight.
Now he’s returning to the Land of the Rising Sun — the country that made him a star — but whether or not he’ll be in any condition to compete in less than a month after this recent illness remains to be seen.
Unless UFC officials had access to the Croat’s in-flight meal out of Germany, this is likely just a case of unfortunate timing.
When Mirko Filipovic bolted from a potential UFC contract to fight more often overseas, I don’t think even he expected it to be this soon.
The famed Croatian striker has been hospitalized after reportedly suffering from high temperature, diarrhea and stomach pain, the textbook symptoms of Salmonella according to Index.hr.
The illness could potentially jeopardize his July 20 bout against “Mighty Mo” Siligia at DREAM 10 on July 20.
“Cro Cop” most recently competed at UFC 99: “The Comeback,” making a brief return to the Octagon with a controversial win due to an inadvertent eye poke that was missed by the referee that led to a victory over British heavyweight Mostapha Al-turk.
At the UFC 99 post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White gave “Cro Cop” a verbal lashing for welching on a supposed verbal deal for more fights within the UFC.
Filipovic refutes the claim, saying the deal was for only one fight and that he would renegotiate after the event. Cro Cop wanted to fight multiple times this year and claims the UFC expected him to wait six months for another fight.
Now he’s returning to the Land of the Rising Sun — the country that made him a star — but whether or not he’ll be in any condition to compete in less than a month after this recent illness remains to be seen.
Unless UFC officials had access to the Croat’s in-flight meal out of Germany, this is likely just a case of unfortunate timing.
UFC Quick Quote: Chris Lytle wants Kevin Burns to take him out on June 20
“I expect Kevin to try to come out and try to take me out, and that’s what I like. I don’t want to fight a guy who thinks he can beat me in a decision. Don’t try to beat me in a decision, try to take me out. That’s how I am. I’m going to try to take you out, so you should try to take me out. I think that’s the kind of fight we’ll have. I want to finish a fight. So when that happens I win in spectacular fashion, or else I put on a great fight. I’m not going to lie, I love the bonus — the extra money — but even if they weren’t giving me extra money I’d want to fight that way.”
“I expect Kevin to try to come out and try to take me out, and that’s what I like. I don’t want to fight a guy who thinks he can beat me in a decision. Don’t try to beat me in a decision, try to take me out. That’s how I am. I’m going to try to take you out, so you should try to take me out. I think that’s the kind of fight we’ll have. I want to finish a fight. So when that happens I win in spectacular fashion, or else I put on a great fight. I’m not going to lie, I love the bonus — the extra money — but even if they weren’t giving me extra money I’d want to fight that way.”
Jens Pulver: ‘I just need to pause right now and figure out what I’m going to do’
“Somebody’s gotta have that rough road, and I guess that’s me. Somebody’s gotta live that roller coaster, and I pretty much perfected it at this point from the day I was born. One of the biggest promises that I made is I’m not going to be that guy that retires and then comes back. I retire and have everybody give me their well-wishes, and we throw a little celebration and all that, but then I decide I’m going to come back. I’m not going to waste everybody’s time with that. So really right now for me it’s a pause. And I need to take that pause, because the reality is physically I feel great … But I got caught, I got beat … The self-esteem is shot, everything about my fighting is shot in that aspect. What do I do? So I just need that pause right now, you know, to really figure out what I’m going to do when I get in there, how am I going to fix things, can I fix things? And then when that day comes, of course, so when I do retire it’ll be a one-time deal.”
“Somebody’s gotta have that rough road, and I guess that’s me. Somebody’s gotta live that roller coaster, and I pretty much perfected it at this point from the day I was born. One of the biggest promises that I made is I’m not going to be that guy that retires and then comes back. I retire and have everybody give me their well-wishes, and we throw a little celebration and all that, but then I decide I’m going to come back. I’m not going to waste everybody’s time with that. So really right now for me it’s a pause. And I need to take that pause, because the reality is physically I feel great … But I got caught, I got beat … The self-esteem is shot, everything about my fighting is shot in that aspect. What do I do? So I just need that pause right now, you know, to really figure out what I’m going to do when I get in there, how am I going to fix things, can I fix things? And then when that day comes, of course, so when I do retire it’ll be a one-time deal.”
Tim Kennedy: ‘I’ve never felt this strong, I’ve never been this fast’
From the battlefield to the cage.
When US Army Special Forces Green Beret Tim Kennedy stands across from Nick “The Goat” Thompson this evening at Strikeforce Challengers it will be a far cry from the combat this real American hero has seen over the past couple of years of his life. Assault rifle powered bullets whizzing by his head and shrapnel exploding at every angle make facing a single man under MMA rules a walk in the park for Kennedy.
And to think that none of decorated serviceman and fighter’s accomplishments may have been possible without a man that answers to the name of Chuck Norris. Fascinated by martial arts since he caught his first glimpse of “Invasion USA“, the youngster knew the direction he was heading early on in life.
After more than a year and a half layoff Kennedy has returned to get back to where he once was in the fight world when he jumps back in the game against the most dangerous and well rounded opponent Strikeforce could hunt down for him.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com had the chance to catch up with Kennedy just before his fight with Thompson to discuss his plans to return to California to train with The Pit and AKA, his constant desire to finish his fights, Chuck Norris and much more.
Cory Brady for FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Is it true that Chuck Norris played a certain role in your ultimate decision to become involved in martial arts?
Tim Kennedy: He definitely played a major role in me deciding to pursue martial arts. There’s like four Chuck Norris movies that I would watch over and over when I was like six or seven years old. I’d watch one of those movies and I’d run into my bedroom and practice all the moves. I’d practice all of my moves in front of this big huge mirror that my parents have. My parents have a video of me right after watching Invasion USA when I run in my bedroom and practice my karate chop.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: This fight with Nick Thompson is going to be your first fight back in about a year and a half. What was the reason for the recent layoff?
Tim Kennedy: I had a couple of deployments. I had to go to Afghanistan during the last year, just doing my military Green Beret thing.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Do you anticipate ring rust becoming a factor?
Tim Kennedy: I think it’s just going to be back to business as usual. The Dante Rivera fight was my first fight back in over a year and a half. He was 9-1 at the time and I had just been out of Ranger school for a couple of weeks. I had lost twenty something pounds at Ranger school and then I TKO’d him in the second round. I feel like ring rust is a reflection of how hard you’ve been sparring, how hard you’ve been working, and just the mentality. Last year guys were shooting at me and trying to blow me up, I’m going to funerals of my friends, so flying to Kent, Washington to fight on Strikeforce, I’m excited about it, but it’s not really nerve wrecking.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Are you planning on staying relatively active after this bout with Thompson?
Tim Kennedy: I’m going to be fighting as much as my body will permit. There are no other things that are going to be affecting my timeline at this point. I want to fight every couple of months. Before I came to the military, mixed martial arts wasn’t what it is right now. We used to fight at Indian Casinos, in Mexico, some barenuckle stuff in Florida. It seemed like I was traveling every month or so to get in on something, whether it be a Pancrase tournament, or a fight in Mexico, and I miss that. I miss being able to fight all of the time.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: How do you balance your training time along with being full time in the army?
Tim Kennedy: Well right now I’m training full time. I have worked for the military pretty much non-stop for the last five or six years. I can’t think of a thirty day time period that i was at home with my wife. I was either deployed or at school for the past five years non-stop. So I’m taking a break, I’m training. That’s what I want to do. I’m training right now two or three times a day. It’s unreal. I’ve never felt this strong, I’ve never been this fast, it’s a night and day difference between training full time and trying to balance it with the military.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: I know you spent a great deal of time with The Pit before making the move to Team Roc. Do you feel like the change of scenery is going to help you in this bout with Thompson.
Tim Kennedy: I think that the time I spent training at The Pit gave me a foundation that I couldn’t have received anywhere else. Chuck is the best light heavyweight champion the UFC has ever seen and probably ever will. Being able to go in the ring and have a guy like that to work with is priceless. I have a huge debt of gratitude to those guys. I can’t wait to get back to California. I’m relocating there in a couple of months and I’m going to be training back and forth with The Pit and AKA.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: What are some of the key areas you have been focusing on in the gym since your last win?
Tim Kennedy: I’ve been working on my striking a lot. I have that Pit foundation so I throw a lot of those big looping powershots. When they land they’re major knockouts but when they don’t we’re vulnerable to counter punching. I’ve been working my footwork and head movement a lot. I don’t like getting hit very much so I’m trying to not get hit as often.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: How do you feel you match up with Nick?
Tim Kennedy: It’s a really interesting match-up. He and I have really conflicting styles in the stand up. He’s a fast counter puncher with a really nasty jab, and like to be on the outside throwing big haymakers. I have a really good chin and I’m pretty much willing to exchange a couple of his jabs for a couple of my left hooks or right hands. He’s taller than I am and I’m pretty sure that the height will be an issue so I’ll be trying to get inside to land some power shots. I kind of foresee a stand up brawl going down.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Nick is well know for his ground game as well. Have you been spending some extra time preparing to defend the takedown in this bout?
Tim Kennedy: I’ve definitely been working my takedowns lately. He’s really dominant when he’s on top so if I could have it my way I’m keeping this on the feet.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Only one of your wins have gone to the scorecards. Would you say that it’s important that you are known as the kind of fighter that finishes his fights?
Tim Kennedy: I really don’t like those guys that are in there just to get the win. I think it’s the wrong answer. I think it’s wrong for the sport and I think that it’s the wrong mentality for martial arts. I have a lot of fans that are in the military and I think it’s the wrong way to display what me and my brothers do when we’re fighting. It’s one thing if the guys both go the distance while constantly looking for the finish, but to spend the whole fight counter punching and waiting for the other guy to make the mistake, what kind of fight is that?
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: What can fans expect for Tim Kennedy in the future?
Tim Kennedy: In the next year or two I’m looking at getting a crack at the title. It may not be in the next three or four fights but regardless of the ups or downs that are to come, I’m definitely going to be sticking around and you’ll be seeing a lot more of me.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Tim Kennedy: I want to give a big shout out to RangerUp.com. They’ve been taking care of me for the past three years. Those guys are my brothers. I also want to thank Soldiers Angels. It’s a non-profit organization for hurt soldiers. They’re an amazing group of people. Of course I want to thank Max Muscle for giving me all of the supplements to help me get ready for this fight. I also want to thank all of the guys at Team Roc for helping me train and I want to thank you for taking the time.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: You got it Tim, thank you and good luck.
From the battlefield to the cage.
When US Army Special Forces Green Beret Tim Kennedy stands across from Nick “The Goat” Thompson this evening at Strikeforce Challengers it will be a far cry from the combat this real American hero has seen over the past couple of years of his life. Assault rifle powered bullets whizzing by his head and shrapnel exploding at every angle make facing a single man under MMA rules a walk in the park for Kennedy.
And to think that none of decorated serviceman and fighter’s accomplishments may have been possible without a man that answers to the name of Chuck Norris. Fascinated by martial arts since he caught his first glimpse of “Invasion USA“, the youngster knew the direction he was heading early on in life.
After more than a year and a half layoff Kennedy has returned to get back to where he once was in the fight world when he jumps back in the game against the most dangerous and well rounded opponent Strikeforce could hunt down for him.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com had the chance to catch up with Kennedy just before his fight with Thompson to discuss his plans to return to California to train with The Pit and AKA, his constant desire to finish his fights, Chuck Norris and much more.
Cory Brady for FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Is it true that Chuck Norris played a certain role in your ultimate decision to become involved in martial arts?
Tim Kennedy: He definitely played a major role in me deciding to pursue martial arts. There’s like four Chuck Norris movies that I would watch over and over when I was like six or seven years old. I’d watch one of those movies and I’d run into my bedroom and practice all the moves. I’d practice all of my moves in front of this big huge mirror that my parents have. My parents have a video of me right after watching Invasion USA when I run in my bedroom and practice my karate chop.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: This fight with Nick Thompson is going to be your first fight back in about a year and a half. What was the reason for the recent layoff?
Tim Kennedy: I had a couple of deployments. I had to go to Afghanistan during the last year, just doing my military Green Beret thing.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Do you anticipate ring rust becoming a factor?
Tim Kennedy: I think it’s just going to be back to business as usual. The Dante Rivera fight was my first fight back in over a year and a half. He was 9-1 at the time and I had just been out of Ranger school for a couple of weeks. I had lost twenty something pounds at Ranger school and then I TKO’d him in the second round. I feel like ring rust is a reflection of how hard you’ve been sparring, how hard you’ve been working, and just the mentality. Last year guys were shooting at me and trying to blow me up, I’m going to funerals of my friends, so flying to Kent, Washington to fight on Strikeforce, I’m excited about it, but it’s not really nerve wrecking.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Are you planning on staying relatively active after this bout with Thompson?
Tim Kennedy: I’m going to be fighting as much as my body will permit. There are no other things that are going to be affecting my timeline at this point. I want to fight every couple of months. Before I came to the military, mixed martial arts wasn’t what it is right now. We used to fight at Indian Casinos, in Mexico, some barenuckle stuff in Florida. It seemed like I was traveling every month or so to get in on something, whether it be a Pancrase tournament, or a fight in Mexico, and I miss that. I miss being able to fight all of the time.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: How do you balance your training time along with being full time in the army?
Tim Kennedy: Well right now I’m training full time. I have worked for the military pretty much non-stop for the last five or six years. I can’t think of a thirty day time period that i was at home with my wife. I was either deployed or at school for the past five years non-stop. So I’m taking a break, I’m training. That’s what I want to do. I’m training right now two or three times a day. It’s unreal. I’ve never felt this strong, I’ve never been this fast, it’s a night and day difference between training full time and trying to balance it with the military.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: I know you spent a great deal of time with The Pit before making the move to Team Roc. Do you feel like the change of scenery is going to help you in this bout with Thompson.
Tim Kennedy: I think that the time I spent training at The Pit gave me a foundation that I couldn’t have received anywhere else. Chuck is the best light heavyweight champion the UFC has ever seen and probably ever will. Being able to go in the ring and have a guy like that to work with is priceless. I have a huge debt of gratitude to those guys. I can’t wait to get back to California. I’m relocating there in a couple of months and I’m going to be training back and forth with The Pit and AKA.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: What are some of the key areas you have been focusing on in the gym since your last win?
Tim Kennedy: I’ve been working on my striking a lot. I have that Pit foundation so I throw a lot of those big looping powershots. When they land they’re major knockouts but when they don’t we’re vulnerable to counter punching. I’ve been working my footwork and head movement a lot. I don’t like getting hit very much so I’m trying to not get hit as often.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: How do you feel you match up with Nick?
Tim Kennedy: It’s a really interesting match-up. He and I have really conflicting styles in the stand up. He’s a fast counter puncher with a really nasty jab, and like to be on the outside throwing big haymakers. I have a really good chin and I’m pretty much willing to exchange a couple of his jabs for a couple of my left hooks or right hands. He’s taller than I am and I’m pretty sure that the height will be an issue so I’ll be trying to get inside to land some power shots. I kind of foresee a stand up brawl going down.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Nick is well know for his ground game as well. Have you been spending some extra time preparing to defend the takedown in this bout?
Tim Kennedy: I’ve definitely been working my takedowns lately. He’s really dominant when he’s on top so if I could have it my way I’m keeping this on the feet.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Only one of your wins have gone to the scorecards. Would you say that it’s important that you are known as the kind of fighter that finishes his fights?
Tim Kennedy: I really don’t like those guys that are in there just to get the win. I think it’s the wrong answer. I think it’s wrong for the sport and I think that it’s the wrong mentality for martial arts. I have a lot of fans that are in the military and I think it’s the wrong way to display what me and my brothers do when we’re fighting. It’s one thing if the guys both go the distance while constantly looking for the finish, but to spend the whole fight counter punching and waiting for the other guy to make the mistake, what kind of fight is that?
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: What can fans expect for Tim Kennedy in the future?
Tim Kennedy: In the next year or two I’m looking at getting a crack at the title. It may not be in the next three or four fights but regardless of the ups or downs that are to come, I’m definitely going to be sticking around and you’ll be seeing a lot more of me.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Tim Kennedy: I want to give a big shout out to RangerUp.com. They’ve been taking care of me for the past three years. Those guys are my brothers. I also want to thank Soldiers Angels. It’s a non-profit organization for hurt soldiers. They’re an amazing group of people. Of course I want to thank Max Muscle for giving me all of the supplements to help me get ready for this fight. I also want to thank all of the guys at Team Roc for helping me train and I want to thank you for taking the time.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com: You got it Tim, thank you and good luck.
DREAM PUSHING FOR MAYHEM VS. JACARE 3
Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza have unfinished business, and it looks like they'll settle it this summer.
A source close to the fight Thursday told MMAWeekly.com that Dream has offered Miller a third bout with Souza for the still vacant middleweight title on July 20 at Dream 11. The fight would shadow the final round of the promotion's Featherweight Grand Prix.
Miller also confirmed the bout via his official Twitter account.
The pair's second meeting, at Dream 9, also for the promotion's vacant middleweight title, ended contentiously when an illegal kick from Miller opened a fight-ending cut on Souza's brow, forcing a no contest. The two exchanged words in the limbo of the ringside doctor's deliberations.
Miller, who will head a second season of the popular fight reality show "Bully Beatdown," re-dedicated himself to training after a lackluster decision loss to Souza at Dream 4. Initially unapologetic about the no contest on popular Internet forum The Underground, Miller promised to dominate the third fight.
On May 29, Souza told tatame.com he would not fight in July.
"Dude, I already beat him once, was winning this one," said Souza. "For me, if I have to fight, I fight; if I don’t, whatever. The problem is his, has already lost once and at the second made this (expletive).
"I don’t know what (Dream will) do. I trained three months to this clown come and do what he did. Now I won’t fight in July, not for a while. I’ll take a rest and wait."
Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza have unfinished business, and it looks like they'll settle it this summer.
A source close to the fight Thursday told MMAWeekly.com that Dream has offered Miller a third bout with Souza for the still vacant middleweight title on July 20 at Dream 11. The fight would shadow the final round of the promotion's Featherweight Grand Prix.
Miller also confirmed the bout via his official Twitter account.
The pair's second meeting, at Dream 9, also for the promotion's vacant middleweight title, ended contentiously when an illegal kick from Miller opened a fight-ending cut on Souza's brow, forcing a no contest. The two exchanged words in the limbo of the ringside doctor's deliberations.
Miller, who will head a second season of the popular fight reality show "Bully Beatdown," re-dedicated himself to training after a lackluster decision loss to Souza at Dream 4. Initially unapologetic about the no contest on popular Internet forum The Underground, Miller promised to dominate the third fight.
On May 29, Souza told tatame.com he would not fight in July.
"Dude, I already beat him once, was winning this one," said Souza. "For me, if I have to fight, I fight; if I don’t, whatever. The problem is his, has already lost once and at the second made this (expletive).
"I don’t know what (Dream will) do. I trained three months to this clown come and do what he did. Now I won’t fight in July, not for a while. I’ll take a rest and wait."
Akbarh Arreola vs. Brett Cooper latest addition to August's "Affliction: Trilogy" event
A clash of welterweight prospects has been added to the quickly filling "Affliction: Trilogy" event, as MMA Xtreme champion Akbarh Arreola (14-4-1) will meet Brett Cooper (9-4) on the evening's preliminary card.
Affliction vice president Tom Atencio today confirmed the addition with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
"Affliction: Trilogy," headlined by a WAMMA heavyweight title fight between current champ Fedor Emelianenko and challenger Josh Barnett, takes place Aug. 1 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Arreola brings a 10-fight win streak into the contest, including notable wins over UFC and WEC veteran Gabe Ruediger and DREAM veteran David Gardner. The Mexican-born fighter's most recent losses were back-to-back defeats at the hands of current Bellator lightweight-tournament finalist Toby Imada and a 2004 TKO loss to UFC lightweight Mac Danzig.
After opening his career with a 1-3 start, Cooper has rebounded in recent years with a stretch of seven wins in eight bouts. Cooper is currently riding a six-fight win streak, including notable wins over Rory Markham and Jason Von Flue.
Cooper earned a TKO win over Patrick Speight at Affliction's sophomore effort, "Day of Reckoning," and eight of his nine career wins have come by stoppage.
With the addition to the card, "Affliction: Trilogy" now includes:
MAIN CARD
* Champ Fedor Emelianenko vs. Josh Barnett (for WAMMA heavyweight title)
* Gegard Mousasi vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral
* Vitor Belfort vs. Jorge Santiago
* Paul Buentello vs. TBA+
* Paul Daley vs. Jay Hieron
PRELIMINARY CARD
* Chris Horodecki vs. Dan Lauzon
* Ben Rothwell vs. Chase Gormley
* Deividas Taurosevicius vs. TBA
* Akbarh Arreola vs. Brett Cooper
* Mark Hominick vs. TBA*
* Lucio Linhares vs. Mikhail Zayats (will not be aired)
* Rob Broughton vs. Jessie Gibbs (will not be aired)
* - Not officially announced
+ - Likely to face winner of June 27 "Ultimate Chaos" bout between Gilbert Yvel and Pedro Rizzo
A clash of welterweight prospects has been added to the quickly filling "Affliction: Trilogy" event, as MMA Xtreme champion Akbarh Arreola (14-4-1) will meet Brett Cooper (9-4) on the evening's preliminary card.
Affliction vice president Tom Atencio today confirmed the addition with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
"Affliction: Trilogy," headlined by a WAMMA heavyweight title fight between current champ Fedor Emelianenko and challenger Josh Barnett, takes place Aug. 1 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Arreola brings a 10-fight win streak into the contest, including notable wins over UFC and WEC veteran Gabe Ruediger and DREAM veteran David Gardner. The Mexican-born fighter's most recent losses were back-to-back defeats at the hands of current Bellator lightweight-tournament finalist Toby Imada and a 2004 TKO loss to UFC lightweight Mac Danzig.
After opening his career with a 1-3 start, Cooper has rebounded in recent years with a stretch of seven wins in eight bouts. Cooper is currently riding a six-fight win streak, including notable wins over Rory Markham and Jason Von Flue.
Cooper earned a TKO win over Patrick Speight at Affliction's sophomore effort, "Day of Reckoning," and eight of his nine career wins have come by stoppage.
With the addition to the card, "Affliction: Trilogy" now includes:
MAIN CARD
* Champ Fedor Emelianenko vs. Josh Barnett (for WAMMA heavyweight title)
* Gegard Mousasi vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral
* Vitor Belfort vs. Jorge Santiago
* Paul Buentello vs. TBA+
* Paul Daley vs. Jay Hieron
PRELIMINARY CARD
* Chris Horodecki vs. Dan Lauzon
* Ben Rothwell vs. Chase Gormley
* Deividas Taurosevicius vs. TBA
* Akbarh Arreola vs. Brett Cooper
* Mark Hominick vs. TBA*
* Lucio Linhares vs. Mikhail Zayats (will not be aired)
* Rob Broughton vs. Jessie Gibbs (will not be aired)
* - Not officially announced
+ - Likely to face winner of June 27 "Ultimate Chaos" bout between Gilbert Yvel and Pedro Rizzo
Sanchez, Guida on Weight for TUF 9 Finale
The UFC held its official weigh-ins Friday at the Key West Ballroom inside The Pearl in Las Vegas.
Lightweight contenders Clay Guida (155) and Diego Sanchez (156) successfully made weight, making official their bout for Saturday’s Spike TV-televised card.
The weigh-ins completed without a hitch, with the exception of Mike Ciesnolevicz, who registered a weight of 208, two pounds over the light heavyweight limit. According to UFC.com, Ciesnolevicz's opponent Tomasz Drwal agreed to the fight regardless. The IFL veteran will be penalized 20 percent of his fight purse by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, with 10 percent going to Drwal.
Weigh-in Results
Diego Sanchez (156) vs. Clay Guida (155)
Damarques Johnson (170) vs. James Wilks (171)
Chris Lytle (170) vs. Kevin Burns (171)
Ross Pearson (156) vs. Andre Winner (155)
Joe Stevenson (155) vs. Nate Diaz (156)
Melvin Guillard (155) vs. Gleison Tibau (155)
Brad Blackburn (170) vs. Edgar Garcia (171)
Mike Ciesnolevicz (208) vs. Tomasz Drwal (205)
Nicholas Osipczak (170) vs. Frank Lester (170)
Jason Dent (155) vs. Cameron Dollar (154)
The UFC held its official weigh-ins Friday at the Key West Ballroom inside The Pearl in Las Vegas.
Lightweight contenders Clay Guida (155) and Diego Sanchez (156) successfully made weight, making official their bout for Saturday’s Spike TV-televised card.
The weigh-ins completed without a hitch, with the exception of Mike Ciesnolevicz, who registered a weight of 208, two pounds over the light heavyweight limit. According to UFC.com, Ciesnolevicz's opponent Tomasz Drwal agreed to the fight regardless. The IFL veteran will be penalized 20 percent of his fight purse by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, with 10 percent going to Drwal.
Weigh-in Results
Diego Sanchez (156) vs. Clay Guida (155)
Damarques Johnson (170) vs. James Wilks (171)
Chris Lytle (170) vs. Kevin Burns (171)
Ross Pearson (156) vs. Andre Winner (155)
Joe Stevenson (155) vs. Nate Diaz (156)
Melvin Guillard (155) vs. Gleison Tibau (155)
Brad Blackburn (170) vs. Edgar Garcia (171)
Mike Ciesnolevicz (208) vs. Tomasz Drwal (205)
Nicholas Osipczak (170) vs. Frank Lester (170)
Jason Dent (155) vs. Cameron Dollar (154)
Villasenor Takes Split Nod Over ‘Cyborg’
KENT, Wash. -- “Smokin” Joey Villasenor edged out Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) over three grueling rounds in the main event of ShoMMA’s StrikeForce Challengers 2 at the ShoWare Center on Friday.
Santos opened round one by whipping multiple cringe-worthy leg kicks into Villasenor’s left thigh before the Greg Jackson-trained fighter decided he’d had enough and secured a takedown. From top position, Villasenor (27-6) controlled Santos but was unable to inflict major punishment before Santos escaped back to his feet.
In round two, Villasenor looked much more comfortable in the standup, doubling up on his jab and countering Cyborg’s leg kicks with straight right hands. Santos (16-13) fought back, however, and continued to work the leg kicks, hurting Villasenor and instilling a sense of urgency in the New Mexico fighter. Wading through Santos’ kicks and punches, Villasenor pressed the action, and the two traded until the bell sounded.
Starting the third round with a noticeable limp, Villasenor continued to eat more leg kicks before clinching against the fence and giving up a takedown. The groundwork would be brief, as Villasenor scrambled to his feet and again pressed forward, cutting Santos above his left eye. Exhausted, both fighters looked for the one-shot knockout, but neither could find the magic button as the fans in attendance cheered wildly till the final bell.
“I think [StrikeForce middleweight champion] Cung Le is sitting back watching all these fights, and he’s shaking in his boots,” said Villasenor of his title aspirations. “I’d really like to fight Cung Le.”
In an absolute barnburner, former UFC lightweight contender Jorge Gurgel took a hard-fought unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 29-28) over IFL veteran Conor “Hurricane” Heun. Both fighters began the fight by throwing bombs, but Gurgel (13-5) got the better of the exchanges early, knocking Heun down and snapping out stinging leg kicks. Heun would not go quietly, however, and finished the round strong, pressing the fight and cutting Gurgel below his right eye.
Round two looked strikingly similar to the first period, with Gurgel ignoring his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise and choosing instead to trade. Both fighters sustained significant damage, and the crowd erupted during each frantic exchange. Gurgel scored on multiple head kicks, even as his right eye began to swell shut and trickle blood.
The final stanza brought more of the same to the table, as both fighters, spent from throwing leather, tried to finish the fight. Heun (8-3) knocked Gurgel down in the latter half of the round and followed him to the mat. Gurgel quickly swept him from the bottom and worked his way to side control before abandoning the idea for more standup action. The crowd applauded the efforts of both fighters.
Former U.S. Army Ranger Tim Kennedy stopped Minnesota Martial Arts Academy product Nick “The Goat” Thompson 2:32 into round two, causing Thompson to tap out to strikes from back-side control.
Both fighters traded leg kicks to start the contest before Kennedy shot in for a takedown. Thompson (38-11-1) tried to scramble out, but exposed his back in the process. This chain of events was repeated several times and carried into round two, as Kennedy (10-2) showed off his superior ground game before finally finishing the fight.
In a 135-pound contest, undefeated Sarah Kaufman earned a unanimous victory over Shayna “The Queen of Spades” Baszler in the evening’s only women’s matchup with scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.
After a short feeling-out process, both fighters began to throw leather before Baszler (9-6) scored with an outside leg trip, landing in Kaufman’s guard before passing the legs to look for an unconventional knee-to-head North-South choke. Kaufman (10-0) escaped, and the referee restarted the fight standing. The two battled in the clinch, but were unable to inflict any real damage before round one ended.
Fighting in spite of a large mouse over her right eye, Kaufman was able to dictate the pace of the second round, landing straight shots to Baszler’s mug and peppering her left thigh with leg kicks.
In round three, a bloodied Baszler tried to take the fight to the mat, but each time Kaufman landed in top position and stood up. From there, she continued to work her combinations, outclassing the Josh Barnett protégé just as Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos did in Baszler’s last fight.
“She’s a really tough opponent,” said Kaufman. “I have a ton of respect for her.” As the Showtime broadcast went live, local favorite Cory Devela entered the cage for his middleweight fight against Luke Rockhold to a chorus of cheers, but that would be the highlight of his night. As the bell rang, Devela (9-3) pressed to attack but was met by a beautiful counter right hook that dropped him to his knees. From there, Rockhold (5-1) initiated brutal ground-and-pound and sunk in a rear-naked choke to secure the win just 30 seconds into the opening round.
In other bouts:
Steve Hadsel def. Taylor Roberts – TKO (Punches) 0:17
Len Bentley def. Marques Daniels – Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28 and 29-28)
Landon Showalter def. George Stork – Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27)
Lyle Beerbohm def. Duane Ludwig – Submission (Modified Rear-Naked Choke) 4:27 R1
Brian Caraway def. Alex Zuniga – Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27)
Dennis Hallman def. Justin Davis – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 0:20 R1
KENT, Wash. -- “Smokin” Joey Villasenor edged out Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) over three grueling rounds in the main event of ShoMMA’s StrikeForce Challengers 2 at the ShoWare Center on Friday.
Santos opened round one by whipping multiple cringe-worthy leg kicks into Villasenor’s left thigh before the Greg Jackson-trained fighter decided he’d had enough and secured a takedown. From top position, Villasenor (27-6) controlled Santos but was unable to inflict major punishment before Santos escaped back to his feet.
In round two, Villasenor looked much more comfortable in the standup, doubling up on his jab and countering Cyborg’s leg kicks with straight right hands. Santos (16-13) fought back, however, and continued to work the leg kicks, hurting Villasenor and instilling a sense of urgency in the New Mexico fighter. Wading through Santos’ kicks and punches, Villasenor pressed the action, and the two traded until the bell sounded.
Starting the third round with a noticeable limp, Villasenor continued to eat more leg kicks before clinching against the fence and giving up a takedown. The groundwork would be brief, as Villasenor scrambled to his feet and again pressed forward, cutting Santos above his left eye. Exhausted, both fighters looked for the one-shot knockout, but neither could find the magic button as the fans in attendance cheered wildly till the final bell.
“I think [StrikeForce middleweight champion] Cung Le is sitting back watching all these fights, and he’s shaking in his boots,” said Villasenor of his title aspirations. “I’d really like to fight Cung Le.”
In an absolute barnburner, former UFC lightweight contender Jorge Gurgel took a hard-fought unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 29-28) over IFL veteran Conor “Hurricane” Heun. Both fighters began the fight by throwing bombs, but Gurgel (13-5) got the better of the exchanges early, knocking Heun down and snapping out stinging leg kicks. Heun would not go quietly, however, and finished the round strong, pressing the fight and cutting Gurgel below his right eye.
Round two looked strikingly similar to the first period, with Gurgel ignoring his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise and choosing instead to trade. Both fighters sustained significant damage, and the crowd erupted during each frantic exchange. Gurgel scored on multiple head kicks, even as his right eye began to swell shut and trickle blood.
The final stanza brought more of the same to the table, as both fighters, spent from throwing leather, tried to finish the fight. Heun (8-3) knocked Gurgel down in the latter half of the round and followed him to the mat. Gurgel quickly swept him from the bottom and worked his way to side control before abandoning the idea for more standup action. The crowd applauded the efforts of both fighters.
Former U.S. Army Ranger Tim Kennedy stopped Minnesota Martial Arts Academy product Nick “The Goat” Thompson 2:32 into round two, causing Thompson to tap out to strikes from back-side control.
Both fighters traded leg kicks to start the contest before Kennedy shot in for a takedown. Thompson (38-11-1) tried to scramble out, but exposed his back in the process. This chain of events was repeated several times and carried into round two, as Kennedy (10-2) showed off his superior ground game before finally finishing the fight.
In a 135-pound contest, undefeated Sarah Kaufman earned a unanimous victory over Shayna “The Queen of Spades” Baszler in the evening’s only women’s matchup with scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.
After a short feeling-out process, both fighters began to throw leather before Baszler (9-6) scored with an outside leg trip, landing in Kaufman’s guard before passing the legs to look for an unconventional knee-to-head North-South choke. Kaufman (10-0) escaped, and the referee restarted the fight standing. The two battled in the clinch, but were unable to inflict any real damage before round one ended.
Fighting in spite of a large mouse over her right eye, Kaufman was able to dictate the pace of the second round, landing straight shots to Baszler’s mug and peppering her left thigh with leg kicks.
In round three, a bloodied Baszler tried to take the fight to the mat, but each time Kaufman landed in top position and stood up. From there, she continued to work her combinations, outclassing the Josh Barnett protégé just as Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos did in Baszler’s last fight.
“She’s a really tough opponent,” said Kaufman. “I have a ton of respect for her.” As the Showtime broadcast went live, local favorite Cory Devela entered the cage for his middleweight fight against Luke Rockhold to a chorus of cheers, but that would be the highlight of his night. As the bell rang, Devela (9-3) pressed to attack but was met by a beautiful counter right hook that dropped him to his knees. From there, Rockhold (5-1) initiated brutal ground-and-pound and sunk in a rear-naked choke to secure the win just 30 seconds into the opening round.
In other bouts:
Steve Hadsel def. Taylor Roberts – TKO (Punches) 0:17
Len Bentley def. Marques Daniels – Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28 and 29-28)
Landon Showalter def. George Stork – Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27)
Lyle Beerbohm def. Duane Ludwig – Submission (Modified Rear-Naked Choke) 4:27 R1
Brian Caraway def. Alex Zuniga – Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27)
Dennis Hallman def. Justin Davis – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 0:20 R1
Bellator Crowns Alvarez, Lombard
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Two champions -- lightweight Eddie Alvarez and middleweight Hector Lombard -- were crowned on Friday in the final event of Bellator Fighting Championships’ first season at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
In the main event, Alvarez continued to impress mixed martial arts fans, as he defeated journeyman Toby Imada by rear-naked choke 38 seconds into the second round.
The Philadelphia native came out the aggressor in the first round, as more than 4,000 fans looked on. Much of the period was spent in the clinch, with Imada landing some good knees to the body. Shortly after the start of round two, the world’s third-ranked lightweight landed a devastating right hook that sent Imada crashing to the canvas. Alvarez jumped on his fallen foe, took his back and sank the rear-naked choke for the tapout.
Imada entered the bout with plenty of momentum after he pulled off an incredible inverted triangle submission against Jorge Masvidal in the lightweight tournament semi-finals last month. In the end, the crafty veteran was no match for the ultra-talented Alvarez.
Alvarez (18-2), who had the crowd behind him throughout the fight, won all three of his tournament matches by submission. His loss to Shinya Aoki late last year now a distant memory, the charismatic 24-year-old plans to spend some time with his family and admits tournament fighting is not for everyone.
“You truly have to love fighting to do it,” he said. “You can’t be half-hearted. Your heart has to be in fighting.”
Alvarez, considered a cornerstone for the fledgling organization, earned the championship belt and a $100,000 paycheck at the end of the lightweight final; he pocketed a total of $175,000 for competing in the tournament. Imada (22-13), meanwhile, confirmed plans to return for Bellator’s second season. The defeat snapped his eight-fight winning streak.
Lombard (21-2-1, 1 NC) dominated the co-main event, as he zipped past the previously unbeaten Jared Hess and stopped him on a cut 1:41 into the fourth round.
In round one, Lombard took down Hess, but the fighters soon returned to their feet. Towards the end of the period, the Cuban judoka connected with a vicious right, which rocked Hess and caused his left eye to swell. Hess recovered, but his legs remained wobbly for the rest of the round.
Hess walked into the second round with his left eye nearly swollen shut. Unable to take down the Cuban judo national champion, Hess resorted to pulling guard -- a ploy which allowed Lombard to wear down his opponent with ground-and-pound.
Lombard -- who fed off “Hector!” chants from the crowd -- later picked up Hess, slammed him on the canvas and pounded on him, leaving a nasty gash in the middle of his forehead. The referee stopped the fight twice to check Hess’ cut, but the doctor allowed the fight to continue since the blood was not affecting his vision.
Hess (9-1-1) entered round four covered in blood. Lombard immediately took him down and connected with several punches that prompted the doctor to stop the fight; the bleeding was only getting worse.
Unbeaten in 15 fights, Lombard -- also a titleholder in Australia’s Cage Fighting Championships -- defeated James Damien Stelly and Virgil Lozano en route to the middleweight final. Like Alvarez, he banked $100,000 for defeating Hess and a total of $175,000 for the tournament.
In non-tournament action, Masvidal rebounded from his stunning defeat to Imada and outclassed Eric Reynolds on the undercard.
The American Top Team standout displayed his superior striking, as he picked apart Reynolds (10-3). Masvidal (18-4) finished the fight when he secured a double-leg takedown, captured his opponent’s back and locked in a rear-naked choke 3:33 into the third round.
Finally, EliteXC veteran Rosi Sexton needed just 3:40 to dispatch Valerie Coolbaugh. The one-time Bodog Fight and Cage Warriors champion posted her fourth consecutive victory in her Bellator debut, as she coaxed a tapout from Coolbaugh (1-3) in the first round. Sexton (10-1) has delivered seven of her 10 career wins by submission.
Other Bouts
Fabio Mello def. Sami Aziz -- Submission (Armbar) 1:58 R3
Sergio Moraes def. Josh Martin -- Submission (Triangle Choke) 4:21 R1
Luis Palomino def. Troy Gerhart -- Unanimous Decision
Stephanie Guimaraes def. Yvonne Reis -- KO (Knee) 0:49 R1
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Two champions -- lightweight Eddie Alvarez and middleweight Hector Lombard -- were crowned on Friday in the final event of Bellator Fighting Championships’ first season at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
In the main event, Alvarez continued to impress mixed martial arts fans, as he defeated journeyman Toby Imada by rear-naked choke 38 seconds into the second round.
The Philadelphia native came out the aggressor in the first round, as more than 4,000 fans looked on. Much of the period was spent in the clinch, with Imada landing some good knees to the body. Shortly after the start of round two, the world’s third-ranked lightweight landed a devastating right hook that sent Imada crashing to the canvas. Alvarez jumped on his fallen foe, took his back and sank the rear-naked choke for the tapout.
Imada entered the bout with plenty of momentum after he pulled off an incredible inverted triangle submission against Jorge Masvidal in the lightweight tournament semi-finals last month. In the end, the crafty veteran was no match for the ultra-talented Alvarez.
Alvarez (18-2), who had the crowd behind him throughout the fight, won all three of his tournament matches by submission. His loss to Shinya Aoki late last year now a distant memory, the charismatic 24-year-old plans to spend some time with his family and admits tournament fighting is not for everyone.
“You truly have to love fighting to do it,” he said. “You can’t be half-hearted. Your heart has to be in fighting.”
Alvarez, considered a cornerstone for the fledgling organization, earned the championship belt and a $100,000 paycheck at the end of the lightweight final; he pocketed a total of $175,000 for competing in the tournament. Imada (22-13), meanwhile, confirmed plans to return for Bellator’s second season. The defeat snapped his eight-fight winning streak.
Lombard (21-2-1, 1 NC) dominated the co-main event, as he zipped past the previously unbeaten Jared Hess and stopped him on a cut 1:41 into the fourth round.
In round one, Lombard took down Hess, but the fighters soon returned to their feet. Towards the end of the period, the Cuban judoka connected with a vicious right, which rocked Hess and caused his left eye to swell. Hess recovered, but his legs remained wobbly for the rest of the round.
Hess walked into the second round with his left eye nearly swollen shut. Unable to take down the Cuban judo national champion, Hess resorted to pulling guard -- a ploy which allowed Lombard to wear down his opponent with ground-and-pound.
Lombard -- who fed off “Hector!” chants from the crowd -- later picked up Hess, slammed him on the canvas and pounded on him, leaving a nasty gash in the middle of his forehead. The referee stopped the fight twice to check Hess’ cut, but the doctor allowed the fight to continue since the blood was not affecting his vision.
Hess (9-1-1) entered round four covered in blood. Lombard immediately took him down and connected with several punches that prompted the doctor to stop the fight; the bleeding was only getting worse.
Unbeaten in 15 fights, Lombard -- also a titleholder in Australia’s Cage Fighting Championships -- defeated James Damien Stelly and Virgil Lozano en route to the middleweight final. Like Alvarez, he banked $100,000 for defeating Hess and a total of $175,000 for the tournament.
In non-tournament action, Masvidal rebounded from his stunning defeat to Imada and outclassed Eric Reynolds on the undercard.
The American Top Team standout displayed his superior striking, as he picked apart Reynolds (10-3). Masvidal (18-4) finished the fight when he secured a double-leg takedown, captured his opponent’s back and locked in a rear-naked choke 3:33 into the third round.
Finally, EliteXC veteran Rosi Sexton needed just 3:40 to dispatch Valerie Coolbaugh. The one-time Bodog Fight and Cage Warriors champion posted her fourth consecutive victory in her Bellator debut, as she coaxed a tapout from Coolbaugh (1-3) in the first round. Sexton (10-1) has delivered seven of her 10 career wins by submission.
Other Bouts
Fabio Mello def. Sami Aziz -- Submission (Armbar) 1:58 R3
Sergio Moraes def. Josh Martin -- Submission (Triangle Choke) 4:21 R1
Luis Palomino def. Troy Gerhart -- Unanimous Decision
Stephanie Guimaraes def. Yvonne Reis -- KO (Knee) 0:49 R1
UFC gives "TUF 9" coaches Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson new Land Rovers
You didn't think Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping would get stiffed, did you?
As a reward for working as coaches on the latest season of "The Ultimate Fighter," the season-nine coaches (and UFC 100 opponents) each received a brand new Land Rover.
A video shot in Las Vegas of the two fighters receiving the high-end luxury sport-utility vehicles, which can run nearly $100,000 when specialized and fully equipped, is available on UFC.com.
UFC officials traditionally award coaches a season-ending gift after coaching on the popular reality series, and the freebies usually come in the form of a vehicle. Rich Franklin, for example, got a new Hummer in season two, and Matt Hughes even negotiated for a pricey John Deere tractor after season six.
"I knew he was going to get us a car, but I didn't know what it was going to be," Henderson said in the video. "It's awesome. Nice job."
The new truck is a specialty Windsor Collection edition Land Rover that comes with custom STRUT body kits and full audio-video and navigation systems.
"It's an absolutely amazing car," Bisping said. "It's not just a Ranger Rover. It's like the top of the range with every extra little [option] on it you can imagine."
The two fighters and coaches are in Sin City as part of tonight's Spike TV-televised event, The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale, at the Palms Casino Resort. Bisping, who won the third season of the show as a light heavyweight, coached his Team U.K. to three finalist spots; Henderson's U.S. squad sent just one fighter to the finale.
Henderson and Bisping are slated to fight on July 11 as part of the UFC's historic UFC 100 event. The winner could possibly earn a title shot with current champion Anderson Silva.
You didn't think Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping would get stiffed, did you?
As a reward for working as coaches on the latest season of "The Ultimate Fighter," the season-nine coaches (and UFC 100 opponents) each received a brand new Land Rover.
A video shot in Las Vegas of the two fighters receiving the high-end luxury sport-utility vehicles, which can run nearly $100,000 when specialized and fully equipped, is available on UFC.com.
UFC officials traditionally award coaches a season-ending gift after coaching on the popular reality series, and the freebies usually come in the form of a vehicle. Rich Franklin, for example, got a new Hummer in season two, and Matt Hughes even negotiated for a pricey John Deere tractor after season six.
"I knew he was going to get us a car, but I didn't know what it was going to be," Henderson said in the video. "It's awesome. Nice job."
The new truck is a specialty Windsor Collection edition Land Rover that comes with custom STRUT body kits and full audio-video and navigation systems.
"It's an absolutely amazing car," Bisping said. "It's not just a Ranger Rover. It's like the top of the range with every extra little [option] on it you can imagine."
The two fighters and coaches are in Sin City as part of tonight's Spike TV-televised event, The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale, at the Palms Casino Resort. Bisping, who won the third season of the show as a light heavyweight, coached his Team U.K. to three finalist spots; Henderson's U.S. squad sent just one fighter to the finale.
Henderson and Bisping are slated to fight on July 11 as part of the UFC's historic UFC 100 event. The winner could possibly earn a title shot with current champion Anderson Silva.
Lyle Beerbohm's called shot at Strikeforce just latest chapter in unusual story
KENT, Wash. – With a nickname like "Fancy Pants," it's fairly easy to conclude that Lyle Beerbohm (10-0) is not your typical fighter.
At Friday night's "Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg," Beerbohm added another chapter to his quickly growing legend, borrowing a page from baseball history.
Reminiscent of Babe Ruth's pointing to centerfield, Beerbohm picked a finishing move before his preliminary card fight began, then went out and did it, choking out Duane Ludwig (18-9) with a schoolyard choke at 4:27 of the first-round.
The move was actually in answer to a challenge by Beerbohm's equally colorful manager, Ken Pavia, issued while the two talked backstage before the fights.
"I was acting cocky backstage, and I told [Pavia] to name the finishing move," Beerbohm told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) following the bout.
Pavia said he originally suggested a head kick, but then settled on the schoolyard choke after Beerbohm declared the original suggestion too vanilla.
"I picked that move because it was hard to pull off," Pavia said. "You never see that."
Unfortunately for Pavia, he happened to request his client's specialty in the gym – so much so that "Fancy Pants" himself calls it "The Beerbohm Choke."
"If Pavia would have said something else, I would have been in trouble," Beerbohm said. "But it was perfect for me."
The fight wasn't televised, but considering the level of competition, it should have been.
Ludwig is a UFC, Strikeforce, K-1 and Sengoku veteran, and the win was undoubtedly the biggest of Beerbohm's career to date.
After spending 12 months in jail and beating a crystal meth addiction, Beerbohm has now amassed a streak of 22-straight wins in the professional and amateur ranks to open his career after emerging from incarceration in the Washington State Penitentiary.
KENT, Wash. – With a nickname like "Fancy Pants," it's fairly easy to conclude that Lyle Beerbohm (10-0) is not your typical fighter.
At Friday night's "Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg," Beerbohm added another chapter to his quickly growing legend, borrowing a page from baseball history.
Reminiscent of Babe Ruth's pointing to centerfield, Beerbohm picked a finishing move before his preliminary card fight began, then went out and did it, choking out Duane Ludwig (18-9) with a schoolyard choke at 4:27 of the first-round.
The move was actually in answer to a challenge by Beerbohm's equally colorful manager, Ken Pavia, issued while the two talked backstage before the fights.
"I was acting cocky backstage, and I told [Pavia] to name the finishing move," Beerbohm told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) following the bout.
Pavia said he originally suggested a head kick, but then settled on the schoolyard choke after Beerbohm declared the original suggestion too vanilla.
"I picked that move because it was hard to pull off," Pavia said. "You never see that."
Unfortunately for Pavia, he happened to request his client's specialty in the gym – so much so that "Fancy Pants" himself calls it "The Beerbohm Choke."
"If Pavia would have said something else, I would have been in trouble," Beerbohm said. "But it was perfect for me."
The fight wasn't televised, but considering the level of competition, it should have been.
Ludwig is a UFC, Strikeforce, K-1 and Sengoku veteran, and the win was undoubtedly the biggest of Beerbohm's career to date.
After spending 12 months in jail and beating a crystal meth addiction, Beerbohm has now amassed a streak of 22-straight wins in the professional and amateur ranks to open his career after emerging from incarceration in the Washington State Penitentiary.
Gurgel and Heun steal show at Strikeforce, Villasenor edges "Cyborg" in main event
KENT, Wash. – Two Strikeforce newcomers stole the show at Friday's "Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg" as Jorge Gurgel (13-5) and Conor Heun (8-3) brought the ShoWare Center crowd to its feet in Kent, Wash., with one of the best brawls of 2009.
Who cares if the marquee bout didn't quite live up to expectations.
The reemergence of Tim Kennedy (10-2) and the continued evolution of Sarah Kaufman (10-0) more than gave fans their money's worth. But it was two ground fighters giving the crowd a best kickboxing exhibition that won the night as Gurgel outlasted Heun for a unanimous decision in their Strikeforce debut. The crowd gave both fighters a standing ovation from the crowd at the end of the bout.
"I take my hat off to Conor Heun for giving me the type of fight I wanted in my first Strikeforce fight," Gurgel said. "I've never seen a guy like that in my life with a chin like that – except for me."
Gurgel is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who prefers to kickbox in the cage. The strategy has not always served him well in the win-loss column (witness a 3-4 run in the UFC), but it certainly makes for exciting fights. Friday, he ignored cat calls to "take it to the ground" and brawled with Heun, a national-qualifying wrestler at Ithica, in center cage.
"I promised everybody I would use my jiu-jitsu," Gurgel said after the bout. "But Conor was the perfect opponent for me not to use it. He's got good wrestling and I was always waiting for the shot."
The 32-year-old hurt Heun with kicks and superior hand speed in the first and second rounds. Heun lumbered forward, often telegraphing his strikes, but when he landed Gurgel was worse for the wear. Both fighters were bloodied before the fight went to the ground in the third, but neither had an interest in keeping it there.
Back on their feet, Gurgel played to the crowd and stung Heun as the Hollywood, Calif.-based fighter continued to stalk his prey until time expired.
The bout occurred at a catchweight of 160 pounds.
The main event produced a round of furious action, it was just not the round anyone expected.
Joe Villasenor (27-6) and Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (16-13) are known for their aggression and pace. "Cyborg," a Brazilian, had only made it out of the first round once in his past six fights. After they nearly came to blows during the weigh-ins Friday, the crowd was expecting fireworks. Instead, they went the entire first round without landing an effective strike. Villasenor won the opening frame with a takedown and little else. He landed a hard, straight left at the start of the second but the pace slowed again. Both fighters let their hands fly in the third, and Villasenor bloodied Santos with several overhand lefts.
The fight was too close to call, and the judges felt the same way. Villasenor escaped with the split decision win, 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29.
There was no answer for Kennedy's wrestling in a middleweight bout that helped shape the Strikeforce 185-pound division. It was Kennedy's first fight since 2007.
"I'm back, and I want to fight every month," Kennedy said. "No ring rust."
Kennedy took Nick Thompson (38-11-1) down quickly and controlled "The Goat" with superior positioning. Thompson stepped up in weight class for the fight and it may have cost him.
In the first round, Kennedy, a Green Beret and Army Ranger, took Thompson's back while the latter went for a kimura. In the second round, Kennedy easily gained top position and began landing power shots. It appeared that three punches hit Thompson cleanly in the back of the head during the series, and Thompson, who entered the fight a winner in 14 of his past 15 fights, immediately tapped – and then cursed out the referee for not stopping the strikes.
Regardless, Kennedy was in clear control of the bout.
"If one of them hit him in the back of the head, it was unintentional and I'm sorry," Kennedy said. "I'm the fairest fighter you know."
Kaufman remained unbeaten with an impressive unanimous-decision win over Shayna Baszler (11-6). Baszler took Kaufman down and even secured a north-south choke in the first round, but that was her high point of the fight. Kaufman then took top position and landed punches from Baszler’s half-guard.
Kaufman took control of the bout in the second round, using crisp combinations and constant movement to batter "The Queen of Spades" against the cage. Baszler fought with her butt to the cage for much of the third round as well, unable to take the fight to the mat and unable to stop Kaufman's onslaught.
"The longer the fight goes on, the easier it is for me to get in a rhythm," Kaufman said. "Shayna is a tough opponent. ... (It) couldn't be a good fight without a good opponent."
Kaufman won 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 on the judges' cards. It was Kaufman's second fight since May, while Baszler hadn't fought since losing to top-contender Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos almost a year ago.
The fight was notable as the first licensed women's fight in Strikeforce to feature five-minute rounds. In the past, female fighters fought three-minute rounds.
Middleweight Luke Rockhold (5-1) opened the evening's telecast by quicly droppeing local favorite Cory Devela (9-3) with a punch right after the opening bell and followed with a flurry of hammer fists.
"I've been dropping people in the gym with full pads," Rockhold said. "I knew if I hit someone with small gloves they were going to go down."
The punches softened Devela up and Rockhold took his back, slipping in a rear naked choke and forcing the tap at 30 seconds of the first round.
KENT, Wash. – Two Strikeforce newcomers stole the show at Friday's "Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg" as Jorge Gurgel (13-5) and Conor Heun (8-3) brought the ShoWare Center crowd to its feet in Kent, Wash., with one of the best brawls of 2009.
Who cares if the marquee bout didn't quite live up to expectations.
The reemergence of Tim Kennedy (10-2) and the continued evolution of Sarah Kaufman (10-0) more than gave fans their money's worth. But it was two ground fighters giving the crowd a best kickboxing exhibition that won the night as Gurgel outlasted Heun for a unanimous decision in their Strikeforce debut. The crowd gave both fighters a standing ovation from the crowd at the end of the bout.
"I take my hat off to Conor Heun for giving me the type of fight I wanted in my first Strikeforce fight," Gurgel said. "I've never seen a guy like that in my life with a chin like that – except for me."
Gurgel is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who prefers to kickbox in the cage. The strategy has not always served him well in the win-loss column (witness a 3-4 run in the UFC), but it certainly makes for exciting fights. Friday, he ignored cat calls to "take it to the ground" and brawled with Heun, a national-qualifying wrestler at Ithica, in center cage.
"I promised everybody I would use my jiu-jitsu," Gurgel said after the bout. "But Conor was the perfect opponent for me not to use it. He's got good wrestling and I was always waiting for the shot."
The 32-year-old hurt Heun with kicks and superior hand speed in the first and second rounds. Heun lumbered forward, often telegraphing his strikes, but when he landed Gurgel was worse for the wear. Both fighters were bloodied before the fight went to the ground in the third, but neither had an interest in keeping it there.
Back on their feet, Gurgel played to the crowd and stung Heun as the Hollywood, Calif.-based fighter continued to stalk his prey until time expired.
The bout occurred at a catchweight of 160 pounds.
The main event produced a round of furious action, it was just not the round anyone expected.
Joe Villasenor (27-6) and Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (16-13) are known for their aggression and pace. "Cyborg," a Brazilian, had only made it out of the first round once in his past six fights. After they nearly came to blows during the weigh-ins Friday, the crowd was expecting fireworks. Instead, they went the entire first round without landing an effective strike. Villasenor won the opening frame with a takedown and little else. He landed a hard, straight left at the start of the second but the pace slowed again. Both fighters let their hands fly in the third, and Villasenor bloodied Santos with several overhand lefts.
The fight was too close to call, and the judges felt the same way. Villasenor escaped with the split decision win, 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29.
There was no answer for Kennedy's wrestling in a middleweight bout that helped shape the Strikeforce 185-pound division. It was Kennedy's first fight since 2007.
"I'm back, and I want to fight every month," Kennedy said. "No ring rust."
Kennedy took Nick Thompson (38-11-1) down quickly and controlled "The Goat" with superior positioning. Thompson stepped up in weight class for the fight and it may have cost him.
In the first round, Kennedy, a Green Beret and Army Ranger, took Thompson's back while the latter went for a kimura. In the second round, Kennedy easily gained top position and began landing power shots. It appeared that three punches hit Thompson cleanly in the back of the head during the series, and Thompson, who entered the fight a winner in 14 of his past 15 fights, immediately tapped – and then cursed out the referee for not stopping the strikes.
Regardless, Kennedy was in clear control of the bout.
"If one of them hit him in the back of the head, it was unintentional and I'm sorry," Kennedy said. "I'm the fairest fighter you know."
Kaufman remained unbeaten with an impressive unanimous-decision win over Shayna Baszler (11-6). Baszler took Kaufman down and even secured a north-south choke in the first round, but that was her high point of the fight. Kaufman then took top position and landed punches from Baszler’s half-guard.
Kaufman took control of the bout in the second round, using crisp combinations and constant movement to batter "The Queen of Spades" against the cage. Baszler fought with her butt to the cage for much of the third round as well, unable to take the fight to the mat and unable to stop Kaufman's onslaught.
"The longer the fight goes on, the easier it is for me to get in a rhythm," Kaufman said. "Shayna is a tough opponent. ... (It) couldn't be a good fight without a good opponent."
Kaufman won 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 on the judges' cards. It was Kaufman's second fight since May, while Baszler hadn't fought since losing to top-contender Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos almost a year ago.
The fight was notable as the first licensed women's fight in Strikeforce to feature five-minute rounds. In the past, female fighters fought three-minute rounds.
Middleweight Luke Rockhold (5-1) opened the evening's telecast by quicly droppeing local favorite Cory Devela (9-3) with a punch right after the opening bell and followed with a flurry of hammer fists.
"I've been dropping people in the gym with full pads," Rockhold said. "I knew if I hit someone with small gloves they were going to go down."
The punches softened Devela up and Rockhold took his back, slipping in a rear naked choke and forcing the tap at 30 seconds of the first round.
Dana White on Mazzagatti: ‘That referee has no business being in this business’
Perhaps the most controversial referee in the history of the UFC has fallen under fire once again. This time from the president of the promotion where he does a good amount of his work.Steve Mazzagatti got his first crack at being a referee in the octagon way back at UFC 43 and it has been a bumpy road scattered with questionable decisions ever since.
One of his more questionable calls of recent memory was dragged back into the limelight in a recent Maxim Magazine profile on Brock Lesnar and his upcoming rematch with Frank Mir for the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight championship at UFC 100.
The pair’s first meeting at UFC 81 ended in controversy after Lesnar was prohibited from mauling Mir upon Mazzagatti’s decision to stand the two men up to deduct a point from Lesnar for punches to the back of the head. Whether Lesnar was warned or not is unclear. What is clear is if Mazzagatti had warned Lesnar, he hadn’t been overly vocal about it prior to deducting the point. Mir being finished seemed imminent at the time of the stand-up. Lesnar was caught in a knee bar to force the tapout shortly after the separation.
“Frank knows deep down that he lost that fight,” Lesnar was quoted as saying to Maxim. “He got a Christmas present.”
UFC President Dana White also chimed in during the feature and made his feelings on Mazzagatti as a referee quite clear.
“That referee has no business being in this business,” said White.
Perhaps the most controversial referee in the history of the UFC has fallen under fire once again. This time from the president of the promotion where he does a good amount of his work.Steve Mazzagatti got his first crack at being a referee in the octagon way back at UFC 43 and it has been a bumpy road scattered with questionable decisions ever since.
One of his more questionable calls of recent memory was dragged back into the limelight in a recent Maxim Magazine profile on Brock Lesnar and his upcoming rematch with Frank Mir for the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight championship at UFC 100.
The pair’s first meeting at UFC 81 ended in controversy after Lesnar was prohibited from mauling Mir upon Mazzagatti’s decision to stand the two men up to deduct a point from Lesnar for punches to the back of the head. Whether Lesnar was warned or not is unclear. What is clear is if Mazzagatti had warned Lesnar, he hadn’t been overly vocal about it prior to deducting the point. Mir being finished seemed imminent at the time of the stand-up. Lesnar was caught in a knee bar to force the tapout shortly after the separation.
“Frank knows deep down that he lost that fight,” Lesnar was quoted as saying to Maxim. “He got a Christmas present.”
UFC President Dana White also chimed in during the feature and made his feelings on Mazzagatti as a referee quite clear.
“That referee has no business being in this business,” said White.
Demian doesn’t know if he’ll be at ADCC ‘09
One of the greatest names in ADCC 2009’s list, Demian Maia also became one of the biggest stars of the UFC. E thanks to the MMA event, the Brazilian black belt doesn’t know if he’ll be able to go to Barcelona, Spain, to defend his title in the submission tournament, that happens in September. Set to face Nate Marquardt at UFC 102, Maia eyes a possible title fight by the ed of the year, and focuses on that to make his dream come true.
“I haven’t decided yet, because I’ll fight and, if I win, I have chances to fight for the title by the end of the year. I don’t know what to do, I really would like to fight (in ADCC)”, says Demian, believing he wouldn’t have problems with UFC’s organization if he decides to fight. “When I signed with them, I asked if I could, and they said I could, but I don’t know if I will make it,“ regrets. “I love the Abu Dhabi, I really want to fight, but it’s too close to my other fights, I can’t sacrifice myself”.
One of the greatest names in ADCC 2009’s list, Demian Maia also became one of the biggest stars of the UFC. E thanks to the MMA event, the Brazilian black belt doesn’t know if he’ll be able to go to Barcelona, Spain, to defend his title in the submission tournament, that happens in September. Set to face Nate Marquardt at UFC 102, Maia eyes a possible title fight by the ed of the year, and focuses on that to make his dream come true.
“I haven’t decided yet, because I’ll fight and, if I win, I have chances to fight for the title by the end of the year. I don’t know what to do, I really would like to fight (in ADCC)”, says Demian, believing he wouldn’t have problems with UFC’s organization if he decides to fight. “When I signed with them, I asked if I could, and they said I could, but I don’t know if I will make it,“ regrets. “I love the Abu Dhabi, I really want to fight, but it’s too close to my other fights, I can’t sacrifice myself”.
Wagnney eyes WEC return in september
When Wagnney Fabiano arrived in WEC’s octagon, he was considered one of the top fighters of the division, and the IFL champion showed why with two victories in the American octagon. But, with a hand injury in the fight against Frédson Paixão, the Brazilian saw his third fight be postponed. “I did a surgery, put platinum and some screws, and I’m doing physiotherapy now, but I’m a lot better. I’m 90% recovered”, tells the Nova União athlete, back to training and eying a possible return in September.
“This is my perspective for the next fight. I want to fight in September. They haven’t said anything yet, but I think it’ll be by then”, says, without any opponent on target. “I think they’ll put me against Leonard Garcia, because he doesn’t fight since a long time and won’t fight in August. I don’t know, because August’s card is not finalized yet, so…”. Back to the octagon with a victory, Fabiano could put WEC’s promoter and matchmakers into a dilemma. With five straight wins by knockout in the event, José Also, Wagnney’s team mate, is also close to a title shot in the same division.
Guaranteeing that a fight between them is simply impossible, Wagnney recognizes that Aldo is closer to the title now. “I think Junior (Aldo) will have his chance before me, because he deserves it. A lot of guys ask me if I’m worried with that, but no. Junior is a brother, I saw this guy sleeping in the gym and with his determination he is where he is now. I believe in God and in my potential and, he gets his chance before me, I’ll be cheering for him and be happy too, because his victory will come. He’ll win this title”, bets Fabiano, analyzing another solution if his friend wins the title. “If it happens, I’ll think that I’ll do, maybe go down to the bantamweights”, finished the Brazilian.
When Wagnney Fabiano arrived in WEC’s octagon, he was considered one of the top fighters of the division, and the IFL champion showed why with two victories in the American octagon. But, with a hand injury in the fight against Frédson Paixão, the Brazilian saw his third fight be postponed. “I did a surgery, put platinum and some screws, and I’m doing physiotherapy now, but I’m a lot better. I’m 90% recovered”, tells the Nova União athlete, back to training and eying a possible return in September.
“This is my perspective for the next fight. I want to fight in September. They haven’t said anything yet, but I think it’ll be by then”, says, without any opponent on target. “I think they’ll put me against Leonard Garcia, because he doesn’t fight since a long time and won’t fight in August. I don’t know, because August’s card is not finalized yet, so…”. Back to the octagon with a victory, Fabiano could put WEC’s promoter and matchmakers into a dilemma. With five straight wins by knockout in the event, José Also, Wagnney’s team mate, is also close to a title shot in the same division.
Guaranteeing that a fight between them is simply impossible, Wagnney recognizes that Aldo is closer to the title now. “I think Junior (Aldo) will have his chance before me, because he deserves it. A lot of guys ask me if I’m worried with that, but no. Junior is a brother, I saw this guy sleeping in the gym and with his determination he is where he is now. I believe in God and in my potential and, he gets his chance before me, I’ll be cheering for him and be happy too, because his victory will come. He’ll win this title”, bets Fabiano, analyzing another solution if his friend wins the title. “If it happens, I’ll think that I’ll do, maybe go down to the bantamweights”, finished the Brazilian.
Fighting Mixed Combative! Aleksander Vs. Ivanov?
It has been revealed on Aleksander Emelianenko’s site that he will face the man who defeated his brother in Combat Sambo, Blagoy Alexandre Ivanov, at the new big South Korean MMA event Fighting Mixed Combative. It says that FMC’s first event is slated for September 29th and that they will hold their press conference for the event in the beginning of July.
This fight, if happening, will be Ivanov’s second fight in less than two months with the prior being a fight against Kazuyuki Fujita in SENGOKU.
It has been revealed on Aleksander Emelianenko’s site that he will face the man who defeated his brother in Combat Sambo, Blagoy Alexandre Ivanov, at the new big South Korean MMA event Fighting Mixed Combative. It says that FMC’s first event is slated for September 29th and that they will hold their press conference for the event in the beginning of July.
This fight, if happening, will be Ivanov’s second fight in less than two months with the prior being a fight against Kazuyuki Fujita in SENGOKU.