MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

MATT GRICE READY FOR GUGERTY'S CHALLENGE

It’s been interesting road, to say the least, for Matt Grice and his three fights in the UFC.

Marking his first victory inside the Octagon in his second fight with the promotion, on the heels of a loss to Terry Etim in his debut at UFC 70, Grice put on a classic barnburner against veteran Jason Black, garnering him the infamous “Fight of the Night” honors.

He left the promotion for a brief stint following the October 2007 win in order to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a certified police officer, to protect and serve, uphold the law, and become a contributing member to society.

Sixteen months since his first victory within the promotion, the former high school wrestling standout would make his return against the H.I.T. Squad's Matt Veach.

Though an exciting fight none-the-less, the newly minted police officer was unsuccessful in his return when he was stopped due to strikes towards the end of the first round.

Though the bout ended in debatable and somewhat controversial fashion, earlier in the fight Grice put Veach in familiar territory. It looked like the Illinois native was down and out after taking several powerful shots, the referee looking on intently; it was the same scenario where the referee had stopped the fight declaring Veach the winner.

Leaving more to be desired, “The Real One” will look to take on what seems to be several challenges with multiple story lines when he faces Shannon Gugerty, in a bout that is to be decided on the preliminary portion of a historic and defining moment in our sport today at UFC 100 on July 11th.

“I'm stoked. I would have waited a long time to be on this card. I mean, it's UFC 100. It’s what everybody wants to be on and I’m fortunate enough to get the opportunity to be on it,” stated Grice while a guest on the MMAWeekly radio show.

Though having had little experience inside the UFC himself, Gugerty presents a lot of problems to any opponent he faces. Grice recognizes his talents and gives him all the respect when it comes to his choice in camp and training partners, realizing he is a tough and worthy opponent.

“I knew he fought in the UFC a couple of times. I know he was a tough guy. I didn’t really exactly know what his style was or all that. I know he trained with Dean Lister and those guys, but after watching him, he’s a tough guy,” explained Grice.

“He’s pretty well rounded. He trains with a great camp. He seems like a real respectful person. He likes to get in there and get after it. His fight with Spencer Fisher he came in on short notice and made a hell of a fight out of it. I know he’s going to be prepared and be ready of 15 minutes,” he continued.

Wanting to a put a definitive ending to this bout, in stark contrast to his last performance, Grice will once again muster up the will to compete and continue to make a name for himself in a crowded lightweight division where exciting fights are almost always inevitable.

“If that’s what it takes, that’s what it takes, hopefully it doesn’t have to take that long, but I know he’s going to come to fight and so am I and we’re going to meet in the middle and see what happens.”

Always a crowd pleaser, it may be that little extra that the historic significance this fight card entails that will spurn Grice on this Saturday to really put out the performance, displaying the true skill and ability that the four-time state wrestling champion possesses.

And what better chance than at UFC 100?

“I wanna get out there and me and Shannon are gonna get it on, fight hard, and put on a show for the fans since they’re all coming and paying the money to see, so that’s what were gonna give them.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Cuban Now a Zuffa Bondholder

MMAPayout.com has learned that Mark Cuban is now a Zuffa bondholder. The size of Cuban’s position is unknown, however, being a bondholder has its privileges. In addition to potential financial returns, he now has access to Zuffa’s financial results. While he cannot make those results public, he will be able to closely monitor the company’s financial status.

Zuffa is a privately held company and closely guards its financial results. The most reliable information concerning the company’s financials have come from periodic reports issued by credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poors.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Yoshihiro Akiyama looks for a fresh MMA start in the UFC cage

The last image most hardcore Japanese MMA fans have of Yoshihiro Akiyama is when he brutally knocked out Denis Kang in Seoul, South Korea at a HERO’s show. Akiyama is now looking to go the winning road in America by getting a win over a man who beat Kang a couple of months ago in UFC, Alan Belcher.

Belcher is a fighter who has all the tools, but the long-standing question with him is whether or not he can maintain his composure when he takes a heavy punch or is on the receiving end of an offensive onslaught. If he doesn’t fold up like a lawn chair, Belcher is a terrific talent and not deserving of the huge underdog status going into this fight.

Akiyama is by far the highest-profile Japanese MMA star that UFC has signed to date, but ironically he is not the first South Korean judoka under their tent — Dong Hyun Kim is. Kim is undefeated and has shown great potential. He and Akiyama will create a formidable tag team duo for getting UFC more market penetration in South Korea, which proved to be a great hotbed of MMA interest during the last couple of years of PRIDE’s existence.

Kim was fortunate in that he didn’t come into UFC with a lot of pressure. Akiyama, however, is coming in with the world watching his every move.

“I’m very confident in my judo skills and the judo throws, so in that sense I think it will be a strong weapon against the top contenders in the UFC. I heard that a lot of judoka in the UFC aren’t as successful, so what I would like to do is to show everybody that judoka can be successful even in the UFC.”

Belcher stated recently in a UFC official media interview that he knows how big the stakes are for him at UFC 100.

“The fight against Akiyama, as far as opponent goes, yeah it’s one of the best opponents I’ve ever fought but at this point in my career I can’t lose, I just got to keep on rising, rising to the top, so it’s definitely the biggest fight.”

Akiyama has a couple of big things going for him into this fight. First, his training has been serious and fully dedicated. He will come in at fight time in very good shape. The second factor working for him is that the audience won’t be against him like it is in Japan. Akiyama will be introducing himself to an entirely new MMA world of fans. In a recent UFC media interview, Akiyama was honest in his assessment of where he stands in MMA right now and wants the fans to learn more about him.

“I would like the fans to know that even though judo is mostly throws what I would like to bring to the Octagon is the techniques following the throws, such as jiu-jitsu or anything else that relates to a submission .”

The two most well-known judokas that have competed in the UFC are Dong Hyun Kim and Karo Parisyan, but they don’t have the star power or the punching power that Akiyama brings to the table.

“I don’t put too much emphasis on the fact that I’m a judoka, but similar to Kim Dong Hyun and Karo Parisyan most likely I will be using a lot of throws. I don’t have any game plan against Alan Belcher. If I can throw the fighter, submit him, I’ll submit him. If I can hit him, then I’ll hit him, but my main focus is to increase my skills in all techniques that I have.”

Give Akiyama credit — accepting a fight against Alan Belcher is a fight you take to prove your mettle right away. Belcher’s not a household name, but he is very credible and at any time can put all of his tools together to bring a lights out performance. Despite Akiyama being a -300 favorite on various sportsbooks, this is a closer fight on paper that most people suspect. Belcher’s technique is improving and he is only getting better.

“I realize that the American fighters are bigger and their techniques are good, and honestly I’m not sure how successfully my techniques will translate here in the UFC but I want the fans to see is my heart for the game, my spirit for the game.”

Belcher goes into the fight coming off of a win against Denis Kang. Alan was an underdog in that fight, as Kang was a highly-touted signing by UFC. He made quick work of Kang. Belcher thought that fight was a turning point in his career.

“My last fight I was totally prepared, you know, focused, you know, I’ve matured totally as a fighter. The biggest difference between then and now is now I have the confidence, I know I belong in the UFC, I know that you know I’m going to be the champion, I’m going to be pound-for-pound the best, I just have the confidence.”

With UFC 100 being telecasted by WOWOW in Japan and a pack of Japanese photographers at cage side, Belcher will be on the receiving end of an international media frenzy because of who he is facing. He knows how big of an opportunity this is for advancing his career in UFC.

“I’m just really happy to have a top opponent that I can really get ready for and just get psyched man about going in there and fighting. I guess my strength has to be stand-up. I think my game’s coming together good, there’s no one thing I’m really working on hard right now, just having fun training everything.”

Akiyama has seriously lofty goals as far as his UFC tenure is concerned. The fact that he chose to fight in America as opposed to take a substantially more lucrative deal in Japan should tell you what his mindset is going into this fight.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to be in the UFC, but now that I’m here the dream’s a reality and I’m looking forward to one day having the championship belt around my waist.”

 

[SLRider510]

ANTHONY JOHNSON ARRESTED & CHARGED WITH 2 FELONIES (UPDATED)

UFC welterweight, Anthony Johnson, was arrested in Hayward, CA with 2 separate felony charges, and a misdemeanor charge for events that took place there on June 27.

When contacted by MMAWeekly.com on Thursday, representatives from the Hayward, CA Police Department confirmed Johnson's arrest, along with the charges he faces. According to the report, Johnson was held for 2 felony charges which included penal code 422 for criminal threats, and penal code 591, for damage to a power line, which according to police representatives usually means cut telephone lines.

Alternate reports from MMAMania.com have surfaced stating that it was actually a cell phone that was destroyed, which prevented the call to police for an emergency.

Johnson was also arrested with a misdemeanor charge of penal code 243 for battery on a spouse/domestic violence.

The UFC welterweight was released that same day on bail, but no other details were available at the time of publication.

Ken Pavia of MMA Agents was contacted by MMAWeekly.com and issued the following statement:

"It has come to our attention that an email is being circulated with false and misleading information pertaining to Mr. Anthony Johnson. On behalf of Mr. Johnson we would like to address this issue. On June 27th Mr. Johnson was arrested in Hayward California and was charged with misdemeanors stemming from an alleged altercation with an ex-girlfriend.

Mr. Johnson is completely and unequivocally innocent of all charges. These charges are completely outside the realm of Mr. Johnson’s character; he has no prior criminal record and has never been in trouble with the law. Furthermore, any assertion that the UFC played a part in posting his bail or in covering up the incident is completely untrue. Unfortunately, professional athletes are frequently made the victim of such false accusation.

As this has been a stressful time for Mr. Johnson, we ask that judgment is withheld until all relevant facts have come to light."

TBIB... but fuck man anthony johnson is the shit!

 

[BROWN GUERRERO]

Yeah that fucking blows. I met Rumble at the HP Pavillion and he was cool as fuck.

 

[DVS ONE]

wahts The Rumble doin in the Stack lol........

 

[BROWN GUERRERO]

He lives out here and trains in SJ.

 

[Shogun Locc]

DOLLAWAY NOT OVERLOOKING LAWLOR AT UFC 100

Season seven finalist C.B. Dollaway has made the most of his post Ultimate Fighter career.

Having gone 2-0 since the finale, he has defeated both Mike Massenzio via TKO and TUF veteran Jesse Taylor via submission, inside of the first round.

Going for his third win in a row, and third straight inside the UFC since losing to eventual show winner Amir Sadollah in the finals, Dollaway will take on another TUF veteran in the colorful and infamous Tom Lawlor.

Though Dollaway is more decorated, both he and Lawlor have extensive high school and collegiate wrestling backgrounds, which have contributed a lot to their success respectively in their mixed martial arts careers thus far.

Gearing up for one of his toughest challenges to date and yet again another wrestler, you would think Dollaway would have a specific gameplan going in, but he knows all too well that “once you’re out there gameplans change.”

Originally from the quiet upbringings of Kalamazoo, Mich., “The Doberman” made a name for himself in his new home of Arizona, where he has paired up with a team on the rise in Arizona Combat Sports.

AZCS is now home to some of the better athletes and competitors in the UFC today including TUF 8 winner Ryan Bader and former WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit. With names like that, it’s not hard to believe that Dollaway has made a lot of improvement, which he will look to utilize in his next fight.

“I really think I’ve turned the corner a little bit for this fight. I definitely want to go out there and showcase some of my new skills,” he explained.

Now with the spotlight shining on him, the AZCS product will now be set in familiar territory, once again adorning the spot of the favorite going into his bout against Lawlor.

Though conscious of the fact, he knows full well that an expanded ego can lead to precarious situations. He chooses to rise above that.

“I just kind of focus on the fight. You start playing into all that stuff and you start getting a big head or something like that and if you start not taking your training seriously, things can happen. So you just gotta focus on the task at hand.”

Still unproven in the Octagon, Lawlor will look to take the wind out of Dollaway's sails at the historic UFC 100 event on Saturday night in Las Vegas, but the Ultimate Fighter runner-up will have none of it, taking into account that his opponent possesses an attribute, a desire to go in and make a name for himself, which can be just as dangerous as any fight in itself.

“I got used to that in my freshman year of college. I won a national title in the junior college ranks and the next year, it just seemed like everyone got a lot tougher, and basically when that happens, we get everyone that’s the best match, the champion, or the bigger name, so obviously I'm sure he’s training harder for this fight and definitely looking to come out and prove something. I definitely have to take him serious.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

"King Mo" Lawal Interview

 

[Shogun Locc]

Coach confident in Filho against Manhoef

Who watched Paulo Filho last fights against Chael Sonnen doesn’t recognize the black belt, who was considered one of the best middleweight fighters so far. Back to the trainings with Josuel Distak, Amaury Bitetti and Oswaldo Alves, Filho is training ahrd for another tough opponent, Melvin Manhoef. In the classic fight between Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, Distak bets on the superiority of the gentle art.

"Paulão is training a lot, he’s very strong. He’s training with me, Oswaldo and Amaury. For this fight, we focused more the Jiu-Jitsu, because this fight will be the Muay Thai against the Jiu-Jitsu. It’ll be two lions in the ring, and Paulão wins", said the coach, celebrating the evolution of the fighter in question that most concern: health. "First, I thank God that Paulão got out of medicines and depression. Paulão was born talented, if you put him to play Capoeira, he will. He trained a lot of Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, and he has the gentle art in his blood. Unfortunately, his problem of depression has led him to the defeat, but God gave another chance for him and his life, so that he could fight with Melvin".

Former WEC champion, belt that he lost in his only defeat in the career, Paulão returns to the Japanese rings at the Dream 10, which happens on July 20th. In the same country where he shone to the world, beating big names in Pride, the Brazilian can restart his journey towards another belt. However, Distak wants to take one step at a time. "Paulão is after his dream, of regaining his belt, and this fight against Melvin will be a great chance. The winner God already knows, and we will know over the ring what God wants to Paulão’s life and Melvin’s. Melvin is a very strong fighter, respected, and as Paulão is also respected it’s going to be very interesting. We are very confident", concluded the coach.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Jucier ready for Shooto champ “BJ” Kojima

Shooto Brazil bantamweight champion, Jucier “Formiga” (Kimura / Nova União) is in Rio de Janeiro to continue the preparation for the biggest challenge of his career. Training for his international debut on July 17, the fighter will face the Shooto Japan champion Shinichi “BJ” Kojima and, in case of victory, will have a chance for the title. "Everyone here in Kimura is very happy with the opportunity that Dedé (André Pederneiras) is giving him", celebrates Jair Rodrigues, leader of the Kimura team in Natal, following closely the training of the athlete since he was 11 years old.

"Formiga started training here at the academy with 11 years old and, although still very young, he’s very focused and dedicated to the trainings. He’s ready to make the final part of the training with our master André Pederneiras, who will work hard on the technical and strategy for this fight", says the coach, also focusing the problem of time zone. "It will be a lot better for him to work the issue of time away from home, so that doesn’t conflict with the daily routine of the family", explains Jair.

 

[Shogun Locc]

With KO victory, Assuério is “just starting”

At the end of June, Assuério Silva spoke with TATAME.com and revealed that he was starting a “fight tour" to return to the top of the fight world. Last Sunday, the fighter participated of his first challenge fighting Muay Thai at the Brazilian Fight League, against Brandão (M13), and started with the right foot... Literally. "In the first round, we started exchanging blows and I was better. In the second, I dominated and knocked him out with a high kick in the head. The judge opened the counting and decided to continue the fight. From that I dominate until he gave up ", tells the fighter.

With the international experience of having fought in major events like Pride and UFC, Assuério knows the importance of good victories to return to the market overseas. "I know that last year I wasn’t very well, and I’m aware that I have to rebuild my career. I have to do good fights”, says, with a marathon ahead. "By the end of the year, I already signed eight fights around Brazil, two now in August. I’ll win all, God willing... and He wants! So I just have to wait that the invitation to fight in international events will come for sure", says the heavyweight, with an eye on Edson Draggo.

"Here in Brazil, I really want to fight with Edson Draggo, because this fight should have happened and until now nothing happened, the clock is ticking... The fans want to see this fight! I hope this year this confrontation happens", he said, wanting revenge outside the country. "I really want to have the opportunity to rematch with all opponents who I lost", finished th heavyweight.

 

[BROWN GUERRERO]

"King Mo" Lawal Interview

King mo is annoying as fuck and needs to quit his whole wannabe Rampage act.

 

[VanD]

Dana White says Fedor Emelianenko will fight in the UFC, Brock Lesnar fight imminent

http://mmajunkie.com/news/15488/dan...ht-in-the-ufc-brock-lesnar-fight-imminent.mma

Prior to this past Saturday's UFC 100 event, an underground movement took root and called for mixed-martial-arts fan who would attend the show to begin "Fedor!" chants throughout the night.

The thought, of course, was to make UFC executives well aware of the fans' desire to have Fedor Emelianenko, the world's top-ranked heavyweight and arguably the greatest MMA fighter in the division's history, fighting in the octagon.

The chants were never heard, but after UFC 100, UFC President Dana White said he wants Emelianenko in the UFC, that it's eventually going to happen, and that a fight with Brock Lesnar is imminent.

Lesnar, the former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar and NCAA Division I national wrestling champion, picked up his third consecutive UFC victory and first-ever title defense with a dominant second-round TKO of interim title-holder Frank Mir in UFC 100's main event.

With Lesnar's current streak of wins over Heath Herring, then-champ Randy Couture and now Mir, many are looking to possible future opponents for the seemingly invincible ground-and-pound machine.

Emelianenko, the former longtime PRIDE heavyweight champion, is the man many see as most likely to topple Lesnar. At 30-1, with back-to-back Affliction wins over two former UFC champions (Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski) and a 26-0 record (with one no-contest) over the past nine years, many fans are clamoring for the Russian fighter to take on the top talent in the world's premier fight organization.

"This Fedor thing has gone on and on and on," White said in the post-UFC 100 press conference. "Eventually, Fedor's going to be here. I want Fedor. I want him to come to the UFC and everything else.

"This guy (Brock Lesnar) just won the heavyweight title, and we'll end up getting that deal done. And then we'll do Brock vs. Fedor, and it'll be a huge fight."

How soon could we such the fight?

"Who knows," White said. "He's obviously contractually obligated to fight (with Affliction). Once that's over, we'll figure it out."

UFC officials have met with Emelianenko and his representatives multiple times. However, the meetings proved far from productive and often left each side blaming the other for the inability to get a deal done. The UFC said Emelianenko's demands were too outrageous, not necessarily from a monetary standpoint (though Emelianenko is believed to make at least $2 million per fight) but because a deal would essentially require the organization to enter the Russian market as business partners with Emelianenko's manager, Vadim Finkelchtein. Emelianenko's people say the UFC's contract demands are too restrictive without any allowances, for example, for Sambo competitions and would dictate all aspects of the fighter's career.

Concessions will be need to be made, and that's often led White to predict a slim chance of a deal coming to fruition. In fact, White has often criticized the fighter, going so far as saying Emelianenko "sucks" while mocking past recent opponents such as kickboxer Hong Man Choi and Matt Lindland, who normally fights at middleweight.

However, White's tune has changed, and on Saturday, he spoke rather definitely about the fighter's future in the UFC.

Of course, that future could hinge on Emelianenko's upcoming Aug. 1 fight at "Affliction" Trilogy." There, Emelianenko meets another former UFC champ, Josh Barnett, who many rank among the division's top three or four.

However, don't expect Barnett to get the same invitation to the UFC is he knocks off Emelianenko.

Why?

"No one's beating down my door to get Barnett," White said.

For complete coverage of UFC 100, check out the UFC Events page on MMAjunkie.com.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Dan Henderson's title shot status downgraded to "could be" despite UFC 100 win

LAS VEGAS - While several reports prior to Saturday night's UFC 100 middleweight clash between Dan Henderson (25-7 MMA, 5-2 UFC) and Michael Bisping (17-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) suggested the bout would determine the next 185-pound title challenger, UFC president Dana White said at the evening's post-event press conference that an immediate shot at the belt is no longer a sure thing.

Henderson was expected to fill that slot after a devastating knockout of "The Count" at 3:20 of the second round.

"Could be," White said when asked if Henderson was next in line for Anderson Silva. "We've got to figure out dates, times. [Silva] is fighting in August, and then we'll figure it out from there. We'll see what happens."

Silva is slated to fight Forrest Griffin in a light-heavyweight contest in the co-main event of "UFC 101: Declaration" on Aug. 8, four weeks from now. Provided the Brazilian is able to make it through the bout injury-free – certainly no guarantee in a fight with Griffin – "The Spider" could certainly meet "Hollywood" before the end of the year.

However, UFC 102 on Aug. 29 could also provide a potential contender for Silva, as Demian Maia (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) meets Nate Marquardt (28-8-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC).

Henderson is currently riding a three-fight win streak with victories over Bisping, Rich Franklin and Rousimar Palhares. The dual-weight-class star has stated if he isn't granted a title shot with Silva right away he will return to the light-heavyweight division.

As for the final leaping right hand of the contest – delivered by Henderson after Bisping had already been clearly knocked unconscious – White said he did not feel there was any ill intentions on the 38-year-old's part, even after he said he threw the punch on purpose as a means of silencing the Brit's ever-present trash talk.

"[Henderson] said he was joking," White said. "I didn't think it was funny either, but Dan Henderson's a good guy."

 

[Shogun Locc]

UFC Fan Expo 2009 draws estimated 30,000 attendees, Hawaiian UFC event may do same

A centerpiece of the UFC's historical UFC 100 event was the organization's first-ever fan expo.

Part trade show, part grappling competition, part meet and greet, UFC president Dana White said at the UFC 100 post-event press conference that UFC Fan Expo 2009 drew an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 attendees.

And with a few potential stadium shows on the horizon, those figures may not be the last time a group that large gathers in the name of a UFC event.

"They were estimating it was between 30,000 and 50,000 people that were just here for the expo," White said. "I thought it was awesome. We were blown away. We thought it was a great idea, we thought it was huge, we thought it would work. Now we've just got to get back together and figure out when we want to do it again."

White said the UFC's annual trip to Ohio's Arnold Sports Festival helped give birth to the idea.

"Every year that we went to the fights in Columbus, Ohio, we did it during the Arnold," White said. "And you go to these expos, and it's fun. It's all these people that share the same interests and love MMA.

"All the people that come into town for fight weekend are looking for stuff to do anyway. Everybody's trying to organize these things and get together, so it made a lot of sense."

White said the opportunity for fans to interact with the sport's stars, as well as each other, made the expo an integral part of the "UFC experience."

"You go to a Lakers game, you're never meeting Kobe Bryant," White said. "It's never going to happen. You come to a UFC for a UFC weekend, I don't care who you're favorite fighter is, you're probably going to meet him, and he's going to be cool to you. He's going to take pictures and he's going to hang out.

"That's the UFC experience, and that's exactly the way the UFC will always be as long as I'm around."

As the UFC's exponential growth continues around the globe, so does the size of potential audiences that may gather to watch a UFC event. White says the thought of filling an outdoor stadium with screaming UFC fans is exciting, but protecting the value of the experience is just as important.

"I'm a fight fan, first and foremost," White said. "That's what I am, and I think like a fight fan. I don't want to be in a 60,000-seat arena watching a fight. Imagine if you're a fight fan, and you can only afford the $35 tickets. You're sitting up [high] and the [expletive] guys look like ants down there fighting. That's not fun to me.

"Part of going to a UFC event is you're in anywhere from a 10,000 to 22,000-seat arena, the energy is buzzing, you're close enough to see and touch and feel things. You can see the fights. I'm always going to think and always going to run this business like a fight fan, not like, 'Hey, let's get 100,000 people and stuff them in an arena and put on a fight for people that they can't even see the fight, but you can just say you were there.' That's not me."

With the two successful trips the UFC has made to Montreal, many Canadian fans have clamored for the UFC to hold its first arena show in Toronto's Rogers Centre, a 60,00-seat structure with a retractable roof. While White has long said Toronto is on a list of sites for potential future events, he's not sure if the Rogers Centre is the ideal location for a UFC card.

"Everybody says, 'You come to Toronto, you could do 35,000 people,'" White said. "Sounds great to me – if everybody can see and you get the same UFC experience.

"That's the thing with boxing. Boxing was just about 'Put on a fight, sell as many tickets as we can and pay-per-views, and we don't give a [expletive] if you can see the fight.' They don't care about that in boxing. I care about that stuff. If we can do a 35,000-seat arena, and I think you can leave with the UFC experience, then I'll do it. If I don't think you will, then I won't do it."

White did make one concession in his discussion of a potential outdoor-stadium event. Hawaii, which recently passed legislation which will allow the UFC to visit, will eventually host an event at the 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium.

"We will probably have to [hold an event in an outdoor stadium] in Hawaii," White said. "Here's the reason: We fixed the thing in Hawaii. We're going to go to Hawaii now. They had that crazy [expletive] tax thing going on. We fixed that.

"We're going to go to Hawaii, and the only place we can do it in Hawaii would be in the Aloha [Stadium] because all of the other venues are too small."

 

[Shogun Locc]

UFC Fan Expo 2009 draws estimated 30,000 attendees, Hawaiian UFC event may do same

A centerpiece of the UFC's historical UFC 100 event was the organization's first-ever fan expo.

Part trade show, part grappling competition, part meet and greet, UFC president Dana White said at the UFC 100 post-event press conference that UFC Fan Expo 2009 drew an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 attendees.

And with a few potential stadium shows on the horizon, those figures may not be the last time a group that large gathers in the name of a UFC event.

"They were estimating it was between 30,000 and 50,000 people that were just here for the expo," White said. "I thought it was awesome. We were blown away. We thought it was a great idea, we thought it was huge, we thought it would work. Now we've just got to get back together and figure out when we want to do it again."

White said the UFC's annual trip to Ohio's Arnold Sports Festival helped give birth to the idea.

"Every year that we went to the fights in Columbus, Ohio, we did it during the Arnold," White said. "And you go to these expos, and it's fun. It's all these people that share the same interests and love MMA.

"All the people that come into town for fight weekend are looking for stuff to do anyway. Everybody's trying to organize these things and get together, so it made a lot of sense."

White said the opportunity for fans to interact with the sport's stars, as well as each other, made the expo an integral part of the "UFC experience."

"You go to a Lakers game, you're never meeting Kobe Bryant," White said. "It's never going to happen. You come to a UFC for a UFC weekend, I don't care who you're favorite fighter is, you're probably going to meet him, and he's going to be cool to you. He's going to take pictures and he's going to hang out.

"That's the UFC experience, and that's exactly the way the UFC will always be as long as I'm around."

As the UFC's exponential growth continues around the globe, so does the size of potential audiences that may gather to watch a UFC event. White says the thought of filling an outdoor stadium with screaming UFC fans is exciting, but protecting the value of the experience is just as important.

"I'm a fight fan, first and foremost," White said. "That's what I am, and I think like a fight fan. I don't want to be in a 60,000-seat arena watching a fight. Imagine if you're a fight fan, and you can only afford the $35 tickets. You're sitting up [high] and the [expletive] guys look like ants down there fighting. That's not fun to me.

"Part of going to a UFC event is you're in anywhere from a 10,000 to 22,000-seat arena, the energy is buzzing, you're close enough to see and touch and feel things. You can see the fights. I'm always going to think and always going to run this business like a fight fan, not like, 'Hey, let's get 100,000 people and stuff them in an arena and put on a fight for people that they can't even see the fight, but you can just say you were there.' That's not me."

With the two successful trips the UFC has made to Montreal, many Canadian fans have clamored for the UFC to hold its first arena show in Toronto's Rogers Centre, a 60,00-seat structure with a retractable roof. While White has long said Toronto is on a list of sites for potential future events, he's not sure if the Rogers Centre is the ideal location for a UFC card.

"Everybody says, 'You come to Toronto, you could do 35,000 people,'" White said. "Sounds great to me – if everybody can see and you get the same UFC experience.

"That's the thing with boxing. Boxing was just about 'Put on a fight, sell as many tickets as we can and pay-per-views, and we don't give a [expletive] if you can see the fight.' They don't care about that in boxing. I care about that stuff. If we can do a 35,000-seat arena, and I think you can leave with the UFC experience, then I'll do it. If I don't think you will, then I won't do it."

White did make one concession in his discussion of a potential outdoor-stadium event. Hawaii, which recently passed legislation which will allow the UFC to visit, will eventually host an event at the 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium.

"We will probably have to [hold an event in an outdoor stadium] in Hawaii," White said. "Here's the reason: We fixed the thing in Hawaii. We're going to go to Hawaii now. They had that crazy [expletive] tax thing going on. We fixed that.

"We're going to go to Hawaii, and the only place we can do it in Hawaii would be in the Aloha [Stadium] because all of the other venues are too small."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Werdum: "I’ll bring Overeem to my area”

Set to fight Alistair Overeem for Strikeforce’s heavyweight title, Fabrício Werdum is already training in the United States. Returning from a travel to Spain, the Chute Boxe athlete spoke with TATAME.com about his preparation and the emotion of disputing his first belt of a big event.

"I was very happy", celebrates Werdum. "In fact, it will be the first time I dispute a belt. In 2003 I disputed a belt at Morocco (World Absolute Fight Federation), but it wasn’t a known event, was a small event... I was so happy when my manager called about the fight, and a belt dispute changes everything", says, hoping to repeat the good result of the confrontation against Overeem, in 2006, at Pride.

"I’ll bring him to my area, but I’ll train both standing and on the ground. My business is on the ground, but the fight starts standing and it’s difficult to take to the ground... In the other fight with him, I couldn’t give him any drop, he gave me five falls... But the strategy is to take to the ground and finalize", recalls, emphasizing also the trainings of Wrestling with the same coach of Randy Couture.

Stay tuned and check, tomorrow, an exclusive interview with the fighter, who spoke about the subsidiaries of Werdum Combat Team, the seminars routine, the trainings at Cléber Jiu-Jitsu academy, Wanderlei Silva and Rafael Cordeiro, the opportunity to take, along with Cris Cyborg, two belts to Chute Boxe in the same night, and revealed his new addiction: play UFC Undisputed 2009. "I’m the king here, nobody beats me", joked Werdum.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Sean Sherk vs. Gleison Tibau agree to UFC 103 bout; Rich Franklin still possible headliner

A lightweight contest before former champion Sean Sherk (33-4-1 MMA, 7-4 UFC) and Gleison Tibau (12-7 MMA, 5-4 UFC), who will make his 10th appearance in the octagon, is nearly set for UFC 103.

A source close to one of the fighters over the weekend told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) verbal agreements are in place and bout agreements are expected to be signed shortly.

UFC 103 takes place Sept. 19 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Although not official, Rich Franklin is expected to headline the event.

Last week MMAjunkie.com reported that Junior Dos Santos, recently scratched from a scheduled bout with Justin McCully, will meet Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic in a heavyweight bout at UFC 103. In a post-UFC 100 press conference, UFC president Dana White confirmed "Cro Cop" is expected to fight at UFC 103 and blamed rumors of his signing with DREAM on "those sleazy" fight officials in Japan.

Although Filipovic vs. Dos Santos could possibly headline the show, Franklin – as first reported here – is still being considered for a main-event slot, though no opponent has been determined and nothing signed.

Sherk fights for the first time since his disappointing unanimous-decision loss to Frankie Edgar at UFC 98. Sherk, an accomplished wrestler and ground fighter, opted to keep the fight standing, but Edgar displayed a rarely seen stand-up game that had improved drastically over the past couple years. Sherk, who went 15-1 from 2003 to 2007, has now lost two of his past three fights.

Tibau returns for the first time since split-decision loss to Melvin Guillard at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale in June. Many felt the American Top Team fighter was robbed of a decision, which came after impressive back-to-back victories over Rich Clementi (UFC Fight Night 17) and Jeremy Stephens (UFC Fight Night 18) in his previous two fights.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal explores free agency, eyes August fight with Don Frye

Undefeated prospect Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal (4-0), currently a free agent after completing a four-fight deal with World Victory Road's Sengoku organization, looks to return to action in an August bout with MMA legend Don Frye (20-7-1).

Lawal recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) he has verbally agreed to an August contest under the M-1 banner, and he hopes to sign a non-exclusive contract with the organization in the near future.

The 28-year-old Lawal said he is then open to fighting in any organization – provided the contract is in his best interest.

"I'll fight anybody," Lawal said. "Brock (Lesnar), I don't care. I'm a mercenary for the cash. But at the same time, I want the experience.

"I like to fight a lot. Right now I'm just in the early stages of my career. I feel like I need to stay busy and fight and beat bigger names."

Lawal, who debuted professionally in September 2008, has remained undefeated through four fights against opponents with a combined record of 91-28-4.

Lawal has missed the past three months while recovering from surgery on an injured ACL. Once he returns to action, Lawal said he's open to fighting from 185 pounds up to heavyweight.

"I can cut to 185 (pounds)," Lawal said. "It's a three-week process. I'll fight at 205 (pounds). I'll fight heavyweight. Wherever I can get the most money and the most fights is where I'll fight."

Before he finds a more permanent home, Lawal expects to face Frye on Aug. 29 at an as-yet-unannounced M-1 event in Los Angeles. Frye told MMAjunkie.com he had been working on a potential bout with Bobby Lashley, but negotiations have apparently fallen through.

A 13-plus-year veteran who debuted professionally at UFC 8, Frye last fought in a May submission win over Rich Moss in the Texas-based Shark Fight promotion.