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Silver Star Signs A Second Fighter For UFC 102
Add Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira To The List Of Fighters Wearing Signature Silver Star Walkout Tees For UFC 102
(IRVINE, CA) – Already sponsoring Thiago Silva for his fight, Silver Star will create a signature walkout tee for Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira as he takes on Randy “The Natural” Couture for a heavyweight showdown as the main event at UFC 102 on August 29 at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, OR.
After walking out in a signature tee by Silver Star, Nogueira (31-5-1) will face Couture (16-9-0) in the battle of the heavyweights.
We pride ourselves on taking the underdog, the long-shot, so-to-speak, so it only made sense to back Nogueira, who is a phenomenal fighter, as he takes on one of the biggest names in MMA,” said Silver Star owner, Luke Burrett. “We want to be there for his victory.”
Add Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira To The List Of Fighters Wearing Signature Silver Star Walkout Tees For UFC 102
(IRVINE, CA) – Already sponsoring Thiago Silva for his fight, Silver Star will create a signature walkout tee for Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira as he takes on Randy “The Natural” Couture for a heavyweight showdown as the main event at UFC 102 on August 29 at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, OR.
After walking out in a signature tee by Silver Star, Nogueira (31-5-1) will face Couture (16-9-0) in the battle of the heavyweights.
We pride ourselves on taking the underdog, the long-shot, so-to-speak, so it only made sense to back Nogueira, who is a phenomenal fighter, as he takes on one of the biggest names in MMA,” said Silver Star owner, Luke Burrett. “We want to be there for his victory.”
DREAM.11 likely to include Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto and Tatsuya Kawajiri
An already-stacked DREAM.11 card could have two notable additions.
According to an event posted recently released by the Japanese-based promotion, Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (17-2) and Tatsuya Kawajiri (24-5-2) will apparently be part of the Oct. 6 card.
DREAM.11, which airs on HDNet in North American, takes place at the Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa, Japan, and features the semifinals and finale of DREAM's featherweight grand prix and semifinals of the open-weight "Super Hulk" tournament.
However, the organization's Web site does not feature the potential additions of Yamamoto and Kawajiri. (The Web site also does not make mention of the Super Hulk tourney, though the participants appear on the poster.)
Yamamoto recently returned from a 17-month layoff due to injuries and suffered a split-decision loss to Joe Warren in a featherweight grand prix quarterfinal fight. Prior to the loss, Yamamoto, a longtime K-1 HERO'S/DREAM fighter, had won 14 consecutive fights (12 via stoppage).
Kawajiri, meanwhile, goes for his third straight win and sixth win in seven fights when he returns to competition. The former Shooto and PRIDE fighter most recently fought at DREAM.9, where he topped fellow lightweight Gesias Cavalcante via unanimous decision.
Opponents were not revealed for either competitor.
The latest rumored DREAM.11 card now includes:
* Featherweight grand prix finale
* Champ Joachim Hansen vs. Shinya Aoki (for DREAM lightweight title)
* Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (for vacant DREAM middleweight title)
* Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante vs. TBA*
* Bibiano Fernanders vs. Joe Warren+
* Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Hideo Tokoro+
* Kazuyuki Miyata vs. Daiki "DJ.taiki" Hatais^
* Hong Man Choi vs. Ikuhisa Minowa#
* Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou#
* Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto vs. TBA
* Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. TBA
+ - Featherweight grand prix semifinal
^ - Featherweight grand prix reserve bout
# - "Super Hulk" semifinal
An already-stacked DREAM.11 card could have two notable additions.
According to an event posted recently released by the Japanese-based promotion, Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (17-2) and Tatsuya Kawajiri (24-5-2) will apparently be part of the Oct. 6 card.
DREAM.11, which airs on HDNet in North American, takes place at the Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa, Japan, and features the semifinals and finale of DREAM's featherweight grand prix and semifinals of the open-weight "Super Hulk" tournament.
However, the organization's Web site does not feature the potential additions of Yamamoto and Kawajiri. (The Web site also does not make mention of the Super Hulk tourney, though the participants appear on the poster.)
Yamamoto recently returned from a 17-month layoff due to injuries and suffered a split-decision loss to Joe Warren in a featherweight grand prix quarterfinal fight. Prior to the loss, Yamamoto, a longtime K-1 HERO'S/DREAM fighter, had won 14 consecutive fights (12 via stoppage).
Kawajiri, meanwhile, goes for his third straight win and sixth win in seven fights when he returns to competition. The former Shooto and PRIDE fighter most recently fought at DREAM.9, where he topped fellow lightweight Gesias Cavalcante via unanimous decision.
Opponents were not revealed for either competitor.
The latest rumored DREAM.11 card now includes:
* Featherweight grand prix finale
* Champ Joachim Hansen vs. Shinya Aoki (for DREAM lightweight title)
* Jason "Mayhem" Miller vs. Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (for vacant DREAM middleweight title)
* Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante vs. TBA*
* Bibiano Fernanders vs. Joe Warren+
* Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Hideo Tokoro+
* Kazuyuki Miyata vs. Daiki "DJ.taiki" Hatais^
* Hong Man Choi vs. Ikuhisa Minowa#
* Gegard Mousasi vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou#
* Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto vs. TBA
* Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. TBA
+ - Featherweight grand prix semifinal
^ - Featherweight grand prix reserve bout
# - "Super Hulk" semifinal
Strikeforce adds heavyweight contest between Ray Sefo and Kevin Jordan to Sept. 25 event
Strikeforce has officially added a second contest to its "Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs. Cummings" event on Sept. 25, as heavyweights Ray Sefo (1-0) and Kevin Jordan (11-7) will meet on the evening's main card.
Strikeforce Director of Communications Mike Afromowitz today confirmed the addition to the event to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
Headlined by a bout between middleweight prospects Tim Kennedy and Zak Cummings, the Showtime-broadcast event takes place at SpiritBank Event Center in Bixby, Okla.
Sefo, a 14-year professional Muay Thai veteran and multiple-time world champion in kickboxing, will be fighting for just the second time under MMA rules. The 38-year-old Xtreme Couture fighter made his MMA debut in 2005, defeating Korean Min Soo Kim by knockout.
Sefo owns K-1 rules wins over MMA notables Hong Man Choi, Melvin Manhoef, Gary Goodridge, Marvin Eastman, Bob Sapp, Gilbert Yvel and Mark Hunt.
Jordan is best known for his two-fight stint in the UFC, including a 2005 loss to Gabriel Gonzaga. That bout, marked by extended periods of inactivity, was highlighted by a Gonzaga Superman punch that left Jordan knocked out with just 21 seconds remaining in the bout.
The loss to Gonzaga also marked Jordan's exit from the UFC. The 38-year-old has gone 3-3 since that time, including a July decision win over UFC pioneer Patrick Smith.
Strikeforce has officially added a second contest to its "Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs. Cummings" event on Sept. 25, as heavyweights Ray Sefo (1-0) and Kevin Jordan (11-7) will meet on the evening's main card.
Strikeforce Director of Communications Mike Afromowitz today confirmed the addition to the event to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
Headlined by a bout between middleweight prospects Tim Kennedy and Zak Cummings, the Showtime-broadcast event takes place at SpiritBank Event Center in Bixby, Okla.
Sefo, a 14-year professional Muay Thai veteran and multiple-time world champion in kickboxing, will be fighting for just the second time under MMA rules. The 38-year-old Xtreme Couture fighter made his MMA debut in 2005, defeating Korean Min Soo Kim by knockout.
Sefo owns K-1 rules wins over MMA notables Hong Man Choi, Melvin Manhoef, Gary Goodridge, Marvin Eastman, Bob Sapp, Gilbert Yvel and Mark Hunt.
Jordan is best known for his two-fight stint in the UFC, including a 2005 loss to Gabriel Gonzaga. That bout, marked by extended periods of inactivity, was highlighted by a Gonzaga Superman punch that left Jordan knocked out with just 21 seconds remaining in the bout.
The loss to Gonzaga also marked Jordan's exit from the UFC. The 38-year-old has gone 3-3 since that time, including a July decision win over UFC pioneer Patrick Smith.
The poster doesn't have Jacare and Mayhem on it now, I'm thinking that's gonna get scrapped with Mayhem fighting Shields. I wanted to see Jacare vs. Shields but I guess Strikeforce wants Mayhem in there with him having Bully Beatdown doing good.
I hope Kid and Crusher get easy fights. Kid needs to get a win and Kawajiri needs to stay in line for the title shot.
I hope Kid and Crusher get easy fights. Kid needs to get a win and Kawajiri needs to stay in line for the title shot.
Barnett Granted Extension to CSAC Appeal
LOS ANGELES -- Josh Barnett was granted an extension Monday for an appeals hearing the fighter had requested after the California State Athletic Commission denied his re-licensure in late July due to a positive pre-fight test for an anabolic steroid. The new hearing date will be Oct. 26 or 27.
Barnett was pulled from a headlining bout against Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction “Trilogy” on Aug. 1 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. The event was cancelled a few days later.
Barnett did not answer calls and texts for comment.
The CSAC notified Barnett on July 21 that he had tested positive for the anabolic steroid 2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one in a June 25 pre-test conducted to renew his license in the state. A second sample was laboratory-tested and came back with the same results on July 29, said the CSAC.
Barnett, 31, was suspended for six months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in 2002 due to a post-fight urinalysis that revealed the presence of Boldenone, Fluoxymesterone and Nandrolone metabolites in his body when he defeated Randy Couture to win the heavyweight title at UFC 36. Barnett denied using the anabolic steroids and challenged the NSAC’s testing protocol.
LOS ANGELES -- Josh Barnett was granted an extension Monday for an appeals hearing the fighter had requested after the California State Athletic Commission denied his re-licensure in late July due to a positive pre-fight test for an anabolic steroid. The new hearing date will be Oct. 26 or 27.
Barnett was pulled from a headlining bout against Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction “Trilogy” on Aug. 1 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. The event was cancelled a few days later.
Barnett did not answer calls and texts for comment.
The CSAC notified Barnett on July 21 that he had tested positive for the anabolic steroid 2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one in a June 25 pre-test conducted to renew his license in the state. A second sample was laboratory-tested and came back with the same results on July 29, said the CSAC.
Barnett, 31, was suspended for six months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in 2002 due to a post-fight urinalysis that revealed the presence of Boldenone, Fluoxymesterone and Nandrolone metabolites in his body when he defeated Randy Couture to win the heavyweight title at UFC 36. Barnett denied using the anabolic steroids and challenged the NSAC’s testing protocol.
WEC 43 Rescheduled for Oct. 10
WEC 43, scheduled for Sept. 2 in Youngstown, Ohio, has been postponed.
The promotion announced the news Monday, citing an injury to Benson Henderson, who was scheduled to headline the event against Donald Cerrone in an interim lightweight title bout.
The entire card has been rescheduled for Oct. 10. A venue will be announced at a later date.
WEC 43, scheduled for Sept. 2 in Youngstown, Ohio, has been postponed.
The promotion announced the news Monday, citing an injury to Benson Henderson, who was scheduled to headline the event against Donald Cerrone in an interim lightweight title bout.
The entire card has been rescheduled for Oct. 10. A venue will be announced at a later date.
UFC officially announces Machida vs. Rua, Rothwell vs. Velasquez for UFC 104 in Los Angeles
With tickets set to go on sale later this week, the UFC today officially announced two contests for UFC 104 in Los Angeles.
As expected, light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida will meet challenger Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, while heavyweight prospect Cain Velasquez will meet Affliction import Ben Rothwell.
Now titled "Machida vs. Shogun," UFC 104 takes place Oct. 24 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The main card airs live on pay per view.
The card represents the UFC's first trip to Los Angeles since "UFC 60: Hughes vs. Gracie" in May 2006, and it is the organization's first event in California since "UFC 76: Knockout" in September 2007.
"It's been two years since the UFC was in Southern California, and we knew we had to bring something special for our return to the capital of mixed martial arts," UFC president Dana White stated in the UFC's official announcement. "Lyoto Machida captured the imagination of fight fans with his knockout of Rashad Evans. And while [Machida] seems unbeatable right now, Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua not only has the tools to beat any 205-pounder in the world, but he’s coming off a knockout of Chuck Liddell in his last fight, so his confidence is sky-high. This has the potential to be one of the greatest light-heavyweight title fights ever."
Tickets for the UFC's return to Los Angeles go on sale to the general public on Aug. 29, though pre-sales are available Aug. 27 for UFC Fight Club members and Aug. 28 for UFC.com newsletter subscribers.
The latest rumored UFC 104 card includes:
* Champ Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (for light-heavyweight title)
* Ben Rothwell vs. Cain Velasquez
* Yushin Okami vs. Chael Sonne*
* Sean Sherk vs. Gleison Tibau*
* Spencer Fisher vs. Joe Stevenson*
* Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida*
* Ryan Bader vs. Eric Schafer*
* Rob Kimmons vs. Jorge Rivera*
* Patrick Barry vs. Antoni Hardonk*
* Chase Gormley vs. Stefan Struve*
* Razak Al-Hassan vs. Kyle Kingsbury*
* - Not officially announced
With tickets set to go on sale later this week, the UFC today officially announced two contests for UFC 104 in Los Angeles.
As expected, light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida will meet challenger Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, while heavyweight prospect Cain Velasquez will meet Affliction import Ben Rothwell.
Now titled "Machida vs. Shogun," UFC 104 takes place Oct. 24 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The main card airs live on pay per view.
The card represents the UFC's first trip to Los Angeles since "UFC 60: Hughes vs. Gracie" in May 2006, and it is the organization's first event in California since "UFC 76: Knockout" in September 2007.
"It's been two years since the UFC was in Southern California, and we knew we had to bring something special for our return to the capital of mixed martial arts," UFC president Dana White stated in the UFC's official announcement. "Lyoto Machida captured the imagination of fight fans with his knockout of Rashad Evans. And while [Machida] seems unbeatable right now, Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua not only has the tools to beat any 205-pounder in the world, but he’s coming off a knockout of Chuck Liddell in his last fight, so his confidence is sky-high. This has the potential to be one of the greatest light-heavyweight title fights ever."
Tickets for the UFC's return to Los Angeles go on sale to the general public on Aug. 29, though pre-sales are available Aug. 27 for UFC Fight Club members and Aug. 28 for UFC.com newsletter subscribers.
The latest rumored UFC 104 card includes:
* Champ Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (for light-heavyweight title)
* Ben Rothwell vs. Cain Velasquez
* Yushin Okami vs. Chael Sonne*
* Sean Sherk vs. Gleison Tibau*
* Spencer Fisher vs. Joe Stevenson*
* Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida*
* Ryan Bader vs. Eric Schafer*
* Rob Kimmons vs. Jorge Rivera*
* Patrick Barry vs. Antoni Hardonk*
* Chase Gormley vs. Stefan Struve*
* Razak Al-Hassan vs. Kyle Kingsbury*
* - Not officially announced
PARISYAN VS HAZELETT AGREED TO FOR UFC 106
A welterweight bout pitting returning fighters Karo Parisyan and Dustin Hazelett against each other has been verbally agreed to for UFC 106 on Nov. 21 in Las Vegas. Sources close to the bout confirmed the agreement to MMAWeekly.com on Monday.
Parisyan (18-5) hasn’t fought since UFC 94 in January. He defeated Dong Hyun Kim on the card, but later had the victory changed to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission when he tested positive for three banned painkilling substances. He was suspended for nine months and fined $32,000.
Hazelett (12-4) last fought in November of 2008, when he defeated Tamdan McCrory by submission. He suffered a torn ACL while training for an anticipated bout with Ben Saunders at UFC 96. He had surgery to repair the injury, and has been sidelined, rehabbing, ever since.
The two will be part of the undercard in support of a recently revealed title fight between UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and challenger Shane Carwin. Tito Ortiz will make his UFC return on the same card, facing former UFC champion Mark Coleman in a light heavyweight bout at Mandalay Bay.
A welterweight bout pitting returning fighters Karo Parisyan and Dustin Hazelett against each other has been verbally agreed to for UFC 106 on Nov. 21 in Las Vegas. Sources close to the bout confirmed the agreement to MMAWeekly.com on Monday.
Parisyan (18-5) hasn’t fought since UFC 94 in January. He defeated Dong Hyun Kim on the card, but later had the victory changed to a no contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission when he tested positive for three banned painkilling substances. He was suspended for nine months and fined $32,000.
Hazelett (12-4) last fought in November of 2008, when he defeated Tamdan McCrory by submission. He suffered a torn ACL while training for an anticipated bout with Ben Saunders at UFC 96. He had surgery to repair the injury, and has been sidelined, rehabbing, ever since.
The two will be part of the undercard in support of a recently revealed title fight between UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and challenger Shane Carwin. Tito Ortiz will make his UFC return on the same card, facing former UFC champion Mark Coleman in a light heavyweight bout at Mandalay Bay.
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua: ‘I would fight at the heavyweight division’
Just two months shy of the biggest fight in his established fighting career, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua admits that if the right offer came up he would move up to heavyweight and possibly face off with men such as Shane Carwin, Brock Lesnar or even Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic.
In a recent conversation with the Brazilian website Terra.com.br, Shogun admitted,”Depending on the money I would fight at heavyweight division. If I receive a good proposal and my moment is good and it is great for my personal marketing, I would have to give it consideration.”
First things first for the 27 year old knockout specialist from Curitiba, Brazil; on October 24 Rua will face be in the fight of his life as he meets up with Lyoto Machida for the UFC light-heavyweight championship at UFC 104.
Shogun will be coming back from consecutive TKO stoppages over Mark Coleman and Chuck Liddell after being derailed at the hands of Forrest Griffin in his UFC debut, while Machida has gone undefeated in his professional career, knocking out Rashad Evans at UFC 98 to obtain the title.
Just two months shy of the biggest fight in his established fighting career, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua admits that if the right offer came up he would move up to heavyweight and possibly face off with men such as Shane Carwin, Brock Lesnar or even Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic.
In a recent conversation with the Brazilian website Terra.com.br, Shogun admitted,”Depending on the money I would fight at heavyweight division. If I receive a good proposal and my moment is good and it is great for my personal marketing, I would have to give it consideration.”
First things first for the 27 year old knockout specialist from Curitiba, Brazil; on October 24 Rua will face be in the fight of his life as he meets up with Lyoto Machida for the UFC light-heavyweight championship at UFC 104.
Shogun will be coming back from consecutive TKO stoppages over Mark Coleman and Chuck Liddell after being derailed at the hands of Forrest Griffin in his UFC debut, while Machida has gone undefeated in his professional career, knocking out Rashad Evans at UFC 98 to obtain the title.
Herring to UFC: Don't Worry About It
All is well with Heath "The Texas Crazy Horse" Herring months after he was forced to withdraw from a co-main event bout with Cain Velasquez at UFC 99 in June. So well, in fact, he's not looking at a return to the cage until the New Year.
"I've told the UFC don't even worry about it until next year," he said Friday.
Violently ill with pneumonia symptoms, Herring said he was completely unable to train for Velasquez in the home stretch of his camp and had no choice but to pass up the fight with the American Kickboxing Academy standout.
Herring suffers from asthma and said the illness worsened the condition. Worse yet, he couldn't use his inhaler because its active ingredients would have flagged him for illegal substances per Nevada State Athletic Commission based statutes.
So why is he so relaxed about his time off? Hollywood, babe.
Herring's appearance in the MMA movie "Never Surrender" got the attention of the film's producers, who hired him for an untitled horror movie, which he recently wrapped. He plays a gang leader that gets eaten by monsters.
Herring says he may fly south of the equator to Columbia to play a boxer in an action movie filming in early September.
In the meantime, he's working on a restaurant, The Tilted Kilt, of which he is a partial owner.
Herring says his Texas roots made him a lock for UFC 103, but his other hobbies got in the way. And he's just fine with that.
"I've got to take advantage of this while I can," said Herring.
All is well with Heath "The Texas Crazy Horse" Herring months after he was forced to withdraw from a co-main event bout with Cain Velasquez at UFC 99 in June. So well, in fact, he's not looking at a return to the cage until the New Year.
"I've told the UFC don't even worry about it until next year," he said Friday.
Violently ill with pneumonia symptoms, Herring said he was completely unable to train for Velasquez in the home stretch of his camp and had no choice but to pass up the fight with the American Kickboxing Academy standout.
Herring suffers from asthma and said the illness worsened the condition. Worse yet, he couldn't use his inhaler because its active ingredients would have flagged him for illegal substances per Nevada State Athletic Commission based statutes.
So why is he so relaxed about his time off? Hollywood, babe.
Herring's appearance in the MMA movie "Never Surrender" got the attention of the film's producers, who hired him for an untitled horror movie, which he recently wrapped. He plays a gang leader that gets eaten by monsters.
Herring says he may fly south of the equator to Columbia to play a boxer in an action movie filming in early September.
In the meantime, he's working on a restaurant, The Tilted Kilt, of which he is a partial owner.
Herring says his Texas roots made him a lock for UFC 103, but his other hobbies got in the way. And he's just fine with that.
"I've got to take advantage of this while I can," said Herring.
NATE MARQUARDT AIMING FOR TOP OF THE TOP
Nate Marquardt takes on Demian Maia at UFC 102 on Aug. 29 at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Ore., in a middleweight match-up that will likely put the winner in line for a title shot in his next outing.
Marquardt is currently ranked third on the MMAWeekly.com middleweight world rankings, while Maia takes up the tenth slot. Either of them could have been an easy sell for a title bout with Anderson Silva and that was part of the appeal in Marquardt accepting the fight.
"That's why I was really excited to get that fight because a lot of times they won't put two top contenders against each other because it gets rid of one of the title fights," Marquardt told Tapout Radio. "It's an honor to be able to fight another top contender and come out as the top, top contender."
With a title shot on the horizon, he is focused on the task at hand and insists he's not looking past Maia to greener pastures.
"I hope to get the title shot, but right now he's the top contender and he's who I'm fighting," said Marquardt. "I'm going to get my shot when it's my time, when God wants me to get that shot. I don't think it's something I've got to stress about, or worry about. It's kind of out of my hands anyway. All I have to focus on is doing my best when I fight, and that's it."
On paper, Marquardt is the more well-rounded fighter of the two, but Maia's submission game is the best in the division, if not the best in the sport. Asked how he plans to overcome Maia's jiu-jitsu, the 30-year-old Colorado resident said, "He's a world class jiu-jitsu fighter and I'm lucky enough to have world class guys that I train with, world class jiu-jitsu and world class MMA fighters.
"I think it's just going to take all my tools," he added. "I'm going to show up in shape, and I'm going to have to use all my technique on the ground as well as my strength and power, my punching power to kind of negate all of his jiu-jitsu setups. It's going to be a great fight. I'm excited."
Not only is he excited, Marquardt is also confident heading into the Octagon on Aug. 29. "I think he's going to be in trouble no matter where the fight goes," stated the Greg Jackson trained middleweight. "If he tries to pull guard on me, I'm going to pound him from the top. If he tries to bang with me, I think that's a big mistake. He's going to have trouble getting me down, and if he does get me down, I'm going to be able to fight him off the bottom.
"I really don't know how it's going to start out. My guess is he's going to try to be more aggressive to take me down, but either way whatever he comes out with I'm ready for it and I'm going to be putting the pressure on him the entire time. By the end of the fight I'm going to be the one attacking him, that's for sure."
Nate Marquardt takes on Demian Maia at UFC 102 on Aug. 29 at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Ore., in a middleweight match-up that will likely put the winner in line for a title shot in his next outing.
Marquardt is currently ranked third on the MMAWeekly.com middleweight world rankings, while Maia takes up the tenth slot. Either of them could have been an easy sell for a title bout with Anderson Silva and that was part of the appeal in Marquardt accepting the fight.
"That's why I was really excited to get that fight because a lot of times they won't put two top contenders against each other because it gets rid of one of the title fights," Marquardt told Tapout Radio. "It's an honor to be able to fight another top contender and come out as the top, top contender."
With a title shot on the horizon, he is focused on the task at hand and insists he's not looking past Maia to greener pastures.
"I hope to get the title shot, but right now he's the top contender and he's who I'm fighting," said Marquardt. "I'm going to get my shot when it's my time, when God wants me to get that shot. I don't think it's something I've got to stress about, or worry about. It's kind of out of my hands anyway. All I have to focus on is doing my best when I fight, and that's it."
On paper, Marquardt is the more well-rounded fighter of the two, but Maia's submission game is the best in the division, if not the best in the sport. Asked how he plans to overcome Maia's jiu-jitsu, the 30-year-old Colorado resident said, "He's a world class jiu-jitsu fighter and I'm lucky enough to have world class guys that I train with, world class jiu-jitsu and world class MMA fighters.
"I think it's just going to take all my tools," he added. "I'm going to show up in shape, and I'm going to have to use all my technique on the ground as well as my strength and power, my punching power to kind of negate all of his jiu-jitsu setups. It's going to be a great fight. I'm excited."
Not only is he excited, Marquardt is also confident heading into the Octagon on Aug. 29. "I think he's going to be in trouble no matter where the fight goes," stated the Greg Jackson trained middleweight. "If he tries to pull guard on me, I'm going to pound him from the top. If he tries to bang with me, I think that's a big mistake. He's going to have trouble getting me down, and if he does get me down, I'm going to be able to fight him off the bottom.
"I really don't know how it's going to start out. My guess is he's going to try to be more aggressive to take me down, but either way whatever he comes out with I'm ready for it and I'm going to be putting the pressure on him the entire time. By the end of the fight I'm going to be the one attacking him, that's for sure."
UFC 102's Justin McCully getting nervous for Saturday night – and he says that's a good thing
UFC heavyweight Justin McCully (9-4-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) has been fighting professionally for 12-and-a-half years, but that doesn't mean that nerves don't still play a role in his preparation for an MMA contest.
Less than a week away from his prelim bout with UFC newcomer Mike Russow (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), McCully admitted that those nerves are beginning to build in anticipation of "UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira."
But as "The Insane One" recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), those nerves are what drives him to perform.
"I'm starting to feel the nerves a little bit," McCully said. "It's starting to feel good, starting to feel familiar. That's when you really get excited, you really start to understand what you're about to get yourself into. It really starts to make sense, all the work you've put in and everything."
While McCully has fought all over the world and trained with the sport's best athletes throughout his career, the 33-year-old admits he realizes his job is on the line each time he steps into the cage.
"More than anything, you don't want to put on a bad performance, and you don't want to lose," McCully said. "You want to put your best foot forward, make sure you entertain the fans to the best of your abilities and you don't put a bad foot forward in front of the company.
"Right now, everybody's job is at stake. If you have a bad fight, they might cut you. The roster is really full, so it's a dangerous time for a fighter in the UFC. One bad performance might warrant a cut or a release from the company."
McCully has gone 2-1 in his tenure with the UFC, defeating the like of Eddie Sanchez and Antoni Hardonk, while dropping a bout to Gabriel Gonzaga. Halting Russow's current seven-fight win streak won't be simple, but McCully says it's those nerves that force him to consider all aspects of his preparation.
"More than anything, it's nerves that you did the right thing in the gym," McCully said. "There's no time left to prepare. It's like going in for that final exam. Did you do everything you needed to do? Did you study the right way? Did you study the right material? Are you peaking at the right time? Did you overtrain? Did you get enough sleep?
"More than anything, you don't want to lose. Getting hurt, that's part of the party. You get hurt in every fight, no matter win, lose or draw."
McCully said getting hurt is simply part of the job as a professional fighter, but dealing with the expectations and hopes of your friends and family is a tough challenge – especially for young fighters.
"We accept [getting hurt] as men," McCully said. "More than anything, you don't want to be embarrassed. You don't want to let your family, your friends and everybody else down.
"Being a veteran, after a while you start to put that aside and just be for yourself in there. As selfish as that sounds, it eliminates a lot of other worry and other things that could pollute your mind and make you not perform the way that you should perform. Right now I'm just trying to get focused and make sure that mentally I believe I did everything right."
Russow made his debut more than 11 years ago, though working commitments kept him from seriously pursuing his MMA career until 2006. Russow has fought 12 times in the past three-and-a-half years, leaving plenty of scoutable tape in advance of his UFC debut.
McCully said it's not important to focus on your opponent as the preparation nears completion.
"I like to think about what I'm going to do to him rather than what he's going to do to me," McCully said. "There was some tape out there, and there's plenty of things that I could look at to find out Mike Russow does and his gameplan. He's a pretty one-, maybe two-dimensional-type guy that we've seen in the past. I expect him to have trained his hardest for this fight and to come out and bring a very in-shape Mike Russow."
But as the nerves come to a head and preparation gives way to performance, McCully believes it his focus on himself – rather than the myriad of potential distractions – that will lead him to victory.
"I'm worried about what Justin McCully is going to do to Mike Russow, not what Mike Russow is going to do to Justin McCully," McCully said. "When we get out there on Saturday, it's going to be implementing my gameplan on him, not me fighting a passive, defensive fight where I'm worried about what he's going to be doing to me."
UFC heavyweight Justin McCully (9-4-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) has been fighting professionally for 12-and-a-half years, but that doesn't mean that nerves don't still play a role in his preparation for an MMA contest.
Less than a week away from his prelim bout with UFC newcomer Mike Russow (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), McCully admitted that those nerves are beginning to build in anticipation of "UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira."
But as "The Insane One" recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), those nerves are what drives him to perform.
"I'm starting to feel the nerves a little bit," McCully said. "It's starting to feel good, starting to feel familiar. That's when you really get excited, you really start to understand what you're about to get yourself into. It really starts to make sense, all the work you've put in and everything."
While McCully has fought all over the world and trained with the sport's best athletes throughout his career, the 33-year-old admits he realizes his job is on the line each time he steps into the cage.
"More than anything, you don't want to put on a bad performance, and you don't want to lose," McCully said. "You want to put your best foot forward, make sure you entertain the fans to the best of your abilities and you don't put a bad foot forward in front of the company.
"Right now, everybody's job is at stake. If you have a bad fight, they might cut you. The roster is really full, so it's a dangerous time for a fighter in the UFC. One bad performance might warrant a cut or a release from the company."
McCully has gone 2-1 in his tenure with the UFC, defeating the like of Eddie Sanchez and Antoni Hardonk, while dropping a bout to Gabriel Gonzaga. Halting Russow's current seven-fight win streak won't be simple, but McCully says it's those nerves that force him to consider all aspects of his preparation.
"More than anything, it's nerves that you did the right thing in the gym," McCully said. "There's no time left to prepare. It's like going in for that final exam. Did you do everything you needed to do? Did you study the right way? Did you study the right material? Are you peaking at the right time? Did you overtrain? Did you get enough sleep?
"More than anything, you don't want to lose. Getting hurt, that's part of the party. You get hurt in every fight, no matter win, lose or draw."
McCully said getting hurt is simply part of the job as a professional fighter, but dealing with the expectations and hopes of your friends and family is a tough challenge – especially for young fighters.
"We accept [getting hurt] as men," McCully said. "More than anything, you don't want to be embarrassed. You don't want to let your family, your friends and everybody else down.
"Being a veteran, after a while you start to put that aside and just be for yourself in there. As selfish as that sounds, it eliminates a lot of other worry and other things that could pollute your mind and make you not perform the way that you should perform. Right now I'm just trying to get focused and make sure that mentally I believe I did everything right."
Russow made his debut more than 11 years ago, though working commitments kept him from seriously pursuing his MMA career until 2006. Russow has fought 12 times in the past three-and-a-half years, leaving plenty of scoutable tape in advance of his UFC debut.
McCully said it's not important to focus on your opponent as the preparation nears completion.
"I like to think about what I'm going to do to him rather than what he's going to do to me," McCully said. "There was some tape out there, and there's plenty of things that I could look at to find out Mike Russow does and his gameplan. He's a pretty one-, maybe two-dimensional-type guy that we've seen in the past. I expect him to have trained his hardest for this fight and to come out and bring a very in-shape Mike Russow."
But as the nerves come to a head and preparation gives way to performance, McCully believes it his focus on himself – rather than the myriad of potential distractions – that will lead him to victory.
"I'm worried about what Justin McCully is going to do to Mike Russow, not what Mike Russow is going to do to Justin McCully," McCully said. "When we get out there on Saturday, it's going to be implementing my gameplan on him, not me fighting a passive, defensive fight where I'm worried about what he's going to be doing to me."
Despite WEC 43 rescheduling, Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone staying busy with other interests
With Monday's surprise announcement that "WEC 43: Cerrone vs. Henderson" was being rescheduled for an October date, there's sure to be a mixed bag of reactions from the evening's participants.
And while main-event competitor Donald Cerrone, who was set to face Benson Henderson for the WEC's interim lightweight title, will surely be disappointed at the delay, it's not as if he won't stay busy.
As Cerrone recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), he's got plenty to focus on outside of his fight.
"We have the TapouT house going right now," Cerrone said. "The house we're in is five bedrooms, so there's plenty of room. But the house that I'm buying has an actual casita on it, which is two bedrooms with a giant living area, kitchen, washroom, laundry, everything for the guys to come out. So it's actually their own private house."
Cerrone is working with TapouT and MMA Overload to provide their own version of "The Ultimate Fighter," a chance for up-and-coming fighters to try-out the life of a WEC contender training at the famed Greg Jackson camp in Albuquerque, N.m.
"Leonard (Garcia) and I were always looking for guys to train with," Cerrone said. "And all the people that fight know it's a long, hard road trying to get in the right gym, know the right people. So we've already paved the road.
"We're here at Jackson's. TapouT and MMA Overload are sponsoring the whole thing. When the guys come down, TapouT automatically [sponsors] them."
The process has already started, and Cerrone is looking forward to it becoming even better.
"[I'm buying] a 4,000 square-foot ranch (house) with an airplane hanger and a barn," Cerrone said. "It's the real deal. It's on 10 acres, so we won't even know they're there.
"We're also buying a bus, too, to tote them around. We're going to get TapouT to wrap the bus. Kind of like the RV, but we'll have a little short bus to drive them around."
Just like "The Ultimate Fighter," or the subjects of the original "TapouT" series, Cerrone has seen mixed results with his first crop of fighters.
"We have four guys here," Cerrone said. "Actually, we had five. One guy left and said he hurt his shoulder. I think his girlfriend was cheating on him or some [expletive], and he went home and hasn't come back. If you can't figure out your girl situation, then you don't need to be down here messing around."
But despite the setback in the first set of athletes, Cerrone believes his venture can be productive.
"We're hoping they can come down and see what it's like to train with a world-class team, see what it's like to train alongside with me while I'm training for a title fight," Cerrone said. "Leonard is fighting in the WEC as well, so see what it's like to live and train in the everyday life of what we do – maybe open their eyes to say, 'This is what I'm doing wrong,' or 'This is what I need to do right,' or 'They're doing everything wrong, and I do it better on my own.'
"(We're) just trying to get people to come down, and hopefully Greg will be like, 'Yeah, I like this guy. Why don't you stick around and join the team?'"
With all of his extra-curricular activities, and with a rescheduled bout with Benson Henderson potentially looming on the horizon, one may assume "Cowboy's" intense rivalry with current WEC lightweight champ Jamie Varner has weakened.
Don't believe that for a second.
"As far as Jamie Varner as a fighter, I respect the [expletive] out of the guy," Cerrone said. "He's a good fighter, a great fighter. As far as Jamie Varner as a person, I don't respect him at all.
"I don't have anything bad to say about his fight game. I think he's a game dude, and he's an awesome fighter. But when it comes to him running his mouth after? How he exited that fight is nothing but his own, so he can't point the finger and blame me."
And while the war of words between the two rages on, Cerrone says he's looking to forward to a second shot at the champ in the cage – if it ever comes.
"At UFC 101, we had some words," Cerrone said. "I got him alone in a back room. [Expletive] was about to go down. The things I said to him as a man, I can't believe you would stand there and take it. But, he did.
"I just think he's trying to dodge me. I think he wants to keep fighting and do it, I just don't think he wants to do it with me."
With Monday's surprise announcement that "WEC 43: Cerrone vs. Henderson" was being rescheduled for an October date, there's sure to be a mixed bag of reactions from the evening's participants.
And while main-event competitor Donald Cerrone, who was set to face Benson Henderson for the WEC's interim lightweight title, will surely be disappointed at the delay, it's not as if he won't stay busy.
As Cerrone recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), he's got plenty to focus on outside of his fight.
"We have the TapouT house going right now," Cerrone said. "The house we're in is five bedrooms, so there's plenty of room. But the house that I'm buying has an actual casita on it, which is two bedrooms with a giant living area, kitchen, washroom, laundry, everything for the guys to come out. So it's actually their own private house."
Cerrone is working with TapouT and MMA Overload to provide their own version of "The Ultimate Fighter," a chance for up-and-coming fighters to try-out the life of a WEC contender training at the famed Greg Jackson camp in Albuquerque, N.m.
"Leonard (Garcia) and I were always looking for guys to train with," Cerrone said. "And all the people that fight know it's a long, hard road trying to get in the right gym, know the right people. So we've already paved the road.
"We're here at Jackson's. TapouT and MMA Overload are sponsoring the whole thing. When the guys come down, TapouT automatically [sponsors] them."
The process has already started, and Cerrone is looking forward to it becoming even better.
"[I'm buying] a 4,000 square-foot ranch (house) with an airplane hanger and a barn," Cerrone said. "It's the real deal. It's on 10 acres, so we won't even know they're there.
"We're also buying a bus, too, to tote them around. We're going to get TapouT to wrap the bus. Kind of like the RV, but we'll have a little short bus to drive them around."
Just like "The Ultimate Fighter," or the subjects of the original "TapouT" series, Cerrone has seen mixed results with his first crop of fighters.
"We have four guys here," Cerrone said. "Actually, we had five. One guy left and said he hurt his shoulder. I think his girlfriend was cheating on him or some [expletive], and he went home and hasn't come back. If you can't figure out your girl situation, then you don't need to be down here messing around."
But despite the setback in the first set of athletes, Cerrone believes his venture can be productive.
"We're hoping they can come down and see what it's like to train with a world-class team, see what it's like to train alongside with me while I'm training for a title fight," Cerrone said. "Leonard is fighting in the WEC as well, so see what it's like to live and train in the everyday life of what we do – maybe open their eyes to say, 'This is what I'm doing wrong,' or 'This is what I need to do right,' or 'They're doing everything wrong, and I do it better on my own.'
"(We're) just trying to get people to come down, and hopefully Greg will be like, 'Yeah, I like this guy. Why don't you stick around and join the team?'"
With all of his extra-curricular activities, and with a rescheduled bout with Benson Henderson potentially looming on the horizon, one may assume "Cowboy's" intense rivalry with current WEC lightweight champ Jamie Varner has weakened.
Don't believe that for a second.
"As far as Jamie Varner as a fighter, I respect the [expletive] out of the guy," Cerrone said. "He's a good fighter, a great fighter. As far as Jamie Varner as a person, I don't respect him at all.
"I don't have anything bad to say about his fight game. I think he's a game dude, and he's an awesome fighter. But when it comes to him running his mouth after? How he exited that fight is nothing but his own, so he can't point the finger and blame me."
And while the war of words between the two rages on, Cerrone says he's looking to forward to a second shot at the champ in the cage – if it ever comes.
"At UFC 101, we had some words," Cerrone said. "I got him alone in a back room. [Expletive] was about to go down. The things I said to him as a man, I can't believe you would stand there and take it. But, he did.
"I just think he's trying to dodge me. I think he wants to keep fighting and do it, I just don't think he wants to do it with me."
"Razor" Rob McCullough vs. Anthony Pettis in the works for WEC 44 in November
While WEC official search for a new location for WEC 43, the organization continues to press forward with future plans.
A lightweight contest between former WEC champion "Razor" Rob McCullough (17-5 MMA, 8-3 WEC) and fast-rising prospect Anthony Pettis (7-0 MMA, 1-0 WEC) is in the works for WEC 44 in November.
Sherdog.com first reported the bout as signed, and though MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has confirmed that the matchup is likely, sources close to the event indicated the fight is still just in the verbal-agreement stages.
While WEC 44 has yet to be announced, Nov. 11 appears a likely date for the event. WEC GM Reed Harris today told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) that an announcement should be made as to the locale of the event – which will feature a featherweight title fight between current champ Mike Brown and top challenger Jose Aldo – within the next few days.
McCullough will be looking to build on a split-decision win over Marcus Hicks in March. The former lightweight champion is 2-2 in his past four contest, with both wins coming via split decision.
Meanwhile, Pettis will be looking to build on a June win in his WEC debut. "Showtime" has rattled off seven straight wins since turning pro in December 2007.
While WEC official search for a new location for WEC 43, the organization continues to press forward with future plans.
A lightweight contest between former WEC champion "Razor" Rob McCullough (17-5 MMA, 8-3 WEC) and fast-rising prospect Anthony Pettis (7-0 MMA, 1-0 WEC) is in the works for WEC 44 in November.
Sherdog.com first reported the bout as signed, and though MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has confirmed that the matchup is likely, sources close to the event indicated the fight is still just in the verbal-agreement stages.
While WEC 44 has yet to be announced, Nov. 11 appears a likely date for the event. WEC GM Reed Harris today told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) that an announcement should be made as to the locale of the event – which will feature a featherweight title fight between current champ Mike Brown and top challenger Jose Aldo – within the next few days.
McCullough will be looking to build on a split-decision win over Marcus Hicks in March. The former lightweight champion is 2-2 in his past four contest, with both wins coming via split decision.
Meanwhile, Pettis will be looking to build on a June win in his WEC debut. "Showtime" has rattled off seven straight wins since turning pro in December 2007.
AMASINGER READY TO EARN HIS WAY BACK TO UFC
Dean Amasinger is in the process of rebuilding following the disappointments of his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter TV show. He was pleased with the team, the training and the opportunity, but disappointed with his fight on the show and that he didn’t get an opportunity to put things right at the finale.
“I was training right up until May for the finale as we didn’t know if we were going to be used or not. Usually the fighters from the series end up on the show, but this is the first time that it hasn’t happened,” explained the Rough House welterweight, adding that he thinks it was down to the promotion having a wealth of talent at the time.
“Maybe it was because of the integration of the WEC fighters, so they needed to use that resource, but they were quite cryptic about it and I really thought I was going to be able to make an impression.”
Still, with the UFC retaining less and less fighters from each season since the series’ inception, the experience has been a positive one for Amasinger. He is looking forward to earning his invitation back into the promotion the old fashioned way.
“I will get my time, and when it comes I will be all the more prepared for it – this hasn’t knocked me at all.”
What has knocked him, however, were a couple of injuries that needed rehabilitation. He actually hasn’t fought since the show in February and it has been his longest layoff yet. He’s all healed now though and ready to go.
His first foray back into the mix is on the Ultimate Challenge show against Scott Jansen in October, and then again in December at the inaugural Bushido Challenge show in Norwich against Swiss grappling wizard Yasubey Enomoto.
“I am looking forward to both fights as they are completely different in style. Scott brings a very aggressive striking style to the table and Yasubey is a consummate grappler.”
Against Jansen he will need to be on the boil from the bell because the British brawler doesn’t really like to waste time feeling his opponent’s out. He throws down hard and fast with everyone who steps in front of him, from Ross Mason to Phil Baroni.
“I know ring rust will be a factor in that fight, because it’s been my longest layoff ever, but I was on a five-fight win streak if you count beating Alex Reid to get on the show. So I need to tap back into that momentum and drive forward. I have a good understanding of what Jansen will bring to this encounter.”
So no flying armbars then? But there will be heavy hands and a relentless pace... that said, flying armbars are more of a possibility with Yasubey Enomoto.
“I have been working a lot on my grappling and takedown defense and will keep that going right up until the Enomoto fight. He is very slick on the ground, but I have the Greg Jackson of U.K. MMA in my corner in the shape of Nathan ‘Levo’ Leverton; so I am confident in having a good game plan,” he concluded.
Dean Amasinger is in the process of rebuilding following the disappointments of his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter TV show. He was pleased with the team, the training and the opportunity, but disappointed with his fight on the show and that he didn’t get an opportunity to put things right at the finale.
“I was training right up until May for the finale as we didn’t know if we were going to be used or not. Usually the fighters from the series end up on the show, but this is the first time that it hasn’t happened,” explained the Rough House welterweight, adding that he thinks it was down to the promotion having a wealth of talent at the time.
“Maybe it was because of the integration of the WEC fighters, so they needed to use that resource, but they were quite cryptic about it and I really thought I was going to be able to make an impression.”
Still, with the UFC retaining less and less fighters from each season since the series’ inception, the experience has been a positive one for Amasinger. He is looking forward to earning his invitation back into the promotion the old fashioned way.
“I will get my time, and when it comes I will be all the more prepared for it – this hasn’t knocked me at all.”
What has knocked him, however, were a couple of injuries that needed rehabilitation. He actually hasn’t fought since the show in February and it has been his longest layoff yet. He’s all healed now though and ready to go.
His first foray back into the mix is on the Ultimate Challenge show against Scott Jansen in October, and then again in December at the inaugural Bushido Challenge show in Norwich against Swiss grappling wizard Yasubey Enomoto.
“I am looking forward to both fights as they are completely different in style. Scott brings a very aggressive striking style to the table and Yasubey is a consummate grappler.”
Against Jansen he will need to be on the boil from the bell because the British brawler doesn’t really like to waste time feeling his opponent’s out. He throws down hard and fast with everyone who steps in front of him, from Ross Mason to Phil Baroni.
“I know ring rust will be a factor in that fight, because it’s been my longest layoff ever, but I was on a five-fight win streak if you count beating Alex Reid to get on the show. So I need to tap back into that momentum and drive forward. I have a good understanding of what Jansen will bring to this encounter.”
So no flying armbars then? But there will be heavy hands and a relentless pace... that said, flying armbars are more of a possibility with Yasubey Enomoto.
“I have been working a lot on my grappling and takedown defense and will keep that going right up until the Enomoto fight. He is very slick on the ground, but I have the Greg Jackson of U.K. MMA in my corner in the shape of Nathan ‘Levo’ Leverton; so I am confident in having a good game plan,” he concluded.
UFC Quick Quote: Lyoto Machida prefers chess, not luck
“Striking is like chess, where I put all my technique. Sometimes I make the guy walk for where I want, I make him attack me like I want to counter attack. Sometimes I leave my leg open for him to kick and then I pull his leg and kick him.”
“Striking is like chess, where I put all my technique. Sometimes I make the guy walk for where I want, I make him attack me like I want to counter attack. Sometimes I leave my leg open for him to kick and then I pull his leg and kick him.”
UFC 104: Sean Sherk heads back to California to take on Gleison Tibau
Former lightweight champion Sean Sherk (33-4) — who vowed to never again fight in California after a positive test for steroids in 2007 that he refuted vigorously — is headed back to the “The Golden State” to take on Gleison Tibau (17-7) at UFC 104: “Machida vs. Shogun” from the Staples Center is Los Angeles on Oct. 24.
The 155-pound match up was expected to take place next month at UFC 103; however, it appears that the promotion switched things up to help bolster the pay-per-view (PPV) event.
Sherk failed to reclaim his title against BJ Penn at UFC 84: “Ill Will” back in May 2008. It was his first fight since being stripped of the title and suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for allegedly testing dirty for banned substances.
At the ripe old age of 35, the “Muscle Shark” rebounded with unanimous decision win over Tyson Griffin at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote,” demonstrating much improved striking skills. Primarily known for his overwhelming wrestling attack, Sherk’s new multidimensional approach earned him and Griffin the “Fight of the Night.”
Unfortunately, he may have become too reliant on his stand-up and not his wrestling, which was a big factor is his divisional dominance for so many years. That helped Frankie Edgar outpoint him en route to a unanimous decision loss at UFC 98: “Evans vs. Machida” back in May.
Which Sherk shows up for the Tibau fight remains to be seen.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard is also coming off a decision loss (split) after Melvin Guillard took him the distance at the TUF 9 Finale less than a month ago.
It snapped a two-fight win streak for the Brazilian, who’s been up and down since his debut against Nick Diaz at UFC 65 way back in November 2006.
The streaking American Top Team (ATT) product followed the Diaz loss by winning his next three fights inside the Octagon before dropping consecutive bouts to perennial division threats Tyson Griffin and Joe Stevenson.
Tibau could make a major statement with a win against the former champ.
UFC 104 features the first title defense for undefeated light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida against fellow Brazilian Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in the main event of the evening. In addition, rising talent Cain Velasquez and veteran Ben Rothwell will “wage war” in a super-sized heavyweight showdown.
Former lightweight champion Sean Sherk (33-4) — who vowed to never again fight in California after a positive test for steroids in 2007 that he refuted vigorously — is headed back to the “The Golden State” to take on Gleison Tibau (17-7) at UFC 104: “Machida vs. Shogun” from the Staples Center is Los Angeles on Oct. 24.
The 155-pound match up was expected to take place next month at UFC 103; however, it appears that the promotion switched things up to help bolster the pay-per-view (PPV) event.
Sherk failed to reclaim his title against BJ Penn at UFC 84: “Ill Will” back in May 2008. It was his first fight since being stripped of the title and suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for allegedly testing dirty for banned substances.
At the ripe old age of 35, the “Muscle Shark” rebounded with unanimous decision win over Tyson Griffin at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote,” demonstrating much improved striking skills. Primarily known for his overwhelming wrestling attack, Sherk’s new multidimensional approach earned him and Griffin the “Fight of the Night.”
Unfortunately, he may have become too reliant on his stand-up and not his wrestling, which was a big factor is his divisional dominance for so many years. That helped Frankie Edgar outpoint him en route to a unanimous decision loss at UFC 98: “Evans vs. Machida” back in May.
Which Sherk shows up for the Tibau fight remains to be seen.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard is also coming off a decision loss (split) after Melvin Guillard took him the distance at the TUF 9 Finale less than a month ago.
It snapped a two-fight win streak for the Brazilian, who’s been up and down since his debut against Nick Diaz at UFC 65 way back in November 2006.
The streaking American Top Team (ATT) product followed the Diaz loss by winning his next three fights inside the Octagon before dropping consecutive bouts to perennial division threats Tyson Griffin and Joe Stevenson.
Tibau could make a major statement with a win against the former champ.
UFC 104 features the first title defense for undefeated light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida against fellow Brazilian Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in the main event of the evening. In addition, rising talent Cain Velasquez and veteran Ben Rothwell will “wage war” in a super-sized heavyweight showdown.
Jake Rosholt ready for the ‘fight of his life’ against Chris Leben at UFC 102
“This is a huge, huge fight for me. I’m fighting someone with a big name, who has tons of fans and respect. It’s on pay-per-view, on the main card, so I’m pumped. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the biggest fight of my life…. Chris is a very tough fighter who always comes forward and puts pressure on his opponents, and he’s gonna try to knock my head off. But I’ll be ready for that and I’ll be able to take the fight wherever I want.”
“This is a huge, huge fight for me. I’m fighting someone with a big name, who has tons of fans and respect. It’s on pay-per-view, on the main card, so I’m pumped. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the biggest fight of my life…. Chris is a very tough fighter who always comes forward and puts pressure on his opponents, and he’s gonna try to knock my head off. But I’ll be ready for that and I’ll be able to take the fight wherever I want.”