MMA News Thread
- Thread starter Shogun Locc
- Start date
He started as a kickboxing announcer so I'm guessing he was a little biased because Overeem talked so much shit about how MMA is harder than K-1, plus Badr's his favorite fighter. Was pretty annoying after the fight but I'm sure had it been a boxer talking shit to Overeem he woulda went crazy if Reem KOd them though, you know what I mean.
Sefo was just being a bitch though lol
Sefo was just being a bitch though lol
White Says He Pushed Henderson to Strikeforce
UFC President Dana White told Fanhouse on Monday that he pushed Dan Henderson into signing with Strikeforce.
Henderson, a multi-divisional champion in Pride who had won three straight in the UFC before finishing out his contract, signed a four-fight, 16-month deal with Strikeforce on Saturday rather than return to the UFC.
“He's happy, but the reality is that I pushed him into signing that deal,” White told FanHouse’s Mike Chiappetta. “I told people over the weekend that he'd sign within the next week.”
White said that after realizing he would not come to terms with Henderson following several meetings, he lowered his original offer to force Henderson out of a limbo.
“Here's the reality: If I wanted him, he'd be in the UFC,” White said. “It's not like, 'F---, Strikeforce beat me out.' He's been a free agent for a long time. If I wanted him, I would have signed him by now."
In response to White’s comments, Aaron Crecy, Henderson's business partner and manager, made the following statement to Sherdog.com:
“Dan has nothing but fond memories of his time with the UFC and appreciates the opportunities that were provided to him by Lorenzo, Frank and Dana. He enjoyed three of his five fights being headliners and being on the main card for his other two fights. He also appreciates bring awarded 'Knockout of the Night' at the biggest show in UFC history, being a coach on 'The Ultimate Fighter 9' and was grateful that they continued to compete with Strikeforce for his services. Dan is really comfortable with his decision to move forward with Strikeforce and wishes the UFC continued success as well.”
UFC President Dana White told Fanhouse on Monday that he pushed Dan Henderson into signing with Strikeforce.
Henderson, a multi-divisional champion in Pride who had won three straight in the UFC before finishing out his contract, signed a four-fight, 16-month deal with Strikeforce on Saturday rather than return to the UFC.
“He's happy, but the reality is that I pushed him into signing that deal,” White told FanHouse’s Mike Chiappetta. “I told people over the weekend that he'd sign within the next week.”
White said that after realizing he would not come to terms with Henderson following several meetings, he lowered his original offer to force Henderson out of a limbo.
“Here's the reality: If I wanted him, he'd be in the UFC,” White said. “It's not like, 'F---, Strikeforce beat me out.' He's been a free agent for a long time. If I wanted him, I would have signed him by now."
In response to White’s comments, Aaron Crecy, Henderson's business partner and manager, made the following statement to Sherdog.com:
“Dan has nothing but fond memories of his time with the UFC and appreciates the opportunities that were provided to him by Lorenzo, Frank and Dana. He enjoyed three of his five fights being headliners and being on the main card for his other two fights. He also appreciates bring awarded 'Knockout of the Night' at the biggest show in UFC history, being a coach on 'The Ultimate Fighter 9' and was grateful that they continued to compete with Strikeforce for his services. Dan is really comfortable with his decision to move forward with Strikeforce and wishes the UFC continued success as well.”
Almeida Eyes March Return in New Jersey
LAS VEGAS -- Former middleweight King of Pancrase Ricardo Almeida has designs on returning to the Octagon for an event tentatively scheduled for March 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
The 33-year-old Almeida suffered a torn medial collateral ligament and meniscus in one of his knees while training in October. The injury, which took him out of a UFC 106 matchup with the American Kickboxing Academy’s Jon Fitch, did not require surgery, but it forced the third-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt to endure an intense rehabilitation program.
“I’m still a few weeks away from getting back on the mat,” said Almeida, nearing full strength and in town to corner lightweight contender Frankie Edgar at “The Ultimate Fighter 10” Finale. “I’m already boxing, running and biking -- no sparring yet.”
Should a bout in New Jersey materialize, it will mark Almeida’s first appearance in his home state since he made his UFC debut against 2000 Olympic silver medalist Matt Lindland nearly nine years ago. That match ended in his disqualification, and Almeida would like nothing more than to erase the memories of that ill-fated showing.
“I wasn’t born in New Jersey,” he said, “but ever since I moved to the U.S. in 1997, it’s been my home.”
Almeida, one of only two men to submit top middleweight contender Nate Marquardt, will carry a two-fight winning streak into his next bout, during which he will debut at 170 pounds. A four-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu national champion, Almeida remains interested in a potential showdown with Fitch, who will take on Mike Pierce at UFC 107 “Penn vs. Sanchez” this Saturday at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
“I don’t have anything personal against Fitch,” Almeida said. “I’m interested in fighting guys who can get me to the top of the division. Fitch is a great fighter. Pretty much everyone agrees Georges St. Pierre is the number one guy in the world and Fitch is number two. Who wouldn’t want to fight the number two guy in the world?”
LAS VEGAS -- Former middleweight King of Pancrase Ricardo Almeida has designs on returning to the Octagon for an event tentatively scheduled for March 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
The 33-year-old Almeida suffered a torn medial collateral ligament and meniscus in one of his knees while training in October. The injury, which took him out of a UFC 106 matchup with the American Kickboxing Academy’s Jon Fitch, did not require surgery, but it forced the third-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt to endure an intense rehabilitation program.
“I’m still a few weeks away from getting back on the mat,” said Almeida, nearing full strength and in town to corner lightweight contender Frankie Edgar at “The Ultimate Fighter 10” Finale. “I’m already boxing, running and biking -- no sparring yet.”
Should a bout in New Jersey materialize, it will mark Almeida’s first appearance in his home state since he made his UFC debut against 2000 Olympic silver medalist Matt Lindland nearly nine years ago. That match ended in his disqualification, and Almeida would like nothing more than to erase the memories of that ill-fated showing.
“I wasn’t born in New Jersey,” he said, “but ever since I moved to the U.S. in 1997, it’s been my home.”
Almeida, one of only two men to submit top middleweight contender Nate Marquardt, will carry a two-fight winning streak into his next bout, during which he will debut at 170 pounds. A four-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu national champion, Almeida remains interested in a potential showdown with Fitch, who will take on Mike Pierce at UFC 107 “Penn vs. Sanchez” this Saturday at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
“I don’t have anything personal against Fitch,” Almeida said. “I’m interested in fighting guys who can get me to the top of the division. Fitch is a great fighter. Pretty much everyone agrees Georges St. Pierre is the number one guy in the world and Fitch is number two. Who wouldn’t want to fight the number two guy in the world?”
Lashley's contract not for sale
With the recent signings of Melvin Manhoef, Mo Lawal and K.J. Noons, Strikeforce is taking necessary steps to solidify its roster.
All three are solid fighters, but they aren't superstars who will make a meaningful difference at the gate or on television. Strikeforce needs another free-agent fighter or two to get the chat boards humming again and build some buzz. When it comes to potential, perhaps no fighter fits that mold more than Bobby Lashley.
Strikeforce wants the athletic Lashley. However, he is currently under contract to Nashville, Tenn.-based Prize Fight MMA. The heavyweight owes the company two more fights, and indications are that Prize Fight is adamant about seeing those bouts happen.
"They're not interest in selling Bobby's contract, and we have been in talks with them, but it's a complicated deal," said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. "So, right now, there are no talks with Bobby Lashley. I'm definitely interested if the deal was right and everybody was realistic."
With the recent signings of Melvin Manhoef, Mo Lawal and K.J. Noons, Strikeforce is taking necessary steps to solidify its roster.
All three are solid fighters, but they aren't superstars who will make a meaningful difference at the gate or on television. Strikeforce needs another free-agent fighter or two to get the chat boards humming again and build some buzz. When it comes to potential, perhaps no fighter fits that mold more than Bobby Lashley.
Strikeforce wants the athletic Lashley. However, he is currently under contract to Nashville, Tenn.-based Prize Fight MMA. The heavyweight owes the company two more fights, and indications are that Prize Fight is adamant about seeing those bouts happen.
"They're not interest in selling Bobby's contract, and we have been in talks with them, but it's a complicated deal," said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. "So, right now, there are no talks with Bobby Lashley. I'm definitely interested if the deal was right and everybody was realistic."
Fight Time Promotions debut moved to 2010
Fight Time Promotions isn't ready for prime time – at least not yet.
Citing scheduling challenges, the fledgling South Florida promotion is moving its Dec. 12 show to early next year. A representative for the promotion told MMAjunkie.com hat there were "a lot things going on (in December)" that prompted the decision to move the show to February to avoid debuting on the same day as UFC 107.
Fight Time, launched by American Top Team boxing coach Howard Davis Jr., was expected to host its first 10-fight card in Ft. Lauderdale. However, there appeared to be little momentum behind the planned U.S. versus Brazil-themed show, and a fight card never materialized on the promotion's Web site.
The promotion is now planned its inaugural show for the end of February.
Fight Time Promotions isn't ready for prime time – at least not yet.
Citing scheduling challenges, the fledgling South Florida promotion is moving its Dec. 12 show to early next year. A representative for the promotion told MMAjunkie.com hat there were "a lot things going on (in December)" that prompted the decision to move the show to February to avoid debuting on the same day as UFC 107.
Fight Time, launched by American Top Team boxing coach Howard Davis Jr., was expected to host its first 10-fight card in Ft. Lauderdale. However, there appeared to be little momentum behind the planned U.S. versus Brazil-themed show, and a fight card never materialized on the promotion's Web site.
The promotion is now planned its inaugural show for the end of February.
"Fight Life" documentary aims to be real and raw
The knockout shot. The crowd on its feet. A hand raised in victory. These are lasting images for fans sold on the rush of mixed martial arts.
However, for filmmaker James Feng, those images are but a glimpse into what it's like to be a fighter. Feng saw his first MMA bout in August 2008 when a neighbor competed in a local San Francisco Bay Area show.
"He told me he made about two to three thousand dollars that night, and I thought that was pretty low," Feng told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "It just wasn't a lot of money, especially when you're fighting only a couple times a year. He told me about how much he had to train and how much money he spent and invested in this fight ... all the supplements he had to take and fees he had to pay. That's when I realized that this lifestyle is not something that's very glorious."
For the next several weeks, Feng, 26, immersed himself in MMA and experienced the hard-scrabbled life of fighters by visiting gyms. It was an eye-opening experience for a storyteller who dabbled in martial arts as a kid, but had little exposure to MMA before seeing a fight in person.
Through his research, Feng learned that a mixed martial artist outside the bright lights of the UFC made an average of $11,000 a year – just $170 more than the single-person poverty level in the U.S. He also discovered that nearly 70 percent of fighters don't have medical insurance to cover injuries that are as much a part of the sport as throwing punches.
Without a definitive documentary produced on MMA, Feng decided he would fill the void and embarked on a yearlong journey to gyms and events across the country. Key to the success of the film was getting behind-the-scenes access to a camp and fighters who were willing to open up about their struggles. Feng knew he found the right group of fighters in San Francisco when he showed up with a camera in tow.
"The first time I walked in the gym, and I met Jake (Shields) and those guys, Gilbert (Melendez) walks in and asked me who I was with, and I told him that I was doing this project," Feng recalls. "And he says, 'Well, I hope you're not just focusing on the fighting because that (expletive) gets old.' I gained their trust just by showing up. I'm the type of person who's committed to what I'm doing."
Collaborating with fighters such as Shields, Melendez, Frank Shamrock, Nick Diaz and Lyle Beerbohm, who overcame drug addiction and a stint in prison to fight professionally, provided Feng with the intimate access he needed to shoot nearly 60 hours of footage. His objective with the film is to provide fans with a perspective he believes many are lacking.
"The real fans know what the fight life is composed of," Feng said, "but the average dude on the street, you talk to him, he's like, 'MMA, yeah UFC, knockouts.' That's all he knows about MMA, and I have a problem with that. That's why everyone involved in this project is so behind it. We're trying to help people understand the sport and grow the sport so that it's not just about knockouts and it's not just about (seeing) fighters getting pissed off, and fans thinking they're not educated."
So far, Feng has invested about $30,000 of his own money into the production of the documentary he's titled "Fight Life" and recently launched a Web site (www.fightlife.tv) to begin promoting the project. He's been approached by companies interested in distributing the film but has yet to consummate a distribution deal. Feng, who has directed and produced two short films, is optimistic about his chances for a theatrical release of "Fight Life." He's currently in post-production and is aiming for a summer 2010 premiere.
"I really want to take my time with this," Feng said. "I don't want to rush this and make it a quick product out and make some money off it. That was never my goal. My goal is to make a film that people really want to see and appreciate all the hard work we put it. I would like to get it in theaters. We don't know how many theaters; that always depends on when you do the contract with the distributer, but DVDs, obviously, and I want to get it on Netflix. I know that MMA films are pretty popular on Netflix. And I've talked with a lot of people who think this film will do well overseas, as well."
Feng's own struggles as a filmmaker have helped him relate to the fighters whose lives he'll chronicle in the movie. His first film, "600," was critically acclaimed, garnering a number of film-festival accolades, including runner-up honors at the 2007 Shanghai Short Film Festival. However, in addition to filmmaking and acting, he continues to support himself in pursuits as disparate as business consulting and coaching tennis.
Everyone, whether a fan of MMA or not, can relate to the perseverance and commitment needed to succeed in any aspect of life. And that's something Feng is hoping to capture in his documentary.
"The audience is going to see something that is very real – sometimes maybe too real – and raw," said Feng. "I'm tired of all the (expletive) that's out there on Spike TV. I got sick watching all those pre-fight interviews on a lot of these programs because I know some of these guys and that's not how they act. That's not who they really are as a person. Then, I hear stories from my guys telling me that they (producers) try to get them mad by telling them that so-and-so said something about them. They try to get the guys all mad before the interviews just so they can portray them as this violent brute that wants to take this dude's head off."
Feng takes issue with what he sees as manufactured hype in the industry used to reinforce the stereotype of fighters as uneducated thugs.
"It's a very negative portrayal of people who are real people," he said. "It's the same thing with Nick Diaz. You hang out with the guy, you talk to him and realize how intelligent he is and how he really loves fighting. But, then, you have all these things in the media trying to portray him as a bad guy. People manipulate his pre-fight process, but when the fight is over, and you talk to him, you realize that he is a really nice guy. But the media's never going to do that. They just want to make him look like a bad guy. My vision for the film is to show these guys as they are outside of fighting so you see them as people."
The money Feng has sunk into the project thus far isn't enough to get the film to market. He takes pride in self-funding his work and doesn't try to find investor capital. He's seeking grants to help cover post-production costs, and he is willing to personally go into debt to make the project a reality.
The knockout shot. The crowd on its feet. A hand raised in victory. These are lasting images for fans sold on the rush of mixed martial arts.
However, for filmmaker James Feng, those images are but a glimpse into what it's like to be a fighter. Feng saw his first MMA bout in August 2008 when a neighbor competed in a local San Francisco Bay Area show.
"He told me he made about two to three thousand dollars that night, and I thought that was pretty low," Feng told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "It just wasn't a lot of money, especially when you're fighting only a couple times a year. He told me about how much he had to train and how much money he spent and invested in this fight ... all the supplements he had to take and fees he had to pay. That's when I realized that this lifestyle is not something that's very glorious."
For the next several weeks, Feng, 26, immersed himself in MMA and experienced the hard-scrabbled life of fighters by visiting gyms. It was an eye-opening experience for a storyteller who dabbled in martial arts as a kid, but had little exposure to MMA before seeing a fight in person.
Through his research, Feng learned that a mixed martial artist outside the bright lights of the UFC made an average of $11,000 a year – just $170 more than the single-person poverty level in the U.S. He also discovered that nearly 70 percent of fighters don't have medical insurance to cover injuries that are as much a part of the sport as throwing punches.
Without a definitive documentary produced on MMA, Feng decided he would fill the void and embarked on a yearlong journey to gyms and events across the country. Key to the success of the film was getting behind-the-scenes access to a camp and fighters who were willing to open up about their struggles. Feng knew he found the right group of fighters in San Francisco when he showed up with a camera in tow.
"The first time I walked in the gym, and I met Jake (Shields) and those guys, Gilbert (Melendez) walks in and asked me who I was with, and I told him that I was doing this project," Feng recalls. "And he says, 'Well, I hope you're not just focusing on the fighting because that (expletive) gets old.' I gained their trust just by showing up. I'm the type of person who's committed to what I'm doing."
Collaborating with fighters such as Shields, Melendez, Frank Shamrock, Nick Diaz and Lyle Beerbohm, who overcame drug addiction and a stint in prison to fight professionally, provided Feng with the intimate access he needed to shoot nearly 60 hours of footage. His objective with the film is to provide fans with a perspective he believes many are lacking.
"The real fans know what the fight life is composed of," Feng said, "but the average dude on the street, you talk to him, he's like, 'MMA, yeah UFC, knockouts.' That's all he knows about MMA, and I have a problem with that. That's why everyone involved in this project is so behind it. We're trying to help people understand the sport and grow the sport so that it's not just about knockouts and it's not just about (seeing) fighters getting pissed off, and fans thinking they're not educated."
So far, Feng has invested about $30,000 of his own money into the production of the documentary he's titled "Fight Life" and recently launched a Web site (www.fightlife.tv) to begin promoting the project. He's been approached by companies interested in distributing the film but has yet to consummate a distribution deal. Feng, who has directed and produced two short films, is optimistic about his chances for a theatrical release of "Fight Life." He's currently in post-production and is aiming for a summer 2010 premiere.
"I really want to take my time with this," Feng said. "I don't want to rush this and make it a quick product out and make some money off it. That was never my goal. My goal is to make a film that people really want to see and appreciate all the hard work we put it. I would like to get it in theaters. We don't know how many theaters; that always depends on when you do the contract with the distributer, but DVDs, obviously, and I want to get it on Netflix. I know that MMA films are pretty popular on Netflix. And I've talked with a lot of people who think this film will do well overseas, as well."
Feng's own struggles as a filmmaker have helped him relate to the fighters whose lives he'll chronicle in the movie. His first film, "600," was critically acclaimed, garnering a number of film-festival accolades, including runner-up honors at the 2007 Shanghai Short Film Festival. However, in addition to filmmaking and acting, he continues to support himself in pursuits as disparate as business consulting and coaching tennis.
Everyone, whether a fan of MMA or not, can relate to the perseverance and commitment needed to succeed in any aspect of life. And that's something Feng is hoping to capture in his documentary.
"The audience is going to see something that is very real – sometimes maybe too real – and raw," said Feng. "I'm tired of all the (expletive) that's out there on Spike TV. I got sick watching all those pre-fight interviews on a lot of these programs because I know some of these guys and that's not how they act. That's not who they really are as a person. Then, I hear stories from my guys telling me that they (producers) try to get them mad by telling them that so-and-so said something about them. They try to get the guys all mad before the interviews just so they can portray them as this violent brute that wants to take this dude's head off."
Feng takes issue with what he sees as manufactured hype in the industry used to reinforce the stereotype of fighters as uneducated thugs.
"It's a very negative portrayal of people who are real people," he said. "It's the same thing with Nick Diaz. You hang out with the guy, you talk to him and realize how intelligent he is and how he really loves fighting. But, then, you have all these things in the media trying to portray him as a bad guy. People manipulate his pre-fight process, but when the fight is over, and you talk to him, you realize that he is a really nice guy. But the media's never going to do that. They just want to make him look like a bad guy. My vision for the film is to show these guys as they are outside of fighting so you see them as people."
The money Feng has sunk into the project thus far isn't enough to get the film to market. He takes pride in self-funding his work and doesn't try to find investor capital. He's seeking grants to help cover post-production costs, and he is willing to personally go into debt to make the project a reality.
Following TUF 10 Finale win, Kimbo Slice not opposed to fighting at light heavyweight
Prior to his unanimous decision win over Houston Alexander this past weekend at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson experienced the physical – and even more gruesome mental effects – of his first true weigh cut.
Ferguson, who was knocked out a preliminary-round matchup on "TUF 10" by eventual show champ Roy Nelson, took a fight with non-cast member Alexander at a catch-weight of 215 pounds.
While the natural heavyweight first complained of the weight cut, he told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) after his victory it wasn't as bad as he first led on – and that he might even be able to compete as a light heavyweight in the future.
After a slow first round in which his opponent circled constantly and rarely engaged, Ferguson eventually closed the distance and used his still-developing clinch work and ground game to take the decision win.
The fight certainly didn't produce the fireworks many predicted (and earned more than a few scathing reviews from the fight community), but Ferguson secured his future in the organization with the win.
Could that future involve more catchweight fights – or even a full drop to light heavyweight?
"I leave that to my guys," Ferguson said. "I've got a smart team. ... I let those guys, with (UFC president) Dana (White) and the matchmakers, figure it out. They'll work something out. I trust their judgment as far as my future is concerned in the UFC."
That's not a "no," but it's not a "yes" either.
The drop, of course, would depend on Ferguson's ability to cut weight. The former streetfighter and YouTube superstar fought at heavyweight four times for the now-defunct EliteXC promotion, and "TUF 10" actually became a heavyweights-only season simply because of Kimbo's last-minute availability and interest in competing on the long-running reality series, which desperately needed something (or someone) to boost ratings.
And though Ferguson had plenty of notice about his 215-pound contest with Alexander (rumors of the matchup first popped up in October), the decision at first seemed like a bad one.
In a media conference call for the event, Ferguson was terse in his responses and first hinted at troubles with the weight cut. The following day, at an open media workout, the fighter spoke to MMAjunkie.com and complained that the mental aspects of the weight cut were taking a toll.
"If I drink a glass of water, I'm back at 230 pounds," he said. "It's really a mental (struggle). I didn't know how serious it was going to be, but it's really a mental challenge for me right now."
After Saturday's finale, though, Ferguson was singing a different tune. In fact, he downplayed the weight cut and said it wasn't as bad as he first portrayed it and said he easily recovered.
"I don't think it affected me at all," he said. "I put some weight back on [the night before the event]. I ordered up room service – twice."
While Ferguson is unlikely to compete for a title anytime soon, he's certainly a draw. Despite Saturday's snoozer with Alexander, fans will still tune in for the bearded brawler. And if he's open to catch-weight fights – as well as bouts at both heavyweight and light heavyweight – he gives the UFC options to book marketable (and suitable) opponents.
Such versatility is rewarded, of course. For example, despite competing in no title fights, former middleweight champ Rich Franklin headlined three pay-per-view cards in 2009, two of which came in catch-weight bouts, because he was willing to move up and down in weight.
With the UFC's slate of events nearly full through the first part of 2010, it'll likely be March or April at the earliest that we see Ferguson back in the octagon. Expect some serious consideration when it comes to the weight class in which he returns.
Prior to his unanimous decision win over Houston Alexander this past weekend at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson experienced the physical – and even more gruesome mental effects – of his first true weigh cut.
Ferguson, who was knocked out a preliminary-round matchup on "TUF 10" by eventual show champ Roy Nelson, took a fight with non-cast member Alexander at a catch-weight of 215 pounds.
While the natural heavyweight first complained of the weight cut, he told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) after his victory it wasn't as bad as he first led on – and that he might even be able to compete as a light heavyweight in the future.
After a slow first round in which his opponent circled constantly and rarely engaged, Ferguson eventually closed the distance and used his still-developing clinch work and ground game to take the decision win.
The fight certainly didn't produce the fireworks many predicted (and earned more than a few scathing reviews from the fight community), but Ferguson secured his future in the organization with the win.
Could that future involve more catchweight fights – or even a full drop to light heavyweight?
"I leave that to my guys," Ferguson said. "I've got a smart team. ... I let those guys, with (UFC president) Dana (White) and the matchmakers, figure it out. They'll work something out. I trust their judgment as far as my future is concerned in the UFC."
That's not a "no," but it's not a "yes" either.
The drop, of course, would depend on Ferguson's ability to cut weight. The former streetfighter and YouTube superstar fought at heavyweight four times for the now-defunct EliteXC promotion, and "TUF 10" actually became a heavyweights-only season simply because of Kimbo's last-minute availability and interest in competing on the long-running reality series, which desperately needed something (or someone) to boost ratings.
And though Ferguson had plenty of notice about his 215-pound contest with Alexander (rumors of the matchup first popped up in October), the decision at first seemed like a bad one.
In a media conference call for the event, Ferguson was terse in his responses and first hinted at troubles with the weight cut. The following day, at an open media workout, the fighter spoke to MMAjunkie.com and complained that the mental aspects of the weight cut were taking a toll.
"If I drink a glass of water, I'm back at 230 pounds," he said. "It's really a mental (struggle). I didn't know how serious it was going to be, but it's really a mental challenge for me right now."
After Saturday's finale, though, Ferguson was singing a different tune. In fact, he downplayed the weight cut and said it wasn't as bad as he first portrayed it and said he easily recovered.
"I don't think it affected me at all," he said. "I put some weight back on [the night before the event]. I ordered up room service – twice."
While Ferguson is unlikely to compete for a title anytime soon, he's certainly a draw. Despite Saturday's snoozer with Alexander, fans will still tune in for the bearded brawler. And if he's open to catch-weight fights – as well as bouts at both heavyweight and light heavyweight – he gives the UFC options to book marketable (and suitable) opponents.
Such versatility is rewarded, of course. For example, despite competing in no title fights, former middleweight champ Rich Franklin headlined three pay-per-view cards in 2009, two of which came in catch-weight bouts, because he was willing to move up and down in weight.
With the UFC's slate of events nearly full through the first part of 2010, it'll likely be March or April at the earliest that we see Ferguson back in the octagon. Expect some serious consideration when it comes to the weight class in which he returns.
The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale fighters salaries: Hamill, Edgar top earners, Kimbo gets $25K
Main-card winners Matt Hamill and Frankie Edgar both earned $46,000 and were top earners at this past weekend's UFC event, The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale.
Additionally, while cast members from "TUF 10" made $8,000 to show and $8,000 to win, including show champion Roy Nelson, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson's special contract paid him a base amount of $25,000 with no win bonus.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) recently requested and today received the list of salaries from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
The Dec. 5 event took place at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and aired on Spike TV. The total disclosed payroll for the event was $351,000.
Hamill earned his win bonus despite a lopsided beatdown by opponent Jon Jones. However, when Jones unloaded illegal downward elbow strikes in the first round, Hamill was unable to continue. Referee Steve Mazzagatti then used instant replay for the first time in Nevada State Athletic Commission history. The replays showed that the illegal strikes contributed to Hamill's inability to continue, so as detailed in the NSAC's procedures, Hamill was awarded the victory via disqualification.
While Ferguson's pay may seem low, especially given UFC president Dana White's recent statements about the fighter getting a special contract different from other "TUF" cast members, keep in mind that he may have received a signing bonus or other money not factored into his base fight pay.
The full payout amounts included:
Roy Nelson: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
def. Brendan Schaub: $8,000
Matt Hamill: $46,000 ($23,000 win bonus)
def. Jon Jones: $20,000
Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson: $25,000 (no win bonus)
def. Houston Alexander: $13,000
Frankie Edgar: $46,000 ($23,000 win bonus)
def. Matt Veach: $5,000
Matt Mitrione: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
def. Marcus Jones: $8,000
James McSweeney: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
def. Darrill Schoonover: $8,000
Jon Madsen: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
def. Justin Wren: $8,000
John Howard: $14,000 ($7,000 win bonus)
def Dennis Hallman: $15,000
Brian Stann: $30,000 ($15,000 win bonus)
def. Rodney Wallace: $6,000
Mark Bocek: $30,000 ($15,000 win bonus)
def. Joe Brammer: $5,000
Main-card winners Matt Hamill and Frankie Edgar both earned $46,000 and were top earners at this past weekend's UFC event, The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale.
Additionally, while cast members from "TUF 10" made $8,000 to show and $8,000 to win, including show champion Roy Nelson, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson's special contract paid him a base amount of $25,000 with no win bonus.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) recently requested and today received the list of salaries from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
The Dec. 5 event took place at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and aired on Spike TV. The total disclosed payroll for the event was $351,000.
Hamill earned his win bonus despite a lopsided beatdown by opponent Jon Jones. However, when Jones unloaded illegal downward elbow strikes in the first round, Hamill was unable to continue. Referee Steve Mazzagatti then used instant replay for the first time in Nevada State Athletic Commission history. The replays showed that the illegal strikes contributed to Hamill's inability to continue, so as detailed in the NSAC's procedures, Hamill was awarded the victory via disqualification.
While Ferguson's pay may seem low, especially given UFC president Dana White's recent statements about the fighter getting a special contract different from other "TUF" cast members, keep in mind that he may have received a signing bonus or other money not factored into his base fight pay.
The full payout amounts included:
Roy Nelson: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
def. Brendan Schaub: $8,000
Matt Hamill: $46,000 ($23,000 win bonus)
def. Jon Jones: $20,000
Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson: $25,000 (no win bonus)
def. Houston Alexander: $13,000
Frankie Edgar: $46,000 ($23,000 win bonus)
def. Matt Veach: $5,000
Matt Mitrione: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
def. Marcus Jones: $8,000
James McSweeney: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
def. Darrill Schoonover: $8,000
Jon Madsen: $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
def. Justin Wren: $8,000
John Howard: $14,000 ($7,000 win bonus)
def Dennis Hallman: $15,000
Brian Stann: $30,000 ($15,000 win bonus)
def. Rodney Wallace: $6,000
Mark Bocek: $30,000 ($15,000 win bonus)
def. Joe Brammer: $5,000
Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Steve Cantwell set for UFC 108 prelims
A light heavyweight bout between veteran Vladimir Matyushenko (23-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and former WEC champion Steve Cantwell (8-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) is set for the preliminary card of next month's UFC 108 event.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned of the Jan. 2 matchup over the weekend.
Nima Safapour of No Limits Media Group, which represents Matyushenko, today confirmed that bout agreements have been distributed and signed by Matyushenko.
UFC 108 takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view.
Matyushenko, a former top UFC light heavyweight contender, returned to the UFC in September after a six-year absence from the organization. The 38-year-old Belarusian topped Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic training partner Igor Pokrajac via unanimous decision at UFC 103 to pick up his 10th win in his past 11 fights.
Matyushenko, who went 6-0 in the now-defunct IFL organization during his time away from the UFC, suffered a second-round knockout to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at "Affliction: Day of Reckoning." It remains Matyushenko's only loss in the past four years.
The 22-year-old Cantwell, meanwhile, is likely fighting for his life in the UFC. The former WEC light heavyweight champion debuted with the UFC in late 2008 and scored a submission victory over UFC newcomer Razak Al-Hassan. Since then, though, he's dropped unanimous decisions to both Luiz Cane and Brian Stann.
A light heavyweight bout between veteran Vladimir Matyushenko (23-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and former WEC champion Steve Cantwell (8-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) is set for the preliminary card of next month's UFC 108 event.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned of the Jan. 2 matchup over the weekend.
Nima Safapour of No Limits Media Group, which represents Matyushenko, today confirmed that bout agreements have been distributed and signed by Matyushenko.
UFC 108 takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view.
Matyushenko, a former top UFC light heavyweight contender, returned to the UFC in September after a six-year absence from the organization. The 38-year-old Belarusian topped Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic training partner Igor Pokrajac via unanimous decision at UFC 103 to pick up his 10th win in his past 11 fights.
Matyushenko, who went 6-0 in the now-defunct IFL organization during his time away from the UFC, suffered a second-round knockout to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at "Affliction: Day of Reckoning." It remains Matyushenko's only loss in the past four years.
The 22-year-old Cantwell, meanwhile, is likely fighting for his life in the UFC. The former WEC light heavyweight champion debuted with the UFC in late 2008 and scored a submission victory over UFC newcomer Razak Al-Hassan. Since then, though, he's dropped unanimous decisions to both Luiz Cane and Brian Stann.
CB Dolloway and Goran Reljic expected for UFC 110
UFC 110 from Austrailia is starting to take shape. Recent reports indicate that Ultimate Fighter season seven finalist C.B. Dollaway will return at the event to square off against Goran Reljic in a middleweight showdown.
Dollaway, comes into the bout off the heels of a unanimous decision victory over Jay Silva at Ultimate Fight Night 19.
Goran Reljic remains unbeaten as a professional, at 5-0. Reljic who last saw action at UFC 84, where he defeated Wilson Gouveia, will be making the move to middleweight for this matchup.
According to the initial report by MMAMadness.com bout agreements have been signed.
UFC 110 is expected to have heavyweights Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez in the main event, in a fight that some have rumored to be for the interim heavyweight championship.
UFC 110 from Austrailia is starting to take shape. Recent reports indicate that Ultimate Fighter season seven finalist C.B. Dollaway will return at the event to square off against Goran Reljic in a middleweight showdown.
Dollaway, comes into the bout off the heels of a unanimous decision victory over Jay Silva at Ultimate Fight Night 19.
Goran Reljic remains unbeaten as a professional, at 5-0. Reljic who last saw action at UFC 84, where he defeated Wilson Gouveia, will be making the move to middleweight for this matchup.
According to the initial report by MMAMadness.com bout agreements have been signed.
UFC 110 is expected to have heavyweights Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez in the main event, in a fight that some have rumored to be for the interim heavyweight championship.
K-1 WGP Ratings
Ratings are out for the Fuji TV broadcast of K-1's 2009 World Grand Prix Final, and the show did a respectable 15.3% average, with a peak of 19.9% during the Remy Bonjasky/Errol Zimmerman quarterfinal.
Event producer Sadaharu Tanigawa says he wants "Dynamite!! 2009" to do at least a 20% rating, especially after the Daisuke Naito/Koki Kameda boxing match on TBS pulled an absurd 43.1% (65 million viewers) last month.
Ratings are out for the Fuji TV broadcast of K-1's 2009 World Grand Prix Final, and the show did a respectable 15.3% average, with a peak of 19.9% during the Remy Bonjasky/Errol Zimmerman quarterfinal.
Event producer Sadaharu Tanigawa says he wants "Dynamite!! 2009" to do at least a 20% rating, especially after the Daisuke Naito/Koki Kameda boxing match on TBS pulled an absurd 43.1% (65 million viewers) last month.
Fedor Aiding MMA in Russia
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer discusses the impact that Fedor’s last nationally televised fight has had on MMA in Russia:
One thing that is legitimate, at least based on a television news report in Russia, is that after the fight aired on television (it was the first MMA fight in history to be broadcast on a major TV station in Russia), that there was a huge increase over the past few weeks in Russian teenagers wanting to join MMA gyms and Emelianenko was seen as the reason why.
Up until that time, the average Russian had no idea who he was. For the few who did, he was the guy who fought on a show Vladimir Putin attended several years ago (the Matt Lindland fight), if that. This event was the first time he got any significant media exposure because a few million people saw him fight on television. One of his fights was on PPV in Russia, but nobody bought it and his subsequent fights didn’t air.
While people will have you think he’s some sort of household name in Russia, Japan and South Korea, based on Google trends, the place he’s most famous by far is Croatia, and that’s largely because he’s the famous rival of Mirko Cro Cop, who is a legitimate national hero in his country. After that, the countries he’s most popular, in order, are Finland (MMA is on television every night there on a sports channel and his fights with Andrei Arlovski and Rogers were on TV there), Peru, Canada, U.S., Sweden and then Russia, followed by Brazil. He can draw in Japan among hardcores but among the casual people in Japan, they wouldn’t know who he is. Even in Finland, his name recognition would be less than Brock Lesnar (although significantly more than any other UFC fighter).
Payout Perspective:
It really is surprising to hear that Fedor hasn’t achieved a greater notoriety in the last several years, but it is encouraging that M-1 has secured a national television deal. The dividends of which are clearly showing in gym attendance figures (which is also something of a good trend in the United States over the last few years).
Any time you can build at the grassroots level of a sport, you’re helping to build life long interest. Fans that understand the sport are more likely to appreciate the ability and skill of those at the professional level, the theory goes, and that should translate into a larger audience.
And Russia could prove to be a solid MMA market in the years to come should Fedor continue to develop a name and increase the sport’s notoriety. The approximately 65 million television households – and 140 million people – is very material.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer discusses the impact that Fedor’s last nationally televised fight has had on MMA in Russia:
One thing that is legitimate, at least based on a television news report in Russia, is that after the fight aired on television (it was the first MMA fight in history to be broadcast on a major TV station in Russia), that there was a huge increase over the past few weeks in Russian teenagers wanting to join MMA gyms and Emelianenko was seen as the reason why.
Up until that time, the average Russian had no idea who he was. For the few who did, he was the guy who fought on a show Vladimir Putin attended several years ago (the Matt Lindland fight), if that. This event was the first time he got any significant media exposure because a few million people saw him fight on television. One of his fights was on PPV in Russia, but nobody bought it and his subsequent fights didn’t air.
While people will have you think he’s some sort of household name in Russia, Japan and South Korea, based on Google trends, the place he’s most famous by far is Croatia, and that’s largely because he’s the famous rival of Mirko Cro Cop, who is a legitimate national hero in his country. After that, the countries he’s most popular, in order, are Finland (MMA is on television every night there on a sports channel and his fights with Andrei Arlovski and Rogers were on TV there), Peru, Canada, U.S., Sweden and then Russia, followed by Brazil. He can draw in Japan among hardcores but among the casual people in Japan, they wouldn’t know who he is. Even in Finland, his name recognition would be less than Brock Lesnar (although significantly more than any other UFC fighter).
Payout Perspective:
It really is surprising to hear that Fedor hasn’t achieved a greater notoriety in the last several years, but it is encouraging that M-1 has secured a national television deal. The dividends of which are clearly showing in gym attendance figures (which is also something of a good trend in the United States over the last few years).
Any time you can build at the grassroots level of a sport, you’re helping to build life long interest. Fans that understand the sport are more likely to appreciate the ability and skill of those at the professional level, the theory goes, and that should translate into a larger audience.
And Russia could prove to be a solid MMA market in the years to come should Fedor continue to develop a name and increase the sport’s notoriety. The approximately 65 million television households – and 140 million people – is very material.
Silvas’ advice to José Aldo
In 2009, Brazil got used to see its athletes as number one on their categories. On the middleweights, Anderson Silva kept giving a show, while Lyoto Machida shine of the category above and the little Jussier “Formiga” da Silva, flyweight from Natal, hindered on Japanese stages. On top of featherweights, Aldo hears complements from Silvas, considered the best on their categories.
“This guy is a talent, a young kid that’s conquering his space. He has a great team behind him and he has everything to stay as a champion for many years and bring more joy to his team and to Brazil. He’s very dedicated and he’s having the results of his work”, said Anderson, advices from the number one of the world since October 2006.
“My tip is to keep focused, don’t forget the origins and to listen to people who wants good things to you”, said, knowing that Aldo is well advised. “Now will appear a lot of people by your side while you’re successful, but Dedé (Pederneiras) is a great leader, Nova União is getting even more strong and they never let down. I wish him all the happiness of the world… Now is to enjoy the title, because there will be fights again soon”.
The other Silva, with 123 pounds, celebrates the friend’s successful. “I was very happy. He’s a humble kid, he deserved. He’s a good guy, likes to train”, said the tough motoboy, betting on the team’s part in a long time on the top. “A lot of combats will appear, but it will be hard to take the belt away from him. He’s very complete. I like very much his style, he always tries to be the best. Before the fight, I sent him a message supporting him, that would be two against one (laugh)”, finished.
In 2009, Brazil got used to see its athletes as number one on their categories. On the middleweights, Anderson Silva kept giving a show, while Lyoto Machida shine of the category above and the little Jussier “Formiga” da Silva, flyweight from Natal, hindered on Japanese stages. On top of featherweights, Aldo hears complements from Silvas, considered the best on their categories.
“This guy is a talent, a young kid that’s conquering his space. He has a great team behind him and he has everything to stay as a champion for many years and bring more joy to his team and to Brazil. He’s very dedicated and he’s having the results of his work”, said Anderson, advices from the number one of the world since October 2006.
“My tip is to keep focused, don’t forget the origins and to listen to people who wants good things to you”, said, knowing that Aldo is well advised. “Now will appear a lot of people by your side while you’re successful, but Dedé (Pederneiras) is a great leader, Nova União is getting even more strong and they never let down. I wish him all the happiness of the world… Now is to enjoy the title, because there will be fights again soon”.
The other Silva, with 123 pounds, celebrates the friend’s successful. “I was very happy. He’s a humble kid, he deserved. He’s a good guy, likes to train”, said the tough motoboy, betting on the team’s part in a long time on the top. “A lot of combats will appear, but it will be hard to take the belt away from him. He’s very complete. I like very much his style, he always tries to be the best. Before the fight, I sent him a message supporting him, that would be two against one (laugh)”, finished.