they haven't hyped Cigano the way they have the other guys, even though his Werdum win is better than anything Carwin or Cain have done. What worries me is he said he's going to stand with Yvel, even though that'll be awesome it's not the smartest thing to do especially when they're looking for contenders.
MMA News Thread
- Thread starter Shogun Locc
- Start date
Prangley Out of Strikeforce, Lawler Awaits New Opponent
Trevor Prangley has withdrawn from a featured middleweight bout against Robbie Lawler at Strikeforce “Evolution” this Saturday at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., Sherdog.com has confirmed with the promotion.
A Strikeforce rep said that a new opponent is being sought to face Lawler, but has not been locked down yet.
Prangley suffered an undisclosed injury training for the bout with his American Kickboxing Academy team in San Jose. The South African Olympic wrestling alternate had replaced Lawler’s first tentatively scheduled opponent, Benji Radach, a few weeks ago when Radach couldn’t obtain medical clearance to resume training for the bout after breaking his right hand last April.
The heavy-handed Lawler has ploughed through five of his last seven bouts. A former EliteXC middleweight champion and H.I.T. Squad member alongside Matt Hughes, the 27-year-old Iowan was submitted by Jake Shields in the first round of their headlining bout at Strikeforce “Lawler vs. Shields” on June 6 in St. Louis.
Strikeforce “Evolution”
Dec. 19, 2009
HP Pavilion, San Jose, Calif.
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Melendez
Matt Lindland vs. Ronaldo Souza
Scott Smith vs. Cung Le
Robbie Lawler vs. TBA
Muhammed Lawal vs. Mike Whitehead
Antwain Britt vs. Scott Lighty
Bryan Travers vs. Daisuke Nakamura
Luis Mendoza vs. Juan Nunez
Alex Trevino vs. Bobby Stack
Alex Crispim vs. AJ Fonseca
Trevor Prangley has withdrawn from a featured middleweight bout against Robbie Lawler at Strikeforce “Evolution” this Saturday at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., Sherdog.com has confirmed with the promotion.
A Strikeforce rep said that a new opponent is being sought to face Lawler, but has not been locked down yet.
Prangley suffered an undisclosed injury training for the bout with his American Kickboxing Academy team in San Jose. The South African Olympic wrestling alternate had replaced Lawler’s first tentatively scheduled opponent, Benji Radach, a few weeks ago when Radach couldn’t obtain medical clearance to resume training for the bout after breaking his right hand last April.
The heavy-handed Lawler has ploughed through five of his last seven bouts. A former EliteXC middleweight champion and H.I.T. Squad member alongside Matt Hughes, the 27-year-old Iowan was submitted by Jake Shields in the first round of their headlining bout at Strikeforce “Lawler vs. Shields” on June 6 in St. Louis.
Strikeforce “Evolution”
Dec. 19, 2009
HP Pavilion, San Jose, Calif.
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Melendez
Matt Lindland vs. Ronaldo Souza
Scott Smith vs. Cung Le
Robbie Lawler vs. TBA
Muhammed Lawal vs. Mike Whitehead
Antwain Britt vs. Scott Lighty
Bryan Travers vs. Daisuke Nakamura
Luis Mendoza vs. Juan Nunez
Alex Trevino vs. Bobby Stack
Alex Crispim vs. AJ Fonseca
Volkmann-Kampmann Likely for UFC 108
Jacob Volkmann has agreed to meet Martin Kampmann in a welterweight bout at UFC 108 on Jan. 2 in Las Vegas, Sherdog.com has learned from a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
If signed, Volkmann will replace Rory Markham, who withdrew from the bout over the weekend after pulling his Achilles’ tendon in training.
Volkmann, a training partner alongside Sean Sherk and UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, acquitted himself well in his debut for the promotion at UFC 106 on Nov. 21 in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old North Dakotan lost a unanimous decision to Paulo Thiago, though the three-time Div. I wrestler for the University of Minnesota managed to ground and stave off the Brazilian’s submission attacks on numerous occasions. The bout marked Volkmann’s first loss in 10 career fights.
Xtreme Couture fighter Kampmann was a strong contender for the 170-pound title until he was stopped by Paul Daley’s first-round punches last September at UFC 103 in Dallas. The 27-year-old Dane had won his two previous bouts, earning a second-round technical knockout against Alexandre Barros at UFC 93 last January and a split decision over former WEC champion Carlo Condit at UFC Fight Night 18 in April.
Jacob Volkmann has agreed to meet Martin Kampmann in a welterweight bout at UFC 108 on Jan. 2 in Las Vegas, Sherdog.com has learned from a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
If signed, Volkmann will replace Rory Markham, who withdrew from the bout over the weekend after pulling his Achilles’ tendon in training.
Volkmann, a training partner alongside Sean Sherk and UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, acquitted himself well in his debut for the promotion at UFC 106 on Nov. 21 in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old North Dakotan lost a unanimous decision to Paulo Thiago, though the three-time Div. I wrestler for the University of Minnesota managed to ground and stave off the Brazilian’s submission attacks on numerous occasions. The bout marked Volkmann’s first loss in 10 career fights.
Xtreme Couture fighter Kampmann was a strong contender for the 170-pound title until he was stopped by Paul Daley’s first-round punches last September at UFC 103 in Dallas. The 27-year-old Dane had won his two previous bouts, earning a second-round technical knockout against Alexandre Barros at UFC 93 last January and a split decision over former WEC champion Carlo Condit at UFC Fight Night 18 in April.
Win or lose in WEC 45 main event, Donald Cerrone dropping to 145 pounds
Win or lose at Saturday's WEC 45 event, top lightweight contender Donald Cerrone is dropping a weight class and competing at featherweight for some future fights.
The WEC 45 headliner today announced the news on MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).
Cerrone, who said he hasn't even discussed the plan with WEC officials, plans to take a couple fights in the division and then bounce between the two weight classes.
"After this fight, I'm going to dabble down at 145," said Cerrone, who headlines the Versus-televised WEC 45 event at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. "I'm going to give it a go, win or lose. But it's going to be a win, so I'm not real worried about it.
"I kind of leaked it out to you guys before I even spoke to the WEC. But they don't care. If I can make the weight, I'll be there. It's not like they're going to tell me no."
Cerrone has fallen short in two title shots at 155 pounds. In January he dropped a controversial technical split decision to current champ Jamie Varner, and 10 months later, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Benson Henderson in a fight that determined the organization's interim lightweight champ.
The WEC's 145-pound class used to be dominated by Urijah Faber, but the title then went from Mike Brown to current champ Jose Aldo, who 's now 6-0 in the WEC with six knockout wins.
Cerrone, who said he currently weighs about 161 pounds, said his decision to move to featherweight has nothing to do with the champ.
"It's nothing against Aldo at all," Cerrone said. "I just think I can make 145. I think there are a lot of challenging fighters at 145, and I'd just like to go down there and give it a whirl."
"I'm just going to go to 145 and take a couple fights. ... Back and forth. However, they want to do it."
As for Saturday's fight with Ed Ratcliff, Cerone has spent considerable time on a new aspect of his game: the mental part. The Greg Jackson fighter has worked with a sports psychiatrist to sharpen his focus, and he thinks the work will eliminate what have traditionally been slow starts in his bouts.
It's all part of his quest to "pull the trigger sooner," he said.
"I like the Homer Simpson approach where I let them beat me up until they tire, and then I drive them back," Cerrone said. "But that's how I used to fight. This next fight, I'm coming out of the gate strong. It'll be a different fight."
Cerrone (10-2 MMA, 3-2 WEC) knows he needs an advanced game plan for a fighter such as Ratcliff (7-1 MMA, 3-1 WEC), who owns five knockouts among his seven career wins. But he also thinks his opponent's strengths play perfectly to his own.
"He's going to come up and stand with me, and that's my neck of the woods, Cerrone said. "I've done it for years. I've got eight years of kickboxing under my belt. I'm not scared to stand and exchange with anybody, so I think I can beat him anywhere – on my feet, take him down and submit him. Any way the fight goes, I think I pretty much have him."
And if you think the talk of a weight-class drop and the sting of the Varner and Henderson losses have him off his game, Cerrone has a message for you.
"Ed's right in front of me, and that's what I'm focused on," he said. "I'm not worried about [Varner]. I'm not worried about going to 145. I'm not worried about anything else but going through Ratcliff right now. I feel 100 percent focused on him and everything he's going to bring to the table."
Win or lose at Saturday's WEC 45 event, top lightweight contender Donald Cerrone is dropping a weight class and competing at featherweight for some future fights.
The WEC 45 headliner today announced the news on MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).
Cerrone, who said he hasn't even discussed the plan with WEC officials, plans to take a couple fights in the division and then bounce between the two weight classes.
"After this fight, I'm going to dabble down at 145," said Cerrone, who headlines the Versus-televised WEC 45 event at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. "I'm going to give it a go, win or lose. But it's going to be a win, so I'm not real worried about it.
"I kind of leaked it out to you guys before I even spoke to the WEC. But they don't care. If I can make the weight, I'll be there. It's not like they're going to tell me no."
Cerrone has fallen short in two title shots at 155 pounds. In January he dropped a controversial technical split decision to current champ Jamie Varner, and 10 months later, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Benson Henderson in a fight that determined the organization's interim lightweight champ.
The WEC's 145-pound class used to be dominated by Urijah Faber, but the title then went from Mike Brown to current champ Jose Aldo, who 's now 6-0 in the WEC with six knockout wins.
Cerrone, who said he currently weighs about 161 pounds, said his decision to move to featherweight has nothing to do with the champ.
"It's nothing against Aldo at all," Cerrone said. "I just think I can make 145. I think there are a lot of challenging fighters at 145, and I'd just like to go down there and give it a whirl."
"I'm just going to go to 145 and take a couple fights. ... Back and forth. However, they want to do it."
As for Saturday's fight with Ed Ratcliff, Cerone has spent considerable time on a new aspect of his game: the mental part. The Greg Jackson fighter has worked with a sports psychiatrist to sharpen his focus, and he thinks the work will eliminate what have traditionally been slow starts in his bouts.
It's all part of his quest to "pull the trigger sooner," he said.
"I like the Homer Simpson approach where I let them beat me up until they tire, and then I drive them back," Cerrone said. "But that's how I used to fight. This next fight, I'm coming out of the gate strong. It'll be a different fight."
Cerrone (10-2 MMA, 3-2 WEC) knows he needs an advanced game plan for a fighter such as Ratcliff (7-1 MMA, 3-1 WEC), who owns five knockouts among his seven career wins. But he also thinks his opponent's strengths play perfectly to his own.
"He's going to come up and stand with me, and that's my neck of the woods, Cerrone said. "I've done it for years. I've got eight years of kickboxing under my belt. I'm not scared to stand and exchange with anybody, so I think I can beat him anywhere – on my feet, take him down and submit him. Any way the fight goes, I think I pretty much have him."
And if you think the talk of a weight-class drop and the sting of the Varner and Henderson losses have him off his game, Cerrone has a message for you.
"Ed's right in front of me, and that's what I'm focused on," he said. "I'm not worried about [Varner]. I'm not worried about going to 145. I'm not worried about anything else but going through Ratcliff right now. I feel 100 percent focused on him and everything he's going to bring to the table."
JOHN GUNDERSON IN AGAINST RAFAELLO OLIVEIRA
As riddled with injuries as UFC 108 has been, another late replacement has stepped in for the card as former IFL lightweight, John Gunderson, will get his chance to make his debut as he faces Rafaello Oliviera in a lightweight match-up on the card.
The news was confirmed by Oliveira's trainer,AMA Fight Club leader, Mike Constantino, to MMAWeekly.com on Monday night.
Oliviera was originally scheduled to face former UFC lightweight champion, Sean Sherk, on the card, but a late injury to Tyson Griffin forced him out of his fight with Jim Miller so Sherk was bumped to the main card to face Miller instead.
This will be Oliviera's second trip to the Octagon. The first was a decision loss to Nik Lentz, and he will look to bounce back against Gunderson on Jan 2.
John Gunderson comes to the UFC on a three fight win streak, with his most recent fight taking place in October, in a win over Steve Sharp.
The former IFL lightweight is 22-6 overall with wins over opponents like Mike Joy and Cam Ward and has competed in several different organizations over the years.
As riddled with injuries as UFC 108 has been, another late replacement has stepped in for the card as former IFL lightweight, John Gunderson, will get his chance to make his debut as he faces Rafaello Oliviera in a lightweight match-up on the card.
The news was confirmed by Oliveira's trainer,AMA Fight Club leader, Mike Constantino, to MMAWeekly.com on Monday night.
Oliviera was originally scheduled to face former UFC lightweight champion, Sean Sherk, on the card, but a late injury to Tyson Griffin forced him out of his fight with Jim Miller so Sherk was bumped to the main card to face Miller instead.
This will be Oliviera's second trip to the Octagon. The first was a decision loss to Nik Lentz, and he will look to bounce back against Gunderson on Jan 2.
John Gunderson comes to the UFC on a three fight win streak, with his most recent fight taking place in October, in a win over Steve Sharp.
The former IFL lightweight is 22-6 overall with wins over opponents like Mike Joy and Cam Ward and has competed in several different organizations over the years.
Dynamite!! 2009! The Second Press Conference
It has started. FEG Tanigawa, DREAM Sasahara and WVR Inamura going in.
Ray Sefo vs. Yosuke Nishijima, K-1 rules, announced.
DREAM vs. SRC, three fights announced: Norifumi “KID” Yamamoto vs. Masanori Kanehara, Hayato “Mach” Sakurai vs. Akihiro Gono, and Katsuyori Shibata vs. Hiroshi Izumi.
DREAM vs. SRC, two fights announced: Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Michihiro Omigawa and Hideo Tokoro vs. Marlon Sandro.
Tanigawa just got a phone call from Fujita who said that he wants to face Alistair, so he wants to announce that fight as well.
According to the SRC website, all DREAM vs. SRC fights will be 3×5 minutes.
Fujita’s candidates were Alistair Overeem or Jerome Le Banner, he chose Alistair.
FieLDS Dynamite!! ～The Power Of Courage 2009～
Date: December 31st, 2009
Place: Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan
MMA Fight:
Satoshi Ishii vs. Hidehiko Yoshida
DREAM Vs. SRC:
Norifumi “KID” Yamamoto vs. Masanori Kanehara
Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Hideo Tokoro vs. Marlon Sandro
Hayato “Mach” Sakurai vs. Akihiro Gono
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Hiroshi Izumi
Alistair Overeem vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
K-1 MAX Fight (5×3 minutes, 1×3 ext.):
Masato vs. Andy Souwer
K-1 Fight:
Ray Sefo vs. Yosuke Nishijima
Super Hulk Tournament Final:
Minowaman vs. Sokoudjou
There will probably be more fights added soon
It has started. FEG Tanigawa, DREAM Sasahara and WVR Inamura going in.
Ray Sefo vs. Yosuke Nishijima, K-1 rules, announced.
DREAM vs. SRC, three fights announced: Norifumi “KID” Yamamoto vs. Masanori Kanehara, Hayato “Mach” Sakurai vs. Akihiro Gono, and Katsuyori Shibata vs. Hiroshi Izumi.
DREAM vs. SRC, two fights announced: Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Michihiro Omigawa and Hideo Tokoro vs. Marlon Sandro.
Tanigawa just got a phone call from Fujita who said that he wants to face Alistair, so he wants to announce that fight as well.
According to the SRC website, all DREAM vs. SRC fights will be 3×5 minutes.
Fujita’s candidates were Alistair Overeem or Jerome Le Banner, he chose Alistair.
FieLDS Dynamite!! ～The Power Of Courage 2009～
Date: December 31st, 2009
Place: Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan
MMA Fight:
Satoshi Ishii vs. Hidehiko Yoshida
DREAM Vs. SRC:
Norifumi “KID” Yamamoto vs. Masanori Kanehara
Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Hideo Tokoro vs. Marlon Sandro
Hayato “Mach” Sakurai vs. Akihiro Gono
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Hiroshi Izumi
Alistair Overeem vs. Kazuyuki Fujita
K-1 MAX Fight (5×3 minutes, 1×3 ext.):
Masato vs. Andy Souwer
K-1 Fight:
Ray Sefo vs. Yosuke Nishijima
Super Hulk Tournament Final:
Minowaman vs. Sokoudjou
There will probably be more fights added soon
Hardy to Mirror Serra’s Strategy for GSP
Dan Hardy isn’t scared of Georges St. Pierre’s takedowns.
“To be honest, that’s not something I am too concerned with, as strange as it sounds,” Hardy told Sherdog.com recently. “I’ve accepted that, at some point, he’s going to take me down. I’ve accepted that I’m going to be fighting off my back for some of the fight and I’m just going to work to get back to my feet and do what damage I can from my back.”
Hardy will take his best shot at the UFC welterweight champion at UFC 111 on March 27 in Newark, N.J. The charismatic native of Nottingham, England, barged into title contention with four consecutive wins since joining the UFC just over a year ago. To keep that streak alive, he realizes he can’t worry too much about the takedowns or it will affect his ability to generate offense against St. Pierre.
“I don’t want it to become too much of an issue -- defending the takedown -- because I won’t throw like I do against anybody else,” Hardy said. “I don’t want to be holding back on any of my kicks and punches because, at the end of the day, that’s what is going to win me the fight. My intention is to go in there, throw hard, just like Matt Serra did, but obviously a little more technical -- I’m a little quicker and more technical. I’ve got reach and weight on Matt Serra, so I can do exactly what he did but a lot better.”
Hardy, 27, is a talented striker and virtual quote machine who had become as known for his ability to get under his opponents’ skin as for fighting skill. He did a lot to change that reputation with his dominating victory over a solid favorite in Mike Swick at UFC 105.
The win secured his date with GSP and also the wrath of a number of his fellow welterweights, notably Josh Koscheck, who doesn’t believe Hardy’s four UFC wins in four tries warrant a title shot.
“What are you going to do when I’ve got the belt?” Hardy asked of his counterparts. “You’ll all get your chance then. You can line up and I’ll knock you down, one at a time.”
Hardy’s success and personality have helped him become one of the most recognizable fighters from the United Kingdom. With that has come added expectations, however. The media schedule has been oppressive and will likely continue right up to the title fight. Carrying the weight of an entire nation’s MMA hopes -- he will be the first Brit to fight for a UFC belt -- might be a burden for some, but Hardy relishes the spotlight and believes it actually helps his focus.
“Of course there is added pressure because it’s Georges St. Pierre and it’s a five-round fight and there’s a belt on the line and all that, but like I always say, I always respond better under pressure,” Hardy said. “You know, if I’m under pressure, I’m more alert, I’m more switched on, I throw my punches harder, I fight at a faster pace. So it’s only going to work to my advantage.”
In bold fashion, something readily expected from the outspoken challenger, Hardy predicts a win over GSP.
“The fight’s basically going to be, I would say, two rounds of me defending takedowns and getting up off my back and landing shots as soon as I can, as soon as I can get some space, and in the third round I think I will connect with something clean and hurt him,” Hardy said. “I certainly think by that time he will already be opened up and bleeding.”
Hardy already has a vision of himself as the conquering hero returning to the cheers of his countrymen should his prediction ring true.
“It would be exciting,” he said. “The reaction I am getting for just having a title shot is just amazing. So to land in the U.K., Heathrow Airport, in London, with the belt around my waist is going to be amazing, really amazing.”
Dan Hardy isn’t scared of Georges St. Pierre’s takedowns.
“To be honest, that’s not something I am too concerned with, as strange as it sounds,” Hardy told Sherdog.com recently. “I’ve accepted that, at some point, he’s going to take me down. I’ve accepted that I’m going to be fighting off my back for some of the fight and I’m just going to work to get back to my feet and do what damage I can from my back.”
Hardy will take his best shot at the UFC welterweight champion at UFC 111 on March 27 in Newark, N.J. The charismatic native of Nottingham, England, barged into title contention with four consecutive wins since joining the UFC just over a year ago. To keep that streak alive, he realizes he can’t worry too much about the takedowns or it will affect his ability to generate offense against St. Pierre.
“I don’t want it to become too much of an issue -- defending the takedown -- because I won’t throw like I do against anybody else,” Hardy said. “I don’t want to be holding back on any of my kicks and punches because, at the end of the day, that’s what is going to win me the fight. My intention is to go in there, throw hard, just like Matt Serra did, but obviously a little more technical -- I’m a little quicker and more technical. I’ve got reach and weight on Matt Serra, so I can do exactly what he did but a lot better.”
Hardy, 27, is a talented striker and virtual quote machine who had become as known for his ability to get under his opponents’ skin as for fighting skill. He did a lot to change that reputation with his dominating victory over a solid favorite in Mike Swick at UFC 105.
The win secured his date with GSP and also the wrath of a number of his fellow welterweights, notably Josh Koscheck, who doesn’t believe Hardy’s four UFC wins in four tries warrant a title shot.
“What are you going to do when I’ve got the belt?” Hardy asked of his counterparts. “You’ll all get your chance then. You can line up and I’ll knock you down, one at a time.”
Hardy’s success and personality have helped him become one of the most recognizable fighters from the United Kingdom. With that has come added expectations, however. The media schedule has been oppressive and will likely continue right up to the title fight. Carrying the weight of an entire nation’s MMA hopes -- he will be the first Brit to fight for a UFC belt -- might be a burden for some, but Hardy relishes the spotlight and believes it actually helps his focus.
“Of course there is added pressure because it’s Georges St. Pierre and it’s a five-round fight and there’s a belt on the line and all that, but like I always say, I always respond better under pressure,” Hardy said. “You know, if I’m under pressure, I’m more alert, I’m more switched on, I throw my punches harder, I fight at a faster pace. So it’s only going to work to my advantage.”
In bold fashion, something readily expected from the outspoken challenger, Hardy predicts a win over GSP.
“The fight’s basically going to be, I would say, two rounds of me defending takedowns and getting up off my back and landing shots as soon as I can, as soon as I can get some space, and in the third round I think I will connect with something clean and hurt him,” Hardy said. “I certainly think by that time he will already be opened up and bleeding.”
Hardy already has a vision of himself as the conquering hero returning to the cheers of his countrymen should his prediction ring true.
“It would be exciting,” he said. “The reaction I am getting for just having a title shot is just amazing. So to land in the U.K., Heathrow Airport, in London, with the belt around my waist is going to be amazing, really amazing.”
WEC exec: Mexico City and Canada possible for 2010, Europe in 2011
With its recent contract renewal with broadcast partner Versus and an edict that the organization will not fold into the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting executive Reed Harris said the promotion is gearing up for international expansion.
While a recent guest on MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), Harris said Mexico, Canada and even parts of Europe could host events in the next few years.
But Harris, the organization's co-founder and general manager, cautioned that such expansion is not an overnight process.
Officials from the UFC and WEC (sister promotions under the Zuffa LLC umbrella) have spoken openly about the plans to enter Mexico, which has never hosted a UFC event. WEC events began airing in Mexico in 2008, and Harris has spoken openly about the possibility of heading to Mexico City for an event. Additionally, WEC Vice President Peter Dropick wants to take the organization's many Mexican and Hispanic fighters to the country.
On MMAjunkie.com Radio, Harris confirmed Mexico is still in sight. He said Canada, which has hosted two UFC events to date (in Montreal), is also a target for expansion.
"We're really focusing on the States, but (we'll) possibly do one in Mexico City and then Canada," he said.
But the expansion won't stop at North America. Eventually, Harris hopes the organization can skip the pond and make a dent in the European market. In 2007, the UFC returned to Europe for the first time in five years and has since hosted 10 additional shows there. Host sites have included the U.K., Ireland and Germany.
While Harris is excited about the possible overseas expansion, he's learned lessons from the UFC.
"It took the UFC a lot of time and a lot of money to make that thing work," he said. "I don't know if we're quite there yet."
With its recent contract renewal with broadcast partner Versus and an edict that the organization will not fold into the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting executive Reed Harris said the promotion is gearing up for international expansion.
While a recent guest on MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), Harris said Mexico, Canada and even parts of Europe could host events in the next few years.
But Harris, the organization's co-founder and general manager, cautioned that such expansion is not an overnight process.
Officials from the UFC and WEC (sister promotions under the Zuffa LLC umbrella) have spoken openly about the plans to enter Mexico, which has never hosted a UFC event. WEC events began airing in Mexico in 2008, and Harris has spoken openly about the possibility of heading to Mexico City for an event. Additionally, WEC Vice President Peter Dropick wants to take the organization's many Mexican and Hispanic fighters to the country.
On MMAjunkie.com Radio, Harris confirmed Mexico is still in sight. He said Canada, which has hosted two UFC events to date (in Montreal), is also a target for expansion.
"We're really focusing on the States, but (we'll) possibly do one in Mexico City and then Canada," he said.
But the expansion won't stop at North America. Eventually, Harris hopes the organization can skip the pond and make a dent in the European market. In 2007, the UFC returned to Europe for the first time in five years and has since hosted 10 additional shows there. Host sites have included the U.K., Ireland and Germany.
While Harris is excited about the possible overseas expansion, he's learned lessons from the UFC.
"It took the UFC a lot of time and a lot of money to make that thing work," he said. "I don't know if we're quite there yet."
THIAGO ALVES TO RETURN AT UFC 111 IN NEW JERSEY
Former welterweight contender Thiago Alves will make his return to action at UFC 111 on March 27, 2010.
Alves suffered a PCL tear in training for a bout with Jon Fitch at UFC 107, but has recently begun training again, according to his representative, Malki Kawa of First Round Management.
An opponent for the American Top Team standout is not confirmed at this time.
Alves, 26, last appeared at UFC 100, where he lost a title bid against dominant champion Georges St-Pierre in a five-round war. Afterwards, he booked the fight with Fitch to avenge a 2006 loss to the American Kickboxing Academy fighter.
Kawa said Alves wants to get a rematch with St-Pierre as soon as possible. He’ll likely have to get a couple strong performances in first. Kawa could not confirm whether Fitch was the immediate opponent on the horizon.
St-Pierre heads UFC 111 in a title defense against popular British fighter Dan Hardy at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Former welterweight contender Thiago Alves will make his return to action at UFC 111 on March 27, 2010.
Alves suffered a PCL tear in training for a bout with Jon Fitch at UFC 107, but has recently begun training again, according to his representative, Malki Kawa of First Round Management.
An opponent for the American Top Team standout is not confirmed at this time.
Alves, 26, last appeared at UFC 100, where he lost a title bid against dominant champion Georges St-Pierre in a five-round war. Afterwards, he booked the fight with Fitch to avenge a 2006 loss to the American Kickboxing Academy fighter.
Kawa said Alves wants to get a rematch with St-Pierre as soon as possible. He’ll likely have to get a couple strong performances in first. Kawa could not confirm whether Fitch was the immediate opponent on the horizon.
St-Pierre heads UFC 111 in a title defense against popular British fighter Dan Hardy at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Palhares: “I can do even better”
Winning for the third time in the UFC, Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares finished the fight against Lúcio Linhares with his favorite move: attacking the foot. “The fight was good, I won, what’s most important”, Rousimar celebrates, on United States, talking to TATAME.com by phone.
Back to the octagon after suffering two injuries, one on the hand and the other on the foot, the middleweight celebrates to be back with a great performance. “I have nothing to complain. Besides everything, I won… But I know I can do even better”, promises.
Leader of Brazilian Top Team, Murilo Bustamante was on the black belt’s corner and got more than satisfied with the submission victory. “Linhares was very good on the ground... He’ll be a tough guy on the UFC”, bets Murilo.
After the fight, the UFC promoters gave Palhares a bonus for his submission victory. “Thanks God they gave a me bonus… I think that they liked the fight (laughs)”, Palhares finished.
Winning for the third time in the UFC, Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares finished the fight against Lúcio Linhares with his favorite move: attacking the foot. “The fight was good, I won, what’s most important”, Rousimar celebrates, on United States, talking to TATAME.com by phone.
Back to the octagon after suffering two injuries, one on the hand and the other on the foot, the middleweight celebrates to be back with a great performance. “I have nothing to complain. Besides everything, I won… But I know I can do even better”, promises.
Leader of Brazilian Top Team, Murilo Bustamante was on the black belt’s corner and got more than satisfied with the submission victory. “Linhares was very good on the ground... He’ll be a tough guy on the UFC”, bets Murilo.
After the fight, the UFC promoters gave Palhares a bonus for his submission victory. “Thanks God they gave a me bonus… I think that they liked the fight (laughs)”, Palhares finished.
Ninja celebrates another victory in Brazil
Fight in Brazil brings good luck to Murilo “Ninja” Rua. Getting on the octagon for the seventh time last Saturday (12) at Bitetti Combat 5, he’s still unbeatable after the TKO victory over Jason Jones. After the victory, Ninja talked to TATAME.com about the second knockout in a row.
“Thanks God I could put my game on… The strategy was to take him down as soon as possible to avoid his stand up game. He was a tough guy, with a lot of will, but I finished the fight quickly”, celebrates Ninja.
Expecting to be back to international MMA on the beginning of 2010, Ninja talked about the fight marathon around the world. “I will fight in Japan in February and then I’ll fight in March on the US. I want to be back with the right foot, to give good shows. My goal is to have five victories in a row”, finished.
Fight in Brazil brings good luck to Murilo “Ninja” Rua. Getting on the octagon for the seventh time last Saturday (12) at Bitetti Combat 5, he’s still unbeatable after the TKO victory over Jason Jones. After the victory, Ninja talked to TATAME.com about the second knockout in a row.
“Thanks God I could put my game on… The strategy was to take him down as soon as possible to avoid his stand up game. He was a tough guy, with a lot of will, but I finished the fight quickly”, celebrates Ninja.
Expecting to be back to international MMA on the beginning of 2010, Ninja talked about the fight marathon around the world. “I will fight in Japan in February and then I’ll fight in March on the US. I want to be back with the right foot, to give good shows. My goal is to have five victories in a row”, finished.
Dynamite!! 2009! Second Press Conference Part 2
FEG president Tanigawa thinks that Fujita is at Marco Ruas place for training right now. They couldn’t contact him but he called during the press conference and said that he’ll fight Alistair Overeem (he was offered Overeem and Le Banner).
4 or 5 more fights will be announced. Tanigawa says that there might be one more SRC vs. DREAM fight but depending on the situation, as many as up to 4 more versus fights could be booked. They mentioned a lot of possible fighters for the last fights, Sakuraba, Tamura, Misaki, Hirota, Yokota, Watanabe, Manhoef, Mousasi, Aoki, Kawajiri, possible MAX fight. From their talk it feels like there will be more than one additional SRC vs. DREAM fight. Expect the rest of the card by the end of this week or next week.
WVR Inemura wants fights for Misaki, Hirota, and Yokota. Tanigawa has even more fighters (as written above) that he wants to include and said that he wants to announce the fights soon so that Inemura doesn’t get angry.
KID vs. Kanehara will be fought at 63 kg, and Takaya vs. Omigawa and Tokoro vs. Sandro at 64 kg (DREAM’s FW division is 63 kg and SENGOKU’s 65 kg). Shibata vs. Izumi will probably be an open-weight fight.
KID originally wanted to rematch Bibiano Fernandez on NYE. However, Bibiano got injured so he gave up hopes for that fight. Since it was announced that DREAM and SRC were going to have fights between each other KID then appealed for a fight with SRC’s champion. Both were quite respectful to each other but they are clearly aiming for the win.
KID did not travel abroad to train (as he had planned originally) but went to Izu in Japan (a lot of mountains, etc.). When asked about his divorce it was clear that KID wants to get back together with his ex-wife. It doesn’t look like his ex-wife wants that right now though. She wrote about how she became a terrible woman while being married to KID not long ago (there were allegations of them smoking weed in front of their little kids around a year ago).
Gono and Sakurai have known each other for years now. However, besides having know each other for a long time, both announced that they would hurt the other one badly in the fight.
Shibata was very excited at the press conference and Izumi said that he wants to use his judo heavily in this fight.
Omigawa is currently in the middle of a training camp somewhere. He is very honored to be able fight Takaya and he announced that NYE will be the final episode of “Michihiro Omigawa Kusottare (shithead, what he said after the Davis fight) 2009″.
FEG president Tanigawa thinks that Fujita is at Marco Ruas place for training right now. They couldn’t contact him but he called during the press conference and said that he’ll fight Alistair Overeem (he was offered Overeem and Le Banner).
4 or 5 more fights will be announced. Tanigawa says that there might be one more SRC vs. DREAM fight but depending on the situation, as many as up to 4 more versus fights could be booked. They mentioned a lot of possible fighters for the last fights, Sakuraba, Tamura, Misaki, Hirota, Yokota, Watanabe, Manhoef, Mousasi, Aoki, Kawajiri, possible MAX fight. From their talk it feels like there will be more than one additional SRC vs. DREAM fight. Expect the rest of the card by the end of this week or next week.
WVR Inemura wants fights for Misaki, Hirota, and Yokota. Tanigawa has even more fighters (as written above) that he wants to include and said that he wants to announce the fights soon so that Inemura doesn’t get angry.
KID vs. Kanehara will be fought at 63 kg, and Takaya vs. Omigawa and Tokoro vs. Sandro at 64 kg (DREAM’s FW division is 63 kg and SENGOKU’s 65 kg). Shibata vs. Izumi will probably be an open-weight fight.
KID originally wanted to rematch Bibiano Fernandez on NYE. However, Bibiano got injured so he gave up hopes for that fight. Since it was announced that DREAM and SRC were going to have fights between each other KID then appealed for a fight with SRC’s champion. Both were quite respectful to each other but they are clearly aiming for the win.
KID did not travel abroad to train (as he had planned originally) but went to Izu in Japan (a lot of mountains, etc.). When asked about his divorce it was clear that KID wants to get back together with his ex-wife. It doesn’t look like his ex-wife wants that right now though. She wrote about how she became a terrible woman while being married to KID not long ago (there were allegations of them smoking weed in front of their little kids around a year ago).
Gono and Sakurai have known each other for years now. However, besides having know each other for a long time, both announced that they would hurt the other one badly in the fight.
Shibata was very excited at the press conference and Izumi said that he wants to use his judo heavily in this fight.
Omigawa is currently in the middle of a training camp somewhere. He is very honored to be able fight Takaya and he announced that NYE will be the final episode of “Michihiro Omigawa Kusottare (shithead, what he said after the Davis fight) 2009″.
Strikeforce targeting Jan. 23 for next "Challengers Series" event
With Strikeforce's "Evolution" event less than one week away, and the promotion's next major show announced for Jan. 30, the California-based organization is now planning its next "Challengers Series" event.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the promotion that Strikeforce is targeting Jan. 23 for "Strikeforce Challengers VI."
A location and venue for the card has not yet been determined.
There are no rumored fights for the card at this time, but an announcement for the Showtime-broadcast event is expected following the conclusion of Saturday's "Evolution" event.
Strikeforce's most recent "Challengers Series" took place on Nov. 20 in Kansas City, Kan. Fast-rising prospect Tyron Woodley defeated Rudy Bears in the evening's main event, while the televised card featured Kerry Vera defeating Kim Couture as well as wins by Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante and Kevin Casey.
Previous editions of the series have featured established names such as Jorge Gurgel, Sarah Kaufman, Tim Kennedy, Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos, Ray Sefo and Joey Villasenor, as well as Strikeforce prospects Daniel Cormier, Shane del Rosario, Billy Evangelista, Zoila Frausto and Luke Rockhold.
Strikeforce's "Challenger Series" events typically take place in smaller venues than the brand's bigger shows and focus on developing up-can-coming talent. The series replaced Strikeforce's previous "Young Guns" events and fills Showtime's programming void left by ProElite's ShoXC events.
With Strikeforce's "Evolution" event less than one week away, and the promotion's next major show announced for Jan. 30, the California-based organization is now planning its next "Challengers Series" event.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the promotion that Strikeforce is targeting Jan. 23 for "Strikeforce Challengers VI."
A location and venue for the card has not yet been determined.
There are no rumored fights for the card at this time, but an announcement for the Showtime-broadcast event is expected following the conclusion of Saturday's "Evolution" event.
Strikeforce's most recent "Challengers Series" took place on Nov. 20 in Kansas City, Kan. Fast-rising prospect Tyron Woodley defeated Rudy Bears in the evening's main event, while the televised card featured Kerry Vera defeating Kim Couture as well as wins by Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante and Kevin Casey.
Previous editions of the series have featured established names such as Jorge Gurgel, Sarah Kaufman, Tim Kennedy, Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos, Ray Sefo and Joey Villasenor, as well as Strikeforce prospects Daniel Cormier, Shane del Rosario, Billy Evangelista, Zoila Frausto and Luke Rockhold.
Strikeforce's "Challenger Series" events typically take place in smaller venues than the brand's bigger shows and focus on developing up-can-coming talent. The series replaced Strikeforce's previous "Young Guns" events and fills Showtime's programming void left by ProElite's ShoXC events.
TYLER TONER DENIED LICENSE, OFF WEC 45 CARD
For Colorado 145-pound fighter Tyler Toner this coming Saturday’s WEC 45 event was supposed to be the biggest step forward in his career, but now it appears that step will have to wait.
As Toner exclusively told MMAWeekly.com, “Friday after training I spoke to my coach and apparently the Nevada State Athletic Commission called and said my vision is too poor to fight for them.
“I have to get corrective surgery before I can fight (in Nevada).”
Keith Kizer, Executive Director for the Nevada State Athletic Commission, confirmed “Mr. Toner did not meet the licensing requirement due to his eye examination results.”
The news that his vision cost him his WEC debut comes as a surprise to Toner who has managed to fight so far into his career without medical incident in Colorado.
“In Colorado they just ask if you wear contacts, and if you do if they’re hard or soft,” said Toner. “I’ve always worn contacts in my fights and I’ve never a problem with it, so I’m not sure why it’s such a big deal, but I’ve got to follow the rules and get the surgery done.”
Kizer clarified that, while Toner did not gain licensure in Nevada, it is possible that other states could clear him to fight if they have different eye examination requirements, which was the case for Toner in Colorado.
Even more frustrating to Toner is the fact that he had intended on correcting his vision in the not too distant future.
“I was actually planning on getting it done anyway after this fight,” he stated. “I was going to use the money from this fight to do it.
“Obviously that’s not going to happen now, so we’ve got to go through other means and maybe see if we can get some sponsors to pay for it.”
Toner is confident that after he does have the procedure he will be able to return to action sometime in February or March if he recovers as quickly as his coach and teammate UFC veteran Eliot Marshall, who went through the same procedure on his eyes.
“Eliot had the PRK surgery done earlier this year and he was back to sparring within three weeks,” commented Toner. “Hopefully I can get it done quickly, recover quickly, and get back to it as soon as possible.”
The WEC has issued no official word on a new opponent for Brandon Visher, who Toner was scheduled to face this weekend. MMAWeekly.com sources indicated that a replacement is being sought.
WEC 45: Cerrone vs. Ratcliff features a lightweight bout between Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Ed “9mm” Ratcliff Saturday night at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The main card airs live on Versus at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET.
For Colorado 145-pound fighter Tyler Toner this coming Saturday’s WEC 45 event was supposed to be the biggest step forward in his career, but now it appears that step will have to wait.
As Toner exclusively told MMAWeekly.com, “Friday after training I spoke to my coach and apparently the Nevada State Athletic Commission called and said my vision is too poor to fight for them.
“I have to get corrective surgery before I can fight (in Nevada).”
Keith Kizer, Executive Director for the Nevada State Athletic Commission, confirmed “Mr. Toner did not meet the licensing requirement due to his eye examination results.”
The news that his vision cost him his WEC debut comes as a surprise to Toner who has managed to fight so far into his career without medical incident in Colorado.
“In Colorado they just ask if you wear contacts, and if you do if they’re hard or soft,” said Toner. “I’ve always worn contacts in my fights and I’ve never a problem with it, so I’m not sure why it’s such a big deal, but I’ve got to follow the rules and get the surgery done.”
Kizer clarified that, while Toner did not gain licensure in Nevada, it is possible that other states could clear him to fight if they have different eye examination requirements, which was the case for Toner in Colorado.
Even more frustrating to Toner is the fact that he had intended on correcting his vision in the not too distant future.
“I was actually planning on getting it done anyway after this fight,” he stated. “I was going to use the money from this fight to do it.
“Obviously that’s not going to happen now, so we’ve got to go through other means and maybe see if we can get some sponsors to pay for it.”
Toner is confident that after he does have the procedure he will be able to return to action sometime in February or March if he recovers as quickly as his coach and teammate UFC veteran Eliot Marshall, who went through the same procedure on his eyes.
“Eliot had the PRK surgery done earlier this year and he was back to sparring within three weeks,” commented Toner. “Hopefully I can get it done quickly, recover quickly, and get back to it as soon as possible.”
The WEC has issued no official word on a new opponent for Brandon Visher, who Toner was scheduled to face this weekend. MMAWeekly.com sources indicated that a replacement is being sought.
WEC 45: Cerrone vs. Ratcliff features a lightweight bout between Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Ed “9mm” Ratcliff Saturday night at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The main card airs live on Versus at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET.
STRIKEFORCE ON CBS IN APRIL WITH FEDOR & HENDO
Strikeforce will be under the CBS eye for the second time in April.
CBS Primetime Senior Executive Vice President Kelly Kahl on Tuesday confirmed exclusively to MMAWeekly.com that the network was planning to broadcast a second card with the San Jose, Calif.-based promotion in April on a date yet to be announced.
“We’re looking at a few different dates and there are venue considerations,” said Kahl.
The card will air in its usual Saturday at 9 p.m. ET slot, with a tape-delayed broadcast on the West Coast.
Kahl said prized Strikeforce heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko will appear on the card against an opponent to be determined. In October, the promotion’s current heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem, called the Russian out for an April meeting.
Also due to appear is recent signee Dan Henderson, who left the UFC this month in a highly publicized move. Henderson’s opponent is also TBA, though Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told Steve Cofield of Yahoo! Sports that Henderson’s first opponent was likely current middleweight champion Jake Shields. Shields’ manager/father, Jack Shields, declined comment on the match-up.
Kahl said further details on the event would be finalized shortly.
“Coming off a successful November show, we look forward to being back in the cage,” he said.
Strikeforce will be under the CBS eye for the second time in April.
CBS Primetime Senior Executive Vice President Kelly Kahl on Tuesday confirmed exclusively to MMAWeekly.com that the network was planning to broadcast a second card with the San Jose, Calif.-based promotion in April on a date yet to be announced.
“We’re looking at a few different dates and there are venue considerations,” said Kahl.
The card will air in its usual Saturday at 9 p.m. ET slot, with a tape-delayed broadcast on the West Coast.
Kahl said prized Strikeforce heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko will appear on the card against an opponent to be determined. In October, the promotion’s current heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem, called the Russian out for an April meeting.
Also due to appear is recent signee Dan Henderson, who left the UFC this month in a highly publicized move. Henderson’s opponent is also TBA, though Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told Steve Cofield of Yahoo! Sports that Henderson’s first opponent was likely current middleweight champion Jake Shields. Shields’ manager/father, Jack Shields, declined comment on the match-up.
Kahl said further details on the event would be finalized shortly.
“Coming off a successful November show, we look forward to being back in the cage,” he said.
the onlything that has impressed me about him is how he somehow mind fucks everyone into not trying to take him down. that isnt going to work with gsp. hes going to take him down at will i think and expose him as penn did to diego. other than the one against swick, his other wins havent been impressive.