MMA News Thread
- Thread starter Shogun Locc
- Start date
Strikeforce Headed To LA's Nokia Theatre On June 16th
Strikeforce has reserved June 16 at the Nokia Theatre Los Angeles in California for an event to coincide with the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a popular trade show for the computer and video-game industries.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned of the planned event late Thursday from a source close to negotiations. The fight card will likely air on Showtime, the promotion's usual television partner.
The June 16 event is the second show Strikeforce has planned for June. A major Showtime-televised event is expected to take place June 26 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., as MMAjunkie.com recently reported.
The 7,100-seat Nokia Theater is a popular destination for national music acts and awards shows. The June 16 show would take place on a Wednesday night.
The E3 2010 trade show runs from June 15-17 at the nearby Los Angeles Convention Center.
Strikeforce is soon to make a major appearance in Electronic Arts' MMA title, "EA Sports MMA," as the "premier league" in which fighters compete. The game is expected to hit shelves in late 2010 as a competitor to the bestselling "UFC Undisputed" franchise that THQ and the UFC launched in 2009.
Although the event officially has not been confirmed by Strikeforce, several fighters are rumored for the June 16 event. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker today told the Los Angeles Times that a middleweight fight between Robbie Lawler (17-5 MMA, 1-1 SF) and Jason "Mayhem" Miller (22-7 MMA, 0-1 SF) is under consideration for the televised portion of the card. However, the match-up could be dependent upon the health of Miller, who faces Tim Stout (8-7 MMA, 0-0 SF) next week on Strikeforce's second CBS-televised event, "Strikeforce: Nashville," on April 17.
Additionally, Coker told the newspaper that women's 145-pound champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (9-1 MMA, 3-0 SF) is penciled in for the event, as is heavyweight prospect Bobby Lashley (5-0 MMA, 1-0 SF), who was recently removed from the "Strikeforce: Nashville" card.
However, Lashley on Monday told MMAjunkie.com that he instead is likely to return in May.
All of the rumored participants except for Santos are confirmed playable characters in the "EA Sports MMA" videogame title.
Strikeforce has reserved June 16 at the Nokia Theatre Los Angeles in California for an event to coincide with the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), a popular trade show for the computer and video-game industries.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned of the planned event late Thursday from a source close to negotiations. The fight card will likely air on Showtime, the promotion's usual television partner.
The June 16 event is the second show Strikeforce has planned for June. A major Showtime-televised event is expected to take place June 26 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., as MMAjunkie.com recently reported.
The 7,100-seat Nokia Theater is a popular destination for national music acts and awards shows. The June 16 show would take place on a Wednesday night.
The E3 2010 trade show runs from June 15-17 at the nearby Los Angeles Convention Center.
Strikeforce is soon to make a major appearance in Electronic Arts' MMA title, "EA Sports MMA," as the "premier league" in which fighters compete. The game is expected to hit shelves in late 2010 as a competitor to the bestselling "UFC Undisputed" franchise that THQ and the UFC launched in 2009.
Although the event officially has not been confirmed by Strikeforce, several fighters are rumored for the June 16 event. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker today told the Los Angeles Times that a middleweight fight between Robbie Lawler (17-5 MMA, 1-1 SF) and Jason "Mayhem" Miller (22-7 MMA, 0-1 SF) is under consideration for the televised portion of the card. However, the match-up could be dependent upon the health of Miller, who faces Tim Stout (8-7 MMA, 0-0 SF) next week on Strikeforce's second CBS-televised event, "Strikeforce: Nashville," on April 17.
Additionally, Coker told the newspaper that women's 145-pound champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (9-1 MMA, 3-0 SF) is penciled in for the event, as is heavyweight prospect Bobby Lashley (5-0 MMA, 1-0 SF), who was recently removed from the "Strikeforce: Nashville" card.
However, Lashley on Monday told MMAjunkie.com that he instead is likely to return in May.
All of the rumored participants except for Santos are confirmed playable characters in the "EA Sports MMA" videogame title.
"5/15 Strikeforce- St. Louis: Heavy Artillery" Full Card Announced
MAIN CARD:
-Alistair Overeem (32-11) [SF HW Champ] vs. Brett Rogers (10-1)
-Andrei Arlovski (15-7) vs. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva (13-2)
-Lyle "Fancy Pants" Beerbohm (13-0) vs. Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro (20-3)
-Antwain Britt (11-3) vs. Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (8-2)
-Roger Gracie (2-0) vs. Kevin Randleman (17-14)
PRELIMINARY CARD (un-aired)
-Justin DeMoney (8-1) vs. Jesse Finney (4-0)
-Lee Brousseau (3-1) vs. Fransisco "Kiko" France (4-0)
-Tom Aaron (6-2) vs. Matt Ricehouse (2-1)
-Mike Chandler (2-0) vs. Sal Woods (3-7)
-Erik Steenberg (3-0) vs. Pat Benson (4-4)
-Darryl Cobb (3-1) vs. Booker DeRousse (2-2)
MAIN CARD:
-Alistair Overeem (32-11) [SF HW Champ] vs. Brett Rogers (10-1)
-Andrei Arlovski (15-7) vs. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva (13-2)
-Lyle "Fancy Pants" Beerbohm (13-0) vs. Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro (20-3)
-Antwain Britt (11-3) vs. Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (8-2)
-Roger Gracie (2-0) vs. Kevin Randleman (17-14)
PRELIMINARY CARD (un-aired)
-Justin DeMoney (8-1) vs. Jesse Finney (4-0)
-Lee Brousseau (3-1) vs. Fransisco "Kiko" France (4-0)
-Tom Aaron (6-2) vs. Matt Ricehouse (2-1)
-Mike Chandler (2-0) vs. Sal Woods (3-7)
-Erik Steenberg (3-0) vs. Pat Benson (4-4)
-Darryl Cobb (3-1) vs. Booker DeRousse (2-2)
Rogers and Reem were supposed to fight last august but Reem fucked up his hand, Rogers fought Fedor instead, M-1 won't fight Reem unless he beats somebody, Werdum beat Bigfoot, Werdum's fighting Fedor, Rogers beat Arlovski so he's fighting Reem. Reem and Fedor both win and we get the fight everyone wants.
Travis Galbraith replaces injured Falaniko Vitale, meets "Ninja" Rua on Shine Fights III PPV
King of the Cage champion Travis Galbraith (17-7) has replaced an injured Falaniko Vitale (26-9) and meets former EliteXC title-holder Murilo "Ninja" Rua (18-10-1) at next month's Shine Fights III event, officials today announced.
The fight will be held at a catchweight of 190 pounds and will be part of the night's pay-per-view min card.
Shine Fights' "World Collide: Mayorga vs. Thomas" takes place May 15 at Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, N.C.
The headliner features a 160-pound catchweight bout between UFC veteran and longtime MMA fighter Din Thomas and boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga.
Details of Vitale's injury were not disclosed.
His replacement, Galbraith, is billed as a seven-time KOTC champion. The Canadian enters the fight coming off a first-round knockout loss to Tom Watson. However, prior to the defeat, he posted four wins in a five-fight span that included a split-decision win over former UFC fighter David Heath. His career losses have come to notables such as Georges St-Pierre, Jonathan Goulet and Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante.
Rua, who signed an exclusive U.S. deal with Shine Fights back in November, most recently dazzled in a two-fight stint with the Brazil-based Bitetti Combat. There, there he scored a 39-second knockout of Alex Stiebling in September and a second-round TKO of Jason Jones in December. He's now 7-3 since leaving the now-defunct PRIDE Fighting Championships.
"I'm very happy to be fighting Travis," Rua stated. "I think he is an experienced, well-rounded fighter who will look at this fight as a great opportunity and will do his best to turn this fight into a war. I'm excited about this fight, and I have been training hard since early January doing a lot of jiu jitsu, Muay Thai and wrestling, so I think our fight can turn into Fight of the Night this coming May 15."
The latest Shine Fights III card now includes:
* Ricardo Mayorga vs. Din Thomas
* Travis Galbraith vs. Murilo "Ninja" Rua
* Eduardo Pamplona vs. NickThompson
* Braulio Estima vs. Rick Hawn
* Alexandre Ferreira vs. Jamal Patterson
King of the Cage champion Travis Galbraith (17-7) has replaced an injured Falaniko Vitale (26-9) and meets former EliteXC title-holder Murilo "Ninja" Rua (18-10-1) at next month's Shine Fights III event, officials today announced.
The fight will be held at a catchweight of 190 pounds and will be part of the night's pay-per-view min card.
Shine Fights' "World Collide: Mayorga vs. Thomas" takes place May 15 at Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, N.C.
The headliner features a 160-pound catchweight bout between UFC veteran and longtime MMA fighter Din Thomas and boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga.
Details of Vitale's injury were not disclosed.
His replacement, Galbraith, is billed as a seven-time KOTC champion. The Canadian enters the fight coming off a first-round knockout loss to Tom Watson. However, prior to the defeat, he posted four wins in a five-fight span that included a split-decision win over former UFC fighter David Heath. His career losses have come to notables such as Georges St-Pierre, Jonathan Goulet and Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante.
Rua, who signed an exclusive U.S. deal with Shine Fights back in November, most recently dazzled in a two-fight stint with the Brazil-based Bitetti Combat. There, there he scored a 39-second knockout of Alex Stiebling in September and a second-round TKO of Jason Jones in December. He's now 7-3 since leaving the now-defunct PRIDE Fighting Championships.
"I'm very happy to be fighting Travis," Rua stated. "I think he is an experienced, well-rounded fighter who will look at this fight as a great opportunity and will do his best to turn this fight into a war. I'm excited about this fight, and I have been training hard since early January doing a lot of jiu jitsu, Muay Thai and wrestling, so I think our fight can turn into Fight of the Night this coming May 15."
The latest Shine Fights III card now includes:
* Ricardo Mayorga vs. Din Thomas
* Travis Galbraith vs. Murilo "Ninja" Rua
* Eduardo Pamplona vs. NickThompson
* Braulio Estima vs. Rick Hawn
* Alexandre Ferreira vs. Jamal Patterson
UFC 115 Officially Announced
UFC 115 will take place in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at General Motors Place on Saturday, June 12.
"Our Canadian fans are among the most loyal and enthusiastic in the world, and we are thrilled to bring the UFC to Vancouver," said Dana White, UFC President. "We want to thank Mayor Gregor Robertson and our partners at Canucks Sports and Entertainment for helping to make UFC 115 become the first UFC event in British Columbia.”
“We are pleased to be the host venue for this first ever UFC event in Vancouver,” said Harvey Jones, Vice President and General Manager, Arena Operations, Canucks Sports and Entertainment. “We know the UFC is very popular in Canada and that UFC 115 will be an incredible event for the city, the venue, and all the sports fans here.”
"Vancouver fans will be thrilled that the UFC is coming here," said Mayor Gregor Robertson. "We've worked hard to bring it to Vancouver and I want to thank UFC and Canucks Sports and Entertainment for making the event possible. Vancouver has some of the most passionate UFC fans in the world, and I have no doubt that General Motors Place will be packed on June 12th."
Main Card
Chuck Liddell vs. Rich Franklin
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Pat Barry
Paulo Thiago vs. Martin Kampmann
Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald
Evan Dunham vs. Tyson Griffin
Prelims
Mac Danzig vs. Matt Wiman
Ben Rothwell vs. Gilbert Yvel
James Wilks vs. Peter Sobotta
Jesse Lennox vs. Mike Pyle
UFC 115 will take place in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at General Motors Place on Saturday, June 12.
"Our Canadian fans are among the most loyal and enthusiastic in the world, and we are thrilled to bring the UFC to Vancouver," said Dana White, UFC President. "We want to thank Mayor Gregor Robertson and our partners at Canucks Sports and Entertainment for helping to make UFC 115 become the first UFC event in British Columbia.”
“We are pleased to be the host venue for this first ever UFC event in Vancouver,” said Harvey Jones, Vice President and General Manager, Arena Operations, Canucks Sports and Entertainment. “We know the UFC is very popular in Canada and that UFC 115 will be an incredible event for the city, the venue, and all the sports fans here.”
"Vancouver fans will be thrilled that the UFC is coming here," said Mayor Gregor Robertson. "We've worked hard to bring it to Vancouver and I want to thank UFC and Canucks Sports and Entertainment for making the event possible. Vancouver has some of the most passionate UFC fans in the world, and I have no doubt that General Motors Place will be packed on June 12th."
Main Card
Chuck Liddell vs. Rich Franklin
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Pat Barry
Paulo Thiago vs. Martin Kampmann
Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald
Evan Dunham vs. Tyson Griffin
Prelims
Mac Danzig vs. Matt Wiman
Ben Rothwell vs. Gilbert Yvel
James Wilks vs. Peter Sobotta
Jesse Lennox vs. Mike Pyle
BJ Penn vs Frankie Edgar Rematch in the Works
In an interview with MMA Fighting B.J. Penn said an immediate rematch against now champion Frankie Edgar is in the works.
"The UFC contacted us yesterday, and I think they want to put a rematch together, so I think a rematch is in the works," Penn said Tuesday morning in an interview with 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C.
"I think the next three months, four months at the most," Penn said.
In an interview with MMA Fighting B.J. Penn said an immediate rematch against now champion Frankie Edgar is in the works.
"The UFC contacted us yesterday, and I think they want to put a rematch together, so I think a rematch is in the works," Penn said Tuesday morning in an interview with 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C.
"I think the next three months, four months at the most," Penn said.
Manager says champ Anderson Silva "not bored," isn't sure weight jump is the answer
Ed Soares is again stuck between a rock and a hard place.
He agrees with fans who say UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva should have finished Demian Maia during the main event of UFC 112. He doesn't excuse the lack of action.
On the other hand, he's Silva's friend and manager and has a duty to understand – and to a certain degree, defend – the champion's actions this past Saturday night at Concert Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
"The bottom line is that I would have liked him to finish the fight just like the rest of the world," Soares today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "Unfortunately, he wasn't able to. But am I doubting who he is? He's still to me the best pound-for-pound fighter in the planet."
All the way home, he's taken heat from virtually everyone, including UFC president Dana White, who is angry with Silva's performance. He's gotten hate mail by the ton since he returned to the U.S. on Monday.
Silva (26-4 MMA, 11-0 UFC) appeared to have an in-cage exorcism for the first two rounds of the UFC 112 main event as he danced, shimmied and channeled other fighters in front of the challenger. Then he openly berated Maia. Then he spent the fourth and fifth rounds on his bicycle as Maia tried in vain to engage.
Like the majority of MMA fans out there, Soares was confused by what he saw.
"After the first two rounds, I was like, 'Enough already; let's get this thing over with,'" Soares said. "I wanted him to get in there and get out as quickly as possible. I was just thinking, 'what's going on?'"
Before the end of the fourth round, White stormed over to the fighter's corner and threw the middleweight belt at Soares' feet. He told the manager to put the strap on Silva – he wouldn't. Then, he left the arena.
Silva apologized in the cage after the fight and said he didn't know what got into him. At the post-fight press conference, though, he said he didn't owe anyone an apology for his performance. Soares can't explain the switch.
White later told reporters that Silva's next fight could be in a non-televised "dark match" and held a closed-door meeting with the champion and Soares after the post-event press conference.
In the end, Silva's record-setting 11th consecutive octagon win and sixth consecutive title defense were overshadowed by the antics.
Soares explained that Silva was angered by comments Maia made in the build-up to the fight and lost his cool inside the cage.
"He was really pissed off about this one article that came out (where Maia said), 'I respect him as a fighter, but I don't respect him as a person,'" Soares said. "Demian Maia doesn't know Anderson enough to be able to say he doesn't respect him as a person. I think [Anderson] took that very personally.
"It's really easy for people to judge people when you're not inside their head. You're not inside [Silva's] mind at the moment. By me saying this, I'm not saying I agree with what he did. I'm not saying that at all. What I am saying is when you're inside the octagon fighting, you get a different view than people outside watching."
Many have suggested the champion is bored with the middleweight class and is acting out inside the cage. Soares points to Silva's knockout of Forrest Griffin at UFC 101 to shoot that idea down.
"He's not bored," he said. "People want to see knockouts? Then put someone in there that's going to want to fight. (When) you put in a guy that's going to stand and exchange with him like Forrest did, what happened?"
Soares is adamant that the champion is not in the wrong for refusing to fight opponents on their terms.
"He's the champ; he's got the belt," Soares said. "You're going to want to come in and take that belt from him? You're a jiu-jitsu guy and you want to take him to the ground and submit him? Then take him to the ground and submit him.
"If you can't get him there, does that mean Anderson should go there just to make it interesting?"
Many fans and media members suggest Silva make an immediate move to a heavier weight class in which he'll be forced to engage. Others suggest he should face middleweight contender Chael Sonnen, who has promised to take the fight to the champion.
Either way, three out of four of the champion's most recent performances have been marred by a lack of action. Prior to his knockout of Griffin, his fifth title defense, which came against Thales Leites at UFC 97, was universally panned for such an offense.
Something needs to change.
But Soares is not sold on a weight jump. A jiu-jitsu-based style is the primary culprit for the lack of action, he said.
"It was just one of those weird situations," Soares said. "Against Thales Leites, you could blame the UFC. But in this particular case, you can't blame the UFC because Demian Maia wasn't their first choice. He was there to replace Vitor Belfort.
"It's really nobody's fault."
Silva is currently in Brazil but will return to Los Angeles within 10 days.
Ed Soares is again stuck between a rock and a hard place.
He agrees with fans who say UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva should have finished Demian Maia during the main event of UFC 112. He doesn't excuse the lack of action.
On the other hand, he's Silva's friend and manager and has a duty to understand – and to a certain degree, defend – the champion's actions this past Saturday night at Concert Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
"The bottom line is that I would have liked him to finish the fight just like the rest of the world," Soares today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "Unfortunately, he wasn't able to. But am I doubting who he is? He's still to me the best pound-for-pound fighter in the planet."
All the way home, he's taken heat from virtually everyone, including UFC president Dana White, who is angry with Silva's performance. He's gotten hate mail by the ton since he returned to the U.S. on Monday.
Silva (26-4 MMA, 11-0 UFC) appeared to have an in-cage exorcism for the first two rounds of the UFC 112 main event as he danced, shimmied and channeled other fighters in front of the challenger. Then he openly berated Maia. Then he spent the fourth and fifth rounds on his bicycle as Maia tried in vain to engage.
Like the majority of MMA fans out there, Soares was confused by what he saw.
"After the first two rounds, I was like, 'Enough already; let's get this thing over with,'" Soares said. "I wanted him to get in there and get out as quickly as possible. I was just thinking, 'what's going on?'"
Before the end of the fourth round, White stormed over to the fighter's corner and threw the middleweight belt at Soares' feet. He told the manager to put the strap on Silva – he wouldn't. Then, he left the arena.
Silva apologized in the cage after the fight and said he didn't know what got into him. At the post-fight press conference, though, he said he didn't owe anyone an apology for his performance. Soares can't explain the switch.
White later told reporters that Silva's next fight could be in a non-televised "dark match" and held a closed-door meeting with the champion and Soares after the post-event press conference.
In the end, Silva's record-setting 11th consecutive octagon win and sixth consecutive title defense were overshadowed by the antics.
Soares explained that Silva was angered by comments Maia made in the build-up to the fight and lost his cool inside the cage.
"He was really pissed off about this one article that came out (where Maia said), 'I respect him as a fighter, but I don't respect him as a person,'" Soares said. "Demian Maia doesn't know Anderson enough to be able to say he doesn't respect him as a person. I think [Anderson] took that very personally.
"It's really easy for people to judge people when you're not inside their head. You're not inside [Silva's] mind at the moment. By me saying this, I'm not saying I agree with what he did. I'm not saying that at all. What I am saying is when you're inside the octagon fighting, you get a different view than people outside watching."
Many have suggested the champion is bored with the middleweight class and is acting out inside the cage. Soares points to Silva's knockout of Forrest Griffin at UFC 101 to shoot that idea down.
"He's not bored," he said. "People want to see knockouts? Then put someone in there that's going to want to fight. (When) you put in a guy that's going to stand and exchange with him like Forrest did, what happened?"
Soares is adamant that the champion is not in the wrong for refusing to fight opponents on their terms.
"He's the champ; he's got the belt," Soares said. "You're going to want to come in and take that belt from him? You're a jiu-jitsu guy and you want to take him to the ground and submit him? Then take him to the ground and submit him.
"If you can't get him there, does that mean Anderson should go there just to make it interesting?"
Many fans and media members suggest Silva make an immediate move to a heavier weight class in which he'll be forced to engage. Others suggest he should face middleweight contender Chael Sonnen, who has promised to take the fight to the champion.
Either way, three out of four of the champion's most recent performances have been marred by a lack of action. Prior to his knockout of Griffin, his fifth title defense, which came against Thales Leites at UFC 97, was universally panned for such an offense.
Something needs to change.
But Soares is not sold on a weight jump. A jiu-jitsu-based style is the primary culprit for the lack of action, he said.
"It was just one of those weird situations," Soares said. "Against Thales Leites, you could blame the UFC. But in this particular case, you can't blame the UFC because Demian Maia wasn't their first choice. He was there to replace Vitor Belfort.
"It's really nobody's fault."
Silva is currently in Brazil but will return to Los Angeles within 10 days.
BOBBY LASHLEY LIKELY RETURNING IN MAY OR JUNE
The card for the upcoming Strikeforce event in Nashville has been filled. Conspicuous in his absence from the roster is WWE Superstar turned fighter Bobby Lashley, who was originally planned for the promotion’s return to CBS.
Lashley, who trains out of his own American Top Team gym in Colorado, underwent nasal surgery that pushed back his training camp, and according to Strikeforce president Scott Coker, they decided it was best to let him recover and fight another day.
"We had hoped he was going to be on the card in the very beginning, and as we were getting closer to the fight, he had to have a surgery procedure, and I just don't think the timing was right," said Coker
Working with ATT in Florida for past fights, Lashley was simply not able to put a full camp together around his surgery. Coker believes that if timing works out, Lashley will end up on either of two events planned for May and June.
"We both agreed maybe it would be best for everybody, and us waiting until the next one or the one after and see how it goes," said Coker. "Cause he didn't have a chance to go back to ATT and go train and do it properly because of his surgery procedure, so when I found out it was affecting his training we both felt maybe it was the best thing to pass."
The expectations have been very high for Lashley since entering MMA competition, maybe even too high. While he does share a similar background in both collegiate wrestling and professional wrestling with UFC champion Brock Lesnar, it's a different development with Lashley.
Coker is happy the fans want to see him compete, but it's okay for him to take it slow and easy for his first few fights before jumping into the deep end of the heavyweight pool.
"Here's the thing about Bobby Lashley… here's this amazing physical specimen that has a wrestling background, learning his stand-up, but a lot of people have so many high expectations of Bobby, which I think he can achieve,” said Coker. “That's why we signed him and we believe in Bobby, but he's still working his way up the ladder so to speak.”
The card for the upcoming Strikeforce event in Nashville has been filled. Conspicuous in his absence from the roster is WWE Superstar turned fighter Bobby Lashley, who was originally planned for the promotion’s return to CBS.
Lashley, who trains out of his own American Top Team gym in Colorado, underwent nasal surgery that pushed back his training camp, and according to Strikeforce president Scott Coker, they decided it was best to let him recover and fight another day.
"We had hoped he was going to be on the card in the very beginning, and as we were getting closer to the fight, he had to have a surgery procedure, and I just don't think the timing was right," said Coker
Working with ATT in Florida for past fights, Lashley was simply not able to put a full camp together around his surgery. Coker believes that if timing works out, Lashley will end up on either of two events planned for May and June.
"We both agreed maybe it would be best for everybody, and us waiting until the next one or the one after and see how it goes," said Coker. "Cause he didn't have a chance to go back to ATT and go train and do it properly because of his surgery procedure, so when I found out it was affecting his training we both felt maybe it was the best thing to pass."
The expectations have been very high for Lashley since entering MMA competition, maybe even too high. While he does share a similar background in both collegiate wrestling and professional wrestling with UFC champion Brock Lesnar, it's a different development with Lashley.
Coker is happy the fans want to see him compete, but it's okay for him to take it slow and easy for his first few fights before jumping into the deep end of the heavyweight pool.
"Here's the thing about Bobby Lashley… here's this amazing physical specimen that has a wrestling background, learning his stand-up, but a lot of people have so many high expectations of Bobby, which I think he can achieve,” said Coker. “That's why we signed him and we believe in Bobby, but he's still working his way up the ladder so to speak.”
BELLATOR FIRST, JEFF CURRAN PLANS WEC RETURN
Jeff Curran looks to get back on the main stage when he headlines the local portion of Bellator 14 on Thursday night at the Chicago Theater. Curran was originally scheduled to face Joe Doherty, but the athletic commission wouldn’t approve the fight. Adrenaline MMA veteran Bryan Goldsby has been tapped as Doherty’s replacement.
“Basically there are a bunch of conservative people in the Chicago area making complaints about some of the matchmaking on the lower levels of the sport. Mainly the amateur levels I believe. So the state becomes the one that get hit with the negative publicity,” commented Curran. “I fought in Chicago my whole career so they know my style and my skill level for the most part. When they see a guy with 12 fights and then my 40-plus fights they decide to have less liability and find a higher level guy. Personally, I feel Doherty was a tough match, but the IDPR felt different.”
Bryan Goldsby is a veteran of the Midwest scene and has faced some stiff competition. Curran isn’t taking him lightly and is looking forward to the clash of styles.
“From what I have seen of Goldsby he has decent striking, he is long and good takedown defense. The last person I fought his size was in Pride Bushido against Hatsu Hioki. I am excited to re-challenge myself against a guy of this build and his strengths. I assume I have the better ground game, but you never know.”
Curran had one of the toughest fight schedules in the WEC facing the likes of Urijah Faber, Mike Brown, Joseph Benavidez, and Takeya Mizugaki in four consecutive matches. Unfortunately, the “Big Frog” did not see his hand raised once against the top ranked competitors. His fight against Mizugaki was very close, but the loss led to his WEC release. After picking up a couple wins, Curran is on the verge of returning the place where he feels is his rightful home.
“(WEC) wants three wins to bring me back,” revealed Curran. “So after I get through this I will be looking for my WEC return. I don't think I should have ever been cut after that Mizugaki fight obviously, but I am not the boss.”
If Curran is successful on Thursday night, he could return to the WEC cage as early as June.
“The talk was as early as June in Edmonton, however, that is just ‘hearsay.’ There was some discussion as the type of opponent, but I think the landscape of the division has to play out more after the April 24 fight to see who is best for my return.”
Also on the Bellator 14 card is Patrick Curran, Jeff’s younger cousin, who will make his Bellator debut as the last participant named to the eight-man lightweight tournament. Pat is coming off a big win over former Cage Rage British champion Robbie Oliver.
“He is a featherweight, but put on weight and moved up to 155 where he began his career as an amateur,” said Jeff of his cousin. “He faces undefeated fighter Mike Ricci from Montreal. He is a training partner of GSP from what I hear and is the real deal. We hope he moves past round one then we go from there. He definitely has a chance to win this thing.”
In addition to training for his upcoming fight, Curran has been filming a documentary of his career.
“The documentary is a project of Proximo Entertainment and Prototype Advertising out of Virginia. They have told the real story about who I am as a fighter and show all the footage leading up to my second straight win since Mizugaki. It’s a character study of me I guess, but it’s one that is going to entice and excite fans of the sport and then some. It motivates me just watching the trailers of it. I can't wait. I think the name of it is ‘Jeff Curran: This is the Fight.’”
“I helped with the title as I have that quote tattooed on mine and cousin Pat’s family crest,” added Curran. “It means that ‘THIS’ as in ‘LIFE’ and all the troubles we face along the road for a fight, inside and outside the cage, that is the real fight. That’s what it stands for and that’s what I believe in. Perseverance at its best.”
The WEC bantamweight division has seen a lot of change lately. Miguel Torres made three successful defenses of his belt before losing to Brian Bowles by knockout. Bowles was unable to defend his title against the unorthodox Dominick Cruz, suffering a second consecutive broken hand that ended a fight. Cruz was the dominant fighter during the two rounds leading to the injury stoppage.
“That's what happens when you put that much talent in one room and keep them as active as they are. Someone goes down, someone goes up,” commented Curran on the recent division movements. “ It’s only natural in the sport of MMA. It’s not boxing. We aren't protected like that as fighters. If we were, all of us would be boxing I guess. Everyone likes to rise to the challenge in this sport. It’s the type of people attracted to being MMA fighters.”
On Thursday night Jeff Curran has the opportunity to move back in the spotlight and begin another quest for the WEC gold that has eluded him.
“I want to thank all my fans, what little I have left these days (laughs). (Thanks) for believing in me, fighting for me, and staying with me through the roller coaster of my career. For making the sport what it is, for making my job worthwhile.”
Jeff Curran looks to get back on the main stage when he headlines the local portion of Bellator 14 on Thursday night at the Chicago Theater. Curran was originally scheduled to face Joe Doherty, but the athletic commission wouldn’t approve the fight. Adrenaline MMA veteran Bryan Goldsby has been tapped as Doherty’s replacement.
“Basically there are a bunch of conservative people in the Chicago area making complaints about some of the matchmaking on the lower levels of the sport. Mainly the amateur levels I believe. So the state becomes the one that get hit with the negative publicity,” commented Curran. “I fought in Chicago my whole career so they know my style and my skill level for the most part. When they see a guy with 12 fights and then my 40-plus fights they decide to have less liability and find a higher level guy. Personally, I feel Doherty was a tough match, but the IDPR felt different.”
Bryan Goldsby is a veteran of the Midwest scene and has faced some stiff competition. Curran isn’t taking him lightly and is looking forward to the clash of styles.
“From what I have seen of Goldsby he has decent striking, he is long and good takedown defense. The last person I fought his size was in Pride Bushido against Hatsu Hioki. I am excited to re-challenge myself against a guy of this build and his strengths. I assume I have the better ground game, but you never know.”
Curran had one of the toughest fight schedules in the WEC facing the likes of Urijah Faber, Mike Brown, Joseph Benavidez, and Takeya Mizugaki in four consecutive matches. Unfortunately, the “Big Frog” did not see his hand raised once against the top ranked competitors. His fight against Mizugaki was very close, but the loss led to his WEC release. After picking up a couple wins, Curran is on the verge of returning the place where he feels is his rightful home.
“(WEC) wants three wins to bring me back,” revealed Curran. “So after I get through this I will be looking for my WEC return. I don't think I should have ever been cut after that Mizugaki fight obviously, but I am not the boss.”
If Curran is successful on Thursday night, he could return to the WEC cage as early as June.
“The talk was as early as June in Edmonton, however, that is just ‘hearsay.’ There was some discussion as the type of opponent, but I think the landscape of the division has to play out more after the April 24 fight to see who is best for my return.”
Also on the Bellator 14 card is Patrick Curran, Jeff’s younger cousin, who will make his Bellator debut as the last participant named to the eight-man lightweight tournament. Pat is coming off a big win over former Cage Rage British champion Robbie Oliver.
“He is a featherweight, but put on weight and moved up to 155 where he began his career as an amateur,” said Jeff of his cousin. “He faces undefeated fighter Mike Ricci from Montreal. He is a training partner of GSP from what I hear and is the real deal. We hope he moves past round one then we go from there. He definitely has a chance to win this thing.”
In addition to training for his upcoming fight, Curran has been filming a documentary of his career.
“The documentary is a project of Proximo Entertainment and Prototype Advertising out of Virginia. They have told the real story about who I am as a fighter and show all the footage leading up to my second straight win since Mizugaki. It’s a character study of me I guess, but it’s one that is going to entice and excite fans of the sport and then some. It motivates me just watching the trailers of it. I can't wait. I think the name of it is ‘Jeff Curran: This is the Fight.’”
“I helped with the title as I have that quote tattooed on mine and cousin Pat’s family crest,” added Curran. “It means that ‘THIS’ as in ‘LIFE’ and all the troubles we face along the road for a fight, inside and outside the cage, that is the real fight. That’s what it stands for and that’s what I believe in. Perseverance at its best.”
The WEC bantamweight division has seen a lot of change lately. Miguel Torres made three successful defenses of his belt before losing to Brian Bowles by knockout. Bowles was unable to defend his title against the unorthodox Dominick Cruz, suffering a second consecutive broken hand that ended a fight. Cruz was the dominant fighter during the two rounds leading to the injury stoppage.
“That's what happens when you put that much talent in one room and keep them as active as they are. Someone goes down, someone goes up,” commented Curran on the recent division movements. “ It’s only natural in the sport of MMA. It’s not boxing. We aren't protected like that as fighters. If we were, all of us would be boxing I guess. Everyone likes to rise to the challenge in this sport. It’s the type of people attracted to being MMA fighters.”
On Thursday night Jeff Curran has the opportunity to move back in the spotlight and begin another quest for the WEC gold that has eluded him.
“I want to thank all my fans, what little I have left these days (laughs). (Thanks) for believing in me, fighting for me, and staying with me through the roller coaster of my career. For making the sport what it is, for making my job worthwhile.”