MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

Emelianenko's loss reverberates through rest of Strikeforce grand-prix field

The heavyweights who have yet to fight in Strikeforce's heavyweight grand prix now officially expect the unexpected.

Three competitors set for the second round of quarterfinal matchups – Josh Barnett, Fabricio Werdum and Brett Rogers – were first to give their thoughts about the first round of tournament competition, which was held this past Saturday at IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J.

As expected, Fedor Emelianenko's upset loss to Antonio Silva and subsequent hints at retirement hung in the air.

"Strikeforce and M-1 Global: Silva vs. Fedor" aired live on Showtime and drew a reported 11,287 fans. The event, which included three tourney-reserve fights, continues April 9 with the next two opening-round matchups.

But despite the void left in the tournament by Emelianenko's defeat, there wasn't much in the way of shock coming from the fresh fighters.

As veterans of the game, they knew that anything could happen with two skilled heavyweights.

"I think the majority of us probably figured that Fedor would win the fight," said Barnett, who's scheduled to meet Rogers in April. "But none of us thought that 'Bigfoot' would be easy to beat. And he showed exactly why he was EliteXC champion, why he's a tough fight for anybody.

"It was very impressive to see him go to submit such a good fighter as Fedor and even go for leg locks on a Sambo guy."

Werdum, who meets Alistair Overeem in their opening-round matchup, handed Emelianenko his first legitimate defeat this past June. It wasn't news to him that the Russian could be defeated. But he was a little disappointed that he might not be able to get another chance to do it.

"I'm very happy with 'Bigfoot' because 'Bigfoot' is my friend," Werdum said. "I told you before that my heart [said] 'Bigfoot' wins, but I like (the idea) of the fight against Fedor. But now, it's [not] possible."

Brett Rogers also pined for a rematch with Emelianenko following a loss to the heavyweight in November 2009.

(As MMAjunkie.com reported after the show, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has left open the door for Emelianenko to return as an alternate in the tournament, but the fighter hinted he might retire, and such a move probably wouldn't appease many fans – or the three fighters who won their tourney-reserve fights on Saturday.)

Barnett said Emelianenko's difficulty in escaping punishment during the second round was simply a function of Silva's massive size.

"I don't think that he has training partners that have such a heavy base as someone like Silva," he said. "I can understand having a hard time getting out from underneath a guy like that. I'm sure Werdum can talk about how heavy he is, too. That's a lot of weight, and a solid guy.

"I think it's a style thing. Silva was very smart with his game plan in terms of submission. If it was just a submission battle, I think Fedor would probably come out on top. But I'm not here to cast judgement on Fedor. I've seen Fedor do all kinds of great work in the ring as a grappler, as a wrestler, as a sambo practitioner."

Overeem felt unsatisfied by the ending of the headliner, which came between the second and third rounds after cageside doctors ruled Emelianenko unable to continue.

"It was a pity he didn't go into the third round," he said. "Because (in) the third round, Fedor is the guy to get the surprise. I think it was an amazing tournament."

Overeem, Barnett, Werdum and Rogers now wait for their April meetings, though a date and location have yet to be finalized for the event.

With one upset now in the books, things just got a little more interesting.

"I always felt than anything could happen," Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said. "On any given night, these guys could all compete at the highest level, and they could beat each other at any given time."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Strikeforce tourney-reserve winners Griggs and Del Rosario now big-show regulars

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Chad Griggs and Shane Del Rosario officially are done with the prospects-driven Strikeforce Challengers series.

Following Saturday's impressive victories in Strikeforce heavyweight grand-prix reserve bouts, both fighters now will be staples in the organization's major Arena Series shows.

That's according to Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, who said both men earned future big fights.

While Antonio Silva stopped Fedor Emelianenko and Sergei Kharitonov knocked out Andrei Arlovski in opening-round tourney fights on Saturday, Griggs and Del Rosario competed in two of the card's three grand-prix reserve bouts.

Their fights, as well as Valentijn Overeem's submission win over Ray Sefo, filled out the Showtime-televised main card of "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva" at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J.

Even if a regular tourney participant suffers an injury, a defeated fighter such as Fedor Emelianenko (who lost to Antonio Silva in Saturday's headliner) could take any vacant spots. (A Strikeforce committee ultimately will make the call, according to Coker.) That's tough news for the alternates, but there is a silver lining, specifically for Griggs and Del Rosario.

"Shane Del Rosario is done with Challengers shows," said Coker. "The same with Griggs."

Prior to Saturday's submission victory over Lavar Johnson (15-4 MMA, 3-1 SF), Del Rosario (11-0 MMA, 3-0 SF) had a pair of Strikeforce fights in the Challengers shows, which usually take place at smaller venues with lesser-known fighters who still are working their way up the ladder. Del Rosario also was a fixture in EliteXC's similar prospects series, ShoXC, before the company's collapse in 2008.

Griggs (10-1 MMA, 2-0 SF), though, fought just once in Strikeforce prior to Saturday's first-round beatdown of Gian Villante (7-2 MMA, 0-1 SF); back in August 2010, he beat former WWE star Bobby Lashley into submission on an Arena Seires card. Thus far, he's avoided the Challengers series, and he'll continue doing so.

And though tapped as potential tourney reserves, Coker said he won't force either fighter to the sidelines. Instead, they'll be booked for non-tourney fights at upcoming shows and continue their development as fighters.

"We're going to keep them busy," Coker said.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Antonio Silva's dream scenario? Strikeforce tourney finale with Fabricio Werdum

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Antonio Silva cleared one of his biggest hurdles in the highly publicized eight-man Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix with a Saturday TKO victory over legendary Fedor Emelianenko.

"Bigfoot" now is two victories away from the tournament crown and the possible title of the world's top heavyweight.

And if the big man has his way, he'll get an all-Brazilian finale later this year and a fight with fellow countryman and fellow Emelianenko-stopper Fabricio Werdum.

"I don't pick opponents; I'll fight anyone," Silva said through manager and translator Alex Davis. "Werdum is my friend. He's a Brazilian. I'm rooting for him. That way, the finals would be all Brazilians."

Silva and Sergei Kharitonov, who scored a first-round knockout of former UFC champ Andrei Arlovski, punched their tickets to the semifinals during Saturday's Showtime-televised "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva" event at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J. Silva (16-2 MMA, 3-1 SF) upset Emelianenko (31-3 MMA, 1-2 SF), whose swollen right eye prompted a doctor's stoppage prior to the third round.

Silva and Kharitonov now await the outcome of the second set of opening-round matchups, which take place April 9 with heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem vs. Werdum and Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers.

Werdum has his work cut out for him with Overeem, one of the heavyweight division's fastest-rising fighters. Overeem is considered a fairly substantial favorite. Then again, Emelianenko also was a big favorite before Werdum upset him this past June.

Silva took pride in his own win over the famed Russian.

"Fedor is the best in the world to me," said Silva, speaking in English. "I showed the world I come not to play but to fight hard. I want to be the best heavyweight in the world."

Saturday's win surely gave the first, last and only EliteXC champion some confidence heading into the semifinals. In fact, after a close first round in which he ate more than a few heavy blows – and then dishing out his own with a dizzying ground-and-pound assault in the second – Silva knew victory was within his grasp.

"A lot of people see this chin, and it's a punch-absorber,” said Silva, who weighed 264 pounds at Friday's weigh-ins and hit 285 by fight night. "I trained a lot of jiu jitsu. ... I put my game plan together, and I used it."

So that's why he's ready for all-comers, foreign or domestic. Fighting any fellow man, he knows he can win.

"I've always said that Superman and Robocop don't exist," said Silva, referring to Emelianenko. "Werdum started it, and I finished proving it; Superman doesn't exist."

 

[Shogun Locc]

"Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva" attendance reaches 11,287 in New Jersey

AST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Strikeforce's debut in the state of New Jersey resulted in a solid attendance figure of 11,287.

A Strikeforce official confirmed the tentative tally with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

If the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board verifies the number, Saturday's "Strikeforce and M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Silva" event will go down as the organization's second-highest attended show in its past 18 events.

It'll also mark just the seventh time in 44 events the organization has drawn at least 11,000 fans.

"Strikeforce and M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Silva" took place at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J., just outside Newark and New York City. With the start of the Showtime-televised Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix and the return of Fedor Emelianenko, the event was one of the organization's most anticipated in recent years.

Officials hinted at strong attendance projections throughout fight week. While the actual figure falls a bit short of of the lofty 13,000 target, it's a solid Northeast debut for the California-based Strikeforce promotion.

At the night's post-fight presser, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said the organization will make a return to the region in the near future.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Gilbert Melendez: “I Really Truly Believe I’m the No. 1 Fighter in the World”

Now that he has a new contract in place, Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez is ready to get back to the business of fighting, and he’s ready to prove he’s the top 155-pounder in the world.

Melendez hasn’t set foot in the cage in nearly a year following his win over Shinya Aoki last April. Since that time, Melendez welcomed a new baby into the world and recovered from a thumb injury, but now he’s healthy and ready to dominate again.

The first order of business was getting a new deal done with Strikeforce, and now that it’s behind him, he’s ready to fight again.

“There’s a couple of things to weigh out with Strikeforce. Strikeforce is a great organization, and they’ve taken care of me really well,” Melendez told MMAWeekly Radio. “Everyone knows the UFC is the biggest organization out there, branding yourself and getting your name out there, it’s no secret that they’re the best. There wasn’t much to weigh out. These agreements are structured for a champion not easily to walk away, but there was things to debate about with Strikeforce here and there.

“But at the end of the day I came to the conclusion that it was a great deal on the table and they showed how much I mean to the organization. At the end of the day I’m pretty happy with my deal and yes I’m getting taken care of pretty well.”

With a new contract in place, Melendez is a happy man financially and he’s ready to once again prove he’s the best in the world.

He already believes that he’s the top lightweight fighting today, but if he has to knock a few people out to prove it, he’s up to the task.

“I think it’s important for me to dominate now. I really truly believe I’m the No. 1 fighter in the world, and the only way I’m going to get that spot is by dominating,” Melendez said. “I can’t have these draws or get knocked down or almost lose, I need to completely dominate everyone out there. I think I’m ready to do that.

“I’m going to try to make a statement, and that’s how I’m going to do it.”

Melendez didn’t clarify if he meant the statements about draws or almost being finished as thinly veiled jabs at current UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, who currently occupies the top spot in most ranking systems as the best fighter at 155 pounds, who drew in his last fight against Gray Maynard.

Regardless of what the intentions of the statements were, Melendez is ready to back up anything he says with his actions in the cage and that starts with his next fight.

Melendez doesn’t have an opponent yet, he plans on fighting on the next major Strikeforce show, which will likely land him on the April card.

“I’m ready to go. Give me the next big show, I’m ready to go,” Melendez stated. “I think if things got settled a little earlier with the contract issues I would have been fighting a little bit sooner, but since I got done recently, I’m planning on fighting on the next big show. I’ve been waiting for way too long.”

Rumors have circulated that Dream lightweight Tatsuya Kawajiri may be the next opponent for Melendez. For now it’s wait and see, but look for Strikeforce’s lightweight champion to return to action very soon.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Strikeforce Challengers Card Finalized for Feb 18 in Austin, Texas

With the first couple of fights in the historic Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix out of the way, the San Jose based promotion will now turn its attention to the upcoming Strikeforce Challengers card taking place this weekend.

Leading the way on the event in Austin, Tex. is a lightweight bout between undefeated prospect Lyle Beerbohm and Pat Healy.

Beerbohm has been looking for a fight in Strikeforce for sometime and now he’s going to face one of the most experienced fighters on the roster. Healy brings with him a resume of facing some of the stiffest competition in the world, the majority of the time doing it at welterweight where he was undersized in comparison. Now at lightweight, Healy looks to build a new resume of wins at 155lbs.

Also on the card is former WEC welterweight title contender Carlo Prater as he faces Bryan Travers in a catchweight bout at 160lbs.

Ryan Couture, son of the legendary Randy Couture, gets back in action after a staph infection kept him out of his last fight and he returns to take on Lee Higgins in a lightweight bout.

Erik Apple will also be featured on the card against Ryan Larson in a welterweight bout, while the televised card is rounded out by Nick Gonzalez against David Douglas in another catchweight fight, this one taking place at 150lbs.

The non-televised card will feature 3 local fighters including Aaron Franco against Thomas Diagne, and Drew Pendleton against Dennis Dombrow.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Matt Hughes Helped BJ Penn Train For UFC 127 Bout With Jon Fitch

Adversity makes strange bedfellows… or is it politcs?

Nevertheless, mixed martial arts competition seems to make for odd alliances as well.

Case in point, who would have thought that after a three-fight series that saw B.J. Penn win twice and Matt Hughes once, that the two former UFC welterweight champions would be training together?

That’s what happened recently when the Hawaiian fighting legend invited the UFC Hall of Famer to Hawaii to help Penn train for his UFC 127 main event bout with Jon Fitch. Hughes gladly accepted.

“B.J. Penn had texted me a couple of weeks ago to see if I had some time to come out and train and get him ready for Fitch. After that initial call, I checked my schedule, said I could come, and had him send me Fitch’s last five fights,” Hughes wrote in his official blog on Monday.

It seems a little odd on the surface, seeing as how the two have had a rivalry that lasted nearly seven years. Training with Hughes in preparation for Fitch makes perfect sense for Penn, however. Fitch is an accomplished wrestler with a decent stand-up game and a few submissions that he’s really good at. Hughes is also an accomplished wrestler with a decent stand-up game and a few submissions that he’s really good at.

The magic number in MMA rivalries appears to be three. So it’s unlikely that the two will set foot in the Octagon together any time soon, especially with Hughes nearing the end of his storied career, making it the right time for their careers to converge.

“I think we got some good training in,” wrote Hughes. “I’d love to sit here and tell you what we worked on, but I just can’t.

“It was a great experience for me. First off, I got to train with BJ; I think we would both say that we’re a lot alike. And number two, I got to spend some quality time with my daughter. I’m on the road a lot and usually my family is at home. This time I was gone for nine days and got to take my four-and-a-half-year-old daughter with me.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

‘Feijão’ working his boxing, not wrestling, to beat Dan Henderson

Strikeforce’s champion on the light heavyweight division, Rafael Feijão hosted TATAME TV at X-Gym and chatted about his first title defense on the United States, against the former champion of Pride, Dan Henderson, and revealed he doesn’t have focused much on his Wrestling, his opponent’s strong point. “The trainings are pretty hard, it’s a huge team. I don’t train much Wrestling... I train some specific Wrestling positions and I take classes once in a while, but I can’t play Wrestling a lot. I’ve trained for four months, but when it’s close to the fight I rather focus on what I’m best”, said Rafael, who’s talked about the American’s striking, commented the fight between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort and pointed out his favorite fighters on Strikeforce’s heavyweight GP, and a lot more.

What are the expectations for this fight?

The trainings are pretty hard, with coach Erivan, today we did some Boxing prep, it’s a phenomenon the guys who are here: Anderson, Minotouro, Roberto Corvo, Erik Silva, Jaca… It’s a huge group and everybody’s in shape, we’ve trained a lot for this fight. Thanks God, everybody had their fights scheduled near each other, so we could help each other more, because we are our own sparrings, so as everybody’s on a good shape, we all push each other and the ones who weren’t prepared had to train even harder.

You’ve trained your guard just now, escaped from the grid… How you’re preparing yourself for the Wrestling game he’ll try to bring you to?

This training is not specific for this fight, usually do this training of attacking and defending on the grid. I don’t train much Wrestling... I train some specific Wrestling positions and I take classes once in a while, but I can’t play Wrestling a lot. I’ve trained for four months, but when it’s close to the fight you can get injured and I rather focus on what I’m best: Boxing, Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu.

He’s also a good striker too, his right hand has taken many down, including on his last fight, against Babalu. How do you see his striking skills?

Exactly. I consider him to be a very dangerous guy, for me it’s an honor to be fighting a guy of his level. I’m living my dream, step by step, without disrespecting anyone. Thanks God I’m making some space for myself. I’ll be much prepared for this fight, he’s a tough fighter, I’ve watched all his fights, he’s a complete athlete, dangerous, much experienced on the octagon, he know how to move in there, he know how to get rid of bad situations, so it’s the right time for me to win this fight.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Brothers fighting in Strikeforce grand prix? Too soon to tell, say Overeems

Brother vs. brother is one fight several major promotions have tried – and failed – to put together. It's an easy sell on the business side, but not so much for the family involved. Plus, there's often a weight class or two between siblings.

Still, there have been a few willing participants. The most popular example to American MMA fans is Ken Shamrock vs. Frank Shamrock, who were raised by the same adoptive father but aren't related by blood. The matchup fizzled when the two sides couldn't come to terms on the particulars of a fight contract.

Strikeforce could be the first promotion to get brother vs. brother done, and it looks like they've got two willing participants if the stars correctly align: Strikeforce heavyweight champion and heavyweight grand-prix competitor Alistair Overeem and his older brother, possible tourney alternate Valentijn Overeem.

The brothers say they'll get in the cage if the tournament format dictates they do so and if the fans want to see it. But there are many variables that stand in the way of the potential bout.

The older Overeem earned an alternate slot in the promotion's eight-man tournament with a victory over Ray Sefo this past Saturday at "Strikeforce and M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Silva."

That potentially could put him in the path of his younger brother. While he expressed reservations about making the fight for a run-of-the-mill Strikeforce card, the tournament might be a different story.

"If I get thrown in the tournament, which I hope, and win the fights and he wins the fights, it's inevitable, I guess," Valentijn said.

At the same time, he downplayed its likelihood.

"It's far away still," Valentijn said. "I wouldn't go as far as saying it would happen. It might happen. If it happened, we're going to keep it exciting. We just have to wait and see what happens."

The younger Overeem didn't seem as cautious. Asked whether he could fight his brother the same way he did an ordinary opponent, Alistair said it would be no different.

"For me, I'm a professional ... in the ring, a cage or a fight," he said. "Like my brother said, it's far away, but I'm a professional. If [fans] want to see that fight and they pay money for a ticket, you give them what they want. I mean, we fight every day in the gym, and he kicked my ass several – more than several – times."

Could it be that Alistair is looking for a little payback for all those childhood noogies? Even if that's the case, he must first defeat Fabricio Werdum in the quarterfinals of the heavyweight grand prix, which takes place April 9 at a date and location to be announced. Werdum owns a submission win over him four years prior and has promised the result will be the same.

Strikeforce CEO Coker added that the Strikeforce tournament committee, which is headed by Strikeforce rules director Cory Schafer, ultimately will decide who among the three tournament alternates victorious this past Saturday. Overeem, Chad Griggs ot Shane Del Rosario gets a call to participate if one of the six remaining regulars is unable to compete. Additionally, the executive cleared the way for Fedor Emelianenko to step in if he decides not to retire.

So it's a long shot, to say the least.

"I think that would be really tough," said Coker of Overeem vs. Overeem. "I'm sure they've had their rumbles growing up, but I think we should keep that in the house and not in the cage. So, I think that would be a last resort."

For his part, older brother Valentijn said he's let go of any sibling rivalry.

"That was a long time ago," he said.

 

[SLRider510]

‘Feijão’ working his boxing, not wrestling, to beat Dan Henderson

Strikeforce’s champion on the light heavyweight division, Rafael Feijão hosted TATAME TV at X-Gym and chatted about his first title defense on the United States, against the former champion of Pride, Dan Henderson, and revealed he doesn’t have focused much on his Wrestling, his opponent’s strong point. “The trainings are pretty hard, it’s a huge team. I don’t train much Wrestling... I train some specific Wrestling positions and I take classes once in a while, but I can’t play Wrestling a lot. I’ve trained for four months, but when it’s close to the fight I rather focus on what I’m best”, said Rafael, who’s talked about the American’s striking, commented the fight between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort and pointed out his favorite fighters on Strikeforce’s heavyweight GP, and a lot more.

What are the expectations for this fight?

The trainings are pretty hard, with coach Erivan, today we did some Boxing prep, it’s a phenomenon the guys who are here: Anderson, Minotouro, Roberto Corvo, Erik Silva, Jaca… It’s a huge group and everybody’s in shape, we’ve trained a lot for this fight. Thanks God, everybody had their fights scheduled near each other, so we could help each other more, because we are our own sparrings, so as everybody’s on a good shape, we all push each other and the ones who weren’t prepared had to train even harder.

You’ve trained your guard just now, escaped from the grid… How you’re preparing yourself for the Wrestling game he’ll try to bring you to?

This training is not specific for this fight, usually do this training of attacking and defending on the grid. I don’t train much Wrestling... I train some specific Wrestling positions and I take classes once in a while, but I can’t play Wrestling a lot. I’ve trained for four months, but when it’s close to the fight you can get injured and I rather focus on what I’m best: Boxing, Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu.

He’s also a good striker too, his right hand has taken many down, including on his last fight, against Babalu. How do you see his striking skills?

Exactly. I consider him to be a very dangerous guy, for me it’s an honor to be fighting a guy of his level. I’m living my dream, step by step, without disrespecting anyone. Thanks God I’m making some space for myself. I’ll be much prepared for this fight, he’s a tough fighter, I’ve watched all his fights, he’s a complete athlete, dangerous, much experienced on the octagon, he know how to move in there, he know how to get rid of bad situations, so it’s the right time for me to win this fight.

his boxing looks like shit..... hows that trainer letting him keep his hands that low? wtf

 

[Shogun Locc]

Ex-UFC welterweight Jeremy Jackson gets 25-years-to-life sentence

A Ventura County, Calif. judge today sentenced ex-UFC welterweight and "The Ultimate Fighter 4" cast member Jeremy Jackson to 25 years to life for sexual assault.

Jackson, 28, pleaded guilty in 2010 to charges that he raped his ex-girlfriend during an attempted burglary.

He was arrested in June 2008 and charged with seven felony offenses, including two counts of forcible rape. He has sat in a Ventura County jail since his arrest.

According to a report issued today by the "Ventura County Star," Jackson pleaded guilty to the charges against the advice of his lawyers following a three-week trial.

"He just got broken down," Jackson lawyer Russell Baker told the newspaper.

The Ventura County Star report added that a female juror asked to make a statement during sentencing but was denied by the judge. Afterward, the juror told the newspaper that she feels Jackson is innocent and pleaded guilty only out of a desire to end the trial.

"I really felt the defendant was innocent," she said.

Ventura county prosecutor Thomas Dunlevy said Jackson could have faced a sentence of 60 years to life and said there was ample evidence to convict him of his crimes, including surveillance footage and a recorded call between Jackson and his ex-girlfriend in which the fighter admits to planning the attack.

Jackson's appearance on "TUF 4," a special "Comeback" season of the reality show that featured ex-UFC fighters, was short-lived. UFC President Dana White kicked him off the reality show after he violated rules by leaving the fighter house to meet a woman.

He was invited back to fight on the season finale and suffered a neck injury in a submission loss to Pete Spratt.

Since that fight in November of 2006, Jackson (9-5) fought just once and won a Total Combat match in March 2007.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Newcomer Weidman likely replaces Natal, meets Sakara at UFC on Versus 3

Promotional newcomer Chris Weidman (4-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is expected to replace injured Rafael Natal (12-3-1 MMA, 0-1-1 UFC) and meet fellow middleweight Alessio Sakara (15-7 MMA, 6-4 UFC) at next month's UFC on Versus 3 event.

News of the change first came from HeavyMMA.com following the initial injury report (knee) from Versus.com.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) confirmed with a source close to the event that the bout is expected but not finalized.

UFC on Versus 3 takes place March 3 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky. It's not known if Sakara vs. Weidman will retain its spot on the Versus-televised main card.

Sakara initially was slated to fight Maiquel Falcao and then Natal before the Weidman booking.

Sakara is anxious to get back in the cage and hopes to extend a recent three-fight win streak. With a bit of a career resurgence, the Italian striker has posted knockout wins over Joe Vedepo and James Irvin and a split-decision win over Thales Leites. Due to a mixture of scratched bouts, injuries and a family death, the UFC on Versus 3 bout will be just the third Sakara has had in the past 19 months.

Weidman is just two years into his pro MMA career, which has spent exclusively with the popular Northeast-based Ring of Combat organization. A two-time Division I All-American wrestler at Hofstra University, the native New Yorker owns a perfect 4-0 record that includes two knockout wins and a submission victory.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Scott Jorgensen vs. Ken Stone Added to TUF 13 Finale Show in June

Scott Jorgensen will look to get back on the path to the top of the bantamweight division when he faces Ken Stone at the upcoming “Ultimate Fighter” 13 finale show in June.

The bantamweight bout is the latest edition to the growing card taking place on June 4 in Las Vegas. Sources close to the negotiations confirmed the fight to MMAWeekly.com on Monday. Heavy.com initially reported the booking.

Jorgensen (11-4) returns to action for the first time since suffering a loss to UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz last December. The Idaho native was riding a 5-fight win streak before falling to the current title holder at 135lbs.

Ken Stone (9-2) will definitely try to make more out of his UFC debut than he did his WEC debut when he gets back in the cage in June. Stone suffered a vicious knockout loss to former WEC champion Eddie Wineland in December during his first fight with the promotion.

There has been no official announcement about the June 4 card, but it is expected to be headed up by former WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis against Clay Guida in the main event.

 

[heyzel]

his boxing looks like shit..... hows that trainer letting him keep his hands that low? wtf

that boxing trainer is trying to get him ktfo lol

 

[B-Buzz]

Newcomer Weidman likely replaces Natal, meets Sakara at UFC on Versus 3

I heard about this guy last week when Gian Villante brought him on Helwani's show. He beat Bader and Phil Davis in college wrestling and lost by points to Galvao in 09's ADCC. Think he'll grapplefuck Sakara

 

[Shogun Locc]

I heard about this guy last week when Gian Villante brought him on Helwani's show. He beat Bader and Phil Davis in college wrestling and lost by points to Galvao in 09's ADCC. Think he'll grapplefuck Sakara

Really This could be interesting

 

[Shogun Locc]

Cristiano Marcello: “My plan is the same as always, I will be looking for the knockout or the submission.”

Ask any knowledgeable fan of Mixed Martial Arts about the famed Chute Boxe Academy and the response is almost guaranteed to touch on the Brazilian camp’s reputation for producing fearless, ferocious fighters who in many cases have gone on to be considered among the sport’s best – names like Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Wanderlei Silva for example.

One of the key components involved in Chute Boxe’s rise to glory was BJJ expert, and trainer, Cristiano Marcello. Marcello, who has since founded his own center called the CM System, first came to Chute Boxe in 2000 in hopes of improving his own Muay Thai and ended up staying on as a contracted coach after impressing chief trainer Rudimar Fedrigo.

Beyond teaching, Marcello has also translated his knowledge into the ring with an overall record of 11-3 and a trio of victories in 2010. Set for action against Oriol Gaset on February 19 in Brusque, Brazil as part of an event promoted by Nitrix, Marcello recently spoke with Five Ounces of Pain about his time with Chute Boxe, his current status, his interest in helping out at-risk children in Curitiba, a notorious backstage confrontation at a PRIDE event in 2005 which left Charles Bennett sleeping as the result of a Triangle Choke, as well as a number of other topics.

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Five Ounces of Pain: You came to mainstream attention due to your work with a number of notable students at Chute Boxe. How did you first come to be involved with Chute Boxe and fighting in general?

Cristiano Marcello: I started training Jiu-Jitsu in 1989 in my town in Rio de Janeiro with Cesar Guimarães. I stayed two years with him before I started training at Gracie Tijuca Academy. I divided my time between Gracie Tijuca and Gracie Humaita with Royler Gracie. In 1995 I went to train in Los Angeles where I lived with Rickson (Gracie) and trained with him for three years. After that I came back to Brazil, started training with Royler again, and in 1998 I had my first fights. I participated in two tournaments where I had to fight two times in one night. I won them both.

In 2000 I talked to Jorge Guimarães and asked him about Muay Thai. He told me the best place to train Muay Thai in Brazil was in Curitiba, so he hooked me up with Chute Boxe. I got here and came to only train for a month and a half, but Rudimar liked my style and the way I taught. As Chute Boxe at the time did not have a Jiu-Jitsu coach they contracted me. So at 23 years old I was in the corner of the best in the world. Before I went to Chute Boxe the way things worked was they would have to go to Jiu-Jitsu gyms and have closed door training. Everyone was scared to go and train with the guys. I was the only guy who, for lack of a better term, passed all their tests and had the aggressiveness that they were looking for in a coach.

5OZ: Are you able to share a “behind the scenes” story from Chute Boxe people may find funny or insightful? For example, a particularly memorable training session or any moment that stands out in your mind from your time there.

Marcello: “Pele” (Jose Landi-Jons) had left the gym and I already had a problem with the Jiu-Jitsu teacher from his gym, a black belt named Pelucio, who was about 210 pounds. And I don’t know why, but one day Pele went to the gym with about eight or nine other guys to talk to Rafael Cordeiro so we could resolve the problem. Rafael told me and I went and changed into shorts. Me, Rafael, Nadim Andraus, Jorge Patino, and Roberto Piccinini went to Barigui Park to resolve the problem like we used to in Brazil – man to man. So each side called a friend from the police here, to make sure that everything would be fair and go down smoothly. When we got to the park we had a fight, he took me down I was able to get back up, we traded some punches, I was able to get his back, standing, and I got the Rear Naked Choke and put him to sleep. And after that day, all the problems between Chute Boxe and Pele’s team were resolved.

5OZ: You have since moved on and opened your own training center called The CM System. What is your philosophy and focus there? Are there any fighters in particular coming out of your Gym fans should keep an eye on?

Marcello: The philosophy of my gym is to be professional in every way. Between the training, the way we eat, and the focus in living this life not for the glamor. It should be like a job to support your family and reach your dreams. The other focus is to make you a champion with technique and aggressiveness not only to win the fight, but to make a great show for the public.

It’s hard to speak about only a few guys because we are a very new gym that has only been around for a year and eight months. Our gym already has 318 fights in this short amount of time and 90 percent of those fights have been victories. Some guys to watch are Mario Soldado Sartori, Bruno Carvalho, Diego Davilla, Naldo Silva, and Marco Antonio Santana among many others. We have 40 professional fighters under our banner at the moment.

5OZ: Beyond being a teacher you also compete and even went 3-1 in 2010 after a three-year break from fighting. Why the layoff from action and how has it been returning to the ring?

Marcello: I had to focus on teaching at Chute Boxe at the time, and when I left and created my own team it took a lot of attention and dedication to get it off the ground. I never stopped training and during this time I had some boxing and Muay Thai fights. It felt amazing to be able to come back and thank God they have been big victories which have helped to open doors for my team.

5OZ: You fought on December 4 in Brazil and then on December 8 in Jordan (both first round wins). Can you explain exactly how difficult it must have been to not only have two fights so close together but in locations more than 6500 miles apart?

Marcello: Before these last two fights there was a big judging error in my second fight after my comeback that ended up giving the victory to my opponent which for sure put a damper on the plans I had for my comeback.

I thought it necessary to do something to show everyone that the ref was wrong in that fight and to erase the history of that fight in the eyes of the public and for myself. So I accepted the challenge to take on two fights in four days time. In the first fight I was able to submit my opponent a minute and twenty seconds into the first round, and the second fight in Jordan I was able to submit my opponent two minutes and twenty seconds into the second round. It was a great experience for me, but not so difficult because I had already had two fights in one night where it was Vale Tudo rules.

5OZ: Your next bout is on February 19 on a Nitrix event in Brazil against Oriol Gaset for the lightweight belt. What do you know about Gaset and how will you be approaching the fight?

Marcello: I know that he has about 16 or 17 fights. He’s a guy who has a name in Europe, a complete fighter. My plan is the same as always, I will be looking for the knockout or the submission. My strategy is this – I’m prepared for any situation and something that is really motivating me for this fight is that it will be for the 155-pound title.

5OZ: You are also very active in your community as far as helping at-risk children. Why are you passionate about that particular cause? What can you tell us about your program? Is there a website where people can learn more about how to help?

Marcello: I think everyone in the world expects a lot. If everyone did a little bit for themselves, to visit a public hospital, an orphanage, a place likes this, you’re already doing something. Something that we do here is we have a big class where all the participants must bring food, and then I’ll go to an orphanage or a place that needs it and we donate what we can.

There is always a way to help and it’s not everyone who has money to do so. If you have the will to do it, there are many ways that things can be done, not only by donating money. I don’t have a website, because this is something that in reality I didn’t even know people outside of here knew about. It is something that I do out of my heart that doesn’t really get to much media attention, but if anyone would like to help you can send me an email at “[email protected]”.

5OZ: Finally, your backstage Triangle Choke of Charles Bennett at a PRIDE event in 2005 is legendary in the MMA community. From your perspective, what exactly happened that lead to the confrontation? What are your current thoughts on Bennett?

Marcello: Basically he’s the type of guy who doesn’t have respect. If you look at his career it’s easy to understand what I’m talking about. I don’t believe he carries himself like an athlete. Where I’m from there only two ways to deal with that situation – you walk away or you confront the problem, and I chose the second option that day. I didn’t have any problem with him. For me the whole situation ended after that day in Japan. But I don’t believe that he the right to open his mouth about Wanderlei who is a great friend of mine. If his story was true it’s one thing, but he’s just living off of the fame of something that never happened.

5OZ: Is that a fight you would like to see eventually made official to resolve things in a ring even though Bennett has lost three of his last four fights?

Marcello: Look, for me basically him as an athlete is something that is not interesting. There are many more athletes that would be more interesting fights. The opposite of him, I’m coming off of four great fights and am about to have one for the belt. For me it would be more interesting to fight with people who will help my career as an athlete grow. But if the interest is there from the public to see it happen, I’m a professional and I would love to make it happen.

5OZ: Anything else you’d like to add?

Marcello: Thanks for the opportunity to speak my mind. I want to give a big thank you to my manager Alchemist and if anyone wants anymore info you can contact me through my Facebook or the CM System page.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Charlie Rader added to Ultimate Fighter 13 cast

New Orleans native Charlie Rader will look to continue his current win streak starting next month on Spike TV as part of the newest season of TUF. The 13-3 Rader has emerged victorious his last four fights including a pair of TKO finishes inside the Bellator cage.

Five Ounces of Pain was able to confirm Rader’s spot among the group of Ultimate Fighter Season 13 competitors with a source possessing direct knowledge of the welterweight’s current status.

The 28-year old last fought in October, scoring a second-round knockout of Andy Ulrich at an Empire Fighting Championships event. Eleven of Rader’s thirteen total wins have come as a result of rendering his opponents defenseless from strikes.

TUF 13 debuts on March 30 and will feature fourteen 170-pounders, minus past seasons’ elimination round, fighting for the honor of becoming the UFC’s next Ultimate Fighter.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Battle of welterweight prospects to headline Matrix Fights IV with Martinez vs. Wing

Philadelphia, PA — One of the biggest local fights in Philadelphia combat sports history is now set to go down on Friday, April 22 when welterweights Chris “Redline” Wing (2-0) and Jesus Martinez (5-0) headline Matrix Fights IV (www.MatrixFights.com) at the Sheet Metal Worker’s Union Hall in South Philadelphia.

“The MMA community in Philadelphia was already buzzing about this fight before the contracts had even been signed,” said Matrix Fights promoter Jimmy Binns Jr. “Since MMA was sanctioned in Pennsylvania, the area has seen some great fights featuring local fighters taking on someone from outside the area. But as far as a matchup between two area fighters going head-to-head, there hasn’t been a bigger fight than the one we’re going to put on April 22 featuring Chris and Jesus.”

Both Wing and Martinez are viewed by many area pundits as the two fastest rising prospects from the Tri-State area in their respective weight class. The outcome of their fight will go a long way towards catapulting one of the fighters closer towards landing a multi-fight contract with a major national promotion.

“Two years from now, Jesus Martinez vs. Chris Wing is a fight you could easily end up seeing on a UFC, Strikeforce, or Bellator event,” said Matrix Fights President Phil Migliarese. “However, in typical Philly fighter fashion, neither Jesus or Chris are backing down from a tough fight despite it coming so early in their respective careers. Philadelphia-area fight fans won’t have to wait for the future to see these two guys fight because on April 22, the future becomes the present.”

Wing has generated a great deal of buzz on the Internet, thanks in large part to a series of successful YouTube videos designed to highlight his electric brand of fighting. After compiling an impressive 8-2 record against the top amateur competition in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania regions, Wing turned pro this past June and knocked out Judo black belt Giedrius Karavackas at 2:14 of round 2. Several months later, Karavackas would go on to win the Bellator Fighting Championships regional tryouts held at Daddis Fight Camps in Philadelphia.

In his second pro fight, Wing required just 1:20 of round 1 to knock out Yusef Yoldas in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Chris is a real good opponent but inexperienced,” said Martinez. “He’s 2-0 but he hasn’t really anybody yet. I’ll be a strong test for him on April 22.”

Martinez is correct in his assertion that when Wing steps into the cage on April 22, he will be facing his toughest competition to date. A former Combat in the Cage middleweight champion, the multi-skilled Martinez went 4-1 while competing under advanced amateur rules in the state of Delaware.

One of the area’s most popular fighters, Martinez has built his record to 5-0 and has also competed for the nationally recognized King of the Cage promotion. Matched up with Cape Cod Fighting Alliance product Chip Pollard, Martinez improved his national profile at “King of the Cage: No Mercy” in Connecticut on Sept. 17 when he recorded a dominant decision victory en route to recording scores of 30-26, 30-25, and 30-24 on all three judges scorecards.

“People are saying that this is the biggest test for me yet. Wrong. I’m biggest test Martinez has ever had,” stated Wing. “He’s never fought anyone like me. Check my record on MixedMartialArts.com. There are NO ‘T’s’ in front of my KO’s. When I hit you I don’t hurt you — I cripple you.”

Also signed for Matrix Fights IV is a heavyweight showdown between fast-rising heavyweight prospect Azunna “Zu” Anyanwu (2-0) and Bellator Fighting Championships veteran Greg Maynard (3-2). Anyanwu trains out of Daddis Fight Camps in Philadelphia and just recently won his second pro fight at a Locked in the Cage event this past Friday, needing just 1:04 of round 1 to knock out Corey Mullis. Anyanwu, who spent part of his training camp in Dallas, TX getting ready for the fight by training with former NCAA heavyweight standout Jared “Big Show” Rosholt and other members of Team Takedown, will face his toughest test to date against Maynard. In addition to competing for Bellator, Maynard most recently challenged another rising heavyweight prospect, Stipe Miocic, for the NAAFS heavyweight title. He also holds a notable victory over long-time MMA veteran Jonathan Ivey.

Additional matchups for the event will be announced in the coming days. For additional information pertaining to Matrix Fights IV, please visit www.MatrixFights.com or become a fan of Matrix Fights on Facebook (search: Matrix Fights). Tickets for the event are expected to go on-sale soon.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Matt Horwich facing Danillo Villefort at Shark Fights 14

Shark Fights will look to build off the success of their biggest show to date next month when Shark Fights 14 goes down at the Fair Park Coliseum in Lubbock, Texas. However, though the company has yet to announce an official line-up, it looks like at least one bout is in place for the March 11 event.

According to middleweight grappler Matt Horwich by way of Facebook, he will attempt to end 27-year old Brazilian Danillo Villefort‘s current three-fight win streak on the main card with the match-up being shown live as part of a HDNet broadcast.

The 26-17-1 Horwich is coming off a TKO win over highly-decorated amateur wrestler Jake Rosholt this past November. Prior to the strike-based success “Suave” had gone 1-1 with a split decision loss in Bellator to Eric Schambari and submission win over former UFC title-contender Thales Leites.

The fight will be Villefort’s second under the Shark Fights banner with a unanimous decision win over respected veteran Joey Villasenor last September at Shark Fights 13. The American Top Team product is 12-3 including eight wins in his last nine fights. He has yet to be tapped in his career while twenty of Horwich’s total victories have come by way of submission.