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Belfort prods Anderson and speaks of Wand: “Nobody’s running”
In an interview posted today on Brazilian website IG.com.br, Vitor Belfort spoke openly about the past and the future. First, he commented on his knockout loss at UFC 126 with inspired statements like “It was as though Anderson had thrown a dollar on the roulette wheel and won a million.” Vitor also remarked on Anderson’s attitude during the fight, saying the champion acted silly at times.
Speaking of upcoming challenges, Vitor was even more scathing, responding to a question regarding Wanderlei Silva. “When the time comes, there will be nowhere to run. Nobody’s running from anyone. I just don’t want to wait till UFC Rio (in August) to fight again.”
In an interview posted today on Brazilian website IG.com.br, Vitor Belfort spoke openly about the past and the future. First, he commented on his knockout loss at UFC 126 with inspired statements like “It was as though Anderson had thrown a dollar on the roulette wheel and won a million.” Vitor also remarked on Anderson’s attitude during the fight, saying the champion acted silly at times.
Speaking of upcoming challenges, Vitor was even more scathing, responding to a question regarding Wanderlei Silva. “When the time comes, there will be nowhere to run. Nobody’s running from anyone. I just don’t want to wait till UFC Rio (in August) to fight again.”
Lineker Wins Bantam GP, Marcello Claims 155 Crown at Nitrix 6
BRUSQUE, Brazil -- Saturday night in the southern Brazilian city of Brusque, it was a little-known underdog that conquered Nitrix Fight's bantamweight tournament: his name is John Lineker.
Southern Brazil's top promotion returned with its sixth major installment at the Brusque Multiuse Arena. Before a crowd of nearly 2000 locals, Lineker emerged as one of the country's top young 135-pounders, smashing both Alessandro "Lenhador" Cordeiro and Diego D'Avila to take the four-man, one-night tournament featuring the region's top bantamweights.
The 20-year-old Lineker, a product of the Emporium team in the port city of Paranagua, got off to a fast start on the night with an impressive knockout of Cordeiro. Despite being a training partner of one of the country's best kickboxers Vitor Miranda, "Lenhador" couldn't match Lineker in the striking department, as he was dropped badly in the first round. Lineker, aptly nicknamed "Hands of Stone," followed up with five brutal shots that knocked his foe unconscious at 3:44 of the opening frame, and clearing his path to the finals.
On the other side of the tournament, upset reigned.
It was expected that the tournament finals would be a rematch between Lineker and the highly-touted Rafael Silva, with "Morcego" having previously defeated Lineker by unanimous decision in December 2009. However, despite being considered the heavy tournament favorite, Silva was shocked in his opening bout against Diego D'Avila, a tough Manaus native who has spent the last year training out of Cristiano Marcello's CM System.
With superior stand-up and takedowns, "Morcego" was giving D'Avila all he could handle early on. However, as Silva, a training partner of Thiago Tavares, punished D'Avila from guard, he was surprised by a sudden armbar attempt from his battered foe. At 4:33 of the first round, "Morcego" was forced to tap, and D'Avila triumphed.
In the final, however, there was no comparison. Lineker avoided all of the takedown attempts from the less experienced D'Avila, and punished him badly on the feet. Lineker won each round in one-sided fashion, sprawling and brawling en route to a unanimous decision and the Nitrix bantamweight crown.
With six wins in 2010, the young Lineker has now won eight straight bouts. Even with the upset outcome, locals will surely crave a Lineker-"Morcego" rematch even more in the coming months.
Marcello Takes Lightweight Title Against Gritty Gaset
In his third fight in the last three months, CM System leader Cristiano Marcello captured the Nitrix lightweight title. However, his Spanish foe Oriol Gaset didn't make it easy on the former Chute Boxe jiu-jitsu coach.
Supported by his local fanbase, Marcello dominated the first two periods. After gaining an advantage in the punching exchanges, the Brazilian took his opponent down, mounted him, took his back, and almost finished the fight with a rear-naked choke. The second round was more competitive for the Spaniard, but Marcello was still able to land on the feet and on the floor to earn the round.
However, in the third round, the British-based Spaniard -- a teammate of Terry Etim, Paul Sass, Paul Kelly and others at Team Kaobon -- took total control of the stand-up. A tired Marcello simply moved away, as the cheers turned to boos.
After 15 minutes, judges Guilherme Doni and Flavio Batavo saw the fight 29-28 for Marcello, while Beto Jablonski scored the bout a 29-29 draw, giving Marcello the majority decision win.
"People in Brazil like to say I always get easy fights. There are no easy fights anymore," Marcello said after the buot. "The French guy I faced in Jordan was really tough and Oriol was also very tough. It was definitely not easy to win this belt and I'll train even harder to keep it at CM System."
Hot Prospects Carvalho, Galvao Deliver the Goods
While his master Marcello triumphed, CM System's real star of the night was kickboxing convert Bruno Carvalho.
Already considered Brazil's best lightweight striker, Carvalho destroyed an overmatched Sebastian de Oliveira Jr.. Carvalho needed just 60 seconds flat to hit Oliveira's chin with an uppercut that left "Junior" on his knees unconscious. With the win, Carvalho moves his MMA record to 5-1 in his young career.
More even was the 185-pound challenge between the most popular local fighter, Gilberto Galvao and tough vet Marcelo Brito. Galvao and Brito exchanged punches and takedowns over three rounds, with "Giba" better in the first, and Brito evening the score in the second round.
While the third and final round was even and competitive, Brito looked exhausted, and a late salvo from Galvao was enough to earn the unanimous decision, 29-28 across the board.
Another Catarinense middleweight, Ivan "Batman" Jorge, got back on the winning side with a first-round anaconda choke of previously unbeaten Belem native Marcio "Jacarezinho" Castanheira, earning the tap at 4:32 of the first round.
In welterweight action, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua training partner Marcio "Gracinha" Cesar easily took down late replacement Elder Lara and submitted him with a kimura, earning the tap at 3:24 of the first round, while Chute Boxe's Leonardo "Macarrao" Mafra punched out Geverson Bergamo at 3:53 of the first round.
BRUSQUE, Brazil -- Saturday night in the southern Brazilian city of Brusque, it was a little-known underdog that conquered Nitrix Fight's bantamweight tournament: his name is John Lineker.
Southern Brazil's top promotion returned with its sixth major installment at the Brusque Multiuse Arena. Before a crowd of nearly 2000 locals, Lineker emerged as one of the country's top young 135-pounders, smashing both Alessandro "Lenhador" Cordeiro and Diego D'Avila to take the four-man, one-night tournament featuring the region's top bantamweights.
The 20-year-old Lineker, a product of the Emporium team in the port city of Paranagua, got off to a fast start on the night with an impressive knockout of Cordeiro. Despite being a training partner of one of the country's best kickboxers Vitor Miranda, "Lenhador" couldn't match Lineker in the striking department, as he was dropped badly in the first round. Lineker, aptly nicknamed "Hands of Stone," followed up with five brutal shots that knocked his foe unconscious at 3:44 of the opening frame, and clearing his path to the finals.
On the other side of the tournament, upset reigned.
It was expected that the tournament finals would be a rematch between Lineker and the highly-touted Rafael Silva, with "Morcego" having previously defeated Lineker by unanimous decision in December 2009. However, despite being considered the heavy tournament favorite, Silva was shocked in his opening bout against Diego D'Avila, a tough Manaus native who has spent the last year training out of Cristiano Marcello's CM System.
With superior stand-up and takedowns, "Morcego" was giving D'Avila all he could handle early on. However, as Silva, a training partner of Thiago Tavares, punished D'Avila from guard, he was surprised by a sudden armbar attempt from his battered foe. At 4:33 of the first round, "Morcego" was forced to tap, and D'Avila triumphed.
In the final, however, there was no comparison. Lineker avoided all of the takedown attempts from the less experienced D'Avila, and punished him badly on the feet. Lineker won each round in one-sided fashion, sprawling and brawling en route to a unanimous decision and the Nitrix bantamweight crown.
With six wins in 2010, the young Lineker has now won eight straight bouts. Even with the upset outcome, locals will surely crave a Lineker-"Morcego" rematch even more in the coming months.
Marcello Takes Lightweight Title Against Gritty Gaset
In his third fight in the last three months, CM System leader Cristiano Marcello captured the Nitrix lightweight title. However, his Spanish foe Oriol Gaset didn't make it easy on the former Chute Boxe jiu-jitsu coach.
Supported by his local fanbase, Marcello dominated the first two periods. After gaining an advantage in the punching exchanges, the Brazilian took his opponent down, mounted him, took his back, and almost finished the fight with a rear-naked choke. The second round was more competitive for the Spaniard, but Marcello was still able to land on the feet and on the floor to earn the round.
However, in the third round, the British-based Spaniard -- a teammate of Terry Etim, Paul Sass, Paul Kelly and others at Team Kaobon -- took total control of the stand-up. A tired Marcello simply moved away, as the cheers turned to boos.
After 15 minutes, judges Guilherme Doni and Flavio Batavo saw the fight 29-28 for Marcello, while Beto Jablonski scored the bout a 29-29 draw, giving Marcello the majority decision win.
"People in Brazil like to say I always get easy fights. There are no easy fights anymore," Marcello said after the buot. "The French guy I faced in Jordan was really tough and Oriol was also very tough. It was definitely not easy to win this belt and I'll train even harder to keep it at CM System."
Hot Prospects Carvalho, Galvao Deliver the Goods
While his master Marcello triumphed, CM System's real star of the night was kickboxing convert Bruno Carvalho.
Already considered Brazil's best lightweight striker, Carvalho destroyed an overmatched Sebastian de Oliveira Jr.. Carvalho needed just 60 seconds flat to hit Oliveira's chin with an uppercut that left "Junior" on his knees unconscious. With the win, Carvalho moves his MMA record to 5-1 in his young career.
More even was the 185-pound challenge between the most popular local fighter, Gilberto Galvao and tough vet Marcelo Brito. Galvao and Brito exchanged punches and takedowns over three rounds, with "Giba" better in the first, and Brito evening the score in the second round.
While the third and final round was even and competitive, Brito looked exhausted, and a late salvo from Galvao was enough to earn the unanimous decision, 29-28 across the board.
Another Catarinense middleweight, Ivan "Batman" Jorge, got back on the winning side with a first-round anaconda choke of previously unbeaten Belem native Marcio "Jacarezinho" Castanheira, earning the tap at 4:32 of the first round.
In welterweight action, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua training partner Marcio "Gracinha" Cesar easily took down late replacement Elder Lara and submitted him with a kimura, earning the tap at 3:24 of the first round, while Chute Boxe's Leonardo "Macarrao" Mafra punched out Geverson Bergamo at 3:53 of the first round.
UFC Fight Night 24: Dan Hardy Wants GSP & Condit Again, But Eyes AJ
To say 2010 was disappointing for Dan Hardy would be an understatement.
The British banger failed in his attempt to wrest the UFC welterweight championship belt from around the waist of Georges St-Pierre. He then, admittedly overconfident and cocky, was summarily knocked out by Top 10 fighter Carlos Condit later in the year.
As would be expected, Hardy wants another shot at both. Against St-Pierre, it’s more or less the want for an opportunity to prove that he can be the fighter to beat one of the all-time greatest champions in the sport’s history. The rift with Condit takes a much different path. He just plain doesn’t like Condit and wants to beat him down.
Neither, however, is on his immediate radar.
That position is held for Anthony Johnson, a fighter that Hardy considers a friend, but still the man that he is burdened with defeating at UFC Fight Night 24 on March 26 in Seattle.
As much as Hardy wants to make up the losses of 2010, he knows that he can’t afford to look past Johnson. He’s been training hard, trying to shore up his deficiencies… namely his wrestling and ground game.
To say 2010 was disappointing for Dan Hardy would be an understatement.
The British banger failed in his attempt to wrest the UFC welterweight championship belt from around the waist of Georges St-Pierre. He then, admittedly overconfident and cocky, was summarily knocked out by Top 10 fighter Carlos Condit later in the year.
As would be expected, Hardy wants another shot at both. Against St-Pierre, it’s more or less the want for an opportunity to prove that he can be the fighter to beat one of the all-time greatest champions in the sport’s history. The rift with Condit takes a much different path. He just plain doesn’t like Condit and wants to beat him down.
Neither, however, is on his immediate radar.
That position is held for Anthony Johnson, a fighter that Hardy considers a friend, but still the man that he is burdened with defeating at UFC Fight Night 24 on March 26 in Seattle.
As much as Hardy wants to make up the losses of 2010, he knows that he can’t afford to look past Johnson. He’s been training hard, trying to shore up his deficiencies… namely his wrestling and ground game.
UFC 127: Cool, Calm and Collected, Kyle Noke Fighting With Renewed Enthusiasm
If you listen to Kyle Noke speak about his life and what role MMA plays in it, you get the feeling that he is one of the most laid back fighters in the sport. He takes everything in stride, not letting the bright lights of the UFC consume him.
At UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch, Noke will be fighting in front of his fellow countryman as the UFC will make its second trip down under. His opponent, Chris Camozzi, will be waiting for him, prepped and ready to spoil his homecoming. But do you think that matters to a guy like Kyle Noke? Do you think the thought of Camozzi beating him in front of other Australians is something that circles his consciousness, weighing him down and taking focus away from the actual fight night.
Have a conversation with the man and you won’t think any of those things for a minute.
The thing about Noke is that he has been in the fight game for quite some time – nine years, to be exact. He has done the pre-fight preparation several times over for many organizations across the world. Simply put, he knows how to handle the pressure of fighting and is able to balance the emotion that stems from performing at a high level.
Even stepping on the big stage in front of his home crowd is something he looks at nonchalantly.
“To me, it’s just another fight,” Noke said on MMA Weekly Radio. “I’m taking it as any other fight. I’m sure once the fight is over, I’ll realize that I’ve just fought in my home country.”
The UFC – considered by most to be the elite mixed martial arts organization in the world – is the biggest break Noke has come across in his career. Prior to landing a roster spot with the Las Vegas-based promotion, Noke’s biggest challenge came when he faced Hector Lombard at Cage Fighting Championships in 2007. If you can say anything about Noke, it’s that he is the last person to prevent Lombard from collecting a win in an MMA fight. Of course, he didn’t defeat Lombard, only fought him to a draw, but no one else has done that to the current Bellator middleweight champion since.
Noke made his way to the UFC via the organization’s popular reality show, “The Ultimate Fighter.” Through that experience, the Australian fighter gained more than a place within the Zuffa brand. Noke found his stride and a renewed faith in the sport that he has been competing in for the last near decade.
It is the big break that he has been waiting for all this time.
“I’ve been fighting for a while… without any big breaks,” he said about fighting on TUF. “And then just being on the show gave me that big break and just renewed my enthusiasm in the sport.”
His UFC 127 opponent is someone that has walked a very similar path to Noke since his season of the The Ultimate Fighter. Chris Camozzi was on the same season of the reality show, but was forced to bow out due to a broken jaw suffered in his preliminary fight, which he won, earning him his spot on the show. If he had not been injured, there might have been a chance these two fighters would have met at some point during the show’s tournament.
The past is the past, however, and a Noke-Camozzi bout is now set to take place on the main card of a pay-per-view. Since the show, Noke has had ample opportunity to learn about his opponent, and that is exactly what he has done. Film and other study tools have been part of Kyle’s preparation for this fight, which gives him the confidence that he’ll perform well against stiff opposition.
“I didn’t know much about him before I got on (The Ultimate Fighter),” Noke said about Camozzi. “I know he was a tough guy and I’ve watched a few of his fights. I know he can take a big shot, so I’m in for a big, tough, long night.”
If you listen to Kyle Noke speak about his life and what role MMA plays in it, you get the feeling that he is one of the most laid back fighters in the sport. He takes everything in stride, not letting the bright lights of the UFC consume him.
At UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch, Noke will be fighting in front of his fellow countryman as the UFC will make its second trip down under. His opponent, Chris Camozzi, will be waiting for him, prepped and ready to spoil his homecoming. But do you think that matters to a guy like Kyle Noke? Do you think the thought of Camozzi beating him in front of other Australians is something that circles his consciousness, weighing him down and taking focus away from the actual fight night.
Have a conversation with the man and you won’t think any of those things for a minute.
The thing about Noke is that he has been in the fight game for quite some time – nine years, to be exact. He has done the pre-fight preparation several times over for many organizations across the world. Simply put, he knows how to handle the pressure of fighting and is able to balance the emotion that stems from performing at a high level.
Even stepping on the big stage in front of his home crowd is something he looks at nonchalantly.
“To me, it’s just another fight,” Noke said on MMA Weekly Radio. “I’m taking it as any other fight. I’m sure once the fight is over, I’ll realize that I’ve just fought in my home country.”
The UFC – considered by most to be the elite mixed martial arts organization in the world – is the biggest break Noke has come across in his career. Prior to landing a roster spot with the Las Vegas-based promotion, Noke’s biggest challenge came when he faced Hector Lombard at Cage Fighting Championships in 2007. If you can say anything about Noke, it’s that he is the last person to prevent Lombard from collecting a win in an MMA fight. Of course, he didn’t defeat Lombard, only fought him to a draw, but no one else has done that to the current Bellator middleweight champion since.
Noke made his way to the UFC via the organization’s popular reality show, “The Ultimate Fighter.” Through that experience, the Australian fighter gained more than a place within the Zuffa brand. Noke found his stride and a renewed faith in the sport that he has been competing in for the last near decade.
It is the big break that he has been waiting for all this time.
“I’ve been fighting for a while… without any big breaks,” he said about fighting on TUF. “And then just being on the show gave me that big break and just renewed my enthusiasm in the sport.”
His UFC 127 opponent is someone that has walked a very similar path to Noke since his season of the The Ultimate Fighter. Chris Camozzi was on the same season of the reality show, but was forced to bow out due to a broken jaw suffered in his preliminary fight, which he won, earning him his spot on the show. If he had not been injured, there might have been a chance these two fighters would have met at some point during the show’s tournament.
The past is the past, however, and a Noke-Camozzi bout is now set to take place on the main card of a pay-per-view. Since the show, Noke has had ample opportunity to learn about his opponent, and that is exactly what he has done. Film and other study tools have been part of Kyle’s preparation for this fight, which gives him the confidence that he’ll perform well against stiff opposition.
“I didn’t know much about him before I got on (The Ultimate Fighter),” Noke said about Camozzi. “I know he was a tough guy and I’ve watched a few of his fights. I know he can take a big shot, so I’m in for a big, tough, long night.”
Antonio McKee Injured, Withdraws From MFC Fight With Drew Fickett
MFC lightweight champion Antonio McKee has been forced out of a planned title defense due to a knee injury, according to Maximum Fighting Championship officials on Saturday night.
McKee had been scheduled to defend his belt against fellow UFC veteran Drew Fickett at MFC 28: Supremacy on Feb. 25 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Fickett (40-13) will remain on the card in a non-title bout against Matt Veach. The fight will be a three-round contest at a catchweight of 160 pounds.
“I’m disappointed not to be facing McKee for the title, but it’s only a matter of time until I get my hands on the MFC lightweight belt,” said Fickett.
Veach (15-2), who will be fighting on the same event as his H.I.T. Squad teammate Robert Washington, has won four straight fights since serving a short stint in the UFC. He was released after going 1-2 in the Octagon, but looks to keep the streak alive against Fickett.
MFC lightweight champion Antonio McKee has been forced out of a planned title defense due to a knee injury, according to Maximum Fighting Championship officials on Saturday night.
McKee had been scheduled to defend his belt against fellow UFC veteran Drew Fickett at MFC 28: Supremacy on Feb. 25 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Fickett (40-13) will remain on the card in a non-title bout against Matt Veach. The fight will be a three-round contest at a catchweight of 160 pounds.
“I’m disappointed not to be facing McKee for the title, but it’s only a matter of time until I get my hands on the MFC lightweight belt,” said Fickett.
Veach (15-2), who will be fighting on the same event as his H.I.T. Squad teammate Robert Washington, has won four straight fights since serving a short stint in the UFC. He was released after going 1-2 in the Octagon, but looks to keep the streak alive against Fickett.
UFC Vet Alvin Robinson Ready To Roll Into Fight To Win Main Event
After years of dealing with nagging shoulder problems and a crisis of confidence, former UFC lightweight Alvin “Kid” Robinson finds himself on the road back, feeling better than ever.
“I feel like I’ve grown everywhere,” he recently told MMAWeekly.com.
Every aspect of Robinson’s game has benefitted from a change of mindset and hard work with some of the best trainers in the business.
“I’ve always been good at jiu-jitsu, but now I’m believing in my jiu-jitsu and I feel like I’ll tap anybody if it goes to the ground,” said Robinson. “I’ve gone back to my roots of wrestling and I feel like I can out-wrestle anybody. Working with the coaches at Grudge, I feel like I can stand and bang with anybody, and I have confidence in it.
“Over the past year I feel that not only my physical skills, but my mental (skills) have grown, and I’m ready to do work again.”
Not only has confidence bolstered Robinson’s game, but shoulder problems he’s suffered with since high school and once thought would require surgery have been taken care of via a different route, allowing him to focus once again on his wrestling base.
“It definitely was a blessing in disguise,” he commented. “At first I thought I was going to be out for another year with no fights sitting on the sidelines, but sure enough, my strength and conditioning coach was able to fix the problems I was having and now I’m stronger than ever.”
Robinson will have an opportunity to test his newfound strength at Fight to Win’s “Mortal Combat” show on Friday, Feb. 25, in Denver, against former “Ultimate Fighter” alum Cameron Dollar.
“He’s pretty well-rounded and has wins by submission and knockout, and I’m expecting a war,” stated Robinson.
“I want to show everybody that I’m a well-rounded MMA fighter, and wherever the fight takes place that I’m ready. I’m conditioned, I’m strong, and I want to make a run at the UFC and the title.”
As for which title Robinson’s gunning for, with the recent acquisition of the WEC and its weight classes, he now sees himself competing at 145 pounds.
“After I go in there and execute against Cameron, I’ll be knocking on the door in the UFC again and this time I’ll be at my natural 145-pound weight class and I’ll be able to do things there for sure,” said Robinson.
“I feel stronger, I feel faster, and my conditioning is better. I can eat healthy and stay at a weight that I’m comfortable at.”
Mentally and physically Robinson is at his peak, and he’s firmly affixed on achieving a higher level of success than he’s ever had, making him a fighter to watch in 2011.
“I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Grudge Training Center, Kline Bros. Jiu-Jitsu, Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, my wrestling and strength and conditioning coaches, my sponsors for this fight and everybody who has supported me through the ups and downs and my career,” he said in closing.
“Please come check out the fight and support the ‘Kid.’ I feel I can compete with any 145-pounders, and this is where I can showcase my skills and get back in the big show and let it go and have fun out there.”
After years of dealing with nagging shoulder problems and a crisis of confidence, former UFC lightweight Alvin “Kid” Robinson finds himself on the road back, feeling better than ever.
“I feel like I’ve grown everywhere,” he recently told MMAWeekly.com.
Every aspect of Robinson’s game has benefitted from a change of mindset and hard work with some of the best trainers in the business.
“I’ve always been good at jiu-jitsu, but now I’m believing in my jiu-jitsu and I feel like I’ll tap anybody if it goes to the ground,” said Robinson. “I’ve gone back to my roots of wrestling and I feel like I can out-wrestle anybody. Working with the coaches at Grudge, I feel like I can stand and bang with anybody, and I have confidence in it.
“Over the past year I feel that not only my physical skills, but my mental (skills) have grown, and I’m ready to do work again.”
Not only has confidence bolstered Robinson’s game, but shoulder problems he’s suffered with since high school and once thought would require surgery have been taken care of via a different route, allowing him to focus once again on his wrestling base.
“It definitely was a blessing in disguise,” he commented. “At first I thought I was going to be out for another year with no fights sitting on the sidelines, but sure enough, my strength and conditioning coach was able to fix the problems I was having and now I’m stronger than ever.”
Robinson will have an opportunity to test his newfound strength at Fight to Win’s “Mortal Combat” show on Friday, Feb. 25, in Denver, against former “Ultimate Fighter” alum Cameron Dollar.
“He’s pretty well-rounded and has wins by submission and knockout, and I’m expecting a war,” stated Robinson.
“I want to show everybody that I’m a well-rounded MMA fighter, and wherever the fight takes place that I’m ready. I’m conditioned, I’m strong, and I want to make a run at the UFC and the title.”
As for which title Robinson’s gunning for, with the recent acquisition of the WEC and its weight classes, he now sees himself competing at 145 pounds.
“After I go in there and execute against Cameron, I’ll be knocking on the door in the UFC again and this time I’ll be at my natural 145-pound weight class and I’ll be able to do things there for sure,” said Robinson.
“I feel stronger, I feel faster, and my conditioning is better. I can eat healthy and stay at a weight that I’m comfortable at.”
Mentally and physically Robinson is at his peak, and he’s firmly affixed on achieving a higher level of success than he’s ever had, making him a fighter to watch in 2011.
“I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Grudge Training Center, Kline Bros. Jiu-Jitsu, Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, my wrestling and strength and conditioning coaches, my sponsors for this fight and everybody who has supported me through the ups and downs and my career,” he said in closing.
“Please come check out the fight and support the ‘Kid.’ I feel I can compete with any 145-pounders, and this is where I can showcase my skills and get back in the big show and let it go and have fun out there.”
WWE accused of lobbying to keep MMA banned in Connecticut
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the proximity to New York, its stuffy image and being the home state of WWE, Connecticut is one of the few American states that still bans mixed martial arts events including UFC from being held in their jurisdiction. However, as Connecticut political journalist Daniela Altimari reports and James Caldwell publicised in the professional wrestling media, this may soon change thanks to Democratic State Representative Matthew Lesser introducing a bill to legalise and regulate MMA in Connecticut. Proving that fan lobbying of politicians can really work, Lesser's bill was introduced thanks to a local MMA fan who brought the issue to his attention and convinced him of how illogical and financially counterproductive the current MMA ban is:
Lesser said he was spurred to raise the bill by a constituent who is an MMA fan.
"It doesn't seem to make sense to tell fans from Connecticut that they have to leave the state to watch it,'' he said during a brief interview Friday afternoon. MMA matches have been held at the state's casinos, but cannot be legally held elsewhere in Connecticut.
Lesser says MMA could also boost the state's bottom line. Average ticket sales for an Ultimate Fight Championship match topped $2.8 million in 2007. UFC, the company that promotes most of the top-ranked MMA matches, is also a major player in the pay-per-view market. Taxes on MMA gate receipts could provide "a pretty significant economic boom,'' he said.
Massachusetts and Maine both recently legalized MMA, but New York is one of four states that has not. That provides an opportunity for Connecticut, given its proximity to the Empire State, Lesser said.
Later in the article, Lesser accused WWE of lobbying against his bill, while WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman denied it claiming that WWE is not opposed to "this or anything else the state wants to do with regards to sports or entertainment".
So who should we believe, Lesser or Zimmerman? Given WWE's track record, it is virtually impossible to believe Zimmerman's story. Vince McMahon has already sought to get UFC banned in key European countries like Germany, so it would be hardly surprising that he would lobby to keep them banned in his company's home state. It's not like the company is averse to spending dollars lobbying against legislation, as OpenSecrets.org revealed that WWE spent $1 million lobbying against federal legislation from 1999-2009, after Linda McMahon had "misspoke" about lobbying to Tea Party activists last October. Poor Robert Zimmerman has also been put in a position to lie far too many times by WWE already from claiming that The Undertaker's severe burns from a pyrotechnic mishap "basically amounted to a sunburn", to saying that Martha Hart's recent lawsuit was "nothing more than pure political orchestration", to his easily disproved proclamation that WWE never terminates anyone while injured, etc. Connecticut MMA fans should be thankful that Linda McMahon failed to be elected last November, because as a United States Senator she could have used her power to impede, maybe even block Lesser's bill.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the proximity to New York, its stuffy image and being the home state of WWE, Connecticut is one of the few American states that still bans mixed martial arts events including UFC from being held in their jurisdiction. However, as Connecticut political journalist Daniela Altimari reports and James Caldwell publicised in the professional wrestling media, this may soon change thanks to Democratic State Representative Matthew Lesser introducing a bill to legalise and regulate MMA in Connecticut. Proving that fan lobbying of politicians can really work, Lesser's bill was introduced thanks to a local MMA fan who brought the issue to his attention and convinced him of how illogical and financially counterproductive the current MMA ban is:
Lesser said he was spurred to raise the bill by a constituent who is an MMA fan.
"It doesn't seem to make sense to tell fans from Connecticut that they have to leave the state to watch it,'' he said during a brief interview Friday afternoon. MMA matches have been held at the state's casinos, but cannot be legally held elsewhere in Connecticut.
Lesser says MMA could also boost the state's bottom line. Average ticket sales for an Ultimate Fight Championship match topped $2.8 million in 2007. UFC, the company that promotes most of the top-ranked MMA matches, is also a major player in the pay-per-view market. Taxes on MMA gate receipts could provide "a pretty significant economic boom,'' he said.
Massachusetts and Maine both recently legalized MMA, but New York is one of four states that has not. That provides an opportunity for Connecticut, given its proximity to the Empire State, Lesser said.
Later in the article, Lesser accused WWE of lobbying against his bill, while WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman denied it claiming that WWE is not opposed to "this or anything else the state wants to do with regards to sports or entertainment".
So who should we believe, Lesser or Zimmerman? Given WWE's track record, it is virtually impossible to believe Zimmerman's story. Vince McMahon has already sought to get UFC banned in key European countries like Germany, so it would be hardly surprising that he would lobby to keep them banned in his company's home state. It's not like the company is averse to spending dollars lobbying against legislation, as OpenSecrets.org revealed that WWE spent $1 million lobbying against federal legislation from 1999-2009, after Linda McMahon had "misspoke" about lobbying to Tea Party activists last October. Poor Robert Zimmerman has also been put in a position to lie far too many times by WWE already from claiming that The Undertaker's severe burns from a pyrotechnic mishap "basically amounted to a sunburn", to saying that Martha Hart's recent lawsuit was "nothing more than pure political orchestration", to his easily disproved proclamation that WWE never terminates anyone while injured, etc. Connecticut MMA fans should be thankful that Linda McMahon failed to be elected last November, because as a United States Senator she could have used her power to impede, maybe even block Lesser's bill.
Next DREAM In April?! LW And/Or BW Tournaments?
There’s a rumor that the next DREAM event will be in April and there might be Bantamweight and/or Lightweight tournament(s).
I don’t know if it’s RE & FEG doing the show as before, RE breaking away and running themselves, or if another promotion is also involved. Probably an RE only event.
DREAM Lightweight Katsunori Kikuno blogged today, writing that “it looks like there’s a fight in April” and “I’m entering battle mode”.
There’s a rumor that the next DREAM event will be in April and there might be Bantamweight and/or Lightweight tournament(s).
I don’t know if it’s RE & FEG doing the show as before, RE breaking away and running themselves, or if another promotion is also involved. Probably an RE only event.
DREAM Lightweight Katsunori Kikuno blogged today, writing that “it looks like there’s a fight in April” and “I’m entering battle mode”.
Former Pride Boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara Back in MMA?
When former Pride FC president Nobuyuki Sakakibara stepped down from his post in response to exposed Japanese mafia ties, it signaled the end of an era in MMA. Now, with Japanese MMA at it's lowest, Sakakibara may be working on starting a new era.
In this edition of Nippon Weekly: Sakakibara may be planning a comeback with some of the biggest players in Japanese MMA, FEG finally gives us a timeframe for its return, fighters flock from Sengoku, Gomi and Gono return to their roots and fat guys fight in Deep.
Former Pride FC president Sakakibara planning a move back to MMA?
Rumors were flying in Japan this week via Japanese outlet Miruhon that former Pride FC President Nobuyuki Sakakibara, former Pride director and vice president, and the man behind DREAM Hiroyuki Kato and former Sengoku event producer, Astra and J-Rock boss Takahiro Kokuho are planning on uniting for a one-off event to be held this spring.
Independent sources have confirmed to MMA Fighting that an event is indeed being discussed and currently it will be an all-Japanese show to be held sometime in the Spring at a venue around the size of the 3,000-seat JCB Hall, although specifics are still quite rough.
If these sources are correct, this event would change the face of Japanese MMA dramatically.
Firstly, it would most likely mean the end of DREAM and that there has been a split between Real Entertainment and FEG. This is not surprising at all and was bound to happen with the poor ratings, poor finances and with K-1 creator Kazuyoshi Ishii (although Ishii may be squeezed out in the current FEG restructuring) out of jail.
It's the return of Nobuyuki Sakakibara to MMA that is simply mind boggling.
Sakakibara's name was well and truly dirtied by Shukan Gendai via Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003 promoter and former K-1 yakuza (Japanese mafia) fixer, Seiya Kawamata (a self-admitted former yakuza boss in the Kansai area).
Kawamata claimed that a Yamaguchi-Gumi yakuza and former loan shark of Korean blood by the name of Kim Dok-Soo (commonly known as Mr. I or Ishizaka), was the real power behind Pride and that Sakakibara was now working for the yakuza and was just a puppet.
Kawamata went to the press after Sakakibara criminally extorted Kawamata (confirmed by Kanagawa police) on Dec. 21, 2003 at the Asakasa Tokyu Hotel with Mr. I present.
Few of the charges that Kawamata leveled at Mr. I, Sakakibara or DSE stuck though as the key piece to the puzzle, Mr. I, fled to South Korea (apparently after pulling out most of the assets in Pride). However it was enough to bring down Pride FC as Fuji TV and the promotion's sponsors had no choice but to sever all ties.
Since the end of Pride FC, Sakakibara has been pouring money into FC Ryukyu, a soccer team in Okinawa. FC Ryukyu has repeatedly been denied entry into Japan's premier soccer league, the J. League.
It does not take a genius to figure out why the J. League wouldn't want to be associated with Sakakibara's team. For the exact same reason, one wonders how Sakakibara plans to make his way back into MMA promotion without sending sponsors and broadcasters running for the hills. Japan is in the midst of a major yakuza crackdown so the timing makes very little sense.
The other two characters involved in this rumored one-off event make much more sense.
Sakakibara's second in command in Pride, Hiroyuki Kato, has been running DREAM from behind the scenes and is widely regarded as a positive force in Japanese MMA. Kato came out clean following the Shukan Gendai reports, but due to his position at DSE, was never made into the face of DREAM.
Takahiro Kokuho, the manager of the Yoshida Dojo stable of fighters and the first event producer of Sengoku ran the hugely successful one-off Astra event in April last year. It was widely speculated that Kokuho may continue promoting events under the Astra banner but nothing eventuated.
When questioned about the possible collaboration with Sakakibara and Kato by MMA Fighting, Kokuho flatly denied the rumors and no fighter has admitted that they have been approached about a fight on the event yet.
It is not surprising that lips are tightly sealed though. Time will tell if Sakakibara defies the odds and makes his way back into MMA.
When former Pride FC president Nobuyuki Sakakibara stepped down from his post in response to exposed Japanese mafia ties, it signaled the end of an era in MMA. Now, with Japanese MMA at it's lowest, Sakakibara may be working on starting a new era.
In this edition of Nippon Weekly: Sakakibara may be planning a comeback with some of the biggest players in Japanese MMA, FEG finally gives us a timeframe for its return, fighters flock from Sengoku, Gomi and Gono return to their roots and fat guys fight in Deep.
Former Pride FC president Sakakibara planning a move back to MMA?
Rumors were flying in Japan this week via Japanese outlet Miruhon that former Pride FC President Nobuyuki Sakakibara, former Pride director and vice president, and the man behind DREAM Hiroyuki Kato and former Sengoku event producer, Astra and J-Rock boss Takahiro Kokuho are planning on uniting for a one-off event to be held this spring.
Independent sources have confirmed to MMA Fighting that an event is indeed being discussed and currently it will be an all-Japanese show to be held sometime in the Spring at a venue around the size of the 3,000-seat JCB Hall, although specifics are still quite rough.
If these sources are correct, this event would change the face of Japanese MMA dramatically.
Firstly, it would most likely mean the end of DREAM and that there has been a split between Real Entertainment and FEG. This is not surprising at all and was bound to happen with the poor ratings, poor finances and with K-1 creator Kazuyoshi Ishii (although Ishii may be squeezed out in the current FEG restructuring) out of jail.
It's the return of Nobuyuki Sakakibara to MMA that is simply mind boggling.
Sakakibara's name was well and truly dirtied by Shukan Gendai via Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003 promoter and former K-1 yakuza (Japanese mafia) fixer, Seiya Kawamata (a self-admitted former yakuza boss in the Kansai area).
Kawamata claimed that a Yamaguchi-Gumi yakuza and former loan shark of Korean blood by the name of Kim Dok-Soo (commonly known as Mr. I or Ishizaka), was the real power behind Pride and that Sakakibara was now working for the yakuza and was just a puppet.
Kawamata went to the press after Sakakibara criminally extorted Kawamata (confirmed by Kanagawa police) on Dec. 21, 2003 at the Asakasa Tokyu Hotel with Mr. I present.
Few of the charges that Kawamata leveled at Mr. I, Sakakibara or DSE stuck though as the key piece to the puzzle, Mr. I, fled to South Korea (apparently after pulling out most of the assets in Pride). However it was enough to bring down Pride FC as Fuji TV and the promotion's sponsors had no choice but to sever all ties.
Since the end of Pride FC, Sakakibara has been pouring money into FC Ryukyu, a soccer team in Okinawa. FC Ryukyu has repeatedly been denied entry into Japan's premier soccer league, the J. League.
It does not take a genius to figure out why the J. League wouldn't want to be associated with Sakakibara's team. For the exact same reason, one wonders how Sakakibara plans to make his way back into MMA promotion without sending sponsors and broadcasters running for the hills. Japan is in the midst of a major yakuza crackdown so the timing makes very little sense.
The other two characters involved in this rumored one-off event make much more sense.
Sakakibara's second in command in Pride, Hiroyuki Kato, has been running DREAM from behind the scenes and is widely regarded as a positive force in Japanese MMA. Kato came out clean following the Shukan Gendai reports, but due to his position at DSE, was never made into the face of DREAM.
Takahiro Kokuho, the manager of the Yoshida Dojo stable of fighters and the first event producer of Sengoku ran the hugely successful one-off Astra event in April last year. It was widely speculated that Kokuho may continue promoting events under the Astra banner but nothing eventuated.
When questioned about the possible collaboration with Sakakibara and Kato by MMA Fighting, Kokuho flatly denied the rumors and no fighter has admitted that they have been approached about a fight on the event yet.
It is not surprising that lips are tightly sealed though. Time will tell if Sakakibara defies the odds and makes his way back into MMA.
FEG in no hurry to return in 2011
If you were anxiously sitting on the edge of your seat while waiting for news of DREAM and K-1 promoter Fight and Entertainement Group's life or death, you might as well sit back and get comfortable. You are in for a long wait.
FEG USA's Mike Kogan this week confirmed to MMA Fighting that the leading Japanese promoter's internal restructuring will not be completed until at least May and no FEG events are expected until at least July.
At the moment, FEG is planning to continue all three of its major events (K-1, K-1 MAX and DREAM), although that is obviously subject to change and it is clear that the events will be scaled down.
The financial state of FEG is still uncertain and Kogan was unable to confirm whether Chinese backer PUJI or any sponsors are still involved in FEG events. It seems as though Dynamite, K-1 MAX and DREAM broadcaster TBS has not signed on for 2011 yet, all signs are indicate that a new contract will be discussed after FEG's restructuring process is complete.
Unfortunately FEG's financial uncertainty continues to affect fighters as 2010 K-1 World GP champion and DREAM interim heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem and Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante have recently claimed they have not been paid for bouts under the FEG banner.
"What can I say, I am sure neither [Alistair Overeem] or "JZ" are making it up," said Kogan to MMA Fighting. "It's sad, that's all I can say."
If you were anxiously sitting on the edge of your seat while waiting for news of DREAM and K-1 promoter Fight and Entertainement Group's life or death, you might as well sit back and get comfortable. You are in for a long wait.
FEG USA's Mike Kogan this week confirmed to MMA Fighting that the leading Japanese promoter's internal restructuring will not be completed until at least May and no FEG events are expected until at least July.
At the moment, FEG is planning to continue all three of its major events (K-1, K-1 MAX and DREAM), although that is obviously subject to change and it is clear that the events will be scaled down.
The financial state of FEG is still uncertain and Kogan was unable to confirm whether Chinese backer PUJI or any sponsors are still involved in FEG events. It seems as though Dynamite, K-1 MAX and DREAM broadcaster TBS has not signed on for 2011 yet, all signs are indicate that a new contract will be discussed after FEG's restructuring process is complete.
Unfortunately FEG's financial uncertainty continues to affect fighters as 2010 K-1 World GP champion and DREAM interim heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem and Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante have recently claimed they have not been paid for bouts under the FEG banner.
"What can I say, I am sure neither [Alistair Overeem] or "JZ" are making it up," said Kogan to MMA Fighting. "It's sad, that's all I can say."
Fighters flocking from Sengoku
Sengoku Raiden Championship promoter World Victory Road do not seem to be fairing much better than FEG. Since canceling (sorry, postponing) its April event, there has been little sign of life from in the promotion other than foreign fighters leaving. Sengoku middleweight champion Jorge Santiago was the first to go with Dave Herman and Ronnie Mann were close behind and expect more SRC releases to be announced over the coming weeks.
SRC's contracts are generally exclusive only for Asia and although that does not present an issue for promotions like Strikeforce and Bellator, those hoping to have a shot at being signed by the UFC are forced to ask for their release.
Several contracted fighters, managers and even employees have been having difficulty getting any response from officials at SRC since New Year's Eve.
Sengoku Raiden Championship promoter World Victory Road do not seem to be fairing much better than FEG. Since canceling (sorry, postponing) its April event, there has been little sign of life from in the promotion other than foreign fighters leaving. Sengoku middleweight champion Jorge Santiago was the first to go with Dave Herman and Ronnie Mann were close behind and expect more SRC releases to be announced over the coming weeks.
SRC's contracts are generally exclusive only for Asia and although that does not present an issue for promotions like Strikeforce and Bellator, those hoping to have a shot at being signed by the UFC are forced to ask for their release.
Several contracted fighters, managers and even employees have been having difficulty getting any response from officials at SRC since New Year's Eve.
Gomi to grappling, Gono to kickboxing
One of the best lightweights of all-time, Takanori Gomi, has been struggling to relive past glory in the UFC and most recently was dominated and submitted by Clay Guida.
Looking to address on his weakness, Gomi has been focusing on jiu-jitsu as of late and has signed up to compete on Feb. 27 at the 2011 ADCC Asia Trials.
After hearing of Gomi's participation, DREAM lightweight ace Shinya Aoki (who is back on Twitter) commented, "I wonder if it's still too late to sign up."
Also, someone has stolen the sign from Gomi's gym. Gomi asks that if you like his gym, please return it.
Pride and UFC veteran Akihiro Gono will also be stepping out of the MMA ring (there isn't a whole lot of choice in Japan these days) when he meets Yuya Yamamoto in a kickboxing superfight at Krush on Mar. 19.
The bout will be Gono's second trip down to 154 pounds. Gono's lightweight debut came at Sengoku 14, where he was completely shut out by then-unknown Mongolian Jadamba Narantungalag.
Yuya Yamamoto is best known for his 2009 K-1 World MAX GP run, exceeding all expectations and making it to the final four.
Reigning Shooto bantamweight champion Yasuhiro Urushitani was also supposed to be once again crossing into kickboxing at Shoot Boxing's Feb. 19 event but was forced out of his anticipated bout due to knee injury. UFC veteran and Cage Force champion Kuniyoshi Hironaka and Sengoku sponsored fighter Shigeki Osawa were there to represent MMA in his stead though but both fell with Hironaka getting knocked out in the first round and Osawa dropping a lopsided decision.
One of the best lightweights of all-time, Takanori Gomi, has been struggling to relive past glory in the UFC and most recently was dominated and submitted by Clay Guida.
Looking to address on his weakness, Gomi has been focusing on jiu-jitsu as of late and has signed up to compete on Feb. 27 at the 2011 ADCC Asia Trials.
After hearing of Gomi's participation, DREAM lightweight ace Shinya Aoki (who is back on Twitter) commented, "I wonder if it's still too late to sign up."
Also, someone has stolen the sign from Gomi's gym. Gomi asks that if you like his gym, please return it.
Pride and UFC veteran Akihiro Gono will also be stepping out of the MMA ring (there isn't a whole lot of choice in Japan these days) when he meets Yuya Yamamoto in a kickboxing superfight at Krush on Mar. 19.
The bout will be Gono's second trip down to 154 pounds. Gono's lightweight debut came at Sengoku 14, where he was completely shut out by then-unknown Mongolian Jadamba Narantungalag.
Yuya Yamamoto is best known for his 2009 K-1 World MAX GP run, exceeding all expectations and making it to the final four.
Reigning Shooto bantamweight champion Yasuhiro Urushitani was also supposed to be once again crossing into kickboxing at Shoot Boxing's Feb. 19 event but was forced out of his anticipated bout due to knee injury. UFC veteran and Cage Force champion Kuniyoshi Hironaka and Sengoku sponsored fighter Shigeki Osawa were there to represent MMA in his stead though but both fell with Hironaka getting knocked out in the first round and Osawa dropping a lopsided decision.
A Pancrase king to Shooto
Flyweight king of Pancrase Kiyotaka Shimizu will continue the recent fighter exchange between the sport's two oldest promotion when he clashes with Shinichi Hanawa at the Mar. 12 "Shooter's Legacy 02″ Shooto event. Hanawa has recovered from a patchy start to his career to go 6-1 in his last 7. Shimizu's last foray into the Shooto ring ended in disappointment as he lost a majority decision to the fighter with the best hair in the sport, Mamoru Yamaguchi.
Shimizu was a participant in one of the first "official" Pancrase vs. Shooto fights. That was before he became the flyweight king of Pancrase, when he took on Mamoru in 2009.
Also on the card, Shooto flyweight ace Rambaa "M-16" Somdet will defend his title against Junji "Sarumaru" Ito, in what is sure to be an entertaining punch-fest.
Shooto will return the favor when they send one-time flyweight title challenger Hiroyuki Abe to face Takuma Ishii at Pancrase's Apr. 3 event.
Flyweight king of Pancrase Kiyotaka Shimizu will continue the recent fighter exchange between the sport's two oldest promotion when he clashes with Shinichi Hanawa at the Mar. 12 "Shooter's Legacy 02″ Shooto event. Hanawa has recovered from a patchy start to his career to go 6-1 in his last 7. Shimizu's last foray into the Shooto ring ended in disappointment as he lost a majority decision to the fighter with the best hair in the sport, Mamoru Yamaguchi.
Shimizu was a participant in one of the first "official" Pancrase vs. Shooto fights. That was before he became the flyweight king of Pancrase, when he took on Mamoru in 2009.
Also on the card, Shooto flyweight ace Rambaa "M-16" Somdet will defend his title against Junji "Sarumaru" Ito, in what is sure to be an entertaining punch-fest.
Shooto will return the favor when they send one-time flyweight title challenger Hiroyuki Abe to face Takuma Ishii at Pancrase's Apr. 3 event.