MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

Heath Herring Staying with UFC, Wants Title Shot

Although much of the discussion before UFC 82's co-main event of Heath Herring (28-13 MMA, 2-2 UFC) vs. Cheick Kongo (11-4-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC) focused on heavyweight title shot implications, split-decision winner Herring is not expecting an immediate chance at the belt.

"The Texas Crazy Horse" discussed his position in the UFC's heavyweight division while a guest on Wednesday's edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), a content partner site of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"He (Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira) just got that title," Herring said. "Let the poor guy enjoy his title a few times before he has to have another battle with me."

Herring has already faced Nogueira three times in his career, coming up short each time (two via decision and one by submission). But those three losses have not deterred Herring from wanting another shot at the UFC's interim heavyweight belt.

"It's starting to get like a bad 'Rocky' movie," Herring joked. "I'd love to take that one, though... I would love to fight (Nogueira) again. I want that belt, I do. I'll be honest. We'll just see what happens."

Herring, who turned 30 the day after his victory over Kongo, feels a change in training practices will propel him to further success in the octagon.

"This is actually the very first time in my entire career, believe it or not, that I followed a regimented diet and I followed a strength-and-conditioning plan," Herring said. "I know it's hard for a lot of people to believe it, but I've just never done that. That's just an aspect of my training that I've never had. And I think it made all the difference in the world."

Herring has one fight remaining on his UFC contract, but unlike several of his fellow heavyweights, he intends on staying with the organization.

"I like to be where the best are, and right now the best are in the UFC," Herring said. "I don't really see myself going anywhere else."

And while Herring stated that he does not have any particular opponents in mind for his next fight, if another chance at Nogueira comes, he'll be ready.

"I wish I'd have fought (Nogueira) in the shape I fought on Saturday night; I think it might have been a different fight," Herring said. "But, if it's meant to be and the fans want it, then it will happen."

To hear the full interview, download Wednesday's edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio Network archives.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Is the Randy/Fedor fight a possibility in the UFC octagon?

Apy Echteld, one of Fedor Emelianenko's agents is reporting that the Russian fighter has severed ties with the M-1 Global promotion he was previously signed to. "Officially, yes, Fedor will be a free agent," Echteld says on the issue.
The real question was if UFC president Dana White who has be open about his views on Fedor as "overrated", would be willing to put on the fight. This was answered by White himself who said, "Absolutely, 100 percent, in a heartbeat. People think he's the best—I don't, not even close. But if it's somehow possible, I would make it happen."

While nothing is official yet, this means that the highly anticipated match up between the decorated American wrestler Randy 'the Natural' Couture and invincible Russian Sambo champion Fedor Emelianenko could occur in the UFC octagon.

 

[Shogun Locc]

IFL Announces two new deals

Today the IFL officially announced its partnership with Throwdown Industries and Cott Corporation. Quotes:


“We are very pleased to be able to add one of the growing brands in the industry in Throwdown to the IFL family,” said IFL CEO Jay Larkin. “The extensive marketing that an industry giant like the Cott Corporation, one of the legends in the consumer packaging industry, will put behind this gives us a very strong position to grow our brand and our athletes into the future.”

“Throwdown and Cott add credibility and excitement to the sport of MMA through its products, services and partnership with the IFL and other fight leagues, firmly entrenching Throwdown’s global leadership position in supporting MMA,” added Throwdown President Mike McIntyre.

“At Cott, we investigated and studied market voids as we developed our hybrid Direct-to-Store distribution system – choosing leaders such as Throwdown and IFL was a logical extension to our successful energy lineup and fills the void against competitive brands – Partnering with these industry leaders will ensure the success and robust growth of our companies,” added Dave Vautrin, SVP Marketing Cott Corp.
Yesterday the IFL announced a television distribution deal in Malaysia. Key quote:

“We are very pleased to be add another international television partner to the fold,” said IFL CEO Jay Larkin. “The Far East and the Pacific are hotbeds for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, and it will be great to partner with Malaysia TV to expose our brand of fighting in a ring to a growing audience.

 

[Shogun Locc]

BET'S Iron Ring Debuts march 18

BET's MMA reality concept Iron Ring, featuring hip personalities as owners of teams, is set to debut on March 18 at 11PM. From the press release:


BET introduces IRON RING, a half hour weekly series that showcases mixed martial arts, the fastest growing new sports format in entertainment. With $100,000 in prize money up for grabs, these skilled competitors go toe-to-toe in the IRON RING using the combined fighting techniques of jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling in teams owned and managed by Ludacris, Nelly, Floyd Mayweather, T.I., Lil Jon and Dipset. From competitive team tryouts and grueling practices to the final face-off at the live championship, IRON RING not only exposes the hardcore sport of mixed martial arts, but also explores the human element by providing insight into the lives of the fighters and coaches.
Mayweather was reportedly forced to pullout per the terms of his WWE deal.

 

[Shogun Locc]

New details's on EXC's CBS DEAL

One week ago Pro Elite announced a deal with CBS to make EliteXC the first MMA brand to be broadcast on a major broadcast television network. More details on the deal have emerged since that time, but many questions remain to be answered.

MMAPayout.com reported that early speculation within the industry suggested that the deal was more akin to a time buy than a rights fee arrangement. CBS and Pro Elite were quick to shoot those suggestions down with a representative of CBS telling Sherdog.com that the agreement was "absolutely not a time buy," and Pro Elite CEO Doug Deluca telling Sam Caplan that the agreement is "a typical TV license-fee deal."

Pro Elite's initial SEC filing on the agreement provides some preliminary details of the deal. The filing states that CBS will pay Pro Elite a rights fee, but the economic terms of the deal appear to be far more complicated than a typical license-fee deal.

According to the filing, CBS has the right to order up to four two-hour events during the first year of the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, CBS was also granted four consecutive annual renewal options. CBS also has the rights to order derivative programs based on the events, in a possible nod to the long rumored Mark Burnett produced EXC reality series featuring Hershel Walker and Jose Canseco.

In connection with the agreement, Pro Elite and Showtime (a CBS subsidiary) entered into an agreement which issued two warrants to Showtime, each for the purchase of 2 million shares of stock at $2 per share. The first warrant vests immediately and expires in 2013. The second warrant provides for four equal 500,000 share blocks that vest each time an event is broadcast on CBS pursuant to the agreement.

Under terms of the agreement, Showtime could acquire 4 million shares of Pro Elite stock which amounts to an additional ownership interest in the company of roughly 8.6% (based on the fact that the company has 46.42 million shares currently outstanding). At $2 per share, based on the current share value of $7.50, that would amount to a $22 million discount on the stock purchase.

Additionally, coinciding with the CBS deal, Showtime exercised part of the warrants it was issued in Jaunuary 2007. Showtime acquired 2 million shares at $2 per share resulting in $4 million in proceeds to Pro Elite.

Speculation in the industry is that this $4 million transaction may represent all or at least part of what is being described as a rights fee under the agreement. If true, it is open to interpretation whether this arrangement more closely resembles a time buy or a traditional rights fee agreement. This is especially the case given the fact that Pro Elite is reportedly on the hook for selling half the commercial inventory of its CBS events.

At this point there are more questions and speculation than answers, however, multiple sources within the industry familiar with what CBS was offering have told MMAPayout.com that the network was offering a pay to play opportunity.

Regardless of the financial details, the agreement is still a major score for EliteXC in its struggle to break through the UFC's current stranglehold on the market and a major step forward for the entire MMA industry.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Tito Ortiz: ‘I’m done with the UFC’ and wants Frank Shamrock rematch (Video)

 

[Shogun Locc]

Kevin Randleman to make MMA return and could fight Jeff Monson

Former UFC heavyweight champion, Kevin Randleman, is in negotiations to ink a deal with the Japanese-based World Victory Road promotion to make a return to mixed martial arts action on May 18, according to MMAWeekly.com.

In addition, “The Monster” revealed during the interview that it’s also possible that he will take on Jeff Monson one month later during a Global Fighting Championships (GFC) event penciled in for sometime in June.

That’s an ambitious schedule for a fighter who has not competed since 2006 — a submission loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at Pride 32: “The Real Deal.” Not to mention Randleman recently survived a SERIOUS staph infection that could have killed him if went untreated.

Randleman — who is now training with XTreme Couture out of Las Vegas — was also recently stopped for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), intimidating a public officer and other charges in Sin City.

He has satisfied a one-year suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for providing a non-human urine sample following his loss to Rua.

The two-time NCAA Division I Wrestling Champion from Ohio State University defeated Pete Williams at UFC 23 in 1999 to capture the vacant heavyweight title. Randleman’s title reign was brief, however, when Randy Couture stopped him the following year via technical knockout (strikes) at UFC 28 in round three of their championship bout.

Best of luck on the comeback, Kevin. These last two years have been rough … it’d be nice to see you enjoy some success.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Minotauro opens gym in Miami

After the Rio de Janeiro branch, in the Tijuca neighborhood, Rodrigo Minotauro will set up a branch of the team in the United States. The chosen city is Miami, where an academy is already being organized: “We’ll have an octagon, mats, ring, etc. The idea is to make this space in Miami the base for the final phase of training for fights,” revealed Minotauro. The launch is expected in the coming months. The team, which does not yet have a name, includes three big names in world MMA: Minotauro, Minotouro and Anderson Silva. The No-Gi champion Daniel Valverde completes the team.

“We’ll decide on the team’s name in the days to come. In Miami, we will also promote the fights the UFC always puts on,” stated Minotauro, who was visiting a possible installation for the new gym while speaking exclusively to GRACIEMAG.com.

 

[Shogun Locc]

DREAM 1 LW GP Matchups!!!!!

DREAM.1
Lightweight Grand Prix Opening Round March 15, 2008

http://www.dreamofficial.com

LW GP Tournament Participants and Other Bouts

-Shinya Aoki vs Gesias Calvancanti

-Tatsuya Kawajiri vs Kultar Gill

-Joachim Hansen vs Koutetsu Boku

-Kazuyuki Miyata vs Luiz Firmino

-Andre Dida vs Eddie Alvarez

-Mitsuhiro Ishida vs Jung Bu-Kyung

-Artur Oumakhanov vs Katsuhiko Nagata

-Hayato Sakurai vs Hidetaka Monma


-Mirko Filipović vs Yoshihiro Nakao



Fighters rumored, but not all confirmed to be affiliated with DREAM are:

Sergei Kharitonov
Denis Kang
Melvin Manhoef
Zelg Galesic
Dong Sik Yoon
Kazushi Sakuraba
Yoshihiro Akiyama
Norifumi Yamamoto
Ikuhisa Minowa
Fedor Emelianenko
Marcelo Garcia
Royce Gracie
Mark Hunt
Josh Barnett
Bob Sapp

 

[rylor206]

RASHAD EVANS IS HOT GARBAGE. I WOULD HAVE RATHER SEEN CHUCK FIGHT THIAGO SILVA.

I agree Rashad is always boring

 

[Shogun Locc]

Three Tourney Bouts Added to Dream

Fight Entertainment Group has announced four more bouts for the March 15 debut of Dream at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

In the 154-pound lightweight grand prix, Mitsuhiro Ishida (Pictures) will take on Bu Kyung Jung (Pictures); Katsuhiko Nagata (Pictures)will meet Artur Oumakhanov (Pictures); and Andre "Dida" Amade will square off with Eddie Alvarez (Pictures).

Ishida fought only once in 2007. He made it count, though, by taking a unanimous decision over Gilbert Melendez (Pictures) on Dec. 31 in the biggest win of his career. Jung, an Olympic silver medalist in judo at the 2000 Sydney Games, made his MMA debut last New Year's Eve. He gave an impressive and spirited effort against Shinya Aoki (Pictures), nearly submitting the celebrated grappler twice in a unanimous decision loss.

Another Sydney Games silver medalist, Katsuhiko Nagata (Pictures)hasn't competed since last year's Hero's tournament, in which Caol Uno (Pictures) defeated him in July. His opponent, Artur Oumakhanov (Pictures), was knocked out in January by upstart Shoji in a bid to win the vacant lightweight King of Pancrase title.

The runner-up in last year's Hero's tournament, Andre Amade (Pictures) hasn't fought since the tournament final last September, when he defeated Caol Uno (Pictures) only to lose to Gesias Calvancante (Pictures). Alvarez, who began his career as a welterweight, defeated Ross Ebanez (Pictures) at a catch-weight of 165 pounds in his most recent fight.

Event producer Keiichi Sasahara said the tournament would proceed with seven tournament bouts for the time being. An eighth tournament bout wasn't possible due to injuries to Vitor Ribeiro (Pictures) and Caol Uno (Pictures), as well as Gilbert Melendez (Pictures)'s commitments to Strikeforce.

However, Sasahara hopes to organize a bout between two of the fighters for the April 29 Dream card, with the winner then advancing to the quarterfinals on May 11. If that isn't possible, one fighter may be seeded directly into the May 11 quarterfinals.

Also announced, Hayato Sakurai (Pictures) will take on Hidetaka Monma (Pictures) in a non-tournament bout at 168 pounds.

Sakurai is coming off a commanding unanimous decision victory on New Year's Eve over Deep welterweight king Hidehiko Hasegawa (Pictures). Monma saw easy action in February, when he took a quick submission win over South Korean Yong Fun Lee (Pictures) in a tune-up bout.

Also, despite a statement on his personal blog that said he would fight Yoshihiro Nakao (Pictures) on the card, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic's opponent has not yet been confirmed. Sasahara said he had around five potential candidates in mind to face "Cro Cop," but he had not yet decided on one and if any fighters want to face the Croatian, that they should come forward.

Ikuhisa Minowa (Pictures) was also added to the card against a to-be-determined opponent. Minowa, now campaigning as "Minowaman," was defeated in his Dec. 31 David-and-Goliath battle with "Zuluzinho" Wagner da Conceicao Martins (Pictures).

 

[Shogun Locc]

Gomi Discusses Stoppage of Ludwig
link: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videos.asp?v_id=1481
Japanese lightweight ace Takanori Gomi (Pictures) answered questions from the press following his first round stoppage of UFC veteran Duane Ludwig (Pictures) at World Victory Road's "Sengoku."

What were Gomi's thoughts on the bout? Did he feel any rust after the long layoff?

 

[Shogun Locc]

FEDOR A FREE AGENT? NOT SO FAST

On Thursday, new cracks appeared in M-1 Global’s façade. Apy Echteld, a co-manager of Fedor Emelianenko and development executive in the upstart promotion, confirmed to ESPN’s Ryan Hockensmith that the top-ranked fighter and M-1 would be separating next week.

Emelianenko was M-1’s first talent acquisition when the consortium of Russian and American promoters came together in October of 2007.

The report on ESPN.com also stated that both Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White and Echteld would be open to discussions concerning the possibility of having Emelianenko face UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture in the Octagon.

M-1 President and CEO Monte Cox, however, was adamant that the Russian superstar is still a part of his promotion. “As of right now, M-1 Global and Fedor are still working together,” he told MMAWeekly.com.

Cox declined to comment about the ESPN article, but said M-1’s plans were still underway for its first event on American soil, a June 14 card at the Sears Center in the Chicago area, still expected to feature Emelianenko. The show has been rescheduled from a May 3 date at the Allstate Arena, also in the Chicago area.

M-1’s first venture with Emelianenko, a co-promotion with Fight Entertainment Group and other Japanese promoters on New Year’s Eve, was a success according to Cox. Since then, rumors of difficulties between the American and Russian factions of the partnership have persisted.

“But as of now, Fedor still belongs to M-1 Global,” stated Cox.

 

[midwest314]

that dreams card is so sick its crazy... man i wish i got whatever channel it was broadcast on because i want to see that lightweight tourney and cro cop.. also heard kang may be apart of the event.. this is the most stacked card ive saw since pride days

 

[heyzel]

Cung Le Ready for "Fight of My Life" with Frank Shamrock

by John Morgan [john-morgan] on Mar 07, 2008 at 9:03 am in - News -
As undefeated middleweight Cung Le (5-0) prepares for his upcoming clash with MMA legend and Strikeforce world middleweight champion Frank Shamrock (23-8-1), the Vietnamese-born fighter knows it will be his toughest test to date.

Le discussed the upcoming bout, which takes place March 29 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., while a guest on Tuesday's episode of The Lights Out Show on the TAGG Radio Network (www.taggradio.com), a partner site of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"It's definitely the biggest fight of my life, and I'm very excited about the fight," Le said. "I just can't wait to get in the cage with Frank Shamrock to see how good I really am."

Le made his MMA debut in March 2006, and his flashy, extraordinary striking and aggressive stand-up game, coupled with five straight KO or TKO victories, have earned him fans throughout the MMA community. Shamrock, however, has repeatedly referred to Le as a one-dimensional fighter who will be exposed in the match-up.

"Frank doesn't realize that not only am I a kickboxer, but my style is San Shou, which is punching, kicking, kneeing, sweeping, throwing," Le said. "There's going to be a lot of things for Frank to deal with. I believe that not only am I a kickboxer, I also bring different elements. Kickboxers throw boxing, and they throw the round kicks. They throw the knees. They throw the hard leg kick. I'm a different kind of fighter. I feel like I'm a complete martial-arts stand-up fighter."

While Le does not feel his skill set prevents him from success on the ground, the 35-year-old knows he is best served in this fight by remaining on his feet.

"For me, Frank's a wizard on the ground," Le said. "Why am I going to go on the ground and play the submission game with him? That would be basically getting out of my old element. What I'm good at is the stand-up, so I'm going to keep it on my feet."

When the two San Jose, Calif. residents meet-up in the main event of the Showtime-broadcast card, Le knows it is an opportunity to take a big step forward in the quest to gain respect as a true mixed martial artist. And although other organizations may come calling should Le earn the victory, Le is not ready to discuss future opportunities.

"I don't want to look too far ahead," Le said. "I don't want to think about any other league or fight right now. It's just Frank Shamrock that's on the plate right now. He's in my crosshairs, and that's the only trigger I want to pull

 

[heyzel]

WEC Announces Full Card for March 26 Event

by MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] on Mar 07, 2008 at 7:00 am in - News -
The World Extreme Cagefighting organization recently announced the full card for its March 26 event, and despite some initial hesitation, WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho (16-0) will fight Chael Sonnen (19-9-1) after all.

"WEC: Filho vs. Sonnen" takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., and airs live in high-definition on the VERSUS network at 9 p.m. ET.

In addition to Filho vs. Sonnent, WEC light heavyweight champ Doug Marshall will put his belt on the line against Brian Stann.

Filho and Sonnent first met in December at WEC 31. Filho kept his undefeated streak alive with a second-round submission via armbar. However, the fight ended with a bit of controversy as Sonnen claimed he never verbally tapped. Sonnen groaned in pain from the submission -- and it was clearly audible to the television audience -- but he said it was never intended to be a verbal tap-out.

Earlier this week the Brazilian website TATAME spoke to Filho, who said he was pulling out of the bout due to personal reasons. However, his manager, Ed Soares, has since told multiple media outlets that Filho's camp has rallied around the fighter and that the bout will continue as scheduled.

However, one bout that didn't hold up was Nissen Osterneck vs. Bryan Baker. Osterneck, an undefeated middleweight prospect, has suffered a shoulder injury. On Thursday Logan Clark, a former UFC fighter, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that he's stepped up to replace Osterneck.

The full line-up for the WEC 33 card includes:

Champ Paulo Filho vs. Chael Sonnen (for WEC middleweight title)
Champ Doug Marshall vs. Brian Stann (for WEC light heavyweight title)
Marcus Hicks vs. Ed Ratcliff
Steve Cantwell vs. Tim McKenzie
Blas Avena vs. Hirumitsu Miura
John Alessio vs. Brock Larson
Rich Crunkilton vs. Sergio Gomez
Alex Serdyukov vs. Ryan Stonitsch
Chris Manuel vs. Kenji Osawa
Bryan Baker vs. Logan Clark

 

[heyzel]

The Ultimate Fighter 7" Complete Cast Revealed

The Ultimate Fighter 7," which debuts April 2 after UFC Fight Night 13 on Spike TV, features 32 middleweight fighters competing for a UFC contract. UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "The Ultimate Fighter 1" winner Forrest Griffin will serve as coaches.

Cast members MMAjunkie.com previously reported (all reported names turned out to be on the cast) include:

Paul Bradley (5-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Matt Brown (7-6 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Steve Byrnes (6-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Timothy Credeur (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Mike Dolce (3-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
C.B. Dollaway (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Gerald Harris (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Mike Marrello (6-1-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Prince Mclean (4-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Aaron Meisner (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Reggie Orr (4-5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Jeremiah Riggs (1-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
David Roberts (5-7 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Amir Sadollah (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Brandon Sene (2-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Dan Simmler (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Jesse Taylor (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Luke Zachrich (7-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Additional names revealed by Yahoo! Sports include:

David Baggett (4-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Erik Charles (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
John Clarke (5-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Daniel Cramer (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
John Hall (3-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Nick Klein (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Jeremy May (5-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Dave Mewborn (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Matthew Riddle (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Dante Rivera (10-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Nick Rossborough (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Patrick Schultz (0-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Cale Yarbrough (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
John Wood (6-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC)

 

[heyzel]

Interesting news about the Zuffa takeover of Pride

From the Cesar Gracie website
by Gerald Blain

It seemed like it was the end for Dreamstage and the Pride show. With the loss of their national television contract and unable to financially compete with an invigorated UFC, they were forced to sell to the Zuffa corporation. However the sale now looks less like a capitulation and more like the introduction of a Trojan horse.

Shortly after the sale it became painfully clear to Zuffa that their takeover would not go as smoothly as planned. Any hopes that they would be able to continue with a Pride label in Japan were dashed. Japan was not receptive to an American organization successfuly engineering a hostile takeover to what was previously a very Japanese product.

Then there were the fighter contracts. Yes those very creative fighter contracts that Pride held. Unfortunately for Zuffa not one of the contracts was written in a way as to make them legally transferable to Zuffa after Pride was desolved. Zuffa was then forced to negotiate with all of Pride's fighters individually and that proved expensive. To the chagrin of Dana White, Fedor and others went elsewhere, further diminishing their new purchase.

Zuffa now decided to employ a scorched earth policy. Pride was forever disbanded. Zuffa could at least take comfort in the knowledge that they had forever defeated their only true competition. But did they really?

Dreamstage came out of the deal with millions of dollars and after waiting a year, they then resurrected their operation with a new moniker; Dream. Zuffa on the other hand ended up with the Pride name, some old fight videos and the unsavory knowledge that they had funded their new competition. As the knowledge that they had been duped slowly settled, Zuffa dispatched their lawyers to draw up lawsuits against the old cast of Dreamstage Entertainment.

However in Japan that might just be as elusive as re-signing Fedor and Randy Couture.]

 

[heyzel]

Fedor's Free Agency Fallout

According to one source that asked not to be identified, M-1 will likely expect Emelianenko to return a $1.5 million signing bonus he was paid last September. Negotiations should be finalized by Tuesday of next week, the same source said.

A free-agent Emelianenko could benefit from a deeper, more competitive bidding pool.

Newly minted with a historic TV deal from CBS, EliteXC would be "absolutely interested in Fedor if he was a free agent," Jeremy Lappen, the company's head of fighter operations, told Sherdog.com. "Of course, we're very friendly with Monte and have a close relationship with M-1 and would never step on their toes."

Mark Cuban, who has quickly turned HDNet into a desired premium-television destination for MMA fans, tempered expectations, telling Sherdog.com he doesn't plan on simply outspending competitors in an effort to sign the heavyweight.

"We always want to work with the best in the world," Cuban responded via e-mail. "That said, we aren't in the business of bidding wars. We are in the business of developing, promoting and supporting fighters and their careers and partnering with any and all who can help us accomplish that."

World Victory Road and Dream -- Japanese promoters attempting to establish themselves in Pride's wake -- could be Emelianenko suitors, though the MMA industry in that part of the world is not as strong as it was during the Russian's heyday.

Wildcard groups, such as the one apparently comprised of Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions and clothing apparel company Affliction, which sponsors Emelianenko and Couture, could enter the fray. An Affliction photo shoot featuring the heavyweight pair created quite a stir when shots and video of the fighters standing nose to nose hit the Internet.

Last October the newly formed M-1 Global, led by investor Mitchell Maxwell and Cox, announced at a New York news conference that they had won the war for the wandering Pride heavyweight king.

Emelianenko was expected to fight six times for $12 million over a two-year period for M-1. He fought just once since October, a co-promoted bout on New Year's Eve in Japan against an unranked opponent. Meanwhile M-1 has yet to produce its first event.

The Russian explained the decision against signing with the UFC came down largely to his opinion of the company's president.

"You cannot start a relationship with someone using those phrases," he said in New York, alluding to White's repeated description of Emelianenko's management as "crazy Russians."

Asked if he remained interested in signing Emelianenko (27-1-0, 1 NC) following a year of failed negotiations and a war of words that resulted in the promoter calling the No. 1-ranked heavyweight a "farce," White told ESPN: "Absolutely, 100 percent, in a heartbeat. People think he's the best -- I don't, not even close. But if it's somehow possible, I would make it happen."

"We're open to a discussion," Echteld responded to ESPN after learning of the UFC's potentially malleable position. "If everybody is willing to put a little wine in the water, then we have something to work with. There is space for this to happen."

Though Emelianenko's management, led by Vadim Finkelchtein and Echteld, expressed in late July that the UFC offer was extremely lucrative, it was also the most restrictive in terms of likeness rights, exclusivity and other points they did not want their fighter to concede.

The UFC chose not to budge either, leading to the creation of M-1 Global and what was thought to be the new home for Emelianenko.

A renegotiation for White would focus on getting Emelianenko in the Octagon across from Couture. While the UFC boss heavily favors "The Natural" in that matchup, the possibility of it taking place -- in the UFC or anywhere else -- is unknown while both sides battle in court over the status of Couture's contract.

After announcing his ill-fated deal with M-1 last fall, Emelianenko called Couture's challenge of the UFC "positive" and said he was "very proud that Couture made such a great decision."

It would be ironic if in the end the Russian signed with the UFC as a courtroom-tested Couture somehow freed himself from the most successful organization in MMA.

Wherever Fedor settles, fans will demand he fights the best challengers, starting with the 44-year-old former UFC champ.

Sherdog.com's Greg Savage contributed to this report

 

[heyzel]

Berik Focused for Cage Rage's First Female Fight

Fans attending Cage Rage Saturday at the Wembley Arena in London will get a feast of fights that would make any promoter proud.

Not only will the United Kingdom get to see one of its favorite home-grown heroes, Robert "Buzz" Berry, face the legendary Ken Shamrock (Pictures), Jean Silva (Pictures) will also challenge the much vaunted and unorthodox Masakazu Imanari (Pictures) for the Cage Rage featherweight world title.

None of those bouts, however, have equaled the hype surrounding Aysen Berik's meeting with Aisling Daley -- Cage Rage's first female fight.

Daley is a very competent fighter. Trained in both jiu-jitsu and muay Thai, she would be a stern test for any female competitor in her weight division. She is also associated with the expanding Caged Steel gym and has both the power and technique one would expect for such a high-profile fight.

In contrast, Berik is an unknown quantity, and it is this factor that could prove to unravel her Irish opponent.

Training with her brother Sami, a veteran of many Cage Rage battles and the recent owner of one of the most brutal knockouts seen in the history of the London organization, Aysen Berik has been working on her standup and her ground work.

"If it goes to the floor, then so be it," Berik said, "but I am looking to dominate the fight by keeping it standing. I want to make the game mine and keep it standing. That is where I have my best advantage."

Daley is known for being a tough competitor on the ground and on her feet, but Berik is confident her hands will gain her the win.

"I have been training with Sami for a while in martial arts, and I am prepared for anything," she said. "The way he has taught me is to have controlled power whilst using the least energy. I am a street fighter. To strike and attack is where I feel most powerful. Striking comes naturally. I have always felt confident in my ability [to strike] and I have never backed away from a fight."

"Her training was evolved around refining her punch and mainly her mobility," said Sami Berik (Pictures). "I put loads of emphasis on footwork so she can be comfortable with moving around and blend it into a punch rather than being too static. I worked a lot on the mechanics of a strike, so she could punch from what ever angle or position she's in."

Confidence is clear when she discusses her first professional fight in front of the always vocal Wembley crowd.

"I feel possessed," Berik said. "I am focused on the fight. I am not thinking about the event or the crowd; to be honest, it is all irrelevant. I am adapting my game to the cage, where it is safer. A street fight is to the finish, but in the cage it is a sport. There is a referee, rules and you can tap out. A lot of guys I talk to say they wouldn't have the guts to debut on a big show like Cage Rage, but I want to do it to give women more confidence, to be an ambassador not only for the female side of the sport but for women in general. The game is not just about power but ability."

Although Berik enters the fight as an unknown, she is determined to make an impression. She also wants to follow the path her brother chose: to be a fighter and make this a career no matter how hard the prospect.

She has all the traits of a Berik: motivation, striking prowess and a massive dose of unorthodox style. Debuting on the United Kingdom's largest show (Showtime, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT) is a real test, which is what both Beriks look for in their fights.

"She will experience a lifetime over a brief few moments," said her brother. "She's going to see where she stands with her fighting in respect to MMA. The result is just the conclusion. The fight is about enjoying rather than surviving the experience.

"I worked loads on her composure, so she can keep a balance frame of mind but still push herself to the limit. The force runs strong in my family