MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

TUF 13 Finale card official for June with Guida vs. Pettis headliner, four additional bouts

"The Ultimate Fighter 13" has yet to debut on Spike TV, but the season's live finale is already official.

UFC executives today announced The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale event will take place June 4 at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

In addition to the final fight of the upcoming season's welterweight tournament, The Ultimate Fighter Finale 13 card also features a handful of contests previously reported by MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), including Clay Guida vs. Anthony Pettis.

Additional matchups include Jonathan Brookins vs. Jeremy Stephens, Tim Credeur vs. Ed Herman, Josh Grispi vs. George Roop and Scott Jorgensen vs. Ken Stone.

In January, Pettis (13-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) elected not to wait for a crack at the winner of a third fight between UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and challenger Gray Maynard following a draw in their second meeting, which took place at UFC 125. Pettis was guaranteed the winner of the fight, though none emerged after the anticlimactic draw. He had the option to sit on the sidelines and await the winner of their third meeting, which comes at UFC 130, but he instead opted for a top-contender's fight.

Guida (28-11 MMA, 8-5 UFC), meanwhile, is back in action after tapping out former PRIDE lightweight champion Takanori Gomi at UFC 125. The win earned him a $60,000 "Submission of the Night" bonus. Following the win, the shaggy-haired fighter, who's won three consecutive fights, said he's gunning for a title shot by the end of the year.

Stephens (19-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) enters the fight on a 3-1 run in the organization, which included a recent third-round knockout of Marcus Davis at UFC 125. The win, which earned Stephens a third "Knockout of the Night" bonus check, followed a close split-decision defeat to Melvin Guillard in September. Prior to that loss, the Iowa native and California-based fighter earned back-to-back wins over Justin Buchholz and Sam Stout.

He'll serve as a stern post-"TUF" test for Brookins (12-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC), the focused and likable winner from the 12th season of "The Ultimate Fighter." Brookins, a one-time Bellator and WEC fighter, defeated Ran Weathers, Sevak Magakian, Sako Chivitchian and Kyle Watson to advance to the show's live finale, where he ultimately defeated Michael Johnson via unanimous decision back in December. He now owns a four-fight win streak in pro competition.

Creduer (12-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) fights for the first time since a brutal toe-to-toe slugfest loss in a "Fight of the Night" performance against Nate Quarry at UFC Fight Night 19 in September 2009. Credeur had been expected to compete at UFC 113 in May 2010, but an injury forced him to withdraw. The loss to Quarry snapped a three-fight octagon win streak for Credeur, who had also claimed six consecutive wins overall. All four of Credeur's previous UFC appearances have also come on Spike TV-broadcast fight cards.

Meanwhile, Herman (19-7 MMA, 4-5 UFC) also seeks a win following a lengthy layoff. "Short Fuse" most recently competed in August 2009 in a UFC 102 loss to Aaron Simpson. A knee injury forced Herman to quit 19 seconds into the second round of that bout, and he hasn't competed in the octagon since.

Grispi (14-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) looks to get back a title shot following an upset loss to Dustin Poirier in January. Grispi, who fought just once during a two-year period from 2008 to 2010 due to injuries, had been slated to fight UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo at UFC 125. But when Aldo was forced off the card due to an injury, Grispi instead was booked to fight Poirier, who scored a dominant unanimous-decision win.

Prior to the unsuccessful UFC debut, Grispi posted a perfect 4-0 mark in the WEC that included wins over Mark Hominick, Micah Miller, Jens Pulver and L.C. Davis.

Roop (11-7-1 MMA, 1-3 UFC), who went 1-1-1 during a 2010 stint with the WEC, recently made his return to the UFC at UFC Fight Night 23. "The Ultimate Fighter 8" cast member suffered a TKO loss to Hominick, who earned a title shot with the victory.

Prior to the loss, Roop posted an upset via head-kick KO of "The Korean Zombie," Chan Sung Jung, at WEC 51.

Jorgensen (11-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) recently snapped a five-fight win streak when he suffered a unanimous-decision loss to WEC bantamweight champ (and now-UFC champ) Dominick Cruz at WEC 53 in December. Jorgensen struggled with his opponent's effective, herky-jerky standup and lost all five rounds of the title fight.

The three-time Pac-10 champion wrestler, who earned the title shot with wins over the likes of Antonio Banuelos and Brad Pickett, now makes his UFC debut against Stone (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who heads to the UFC after a one-fight stint in the WEC. The American Top Team fighter and fellow collegiate wrestler opened his career with an 9-1 mark but suffered a knockout loss (due to a vicious body slam) to Eddie Wineland at WEC 53. His only other loss came to Strikeforce's Jason McLean via split decision in an AFO title fight.

"The Ultimate Fighter 13" debuts March 30 Spike TV.

 

[Shogun Locc]

UFC 128's Dan Miller calls last-minute fill-in "bittersweet," but welcomes opportunity

It's never a happy occasion to profit from another person's misfortune. But in the end, the show must go on.

Dan Miller (14-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) took a big leap when he agreed to fight Nate Marquardt (30-10-2 MMA, 9-4 UFC) at UFC 128 in place of Yoshihiro Akiyama, who withdrew from Saturday's event in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Japan.

So while Miller is excited to get the opportunity to fight the perennial contender, he said today that it's a "bittersweet" feeling to fill in.

"Your heart goes out to the Japanese people, and it's unfortunate," he said today at a press conference in support of the pay-per-view event, which takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. "I'm just taking this opportunity that the UFC gave me, and I'm trying to make the most of it."

Akiyama, a native of Osaka, Japan, was one of thousands affected by this past Friday's 8.9 magnitude temblor, which officials estimate has caused billions of dollars worth of damage and produced a death toll north of 10,000. He posted pictures on his personal website of the quake's damage to his personal website. The UFC's managing director of international development, Marshall Zelaznik, said the fighter was not hurt during the disaster.

Marquardt, who's attempting to rebound from a lackluster decision loss to Yushin Okami in his most recent appearance, echoed Miller's condolences.

"I got the news about Akiyama dropping out, and my thoughts and prayers go out to all the Japanese people," he said. "I'm just really thankful that Dan stepped up so I could have a fight. I know we're going to go out and put on a great performance, and an exciting fight."

Miller, meanwhile, is on the rebound after a three-fight skid nearly signaled his exit from the UFC. He has posted wins over John Salter and Joe Doerksen in his most recent appearances. He was scheduled to meet fellow New Jerseyan Nick Catone before the short-notice switch.

It's unclear how the switch affects the prospects of Miller and Marquardt, other than both are fighting to stay "in the mix," as UFC president Dana White so often puts it.

"Thank God [Miller] stepped up in competition and take this opportunity," White said at the press conference. "That's what it's all about. The unfortunate thing that happened, and Akiyama can't get out of Japan, yet he steps up and takes this big fight.

"It's a huge opportunity for him, and I respect him and appreciate him for stepping up."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Strikeforce Backer Wanted to Get Back to Hockey, Zuffa Seized The Opportunity

The deal sell Strikeforce to Zuffa seemed to happen almost overnight, after the San Jose, Calif. based promotion had much improved television ratings over its last few shows.

While the actual purchase price of the organization is still unknown, the reason why the sale became necessary is much clearer now.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker eluded to the idea that financial backer Silicon Valley Sports and Entertainment, who owns a stake in the NHL’s San Jose Sharks as well as the HP Pavilion in San Jose, was looking to get out of the MMA business.

“This is a historical day for mixed martial arts,” Coker stated. “This is something that we thought long and hard about. SVSE have been great partners, I think they wanted to get back to their hockey business and expansion of sports business, which is their core business.

“So we had a long conversation and we decided to start looking into different offers and that’s when we started talking to Lorenzo (Fertitta).”

While Strikeforce had different partners in the business, SVSE was the major financial backer for the promotion. Coker made it clear that there were no bad feelings between Strikeforce and SVSE, but ultimately the relationship was coming to a close and he wasn’t ready to get out of MMA business, while they clearly were.

“I think they had a really good time in this business, but like I said, they want to get back to their core business,” said Coker. “I wanted to continue in the mixed martial arts industry, and so that’s where the two linked up a while back.”

Zuffa capitalized on the situation and swooped in to scoop up the second biggest MMA promotion in North America.

Now Zuffa owns the two largest properties in the MMA world with the UFC and Strikeforce. Both UFC president Dana White and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta have stated that Strikeforce will remain a separate entity and operate independently, but how long that lasts remains to be seen.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Hey UFC, Chris Leben Wants to Fight His Hero, Wanderlei Silva

Chris Leben is itching to get back in the Octagon. The season-one Ultimate Fighter cast member is coming off a loss to Brian Stann at UFC 125: Resolution in January and has since been without a fight to look forward to.

While in limbo, Leben is patiently awaiting a call from the UFC offering up his next foe within the eight-sided chained fence. In doing so, he can only sit and consider who he would like face. For Leben, that desired fight is MMA superstar Wanderlei Silva.

A match-up with the former Pride 205-pound champion is the most attractive contest to Leben at the moment. His manager, Gary Ibarra, explained that his client is more than willing to take on the task of fighting a legend of the sport.

“Chris is eager to fight again after his loss to Brian Stann,” Ibarra told MMAWeekly.com. “(He) would like to reiterate his desire to compete against a legend of the sport and personal hero of his in Wanderlei Silva.”

Although a bout with Silva is the match-up Leben wants most, he understands that the matchmaking is not up to him or anyone in his camp. Ibarra added that they have all the confidence in the world in Joe Silva’s matchmaking abilities, and if not Wanderlei Silva, then the UFC will pit him against someone that will allow he and Leben entertain the MMA faithful all around.

“We have no doubt they will determine the proper match-up so Chris can once again do what he does best, and that’s put on a great show for MMA fans everywhere,” Ibarra said.

Leben most recently took on Stann and fell to the former United States Marine in the first round of their fight via TKO. The loss stopped a three-fight win streak, which included an epic war against Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin last July. The fight went through three rounds of back and forth action before Leben was able to lock in a triangle choke late in final five-minute set. The bout earned Leben and Akiyama “Fight of the Night” honors.

Easily regarded as one of the most popular fighters in the history of the sport, Silva has not fought since making his middleweight debut against Michael Bisping in February of 2010 at UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez. He was scheduled to face Akiyama at UFC 116, but broken ribs forced him out of the fight, and Leben stepped in as his replacement. After defeating Akiyama, Leben openly called out Silva in effort to bring the fight to fruition, but no plans to actually make it happen have surfaced.

Since both fighters are without an opponent for their next fight, a Silva-Leben match-up makes sense, but it is all in the hands of UFC brass.

MMAWeekly.com will continue to follow up on the next fight for both fighters, so stay tuned to the site for the latest in MMA news.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Fighters send their messages to tsunami victims in Japan

Known as one of the biggest barn of traditional martial arts and also of MMA, the Japan has suffered, on the last week, and continues to suffer, many damages due to the earthquakes and tsunamis – leading to deaths, destroying cities and ending the peace in Japan. With the whole world mobilized by the cause, it couldn’t be any different when it comes to MMA fighters, especially the ones who see Japan as an important part of their careers.

Considering this, athletes like Fedor Emelianenko, Bibiano Fernandes, Ray Sefo, KJ Noons, Glauber Feitoza, King Mo, Gerard Mousasi, Josh Thomson, among others, have sent their messages for those who suffered from the last happenings cause by Mother Nature on the Land of the Rising Sun. Check below the messages sent by the athletes, via K-1, to the victims of the earthquakes in Japan:

Bibiano Fernandes: For my fans in Japan and for all Japan, this tsunami can take your house, your family and friends but it didn't take your life. You can keep going, don't lose hope. This is only a moment and after the storm will come a beautiful sun. Help each other now in this moment, support and encourage each other, keep going. God bless all Japan and give a lot of love inside your heart.

Ray Sefo: It's heart breaking to see the Japanese people go through what they're going through right now but my heart and prayers goes out to the Japanese people!! I love you Japan stay strong!

KJ. Noons: My prays and thoughts are with the Japanese people. I wish all of you will be safe.

Fedor Emelianenko: My deepest condolences go out to all those people that have been affected by the tragic disaster in Japan. I pray you’re given the strength, faith and courage to get through this.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller: My heart is with people having a hard time. I know Japanese are mentally strong, never give up but keep on fighting. After overcoming this tragedy, the great trait of Japanese will be proven again for sure. OTSUKARESAMA!

Glauber Feitosa: First of all my family and I are very shocked with the devastating power of the earthquake and the tsunami. Most of the highlights of my life were lived in Japan. I lived many years in Japan and I know how Japanese people are disciplined and how focused they manage to reach their goals. I'm much honored that I had the chance to live in Japan. I'm sure Japan will be back stronger than before. We all are grieving for the victims and my best wishes for the people that have to rebuild their lives. Osu!

Francisco Filho: I am terribly sorry to hear about the earthquake and tsunami that reached Japan. My condolences go to the families that are suffering. Mother Nature has been severe to Japan and to Brazil as well recently. I am sure the Japanese people, who are very determined and disciplined, will fight hard to restore everything. Nihon Gambatte kudasai!!

Tyrone Spong: To all the Japanese fans, and others there, I would like to show my respect, and also my support in these hard times. As you know, after all hard times the sun will shine again. All Japanese people are warriors, and I know it will not be easy, but I know for sure that we and all of you will overcome this tragedy. BEST WISHES AND SUPPORT FROM YOUR KING OF THE RING TYRONE SPONG.

Ewerton Teixeira: It was really sad news for me. I hope the Japanese people keep the faith and mental strength needed to reconstruct their lives.

James Thompson: I can't imagine what it is like to live though something like what the Japanese people have witnessed. Just know that Japan and its people are in all our thoughts and prays.

Semmy Schilt: In this way we want to express our feelings to all victims and people of this enormous disaster in Japan. We hope everybody has the strength and power to overdone this. Regards, Sem Schilt and Dave Jonkers.

Sam Greco: For all the people in Japan, your country played a major part in my life and career. It was my second home. I was always loved by the people there and now I truly feel your pain. Through this devastating time, my heart goes out to everyone there. It’s tragic what has happened, but unfortunately nothing could have prevented it.

Cole Escovedo: I'm deeply hurt that Japanese people met such a sudden, horrible accident. When I visited Japan, I was so impressed with the efforts Japanese people make to maintain the beauty of their culture. I remember that Japanese people welcomed me, and I'm disappointed in myself as I can't do anything for them now. I hope the damage will be a minimum. I'm praying for the fans their and families.

Paul Daley: My prayers are with Japan. I'm sure that a strong minded country like Japan can overcome this hardship and become even stronger. I pray for all the victims and their families.

Josh Barnett: The level of damage this earthquake caused has shown just how helpless we are against Mother Nature. I hope my prayers and thoughts will reach the people in Japan. I also hope cooperation between Japan and America leads to every last person being rescued and given the aid they need.

Marius Zaromskis: I offer my sincere condolences to all the Japanese people suffering from this disaster. I can't even imagine how hard it is, but please be strong. My hopes are with you.

Josh Thomson: I wanna send my prayers to the families battling rough times right now in japan do to the earthquake and tsunami. There is obviously nothing I can say that will ease the pain and suffering of Japan. Japan should know my thoughts, best wishes an especially my prayers are with the whole country of Japan. God Bless!

King Mo: I was devastated when I saw the news reports. My love goes out to all the victims’ families and all of Japan. I have a special connection to Japan as I started my fighting there. The world is with you. Be strong and together we will get through anything.

Gegard Mousasi: Like many people I saw the news on TV of the terrible earthquake and tsunami. My thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people I can't imagine more devastating than losing everything my condolences to the victims and their families.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Bellator Confirms Trio of Season 5 Dates at Seminole Hard Rock

Bellator Fighting Championships will return to its seminal venue three times in 2011, as the promotion Wednesday announced that three of its fifth-season events will emanate from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

“The Seminole Hard Rock has been part of the Bellator brand since our very first show, and I’m thrilled that we will be producing a series of live, primetime Bellator events on MTV2 at the Seminole Hard Rock in 2011 and beyond,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney in a statement.

The promotion will return to the venue first on June 25, with subsequent events taking place Sept. 17 and Nov. 19. With the company still in the early stages of its fourth iteration, little is known about Bellator’s fifth season. The Chicago-based promotion is expected to continue its trademark tournament format, though no weight classes or participants have been named.

The currently ongoing fourth season features tournaments in the featherweight, lightweight, welterweight and light heavyweight divisions. The winner of each bracket will receive $100,000 in total pay and a shot at that division’s champion, except in the case of the light heavyweights. Since Bellator has yet to crown a 205-pound champ, the winner of Bellator’s inaugural light heavyweight tournament will be crowned its first titleholder.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Bellator LHW Tourney Quarterfinal Pairings Set for March 26

The opening round of Bellator Fighting Championships’ inaugural 205-pound tournament has been set, as Sherdog.com on Wednesday confirmed all four quarterfinal pairings with a source close to the event.

Bellator 38, which goes down March 26 at Harrah’s Tunica Hotel and Casino in Tunica, Miss., will feature a main event between Daniel Gracie and Tim Carpenter. Also scheduled are quarterfinal bouts pitting Chris Davis against Christian M’Pumbu, Nik Fekete against Richard Hale, and Raphael Davis against D.J. Linderman. The event will air live on MTV2.

Currently two events into its fourth season, the Chicago-based promotion will crown its first-ever light heavyweight champion in 2011. Bellator is also holding tournaments to decide No. 1 contenders in the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight divisions. The victor in each of the four tournaments will receive $100,000 in total pay for his efforts.

Gracie is an International Fight League veteran who recently returned from a four-year hiatus. The 38-year-old competed at Israel FC “Genesis” in November, choking out Martin Wojcik in just over two minutes. Gracie began his MMA career in 2002 with a split decision over Takashi Sugiura at Pride 21.

Carpenter, 30, is a product of Philadelphia’s Balance Studios. Owner of a perfect 6-0 record since turning pro in 2005, Carpenter made his Bellator debut in October, when he earned a split decision over Jamal Patterson. A jiu-jitsu pupil of Phil and Ricardo Migliarese, Carpenter has finished half of his career victims by submission.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Newcomer Edwin Figueroa in, Nick Pace out at UFC Fight Night 24

Promotional newcomer Edwin Figueroa (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has replaced injured Nick Pace (6-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) and now meets fellow bantamweight Michael McDonald (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at next week's UFC Fight Night 24 event.

A source close to one of the fighters today confirmed the change with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

MMAWeekly.com first reported the switch.

UFC Fight Night 24 place March 26 at KeyArena in Seattle. The night's main card airs live on Spike TV, though Figueroa vs. McDonald is slated for the preliminary card.

Figueroa, a four-year pro who's fought primarily in his home state of Texas, owns seven stoppage victories among seven career wins. Five have come via knockout and two via submission. Although most of his wins have come against journeymen and low-level fights, he recently scored a TKO victory over Bellator vet Johnny Bedford (16-8-1 at the time).

McDonald makes his UFC debut after a successful one-fight stint in the promotion's recently merged sister organization, the WEC. Then just 19 years old, McDonald submitted Clint Godfrey in fewer than three minutes at WEC 52. McDonald has earned all 11 of his career wins via stoppage and has fought out of the first round just twice.

The latest UFC Fight Night 24 card now includes:

MAIN CARD

* Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Phil Davis
* Dan Hardy vs. Anthony Johnson
* DaMarques Johnson vs. Amir Sadollah
* Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan

PRELIMINARY CARD (un-aired)

* Alex Caceres vs. Mackens Semerzier
* Jon Madsen vs. Mike Russow
* John Hathaway vs. Kris McCray
* Edwin Figueroa vs. Michael McDonald*
* Sean McCorkle vs. Christian Morecraft
* Mario Miranda vs. Aaron Simpson
* Johny Hendricks vs. T.J. Waldburger
* Nik Lentz vs. Waylon Lowe

* - Not officially announced

 

[Shogun Locc]

 

[Shogun Locc]

Franklin McNeil: "Jon Jones will become the next UFC light heavyweight champion Saturday night"

NEWARK, N.J. -- For all that Mauricio Rua has accomplished in mixed martial arts, it's almost unfair that he should be an underdog in his first UFC light heavyweight title defense.

But fate has dealt the champion a devastating blow. Rua puts his title on the line Saturday night at UFC 128 in Newark, and it is expected by oddsmakers and fans alike that he will leave the Octagon empty-handed.

The man who will battle Rua has every physical tool to neutralize any game plan he might seek to implement -- size, speed, strength and supreme athleticism. Jon Jones has an offensive style of fighting never before seen in MMA's light heavyweight division. He delivers strikes from every angle imaginable, and can take an opponent down in a flash.

But it's not just Jones' physical ability that has him favored to dethrone Rua. Fate also appears to be on the side of the prodigy.

There's no better explanation as to how Jones has come to earn his title shot than to dismiss it as the aligning of the stars.

Saturday night was supposed to be the return of his teammate Rashad Evans' moment on MMA's grandest stage. However, a knee injury suffered during training camp forced Evans -- the former UFC light heavyweight titleholder -- to withdraw.

Rashad Evans, right, admits it's Jon Jones' moment to grab the spotlight.
Evans was preparing to reclaim his title late last year, but an injury sidelined Rua for several months, putting the bout on hold. Looking back, Evans now admits it was not meant for him to be champion again at this time but instead is Jones' moment to shine.

"I don't believe the spotlight is mine or anybody's [but Jon Jones'] to own," Evans told ESPN.com. "It's [Jones'] time to be in the spotlight, to win the belt."

Jones' fate was sealed in early February when he submitted highly touted Ryan Bader in the second round at UFC 126. Moments after the win, Jones (12-1-0) was informed of Evans' injury and that he would get to fight Rua.

The timing for Jones to land this title shot could not have been more perfect. Jones was a primary sparring partner for Evans as he prepared for Rua. It was Jones' job to doppelgang for Rua, simulating his movement and replicating his strikes.

“
I don't believe the spotlight is mine or anybody's [but Jon Jones'] to own. It's [Jones'] time to be in the spotlight, to win the belt.
”
-- Jones' teammate and former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, on Jones' chance to shine
If ever there was a time for Rua not to face Jones, it's Saturday night.

"It [imitating Rua to help Evans prepare] will help me a lot," Jones told ESPN.com. "I have watched a lot of Shogun's fights, and I have seen a lot of his tendencies, a lot of things that he's been doing since his Pride[FC] days -- in his jiu-jitsu part, in his bottom game, in his striking game. I see a lot.

"While I was preparing Rashad, I was mimicking Shogun: his stance, his steps, his punches and kicks that he throws the most, the hand that he uses the most. I've been watching the guy too, since I was young. I've really started to understand what he throws and why he throws it. And we will see that when I come out there: a calm, a sense of knowing what I'm into and what I'm doing. I'm really excited."

Jones has seen himself fighting and winning the title from the moment he entered UFC. Jones could not have seen that the champion he'd face would be Rua, but when the moment arrived Jones knew he would be more than prepared to succeed.

His road toward Saturday was perfectly mapped out.

"I was brought along at a good level," Jones said. "The biggest step up was Stephan Bonnar, fighting him only six months into learning how to fight, that was a big jump up. Outside of him, everyone else was gradually getting me better and better.

"The biggest thing that did was improve my confidence. It definitely helped get me prepared to fight Shogun."
Let's go for a ride: Stephan Bonnar, top, helped kick off Jon Jones' march toward a title in the Octagon.
Though fate appears cemented in Jones' corner, the champion has maintained a positive attitude. Rua (19-4-0) is not about to throw in the towel, nor will he concede that it's Jones' destiny to become UFC light heavyweight champion Saturday night.

He believes having Jones named as a late replacement could prove advantageous to him.

"They [Jones and Evans] are similar opponents in many ways, because they are very good strikers and wrestlers," Rua said. "I had to change my sparring partners for this fight, but I didn't have to change too much.

"They are two sides of the same story. I'm pretty tranquil about it because I'm fighting a very good fighter like Jon Jones. I have been training hard and know I am prepared for the task."

And despite having been sidelined for 10 months, Rua believes the long layoff will serve him positively. Why not? He's been in this situation recently.

"It doesn't really bother me," Rua said. "When you look at things, it's almost the same [time] as between the first Machida fight and the second Machida fight."

As for being the underdog in his first title defense, Rua has no issue with it.

"He's been winning all of his fights easily; he is the rightful favorite for this fight," Rua said. "But I don't care. It serves as motivation for me"

 

[Shogun Locc]

For UFC 128, Jon Jones brings the magic that Rashad Evans couldn't

NEW YORK CITY – While it was little more than dumb luck and logical matchmaking that led to UFC 128's upcoming headliner between Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (19-4 MMA, 3-2 UFC) and Jon Jones (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), it couldn't have worked out any better.

Proof? Today's UFC 128 pre-event press conference at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Adoration for each fighter was so split that fans turned the event into a raucous free-for-all that's likely to be a precursor to a a wild Saturday night.

The coming-out party for Jones, a late replacement for injured Rashad Evans, may be the result of a patchwork booking, but here in the Big Apple, it feels tailor made.

Today's pre-event presser was open to fans, who were lined up hundreds deep – in the rain – hours before the doors even opened. They struck the match once inside, and opening speaker Joel Rivera – New York City's Council majority leader – lit the fuse with a passionate speech in which he stumped for MMA and its legislation in a state that currently bans it.

In fact, that's why Saturday's event and Rua's first-ever UFC title defense come at the Prudential Center in nearby Newark, N.J. It's also why Jones and UFC president Dana White have tirelessly attacked the New York media circuit ahead of Saturday's pay-per-view event, which will pour millions of dollars into the New Jersey economy.

But for Jones, a native New Yorker, that state line make little difference. For all intents and purposes, this is a New York fight, and the 23-year-old – who's pro-MMA career isn't even three years old – has a small army of supporters ready to sing his praises. (Hell, even the oddsmakers have tapped him the favorite.)

But that's fine with the champ, who already had defeated the MMA kingpins such as Quinton Jackson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alistair Overeem and Ricardo Arona before Jones had even graduated high school. He much prefers fighting the flashy and crowd-pleasing Jones than a grinder such as Evans, whose booking with Rua initially brought about little fanfare.

"I think Rashad Evans is a guy who maybe likes to control the fight more and maybe stall a little more and play it safe," Rua said through translator and manager Eduardo Alonso. "[However] Jon Jones is an exciting fighter that looks for the finishes and brings a hard fight, and that's the type of fight everyone likes."

If the magnitude of the bout and the obvious respect from Rua (arguably the 205-pound division's best fighter) is a lot to take in, Jones isn't showing it.

"I'm just enjoying the ride," he said. "I'm definitely grateful to be sitting where I am today. I realize it's a dream come true, and I'm enjoying the whole thing.

"I realize that I'm fighting here in New York state, and I want to share myself as much with the New Yorkers as much as possible."

Such comments further ignited the hundreds – likely thousands – of fans at today's press conference. While Jones is the local favorite, Rua's had a solid (and vocal) throng of his own supporters, including one fan who proudly displayed a forearm tattoo of the champion's former home: PRIDE Fighting Championships. For every Jones cheer, a jeer followed. For every random mid-presser shout-out for the challenger, the hardcores answered with chants for the champion.

For two fighters who have so split local fights fans, they actually have a quite a bit in common. Rua is every bit the blue-chip prospect Jones was when he was in his early-20s, and he had a small army of similar crazed fanatics who also were comparing to him a legend of the time (Wanderlei Silva).

But while they share a quick ascent in their pro careers, Rua said the similarities end there.

"We're very different fighters, style wise" he said. "You can only compare our careers in the sense that we were rising at a young age. ... Otherwise, we're very different fighters."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Nam Phan Injured, Out of UFC Fight Night 24 - Chan Sung Jung In

The fight that UFC matchmaker Joe Silva and announcer Joe Rogan called "the best fight I've seen in my life" is happening again according to the UFC on twitter:

Mmmmm how about some Seattle fight card news? Nam Phan injured, @KoreanZombieMMA steps in for HIS rematch with Leonard Garcia!

 

[Shogun Locc]

 

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Trainer: Schaub Is Legit Contender, but No Need to Rush

Trainer Trevor Wittman, on “The Savage Dog Show,” discussing the progression of Brendan Schaub:

“I think he’s a legitimate contender right now. The thing is, I don’t want him taking the fast track, though. … The more fights he gets underneath his belt, the better. He’s a young dude. He’s learning the sport so fast. If we fight for the title four fights from now, it’s only going to be an advantage to him. You step up into world title fights quick, it could change your career. The guy’s got like what, seven rounds underneath his belt as a professional? Experience is everything. I definitely don’t want him to push too fast, but when you’re in the UFC, they kind of make the calls. If it happens, it happens. I’d rather see him fight the right fights. I definitely think ‘Cro Cop’ is the right fight but a very dangerous fight.”

 

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Turning Back the Clock

He seemed lost in the shuffle in mid-2009, but bantamweight Eddie Wineland has rebuilt his career with four wins in a row. A revamped approach to training, driven by a return to his old team and his decision to embrace a new approach to grappling, has the former WEC champion on a roll.

In facing former featherweight king Urijah Faber at UFC 128 “Shogun vs. Jones” on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Wineland sees the opportunity of a lifetime to score an upset that would resonate through the mixed martial arts world.

After losing to Rani Yahya via rear-naked choke in April 2009, Wineland’s 67-second performance promoted tough questions, and he was determined to answer them.

“The team I first started training with in my career was Duneland Vale Tudo. I strayed from them and started training with Miguel Torres,” says Wineland. “The camps were good, and I learned a lot, but my style wasn’t the same. I didn’t have the same confidence I did with my old team, so after the Yahya fight, I took a step back and went back to my old ways.”

Known mostly to fans as a rugged brawler with a physically assertive style, Wineland also added some tweaks to his grappling, adding in sessions at New Breed Jiu-Jitsu to round out his game.

Since the Yahya bout, where Wineland seemed out of sorts and was quickly overwhelmed, he has rebuilt his prospects considerably. After decision wins over Manny Tapia and George Roop, Wineland knocked out Will Campuzano, earning him a match with once-beaten American Top Team prospect Ken Stone at WEC 53. Wineland scored a devastating victory, winning via monstrous slam a little more than two minutes into the first round.

“The difference now is all mental. My determination and composure are better, and, right now, I’ve got the mindset that nobody is gonna take me down,” Wineland says. “Nobody’s gonna beat me to the punch. I didn’t have it to the extent that I have it now. Nobody’s gonna beat me at anything. I might lose the battles, but I’m gonna win the war.”

That kind of mindset pretty much defines Faber’s approach, as well, which is why Wineland looks forward to their fight. The former WEC featherweight champion made his bones by outhustling and overpowering numerous foes, including current UFC bantamweight boss Dominick Cruz, whom Faber submitted in the first round in 2007. Since then, Cruz’s game has improved measurably, while Faber lost two bouts to Mike Thomas Brown and a one-sided decision to Jose Aldo, prompting the drop in weight. Thus far, Faber looked impressive at 135, scoring an impressive first-round submission against Takeya Mizugaki in November.

Strength-wise, Wineland knows Faber figures to be a handful at the lower weight. Still, he is not sold on that idea he cannot match up there.

“People say Urijah is going to be big for the weight class. I’m at 153 pounds right now, and I’m dead lifting 425,” Wineland says. “There are not a lot of guys doing that. I think he’s gonna make the weight just fine, but we don’t know how he’s going to react in deep water.”

One never knows, precisely because surprises and plot twists define the fight game. Sometimes, it involves landing a big slam on a guy like Stone, the talented upstart that was supposed to overwhelm you. In other instances, it involves something going wrong, such as when Wineland’s cauliflowered ear exploded in a 2007 title defense against Chase Beebe. Wineland pushed through the mangled ear injury, leaking blood all over the cage, en route to losing a five-round decision and his WEC belt.

“Before that fight, my ear had blown up and was still in the soft stage of cauliflower. I didn’t think to drain it and if it had been drained, it wouldn’t have exploded,” Wineland says. “I think it says a lot about my heart and determination.”

Wineland was always an aggressive kid, but it was not until recently that he thought he could make a living fighting.

“I wrestled since I was 6, off and on, and then picked it up big after high school. Then after high school I was lifting [weights], and I got bored,” he says. “I’ve got a real mean side to me and didn’t have anything to take my aggression out on. A buddy of mine had been training since we were 16 and said to come on in and check it out. I was fighting in small shows, thinking I’ll never make a career out of it. Now, I’ve got a very good opportunity. I grew up watching the early UFCs with my dad, thinking these guys were crazy. It’s a dream come true. And the next thing you know, they’re a world champ. The UFC is the big stage.”

Mark Vives, owner of New Breed Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Chicago, believes the new Wineland fights smarter, not just harder.

“We started helping him around the Tapia fight,” says Vives. “The Eddie Wineland of yesterday is no longer the Eddie Wineland of today. For the longest time, in the MMA world, he made it as a one-trick pony. He was a scrapper with a wrestling base. He’s added a couple things to the mix. His grappling defense is getting better, and he’s a much smarter, more patient fighter. Before, he was just brawling, but now, he’s really starting to pick his shots. Urijah has weaknesses just like anyone else.”

While Faber’s standup game has improved considerably since his early career, his biggest asset remains a blend of athleticism and quickness on the ground. He can be impossible to keep in bad positions and, at 135, figures to be his characteristic overpowering self, if the Mizugaki fight showed any hints.

Faber simply took Mizugaki’s back and willed himself into a rear-naked choke. The Japanese fighter did not tap to the hold, leaving him unconscious for several moments until he was revived. While Faber’s undersized frame ran into problems against bigger opponents in Brown and Aldo, at 135, it may well be that he is the bully.

“Urijah’s explosive and extremely strong,” says Vives. “Anyone who fights him is always going to have a hard time to find the right training partners than can mimic his explosiveness and strength.”

At times, Faber is akin to a cat thrown out of the window of a speeding car that somehow lands on the hood.

“And not only is he on the hood, he’s searching for your neck,” says Vives. “We’ve got to get Eddie ready for that type of scramble.”

With Faber’s drop to 135, the UFC’s bantamweight division gets an ex-champion with a hard-earned reputation for excitement. Reigning bantamweight boss Dominick Cruz remains at the top of his game, and a rematch between the two could be around the corner with another win by “The California Kid.”

For Wineland, who wants his name in the conversation, it represents the opportunity for which he has worked. Friends with Cruz, he complimented the champion on his improved style in recent outings in which Cruz used nifty footwork and dizzying standup approach to be effective on the scorecards and baffling to opponents.

“Dominick’s a great guy, and I’m pretty good friends with him,” says Wineland. “That’s the big picture. I’d love to fight Dominick, but I’m not looking past Faber. That’s the fish on the plate right now. I’m taking it one fight at a time. I think Faber’s conditioning is second to none, but I don’t think he’s really pushed it at 135 for a full 15-minute fight. You never know what can happen.”

 

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As UFC continues New York legislation push, White again harps on safety record

NEW YORK CITY – As professional hockey attempts to address the serious health and safety issue of concussions in the rink, the UFC is highlighting the comparative safety of mixed martial arts.

The promotion's president said that mandatory medical suspensions are a key to limiting the amount of head trauma a fighter sustains during his professional career. So, too, is a rule set that prevents a fighter from taking undue punishment inside the cage.

"These guys don't take the damage that NFL players take, or boxers, or guys from the NHL," UFC president Dana White said during a press conference held today at New York City's Radio City Music Hall in support of UFC 128, which takes place Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

White's comments come amid increasing pro-hockey scrutiny following several high-profile incidents of head-to-head contact, as well as a new protocol designed to protect players who may have sustained concussions during play.

In the most flagrant example of the sport's possible danger, Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty was left with a fractured neck and severe concussion after Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara checked him into a glass partition during a game this past Tuesday at Montreal's Bell Centre. Pacioretty escaped suspension by the NHL, but the Montreal police have opened an investigation into the matter.

In response to a firestorm of controversy over that hit and others, the NHL has instituted a new concussion protocol requiring any player suspected of the injury to sit out of the game for 15 minutes and be examined by a physician before being allowed to return.

Asked what the UFC is doing to prevent the types of head trauma that have become a hot topic among observers of such sports as hockey and football, White said athletic commissions are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping an athlete safe.

"Here's the reality: This is the most regulated sport in the world," White said. "When you have these guys talking about, 'Oh this shouldn't be in this state' or 'this is brutal' or this and that, the reality is when these guys fight, if they take any damage to the head ... they're put on a three-month medical suspension and cannot return until they're seen by a doctor."

The UFC also employs its own medical staff to examine fighters prior to a fight (beyond the clearance required by an athletic commission).

A 2008 article on MMA from the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" studied injury trends in a sample of 1,270 fights held from 2002-2007 in the state of Nevada and found severe concussions occurred in 3.3 percent of all matches. However, it recommended additional study of the sport to better understand injuries in MMA and how to prevent them.

The next line of defense against injuries is the small contingent of referees who can step in to save hurt fighters, White said.

Although somewhat counterintuitive to the casual observer, the executive said a fighter who is knocked down by a strike and swarmed by his opponent is safer than a participant in another contact sport who may be kept in the game long after he's been hurt.

"Because the guy has the ability to jump on top of him, the fight is usually stopped," White said. "These guys don't take the damage that NFL players take, or boxers, or guys from the NHL."

One medical expert told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that example holds true if a fighter is finished off with a submission hold. However, danger remains when striking is involved.

"If we're talking about jumping on somebody and wailing away at his head, obviously that's not (as safe)," said Dr. Robert Cantu, the co-founder of the Sports Legacy Institude, a group that studies brain trauma in sports.

But when it comes to the amount of time athletes get to recover from trauma, White said the built-in safeguards of commissions work in tandem with the UFC to prevent fighters from being seriously injured inside the cage.

"Guys in the NFL and NHL can't miss three months," he said. "If a guy's out three months for a concussion, there would be no football. There would be no NHL. That's the difference.

"This sport's a million times safer than both of them."

That's a feeling shared by supporters of the push to legalize MMA in the state of New York. The sport has been banned here since 1997, and the UFC is lobbying to reverse that.

"I grew up watching boxing on TV; I grew up watching WWF, then turned to WWE," said New York City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera during today's press conference. "It motivated me to get into the gym; it motivated me to want to join martial arts. This is the impact that MMA and UFC has on our next generation of leadership, and that's why I think it's important that we bring it here to our great city and to Madison Square Garden where these fighters deserve the opportunity to fight.

"It's about time that government takes off the shackles, government opens up the doors, rolls out the red carpet, and allows the UFC into New York City."

 

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Demian Maia says Mark Muñoz won’t take him down at UFC 131

Demian Maia will fight the “Filipino Wrecking Machine” Mark Muñoz on UFC 131, and the Brazilian spoke with TATAME and analyzed the fight, scheduled for July 11th. “He’s a good guy, he’s been growing a lot, he has many wins, and in case I beat him, it’s a good step forwards on my career”, said Demian.

The biggest Philippine name on MMA, Muñoz conquest five wins on his six last fights (the only loss was to Yushin Okami, on a split decision), and is known for his efficient Wrestling and a ground and pound. But Demian might face a different opponent this time. “He’s good on his takedowns, but the guys who fight me usually don’t try to take me down… He usually don’t make a good sequence, but he hits hard, and on the ground he has a powerful ground and pound game”, compliments Demian.

With two victories after wasting a title shot against Anderson Silva, the black belt hopes that a win over Muñoz might bring him closer to the top of the division again. “The winner of this bout will be closer”, believes Demian, who’ll fight another training partner of Anderson Silva. “I don’t let it take my focus away because what has happened with Anderson’s gone, I don’t have anything against him. Each one follows your way”, guarantees the black belt, who defeated Mario Miranda after losing to Silva at UFC 112.

BETS FOR RUA VS. JONES
Before tighten up the trainings for UFC 131, Demian will go to New Jersey to teach a seminar, and to watch the bout between his friend Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Jon Jones this Saturday. “I’ll be an excellent fight, and I believe Shogun will knock him out”, bets the Brazilian, disagreeing of the ones who believe the American is the favorite. “Shogun has much more experience, he’s been through all of this. He (Jones) is good, but you can’t compare him to Shogun, who was champion of Pride, currently is Ultimate’s champion and has fought stars all over the world… Jon Jones can be the champion, but I believe he won’t become one now”, concludes.

 

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The Re-Invention of Keith Jardine and His Road Back to the UFC

Ever since he got his walking papers from the UFC, former “Ultimate Fighter” competitor Keith Jardine has been working overtime to earn his way back to the Octagon.

The New Mexico based fighter stumbled out of the blocks losing to Trevor Prangley in his first post-UFC fight, but has since picked up two wins in a row.

The most recent, a first-round stoppage over Aron Lofton, showed a new side to Keith Jardine. It also inspired him to make some changes that will start immediately while he waits for Joe Silva to call him with an invite back to the UFC.

“I’ve been touching on it a little bit with my last camp and now I’ve got my first real break in the last year, and I’m really going to take the opportunity to travel a lot more,” Jardine told MMAWeekly.com. “Do what I’ve been talking about, I’ve been telling Rashad (Evans) and other people that I’ve wanted to do this forever and I’m finally going to do it.”

Traveling for Jardine means training outside the tutelage of coaches Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn. While Jardine is by no means splitting with the team he’s been with since the beginning of his career, he feels that he needs to make some changes if he is truly going to show the UFC he belongs among the best fighters at 205 pounds.

He said it all started before his fight against Kiko France in the disastrous Dominican Republic show before the end of 2010. Jardine was forced to train at a different camp due to a prior commitment, and he liked the results.

“Two fights ago when I fought Kiko France because the fight got pushed back, I was doing a movie up in Canada for a month before, so I had to do my training over at Zuma with Adam Zugec in Victoria and I got great training up there. It really occurred to me that I haven’t been getting out of my comfort zone enough,” Jardine said.

The result of that will be Jardine working with different camps starting immediately. The work will include stops in Montreal to work with strength and conditioning guru Jonathan Chaimburg, as well as at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City.

“I’m going to spend a lot more time up in Canada training with Jon Chaimburg and the team up there, and definitely some time up in New York with Renzo,” Jardine commented. “Just branching out a little bit more. They’re all affiliates of our team here, but one thing I’ve just been too comfortable here at home and it kind of hurt me in effect to stay in my comfort zone.”

The strategy to combine the training with a new mentality is what Jardine believes will lead him back to the UFC, the only fight organization he wants to call home.

He’s been showing it off in his past two fights, and he’ll continue to show it until the UFC pays attention and calls him back to the Octagon.

“I’ve been rebuilding my fighting style the last three fights. I started off a little slow against Prangley, but now it’s really taking off with this first-round stoppage in my last fight and I’m going to keep moving forward with that, and just kind of re-inventing myself into a new fighter. I’m real excited,” said Jardine.

“I’m waiting everyday to get a call from the UFC. I’m really excited to show off.”

Jardine will be leaving soon for his travels and new training which will include stops in Canada and New York, where he will reunite with Rashad Evans who is also expected to spend some time at the Renzo Gracie Academy.