MMA News Thread
- Thread starter Shogun Locc
- Start date
(I was just reading this is all pretty much confirmed now. Fedor-Hendo, 220 lbs., July 30th, Chicago. I'll be there)
Sources: Strikeforce Targeting July 30th For Showtime-broadcast Event
Multiple sources close to negotiations today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that Strikeforce has earmarked July 30 for a major Showtime-televised event, putting on hold plans for a pay-per-view event.
However, a heavyweight superfight between Fedor Emelianenko and current Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion Dan Henderson, which has been rumored as the headliner to a potential pay-per-view card, is still in advanced negotiations and could headline the late summer event.
A location for the Showtime event has yet to be confirmed, though the Sears Centre in suburban Chicago has surfaced as one possible locale.
Strikeforce official Mike Afromowitz said today that a July 30 event is "not confirmed."
But it appears the wheels are turning on the long-rumored card, which follows another major Strikeforce event set for June 18. "Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum" features the second quarterfinal fights of the promotion's heavyweight grand prix.
As MMAjunkie.com earlier reported, not only is Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker working hard to secure Emelianenko vs. Henderson, but UFC executive Lorenzo Fertitta has also joined in. UFC parent company Zuffa, LLC purchased the California-based promotion in March.
"Lorenzo's working on it," UFC president Dana White said Thursday following a pre-fight press conference for this past Saturday's UFC 129. "Me getting anywhere near that thing? You'll never see that fight."
Emelianenko, of course, is attempting to rebound from a loss to Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva this past February. It was a second consecutive setback for the former PRIDE kingpin in a career that previously virtually unblemished by defeat.
Henderson, meanwhile, is a month-and-a-half removed from winning a fourth major MMA title when he knocked out Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante to win the Strikeforce light-heavyweight title.
Sources: Strikeforce Targeting July 30th For Showtime-broadcast Event
Multiple sources close to negotiations today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that Strikeforce has earmarked July 30 for a major Showtime-televised event, putting on hold plans for a pay-per-view event.
However, a heavyweight superfight between Fedor Emelianenko and current Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion Dan Henderson, which has been rumored as the headliner to a potential pay-per-view card, is still in advanced negotiations and could headline the late summer event.
A location for the Showtime event has yet to be confirmed, though the Sears Centre in suburban Chicago has surfaced as one possible locale.
Strikeforce official Mike Afromowitz said today that a July 30 event is "not confirmed."
But it appears the wheels are turning on the long-rumored card, which follows another major Strikeforce event set for June 18. "Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum" features the second quarterfinal fights of the promotion's heavyweight grand prix.
As MMAjunkie.com earlier reported, not only is Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker working hard to secure Emelianenko vs. Henderson, but UFC executive Lorenzo Fertitta has also joined in. UFC parent company Zuffa, LLC purchased the California-based promotion in March.
"Lorenzo's working on it," UFC president Dana White said Thursday following a pre-fight press conference for this past Saturday's UFC 129. "Me getting anywhere near that thing? You'll never see that fight."
Emelianenko, of course, is attempting to rebound from a loss to Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva this past February. It was a second consecutive setback for the former PRIDE kingpin in a career that previously virtually unblemished by defeat.
Henderson, meanwhile, is a month-and-a-half removed from winning a fourth major MMA title when he knocked out Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante to win the Strikeforce light-heavyweight title.
Del Rosario Update: Trainer Says SDR Facing Legal Distractions & Potentially Difficult Recovery
Shane Del Rosario (11-0 MMA, 3-0 SF) isn't in the clear just yet.
The Strikeforce heavyweight was involved in an April 14 automobile accident when an allegedly intoxicated driver struck his car, which was waiting at a stoplight in Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Now Del Rosario's trainer, Colin Oyama, said there's some concern whether or not the undefeated heavyweight will ever return to action, and he's facing some distracting legal proceedings while helping to prosecute the woman that hit him.
"He's having some serious physical difficulties," Oyama told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "He's planning on [fighting again], but the injuries are serious enough to where it's kind of in question whether he can or not. We're hoping that he can. We'll know more in six months."
Del Rosario had been scheduled to face fellow top prospect Daniel Cormier at June's "Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum" event. However, as Del Rosario waited at a red light early on that Thursday evening, things quickly changed.
"He was at a complete stop," Oyama said. "This lady was drunk at 6 p.m. – I'm not sure how you're drunk at 6 p.m. – but she lost control of her car, smashed into him, and apparently tried to flee the scene. The cops chased her down and caught her."
The driver, Kimberly Essayian, was booked on charges of driving under the influence according to the Orange County Police Department.
Del Rosario's car was totaled in the accident, and he's currently exploring his legal options. Oyama said his fighters new employers are assisting in the process, as well as in Del Rosario's physical recovery.
"Obviously, he's contacted an attorney, and he's gone to some of the best specialists around, so we'll see," Oyama said. "Zuffa and Strikeforce have definitely helped with that. We'll know more in a couple of months.
"He's been trying to go to rehab as much as possible, but it's difficult with the lawsuit in what you can and can't do. Everything you do is affecting the lawsuit. People following him (and saying), 'Oh, he's not hurt, he can walk.' It's like, come on. Are you kidding me?"
Oyama declined to comment on the specifics of the legal proceedings that lie ahead for the heavyweight, but he admitted they may prove distracting in the near future. More importantly, Oyama said he's more interested in making sure his fighter makes it back to the cage – something he unfortunately can't guarantee at this time.
"If anything it will become a big legal distraction for him," Oyama said. "But as far as training, he won't be able to train for probably another two or three months."
Shane Del Rosario (11-0 MMA, 3-0 SF) isn't in the clear just yet.
The Strikeforce heavyweight was involved in an April 14 automobile accident when an allegedly intoxicated driver struck his car, which was waiting at a stoplight in Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Now Del Rosario's trainer, Colin Oyama, said there's some concern whether or not the undefeated heavyweight will ever return to action, and he's facing some distracting legal proceedings while helping to prosecute the woman that hit him.
"He's having some serious physical difficulties," Oyama told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "He's planning on [fighting again], but the injuries are serious enough to where it's kind of in question whether he can or not. We're hoping that he can. We'll know more in six months."
Del Rosario had been scheduled to face fellow top prospect Daniel Cormier at June's "Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum" event. However, as Del Rosario waited at a red light early on that Thursday evening, things quickly changed.
"He was at a complete stop," Oyama said. "This lady was drunk at 6 p.m. – I'm not sure how you're drunk at 6 p.m. – but she lost control of her car, smashed into him, and apparently tried to flee the scene. The cops chased her down and caught her."
The driver, Kimberly Essayian, was booked on charges of driving under the influence according to the Orange County Police Department.
Del Rosario's car was totaled in the accident, and he's currently exploring his legal options. Oyama said his fighters new employers are assisting in the process, as well as in Del Rosario's physical recovery.
"Obviously, he's contacted an attorney, and he's gone to some of the best specialists around, so we'll see," Oyama said. "Zuffa and Strikeforce have definitely helped with that. We'll know more in a couple of months.
"He's been trying to go to rehab as much as possible, but it's difficult with the lawsuit in what you can and can't do. Everything you do is affecting the lawsuit. People following him (and saying), 'Oh, he's not hurt, he can walk.' It's like, come on. Are you kidding me?"
Oyama declined to comment on the specifics of the legal proceedings that lie ahead for the heavyweight, but he admitted they may prove distracting in the near future. More importantly, Oyama said he's more interested in making sure his fighter makes it back to the cage – something he unfortunately can't guarantee at this time.
"If anything it will become a big legal distraction for him," Oyama said. "But as far as training, he won't be able to train for probably another two or three months."
McCall, Camoes, Harris Victorious at Tachi Palace Fights 9
Three-time WEC veteran Ian McCall (10-2) earned his third-straight victory and a shot at Tachi Palace Fights' flyweight title with a one-sided unanimous-decision win over Dustin Ortiz (7-1) in the main event of Friday's "TPF 9: The Contenders" event.
Additionally, UFC veterans Fabricio Camoes (12-5-1) and Gerald Harris (18-4) also picked up decision victories at the event.
Tachi Palace Fights 9 took place at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.
While the opening round was the most competitive of the three, McCall dominated Ortiz for the majority of the contest with a sprawl-and-brawl approach that saw Ortiz unable to garner takedowns and unable to match his opponent's striking prowess. It was McCall's second-straight decision win under the Tachi Palace Fights banner after upsetting Jussier da Silva this past February.
Ortiz will now face TPF flyweight champ Darrell Montague at an as-yet-unannounced August event.
Camoes downed fellow UFC vet Efrain Escudero (16-3) via unanimous decision by controlling the fight in the grappling department while also flashing some improved striking skills. Escudero pressed hard in the final frame, but it was a case of too little, too late, as Camoes walked away with the decision.
The victory was Camoes' second straight win following his UFC release after an 0-1-1 stint in the octagon. The loss for Escudero snapped a three-fight win streak.
Meanwhile, Harris picked up the win against a gritty Anthony Ruiz (25-16), largely due to his ability to control the fight in the clinch. Ruiz landed the occasional power shot when "Hurricane" was willing to strike, but Harris wisely avoided the standup exchanges in favor of controlling the action.
The much-needed win snapped a two-fight losing streak for Harris, while Ruiz has now dropped three-consecutive fights for just the second time in his career.
In other notable action, TPF featherweight champ defeated Russ Miura via first-round TKO, though he was forced to vacate the belt after missing weight for the contest. Mamoru Yamaguchi, Jorge Lopez and Chidi Njokuani also picked up wins in their promotional debut.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Ian McCall def. Dustin Ortiz via unanimous decision
Isaac DeJesus def. Russ Miura via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 2:52
Fabricio Camoes def. Efrain Escudero via unanimous decision
Gerald Harris def. Anthony Ruiz via unanimous decision
Mamoru Yamaguchi def. Kevin Dunsmoor via knockout (punch) - Round 2, 4:03
Jorge Lopez def. Waachiim Spiritwolf via unanimous decision
Farkhad Sharipov def. Tommy Vargas via unanimous decision
Chidi Njokuani def. Alan Jouban via knockout (punch) - Round 3, 1:27
Art Arciniega def. Josh Herrick via submission (triangle choke) - Round 1, 1:08
Cody Gibson def. Walel Watson via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 4:09
Brad McDonald def. Jesse Bowen via split decision
Kenny Ento def. James Chaney via TKO (doctor's stoppage) - Round 2, 1:53
Alex Perez def. Jesus Castro via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 1:56
Three-time WEC veteran Ian McCall (10-2) earned his third-straight victory and a shot at Tachi Palace Fights' flyweight title with a one-sided unanimous-decision win over Dustin Ortiz (7-1) in the main event of Friday's "TPF 9: The Contenders" event.
Additionally, UFC veterans Fabricio Camoes (12-5-1) and Gerald Harris (18-4) also picked up decision victories at the event.
Tachi Palace Fights 9 took place at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.
While the opening round was the most competitive of the three, McCall dominated Ortiz for the majority of the contest with a sprawl-and-brawl approach that saw Ortiz unable to garner takedowns and unable to match his opponent's striking prowess. It was McCall's second-straight decision win under the Tachi Palace Fights banner after upsetting Jussier da Silva this past February.
Ortiz will now face TPF flyweight champ Darrell Montague at an as-yet-unannounced August event.
Camoes downed fellow UFC vet Efrain Escudero (16-3) via unanimous decision by controlling the fight in the grappling department while also flashing some improved striking skills. Escudero pressed hard in the final frame, but it was a case of too little, too late, as Camoes walked away with the decision.
The victory was Camoes' second straight win following his UFC release after an 0-1-1 stint in the octagon. The loss for Escudero snapped a three-fight win streak.
Meanwhile, Harris picked up the win against a gritty Anthony Ruiz (25-16), largely due to his ability to control the fight in the clinch. Ruiz landed the occasional power shot when "Hurricane" was willing to strike, but Harris wisely avoided the standup exchanges in favor of controlling the action.
The much-needed win snapped a two-fight losing streak for Harris, while Ruiz has now dropped three-consecutive fights for just the second time in his career.
In other notable action, TPF featherweight champ defeated Russ Miura via first-round TKO, though he was forced to vacate the belt after missing weight for the contest. Mamoru Yamaguchi, Jorge Lopez and Chidi Njokuani also picked up wins in their promotional debut.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Ian McCall def. Dustin Ortiz via unanimous decision
Isaac DeJesus def. Russ Miura via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 2:52
Fabricio Camoes def. Efrain Escudero via unanimous decision
Gerald Harris def. Anthony Ruiz via unanimous decision
Mamoru Yamaguchi def. Kevin Dunsmoor via knockout (punch) - Round 2, 4:03
Jorge Lopez def. Waachiim Spiritwolf via unanimous decision
Farkhad Sharipov def. Tommy Vargas via unanimous decision
Chidi Njokuani def. Alan Jouban via knockout (punch) - Round 3, 1:27
Art Arciniega def. Josh Herrick via submission (triangle choke) - Round 1, 1:08
Cody Gibson def. Walel Watson via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 4:09
Brad McDonald def. Jesse Bowen via split decision
Kenny Ento def. James Chaney via TKO (doctor's stoppage) - Round 2, 1:53
Alex Perez def. Jesus Castro via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 1:56
Aoki Will (Maybe) Be Fighting Varner at "Fight for Japan"
Shinya Aoki has confirmed with MMA-JAPAN that he will indeed be fighting Jamie Varner at the "Dream: Fight for Japan" event this month in a lightweight bout.
Varner, a long time WEC veteran, who was left off the UFC's roster will tasked with figuring out the mystical submission wizard while Aoki is coming off an impressive victory at the hands of Lyle Beerbohm.
Lastly, maybe I am butt hurt by this, but this event is not called DREAM 17. It is called "Fight for Japan". Enjoy it!
Update:
I have received quite a bit of commentary regarding this announcement. Aoki has been told this is his opponent, and permitted me to release such news. As of now, he sticks by this claim. Jamie Varner's management, however, has stated no bout agreement has been signed. I suppose we will wait and see how this pans out. In the world of Japanese mixed martial arts, it is anyones guess as to what will happen. We will continue to update this story as the information comes in.
Shinya Aoki has confirmed with MMA-JAPAN that he will indeed be fighting Jamie Varner at the "Dream: Fight for Japan" event this month in a lightweight bout.
Varner, a long time WEC veteran, who was left off the UFC's roster will tasked with figuring out the mystical submission wizard while Aoki is coming off an impressive victory at the hands of Lyle Beerbohm.
Lastly, maybe I am butt hurt by this, but this event is not called DREAM 17. It is called "Fight for Japan". Enjoy it!
Update:
I have received quite a bit of commentary regarding this announcement. Aoki has been told this is his opponent, and permitted me to release such news. As of now, he sticks by this claim. Jamie Varner's management, however, has stated no bout agreement has been signed. I suppose we will wait and see how this pans out. In the world of Japanese mixed martial arts, it is anyones guess as to what will happen. We will continue to update this story as the information comes in.
UFC 133 is looking like my favorite card of the year. Right now it's something like this
FW Title: Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes
LHW #1 Contender: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis
MW: Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama
LHW: Lil Nog vs. Rich Franklin
LHW: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Vladimir Matyushenko
WW: Brian Ebersole vs. Dennis Hallman
WW: Johny Hendricks vs. Mike Pierce
FW: Nam Phan vs. Mike Thomas Brown
MW: Alessio Sakara vs. Jorge Rivera
MW: Riki Fukuda vs. Rafael Natal
FW Title: Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes
LHW #1 Contender: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis
MW: Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama
LHW: Lil Nog vs. Rich Franklin
LHW: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Vladimir Matyushenko
WW: Brian Ebersole vs. Dennis Hallman
WW: Johny Hendricks vs. Mike Pierce
FW: Nam Phan vs. Mike Thomas Brown
MW: Alessio Sakara vs. Jorge Rivera
MW: Riki Fukuda vs. Rafael Natal
