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Patricky Pitbull Wants To Defend Bellator's Honor Vs. Eddie Alvarez
Patricky Pitbull would like nothing more than to send Eddie Alvarez packing with a loss. The two lightweights meet Friday night in the main event of Bellator 76.
Alvarez will see his contract expire after the fight, and most believe he is headed to the UFC. Bellator has exclusive matching rights, but CEO Bjorn Rebney has already stated they might not match due to the price and the talent in the lightweight division.
That's fine by Pitbull, who was left foaming at the mouth after seeing Alvarez sitting Octagon-side with UFC president Dana White earlier this year.
"I thought it was a complete disrespect to Bjorn and the entire Bellator organization," said Pitbull, in an interview with MMAMania.com. "Even though he had said bad things about me (before), after I saw that, I had a big desire to fight him."
Pitbull added that he believes Alvarez is "underestimating the Bellator fighters," and that he "doesn't even care for the organization because it's his last fight."
Pitbull (10-3) has gone 3-2 since joining Bellator in 2011, falling to Lloyd Woodard back in March and current Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler in 2011.
Bellator 76 2morrow night on MTV2
***Results
Main Card
Eddie Alvarez def. Patricky Pitbull via first-round KO
Rad Martinez def. Nazareno Malegarie via unanimous decision
Mike Richman def. Jeremy Spoon via first-round TKO
Shabulat Shamhalaev def. Cody Bollinger via first-round TKO
Wagnney Fabiano def. Akop Stepanyan via submission (armbar)
Undercard
Jason Fischer def. Kyle Prepolec via submission (arm-triangle choke)
Chad Laprise def. Ainsley Robinson via unanimous decision
Domonic O’Grady def. AJ Matthews via split decision
Magomedrasul Khasbulaev def. Nayeb Hezam via first-round TKO
Patricky Pitbull would like nothing more than to send Eddie Alvarez packing with a loss. The two lightweights meet Friday night in the main event of Bellator 76.
Alvarez will see his contract expire after the fight, and most believe he is headed to the UFC. Bellator has exclusive matching rights, but CEO Bjorn Rebney has already stated they might not match due to the price and the talent in the lightweight division.
That's fine by Pitbull, who was left foaming at the mouth after seeing Alvarez sitting Octagon-side with UFC president Dana White earlier this year.
"I thought it was a complete disrespect to Bjorn and the entire Bellator organization," said Pitbull, in an interview with MMAMania.com. "Even though he had said bad things about me (before), after I saw that, I had a big desire to fight him."
Pitbull added that he believes Alvarez is "underestimating the Bellator fighters," and that he "doesn't even care for the organization because it's his last fight."
Pitbull (10-3) has gone 3-2 since joining Bellator in 2011, falling to Lloyd Woodard back in March and current Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler in 2011.
Bellator 76 2morrow night on MTV2
***Results
Main Card
Eddie Alvarez def. Patricky Pitbull via first-round KO
Rad Martinez def. Nazareno Malegarie via unanimous decision
Mike Richman def. Jeremy Spoon via first-round TKO
Shabulat Shamhalaev def. Cody Bollinger via first-round TKO
Wagnney Fabiano def. Akop Stepanyan via submission (armbar)
Undercard
Jason Fischer def. Kyle Prepolec via submission (arm-triangle choke)
Chad Laprise def. Ainsley Robinson via unanimous decision
Domonic O’Grady def. AJ Matthews via split decision
Magomedrasul Khasbulaev def. Nayeb Hezam via first-round TKO
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Props:
The Duke of Earl
TUF 17 Jones vs Sonnen
Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen to coach 'The Ultimate Fighter 17,' fight on April 27 | MMAjunkie.com
UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) and former middleweight title challenger Chael Sonnen (28-12-1 MMA, 6-5 UFC) will serve as coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter 17" on FX.
The coaching assignments, as well as an April 27 fight date, today were confirmed by the Los Angeles Times.
Due to his coaching duties, Sonnen no longer will fight Forrest Griffin (19-7 MMA, 10-5 UFC) at UFC 155 in December.
"TUF 17" filming begins Oct. 29, and the show then debuts on FX in January. The 17th edition of the UFC's long-running reality series is expected to feature middleweight and light-heavyweight fighters. Open tryouts for the tournament-based competition and show recently drew more than 120 UFC hopefuls.
Jones and Sonnen will serve as head coaches of opposing teams. As with past seasons of "TUF," their coach-vs.-coach fight will headline a pay-per-view event soon after the series' 12-week run on FX.
Sonnen, who suffered a second loss to middleweight champion Anderson Silva in his most recent bout, was targeted for a late-notice light-heavyweight fight with Jones at UFC 151. However, when Jones declined to take the fight on eight days' notice following an injury to original opponent Dan Henderson, UFC officials ultimately canceled the Sept. 1 show outright.
Although Jones said he offered to fight Sonnen a few weeks later at UFC 152, officials instead paired him up with Lyoto Machida and then ultimately Vitor Belfort, whom he submitted in the fourth round.
But since the UFC 151 cancellation, Sonnen hasn't missed an opportunity to call out Jones, even though he's currently booked to fight light heavyweight Forrest Griffin at UFC 155 in December.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Jones recently tweeted that he was warming up to the idea of fighting Sonnen.
"The more I realize how bad the fans want to see me fight Sonnen the more I am beginning to disregard whether he deserves it or not," Jones recently tweeted. "A part of me wants to do it for the fans. The other part of me feels as if it delegitimizes the importance of (the) championship."
Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen to coach 'The Ultimate Fighter 17,' fight on April 27 | MMAjunkie.com
UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) and former middleweight title challenger Chael Sonnen (28-12-1 MMA, 6-5 UFC) will serve as coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter 17" on FX.
The coaching assignments, as well as an April 27 fight date, today were confirmed by the Los Angeles Times.
Due to his coaching duties, Sonnen no longer will fight Forrest Griffin (19-7 MMA, 10-5 UFC) at UFC 155 in December.
"TUF 17" filming begins Oct. 29, and the show then debuts on FX in January. The 17th edition of the UFC's long-running reality series is expected to feature middleweight and light-heavyweight fighters. Open tryouts for the tournament-based competition and show recently drew more than 120 UFC hopefuls.
Jones and Sonnen will serve as head coaches of opposing teams. As with past seasons of "TUF," their coach-vs.-coach fight will headline a pay-per-view event soon after the series' 12-week run on FX.
Sonnen, who suffered a second loss to middleweight champion Anderson Silva in his most recent bout, was targeted for a late-notice light-heavyweight fight with Jones at UFC 151. However, when Jones declined to take the fight on eight days' notice following an injury to original opponent Dan Henderson, UFC officials ultimately canceled the Sept. 1 show outright.
Although Jones said he offered to fight Sonnen a few weeks later at UFC 152, officials instead paired him up with Lyoto Machida and then ultimately Vitor Belfort, whom he submitted in the fourth round.
But since the UFC 151 cancellation, Sonnen hasn't missed an opportunity to call out Jones, even though he's currently booked to fight light heavyweight Forrest Griffin at UFC 155 in December.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Jones recently tweeted that he was warming up to the idea of fighting Sonnen.
"The more I realize how bad the fans want to see me fight Sonnen the more I am beginning to disregard whether he deserves it or not," Jones recently tweeted. "A part of me wants to do it for the fans. The other part of me feels as if it delegitimizes the importance of (the) championship."
it is pretty much a joke sonnen gets his ass kicked so he talks his way into another title shot the belts are starting to become useless with all these dumb rematches and people who dont deserve a title shot getting one
Props:
skilz151 and trips
Jones hasnt fought anyone with a strong game since he won the title, TUF ratings are at a all time low, why not? Its a business plus Chael is no slouch like em or not
Props:
heyzel
R.I.P. Jeff Blatnick
Former UFC commentator, judge and Olympic gold medalist Jeff Blatnick dies
The MMA world has lost an iconic member of its past and present.
Jeff Blatnick died today following complications from heart surgery, according to a report from wnyt.com. He was 55 years old.
Blatnick, who won a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1984 Summer Olympics, served as a commentator for 29 UFC events and as an MMA judge in the U.S. and Canada.
"He should be remembered as one of the most important figures in MMA in the United States, and much later as one of the sport's best judges," wrote New Jersey State Athletic Control Board legal counsel Nick Lembo in a text message to MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com). "Personally, he was a true friend and a role model. I never met a finer person. I will miss him terribly as an official but even more as a friend."
Blatnick first served as a UFC commentator at UFC 4 in 1994 and worked with the promotion for seven years while calling his final event at UFC 32. He was a tireless advocate for the sport and often spoke with legislators to get MMA legalized in his home state of New York.
As an amateur wrestler, Blatnick ascended to the highest levels of the sport despite tremendous obstacles. Diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1982, he had his spleen and appendix removed yet incredibly returned to compete in the 1984 Olympics, where he became one of the first Americans to win a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Blatnick retired from wrestling in 1988 after a second bout with cancer. He then worked as a wrestling analyst for NBC for the 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics.
In addition to his work as a judge, Blatnick, a father of two, also served as a coach for a high school and wrestling club in Niskayuna, N.Y., and he worked as a motivational speaker.
MMAjunkie.com extends out heartfelt sympathies to Blatnick's friends and family.
Former UFC commentator, judge and Olympic gold medalist Jeff Blatnick dies
The MMA world has lost an iconic member of its past and present.
Jeff Blatnick died today following complications from heart surgery, according to a report from wnyt.com. He was 55 years old.
Blatnick, who won a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1984 Summer Olympics, served as a commentator for 29 UFC events and as an MMA judge in the U.S. and Canada.
"He should be remembered as one of the most important figures in MMA in the United States, and much later as one of the sport's best judges," wrote New Jersey State Athletic Control Board legal counsel Nick Lembo in a text message to MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com). "Personally, he was a true friend and a role model. I never met a finer person. I will miss him terribly as an official but even more as a friend."
Blatnick first served as a UFC commentator at UFC 4 in 1994 and worked with the promotion for seven years while calling his final event at UFC 32. He was a tireless advocate for the sport and often spoke with legislators to get MMA legalized in his home state of New York.
As an amateur wrestler, Blatnick ascended to the highest levels of the sport despite tremendous obstacles. Diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1982, he had his spleen and appendix removed yet incredibly returned to compete in the 1984 Olympics, where he became one of the first Americans to win a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Blatnick retired from wrestling in 1988 after a second bout with cancer. He then worked as a wrestling analyst for NBC for the 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics.
In addition to his work as a judge, Blatnick, a father of two, also served as a coach for a high school and wrestling club in Niskayuna, N.Y., and he worked as a motivational speaker.
MMAjunkie.com extends out heartfelt sympathies to Blatnick's friends and family.
Rashad Evans vs. Lil Nog Agreed To For Super Bowl Weekend PPV
This fight should be dope, hope Lil Nog pulls it out, but I see Rashad taking the UD
Rashad Evans vs. Rogerio Nogeuira Verbally Agreed for UFC Super Bowl Weekend PPV - Yahoo! Sports
Rashad Evans may have had Lyoto Machida in mind as an ideal opponent for his return to the Octagon, but he will instead square off with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
MMAWeekly.com sources confirmed that Evans vs. Nogueira has been verbally agreed to and is being targeted for the UFC’s Super Bowl weekend pay-per-view on Feb. 2, 2013. The bout was first reported by Brazilian news site SporTV.
Evans (17-2-1) hasn’t set foot in the Octagon since he lost to current UFC light heavyweight champion and former teammate Jon Jones at UFC 145 in April.
Evans knows that he’ll have to fight his way back into a position to challenge for the belt again, but his intention is to remain in the 205-pound division.
“I want to be at light heavyweight because there is unfinished business. I can’t go down unless something really beckons for my calling. I like to fight at 205 and I have done fairly well there,” Evans told UFC Tonight recently, citing his desire to avenge a loss to Machida.
Nogueira (20-5) enters the fight with a win over UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz at UFC 140 in December of last year. He had planned to get back in the Octagon at UFC on Fuel TV 2 in April, but has been on the sidelines nursing a knee injury.
The Super Bowl weekend event is likely to be dubbed UFC 157, but promotion officials have yet to verify its numbering.
This fight should be dope, hope Lil Nog pulls it out, but I see Rashad taking the UD
Rashad Evans vs. Rogerio Nogeuira Verbally Agreed for UFC Super Bowl Weekend PPV - Yahoo! Sports
Rashad Evans may have had Lyoto Machida in mind as an ideal opponent for his return to the Octagon, but he will instead square off with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
MMAWeekly.com sources confirmed that Evans vs. Nogueira has been verbally agreed to and is being targeted for the UFC’s Super Bowl weekend pay-per-view on Feb. 2, 2013. The bout was first reported by Brazilian news site SporTV.
Evans (17-2-1) hasn’t set foot in the Octagon since he lost to current UFC light heavyweight champion and former teammate Jon Jones at UFC 145 in April.
Evans knows that he’ll have to fight his way back into a position to challenge for the belt again, but his intention is to remain in the 205-pound division.
“I want to be at light heavyweight because there is unfinished business. I can’t go down unless something really beckons for my calling. I like to fight at 205 and I have done fairly well there,” Evans told UFC Tonight recently, citing his desire to avenge a loss to Machida.
Nogueira (20-5) enters the fight with a win over UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz at UFC 140 in December of last year. He had planned to get back in the Octagon at UFC on Fuel TV 2 in April, but has been on the sidelines nursing a knee injury.
The Super Bowl weekend event is likely to be dubbed UFC 157, but promotion officials have yet to verify its numbering.
Props:
The Duke of Earl and heyzel
DREAM Rises From The Grave With New Ownership, New Years Card In The Works
Always liked Dream's shows, hope this new ownership can keep it alive.
Dream Rises from the Ashes, New Ownership Planning New Year's Eve Event - Yahoo! Sports
Just when it seemed that the doors were closed on Dream forever, the Japanese fight promotion has resurfaced.
MMAWeekly.com official content partner AsianMMA.com on Tuesday reported that Dream has awakened from its deep freeze with plans to host its annual New Year’s Eve event.
AsianMMA.com sources indicated that plans were already underway for the New Year’s Eve event. A press conference is slated for Oct. 25 to unveil details of the event, as well as plans for the future of the organization.
Dream featherweight champion Hiroyuki Takaya, as well as veterans Tatsuya Kawajiri and Satoru Kitaoka are scheduled to attend the press conference and likely to be announced for bouts on the New Year’s Eve fight card.
Dream as it was is no longer. The promotion was formerly under the ownership of Real Entertainment, which closed its doors earlier this year. AsianMMA.com informed MMAWeekly.com that the New Year’s Eve event and any future Dream plans will be organized under new ownership, which will likely be revealed at Thursday’s press conference in Japan.
The last time Dream, in any form, operated an event was New Year’s Eve 2011. Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 featured MMA, kickboxing, and puroresu (Japanese professional wrestling) and was co-promoted by Dream, M-1 Global, and Inoke Genome Federation.
Stay tuned to MMAWeekly.com and AsianMMA.com for more details on the Dream MMA resurrection.
Always liked Dream's shows, hope this new ownership can keep it alive.
Dream Rises from the Ashes, New Ownership Planning New Year's Eve Event - Yahoo! Sports
Just when it seemed that the doors were closed on Dream forever, the Japanese fight promotion has resurfaced.
MMAWeekly.com official content partner AsianMMA.com on Tuesday reported that Dream has awakened from its deep freeze with plans to host its annual New Year’s Eve event.
AsianMMA.com sources indicated that plans were already underway for the New Year’s Eve event. A press conference is slated for Oct. 25 to unveil details of the event, as well as plans for the future of the organization.
Dream featherweight champion Hiroyuki Takaya, as well as veterans Tatsuya Kawajiri and Satoru Kitaoka are scheduled to attend the press conference and likely to be announced for bouts on the New Year’s Eve fight card.
Dream as it was is no longer. The promotion was formerly under the ownership of Real Entertainment, which closed its doors earlier this year. AsianMMA.com informed MMAWeekly.com that the New Year’s Eve event and any future Dream plans will be organized under new ownership, which will likely be revealed at Thursday’s press conference in Japan.
The last time Dream, in any form, operated an event was New Year’s Eve 2011. Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 featured MMA, kickboxing, and puroresu (Japanese professional wrestling) and was co-promoted by Dream, M-1 Global, and Inoke Genome Federation.
Stay tuned to MMAWeekly.com and AsianMMA.com for more details on the Dream MMA resurrection.
Props:
B-Buzz
UFC's Josh Koscheck interested in fights with Diaz, Maia, others in 2013 return
Though he was hoping to fight by the end of the year, Josh Koscheck will wait for the calendar to turn.
When he returns, the former UFC welterweight title challenger has a few ideas of whom he'd like to fight. It's a short list, but it's a veritable who's-who of the 170-pound class.
Koscheck (17-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) on Tuesday named Nick Diaz, Demian Maia, Jake Ellenberger and Rory MacDonald as opponents he's interested in.
"Doesn't look like UFC has a fight (for) me until (2013). So I'll just train and get better," Koscheck stated on Twitter. The fighter then went on to list the four opponents he's most interested in.
Koscheck earlier this fall said his plan was to return to action at UFC 155, which takes place Dec. 29 in Las Vegas. But a fight for him didn't materialize for that card, and now the California-based fighter will next see work in 2013.
Koscheck won two straight fights after dropping a unanimous decision against Georges St-Pierre in a welterweight title fight at UFC 124 in December 2010. He returned from a long injury layoff to knock out Matt Hughes in the first round at UFC 135, then won a split decision against Mike Pierce at UFC 141. But against Johny Hendricks at UFC on FOX 3 this past May, a split decision didn't go his way.
He was booked for a fight with Ellenberger at UFC 151, but had to pull out of that fight with a back injury. Then that event was canceled, anyway.
Ellenberger (28-6 MMA, 7-2 UFC) beat Koscheck replacement Jay Hieron by unanimous decision earlier this month at UFC on FX 5. It's conceivable that Ellenberger could be ready to go again for an early 2013 fight against Koscheck.
Diaz (26-8 MMA, 7-5 UFC) currently is suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and won't be eligible to fight again until February.
Maia (17-4 MMA, 11-4 UFC) earlier this month made quick work of Rick Story at UFC 153 in Brazil, submitting the wrester halfway through the first round and leaving the fight with virtually no damage.
And MacDonald (13-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is awaiting a fight against B.J. Penn at UFC on FOX 5 in December, a bout that was delayed from UFC 152 when MacDonald suffered a bad forehead cut in training.
Though he was hoping to fight by the end of the year, Josh Koscheck will wait for the calendar to turn.
When he returns, the former UFC welterweight title challenger has a few ideas of whom he'd like to fight. It's a short list, but it's a veritable who's-who of the 170-pound class.
Koscheck (17-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) on Tuesday named Nick Diaz, Demian Maia, Jake Ellenberger and Rory MacDonald as opponents he's interested in.
"Doesn't look like UFC has a fight (for) me until (2013). So I'll just train and get better," Koscheck stated on Twitter. The fighter then went on to list the four opponents he's most interested in.
Koscheck earlier this fall said his plan was to return to action at UFC 155, which takes place Dec. 29 in Las Vegas. But a fight for him didn't materialize for that card, and now the California-based fighter will next see work in 2013.
Koscheck won two straight fights after dropping a unanimous decision against Georges St-Pierre in a welterweight title fight at UFC 124 in December 2010. He returned from a long injury layoff to knock out Matt Hughes in the first round at UFC 135, then won a split decision against Mike Pierce at UFC 141. But against Johny Hendricks at UFC on FOX 3 this past May, a split decision didn't go his way.
He was booked for a fight with Ellenberger at UFC 151, but had to pull out of that fight with a back injury. Then that event was canceled, anyway.
Ellenberger (28-6 MMA, 7-2 UFC) beat Koscheck replacement Jay Hieron by unanimous decision earlier this month at UFC on FX 5. It's conceivable that Ellenberger could be ready to go again for an early 2013 fight against Koscheck.
Diaz (26-8 MMA, 7-5 UFC) currently is suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and won't be eligible to fight again until February.
Maia (17-4 MMA, 11-4 UFC) earlier this month made quick work of Rick Story at UFC 153 in Brazil, submitting the wrester halfway through the first round and leaving the fight with virtually no damage.
And MacDonald (13-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is awaiting a fight against B.J. Penn at UFC on FOX 5 in December, a bout that was delayed from UFC 152 when MacDonald suffered a bad forehead cut in training.
UFC's Anthony Pettis remains hospitalized, but trainer optimistic for January fight
Anthony Pettis remains hospitalized for precautionary reasons following an attack of cellulitis that sparked concerns about his fighting future.
Trainer Duke Roufus on Wednesday told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) that he's waiting to pick the fighter up from an area hospital and estimates the two will train next week at Roufusport Academy in Milwaukee.
A proposed fight between Pettis and Donald Cerrone in January hasn't technically been booked, he said, but shouldn't be hindered by the mishap.
"He's ready to bounce back," Roufus said. "Hopefully the UFC still wants to book that fight."
Pettis on Sunday noticed a skin abnormality on his elbow that was mistaken for a staph infection, Roufus said, and skipped out on an interview with AXS TV's "Inside MMA" to go to the hospital. There, he received a diagnosis of cellulitis and was hospitalized.
According to WebMD, cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deepest layers of a person's skin and is caused by the same bacteria as strep throat. If untreated, it can lead to serious flu-like symptoms and immune system deficiency.
"It wasn't from surgery," Roufus said, referring to a corrective procedure on Pettis' shoulder that pushed back a meeting with Cerrone. "Sometimes things happen when you're training at the gym. It's just the nature of our business. It could have happened with contusions (he suffered during sparring)."
Hoping to make the most of his stay, Pettis asked for video footage on boxers and muay Thai fighters, the trainer said.
"He's a stronger man than me," said Roufus, whose wife recently gave birth to a girl.
Pettis (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) and Cerrone (19-4-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) were rumored as potential coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter 17" before the gig went to light heavyweight champ Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen. Following news of Pettis' hospital run-in, Cerrone contemplated moving on to another fight. A source close to the fighter, however, stressed that the matchup was still likely for January.
Pettis' last appearance in the cage came in February, when he knocked out Joe Lauzon with a head kick at UFC 144. It was his second straight win following a split call over Jeremy Stephens at UFC 136, which eased the sting of a loss to Clay Guida in his octagon debut.
Anthony Pettis remains hospitalized for precautionary reasons following an attack of cellulitis that sparked concerns about his fighting future.
Trainer Duke Roufus on Wednesday told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) that he's waiting to pick the fighter up from an area hospital and estimates the two will train next week at Roufusport Academy in Milwaukee.
A proposed fight between Pettis and Donald Cerrone in January hasn't technically been booked, he said, but shouldn't be hindered by the mishap.
"He's ready to bounce back," Roufus said. "Hopefully the UFC still wants to book that fight."
Pettis on Sunday noticed a skin abnormality on his elbow that was mistaken for a staph infection, Roufus said, and skipped out on an interview with AXS TV's "Inside MMA" to go to the hospital. There, he received a diagnosis of cellulitis and was hospitalized.
According to WebMD, cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deepest layers of a person's skin and is caused by the same bacteria as strep throat. If untreated, it can lead to serious flu-like symptoms and immune system deficiency.
"It wasn't from surgery," Roufus said, referring to a corrective procedure on Pettis' shoulder that pushed back a meeting with Cerrone. "Sometimes things happen when you're training at the gym. It's just the nature of our business. It could have happened with contusions (he suffered during sparring)."
Hoping to make the most of his stay, Pettis asked for video footage on boxers and muay Thai fighters, the trainer said.
"He's a stronger man than me," said Roufus, whose wife recently gave birth to a girl.
Pettis (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) and Cerrone (19-4-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) were rumored as potential coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter 17" before the gig went to light heavyweight champ Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen. Following news of Pettis' hospital run-in, Cerrone contemplated moving on to another fight. A source close to the fighter, however, stressed that the matchup was still likely for January.
Pettis' last appearance in the cage came in February, when he knocked out Joe Lauzon with a head kick at UFC 144. It was his second straight win following a split call over Jeremy Stephens at UFC 136, which eased the sting of a loss to Clay Guida in his octagon debut.
Company president Dana White estimates 60-80 million viewers watch UFC in Brazil
If it hasn't become obvious over the past year or so, the UFC has a fairly intense love affair with Brazil.
And with good reason. The UFC returned to the South American cradle of mixed martial arts in August 2011 for the first time in nearly 13 years and has already been back three times.
The live events draw big crowds and big gates, and UFC President Dana White says that enormous numbers of people are watching on Brazilian TV.
White earlier this week dropped some hefty numbers on Chet Buchanan and the "Morning Zoo" program on KLUC-FM (98.5) in Las Vegas.
"When we do fights in Brazil, 60 (million) to 80 million people watch," White said. "And there's only 200 million people in the country."
The numbers have varied, depending on the reports – many of which go with a number of households and not a number of people. But even if White's numbers err on the high side, his point, essentially, is that Brazilian fans are passionate about the sport, and the UFC is returning the love.
The UFC is averaging a pay-per-view in Brazil every three and a half months since returning. UFC 134 took place at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The company returned for UFC 142 this past January. In June, UFC 147 was in Belo Horizonte. And earlier this month, UFC 153 was back in Rio.
"It is so red-hot in Brazil," White said. "When we go down there, the fans are so loud and chanting for their guys. They go crazy for their guys. It's just unbelievable. I know there's a lot of UFC fans in Vegas, (but) if they ever get the opportunity to go to a fight down in Brazil, believe me when I tell you, you've got to do it. It's a unique experience."
Needless to say, all four of those recent UFC events were headlined by Brazilian fan favorites – middleweight champion Anderson Silva twice, featherweight champ Jose Aldo and Wanderlei Silva. The UFC has four champs from Brazil – interim bantamweight champ Renan Barao, Aldo at featherweight, Silva at middleweight and heavyweight champ Junior Dos Santos.
And with developments like "The Ultimate Fighter Brazil," which debuted this past spring to big success in Brazil, with a second season already in the works, the UFC's Brazilian talent pool only is likely to grow.
"Since the beginning of time, all the best fighters in the world have come from Brazil," White said. "The greatest fighter of all-time, Anderson Silva, is from there. Our heavyweight champion is from there and a ton of other great fighters."
But it's the response the UFC gets from the fans that makes Brazil a big lure for continuing to hold events there. There are talks of a regional series of events in the country that perhaps would be similar to the "Fight Night" cards that air in the States on FOX, FX and FUEL TV.
But if White and the UFC have their way, the expansion in the country will continue. Sao Paolo was discussed for a soccer stadium show before the UFC ran into roadblocks in the weeks leading up to UFC 147, but it remains a bucket list item for the promotion.
"Every time we go down to Brazil to do a fight, it's like the first time we've ever been there," he said. "We've only been to Rio and Belo Horizonte. Those are the only two places we've been. There are so many other places for us to go in Brazil. It's a very, very fun market."
If it hasn't become obvious over the past year or so, the UFC has a fairly intense love affair with Brazil.
And with good reason. The UFC returned to the South American cradle of mixed martial arts in August 2011 for the first time in nearly 13 years and has already been back three times.
The live events draw big crowds and big gates, and UFC President Dana White says that enormous numbers of people are watching on Brazilian TV.
White earlier this week dropped some hefty numbers on Chet Buchanan and the "Morning Zoo" program on KLUC-FM (98.5) in Las Vegas.
"When we do fights in Brazil, 60 (million) to 80 million people watch," White said. "And there's only 200 million people in the country."
The numbers have varied, depending on the reports – many of which go with a number of households and not a number of people. But even if White's numbers err on the high side, his point, essentially, is that Brazilian fans are passionate about the sport, and the UFC is returning the love.
The UFC is averaging a pay-per-view in Brazil every three and a half months since returning. UFC 134 took place at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The company returned for UFC 142 this past January. In June, UFC 147 was in Belo Horizonte. And earlier this month, UFC 153 was back in Rio.
"It is so red-hot in Brazil," White said. "When we go down there, the fans are so loud and chanting for their guys. They go crazy for their guys. It's just unbelievable. I know there's a lot of UFC fans in Vegas, (but) if they ever get the opportunity to go to a fight down in Brazil, believe me when I tell you, you've got to do it. It's a unique experience."
Needless to say, all four of those recent UFC events were headlined by Brazilian fan favorites – middleweight champion Anderson Silva twice, featherweight champ Jose Aldo and Wanderlei Silva. The UFC has four champs from Brazil – interim bantamweight champ Renan Barao, Aldo at featherweight, Silva at middleweight and heavyweight champ Junior Dos Santos.
And with developments like "The Ultimate Fighter Brazil," which debuted this past spring to big success in Brazil, with a second season already in the works, the UFC's Brazilian talent pool only is likely to grow.
"Since the beginning of time, all the best fighters in the world have come from Brazil," White said. "The greatest fighter of all-time, Anderson Silva, is from there. Our heavyweight champion is from there and a ton of other great fighters."
But it's the response the UFC gets from the fans that makes Brazil a big lure for continuing to hold events there. There are talks of a regional series of events in the country that perhaps would be similar to the "Fight Night" cards that air in the States on FOX, FX and FUEL TV.
But if White and the UFC have their way, the expansion in the country will continue. Sao Paolo was discussed for a soccer stadium show before the UFC ran into roadblocks in the weeks leading up to UFC 147, but it remains a bucket list item for the promotion.
"Every time we go down to Brazil to do a fight, it's like the first time we've ever been there," he said. "We've only been to Rio and Belo Horizonte. Those are the only two places we've been. There are so many other places for us to go in Brazil. It's a very, very fun market."
UFC: Stephan Bonnar and Dave Herman admit to taking banned substances
Stephan Bonnar and Dave Herman admit to taking the banned substances that prompted their failed drug tests at this past month's UFC 153 event.
That's according to the UFC, which recently issued a statement on both fighters.
As MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) first reported on Friday, Bonnar tested positive for drostanolone, an anabolic steroid, and Herman's test detected marijuana metabolites.
"The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents," the statement read. "Both fighters have admitted taking the banned substances and have orally agreed to suspensions. Once the suspensions have been reduced to written agreements, the results of their tests and the agreed-upon suspensions will be sent to the Association of Boxing Commissions official record-keeper so other jurisdictions will be on notice."
The length of the suspensions wasn't disclosed.
UFC 153 took place Oct. 13 at Rio de Janeiro's HSBC Arena. UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva (33-4 MMA, 16-0 UFC) defeated Bonnar (15-8 MMA, 8-7 UFC) in the evening's non-title light-heavyweight headliner. Antonio Rodrgio Nogueira (34-7-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC) submitted Herman (21-5 MMA, 1-3 UFC) in the pay-per-view event's co-headliner.
With the lack of an athletic commission to regulate the event, UFC officials booked a third-party testing company to conduct the drug tests. UFC exec and former Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Marc Ratner coordinates the process in such situations.
Both Bonnar and Herman failed previous tests. Bonnar tested positive for a boldenone metabolite at UFC 62, and he admitted to using the anabolic steroid prior to the eventual loss to Forrest Griffin. Herman, meanwhile, was pulled from a UFC 136 bout with Mike Russow after a pre-fight test revealed marijuana metabolites. The fighter, though, said he didn't use marijuana and blamed the failed test on friends who were smoking around him.
Other than the official ABC suspensions, UFC officials announced no further punishment for the fighters, though Bonnar had already announced his MMA retirement prior to news of the failed test. Additionally, with three straight losses, Herman's future in the organization was already in question.
Stephan Bonnar and Dave Herman admit to taking the banned substances that prompted their failed drug tests at this past month's UFC 153 event.
That's according to the UFC, which recently issued a statement on both fighters.
As MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) first reported on Friday, Bonnar tested positive for drostanolone, an anabolic steroid, and Herman's test detected marijuana metabolites.
"The UFC has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents," the statement read. "Both fighters have admitted taking the banned substances and have orally agreed to suspensions. Once the suspensions have been reduced to written agreements, the results of their tests and the agreed-upon suspensions will be sent to the Association of Boxing Commissions official record-keeper so other jurisdictions will be on notice."
The length of the suspensions wasn't disclosed.
UFC 153 took place Oct. 13 at Rio de Janeiro's HSBC Arena. UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva (33-4 MMA, 16-0 UFC) defeated Bonnar (15-8 MMA, 8-7 UFC) in the evening's non-title light-heavyweight headliner. Antonio Rodrgio Nogueira (34-7-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC) submitted Herman (21-5 MMA, 1-3 UFC) in the pay-per-view event's co-headliner.
With the lack of an athletic commission to regulate the event, UFC officials booked a third-party testing company to conduct the drug tests. UFC exec and former Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Marc Ratner coordinates the process in such situations.
Both Bonnar and Herman failed previous tests. Bonnar tested positive for a boldenone metabolite at UFC 62, and he admitted to using the anabolic steroid prior to the eventual loss to Forrest Griffin. Herman, meanwhile, was pulled from a UFC 136 bout with Mike Russow after a pre-fight test revealed marijuana metabolites. The fighter, though, said he didn't use marijuana and blamed the failed test on friends who were smoking around him.
Other than the official ABC suspensions, UFC officials announced no further punishment for the fighters, though Bonnar had already announced his MMA retirement prior to news of the failed test. Additionally, with three straight losses, Herman's future in the organization was already in question.
@B-Buzz
UFC's 2013 schedule on FOX network kicks off on Jan. 26 at United Center in Chicago
The UFC will start its 2013 FOX event schedule with an event Jan. 26 in Chicago.
UFC officials on Monday announced the rumored card, which will take place at United Center and is expected, like past FOX-broadcast cards, to feature four bouts on the main card.
The UFC also visted United Center in Chicago in January 2012 for its first FOX card after the start of its seven-year deal with the network.
While no fights have been announced for the event, a lightweight fight, possibly a title eliminator, between Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis has been targeted for the card, which will be UFC on FOX 6.
In addition, the UFC announced three other dates for its four FOX shows in 2013 – though no venues or cities were announced for those three other events. The UFC and FOX target one event on the network each quarter, plus events on FOX-owned cable stations FX and FUEL TV throughout the year.
On April 20, the UFC's second-quarter FOX show, UFC on FOX 7, will take place. UFC on FOX 8 is targeted for July 27, while UFC on FOX 9 will take place Dec. 14.
"2013 is shaping up to be a huge year for the UFC, and we can’t wait to bring more great fights to FOX," UFC President Dana White stated. "We’re going to continue to take the UFC all over the world putting on the biggest and best fights. FOX is an amazing broadcast partner and we’re going to do some big things next year."
Along with the FOX dates, the UFC also announced an international FUEL TV event for Feb. 16, plus confirmed its Jan. 19 event in Brazil will be an FX card, news first reported by MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com).
The UFC's first FOX event took place in November 2011 prior to the actual start of its seven-year deal with the network. In 2012, its three FOX events thus far have taken place in Chicago in January; East Rutherford, N.J., in May; Los Angeles in August; and next month, UFC on FOX 5 takes place in Seattle.
The UFC on FOX 2 card in Chicago this past January featured a main event light heavyweight title eliminator between Rashad Evans and Phil Davis, plus a co-main event middleweight title eliminator between Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping. Evans went on to drop a decision to champion Jon Jones in April after his win over Davis, while Sonnen lost in July to champ Anderson Silva.
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B-Buzz
Rampage' Jackson says he's fighting Glover Teixeira at UFC on FOX 6 in Chicago
It will have been a while coming, but the light heavyweight showdown between Quinton Jackson and Glover Teixeira will happen, and it's got a date.
Jackson (32-10 MMA, 7-4 UFC) will meet Teixeira (19-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) when the UFC returns to Chicago for UFC on FOX 6 in January. "Rampage" late Tuesday announced the fight booking through his Twitter account.
UFC on FOX 6 will take place Jan. 26 at United Center in Chicago. The main card airs on FOX following prelims on FUEL TV.
The announcement came just ahead of a pair of official UFC fight booking announcements for the card. The main event will be a flyweight title fight between champion Demetrious Johnson and top contender John Dodson, and lightweights Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone finally will square off, also on the main card. Jackson-Teixeira, of course, is expected to be part of the FOX-televised card.
Jackson and Teixeira were scheduled to meet at UFC 153 this past month in Rio de Janeiro in Teixeira's home country of Brazil. But a Jackson injury took him out of the fight. The nature of his injury never was announced.
Jackson has been in a war of words with UFC President Dana White and the UFC – or at least hasn't been shy about being critical of his employer. The fight against Teixeira will be the last on the former light heavyweight champion's contract, and he has said he fully intends to leave the UFC and fight elsewhere.
Jackson's most recent fight came in February at UFC 144 in Japan, where he was a former PRIDE star. For that fight against Ryan Bader, Jackson came in significantly overweight due to a training injury and forfeited 20 percent of his purse to Bader, who went on to win a unanimous decision.
Before that, Jackson had back-to-back wins over Lyoto Machida and Matt Hamill that got him a shot at light heavyweight champ Jon Jones at UFC 135, but Jones stopped him with a fourth-round submission.
Teixeira continued his quick ascension in the UFC, picking up a TKO win over Fabio Maldonado at UFC 153. Maldonado took the fight on a month's notice after Jackson pulled out. In May, Teixeira made his long-awaited UFC debut with a devastating first-round stoppage of Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 146 in Las Vegas.
His two UFC wins were impressive, but a win over a former champion and major name such as Jackson would be nothing short of huge for the Brazilian.
The latest UFC on FOX 6 card now includes:
Champion Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson - for flyweight title
Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis
Quinton Jackson vs. Glover Teixeira*
* - Not officially announced
It will have been a while coming, but the light heavyweight showdown between Quinton Jackson and Glover Teixeira will happen, and it's got a date.
Jackson (32-10 MMA, 7-4 UFC) will meet Teixeira (19-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) when the UFC returns to Chicago for UFC on FOX 6 in January. "Rampage" late Tuesday announced the fight booking through his Twitter account.
UFC on FOX 6 will take place Jan. 26 at United Center in Chicago. The main card airs on FOX following prelims on FUEL TV.
The announcement came just ahead of a pair of official UFC fight booking announcements for the card. The main event will be a flyweight title fight between champion Demetrious Johnson and top contender John Dodson, and lightweights Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone finally will square off, also on the main card. Jackson-Teixeira, of course, is expected to be part of the FOX-televised card.
Jackson and Teixeira were scheduled to meet at UFC 153 this past month in Rio de Janeiro in Teixeira's home country of Brazil. But a Jackson injury took him out of the fight. The nature of his injury never was announced.
Jackson has been in a war of words with UFC President Dana White and the UFC – or at least hasn't been shy about being critical of his employer. The fight against Teixeira will be the last on the former light heavyweight champion's contract, and he has said he fully intends to leave the UFC and fight elsewhere.
Jackson's most recent fight came in February at UFC 144 in Japan, where he was a former PRIDE star. For that fight against Ryan Bader, Jackson came in significantly overweight due to a training injury and forfeited 20 percent of his purse to Bader, who went on to win a unanimous decision.
Before that, Jackson had back-to-back wins over Lyoto Machida and Matt Hamill that got him a shot at light heavyweight champ Jon Jones at UFC 135, but Jones stopped him with a fourth-round submission.
Teixeira continued his quick ascension in the UFC, picking up a TKO win over Fabio Maldonado at UFC 153. Maldonado took the fight on a month's notice after Jackson pulled out. In May, Teixeira made his long-awaited UFC debut with a devastating first-round stoppage of Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 146 in Las Vegas.
His two UFC wins were impressive, but a win over a former champion and major name such as Jackson would be nothing short of huge for the Brazilian.
The latest UFC on FOX 6 card now includes:
Champion Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson - for flyweight title
Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis
Quinton Jackson vs. Glover Teixeira*
* - Not officially announced