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Rampage Jackson Signs With Bellator MMA and TNA Wrestling
Rampage Jackson Signs With Bellator MMA and TNA Wrestling | RM Sports
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has found a new home with Bellator MMA. Multiple outlets reported the signing earlier today, with Bellator recently confirming the news via press release.
Rampage Jackson’s contract will include him joining Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal as a fighter with both a deal with Bellator and TNA wrestling. The multi-year deal will also include Jackson taking part in multiple media ventures with Spike TV.
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney was excited about the landmark deal reached with the fighter, stating,“The partnership that we’ve created with Quinton is unlike anything that’s ever been done in the sports & entertainment arena and Rampage is the perfect athlete/entertainer to carry it off.”
The promotion will hold a press conference on Wednesday that will include Jackson, Rebney, Spike TV president Kevin Kay, and TNA Wrestling president Dixie Carter to announce the companies plans for the former UFC light heavyweight champion.
Jackson left the UFC after a 7-5 record in the promotion. The one-time UFC light heavyweight champion had a tough relationship with the promotion since joining the promotion in 2007 due to legal issues and contractual wrangling.
For the latest Bellator News, stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.
Rampage Jackson Signs With Bellator MMA and TNA Wrestling | RM Sports
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has found a new home with Bellator MMA. Multiple outlets reported the signing earlier today, with Bellator recently confirming the news via press release.
Rampage Jackson’s contract will include him joining Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal as a fighter with both a deal with Bellator and TNA wrestling. The multi-year deal will also include Jackson taking part in multiple media ventures with Spike TV.
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney was excited about the landmark deal reached with the fighter, stating,“The partnership that we’ve created with Quinton is unlike anything that’s ever been done in the sports & entertainment arena and Rampage is the perfect athlete/entertainer to carry it off.”
The promotion will hold a press conference on Wednesday that will include Jackson, Rebney, Spike TV president Kevin Kay, and TNA Wrestling president Dixie Carter to announce the companies plans for the former UFC light heavyweight champion.
Jackson left the UFC after a 7-5 record in the promotion. The one-time UFC light heavyweight champion had a tough relationship with the promotion since joining the promotion in 2007 due to legal issues and contractual wrangling.
For the latest Bellator News, stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.
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Bellator confirms 'Rampage' signing, includes TNA wrestling and reality series
Bellator MMA today confirmed the signing of Quinton Jackson and unveiled a "monumental, multi-year partnership" that includes work with TNA Wrestling and a reality series geared around his MMA debut.
Bellator, Spike TV and TNA Wrestling jointly announced the deal, which MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) reported earlier today.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"'Rampage' is a true superstar both inside and outside the MMA cage," Bellator CEO and Chairman Bjorn Rebney stated. "The partnership that we've created with Quinton is unlike anything that's ever been done in the sports and entertainment arena, and 'Rampage' is the perfect athlete/entertainer to carry it off."
Additional details will be announced at a Wednesday press conference in Los Angeles.
Jackson (32-11 MMA, 0-0 BFC), a former PRIDE fighter and ex-UFC light-heavyweight champion, split with the UFC earlier this year following consecutive losses to champ Jon Jones, Ryan Bader and Glover Teixeira. By that point, he relationship with the organization, including UFC President Dana White, had soured, and both sides suggested a split would be advantageous.
Bellator and Spike TV, which Viacom owns, believe the 34-year-old should help sustain a ratings boost the organization saw earlier this year with its move from MTV2 to Spike TV.
"We are thrilled to create this opportunity for one of the greatest athletes and personalities in MMA," Spike TV President Kevin Kay stated. "'Rampage' is a proven ratings driver who brings incredible star power to both Bellator and TNA."
Bellator MMA today confirmed the signing of Quinton Jackson and unveiled a "monumental, multi-year partnership" that includes work with TNA Wrestling and a reality series geared around his MMA debut.
Bellator, Spike TV and TNA Wrestling jointly announced the deal, which MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) reported earlier today.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"'Rampage' is a true superstar both inside and outside the MMA cage," Bellator CEO and Chairman Bjorn Rebney stated. "The partnership that we've created with Quinton is unlike anything that's ever been done in the sports and entertainment arena, and 'Rampage' is the perfect athlete/entertainer to carry it off."
Additional details will be announced at a Wednesday press conference in Los Angeles.
Jackson (32-11 MMA, 0-0 BFC), a former PRIDE fighter and ex-UFC light-heavyweight champion, split with the UFC earlier this year following consecutive losses to champ Jon Jones, Ryan Bader and Glover Teixeira. By that point, he relationship with the organization, including UFC President Dana White, had soured, and both sides suggested a split would be advantageous.
Bellator and Spike TV, which Viacom owns, believe the 34-year-old should help sustain a ratings boost the organization saw earlier this year with its move from MTV2 to Spike TV.
"We are thrilled to create this opportunity for one of the greatest athletes and personalities in MMA," Spike TV President Kevin Kay stated. "'Rampage' is a proven ratings driver who brings incredible star power to both Bellator and TNA."
USA TODAY: Commissioners express support for less-stringent marijuana testing
A meeting of state athletic commissions next month could determine whether combat sports regulators adopt the World Anti- Doping Agency's more relaxed rules regarding testing for marijuana. That, in turn, could be good news for some MMA fighters.
The Association of Boxing Commissions' medical committee will then make a recommendation on whether to follow WADA's marijuana threshold, which was raised from 15 nanograms per milliliter to 150 ng/ mL in an athlete's urine.
Several commissioners have indicated their support for the change, which could reduce the number of fighters who are suspended and fined for pot. At least seven UFC fighters have tested positive for marijuana since 2012. The conference takes place in late July in San Antonio.
"I leave medical decisions to medical personnel," Nick Lembo, chairman of the ABC's MMA rules committee and also a chief regulator in New Jersey's athletic commission, told USA TODAY Sports and MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com). "But my personal feeling is that I would much rather focus on obvious performance-enhancing drug use like steroids and blood doping.
"If I was a trainer, I would much rather have my fighter fighting someone who took marijuana than someone who's blood doping."
The ABC's medical committee, represented by more than 50 doctors around the country, met Wednesday to discuss WADA's change. The UFC recently adopted WADA's threshold for international events it self-regulates. The fight promotion's vice president of regulatory affairs, Marc Ratner, is the former head of the Nevada commission and an advocate of lesser penalties for marijuana infractions.
The committee also discussed whether therapeutic-use exemptions should be given to medical cannabis users. In 2012, now-retired UFC welterweight Nick Diaz unsuccessfully challenged a postfight suspension issued by Nevada on the basis that he used the drug outside of competition and with a doctor's approval.
Marijuana is a polarizing issue in the sport, with many fighters saying the drug is widely used.
UFC fighter Pat Healy tested positive for marijuana at UFC 159 in April, and it cost him $130,000 in bonuses. He said he last used the drug a month before his fight.
Ohio commissioner Bernie Profato is a former police officer who remembers a day on the job in which a mother tested positive for pot after a car crash that killed her 7-year-old child. He said he always would be opposed to the drug but would enforce whatever regulations were in place.
It might not take long for regulatory change. But the ABC's president, Tim Lueckenhoff, sees red tape ahead despite his belief that athletic commissions will fall in step with WADA.
"What it really comes down to is what the regulations in the various states say," said Lueckenhoff, who also heads Missouri's commission. "If it says they go with the WADA guidelines, then it's fine. If they have an individual rule that says what the threshold is, then all those commissions have to go through a rule-making process to change that, which unfortunately in state government takes time."
A meeting of state athletic commissions next month could determine whether combat sports regulators adopt the World Anti- Doping Agency's more relaxed rules regarding testing for marijuana. That, in turn, could be good news for some MMA fighters.
The Association of Boxing Commissions' medical committee will then make a recommendation on whether to follow WADA's marijuana threshold, which was raised from 15 nanograms per milliliter to 150 ng/ mL in an athlete's urine.
Several commissioners have indicated their support for the change, which could reduce the number of fighters who are suspended and fined for pot. At least seven UFC fighters have tested positive for marijuana since 2012. The conference takes place in late July in San Antonio.
"I leave medical decisions to medical personnel," Nick Lembo, chairman of the ABC's MMA rules committee and also a chief regulator in New Jersey's athletic commission, told USA TODAY Sports and MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com). "But my personal feeling is that I would much rather focus on obvious performance-enhancing drug use like steroids and blood doping.
"If I was a trainer, I would much rather have my fighter fighting someone who took marijuana than someone who's blood doping."
The ABC's medical committee, represented by more than 50 doctors around the country, met Wednesday to discuss WADA's change. The UFC recently adopted WADA's threshold for international events it self-regulates. The fight promotion's vice president of regulatory affairs, Marc Ratner, is the former head of the Nevada commission and an advocate of lesser penalties for marijuana infractions.
The committee also discussed whether therapeutic-use exemptions should be given to medical cannabis users. In 2012, now-retired UFC welterweight Nick Diaz unsuccessfully challenged a postfight suspension issued by Nevada on the basis that he used the drug outside of competition and with a doctor's approval.
Marijuana is a polarizing issue in the sport, with many fighters saying the drug is widely used.
UFC fighter Pat Healy tested positive for marijuana at UFC 159 in April, and it cost him $130,000 in bonuses. He said he last used the drug a month before his fight.
Ohio commissioner Bernie Profato is a former police officer who remembers a day on the job in which a mother tested positive for pot after a car crash that killed her 7-year-old child. He said he always would be opposed to the drug but would enforce whatever regulations were in place.
It might not take long for regulatory change. But the ABC's president, Tim Lueckenhoff, sees red tape ahead despite his belief that athletic commissions will fall in step with WADA.
"What it really comes down to is what the regulations in the various states say," said Lueckenhoff, who also heads Missouri's commission. "If it says they go with the WADA guidelines, then it's fine. If they have an individual rule that says what the threshold is, then all those commissions have to go through a rule-making process to change that, which unfortunately in state government takes time."
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Paulo Thiago slated for UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 in Indy
A long-anticipated move to the welterweight division has arrived for "The Ultimate Fighter 17" winner Kelvin Gastelum (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), who is set to meet veteran Paulo Thiago (15-5 MMA, 5-5 UFC) at UFC on FOX Sports 1 2.
Today via Twitter, Gastelum confirmed a report from the combat-sports website of Brazilian network Globo TV. MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) was unable to confirm the matchup with promotion officials.
UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 takes place Aug. 28 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The event's main card airs live on FOX Sports 1; broadcast plans for the preliminary card haven't been announced.
Picked last on "TUF 17," Gastelum outwrestled and outworked four straight middleweight opponents to earn a spot in the tournament final at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale. There, he pulled off a major upset by outpointing show favorite Urijah Hall to win the reality show.
Prior to "TUF," he racked up five straight wins with no losses on the regional circuit.
Thiago, meanwhile, saved his job with the UFC when he outpointed Michel Prazeres earlier this month at UFC on FX 8. Prior to that, he went 1-4 in the promotion. To date, his most significant accomplishments are a pair of wins over American Kickboxing Academy fighters Josh Koscheck and Mike Swick.
The latest UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 card now includes:
Carlos Condit vs. Martin Kampmann
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Paulo Thiago*
Magnus Cedenblad vs. Robert McDaniel*
A long-anticipated move to the welterweight division has arrived for "The Ultimate Fighter 17" winner Kelvin Gastelum (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), who is set to meet veteran Paulo Thiago (15-5 MMA, 5-5 UFC) at UFC on FOX Sports 1 2.
Today via Twitter, Gastelum confirmed a report from the combat-sports website of Brazilian network Globo TV. MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) was unable to confirm the matchup with promotion officials.
UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 takes place Aug. 28 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The event's main card airs live on FOX Sports 1; broadcast plans for the preliminary card haven't been announced.
Picked last on "TUF 17," Gastelum outwrestled and outworked four straight middleweight opponents to earn a spot in the tournament final at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale. There, he pulled off a major upset by outpointing show favorite Urijah Hall to win the reality show.
Prior to "TUF," he racked up five straight wins with no losses on the regional circuit.
Thiago, meanwhile, saved his job with the UFC when he outpointed Michel Prazeres earlier this month at UFC on FX 8. Prior to that, he went 1-4 in the promotion. To date, his most significant accomplishments are a pair of wins over American Kickboxing Academy fighters Josh Koscheck and Mike Swick.
The latest UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 card now includes:
Carlos Condit vs. Martin Kampmann
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Paulo Thiago*
Magnus Cedenblad vs. Robert McDaniel*
Bahadurzada replaces injured Saffiedine, meets Lawler at UFC on FOX 8
Former Strikeforce champion Tarec Saffiedine (14-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is the latest victim of the injury bug, and fellow welterweight Siyar Bahadurzada (21-5-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) has stepped as an injury replacement and now fights Robbie Lawler (10-9 MMA, 5-3 UFC) at UFC on FOX 8.
UFC officials today announced the switch.
UFC on FOX 8 takes place July 27 at KeyArena in Seattle. The main card airs on FOX following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Bahadurzada vs. Lawler is expected to maintain its main-card slot.
Bahadurzada looks to rebound from a UFC on FUEL TV 8 decision loss to Dong Hyun Kim earlier this year. Prior to that, the Netherlands-based Afghan fighter posted seven consecutive victories, which included winning a 2011 Ultimate Glory tournament and knocking out Paulo Thiago (in just 42 seconds) in his UFC debut.
Plagued by injuries in recent years, Bahadurzada now fights Lawler, who recently returned to the UFC after a long run with EliteXC and Strikeforce. At UFC 157 in February, he halted a 1-3 skid after dropping from middleweight to welterweight and knocking out perennial contender Josh Koscheck.
The latest UFC on FOX 8 card now includes:
MAIN CARD (FOX, 8 p.m. ET)
Champ Demetrious Johnson vs. John Moraga - for UFC flyweight title
Jake Ellenberger vs. Rory MacDonald
Robbie Lawler vs. Siyar Bahadurzada
Jessica Andrade vs. Liz Carmouche
PRELIMINARY CARD (FX and Facebook, 4 p.m. ET)
Michael Chiesa vs. Jorge Masvidal
Danny Castillo vs. Bobby Green
Mac Danzig vs. Melvin Guillard
Matt Mitrione vs. Brendan Schaub
Yves Edwards vs. Spencer Fisher
Germaine de Randamie vs. Julie Kedzie
Ed Herman vs. Trevor Smith
Aaron Riley vs. Justin Salas
John Albert vs. Yaotzin Meza
Former Strikeforce champion Tarec Saffiedine (14-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is the latest victim of the injury bug, and fellow welterweight Siyar Bahadurzada (21-5-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) has stepped as an injury replacement and now fights Robbie Lawler (10-9 MMA, 5-3 UFC) at UFC on FOX 8.
UFC officials today announced the switch.
UFC on FOX 8 takes place July 27 at KeyArena in Seattle. The main card airs on FOX following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Bahadurzada vs. Lawler is expected to maintain its main-card slot.
Bahadurzada looks to rebound from a UFC on FUEL TV 8 decision loss to Dong Hyun Kim earlier this year. Prior to that, the Netherlands-based Afghan fighter posted seven consecutive victories, which included winning a 2011 Ultimate Glory tournament and knocking out Paulo Thiago (in just 42 seconds) in his UFC debut.
Plagued by injuries in recent years, Bahadurzada now fights Lawler, who recently returned to the UFC after a long run with EliteXC and Strikeforce. At UFC 157 in February, he halted a 1-3 skid after dropping from middleweight to welterweight and knocking out perennial contender Josh Koscheck.
The latest UFC on FOX 8 card now includes:
MAIN CARD (FOX, 8 p.m. ET)
Champ Demetrious Johnson vs. John Moraga - for UFC flyweight title
Jake Ellenberger vs. Rory MacDonald
Robbie Lawler vs. Siyar Bahadurzada
Jessica Andrade vs. Liz Carmouche
PRELIMINARY CARD (FX and Facebook, 4 p.m. ET)
Michael Chiesa vs. Jorge Masvidal
Danny Castillo vs. Bobby Green
Mac Danzig vs. Melvin Guillard
Matt Mitrione vs. Brendan Schaub
Yves Edwards vs. Spencer Fisher
Germaine de Randamie vs. Julie Kedzie
Ed Herman vs. Trevor Smith
Aaron Riley vs. Justin Salas
John Albert vs. Yaotzin Meza
Following UFC 161 scratch, 'Shogun' Rua anticipates UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 slot
With opponent Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) injured, and short-notice volunteer Chael Sonnen (27-13-1 MMA, 6-6 UFC) no longer available, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (21-7 MMA, 5-5 UFC) won't fight at next week's UFC 161 event.
But the ex-light-heavyweight champ told Brazilian website Tatame that UFC officials have given him another date to fight against a yet-to-be confirmed opponent.
"UFC asked me to keep training, that I would fight on August 17 [in] Boston," Rua said, referring to UFC on FOX Sports 1, which takes place at TD Garden and serves as the UFC's debut show on the new sports channel.
Sonnen appears poised to take the rescheduled bout, though MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) was unable to confirm whether he will stand opposite Rua on the summer card. A rep for the three-time title challenger said an announcement on his future should be made tonight.
Nogueira was forced to withdraw when he injured his back in training.
Rua said he was ready to fight Sonnen next week and expressed disappointment at not being able to appear at UFC 161, which takes place June 15 at MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. But he said the extra time won't quell his motivation.
"I was crazy to fight," he said. "I had already changed my strategy. I was ready to get in action, but the UFC told my manager that Sonnen had problems to get a visa to fly to Canada. That's why they canceled the fight, and that's a shame. I'll have to wait a little longer to fight again, but my will is only getting bigger."
A light-heavyweight fight between Ryan Jimmo and Igor Pokrajac is now part of UFC 161's pay-per-view main card while a heavyweight bout between Roy Nelson and Stipe Miocic serves as the co-main event.
Rua most recently appeared at UFC on FOX 5, where his stock tumbled with a decision loss to current contender Alexander Gustafsson.
Since a pair of wins over Chuck Liddell and Mark Coleman, Rua has been unable to put more than two wins together despite a brief reign as UFC champ. After winning the title in a rematch against Lyoto Machida at UFC 113, he injured his knee and lost the belt in a return bout against Jon Jones at UFC 128. While he was victorious in high-profile bouts against Forrest Griffin and Brandon Vera, he suffered losses to top-tier opponents such as Dan Henderson and Gustafsson.
Sonnen, meanwhile, is fresh off his third unsuccessful try at a UFC title, which came in April at UFC 159. After a lopsided loss to champ Jones, he contemplated retirement but later appeared to reverse course by calling out Wanderlei Silva.
With opponent Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) injured, and short-notice volunteer Chael Sonnen (27-13-1 MMA, 6-6 UFC) no longer available, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (21-7 MMA, 5-5 UFC) won't fight at next week's UFC 161 event.
But the ex-light-heavyweight champ told Brazilian website Tatame that UFC officials have given him another date to fight against a yet-to-be confirmed opponent.
"UFC asked me to keep training, that I would fight on August 17 [in] Boston," Rua said, referring to UFC on FOX Sports 1, which takes place at TD Garden and serves as the UFC's debut show on the new sports channel.
Sonnen appears poised to take the rescheduled bout, though MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) was unable to confirm whether he will stand opposite Rua on the summer card. A rep for the three-time title challenger said an announcement on his future should be made tonight.
Nogueira was forced to withdraw when he injured his back in training.
Rua said he was ready to fight Sonnen next week and expressed disappointment at not being able to appear at UFC 161, which takes place June 15 at MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. But he said the extra time won't quell his motivation.
"I was crazy to fight," he said. "I had already changed my strategy. I was ready to get in action, but the UFC told my manager that Sonnen had problems to get a visa to fly to Canada. That's why they canceled the fight, and that's a shame. I'll have to wait a little longer to fight again, but my will is only getting bigger."
A light-heavyweight fight between Ryan Jimmo and Igor Pokrajac is now part of UFC 161's pay-per-view main card while a heavyweight bout between Roy Nelson and Stipe Miocic serves as the co-main event.
Rua most recently appeared at UFC on FOX 5, where his stock tumbled with a decision loss to current contender Alexander Gustafsson.
Since a pair of wins over Chuck Liddell and Mark Coleman, Rua has been unable to put more than two wins together despite a brief reign as UFC champ. After winning the title in a rematch against Lyoto Machida at UFC 113, he injured his knee and lost the belt in a return bout against Jon Jones at UFC 128. While he was victorious in high-profile bouts against Forrest Griffin and Brandon Vera, he suffered losses to top-tier opponents such as Dan Henderson and Gustafsson.
Sonnen, meanwhile, is fresh off his third unsuccessful try at a UFC title, which came in April at UFC 159. After a lopsided loss to champ Jones, he contemplated retirement but later appeared to reverse course by calling out Wanderlei Silva.
Urijah Faber vs. Yuri Alcantara booked for UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 in Boston
A bout between highly ranked bantamweights Urijah Faber (28-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and Yuri Alcantara (28-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC) has been booked for UFC on FOX Sports 1 1.
Case Keefer of the Las Vegas Sun today tweeted news of the bout. MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) subsequently confirmed it with UFC officials.
UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 takes place Aug. 17 at TD Garden in Boston and marks the promotion's debut on the new cable network, which launches the same day. Faber vs. Alcantara likely will be part of the main card.
Faber is currently ranked No. 3 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA bantamweight rankings. Alcantara is ranked No. 13.
Faber recently picked up his third submission win in four fights by tapping out Scott Jorgensen in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale. The former WEC champion's only career losses have come in title fights, including one against Renan Barao for the UFC interim title in July 2012.
He'll face another contender in Alcantara, who's 14-1 (with one no-contest) in his past 16 fights. Most recently, the former lightweight and featherweight knocked out Iliarde Santos at UFC on FX 8. The onetime WEC fighter's other UFC victories have come over Felipe Arantes and Michihiro Omigawa while the lone defeat came to Hacran Dias via decision.
The latest UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 card now includes:
Travis Browne vs. Alistair Overeem
Yuri Alcantara vs. Urijah Faber
Thiago Alves vs. Matt Brown
Michael Johnson vs. Joe Lauzon
Uriah Hall vs. Nick Ring
Conor McGregor vs. Andy Ogle
Mike Brown vs. Akira Corassani
A bout between highly ranked bantamweights Urijah Faber (28-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and Yuri Alcantara (28-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC) has been booked for UFC on FOX Sports 1 1.
Case Keefer of the Las Vegas Sun today tweeted news of the bout. MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) subsequently confirmed it with UFC officials.
UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 takes place Aug. 17 at TD Garden in Boston and marks the promotion's debut on the new cable network, which launches the same day. Faber vs. Alcantara likely will be part of the main card.
Faber is currently ranked No. 3 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA bantamweight rankings. Alcantara is ranked No. 13.
Faber recently picked up his third submission win in four fights by tapping out Scott Jorgensen in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale. The former WEC champion's only career losses have come in title fights, including one against Renan Barao for the UFC interim title in July 2012.
He'll face another contender in Alcantara, who's 14-1 (with one no-contest) in his past 16 fights. Most recently, the former lightweight and featherweight knocked out Iliarde Santos at UFC on FX 8. The onetime WEC fighter's other UFC victories have come over Felipe Arantes and Michihiro Omigawa while the lone defeat came to Hacran Dias via decision.
The latest UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 card now includes:
Travis Browne vs. Alistair Overeem
Yuri Alcantara vs. Urijah Faber
Thiago Alves vs. Matt Brown
Michael Johnson vs. Joe Lauzon
Uriah Hall vs. Nick Ring
Conor McGregor vs. Andy Ogle
Mike Brown vs. Akira Corassani
Robert Drysdale signs with UFC, meets Ednaldo Oliveira at UFC 163
Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Robert Drysdale (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has signed with the UFC and will meet fellow light heavyweight Ednaldo Oliveira (13-1-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at UFC 163.
UFC officials confirmed the fight by retweeting an initial report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
UFC 163 takes place Aug. 3 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Drysdale vs. Oliveira likely will be part of the prelims.
Drysdale, a world champion grappler who was born in the U.S. but spent much of his childhood in Brazil, made his official MMA debut in 2010. Recently, the black belt has competed for Legacy FC in Texas. All of six of his pro wins have come via first-round submission, including an April victory over Bellator vet D.J. Linderman.
Oliveira returns to action for the first time since UFC 142 in early 2012, when he suffered a submission loss to heavyweight Gabriel Gonzaga in his promotional debut. Prior to that, the Brazilian striker had posted eight knockouts in an undefeated start to his career. Recently injuries have slowed his return to the cage.
The latest UFC 163 card now includes:
Champ Jose Aldo vs. Anthony Pettis - for featherweight title
Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida
Josh Koscheck vs. Demian Maia
Thales Leites vs. Tom Watson
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Anthony Perosh
Cezar Ferreira vs. Clint Hester
Robert Drysdale vs. Ednaldo Oliveira
Neil Magny vs. Sergio Moraes
Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Robert Drysdale (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has signed with the UFC and will meet fellow light heavyweight Ednaldo Oliveira (13-1-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at UFC 163.
UFC officials confirmed the fight by retweeting an initial report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
UFC 163 takes place Aug. 3 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Drysdale vs. Oliveira likely will be part of the prelims.
Drysdale, a world champion grappler who was born in the U.S. but spent much of his childhood in Brazil, made his official MMA debut in 2010. Recently, the black belt has competed for Legacy FC in Texas. All of six of his pro wins have come via first-round submission, including an April victory over Bellator vet D.J. Linderman.
Oliveira returns to action for the first time since UFC 142 in early 2012, when he suffered a submission loss to heavyweight Gabriel Gonzaga in his promotional debut. Prior to that, the Brazilian striker had posted eight knockouts in an undefeated start to his career. Recently injuries have slowed his return to the cage.
The latest UFC 163 card now includes:
Champ Jose Aldo vs. Anthony Pettis - for featherweight title
Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida
Josh Koscheck vs. Demian Maia
Thales Leites vs. Tom Watson
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Anthony Perosh
Cezar Ferreira vs. Clint Hester
Robert Drysdale vs. Ednaldo Oliveira
Neil Magny vs. Sergio Moraes
Amanda Nunes vs. Sheila Gaff slotted for UFC 163 in Brazil
A bantamweight bout – and the first female fight in UFC-Brazil history – between promotional newcomer Amanda Nunes (7-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) and Sheila Gaff (10-5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) is the latest addition to August's UFC 163 event in Brazil.
MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) confirmed the bout with UFC officials following an initial report from Globo.
UFC 163 takes place Aug. 3 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Nunes vs. Gaff likely will be part of the prelims.
Nunes, who fights in her home country, heads to the UFC after two fights in Strikeforce (where she scored a knockout win over Julie Budd and a TKO loss to Alexis Davis) and a pair of bouts with Invicta FC (where she submitted Raquel Pa'aluhi but suffered a decision defeat to Sarah D'alelio). The heavy-handed grappler owns six knockouts in seven career wins.
Gaff, a German fighter, looks to rebound from a UFC-debut TKO loss to Sara McMann at UFC 159. Prior to the fight, the Cage Warriors vet had posted three consecutive knockout wins over the likes of Hanna Sillen, Aisling Daly and Jennifer Maia. In 10 career wins, the well-rounded fighter owns six knockouts and four submissions.
The latest UFC 163 card now includes:
Champ Jose Aldo vs. Anthony Pettis - for featherweight title
Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida
Josh Koscheck vs. Demian Maia
Thales Leites vs. Tom Watson
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Anthony Perosh
Cezar Ferreira vs. Clint Hester
Robert Drysdale vs. Ednaldo Oliveira
Sheila Gaff vs. Amanda Nunes
Neil Magny vs. Sergio Moraes
A bantamweight bout – and the first female fight in UFC-Brazil history – between promotional newcomer Amanda Nunes (7-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) and Sheila Gaff (10-5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) is the latest addition to August's UFC 163 event in Brazil.
MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) confirmed the bout with UFC officials following an initial report from Globo.
UFC 163 takes place Aug. 3 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Nunes vs. Gaff likely will be part of the prelims.
Nunes, who fights in her home country, heads to the UFC after two fights in Strikeforce (where she scored a knockout win over Julie Budd and a TKO loss to Alexis Davis) and a pair of bouts with Invicta FC (where she submitted Raquel Pa'aluhi but suffered a decision defeat to Sarah D'alelio). The heavy-handed grappler owns six knockouts in seven career wins.
Gaff, a German fighter, looks to rebound from a UFC-debut TKO loss to Sara McMann at UFC 159. Prior to the fight, the Cage Warriors vet had posted three consecutive knockout wins over the likes of Hanna Sillen, Aisling Daly and Jennifer Maia. In 10 career wins, the well-rounded fighter owns six knockouts and four submissions.
The latest UFC 163 card now includes:
Champ Jose Aldo vs. Anthony Pettis - for featherweight title
Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida
Josh Koscheck vs. Demian Maia
Thales Leites vs. Tom Watson
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Anthony Perosh
Cezar Ferreira vs. Clint Hester
Robert Drysdale vs. Ednaldo Oliveira
Sheila Gaff vs. Amanda Nunes
Neil Magny vs. Sergio Moraes
Jason 'Mayhem' Miller in retirement: 'I'm really enjoying life right now'
If you thought that Jason Miller would stop being "Mayhem" once he retired from mixed martial arts, well, you're in for a surprise.
The former standout fought all over the world in a pro career which stretched back to 2001 and retired soon after his UFC 146 loss to C.B. Dolloway.
But as he proved during an in-studio visit on Monday's edition of The MMA Hour, he's still the same old "Mayhem."
"I'm really enjoying my life right now," the 32-year old Miller said. "I have a lot of other things to accomplish."
As usual, "Mayhem's" appearance jumped through a hodgepodge of subjects, with some of the best anecdotes coming in the form of "back in the day" stories. Here's a look at some of the highlights:
On his last career victory, a Sept. 2010 submission win over Kasushi Sakuraba in Dream, which was followed by a bow captured in an iconic photograph: It kind of like, was in my head head a little bit, like, I have to show this man respect. Because, the young meets the old, right? So it's like, at this point in my career and in my life, I get to be Sakuraba. In the moment, it just spontaneously combusted. I feel like, in my head I feel like I owe this man so much respect and I have to beat him up because that's my job. I did what I said I was going to do, I submitted him. I felt bad for punching him in his face super hard. I got him one time like ‘bink' and I felt it inside my knuckles and I was like ‘aww, that was a good one.' And I looked at his face and he was like [imitates Sakuraba], looking around all wild. That's when I jumped and I grabbed him and I choked him. It was sweet. That's a move I learned from him, I feel like, just watching him.
On a memorable two-round casino fight against Chael Sonnen in 2002, which Sonnen won by decision: He's like an American Hero. He's the white knight of the Republicans. I think it's hilarious. Chael Sonnen is the politician to end all politicians. I feel like I'd finance his campaign if I was the Koch brothers. At an Indian Casino, he put me through the floor one time, I knocked his eyes in the back of his head. I didn't know I was fighting him. It was only two rounds, it was whack. This was back in the day. [Sonnen won a] decision, he got me with the takedowns. He got me in a double leg really nice, I was like, ‘wheee.' I remember thinking "man, I'm going to knock his head off, wheee," [It was a] cruddy cage, he slammed me through the floor one time, then we had a gentleman's agreement not to go there.
On an underground fight when he was breaking in: I fought in a basement one time, it was a weird thing, it was like Bloodsport. It was crazy, looking back at it. Basically, there's video out there too, it's looks like the basement from Saw. There's a wrestling mat on the ground, and a ring attached to the wall on the concrete. I got on this dude's back and started choking him, this guy was weird, he wanted to wear some ninja shoes. This was 1999, '98 or something. This was a small gym fight ... it was completely illegal. North Carolina, too. I got on the guys back and we tore the ropes down off the concrete wall. I was like, what are we going to do. They pulled the ropes down and everyone got around in a circle. ... I was paid $200.
On the status of his left knee, which needs surgery: [The UFC] pretended they were going to give me the surgery, and they started acting like they were going to fix my leg. They went back and they dragged it out until my insurance coverage expired. So I couldn't get the surgery. ... Same one I hurt in the fight. If you're walking around with no ACL for one year, Kobe Bryant is a p***y.... I'm walking around like the hunchback of Notre Dame over there. That's the problem. I got so used to ignoring pain over the years from doing the job that I did, and that is a bit of genetics because my dad's done the same thing, then, try to work out? Nope.
On the one fight he never got and wish he had: The obvious answer is Nick Diaz, right? I was trying to get that fight a long time ago. And we were all going back and forth and angry at each other. I think I understand Nick Diaz very well. I think I can understand the some of the points he's trying to make. I know what he's saying, he's expressing frustration with his job and with the way the've handled the promotion of him and the way they carted him around to things he didn't want to do. I get it. I get what he's trying to say, how he doesn't feel respected despite how big his accomplishments are. He didn't feel respected, he didn't feel anyone was looking out for him.
On being informed Diaz is now running his own promotion: That's awesome. I guess he did have some money to invest in something. This is going to be the best show ever. I'm interested to see.
On this weekend's upcoming Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Fabricio Werdum fight: I've trained with both of those guys. I think, man, I think on a hunger level, you always hate to pick against your man. Nogueira, I love this man. But I believe it's maybe a passing of the torch. When I left King's MMA, I see who still hungry Werdum is, and I see how hungry he still is. I'm biased, because I have a black belt from Werdum. ... I expect an exciting fight. I expect kicks. I expect him to go leg kicks, body kicks, because as Nog is trying to come forward with boxing techniques, then he'll counter him with kicks, and hopefully we'll see a little jiu-jitsu fest.
On post-MMA life: Look, I completely lived, ate and breathed MMA for 15 years. I can eat now, I can drink a beer if I feel like it. I feel free. I can be 'Mayhem.'
If you thought that Jason Miller would stop being "Mayhem" once he retired from mixed martial arts, well, you're in for a surprise.
The former standout fought all over the world in a pro career which stretched back to 2001 and retired soon after his UFC 146 loss to C.B. Dolloway.
But as he proved during an in-studio visit on Monday's edition of The MMA Hour, he's still the same old "Mayhem."
"I'm really enjoying my life right now," the 32-year old Miller said. "I have a lot of other things to accomplish."
As usual, "Mayhem's" appearance jumped through a hodgepodge of subjects, with some of the best anecdotes coming in the form of "back in the day" stories. Here's a look at some of the highlights:
On his last career victory, a Sept. 2010 submission win over Kasushi Sakuraba in Dream, which was followed by a bow captured in an iconic photograph: It kind of like, was in my head head a little bit, like, I have to show this man respect. Because, the young meets the old, right? So it's like, at this point in my career and in my life, I get to be Sakuraba. In the moment, it just spontaneously combusted. I feel like, in my head I feel like I owe this man so much respect and I have to beat him up because that's my job. I did what I said I was going to do, I submitted him. I felt bad for punching him in his face super hard. I got him one time like ‘bink' and I felt it inside my knuckles and I was like ‘aww, that was a good one.' And I looked at his face and he was like [imitates Sakuraba], looking around all wild. That's when I jumped and I grabbed him and I choked him. It was sweet. That's a move I learned from him, I feel like, just watching him.
On a memorable two-round casino fight against Chael Sonnen in 2002, which Sonnen won by decision: He's like an American Hero. He's the white knight of the Republicans. I think it's hilarious. Chael Sonnen is the politician to end all politicians. I feel like I'd finance his campaign if I was the Koch brothers. At an Indian Casino, he put me through the floor one time, I knocked his eyes in the back of his head. I didn't know I was fighting him. It was only two rounds, it was whack. This was back in the day. [Sonnen won a] decision, he got me with the takedowns. He got me in a double leg really nice, I was like, ‘wheee.' I remember thinking "man, I'm going to knock his head off, wheee," [It was a] cruddy cage, he slammed me through the floor one time, then we had a gentleman's agreement not to go there.
On an underground fight when he was breaking in: I fought in a basement one time, it was a weird thing, it was like Bloodsport. It was crazy, looking back at it. Basically, there's video out there too, it's looks like the basement from Saw. There's a wrestling mat on the ground, and a ring attached to the wall on the concrete. I got on this dude's back and started choking him, this guy was weird, he wanted to wear some ninja shoes. This was 1999, '98 or something. This was a small gym fight ... it was completely illegal. North Carolina, too. I got on the guys back and we tore the ropes down off the concrete wall. I was like, what are we going to do. They pulled the ropes down and everyone got around in a circle. ... I was paid $200.
On the status of his left knee, which needs surgery: [The UFC] pretended they were going to give me the surgery, and they started acting like they were going to fix my leg. They went back and they dragged it out until my insurance coverage expired. So I couldn't get the surgery. ... Same one I hurt in the fight. If you're walking around with no ACL for one year, Kobe Bryant is a p***y.... I'm walking around like the hunchback of Notre Dame over there. That's the problem. I got so used to ignoring pain over the years from doing the job that I did, and that is a bit of genetics because my dad's done the same thing, then, try to work out? Nope.
On the one fight he never got and wish he had: The obvious answer is Nick Diaz, right? I was trying to get that fight a long time ago. And we were all going back and forth and angry at each other. I think I understand Nick Diaz very well. I think I can understand the some of the points he's trying to make. I know what he's saying, he's expressing frustration with his job and with the way the've handled the promotion of him and the way they carted him around to things he didn't want to do. I get it. I get what he's trying to say, how he doesn't feel respected despite how big his accomplishments are. He didn't feel respected, he didn't feel anyone was looking out for him.
On being informed Diaz is now running his own promotion: That's awesome. I guess he did have some money to invest in something. This is going to be the best show ever. I'm interested to see.
On this weekend's upcoming Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Fabricio Werdum fight: I've trained with both of those guys. I think, man, I think on a hunger level, you always hate to pick against your man. Nogueira, I love this man. But I believe it's maybe a passing of the torch. When I left King's MMA, I see who still hungry Werdum is, and I see how hungry he still is. I'm biased, because I have a black belt from Werdum. ... I expect an exciting fight. I expect kicks. I expect him to go leg kicks, body kicks, because as Nog is trying to come forward with boxing techniques, then he'll counter him with kicks, and hopefully we'll see a little jiu-jitsu fest.
On post-MMA life: Look, I completely lived, ate and breathed MMA for 15 years. I can eat now, I can drink a beer if I feel like it. I feel free. I can be 'Mayhem.'
Rani Yahya vs. Josh Clopton slated for UFC 163 in Rio
Rani Yahya vs. Josh Clopton slated for UFC 163 in Rio A featherweight bout between Rani Yahya (18-7 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and Josh Clopton (6-1-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) is in the works for August's UFC 163 event in Brazil.
MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) today confirmed the planned matchup with sources close to the event. UFC officials subsequently made a formal announcement.
UFC 163 takes place Aug. 3 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Yahya vs. Clopton likely will be part of the prelims.
Yahya, a former WEC bantamweight title challenger, has found new life since his return to the featherweight division and his move to the UFC. In four octagon appearances, he's posted a 3-1 record. His lone defeat came to perennial contender Chad Mandes while his victories have come over notables Mike Brown, Josh Grispi and Mizuto Hirota.
Clopton, who had a brief appearance on "The Ultimate Fighter 14," got a fight at the show's live finale even though he wasn't an official cast member. After a 6-0-1 start to his career on the regional circuit, he suffered a decision loss to Steven Siler in that UFC debut. However, he hasn't fought since the December 2011 defeat.
The latest UFC 163 card now includes:
Champ Jose Aldo vs. Anthony Pettis - for featherweight title
Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida
Josh Koscheck vs. Demian Maia
Thales Leites vs. Tom Watson
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Anthony Perosh
Cezar Ferreira vs. Clint Hester
Robert Drysdale vs. Ednaldo Oliveira
Josh Clopton vs. Rani Yahya
Neil Magny vs. Sergio Moraes
Sheila Gaff vs. Amanda Nunes
Rani Yahya vs. Josh Clopton slated for UFC 163 in Rio A featherweight bout between Rani Yahya (18-7 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and Josh Clopton (6-1-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) is in the works for August's UFC 163 event in Brazil.
MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps*–*MMAjunkie.com) today confirmed the planned matchup with sources close to the event. UFC officials subsequently made a formal announcement.
UFC 163 takes place Aug. 3 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Yahya vs. Clopton likely will be part of the prelims.
Yahya, a former WEC bantamweight title challenger, has found new life since his return to the featherweight division and his move to the UFC. In four octagon appearances, he's posted a 3-1 record. His lone defeat came to perennial contender Chad Mandes while his victories have come over notables Mike Brown, Josh Grispi and Mizuto Hirota.
Clopton, who had a brief appearance on "The Ultimate Fighter 14," got a fight at the show's live finale even though he wasn't an official cast member. After a 6-0-1 start to his career on the regional circuit, he suffered a decision loss to Steven Siler in that UFC debut. However, he hasn't fought since the December 2011 defeat.
The latest UFC 163 card now includes:
Champ Jose Aldo vs. Anthony Pettis - for featherweight title
Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida
Josh Koscheck vs. Demian Maia
Thales Leites vs. Tom Watson
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Anthony Perosh
Cezar Ferreira vs. Clint Hester
Robert Drysdale vs. Ednaldo Oliveira
Josh Clopton vs. Rani Yahya
Neil Magny vs. Sergio Moraes
Sheila Gaff vs. Amanda Nunes
UFC 161's Roy Nelson says Daniel Cormier turned down fight offer
Heavyweight Roy Nelson is never one to shy away from stirring the pot, and today during a conference call in support of next week's UFC 161 event, he did that a few times.
Nelson (19-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC), a frequent antagonist of UFC President Dana White, fights Stipe Miocic (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) at the June 15 event. Today he took a shot at his UFC stablemates as he talked about the portly, shaggy appearance that his UFC boss counts as one of several gripes with the fighter.
"I don't know if it works in my favor," Nelson said. "It's just people that tend to be in our sport tend to abuse performance-enhancing drugs, so that's the reason why I probably don't look like the typical UFC fighter.
Later asked to explain why he is fighting Miocic instead of potential opponent Daniel Cormier (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) at next week's pay-per-view event, Nelson threw another sideways jab and hinted that Cormier turned down a proposed bout.
"I think I got offered Cormier, and I think he turned it down, and then they went down the list," he said. "I think Travis Browne (was a possibility), and so forth and so forth."
Cormier could not be reached for comment.
Nelson vs. Miocic now serves as UFC 161's co-main event after an injury to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira scratched a planned co-headliner with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. The event takes place at MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Miocic is ranked No. 15 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA heavyweight rankings. (Cormier currently sits at No. 3, and Nelson is No. 7.)
That's a steep step down in stature, but Nelson, who's stopped his past three opponents with punches, said the switch was simply a matter of which fighter stepped up first. Brown, for instance, is booked to meet Alistair Overeem at UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 in August.
"Stipe was already on the card, and Stipe is the one that said yes," Nelson said.
According to Nelson's manager, Mike Kogan, the bout is the last the fighter's current contract. However, Nelson has no plans to stop ruffling feathers any time soon – especially if he keeps concussing opponents.
"On any given day, I know I can knock anybody out," Nelson said.
Heavyweight Roy Nelson is never one to shy away from stirring the pot, and today during a conference call in support of next week's UFC 161 event, he did that a few times.
Nelson (19-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC), a frequent antagonist of UFC President Dana White, fights Stipe Miocic (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) at the June 15 event. Today he took a shot at his UFC stablemates as he talked about the portly, shaggy appearance that his UFC boss counts as one of several gripes with the fighter.
"I don't know if it works in my favor," Nelson said. "It's just people that tend to be in our sport tend to abuse performance-enhancing drugs, so that's the reason why I probably don't look like the typical UFC fighter.
Later asked to explain why he is fighting Miocic instead of potential opponent Daniel Cormier (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) at next week's pay-per-view event, Nelson threw another sideways jab and hinted that Cormier turned down a proposed bout.
"I think I got offered Cormier, and I think he turned it down, and then they went down the list," he said. "I think Travis Browne (was a possibility), and so forth and so forth."
Cormier could not be reached for comment.
Nelson vs. Miocic now serves as UFC 161's co-main event after an injury to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira scratched a planned co-headliner with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. The event takes place at MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Miocic is ranked No. 15 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA heavyweight rankings. (Cormier currently sits at No. 3, and Nelson is No. 7.)
That's a steep step down in stature, but Nelson, who's stopped his past three opponents with punches, said the switch was simply a matter of which fighter stepped up first. Brown, for instance, is booked to meet Alistair Overeem at UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 in August.
"Stipe was already on the card, and Stipe is the one that said yes," Nelson said.
According to Nelson's manager, Mike Kogan, the bout is the last the fighter's current contract. However, Nelson has no plans to stop ruffling feathers any time soon – especially if he keeps concussing opponents.
"On any given day, I know I can knock anybody out," Nelson said.
UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 gets Rua-Sonnen headliner, McDonald-Pickett, more
well its bacc on
UFC President Dana White promised to put on a free card for the ages for the company's first event on UFC on FOX Sports 1, and the company is making good on that commitment.
UFC officials today announced several additions to the UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 card, and the latest round of new bouts includes a headlier of light heavyweights Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (21-7 MMA, 5-5 UFC) vs. Chael Sonnen (27-13-1 MMA, 6-6 UFC), as well as bantamweights Michael McDonald (15-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) vs. Brad Pickett (23-7 MMA, 3-2 UFC) and light heavyweights Cody Donovan (8-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ovince St. Preux (13-5 MMA, 1-0 UFC).
Coinciding with the launch of the new all-sports channel that will serve as the UFC's new cable home, "UFC on FOX Sports 1 1: Shogun vs. Sonnen" takes place Aug. 17 at Boston's TD Garden.
Rua was originally expected to face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at next week's UFC 161 event before injury forced "Little Nog" out of the event and left "Shogun" without an opponent. Sonnen then entered the picture and was expected to serve as an injury replacement but was unable to secure the necessary paperwork to fight in Canada, and the fight was delayed until the Boston card.
The 22-year-old McDonald remains one of the brightest prospects in the bantamweight division. He fights for the first time since a fourth-round submission loss to Barao in a failed bid for the UFC interim bantamweight belt. The result snapped an eight-fight win streak for the Californian. He now meets the always-exciting McDonald, who is 3-1 in his past four fights and is a four-time "Fight of the Night" winner during his time fighting for both the UFC and WEC.
"Donnybrook" Donovan fights for the second time under the UFC banner. He made his debut in spectacular "Fight of the Night" fashion this past December, where he earned a first-round TKO win over Nick Penner. He now meets St. Preux, who looks to move past a controversial technical-decision win over Gian Villante at April's UFC 159 event, where an eyepoke halted the fight early.
well its bacc on
UFC President Dana White promised to put on a free card for the ages for the company's first event on UFC on FOX Sports 1, and the company is making good on that commitment.
UFC officials today announced several additions to the UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 card, and the latest round of new bouts includes a headlier of light heavyweights Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (21-7 MMA, 5-5 UFC) vs. Chael Sonnen (27-13-1 MMA, 6-6 UFC), as well as bantamweights Michael McDonald (15-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) vs. Brad Pickett (23-7 MMA, 3-2 UFC) and light heavyweights Cody Donovan (8-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ovince St. Preux (13-5 MMA, 1-0 UFC).
Coinciding with the launch of the new all-sports channel that will serve as the UFC's new cable home, "UFC on FOX Sports 1 1: Shogun vs. Sonnen" takes place Aug. 17 at Boston's TD Garden.
Rua was originally expected to face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at next week's UFC 161 event before injury forced "Little Nog" out of the event and left "Shogun" without an opponent. Sonnen then entered the picture and was expected to serve as an injury replacement but was unable to secure the necessary paperwork to fight in Canada, and the fight was delayed until the Boston card.
The 22-year-old McDonald remains one of the brightest prospects in the bantamweight division. He fights for the first time since a fourth-round submission loss to Barao in a failed bid for the UFC interim bantamweight belt. The result snapped an eight-fight win streak for the Californian. He now meets the always-exciting McDonald, who is 3-1 in his past four fights and is a four-time "Fight of the Night" winner during his time fighting for both the UFC and WEC.
"Donnybrook" Donovan fights for the second time under the UFC banner. He made his debut in spectacular "Fight of the Night" fashion this past December, where he earned a first-round TKO win over Nick Penner. He now meets St. Preux, who looks to move past a controversial technical-decision win over Gian Villante at April's UFC 159 event, where an eyepoke halted the fight early.