MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

UFC films?

Variety recently ran a major feature on the UFC in Hollywood touting the potential of MMA fighters to crossover as movie stars. The piece includes an interesting item concerning the UFC's interest in making feature films:


And investors have approached UFC's execs about forming a film division that would produce pics that star the league's fighters. WWE has a similar arm that's pumped out three pics so far and is readying its fourth.

UFC's owners wouldn't be opposed to producing movies. They've already talked with Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes shingle about developing projects that would star its athletes.
WWE's Film division has produced mixed results with weak returns at the box office, but strong DVD sales. With several other less risky revenue streams yet to be tapped, I would imagine that a full blown film division on par with WWE is a remote possibility at this juncture. However, a high profile partnership with a Hollywood studio would be a feather in the company's hat, both with the media and as a selling point for its star fighters.

 

[Shogun Locc]

IFL in time square

Advertising for the IFL's April 4 event at the IZOD Center just began this week, including the above billboard on Broadway next to ESPN Zone, but the advance is strong. Joe Favorito, IFL Senior Vice President of Communication, told MMAPayout.com that he expects the event to reach the company's goal of 7-8,000 tickets sold.

The company had a rough outing in Las Vegas last month drawing just 1,606 paid (although the final paid attendance is believed to be closer to 2,300). Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that as a result the Las Vegas market is no longer part of the IFL's future plans.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Matt Serra Talks About His Underdog Status

Matt Serra is set face Georges St. Pierre on Apr 19 in Montreal. Serra is the underdog going into the fight despite scoring a first round KO against St. Pierre when the two men met last year. The fact that he's an underdog hasn't been lost on Serra who sat down with setantasports.com to discuss the situation.
Serra On Being Overlooked:

People were already talking about the next fight, who is GSP gonna fight next? They weren’t talking about me. They were talking about me having a rematch with Matt Hughes in Canada or wherever.

Serra On Facing The Hostile Canadian Crowd:

I put a smile on my face when I hear the crowd reaction. I’m not gonna be playing a violin that they don’t like me or respect me enough. People ask me ‘what if you lose the belt?’. Dude, you’re looking at the guy who wasn’t even supposed to board the plane to get the belt.

Serra On The Outcome Of The Fight:

I’m not going in there planning on doing anything less than beating him. Dude look what happened. Keep doubting me and see what happens. I believe there is no pressure on me going into this fight. They want it in Canada, cool, let it happen. This is a historic event and I’m a part of it – I’m the main event.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Frank Shamrock: Ready for Cung Le

In a PunchDrunkGamer exclusive, Dave Carpinello had a chance to speak with Strikeforce superstar Frank Shamrock about his fight next week with Cung Le, the Strikeforce promotion, his brother Ken and Kala Kolohe Hose’s victory over Phil Baroni.



PDG: How did the training go for this fight and is the knee 100%?
Frank: Great, I have been working since about November to get ready for this fight. The knee is great and after all of the rehab and therapy it has not given me any problems.


PDG: Has your training routine slowed down yet and when will be your last training day?
Frank: It has slowed down a bit and I am doing two workouts a day for about 1 ½ hours each and that will continue until Wednesday.

PDG: Is Maurice “Mo’ Smith still out there working with you?
Frank: Yes, he has been here for the past three weeks and he will stay through next week. We have been working on strategies and on my stand-up game. Brian Schwartz [former ISKA Champion] and some other guys have also been here in San Jose working with me.

PDG: Do you have any concerns about your match-up with Cung Le and what advantages do you foresee for yourself?
Frank: I don’t really have any concerns other than not getting caught with one of his kicks. I think Cung is a better wrestler and he is going to try and outpoint me to get the victory. As far advantages go, I have the experience, better stand-up game and submission skills.

PDG: So your are going stick with your previous comments and try to stand and bang in this fight?
Frank: Yes, and I think that people are going to very surprised at how this fight ends up going.

PDG: Josh Thomson recently stated that “When he [Cung] used to spar with Frank back in the day, a lot of people will remember that he used to throw Frank around like a rag doll, like his little sister.”
Frank: If Josh used to beat up his little sister then that doesn't surprise me. I didn’t know that him and Cung were dating know, I thought Josh was still dating [Phil] Baroni. As far as the sparring went, Cung was Sanshou champioship fighter and that was his specialty. I am an MMA fighter and a pioneer in the sport. This time it will be different.

PDG: Outside of your upcoming fight; It seems like every other big MMA organization except for the UFC are getting big time TV deals. What are your thoughts on that and do you think the UFC is worried?
Frank: I think it is great for these other organizations and I am sure that the UFC is starting to take notice. It all comes down to business, the UFC only cares about the UFC and not about promoting the talent and the sport. The big networks want to help promote the sport and the fighters and that is why they haven’t signed any deals with the UFC. I am very excited to be a part of these organizations that have helped build the sport.


PDG: Speaking of those organizations; What did you think of Strikeforce’s last promotion at the Tacoma Dome in Washington?
Frank: I was very impressed with event and the record breaking crowd. I was a little disappointed in Bob Sapp, as it didn’t look like he was properly prepared for that fight. Don’t get me wrong Jan Nortje is a tough fighter but he isn’t that tough. I was also very pleased with Mo Smith's victory over Rick Roufus and I thought he stayed within his gameplan perfectly.

PDG: The rest of the fightcard for your event next week seems stacked.
Frank: It is and any other night, Drew Fickett vs. Jake Shields could the main event on the card. Strikeforce, EliteXC and Scott Coker are doing a great job of getting the fans the fights they want to see and promoting the sport.

PDG: Did you get to see your brother Ken’s fight and if so what did you think about his performance?
Frank: I did watch it and even though he was a little sick before the fight, it just seemed like he lost the aggressiveness to his game. He looked good physically before the fight but not in the cage. He really didn’t get anything working and then he took that glancing jab and went down. I was not impressed by his performance.


PDG: In your opinion, do you think he will continue to fight?
Frank: I think so, Ken has that fighter mentality and he is still somewhat marketable. If he does continue he needs to realize how much the sport has changed and make adjustments to his game and brawler mentality. He also needs to make himself more marketable so that he can get some better paydays.

PDG: Do you mean like how Tank Abbott is still able to make 6 figure paydays when he fights?
Frank: Exactly, Tank is a great example of how to be a smart businessman and not change your style. He is a brawler that promotes himself great and goes in there and throws regardless of what happens.

PDG: You recently helped Kala Kolohe Hose train for his fight last weekend against Phil Baroni. Did the 1st round by both fighters, Baroni’s amazing offensive and Hose’s resilience to not go out, impress you?
Frank: Yes, I knew Phil was only good for 1 round, so he was going to come out with everything he had. Ross did a great job getting through the first round and then he went to work on Phil. Always moving forward, cutting Baroni off and pressing the action. He trained here for about 2 ½ weeks and I wanted him to stay for 1 more week but his best friend was getting married and he had to keep his word. I only gave him about a 60% chance of winning when he left because I thought he needed that extra week of work, but he did exactly what he needed to do to win that fight and I am proud of him.

PDG: Good luck next week, is there anything else that you would like add?
Frank: I just want to thank everyone that has supported me and helped with my training. Also we are having a big fundraiser this weekend for Robin Murray to help during her battle with breast cancer. If anyone wants to help us with this fundraiser just click the link below or stop by the gym on Saturday, March 22nd. Thanks again.
www.frankshamrock.com

 

[heyzel]

One-on-one with Mark Cuban

You’ve made your fortune through entrepreneurship in technology companies, most notably MicroSolutions and Broadcast.com. Has technology always been an interest of yours or why did you decide to go in that direction with your companies?

I've been a tech geek for a long time. So it was natural for me to pursue tech-based businesses.

What do you think are the keys to enjoying success with a startup?

Loving what you do. If you start a business that you find fun and interesting, it’s never work.

In recent years, you’ve become a more visible member of the sports community, first through your ownership of the Dallas Mavericks. Why did you decide to become an NBA owner?

I was always a [basketball] junkie. I still play as much as I can. I couldn't pass up the chance to buy my favorite team.

When I was growing up, the Mavericks were the laughingstock of the NBA. Now, the team is a hotspot for top talent. What are the essential ingredients in running a successful NBA team?

Having fun, always put yourself in the shoes of your customers and do what you can to give them the best possible value and experience.

Also going back to my youth, I used to love watching Bird and Magic duel in the spring and later watch Jordan battle the Pistons’ Bad Boys. These days, I can’t even watch a full NBA game. Conventional wisdom says that the regular season is too long and only the fourth quarter of a game really matters. Why do you think the pro basketball game is so maligned these days and do you think this is deserved?

Because people like you jump to conclusions without actually watching games. [It's] that simple.

How did you become interested in MMA?

We started broadcasting MMA on HDNet a few years ago.

Why do you feel that this is the right time to get into MMA?

Because the UFC is a single leader and I think they have left the door open.

I recently interviewed UFC president Dana White and he says he respects you as a businessman. What do you think of the job White has done with the UFC?

His success speaks for itself. That said, no business is perfect. It’s hard to grow, expand internationally, keep all your employees happy as new competitors enter the market, keep regulators happy and the list goes on. Challenges change over time. It will be fun to watch him address all of these issues. Plus he has to be concerned over his ratings. If [The Ultimate Fighter] ratings drop materially, his whole game plan will have to change. That won't be inexpensive or easy.

That said, there is plenty of room for more than one company.

What flaws do you see in the UFC’s game that you think can be exploited?

The biggest is that their contracts don't adhere to the [Muhammad] Ali [Boxing] Reform Act. There will come a time in the not distant future when they will be required to.

Are you looking to defeat UFC or co-exist with them?

There is plenty of room for multiple companies.

What do you bring to the table that will allow you to overcome the perception that UFC = MMA?

My experience in marketing, technology, pro sports and a vertically integrated entertainment company.

What do you think are the keys to running a successful MMA promotion?

Being patient.

How big do you think MMA can be in this country? Can it be one of the major sports (with football, basketball and baseball)?

I think it will have a core following that can [be] bigger than it is today and then build marquee events that are mainstream.

I’ve read reports that you’ve had discussions with Floyd Mayweather regarding MMA. How far are you in those talks? Would he be a fighter or a business partner in a MMA venture with you?

Stay tuned.

I’ve read that you were once in talks with WWE to form a MMA company. Do you believe MMA draws its fan base more from pro wrestling or more from boxing?

I think WWE fans graduate to MMA.

Do you enjoy the more theatrical PRIDE-style MMA production or the more toned-down UFC-style production?

I like both. I don't think, however, that one size fits all. Different markets require different presentations.


Posted by Pramit Mohapatra

 

[Shogun Locc]

Diego Sanchez to Headline TUF Finale

Diego Sanchez (Pictures) will return to the Octagon June 21 in Las Vegas in the main event of "The Ultimate Fighter 7" finale, sources have told Sherdog.com. He is expected to square off against Luigi Fioravanti (Pictures) in a welterweight tilt that will follow a series of bouts involving participants of the upcoming season of the UFC's reality show.

Though the fight has not been officially signed, both sides have verbally accepted.

Sanchez, 25, ran his record to 18-2 by dominating David Bielkheden (Pictures) at UFC 82 earlier this month. It was his first win since dropping consecutive decisions to Josh Koscheck (Pictures) and Jon Fitch (Pictures) in 2007. Despite falling out of UFC welterweight contention, Sanchez will draw the headlining gig on SpikeTV, showing the UFC's confidence in the former TUF winner's drawing power.

Fioravanti (12-3-0) fought at UFC 82 as well, garnering a unanimous decision over another former TUF star, Luke Cummo (Pictures). The 27-year-old native of Orlando, Fla., has had mixed success in the UFC, losing his previous two contests before his recent win. This will be Fioravanti's first main event on the big stage.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Cane-Lambert Set for UFC 85

Luis Arthur Cane (Pictures) will face Jason Lambert (Pictures) at UFC 85 on June 7 in London. Sherdog.com has learned that the contract was signed last week.

Cane, 7-1, belongs to the Gibi Thai Pamplona team. He lost his first bout in his Octagon debut at UFC 79 in December. The Brazilian light heavyweight was disqualified after kneeing James Irvin (Pictures) while Irvin was on the ground. Cane criticized Irvin for not continuing, calling him a "mediocre actor."

Cane is already training with his team in Sao Paulo for the clash against Lambert.

At 23-7, Lambert is coming off a knockout loss to Wilson Gouveia (Pictures) in January. Before that defeat, he had knocked out Renato Sobral (Pictures) in March 2007.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Cro Cop vs Kharitonov at DREAM 4

According to the Sport Index at Index.hr, Mirko Filipovic will be fighting Sergei Kharitonov at the upcoming DREAM.4 event in mid June.
According to the article, Crocop was suppose to fight Kharitonov at the recent DREAM.1 event but Mirko turned down the bout stating that Sergei would be too tough a match for him after a six month break.

The official announcement of the bout will apparently be made at DREAM.2 which is set to take place on April 29. Olympia DREAM.2 will be the first round of the Middleweight GP.

 

[Shogun Locc]

MMANews.com Exclusive: Interview with Kevin Randleman

After suffering from one of the nastiest staph infections that has been documented, in at least the MMA world, Kevin Randleman is ready to make his return to action. After suffering from numerous medicals problems that have sidelined him and kept him on the self he will make that return on May 18th at the next World Victory Road show in Japan. Kevin took a few minutes to sit down with MMANews.com own Chris Howie to discuss quite a few different topics in this newest MMANews.com Exclusive.


KEVIN RANDLEMAN INTERVIEW MARCH 17th 2008

Chris Howie of MMANews.com: This is Chris Howie with MMANews.com and today I am speaking with “The Monster” himself, Kevin Randleman. How are you today Kevin?

Kevin Randleman: I’m doing my friend. How are you?

MMANews.com: I’m doing great. So the last time we spoke you were healing from that nasty Staph infection. How is that coming along now?

Kevin Randleman: Wow has it been that long since we spoke.

MMANews.com: I believe so.

Kevin Randleman: Well right now I’m 100% back to being 100%. I can honestly say that I haven’t been in this good of health since 2000.

MMANews.com: That’s great to hear then.

Kevin Randleman: Yeah with bum knees and getting banged up and such and I don’t like getting surgeries [laughs].

MMANews.com: So you will be making your return this year. How are you feeling about that?

Kevin Randleman: Yes I will be making my return. Well, I never really left but I will be back fighting this year. Even though I was hurt it wasn’t all that bad. I got to really focus on my Jiu-Jitsu and get better at that.

MMANews.com: Who helped you train?

Kevin Randleman: I train a lot with Alex Schonauer. I also train with John Lui and a lot of the guys at Randy Couture’s. All I needed was repetition and as long as you have that you are going to be good. I like to look at myself as having the gift of being a very athletic person so all that I need to be able to do was get in there and train Jiu-Jitsu with guys that can kick my butt every day.

MMANews.com: Are you daily on a regular basis?

Kevin Randleman: Oh yeah. I’ve been training on a regular basis since I moved to Las Vegas. The one thing I was worried about was getting cut or injured again because you can be tough as nails but you can only take so many surgeries you know. That staph was painful man and it was bullshit.

MMANews.com: It’s good to hear that you did heal from that because I know you have a lot of fans that look forward to seeing you back in competition.

Kevin Randleman: The fans that I have Chris, are the best. Some fighters go through this and bounce back a lot faster but I had to take my time. The fans have been there for me the whole time. You know about my lung problems and all that and sometimes it takes time. Now I’m coming back to fight because I know I’m much better than I have ever been. The Kevin Randleman of today will kick the piss out of any Kevin Randleman of the past. If that is any indication of what the fans are in store for than they will be happy.

MMANews.com: When will you be fighting Jeff Monson?

Kevin Randleman: I’ll be fighting Jeff on June 21st and I know that is going to be a good fight. I know Jeff and we are friends but it doesn’t really matter because I’d fight my own brother. We are in this for a chance to be the best and fight for a title. I know that Jeff is going to be in great shape and I am training hard at my Jiu-Jitsu because I don’t want to make the mistakes like I have in the past against great Jiu-Jitsu guys. I can always strike and my wrestling ability is always going to be there, I could do that in my sleep. My Jiu-Jitsu is only getting better and my hands will always be fast. I’m in great shape and I feel like I’m in a better place in my life and I have a lot of people to thank for that.

MMANews.com: Who have you been training with?

Kevin Randleman: Everyone I train with is a champion, from Gray Maynard to Jay Hieron to Marvin Eastman. These guys are all champions. You can only get better when you train with guys like that because the mindset isn’t going to get any better.

MMANews.com: Everyone is always gunning for the same goal…

Kevin Randleman: Gunning for the same goal, that’s exactly it. I will never be able to be a champion unless I have a camp around me that is going to push me.

MMANews.com: Do you train full time at Xtreme Couture?

Kevin Randleman: No not right now. Because of the long layoff I am rusty but even on my most rusty day I’ll still be able to beat some of the top guys tomorrow. In 60 days when I fight my first fight back in Japan, which will be May18th, I’ll be in the top shape that I have ever been in, in my life.

MMANews.com: So you will be fighting on May18th?

Kevin Randleman: Yeah that will be with World Victory Road. You can call it a warm up fight before Monson is you want but I call it my first fight.

MMANews.com: What are your thoughts on your old friend Mark Coleman making his return to the UFC?

Kevin Randleman: I’m very excited. I feed off of my friends and everything that is good and strong. It’s great for him you know? He kept life in this sport. When it was dying in the USA he went over to Japan and people loved him over there. He’s a pioneer in this sport going from all the different rule changes with no gloves and such. He’s done it all. He has helped change this game to be a better sport.

MMANews.com: How are you seeing his fight with Brock Lesnar going down?

Kevin Randleman: I think he can win. I know he can win. Mark understands that this fight could re-jump his career or it could end his career. This is not going to be an easy fight for him but styles make fights and in this fight you are going to see blood because these guys are big strong wrestlers and they are going to take each other down and pound the other. I think what it will come down to is who the better striker is. I think that you’ll see them wrestler each other a bit but it will come down to them throwing punches at each other.

MMANews.com: Mark will also come in with a wealth of experience.

Kevin Randleman: Exactly. That is something that me and him have been discussing.

MMANews.com: Now do you still train with Hammerhouse or have you guys kind of parted ways?

Kevin Randleman: No, not at all. Hammerhouse will never ever ever ever part ways. Right now I am building a gym in Columbus, OH and if you think me and Mark were good wrestlers wait till you see what comes out of that place. There will be a lot of champions coming out of Ohio and since me and Mark are both former champions I think we will have a lot to offer.

MMANews.com: What advice would you offer a wrestler that is making the transition into MMA?

Kevin Randleman: Well, you already have the best base to have. You need to get under someone that can teach you Jiu-Jitsu. Once you start putting all the other tools together you’ll be a force. Get with the best Jiu-Jitsu guy in your area and you’ll do fine. Just stick with it but if you are a champion wrestler you already have that work horse mentality.

MMANews.com: When it comes to training what are you doing now?

Kevin Randleman: I train every day starting at 5:30am. I mean I know how to fight so what I am working a lot on now is getting in shape.

MMANews.com: Is there anyone in particular that you are looking to fight with?

Kevin Randleman: I’ll fight anyone in the world at 205lbs. It doesn’t matter who it is because I want to be one of the best in the world again. What we need to happen to make this sport go a little bit further is to have guys take chances. We need to makes belts for everything to be vying for.

MMANews.com: Do you see that as a possibility in the future?

Kevin Randleman: I definitely see that
happening in the future. If you have guys from different organizations calling out other guys than you are going to have promoters telling there fighters that “you are going to train your ass off for the next three months and kick this guys butt and shut everyone up”. I don’t really see Dana White being worried about his champion getting beat, he is worried about being the best out of all these companies.

MMANews.com: Will Fedor fight in the UFC?

Kevin Randleman: Fedor’s young man. There will be a chance for anything.

MMANews.com: Dana White had a lot to say about Fedor at one point. You have been in there with him and fought him what are your thoughts, is he the best in the world?

Kevin Randleman: Well, I think he is beatable but he is the best in the world. I think one of the best opponents in the world for him is Randy Couture. It will happen eventually. I just hope that they don’t get rusty sitting on the shelf. You can’t fault Randy and you can’t fault Dana White. You have to fault business and that’s all you really can fault. Managers and such work so that their clients have the best possible deal for their clients and if they don’t get that they are going to walk away. People have to think about their families first.

MMANews.com: That’s a different way of looking at it. Business has a way of causing problems sometimes [laughs]

Kevin Randleman: People love to hate on Dana White but when this sport was dying and on life support, Dana White convinced the Fertitas to put money into this sport and bring it back to life. You can’t get ahead in this business giving people a free ride. Dana has made mistakes on deals in the past and he has learned from those mistakes and won’t do it again. That’s how he works.

MMANews.com: What are your thoughts on EliteXC?

Kevin Randleman: I think it’s great what they have going on with CBS. I find with these guys they do what they can to make fights happen the fans want to see. Like for example say the fans what to see Chris Howie from MMANews.com fight me, don’t you think that at some point someone is going to come along and offer me and you a boatload of money to make that fight happen. Their heads are in the right places.

MMANews.com: What can we expect to see from “The Monster” when you make your return?

Kevin Randleman: You know me man. I don’t mind hyping a fight. I don’t mind cussing you out in front of the public to hype a fight but people need to know that I won’t disrespect you for any reason. Don’t blink during the first 5 minutes of my fights because someone is getting knocked out. If you aren’t ready for me you are going to sleep. That’s a promise.

MMANews.com: Any thoughts on Kimbo Slice?

Kevin Randleman: I love the guy. You see him online and he’s a bad ass but I’ve met him before and he’s a very intelligent man and a down to earth guy. All success in the world to him.

MMANews.com: Have you ever trained with him?

Kevin Randleman: I’ve trained with him out in Vegas and he is a very good athlete and he wants to be the best. He’s a street fighter so throwing punches in nothing to him he’s game for that but can you imagine what kind of beast Kimbo will be when he learns how to triangle choke a man? He isn’t going to move around on the ground like the Nogueira’s but he’ll once he has knowledge he is going to be a beast.

MMANews.com: With that knowledge he could be a bad bad man…

Kevin Randleman: He’s already a bad man but can you imagine what he’ll be like once he learns all that shit? Be ready for it ‘cause he’s learning it. Learning MMA is like learning sex and I’m learning new techniques every time I do it. [Kevin proceeds to hum a porno song for me at this point]

MMANews.com: Any fighters in particular that you enjoy watching fight?

Kevin Randleman: I love watching Urijah Faber, Joe Stevenson will always be one of my favorite fighters to watch. BJ Penn is another guy who has been a favorite of mine since he first came into the UFC. I think pound for pound BJ is one of the best. In the heavyweight area I have my favorites but I want to be better than all those guys.

MMANews.com: Ok Kevin I appreciate you taking the time to speak with him again. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans out there?

Kevin Randleman: Keep giving me the love. Send me an email on my website www.kevinrandleman.com I’ll get back to you. You leave me your phone number man, I have great plans, I’ll give you a call [laughs].

MMANews.com: Thanks again Kevin.

Kevin Randleman: Alright Chris you got my number. Have a good one.

 

[heyzel]

Exclusive: Ben Rothwell considering offer from new Golden Boy and Affliction fight pr

The new mixed martial arts promotion being started by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and clothing apparel company Affliction have been very actively recently when it comes to pursuing free agent fights. FiveOuncesOfPain.com (www.FiveOuncesOfPain.com) has learned that former IFL heavyweight Ben Rothwell has received a lucrative offer from the new promotion.

Rothwell has not competed since recording a unanimous decision victory over Ricco Rodriguez during the IFL’s Team Finals on September 20 but has fielded offers from several promotions. A source close to the fighter indicated that of all the offers he has received thus far, the Golden Boy/Affliction offer is considered to be the most intriguing.

Rothwell, who holds a career MMA record of 29-5, was one of the IFL’s signature stars before a contract dispute caused him to be pulled from its World Grand Prix this past November. The Miletich Fighting Systems product posted an undefeated 9-0 record during a two-year tenure with the promotion.

According to Sherdog.com, the new startup collaboration between Affliction and Golden Boy could hold its first card as early as June 28. While it has yet to be confirmed, rumors within the industry have suggested that HBO is considered a likely television partner for the new group.

It is believed that Matt Lindland has already signed a three-fight contract with the promotion and that Aleksander Emelianenko, the younger brother of Fedor Emelianenko, is also on board as well. The names of Fedor, Andrei Arlovski, and Josh Barnett are also believed to be high on Golden Boy/Affliction’s wish-list.

 

[heyzel]

Impact Report: Lessons Learned from Fedor’s Imminent Departure

When I first read yesterday’s report by Greg Savage of Sherdog.com that stated Fedor Emelianenko has never signed a formal agreement with M-1 Global, I was left with the same reaction as just about everyone else: bewilderment.

And I mean, complete and total bewilderment. You know, the type of feeling you only experience when you wake up in the afternoon following a night of drinking nothing but grain alcohol.

I first read the report while on the phone with a friend and I was caught by the headline on my news reader. I had to take a look and when I did, all I could do was shake my head.

The thing that amazes me is the amount of money that was rumored to have been spent on that initial press conference in New York last October to announce that Sibling Sports had acquired M-1 from Vadim Finkelstein and his partners and had also signed Fedor as its signature star.

According to Savage, Fedor never signed anything more than a letter of intent. How do you conduct such a lavish press conference with nothing more than a signed letter of intent? That would have been like the Yankees sending out a press release and holding a presser at Yankee Stadium to announce they had re-signed Alex Rodriguez even though in reality he had only agreed to a deal in principle.

A deal is not done until all parties have signed a contract.

In light of this news, many people are claiming that Fedor is now officially a free agent. I beg to differ. While a signed letter of intent is not an ironclad contract, it would give Sibling a wobbly leg to stand on if they wanted to press the issue in a United States court of law. Yes, I’m not an attorney and I’m sure an overly-litiguous mind will try and question that statement but save your energy because it’s a moot point. Even in spite of a signed letter, the wheels are in motion to try and finalize an agreement that will make Fedor’s divorce from Sibling Sports official. Furthermore, it would not be surprising if M-1 assets were returned to Finkelstein and his partners in exchange for some or all of the up front it has received from Sibling

 

[heyzel]

MMAWEEKLY WORLD MMA RANKINGS UPDATED

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (over 205 pounds)

#1 Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Fedor Emelianenko

2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

3. Randy Couture

4. Josh Barnett

5. Tim Sylvia

6. Andrei Arlovski

7. Fabricio Werdum

8. Gabriel Gonzaga

9. Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic

10. Aleksander Emelianenko



LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION (205-pound limit)

#1 Light Heavyweight Fighter in the World: Quinton Jackson

2. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

3. Chuck Liddell

4. Lyoto Machida

5. Keith Jardine

6. Forrest Griffin

7. Wanderlei Silva

8. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou

9. Ricardo Arona

10. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION (185-pound limit)

#1 Middleweight Fighter in the World: Anderson Silva

2. Paulo Filho

3. Rich Franklin

4. Denis Kang

5. Robbie Lawler

6. Nathan Marquardt

7. Kazuo Misaki

8. Yushin Okami

9. Dan Henderson

10. Frank Trigg

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION (170-pound limit)

#1 Welterweight Fighter in the World: Georges St. Pierre

2. Matt Serra

3. Jon Fitch

4. Matt Hughes

5. Josh Koscheck

6. Karo Parisyan

7. Jake Shields

8. Diego Sanchez

9. Carlos Condit

10. Marcus Davis

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION (160-pound limit)

#1 Lightweight Fighter in the World: Takanori Gomi

2. Tatsuya Kawajiri

3. Shinya Aoki

4. Gesias "JZ" Calvancante

5. Mitsuhiro Ishida

6. Gilbert Melendez

7. B.J. Penn

8. Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro

9. Joe Stevenson

10. Joachim Hansen

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION (145 pounds and under)

#1 Featherweight Fighter in the World: Akitoshi Tamura

2. Urijah Faber

3. "Lion" Takeshi Inoue

4. Antonio Carvalho

5. Masakazu Imanari

6. Hatsu Hioki

7. Jeff Curran

8. Tenkei Fujimiya

9. Rafael Assuncao

10. Hideki Kadowaki

 

[heyzel]

EDGAR EXPECTS EXCITEMENT AT UFC FIGHT NIGHT

One of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s top lightweight up-and-comers, Frankie Edgar is preparing to step into the cage again, this time to face Gray Maynard in Broomfield, Colo., for the latest installment of UFC Fight Night.

The UFC hasn’t been to Colorado in years, and the venue's location does possibly provide at least one interesting challenge for the men who will be competing there… it’s a mile high.

It raises the question of whether the higher (than average) altitude will affect the fighters’ performance in the cage. Edgar, however, is not concerned.

“I think you give yourself a couple of days to get acclimated to it and you’re pretty much good to go.”

According to the man dubbed “The Answer,” though, it is not wondering about how the altitude may or may not affect your performance or worrying about your opponent’s strategy for the fight that drives you crazy, but simply the anticipation of the upcoming event.

Edgar stated, “The anticipation is just nuts, you just want to get in there.”

When he does step into the Octagon on April 2, he will be looking to do two things. First and foremost he wants to leave the Octagon a winner, all fighters do. But secondly, Edgar said, “Hopefully I get to show something new. I’m continually trying to improve my game, so I hopefully I get to show something new.”

Many fighters have conveyed that the relentless day-in, day-out training that they experience can become monotonous over a two to three month training camp, and Edgar is no different. He constantly looks for ways to mix up his routine.

“I change it up a lot… whether it’s conditioning or circuit training in the morning or evening or wrestling or jiu-jitsu in the morning or evening, I just try to mix it up a lot.”

If Edgar is indeed victorious over Maynard in Colorado, he will have strung together a line of victories over such names as Tyson Griffin (11-1 in his career), Mark Bocek (5-1 in his career), Spencer Fisher (20-4 in his career) and Gray Maynard (4-0 in his career).

With UFC wins over opponents like the aforementioned, at only 26 years of age, Edgar is a man who well could be at the top of the heap in the lightweight division for many years to come.
As the number in his win column continues to grow, many fans are now considering Edgar to be one of the top contenders in the lightweight class and are expecting him to receive a title fight if he can string together just a couple more wins.

Where does Edgar thinks he stands in the UFC’s lightweight division?

“I consider I’m one of the top dogs in the weight. It may take one or two (more fights), it may take three or four; whatever it is, I’m cool with it. I just want to fight tough guys, and fighting tough guys will get me that title shot.”

He continued, “In order to be the best you’ve got to beat the best, you know what they say.”

So what does Edgar believe fans can expect to see when the fight between he and Maynard is underway?

“Excitement man, excitement. You know he comes forward, I come forward, it’ll be fun… good times.”

 

[heyzel]

Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

HEAVYWEIGHT (265-205)

. Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) (27-1-0, 1 NC)
For the second time in less than a year, Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) is the hottest free agent in MMA now that he has seemingly parted ways with the M-1 Global organization that was ostensibly based around him. Wherever the situation ends up, let's hope it is with a quality heavyweight across the ring from "The Last Emperor."

2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Pictures) (31-4-1, 1 NC)
In a vintage performance, Nogueira took 10 minutes' worth of championship abuse from Tim Sylvia (Pictures) before submitting the two-time UFC champ in the third round. With the victory, Nogueira became the only man to wear both Pride and UFC heavyweight title belts. If "Minotauro" can duplicate his performance against other top-10 foes, he may regain the top heavyweight status he once owned.

3. Randy Couture (Pictures) (16-8-0)
Just when it seemed Couture couldn't capture any more headlines in 2007 after his underdog demolitions of Tim Sylvia (Pictures) and Gabriel Gonzaga (Pictures), "The Natural" resigned from the UFC. Couture's battles these days are legal ones, as he tries to get out of his contract with Zuffa and land a fight versus Emelianenko.

4. Tim Sylvia (Pictures) (24-4-0)
Through 10 minutes, Sylvia worked a perfect game plan in battering "Minotauro." However, Nogueira made the most of his opportunity and swept and submitted the former UFC champion. Still a top heavyweight who may have title chances to come, Sylvia's route back to a title shot is anything but certain.

5. Andrei Arlovski (Pictures) (12-5-0)
It wasn't the vintage Arlovski performance some expected, but the former UFC champ pounded out previously undefeated Jake O'Brien (Pictures) earlier this month. While many thought Arlovski being buried in the prelims would signal the end for the "Pitbull" in the UFC, both Arlovski, his management and even Dana White have expressed hope that the Belarusian will be back in the Octagon soon.

6. Fabricio Werdum (Pictures) (10-3-1)
Werdum successfully rebounded from a woeful Octagon debut in April against Andrei Arlovski (Pictures) with a well-earned stoppage over Gabriel Gonzaga (Pictures) in January. However, Werdum's road to a rematch with UFC champ Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Pictures) will be a difficult one. He's slated for duty against Brandon Vera (Pictures) in June.

7. Josh Barnett (Pictures) (21-5-0)
He sure wasn't in peak form, but Barnett returned to action in the first Sengoku headliner earlier this month against Hidehiko Yoshida (Pictures) in a bout that was more entertaining than expected. Following Barnett's submission victory over the judo gold medalist, the more pertinent question is whether he will remain a big fish in a very, very small pond. Previously dropped for a year of inactivity, Barnett reemerges in the ranking at No. 7.

8. Gabriel Gonzaga (Pictures) (8-3-0)
After his devastating knockout of Mirko Filipovic (Pictures), many thought Gonzaga was the next UFC champion. Randy Couture (Pictures) brought him back down into the atmosphere, though, and then Fabricio Werdum (Pictures) slammed him back down to earth with a second-round stoppage in January. It remains to be seen if Gonzaga will be able to replicate his win over "Cro Cop" in the near future. With the reentry of Josh Barnett (Pictures), Gonzaga falls from seven to eight.

9. Mirko Filipovic (Pictures) (23-6-2)
After many headaches over finding an opponent for the former K-1 star, FEG finally produced a woefully overmatched Tatsuya Mizuno (Pictures), whom Filipovic destroyed in 56 seconds. Whether the state of things will improve for the Croatian remains to be seen.

10. Ben Rothwell (Pictures) (29-5-0)
While Rothwell is unproven against top competition, the 26-year-old Miletich product is riding a 13-fight winning streak, including wins over former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez (Pictures) and recently crowned IFL champion Roy Nelson (Pictures). Considering that his relationship with the IFL looks a tad rocky, many are calling for Rothwell to take the jump in competition in 2008

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (205-185)

1. Quinton Jackson (Pictures) (29-6-0)
"Rampage" has worked past the troubles that haunted him after a tough series of fights in Pride, the last of which saw him go down in defeat to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. The exciting and flamboyant UFC light heavyweight put himself on the map by blasting out Chuck Liddell (Pictures) in less than two minutes. He followed that with a hard-fought victory over Dan Henderson (Pictures) on Sept. 8. Next up, Jackson looks to become a crossover star, as he'll coach alongside Forrest Griffin (Pictures) on the next season of "The Ultimate Fighter."

2. Dan Henderson (Pictures) (22-6-0)
He was torn up in his 185-pound title challenge against Anderson Silva, and his next move is uncertain. However, if Dan Henderson (Pictures) returns to the 205-pound division, there will be no shortage of interesting matchups -- although there may be a shortage of easy ones.

3. Keith Jardine (Pictures) (13-3-1)
Was Keith Jardine (Pictures) an opportunist capitalizing on a savvy game plan and an unmotivated opponent in September when he upset Chuck Liddell (Pictures)? "The Dean of Mean" will have a chance to prove he's no one-hit wonder in May, when he takes on Wanderlei Silva (Pictures).

4. Forrest Griffin (Pictures) (15-4-0)
An enormous win over "Shogun" validated Griffin in September. Now he will have the chance to add to both his celebrity and his résumé when he takes on a coaching role on the seventh season of "The Ultimate Fighter," which will culminate in a title clash against Quinton Jackson (Pictures).

5. Chuck Liddell (Pictures) (21-5)
After a fantastic performance against Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) answered some questions that emerged after his losses to Quinton Jackson (Pictures) and Keith Jardine (Pictures), anticipation was high for his slated June bout with Mauricio Rua (Pictures). Although Rua's injury has nixed that bout, Liddell will still face a worthy adversary in undefeated TUF 2 winner Rashad Evans (Pictures). The former UFC champ will be a prohibitive favorite.

6. Mauricio Rua (Pictures) (16-3-0)
After injuring his knee and stumbling in his UFC debut, it seemed "Shogun" had hit rock bottom. However, with a big fight against Chuck Liddell (Pictures) looming, disaster struck when Rua tore up the same knee that had been surgically repaired just months before.

7. Lyoto Machida (Pictures) (12-0-0)
An undefeated record, years of hype and a riddle of a fight style have gained Machida attention, and his recent domination of a surging Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (Pictures) really put him on the map. Machida's path to his deserved title shot now seemingly runs through former UFC poster boy and champion Tito Ortiz (Pictures).

8. Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) (31-8-1, 1 NC)
The 31-year-old Brazilian has lost three in a row. Given the progression of his career, few would fault him for taking a tune-up bout. Instead, the longtime Pride king will return in May to take on Keith Jardine (Pictures), who outpointed Chuck Liddell (Pictures) last September.

9. Rashad Evans (Pictures) (11-0-1)
Although Evans' last win, a razor-thin decision over Michael Bisping (Pictures) in October, came on a card titled "Validation," the real validation for the TUF 2 champ will come in June. That's when he takes a big step up in competition against Chuck Liddell (Pictures).

10. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (Pictures) (4-2-0)
Africa's top mixed martial artist exploded upon the world stage in 2007 with early knockouts of then top-10 light heavyweights Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Pictures) and Ricardo Arona (Pictures), but he was brought back down to earth in a blowout against Lyoto Machida (Pictures) in December. The young Cameroonian will have the chance to get back on track in May, taking on Kazuhiro Nakamura (Pictures) in an important bout for both of the former judo standouts.

 

[heyzel]

Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

MIDDLEWEIGHT (185-170)


1. Anderson Silva (21-4)
Another one up, another one down. MMA's middleweight king solidified his top pound-for-pound status with his destructive second-round submission over Dan Henderson (Pictures). While the present talk of a boxing match with Roy Jones Jr. may not be realistic, Silva's reign has been spectacular thus far. And like Jones' reign as king of the ring, many fans are left wondering who can beat "The Spider."

2. Paulo Filho (Pictures) (16-0-0)
His on-again, off-again rematch with Chael Sonnen (Pictures) was officially moved to June, following Filho's admission into rehab for substance abuse. Here's to a speedy recovery for the potent Brazilian, who reportedly suffered from depression as well.

3. Rich Franklin (Pictures) (22-3-0, 1 NC)
Following another destruction at the hands of Anderson Silva, Franklin will attempt to get back into the saddle in March against solid but unspectacular competition in Travis Lutter (Pictures). Like Franklin, Lutter has firsthand knowledge of the division's kingpin, having been another victim of Silva last February.

4. Nathan Marquardt (Pictures) (26-7-2)
With a dominant drubbing of Jeremy Horn (Pictures) now behind him, Marquardt will set his sights on once-beaten Brazilian Thales Leites (Pictures) in a June bout that has twice been postponed. If Marquardt wants to prove he deserves another crack at the UFC title after getting blown out by Anderson Silva in July, he'll need an impressive victory.

5. Robbie Lawler (Pictures) (16-4-0)
Injury nixed a proposed Dec. 15 bout in Icon Sport with Hawaiian banger "Kala Kolohe" Hose for the second time. However, perhaps it was a blessing in disguise for Lawler. With Hose having just run roughshod over Phil Baroni (Pictures), more fans have taken notice, which bodes well for the interest in a Lawler-Hose clash in the near future.

6. Yushin Okami (Pictures) (22-4-0)
If Okami needed a dominant and decisive victory to really cement his place in the middleweight division, he's got it. Japan's best plus-155 product crashed former UFC champ Evan Tanner (Pictures)'s homecoming party with a nasty second-round knockout earlier this month. Given the controversial history between the two, a rematch with Anderson Silva would seem to be the most sensible fight, though Okami will be hard-pressed to score a second win over Silva.

7. Frank Trigg (Pictures) (16-6-0)
Not the most poignant victory in the world, "Twinkle Toes" made easy work of Edwin Dewees (Pictures) on the Dec. 15 HDNet Fights card. What's more important is that Jason "Mayhem" Miller knocked off Tim Kennedy (Pictures), setting up a quality rematch between the two fighters early next year. Their first encounter was the bout that brought Trigg back to prominence, as he literally stomped out MMA's cult hero in December 2006.

8. Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures) (10-1-0, 2 NC)
While there is much scrutiny around potential political motivations being the impetus for overturning Akiyama's bout with Kazuo Misaki (Pictures), the fact remains that the governing powers overturned the bout. However deserved, Akiyama moves ahead of Misaki and takes the eighth spot following the invalidation of his loss. For the sake of propriety, hopefully a rematch happens down the line.

9. Kazuo Misaki (Pictures) (18-8-2, 1 NC)
Talk about a rollercoaster: After his improbable and arguably tainted Pride Grand Prix run in 2006, Misaki began 2007 with high hopes and was instead destroyed by Frank Trigg (Pictures). Misaki then appeared to turn in a performance that embodied the brand of gameness he's known for, getting up from a brutal knockdown to put Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures) to sleep in vicious fashion. Akiyama protested, though, alleging that Misaki finished with an illegal soccer kick. The result was overturned and the win erased.

10. Jorge Santiago (Pictures) (16-7-0)
The Brazilian seemed relegated to gatekeeper status after being ousted from the UFC on two losses. Since then Santiago has went on a four-fight win streak, including respectable wins over Jeremy Horn (Pictures) and Andrei Semenov (Pictures) anchored by a fantastic win over the ever-tough Trevor Prangley (Pictures) to capture Strikeforce's one-night tournament in November.

WELTERWEIGHT (170-155)

. Georges St. Pierre (Pictures) (15-2-0)
GSP has the top spot in these rankings but not the UFC 170-pound championship. In order to hold his place and regain the UFC championship, St. Pierre will need to defeat Matt Serra (Pictures) in their rematch April 19. If nothing else, he will have a raucous, partisan crowd behind him, as the two do battle in Montreal's Bell Centre.

2. Matt Serra (Pictures) (9-4-0)
Serra's chance at an epic year was erased when he was forced to pull out of his slated Dec. 29 title defense against Matt Hughes (Pictures). Then GSP stepped in and destroyed Hughes. However, Serra still owns the UFC welterweight title, and on April 19 he'll have the chance to prove lightning can strike twice.

3. Matt Hughes (Pictures) (41-6-0)
The sport's most celebrated welterweight is nearing the end. Hughes was completely destroyed by Georges St. Pierre (Pictures) in their rubber match on Dec. 29. With only a couple of fights left, it will be interesting to see what Zuffa proposes for the former champ before his retirement.

4. Jon Fitch (Pictures) (16-2-0, 1 NC)
Fitch picked up a high-quality win earlier this month, taking out an underrated and largely unknown Chris Wilson. The problem was that he looked less than stellar in doing so, which has quieted much of the hype he brought into the bout. While he seems the most likely challenger to the winner of the St. Pierre-Serra rematch, time will tell whether Fitch will be the next to fight for the title.

5. Josh Koscheck (Pictures) (10-2-0)
Koscheck defeated quality opponent Dustin Hazelett (Pictures) in fantastic fashion, knocking him out in the second round of their bout earlier this month. One of MMA's most polarizing fighters, "Kos" is confident that his management and Zuffa will work out a deal that will keep the former collegiate national wrestling champion in the UFC.

6. Diego Sanchez (Pictures) (18-2-0)
After opting to stay at 170 pounds following losses to Josh Koscheck (Pictures) and Jon Fitch (Pictures), Sanchez signed a new long-term deal with Zuffa. He then absolutely destroyed Sweden's David Bielkheden (Pictures), serving notice to the division that "The Nightmare" is back.

7. Karo Parisyan (Pictures) (18-4-0)
If Parisyan wanted an easy bout to ensure a better chance at getting a UFC title shot, he sure didn't get it. Instead, the Armenian will meet Brazilian dynamo Thiago Alves (Pictures) April 2 in what could be an early candidate for fight of the year.

8. Jake Shields (Pictures) (20-4-1)
With free agency looming, Shields inked a long-term deal with ProElite and then quickly dispatched of a quality opponent in Mike Pyle (Pictures). The next stop for Shields is an EliteXC title match versus battle-tested welterweight Drew Fickett (Pictures) on March 29.

9. Carlos Condit (Pictures) (22-4-0)
Condit was the marquee man for the WEC's recent foray into New Mexico, and the 170-pound champ didn't disappoint. He avenged his September 2004 loss to Carlo Prater (Pictures) with a first-round guillotine in front of his raucous home crowd. That win sees Condit climb from 10th to ninth in the rankings. While WEC's 170-pound division doesn't have a deep contingent of contenders ready to face Condit, "The Natural Born Killer" has emerged as a must-see fighter for hardcore fans and continues to improve as he reigns.

10. Nick Thompson (Pictures) (35-9-1)
In a highly questionable decision, "The Goat" took a unanimous nod earlier this month over Brazilian Fabricio Monteiro (Pictures), whose look of genuine distress and shock spoke volumes. Although in the midst of a massive winning streak, Thompson will need a far better outing to show he is one of the top competitors in arguably MMA's best weight class.

 

[heyzel]

Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

LIGHTWEIGHT (155-145)

1. Takanori Gomi (Pictures) (28-3-0, 1 NC)
Gomi did what was expected in stopping Duane Ludwig (Pictures) in his return to action March 5. However, with Dream's star-studded tournament underway and the upcoming Sherk-Penn bout looming, whether Gomi can find any worthwhile opponents and maintain his stature as the sport's top lightweight is the real question.

2. Gesias Calvancante (Pictures) (14-1-1, 1 NC)
His bout with Shinya Aoki (Pictures) went from headache to horror story when the much-delayed match ended in a controversial no-contest. With a rigid tournament schedule, Calvancante's immediate future is in the hands of Dream parent company Fight Entertainment Group.

3. Mitsuhiro Ishida (Pictures) (16-3-1)
After a rather exciting ebb-and-flow match with Gilbert Melendez (Pictures), Ishida was inert in taking a tedious decision over South Korean upstart Bu Kyung Jung (Pictures). More will be expected and required in the next round of the Dream GP, where Ishida will likely face stiffer opposition.

4. B.J. Penn (Pictures) (12-4-1)
There is little left to be said about B.J. Penn (Pictures)'s UFC lightweight title victory over Joe Stevenson -- the Hawaiian's first win over a top-10 lightweight in four years. He fought in the fashion most hoped he would for the duration of his career. If the new Penn shows up with similar motivation, his forthcoming bout with Sean Sherk (Pictures) could be an Octagon classic. A win over Sherk would almost certainly propel Penn to the top of the division.

5. Gilbert Melendez (Pictures) (13-1-0)
While initially scheduled for the Dream Grand Prix, Melendez has opted to fulfill his contractual duties with Strikeforce, fighting March 29 in a co-promotion with EliteXC on Showtime. That prospect wasn't so bad when he was slated to face hot up-and-comer Jorge Masvidal (Pictures), but he's now set to face Gabe Lemley (Pictures) in what should be a landslide victory for the Cesar Gracie (Pictures) product.

6. Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures) (21-4-2)
While he deserved the victory, Kawajiri's win over Kultar Gill (Pictures) was less than inspiring. Hopefully a bout better befitting a perennial top lightweight will be coaxed out of the "Crusher" in the next round of the Dream Grand Prix.

7. Vitor Ribeiro (Pictures) (19-2)
"Shaolin" had successful eye surgery in September following his destruction at the hands of Gesias Calvancante (Pictures). For Ribeiro, recovery likely can't come fast enough to allow him to erase the memories of his dreadful performance in the Hero's semifinal.

8. Sean Sherk (Pictures) (32-2-1)
With his steroid saga behind him, Sherk can now focus on his opportunity to regain the UFC lightweight title he believes should still be his. The ever-game fighter faces an enormous challenge against the ultra-talented B.J. Penn (Pictures) in what should be a hotly anticipated encounter.

9. Joe Stevenson (28-8-0)
After earning a well-deserved title opportunity in January, Stevenson was dismantled by B.J. Penn (Pictures). Thankfully, there are still dozens of compelling bouts for the solid Stevenson, though another title shot in the UFC's 155-pound class could be a ways away.

10. Frank Edgar (Pictures) (8-0-0)
One of the most pleasant surprises of 2007, Edgar burst onto the scene in February with an instant classic and fight-of-the-year candidate against then-undefeated Tyson Griffin. The New Jersey standout will look to push his record to 9-0 against fellow undefeated wrestler Gray Maynard (Pictures

FEATHERWEIGHT (145-135)
1. Urijah Faber (Pictures) (20-1-0)
For a while Faber was seen as the world's top featherweight based on talent and visibility rather than knocking off top competitors. "The California Kid" finally got the chance to validate his hype, and he passed the test with flying colors by choking out Jeff Curran (Pictures) in the second round of his Dec. 12 WEC title defense. With the victory, Faber finally earned the top spot in the rankings. However, heavy is the head that wears the crown, and with a potential bout against Jens Pulver (Pictures) looming, Faber could be in for the stiffest test of his career.

2. Akitoshi Tamura (Pictures) (11-5-2)
One of the biggest surprises of 2007, Tamura makes the first defense of his Shooto world title March 28 against Hideki Kadowaki (Pictures). The bout will also give Tamura the chance to erase another defeat from his résumé, having lost to Kadowaki in March 2005.

3. Takeshi Inoue (Pictures) (14-2-0)
In a thoroughly entertaining but ultimately one-sided affair last month, Lion Takeshi showed the form that made him Shooto world champion while dominating tricky veteran Katsuya Toida (Pictures) for the meaningless Shooto 143-pound Pacific Rim title. However, a rubber match with Akitoshi Tamura (Pictures) will have to wait. Tamura defends his title against Kadowaki, while Lion will see action on the May 3 Shooto bill at JCB Hall.

4. Jeff Curran (Pictures) (29-9-1)
"The Big Frog" had a great first round but ultimately fell prey to Urijah Faber (Pictures) in their Dec. 12 WEC title bout. Curran is slated to fight next in June, when he'll likely take on ATT product Mike Thomas Brown in a well-matched bout.

5. Masakazu Imanari (Pictures) (14-5-1)
Imanari made the first defense of his Cage Rage title on March 8 with a first-round submission over tough Brazilian Jean Silva (Pictures) via another leglock. The owner of the Cage Rage and Deep featherweight crowns, Imanari has solidified himself as a must-watch fighter for hardcore fans.

6. Leonard Garcia (Pictures) (11-3-0)
After mixed results in his UFC tenure, Garcia parlayed his drop to 145 pounds into results with his 91-second knockout over well-regarded Hiroyuki Takaya (Pictures). Yet another former lightweight joining the WEC 145-pound mix, the free-swinging and always-game Garcia should continue to provide fireworks if nothing else in the exciting division.

7. Hiroyuki Takaya (Pictures) (9-5-1)
There was much excitement over Takaya's Feb. 13 WEC debut. Many thought he could be a quality competitor and offer a challenge to divisional kingpin Urijah Faber (Pictures). The hype was quickly nixed, though, by Leonard Garcia (Pictures), who knocked Takaya down and out early in the first round.

8. Antonio Carvalho (Pictures) (10-3-0)
Carvalho came out the loser in his toe-to-toe war with Takaya in November, but now he figures to be the favorite in the 145-pound Cage Force tournament that GCM has lined up for '08. Carvalho's first action of the year comes in April, when he'll meet sturdy Japanese veteran Yuji Hoshino (Pictures).

9. Yoshiro Maeda (Pictures) (23-4-2)
Maeda, long known for choking in big fights, came through in the clutch in his stateside and 135-pound debut, starching a tough Charlie Valencia (Pictures) with a body kick in the first round. While his WEC competition will see him look to make waves as a bantamweight, his next featherweight action will come later this year when he'll defend his King of Pancrase title against the winner of the March 26 title eliminator between Miki Shida (Pictures) and Marlon Sandro (Pictures).

10. Hatsu Hioki (Pictures) (14-3-1)
After a miserable 2007, Hioki opened 2008 in fashion, destroying Katsuya Toida (Pictures) en route to a second-round submission. Hioki will again be a considerable favorite for his next in-ring action on March 28. He'll meet grappling star Baret Yoshida, who makes his return to MMA after four years away from the sport.

BANTAMWEIGHT (135-125


1. Miguel Torres (Pictures) (21-1-0)
With a low profile, low activity and few matchups between top fighters in the division, the 135-pound class was hurting for a while. However, with the WEC's goal to develop a potent bantamweight division, Miguel Torres (Pictures) finally got the chance to put his outstanding talent on display. With his title capture against Chase Beebe (Pictures) on Feb. 13, Torres jumps from ninth to first in the Sherdog.com rankings. More importantly, however, the mulleted Mexicano has excited and ignited the bantamweight division, setting the table for what should be a fantastic 2008.

2. Koetsu Okazaki (Pictures) (5-0-1)
Okazaki's stock very much rests on whether he can become the fifth 132-pound world champion of pro Shooto on March 28, when he meets Masakatsu Ueda (Pictures) in a rare clash of top-ranked bantamweights.

3. Masakatsu Ueda (Pictures) (7-0-1)
Ueda put on an impressive, technical display against Atsushi Yamamoto (Pictures) to earn a unanimous decision and burst back into these rankings. Now 2006's most outstanding Shooto rookie champion will have the chance to become Shooto world champion when he meets Okazaki on March 28.

4. Atsushi Yamamoto (Pictures) (11-5-1)
The Norifumi Yamamoto (Pictures) pupil had the biggest opportunity of his career in his bout with Masakatsu Ueda (Pictures), which offered the winner a chance to fight for the vacant 132-pound Shooto world title. In a hard-fought bout, Ueda came out the victor, sending Yamamoto back to the drawing board.

5. Brian Bowles (Pictures) (4-0-0)
Bowles went from "Who is this kid?" after his June submission over vet Charlie Valencia (Pictures) to "This kid is serious" after his Dec. 12 steamrolling of the well-traveled and well-accomplished Marcos Galvao (Pictures). With the win, Bowles notched the most significant victory to date for a North American bantamweight against international competition and also cemented himself as a worthy adversary to the likes of Chase Beebe (Pictures) and Miguel Torres (Pictures).

6. Marcos Galvao (Pictures) (6-2-0)
After years of competing in Shooto, "Louro" got a golden opportunity to showcase his skills in the WEC. The result? Galvao got absolutely destroyed by upstart Brian Bowles (Pictures), who tore him apart on the feet en route to a second-round stoppage.

7. Daniel Lima (Pictures) (8-2-2)
After pulling out of a scheduled bout with Tetsu Suzuki (Pictures) earlier this month, the next move for the Australia-based Brazilian is uncertain.

8. Takeya Mizugaki (Pictures) (8-2-2)
The 2005 Shooto rookie MVP has a golden opportunity in front of him. With GCM promoting a 135-pound tournament this year for its Cage Force series, Mizugaki has the chance to not only grab the attention of fans in the cage but also earn a ticket stateside, where the talent pool is rapidly improving and there is more money to be made.

9. Chase Beebe (Pictures) (11-2-0)
Yes, Beebe lost his WEC title. Yet there is little that can be said to disparage the former champ, who simply was outgunned by a far more seasoned and savvy opponent in Miguel Torres (Pictures). At only 22 years old, the ultra-talented Beebe is still improving largely from fight to fight and figures to play a pivotal role in the WEC's intensifying 135-pound picture.

10. Manny Tapia (Pictures) (10-0-1)
Although it seemed for a moment that Tapia had been robbed of his victory over Antonio Banuelos (Pictures), it turned out that the scorecard was misread and Tapia got his well-deserved "W." King of the Cage's longtime kingpin at 135 pounds, Tapia may now be the next in line to challenge newly minted champ Miguel Torres (Pictures) later this year in what would be a highly compelling affair

FLYWEIGHT (125-115)

. Shinichi Kojima (Pictures) (8-3-4)
After an absolutely humiliating 2007, the Shooto 123-pound world champion showed he had learned nothing in his bout with Eduardo Dantas (Pictures) by taking another fight at 132 pounds against So Tazawa (Pictures). He was thoroughly outworked in the match and saved by the referee while caught in a locked armbar in the third round. Hopefully it signals the end of Kojima's dream to be a two-division champion.

2. Yasuhiro Urushitani (Pictures) (14-3-5)
After a year in which he was seemingly shortchanged at every turn, Urushitani will have the chance to solidify his status as the top contender to the Shooto 123-pound world title on May 3, when he takes on upstart rookie champ Ryuichi Miki (Pictures). A win would seemingly force a third clash between Kojima and Urushitani for the title.

3. Mamoru Yamaguchi (Pictures) (19-4-3)
Coming off his disappointing September loss to Urushitani, Mamoru got back in the win column with an entertaining and dominant points victory over streaking Yuki Shoujou (Pictures) last month. Shooto's Afroed ace won't spend much time on the shelf. He'll be back in action March 28 against another exciting youngster in Masaaki Sugawara (Pictures).

4. Yuki Shoujou (Pictures) (7-4-2)
After a great 2007 campaign, Shoujou took the step up in competition against former champion Mamoru Yamaguchi (Pictures) last month. Despite a spirited effort, Mamoru was dominant for three rounds en route to a unanimous decision. Although losing to Mamoru is nothing to be ashamed of, Shoujou's loss illustrates the difficulty for up-and-coming flyweights to break the compact of the "big three."

5. Rambaa Somdet (Pictures) (4-2)
Surreal to say the least, former Thai stadium standout Rambaa "M-16" Somdet, after nearly five years away from MMA, returned to the ring last year. First he demolished 115-pounder Takehiro Harusaki (Pictures) effortlessly in July. Then in November he destroyed a streaking Masaaki Sugawara (Pictures), threatening with both submission attempts and vicious strikes before forcing a doctor's stoppage after the second round. While it's unclear if Somdet will continue campaigning at 115 or 123 pounds, the colorful and unorthodox fighter has commanded the attention of fans with his last two wins.

 

[heyzel]

NBC Sports: Video Kimbo Slice Q&amp;A

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/22825103/vp/23691549#23691549


Quotes:

Interviewer: Who do you think would win between you and a Grizzly?

Kimbo: With me and my colt 45 I would do pretty good

 

[heyzel]

GSP killer instinct

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/22825103/vp/23691549#23690309

 

[heyzel]

MM-Eh! News and Notes from Canada

by Andy Cotterill ([email protected])

Calgary-based Hardcore Championship Fighting seems to be on a never-ending quest to acquire the talent of high-level Brazilian mixed martial artists. Tatame.com has revealed that the promotion has just signed heavyweight Assuerio Silva (Pictures) to a five-fight deal.

Silva will join countrymen Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Pictures) and Renato Sobral (Pictures) in the fledgling Canadian promotion that has recently been signing some of the biggest names in the sport.

In order to join HCF, Silva first abdicated the Pancrase belt that he won in a contest with Tatsuya Mizuno (Pictures) nearly a year ago. That lengthy time without a fight is the main reason Silva cited for leaving Pancrase. His first HCF bout will be May 10.

Joining Silva on the May 10 card will be Renato "Babalu" Sobral, who will be making his long-awaited HCF debut against Mauricio Alonso (Pictures), Sherdog.com reported last week. The UFC released Sobral last year after he was late to release a choke on David Heath (Pictures) at UFC 74.

ECC 7 ‘Bad Blood' Results and Afterthoughts

Halifax's Extreme Cage Combat held another excellent card on Saturday. Here are a few random thoughts:

The move that Jason MacKay (Pictures) used to escape Shaun Krysa (Pictures)'s north-south hold was truly the most beautiful jiu-jitsu move I've ever seen live. When it happened, Sherdog.com's Jordan Breen and I literally laughed out loud incredulously, not believing what we had just witnessed. With Krysa putting pressure on his chest, MacKay bridged up and then pushed hard with his feet, which curled his body up, over and onto Krysa's back, with his feet going perfectly into hooks. Truly amazing. …

ECC held a moment of silence for the tragically deceased Rene Ayangma, and it was beautiful to watch the solidarity displayed by Team Bueno during the walkout by their fighters. As Travis Axworthy (Pictures), Chris Currie (Pictures) and Richard Arsenault (Pictures) walked to the cage for their bouts, they were followed not only by their usual coach and cornerman but also by their entire team, all wearing Ayangma memorial shirts. …

Sherdog.com caught up with ECC Canadian light heavyweight champ Roger Hollett (Pictures), who said he is recovering faster than expected from his Feb. 1 surgery to repair the knee he had damaged against Lew Polley (Pictures) in October in his first career defeat. Hollett said he may be a little optimistic, but he hopes to make his return to the cage this summer.

Full Results:

Jason MacKay (Pictures) def. Shaun Krysa (Pictures)
Matt MacGrath (Pictures) def. Travis Axworthy (Pictures)
Ryan Jimmo (Pictures) def. Jeff Lundburg
Kyle Sandford (Pictures) def. Chris Currie (Pictures)
Louis-Christophe Laurin (Pictures) def. Peter McGrath (Pictures)
Michelle Vienneau def. Jenna King
Richard Arsenault (Pictures) def. Adam MacDonald
Tim Skidmore (Pictures) def. Craig Skinner (Pictures)
Jaret MacIntosh def. Rene Grenon (Pictures)
Jason Rorison (Pictures) def. Ryan Kenny

Fan Question and Answer with Georges St. Pierre (Pictures)

As a special treat to readers of MM-Eh!, UFC interim welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre (Pictures) has agreed to answer your questions. We'll keep this opportunity open for two or three weeks, and Georges' answers will be posted in the weeks preceding his April 19 rematch with Matt Serra (Pictures) at UFC 83 in Montreal.

So open up your e-mail and send your best question or two to [email protected]

TKO 33 Set for Aruba

Quebec's TKO organization has announced that it will be holding its next card in Aruba. Twenty-six fighters will compete at Surfside Beach on April 11 at "Battle in Paradise."

Headlining the event will be Johan Croes, an Aruban native who beat Mark Fraser in his MMA debut at TKO 32.

Lineup:

Johan Croes vs. Danny Martinez
Steve Bosse (Pictures) vs. Guido Carlo
Derek Gauthier vs. Richard Williams
Adrian Wooley vs. Nick Croes
Yannick Galipeau vs. Jonrick Flanigan
Greghoulos Oehlers vs. Ben Gallant (Pictures)
Christopher Hulme vs. Jamiel Werleman

Fighters Nation Has Big Plans

Albertans are some of the luckiest fans in Canada, with HCF, KOTC, MFC and RITC providing them with their mixed martial arts needs. Now they can add another organization to the mix, as Fighters Nation gets set to have its inaugural card in Calgary on April 26.

"We started this organization thinking outside the box," said Fighters Nation President Ryan Verra. "We are going full throttle ahead and not turning back. We would like to take a whole different approach to the MMA community. By making a diversified company, we can target clients and people that didn't even know they are MMA fans yet and help the sport become more recognized in Canada. The sign on the door of opportunity can only read ‘push' for Fighters Nation Inc."

Public Relations Director Kris LaBelle was excited to give Sherdog.com the news on the upcoming card at the Calgary Corral. Commentating the event will be the IFL's Claude Patrick (Pictures).

Card:

Jimmy Ambriz (Pictures) vs. Dominic Richard
Nick Penner vs. Josh Strickland
Luke Harris vs. Jay Whitford
Nathan Gunn vs. Adam Thomas
Trevor Stewardson vs. Justin Primmer
Victor Daychief vs. Nigel Zettergreen (Pictures)

RITC 29 Card Announced

Lethbridge-based Rumble in the Cage co-owner Lee Mein (Pictures) exclusively revealed the lineup for RITC 29 to Sherdog.com. The main event will feature Dan Chambers (Pictures) vs. Chester Post (Pictures).

RITC will have to do without the pugilism of co-owner Jason Day (Pictures), as he continues to prepare for his shot in the UFC against Alan Belcher (Pictures) in Montreal on April 19.

Lineup:

Dan Chambers (Pictures) vs. Chester Post (Pictures)
Tim Tamaki vs. Chris Desaultels
Neil Berry (Pictures) vs. Mike Gates (Pictures)
Victor Kaminski vs. Shane Landherr
Raphael Bergman vs. Nick Goetz
Tim Chemelli vs. Will Kruger
Mark Aparicio vs. Darryl Stettler
Sean Merkl vs. Trent Rowell
Mike Jones vs. Jesse Kunish
Keirston Gillis vs. Jose Rodriguiz
Peter Neufeld vs. Jeff Lauze
Shay Fortier vs. Steffanie Essensa

Freedom Fight ‘Title Quest'

Freedom Fight promoter Pete Rodley has announced that his second card of 2008 will see the introduction of three different title belts. The July 26 event will crown his organization's first heavyweight, welterweight and lightweight champions, and there will also be several No. 1 contender bouts.

Mark Holst (Pictures) vs. Kris Donaldson (Lightweight Title)
Jason Motard vs. TBA (Welterweight Title)
Andre Desrochers (Pictures) vs. TBA (Heavyweight Title)
Eric Muir (Pictures) vs. Markhaile Wedderburn (Pictures) (Welterweight No. 1 Contender Match)
Ian Dawe (Pictures) vs. TBA (Bantamweight No. 1 Contender Match)
Aaron Basso vs. Marcus Hicks
Jason Bissonnette vs. TBA
Jean-Marc Lalonde vs. Clint Martin (Pictures)
Nicholas Portieous vs. John Sheil
Stephane Bernadel (Pictures) vs. Mike Walton
Chris Myra vs. Robin Black
Brett Portieous vs. Barry McDonald
Wayne Xilon vs. Jamie Fleury

Xtreme MMA 3 Results

Steve Claveau (Pictures) def. Stephan Lamarche (Pictures)
David Whittom def. Jamie MacDonald
Rob Wynne def. Jacob MacDonald (Pictures)
Tommy Pariseau def. Mathieu Boncoeur
Guillaume DeLorenzi def. Nordine Talheb
Dave Pariseau (Pictures) def. Justin Doyon (Pictures)
Daniel Boissoneault def. Reginald Franklin
Dimitri Waardenburg (Pictures) def. Gabriel Lavallee
Ben Jamieson def. David Savard

Canadian Calendar

March 29: Hardcore Championship Fighting "Crow's Nest" - Gatineau, Quebec
March 29: Rumble In The Cage 29 - Lethbridge
April 4: King Of The Cage "Brawl in the Mall 3" - Edmonton
April 11: TKO 33 "Battle In Paradise" - Oranjestad, Aruba
April 11: Ultimate Cage Wars 11 - Winnipeg
April 12: Xtreme Cage Warz "Bitter Rivalry" - Creighton, Sask.
April 19: UFC 83 - Montreal
April 19: Gladiator Fighting Series - Trail, B.C.
April 26: Fighters Nation MMA - Calgary
April 26: Iroquois Mixed Martial Arts Championship - Hagersville, Ontario
April 26: Phoenix Fight Promotions II - Halifax
May 9: Maximum Fighting Championship 16 - Edmonton
May 10: Hardcore Championship Fighting
May 17: Xtreme MMA 4 - Jonquière, Quebec
May 30: Colosseum Fighting Championships 8 - Winnipeg
July 26: Freedom Fight "

 

[heyzel]

UFC 82 DRUG TESTS COME BACK CLEAN

All of the fighters that were drug tested for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s recent UFC 82 event on March 1 in Columbus, Ohio, returned negative results.

According to Bernie Profato, executive director of the Ohio Athletic Commission, Ohio took a different approach than most states and tested all ten of the winners from UFC 82 instead of testing both winner and loser in single bouts.

Profato indicated to MMAWeekly.com that reason for opting for such a tactic was because the primary goal of drug testing is to discourage use of illegal performance enhancing drugs to gain an advantage in competition. Winners of the bouts, by the mere fact that they are the winners, present a stronger case for having received a benefit from performance enhancers if they were to test positive.

Although the primary focus of the tests is on performance enhancing drugs, Profato also confirmed that recreational drugs were also part of the drug tests.

The ten winners from UFC 82 that were drug tested were Anderson Silva, Heath Herring, Chris Leben, Yushin Okami, Jon Fitch, Andrei Arlovski, Luigi Fioravanti, Josh Koscheck, Diego Sanchez, and Jorge Gurgel