Saturday
Kamal Shalorus vs. Rafael dos Anjos Added to UFC on Fuel TV 3
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/27744/kamal-shalorus-vs-rafael-dos-anjos-added-to-ufc-on-fuel-tv-3/
?Shogun? Rua seeking rematch with ?Rampage? Jackson down the road
Friday
Dominick Cruz knows UFC flyweight contenders inside and out
The four men in the UFC flyweight tournament have glittering records, but they'd be a bit more glittering had they been able to avoid bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. Three of the four men in the field -- Joseph Benavidez, Demetrious Johnson and Ian McCall -- have already fought, and lost to, Cruz.
Their records are glittering as� is. They're 40-6 with 27 finishes. Subtract the two losses by Benavidez to Cruz and the ones by Johnson and McCall and they'd be 40-2.
Cruz spoke to Cagewriter on Wednesday to give his thoughts on the tournament and the fighters, particularly the three men he's faced.
Benavidez will fight Yasuhiro Urushitani and Johnson will take on McCall Friday (Saturday in Australia) at Allphones Arena in Sydney, Australia, on the UFC on FX 2 card.
Urushitani, 35, is a former Shooto champion who is 19-4-6. Cruz said he knows the least about him.
"The UFC has the best fighters in the world, so I would assume since he's not fighting in the UFC that he hasn't been facing top-level guys," Cruz said. "Against that level of competition, that will hurt."
Cruz defeated Benavidez twice. He beat him first via unanimous decision at WEC 42 on Aug. 9, 2009, in a bout declared Fight of the Night. They then rematched for the WEC title and Cruz pulled out a split decision at WEC 50 on Aug. 18, 2010.
Cruz said Benavidez is exceptionally well-rounded.
"What makes Joe a tough opponent is that he's one of the few people who pieces together long combinations, with power and with takedowns," Cruz told Cagewriter in a telephone interview. "He also defends the takedown well and he's one of the few people who's got great submissions, great wrestling and great standup. He's a well-rounded fighter. He's got the full package. He's just a tough guy to fight, and he's hungry."
Cruz beat Johnson in his last outing, retaining the bantamweight title by winning all five rounds in a high-quality match on Oct. 1 at UFC Live in Washington, D.C. Cruz said he expects Johnson-McCall to be Fight of the Night on Friday.
He raved about both men and, though he picked McCall, said he wouldn't be shocked if Johnson came out on top.
"They're both dynamic, well-rounded, very good fighters," the champ said. "Stylistically, how Demetrious comes out and fights Ian is going to be the key to that fight. The big reason why I beat these guys the way that I did is that I game-planned them. I can change my style according to the way a specific person fights. I had to change my style against all of those guys, Benavidez, Demetrious and Ian. I give the edge to Ian in terms of power, but I give the edge in speed and striking to Demetrious. I'll take Ian in that fight because I think he can take Demetrious down and control him on the ground."
Both opening-round fights are three-rounders, but the UFC has announced there will be a "sudden victory" round if either bout is tied after three in order to produce a winner.
Despite that, Cruz said he thought all four men would lay it all on the line during the three rounds in order to get the win and predicted they wouldn't be concerned about saving something for a potential fourth.
"I think they'll just go balls to the wall," Cruz said. "You never hold back. I know when I'm fighting, if it's a five-rounder, I train for seven. If it's a three-rounder, I'll train for five, and I think they'll be the same way so they can be ready to sprint to the finish."
Jeff Curran-Johnny Eduardo slated for UFC on FUEL TV 3
Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/02/29/jeff-curran-johnny-eduardo-slated-for-ufc-on-fuel-tv-3/
UFC on FX 2 Pre-fight Press Conference Video
UFC on FX 2 Pre-fight Press Conference Video is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News
Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/ufc-news/ufc-on-fx-2-pre-fight-press-conference-video-57208/
Strikeforce signs UFC veteran Nate Marquardt, fight with Tyron Woodley possible
In June, the UFC cut middleweight Nate Marquardt after he could not get medical clearance to fight at UFC on Versus 4 just hours before he was scheduled to weigh in. Now, he is back in the Zuffa fold, as Strikeforce signed him to fight in their welterweight division.
His signing will strengthen a promotion that has seen four champions flee to the UFC. A bout with Tyron Woodley is reportedly in the works. Marquardt brings a recognizable name and a well-rounded game to Strikeforce.
Marquardt fought in 14 bouts for the UFC before his out-of-whack testosterone levels caused the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission to deny his chance to fight in the main event. He was immediately dismissed from the UFC by an angry Dana White.
He briefly signed with the British promotion BAMMA, but a fight never materialized. Bellator's Hector Lombard invited Marquardt to fight him in Bellator, but Marquardt didn't take the bait. His last bout was a decision win over Dan Miller at UFC 128.
More from Yahoo! Sports: Frankie Edgar fooled by fellow UFC fighter
Thursday
Rampage Jackson Reveals He Started Testosterone Replacement Therapy Prior To UFC 144
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/pGKsXaBp-Sc/
UFC 144 Bonuses: Edgar, Henderson, Pettis, and Lee Earn $65K
All earned $65,000 bonuses for their efforts.
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/27718/ufc-144-bonuses-edgar-henderson-pettis-and-lee-earn-65k/
Greatest hits from Strikeforce?s Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey
Greatest hits from Strikeforce’s Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News
UFC 144 video: The search for hardcore UFC fans in a Tokyo square
In what is a very unofficial study of Japan's interest in MMA, Ariel Helwani hit the streets in Tokyo to find hardcore UFC fans.
He combs through a bunch of 18-34 year olds and it was hard to find many that had more than a passing interest in the sport. Is this any worse than you'd find on the streets of most American cities? We're guessing yes. In any case, it's an interesting watch.
On the back end of the video, some of the more educated fans point to a lack of television, poor marketing and few good stories as the reasons for mixed martial arts' downturn in Japan. Others says with a recent spike in crime and the earthquake, people are shying away from events built around violence.
Tony Fryklund Kazuyuki Fujita Masakatsu Funaki Zelg Benkei Galesic
Wednesday
Angry Melvin Guillard calls out Joe Lauzon
Source: http://www.fighters.com/02/23/angry-melvin-guillard-calls-out-joe-lauzon
Ray Cooper Kit Cope Wesley Cabbage Correira Patrick The Predator Cote
Photo: Benson Henderson celebrates UFC lightweight title with his mom
When Benson Henderson walked out of the cage after winning the UFC lightweight title, he walked right past security and the UFC staff who was directing him towards the locker room. He had to go celebrate with the woman who has supported him throughout his career: his mom.
In a sweet moment, Henderson hugged his mother. She pulled back and grabbed at his belt, bursting with pride over her son's accomplishment. Henderson provided another great performance in beating Frankie Edgar, but didn't forget to say thank you to his mom.
He admitted that he did hear her cheering during his fight.
""My mom has a pretty distinct voice. I can hear her everywhere," Henderson said.
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Manager: Frankie Edgar Wants Ben Henderson Rematch, Not A Move To Featherweight
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/uP9Odfh0bqg/
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Photo: Jon Jones, Kate Upton and Jane Lynch pal around at Daytona 500
A UFC champ, a Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model and an Emmy-winning actress met up at the Daytona 500 today. Jon Jones was an honorary race official, while Kate Upton and Jane Lynch were there to spend some time being awesome.
The race was delayed until Monday, so they had plenty of time to discuss throwing elbows, photoshoots, and wearing track suits. Hopefully, Lynch was offering "Bones" a cameo on "Glee." Nothing could prepare him better for his fight with Rashad Evans than a song and dance with New Directions.
Jones also got to meet some of the biggest names in racing: 
And he even got a car with his name on it.
Tuesday
Future Matchups to Make: Post-UFC 144
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/27730/future-matchups-to-make-post-ufc-144/
Thursday Fight Night: TUF 3 champ Kendall Grove alive, kicking and with a new attitude
Diego Sanchez fought his rear end off last night in losing to Jake Ellenberger. The lead in to the fight was very revealing as Sanchez admitted he hadn't taken all elements of his career seriously enough. He seemed apologetic.
Just like the Season 1 "Ultimate Fighter" champion, Kendall Grove knows he's made mistakes along the way too, but he's not about to say he's sorry.
The headstrong Grove, who won TUF 3, is back fighting tonight in Las Vegas with a smaller promotion. Grove is headlining Superior Cage Combat 4 at the Orleans Arena. It's a solid card dotted with several UFC veterans. He may not be in the biggest show in the world, but Grove is happy with where he's at in his career.
"UFC was good, no doubt. But when I wanted to fight more it was 'no wait, wait. We'll tell you when you can fight.'� It's more easier on my head," Grove told ESPN1100/98.9 FM. Don't get me wrong, I love competing with the best fighters in the world, but not all thebest fighters are in the UFC. There's other fighters out there."
Tonight, he faces another UFC veteran in Jay Silva (7-5, 0-2 UFC). He's looking for the finish. That's something he wasn't doing in his last few fights with the UFC.
"I kind of stalled in my UFC career ... just trying to survive and keep my job. I'm at the highest level, you don't want to go back down," said Grove. "That's where I messed up. I was just trying to survive."
Grove (14-9, 7-6 UFC) said in his mind he was a scrub and lucky to be there. His mindset has changed. He's fighting as often as possible. In fact the turnaround for this tilt was less than four weeks. Grove took out Japanese legend Ikuhisa Minowa back on Jan. 21 in Honolulu.
John Gunderson faces Justin Buchholz for the SCC lightweight title. TUF 13 alum Jamie Yager is also featured on the card. Two other UFC vets Terry Martin and Jesse Taylor were slated to square off, but the fight was canceled according to MMAWeekly.
SCC 4 weigh-in:
Kendall Grove (185) vs. Jay Silva (184) - Middleweight
John Gunderson (154.5) vs. Justin Buchholz (155) - Title fight
Danny Davis Jr. (170) vs. Jamie Yager (170) - Welterweight
Dominique Robinson (156) vs. Paulo Bananada (155) - Lightweight
Brandon Bender (145) vs. Shorty Weikel (144) -Bantamweight
Walt Harris (255) vs. Anthony Hamilton (265) - Heavyweight
Jimmy Jones (145) vs. Joao Victor (145) - Bantamweight
More from Yahoo! Sports: Frankie Edgar fooled by fellow UFC fighter
Dan The Sandman Christison Logan The Pink Pounder Clark Steve The Snake Claveau Rich No Love Clementi
?UFC on FOX: Diaz vs. Miller? Features Four Live Main Card Fights
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/107595/ufc-on-fox-diaz-vs-miller-features-four-live-main-card-fights/
Matchmaker, matchmaker: Fights for ?Mayhem,? Evan Dunham and Eddie Alvarez
Though MMA's spring schedule is not as dizzying as its winter pace, there are plenty of fight cards that need filling. To that end:
-- Jason "Mayhem" Miller will take on C.B. Dollaway at UFC 146 on Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas. This is Miller's first fight since losing the Michael Bisping at "The Ultimate Fighter" season 14 finale. Dollaway has been finished in his last two bouts, a TKO to Jared Hamman and a KO to Mark Munoz.
-- Evan Dunham and Edson Barboza will also meet at UFC 146. Dunham just fought at UFC on Fox 2, scoring a win over Nik Lentz. Known for his powerful striking, Barboza has never lost. His knockout of Terry Etim at UFC 142 was called one of the best knockouts in UFC history.
-- In Bellator, Eddie Alvarez and Shinya Aoki are expected to meet in April. Alvarez was submitted by an Aoki heel hook in 2008. After that loss, he won seven straight before losing a classic title bout to Michael Chandler. Aoki is currently holds the DREAM lightweight belt.
Who will win these bouts? Talk to us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Monday
UFC Set to Return to Canada with Debut in Calgary for UFC 149 on July 21st
Dereck Chisora brawls with David Haye at press conference after decision loss to Vitali Klitschko
Mikey Burnett Murilo Bustamante Grant Campbell Gesias JZ Calvancante
Sunday
UFC 144 ? Mark Hunt Finishes Cheick Kongo With His Fists (Gifs)
Source: http://www.themmanews.com/ufc-144-mark-hunt-finishes-cheick-kongo-with-his-fists-gifs/
Mark The Hammer Coleman Wes Soldier Combs Ray Cooper Kit Cope
Octagon, but no fighters, in Japanese ad for UFC 144
In the United States, we're used to seeing UFC pay-per-view ads that heavily feature the fighters on the card. Even when they break from the fight-highlight-norm-with-voiceover-and-music, like with the UFC 129 commercial featuring Georges St. Pierre and Jake Shields, the advertising still revolves around the fighters.
With the ad airing in Japan before this weekend's UFC 144 bout, the ad features the shadow of an octagon and the voice of cage announcer Bruce Buffer.
No Frankie Edgar or Benson Henderson to represent the main event, not even the more familiar Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Would that be enough to get you to tune in? Tell us in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.
Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/octagon-no-fighters-japanese-ad-ufc-144-231848081.html
Greg Jackson changes tune and will corner Jon Jones at UFC 145
Source: http://www.fighters.com/02/20/greg-jackson-changes-tune-and-will-corner-jon-jones-at-ufc-145
Hockey Fight of the Day: George Parros vs. Eric Boulton
Source: http://www.fighters.com/02/18/hockey-fight-of-the-day-george-parros-vs-eric-boulton
Photo: Benson Henderson celebrates UFC lightweight title with his mom
Alberto Crane Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz Luke Cummo Jeff Big Frog Curran