Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey, Jay Hieron: The Morning News Roundup ? 8.9.12

Once upon a time, a UFC fighter would've been lucky if he was able to get a sponsor, and if he did manage to get one, he had to have the words "Condom Depot" emblazoned on the back of his shorts or have drawn on his body an advertisement for an online betting company.� But the times they are a-changin'.� While the UFC is currently "corn to the core" and cuddled up in bed with Harley-Davidson, one top fighter has just signed a contract with the mother of all sponsors.� More after the jump!

• UFC light-heavyweight champ and part-time car wrecker Jon Jones has signed with Nike, according to the venerable Mike Chiappetta at MMAFighting.� This.� Is.� Huge.� As it's a global sponsorship and Jones will reportedly receive his own line of Nike-branded accoutrement, the champ ? and the sport ? will get exposure like never before.� Plus, nothing says "mainstream" like a Nike sponsorship.

�

As usual, MMAPayout has some valuable insight:

If you thought that Jon Jones was one of the highest profile UFC fighters around, you could probably confirm that with the new Nike deal, he will be the most visible worldwide.� The deal indicates that the global sportswear maker is dipping its foot in the Octagon which can only be a good thing for MMA and the UFC.� The deal creates a new level of earning potential for Jones and a lofty goal for other UFC fighters.� At this point, I would think that the Swoosh may be on a "wait and see" approach with the sport as it relates to sponsoring others.� But, if the Jones line of clothing is a hit, we may see more of the familiar logo in the Octagon.

�

• Strikeforce female bantamweight champ and resident arm-ripper-offer Ronda Rousey has a title defense coming up on August 18, and last night her first "All Access" episode aired on Showtime.� In it, UFC president Dana White extolls her virtues, past opponent Miesha Tate shows off her prosthetic limb (which she was forced to get after Rousey took her arm), and Rousey's boxing coach talks about how at first he ignored her but then came around when he realized she was going to be a bigger star than any moke that ever set foot in his gym.� I suspect Rousey also fights crime in her spare time, but as Maggie Hendricks pointed out, she probably has to keep that secret.� See the episode here.

�

• UFC welterweight Josh Koscheck hurt his back in training, so his UFC 151 bout against Jake Ellenberger is off.� Taking his place will be erstwhile Octagon veteran (seriously, he last fought in the UFC back in 2005) Jay Hieron.� Hieron's been pretty much fighting everywhere else, so hey, why not do a UFC bout?� This bout is also actually a rematch ? the two met at an International Fight League event in June, 2006; Hieron took the unanimous decision.

�

That's it for now, amigos.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/jon-jones-ronda-rousey-jay-hieron-morning-news-140531700--mma.html

Pat Barry  Vitor Belfort  Robert Berry David Bielkheden

Diego Sanchez, Don Cerrone, Cain Velasquez: The Morning News Roundup ? 8.7.12

Any day when the news doesn't involve a fighter getting injured, a fighter failing a drug screening or a fighting going to jail is a good one, and hey, today looks like a good one.� A well-liked scrapper is switching weight classes again, a co-main event fighter has given his upcoming bout a thumbs-up, a heavyweight wants his title shot, and another fighter went to the doctor, but that's it.� No cuts requiring stitches, no marijuana metabolites and no 40-person brawls ? as the indomitable Ice Cube would say, "It was a good day."

• Winner of the inaugural season of "The Ultimate Fighter" and longtime fan-favorite fighter Diego Sanchez announced that he's moving down to lightweight.� Again.� If you'll recall, his last trip down to the 155-pound weight class ended with a showdown against B.J. Penn, and that match-up wasn't even competitive.� However, Sanchez's recent return to welterweight yielded mixed results, so you know how that goes.

�

• UFC lightweight stalwart Don Cerrone says that he's cool with fighting Melvin Guillard this weekend at UFC 150.� Which is good because it's only the co-main event and Cerrone signed the bout agreement months ago and if he were to suddenly say he wasn't cool with it the UFC would probably sue him for breach of contract plus damages.

�

• Who will be next to challenge UFC heavyweight champ Junior dos Santos?� Will it be Dutch behemoth Alistair Overeem, who's currently serving a suspension for excessive horsemeat?� Or should it be former champ Cain Velasquez, who turned Antonio Silva into a Dexter-ish blood-splatter pattern on the Octagon floor back at UFC 146?

�

• Brazilian light-heavyweight striker Wagner Prado reportedly saw a doctor yesterday for his eye injury, which he incurred via accidental foul at the hands (or fingers) of Phil Davis on UFC on FOX 4 Saturday night.� No word yet on the prognosis, but it's great that Prado is getting professional help.� Eye injuries are no joke.�

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/diego-sanchez-don-cerrone-cain-velasquez-morning-news-132037148--mma.html

Ricardo Almeida  Eddie Alvarez Thiago Alves  Andre Amade 

Jeremy Stephens scheduled to face Yves Edwards in October

It looks like two of the lightweight division?s top stand-up artists have agreed to face off in the coming months after a bout between Yves Edwards and Jeremy Stephens was linked to UFC on FX 5 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Edwards has fifteen TKOs to his credit, while Stephens has earned 14 of his 20 total [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/08/10/jeremy-stephens-scheduled-to-face-yves-edwards-in-october/

Vagam Bodjukyan Kotetsu Boku  Tony Bonello Stephan Bonnar

UFC 150 Fighter Diary: Melvin Guillard ? Episode 1

Lightweight contender Melvin Guillard explains the finer points of press conference fashion in his UFC� 150 Fighter Diary.

Source: http://www.themmanews.com/ufc-150-fighter-diary-melvin-guillard-episode-1/

Fedor Emelianenko Yasubey Enomoto Mark Epstein Tom Big Cat Erickson

Eddie Alvarez, Shogun/Vera, UFC Light-Heavyweight Title Shot: Morning News Roundup ? 7.31.12

The Rexplex Sports Complex in Elizabeth, N.J., in December of 2003.� Ah yes, I remember it well.� The ring was set up next to a skate ramp, with a big curtain seperating us MMA folks from the kids doing tricks�on their skateboards.� As for the fights, some lanky dude named Luke Cummo put his�jiu-jitsu skills to good use and won his bout via submission, while another up-and-comer named Jay Hieron completely steamrolled over his foe.� We paid attention to those bouts a bit more because Cummo and Hieron were somewhat established in the area, and though people cheered when�Eddie Alvarez scored a dominant KO in his MMA debut, no one knew who Alvarez was�or what he'd eventually accomplish in the sport.� Why did I take this stroll down memory lane?� Because Alvarez is leading off your morning news roundup.

• Former Bellator lightweight champ Eddie Alvarez has one fight left on his contract, and it looks like it's going to be used for a match-up against fearsome Brazilian�monster Patricky "Pitbull" Freire.� When it comes to fighter contracts and the willingness of promotions to re-sign their stars, there are a lot of moving parts that must taken into consideration - things like actual cost, anticipated revenue and just what the parties can do to further each other's interests.� As one of Bellator's first "big" signings, Alvarez brought a ton of credibility to the organization, and Bjorn Rebney definitely made it worthwhile for the Philadelphia native in terms of cheddar.� But nothing lasts forever, so here we are with a high-ranking lightweight very likely about to enter free agency.� What do you do with him if you're Bellator?� Give him a tough, sure-fire exciting match-up that will make your October 12 show a memorable one of course.� And if you're Alvarez, you're going to want to win in the most impressive way possible to make sure your value when you enter free agency is at its highest.� Well, you know who wins in all this?� Us fans, because, Alvarez vs. Freire... yikes!� That's all kinds of "wow"!

�

• Yesterday UFC president Dana White said Saturday's UFC on FOX 4 main event between Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Brandon Vera would determine the number one contender for UFC light-heavyweight champ Jon Jones' belt.� Reactions were mixed (to put it lightly).� Now White is backtracking a little bit and saying that if either of the occupants of Saturday's co-main event - a tilt between Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader - look impressive enough in victory, they could get the title shot instead.� This certainly makes more sense.� At least, only insomuch as Jones has pretty much slaughtered everyone that he's faced (including Shogun, Vera, Machida and Bader in prior match-ups), and why not offer up the title shot to whoever looks good?� At this rate, Jones is going to be the first UFC champ to get to fight two challengers in the cage at once.� (He'd probably win that fight, too.)

�

• Former UFC welterweight contender Jon Fitch will be facing rising star Erick Silva at UFC 153 in Brazil.� You have to imagine that at this point, after having had a run at the title but failing to move the needle in terms of exciting the fans, Fitch is on that spreadsheet that the UFC keeps that's titled "Fighters To Get Rid Of".� Dude has to do something to get off that list...

�

That's all for now.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/eddie-alvarez-shogun-vera-ufc-light-heavyweight-title-141513056--mma.html

Alex Andrade  Jermaine Andre  Yoji Anjo  Ao Hailin 

UFC on FOX 4 Presser and Highlights

The pre-fight press conference for Saturday's UFC on FOX 4 took place earlier today, and present for the brouhaha was UFC president Dana White and main eventers and co-main eventers Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Lyoto Machida, Brandon Vera and Ryan Bader.� Until I can figure out how to embed video, you're going to have to follow this link to watch it.� The presser itself doesn't start until around the 26-minute mark.� Highlights include:

• White on whether or not the public outcry over announcing that the winner of Shogun vs. Vera would get a title shot caused him any frustration: �"Nope, not at all.� I said it before and I'll say it again: the way that I look at my job is I'm here to give the fans what they want.� They're the ones who decide what they want to see and what they don't want to see.� They weren't thrilled with the just the main event being up for the title shot, then the co-main and main event now are.� Whoever wins the most impressively on Saturday will now get the shot at the title."

�

• White on if the performances in the main and co-main event are less than stellar: "If it sucks on Saturday, I'll be the first one standing up here letting you know."

�

• Machida on if he'd be interested in a third fight with Shogun: "I think it will be a great opportunity for both of us.� The trilogy will come for me and Shogun for sure."

�

• Shogun on a possible third fight with Machida: "I respect a lot Lyoto, and it would be a great opportunity to fight Lyoto.� Maybe in the next TUF season in Brazil.� It would be a dream come true."

�

• White on the UFC implementing the ref cam on Saturday night: "I'm still not interested in it? The thing about it is it's great in boxing.� Maybe it'll be fantastic."

�

• Vera on if the announcement that his fight could determine who gets the next shot at the title added any pressure: "Everybody's been asking this question, whether or not it means more because there's a title shot on the line.� I don't know what makes you guys think we weren't taking this seriously before, that we weren't going to try to knock the person out that was across from the Octagon from us that evening.� I can't speak for everyone else, but that is after the fact.� That's a bonus."

�

• Machida on if he trained with Steven Seagal for this fight: "This camp I did not train with Seagal, but I had a lot of support from my family and from my team.� Maybe I'll have a surprise on Saturday."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-fox-4-presser-highlights-201212228--mma.html

Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao Alexander Gustafsson Jaime Gutierrez

News: Frank Trigg Arrested on Charges of Domestic Violence

---Quote---
Aug 9, 2012 - Former UFC welterweight and one-time MMA commentator Frank Trigg has been arrested on charges of battery domestic violence...

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/104211-news-frank-trigg-arrested-charges-domestic-violence.html

Houston Alexander Ricardo Almeida  Eddie Alvarez Thiago Alves 

?Korean Zombie? tops ?The Lytle List? of writer?s most exciting UFC fighters

Every fan has his or her own favorite fighter. But there are a group of fighters who stand out from the rest by consistently putting on the most exciting fights each time out.
The most exciting fights to me are those in which there are sustained period...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/korean-zombie-tops-lytle-list-writer-most-exciting-185130995--mma.html

Peter Graham Forrest Griffin Tyson Griffin Karn Grigorian

?Korean Zombie? tops ?The Lytle List? of writer?s most exciting UFC fighters

Every fan has his or her own favorite fighter. But there are a group of fighters who stand out from the rest by consistently putting on the most exciting fights each time out.

The most exciting fights to me are those in which there are sustained periods of combat, in which the athletes use all of the tools at their disposal. Yes, a great standup war is exciting, but a truly great mixed martial arts bout includes kicks, punches, elbows, knees, wrestling, scrambles, throws and jiu-jitsu.

That said, these are my picks as the 20 most exciting UFC fighters to watch. I'm picking active fighters only, so that leaves out the great Chris Lytle. In honor of the former UFC welterweight star, who consistently earned post-fight performance bonuses from the UFC for his exciting fights, I've dubbed my inaugural list of the UFC's most exciting fighters as "The Lytle List."

1. Chan Sung Jung -- If I was going to take a person to a fight and turn them into a mixed martial arts fan, I'd bring them to see the man known as "The Korean Zombie." If you want to see a fast knockout, check out the Zombie. His KO of Mark Hominick is, at seven seconds, tied for fastest in UFC history. If you love submissions, you'll love Jung. He became the first fighter in competition to pull off the Twister when he submitted Leonard Garcia in Seattle last year at Ultimate Fight Night 24. And if you like flat out brawls, who can forget his epic battle with Garcia at WEC 48? For my money, Jung is the most exciting fighter in the UFC, and that's saying a lot.

2. Joe�Lauzon -- Lauzon has won 11 fight night bonuses from the UFC in his career, which puts him second between middleweight champion Anderson Silva's 12 bonuses. Lauzon has won six Submission of the Night awards, four Fight of the Night awards and one Knockout of the Night. But sometimes, bonus totals can be misleading. A guy may be the only one on a particular card to get a knockout or a submission and, thus, he wins the award by default. That doesn't mean the fight was exciting. That's not the case, though, with Lauzon, whose fights are regularly the most action-packed on the cards he's on.

3. Diego Sanchez -- Whether he's going by 'The Nightmare,' or 'The Dream,' Sanchez is money when it comes to putting on exciting fights. His 2006 bout with Karo Parisyan remains one of the best bouts in UFC history. His 2009 match with Clay Guida was picked by many as the Fight of the Year. The only downside to being a Sanchez fan is that he is hurt so much because of his fierce style, he doesn't compete as often as we'd like.

4. Donald Cerrone -- He's a veteran of the fight night bonus awards. He landed Fight of the Night five times while in the WEC and twice in the UFC. He's also had a Knockout of the Night and a Submission of the Night. He uses all aspects of the game and fights at a frenzied pace.

5. Leonard Garcia -- Cerrone's best friend, Garcia was a largely unknown when he debuted in the UFC at UFC 69 on April 7, 2007, against Roger Huerta. That was a breathtakingly brutal fight and it set the tone for the kind of fight he'd put on. His first fight with Jung might be the greatest in WEC history.

6. Nate Diaz -- Diaz has won five Fight of the Night and five Submission of the Night honors. His bouts are consistently high-paced and technical, and getting more exciting all the time. Diaz is willing to take risks in order to finish and that increases the enjoyment level of his bouts.

7. Anderson Silva -- He is the greatest fighter of all-time and leads the UFC with 12 post-fight bonuses, including seven Knockout of the Night Awards. Silva has had some stinkers, such as his wins over Patrick Cote, Thales Leites and Demian Maia, which is why he's not higher on this elite list. But Silva has had his share of electrifying bouts and because of that, is a must-see fighter.

8. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua -- The former UFC light heavyweight champion gave fans a glimpse of what was to come in 2005 when he engaged in an epic match with 'Little Nog,' Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, in PRIDE. His fight with Henderson is regarded as the best in UFC history and his knockouts of Lyoto Machida and Chuck Liddell were jaw-dropping.

9. Dan Henderson -- Henderson has the wrestling ability to take an opponent down, smother him and grind out a win. Fortunately, he doesn't use it that way. Henderson would rather use the power in his fists to win his matches. His one-punch knockout of Michael Bisping at UFC 100 might be the most famous KO in UFC history. Many regard his win over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 last year as the greatest fight in UFC history.

10. Jon Jones -- Jones would be higher on this list if he had any competition. The best fights are the ones in which there is drama and in which the tide ebbs and flows from one side to the other. Jones has been so much better than the rest of the field, there has been no ebb and flow. Still, Jones is an aggressive, offensive-oriented fighter who tries crazy moves and usually pulls them off.

11. Nick Diaz -- He comes to fight and he delivers amazing action time after time.

12. Clay Guida -- Guida would be much higher if not for that stink bomb of a fight he put on in Atlantic City, N.J., his last time out against Gray Maynard. He's engaged in some incredible duels over the years against the likes of Roger Huerta, Diego Sanchez and Benson Henderson.

13. Gray Maynard -- In his early days, when his technique wasn't as good as it is now, he used his physical power to make his fights exciting. As he developed, he became a heavy-fisted fighter who was hungry for knockouts.

14. Anthony Pettis -- Who can forget the 'Showtime Kick," the move that won him the WEC title and made him a cult hero? Pettis has a variety of moves in his arsenal and is a consistently fun guy to watch.

15. Melvin Guillard -- As UFC president Dana White might say, Guillard just brings it. His aggressiveness may cost him fights, but he's a joy to watch because he is never in a dull match.

16. Benson Henderson -- The UFC lightweight champion has incredible submission defense and is able to fight off submissions that seem destined to put him to sleep. But he is an excellent offensive fighter whose power and physical strength are factors in his success.

17. Frankie Edgar -- His fights with Gray Maynard are classic. His match with Benson Henderson was a classic. His bout with Tyson Griffin was a ... Do you see a trend here?

18. �Junior dos Santos -- The UFC heavyweight champion is as easy-going as it gets outside the cage. But when the bell rings, he's a demon whose power and boxing technique make him one of the sport's elite KO artists.

19. Jim Miller -- The submission ace has great cardio and he uses it to fight at a high pace in which he's constantly looking to finish.

20. Demetrious Johnson -- I value power and Johnson isn't particularly powerful, so I dropped him a bit on my list. But he's exceedingly fast and his fights are featured by crazy scrambles and frenetic activity.

There are a lot of entertaining fighters who didn't make out. I hated to leave off Stephan Bonnar, whose bout with Forrest Griffin at the finale of Season 1 of "The Ultimate Fighter" essentially saved the sport.

There were many others who are deserving, but these are my picks for the UFC's most exciting fighters.

Leave your choices in the comments.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/korean-zombie-tops-lytle-list-writer-most-exciting-185130995--mma.html

Ricardo Arona  Noboru Asahi Marcus Aurelio  Mikhail Avetisyan

Countdown to UFC 150: Shields vs. Herman

The "Countdown to UFC 150" begins as UFC cameras take look at a middleweight matchup between Jake Shields and Ed Herman. The bout will mark Shields's return to the middleweight division, a place where he enjoyed great success at, after spending his entire UFC career at welterweight going 2-2. Looking to spoil his return to the division is Colorado's own Ed Herman. Herman is 3-0 since returning from a catastrophic knee injury at UFC 102.

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/29811/countdown-to-ufc-150-shields-vs-herman/

Kendall Grove Clay Guida Jason Guida Melvin Guillard

Scenes from an Underground Fight Show in New York City

Earlier today there was an edition of the Underground Combat League (UCL), New York City's long-running, unsanctioned MMA promotion.� Unlike most of the other states in the country, New York has deemed professional MMA to be illegal.� But a loophole in the law has allowed amateur events to flourish ? albeit in a quasi-hush-hush world where fighters sometimes use aliases and the locations of shows are kept secret from the athletic commission.�

Please, don't judge them too harshly.� The UCL, for instance, has churned out over forty events since its debut in 2003, and can count among its alumni such fighters as former UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and International Fight League heavyweight Bryan Vetell (as well as a slew of dudes who went on to fight in Strikeforce, the WEC, Bellator and top regional promotions).� And before you accuse anyone of exploitation, remember this: everyone from promoter Peter Storm to the fighters to the fans wants to see New York State sanction the sport; it's only because New York won't that events like this exist.

You're probably about to ask something along the lines of "Well, don't you think underground shows like this one are setting the sport back and keeping it from being sanctioned?"� That's a clown-question, bro.� The politicians who favor MMA in New York have cited the state's thriving underground fight scene as a reason why the sport must be sanctioned.

Jim Genia always posts live results from these dastardly events here.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/scenes-underground-fight-show-york-city-034020567--mma.html

Mark Epstein Tom Big Cat Erickson Martinsh Egle Eric Butterbean Esch

Mirko Filipovic mentions interest in returning to MMA

There was a time when heavyweight Mirko Filipovic was among the Top 3 fighters in the division and one of the most feared adversaries in the MMA. However, time eventually caught up to ?Cro Cop? and the 37-year old Croatian decided to walk away from the sport after losing three straight in the UFC with [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/08/08/mirko-filipovic-mentions-interest-in-returning-to-mma/

Lorenzo Borgomeo  Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney  Ebenezer Fontes Braga

UFC on FOX 4 fights between Mauricio Rua-Brandon Vera, Ryan Bader-Lyoto Machida will determine division?s top contender

It’s now official – one of the four light heavyweights competing in co-headlining clashes this Saturday night at UFC on FOX 4 will emerge from the event with a title-shot in tow. More specifically, the two tilts being considered for top contendership are those between Ryan Bader-Lyoto Machida and Mauricio Rua-Brandon Vera.

UFC President Dana White confirmed the news today in a statement to media explaining the individual who won in the most convincing manner would receive a crack at the winner of champion Jon Jones? September scrap with Dan Henderson. Originally he’d stated only the victor in Vera vs. Rua was up for the prize.

“Shogun” Looking for Quick KO Against Vera

While the stakes are high, fans? excitement about the information seems to be relatively low given each man?s record in the Octagon as of late. Vera is 1-2 in his last three with the only win involving a questionable decision against Eliot Marshall, Rua is coming off a loss to Henderson, Machida is 1-3 in his previous four pairings including two losses by way of a finish, and Bader is only a year removed from back-to-back stoppages against Jones and Tito Ortiz.

Regardless, an opportunity at gold is now on the line for the price of a highlight-reel victory. UFC on FOX 4 fires up on network television at 8:00 PM EST.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Tweet

Source: http://www.fighters.com/07/31/ufc-on-fox-4-fights-between-mauricio-rua-brandon-vera-ryan-bader-lyoto-machida-will-determine-division%e2%80%99s-top-contender

Stephan Bonnar Lorenzo Borgomeo  Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney 

UFC on FOX 4 Presser and Highlights

The pre-fight press conference for Saturday's UFC on FOX 4 took place earlier today, and present for the brouhaha was UFC president Dana White and main eventers and co-main eventers Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Lyoto Machida, Brandon Vera and Ryan Bader.� Until I can figure out how to embed video, you're going to have to follow this link to watch it.� The presser itself doesn't start until around the 26-minute mark.� Highlights include:

• White on whether or not the public outcry over announcing that the winner of Shogun vs. Vera would get a title shot caused him any frustration: �"Nope, not at all.� I said it before and I'll say it again: the way that I look at my job is I'm here to give the fans what they want.� They're the ones who decide what they want to see and what they don't want to see.� They weren't thrilled with the just the main event being up for the title shot, then the co-main and main event now are.� Whoever wins the most impressively on Saturday will now get the shot at the title."

�

• White on if the performances in the main and co-main event are less than stellar: "If it sucks on Saturday, I'll be the first one standing up here letting you know."

�

• Machida on if he'd be interested in a third fight with Shogun: "I think it will be a great opportunity for both of us.� The trilogy will come for me and Shogun for sure."

�

• Shogun on a possible third fight with Machida: "I respect a lot Lyoto, and it would be a great opportunity to fight Lyoto.� Maybe in the next TUF season in Brazil.� It would be a dream come true."

�

• White on the UFC implementing the ref cam on Saturday night: "I'm still not interested in it? The thing about it is it's great in boxing.� Maybe it'll be fantastic."

�

• Vera on if the announcement that his fight could determine who gets the next shot at the title added any pressure: "Everybody's been asking this question, whether or not it means more because there's a title shot on the line.� I don't know what makes you guys think we weren't taking this seriously before, that we weren't going to try to knock the person out that was across from the Octagon from us that evening.� I can't speak for everyone else, but that is after the fact.� That's a bonus."

�

• Machida on if he trained with Steven Seagal for this fight: "This camp I did not train with Seagal, but I had a lot of support from my family and from my team.� Maybe I'll have a surprise on Saturday."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-fox-4-presser-highlights-201212228--mma.html

Jon Fitch Kenny Florian Jesse Forbes Xavier Foupa Pokam

?UFC on FX: Browne vs. Bigfoot? Tickets on Sale Today

“UFC on FX: Browne vs. Bigfoot” takes place October 5th inside Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. UFC Fight Club members have the opportunity to purchase seats for the show today at 10AM CT. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC Newsletter subscribers on Thursday, August 9th at 10AM CT. Psst, the top [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/124960/ufc-on-fx-browne-vs-bigfoot-tickets-on-sale-today/

Daniel Acacio Bernard Ackah  Terrance Aflague Yoshihiro Akiyama 

Jon Fitch, Siyar Bahadurzada, and Sean Sherk express interest in battling B.J. Penn

Less than 48 hours ago the UFC revealed former champion B.J. Penn would not be facing Rory MacDonald in September as planned after MacDonald was forced to withdraw in order to heal from a major gash suffered in training. However, despite the relatively short span of time since the news, Penn apparently has plenty of [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/08/06/jon-fitch-siyar-bahadurzada-and-sean-sherk-express-interest-in-fighting-b-j-penn/

Nick Diaz  Tadhg Steamfist Dixon Joe Doerksen  Chris Dolman

Nick Diaz Update: Will Return, Wants Anderson Silva

Like a passing case of the munchies, UFC welterweight contender Nick Diaz's plans to retire seem to have faded, and taking the place of that retirement is a burning desire to face UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva.� All this is according to his longtime coach, Cesar Gracie, who posted a lengthy statement on the matter over at GracieFighter.

It was only just February when Diaz purportedly turned his back on the sport, a move prompted by his controversial unanimous decision loss to Carlos Condit at UFC 143.��The defeat�came�after a five-round scrap for the UFC Interim Welterweight Championship title, and the bout�saw Condit playing "hit and run" while the Stockton native followed him around and�hurled insults.� Soon after,�it was revealed that�Diaz had tested positive for�marijuana metabolites in a post-fight urinalysis, and the subsequent year-long suspension levied upon him appeared to be the icing on the retirement cake.

Said Gracie:

For the last couple months I've watched Nick begin to frequent the gym more and more.� He's training harder now than he has for many of his fights.� It was obvious that training and fighting is in his DNA.� It is who he is.

This week we had a great talk and he made it clear to me that he is ready to get back in the cage.� Nick Diaz will return.

With interim champ Condit destined to face UFC welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre at UFC 154 in November, who is there for Diaz - an elite,�top-level fighter -�to face that's worthwhile?

As far as future opponents, Nick has stated that he would like to take fights "that matter".� Since GSP will be fighting Condit, he has to look elsewhere.� He will respectfully ask for a fight with Anderson Silva, a fighter he respects and would like to challenge.

Silva's camp has been speaking of a fight with GSP, possibly even at a catchweight.� Nick will take that fight in a minute but has told me that should Silva decide not to drop at all, he will move up to 185lbs to face the Champ.

And there you have it.� Unfortunately, unless Diaz (or, more aptly, his attorneys) can figure out a way around his suspension, ain't nothin' going down 'till February, 2013.� Remember kids, dope is for dopes.� Don't be a dope!

Jim Genia tweets here and wrote this book.� Come at me, bro.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/nick-diaz-return-wants-anderson-silva-000443797--mma.html

Logan The Pink Pounder Clark  Steve The Snake Claveau  Rich No Love Clementi  Mark The Hammer Coleman

Koscheck out of UFC 151.

Just said it on UFC Tonight, no replacement yet.


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Here we go again.

With less than four weeks until fight night (Sept. 1, 2012), UFC...

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/104134-koscheck-out-ufc-151-a.html

Roger Gracie Rolles Gracie Royce Gracie Royler Gracie

Gabriel Gonzaga greenlit for scrap with Geronimo dos Santos at UFC 153

A year ago, UFC heavyweight Gabriel Gonzaga was semi-retired from Mixed Martial Arts after losing back-to-back bouts inside the Octagon and had little hope where a return to the infamous eight-sided cage was concerned. However, after changing his mind and giving it another go, Gonzaga has gone 2-0 including an opening round choke of Ednaldo Oliveira at UFC 142 in front of his fellow Brazilians.

Gonzaga will have a chance to make it 3-0 this October 13 at UFC 153, a card also scheduled for Rio de Janeiro, where he?ll talented newcomer Geronimo dos Santos.

Gonzaga Says the UFC Will Always Feel Like His Home

The bout was first reported by TATAME. A meeting between Chris Camozzi-Luiz Cane was also announced by the UFC in relation to the event.

?Napao? is 13-6 in his career with his most notable win involving a high-kick knockout of Mirko Filipovic.

Comparably, Dos Santos has won his last ten fights and holds an overall record of 31-14. The powerful 31-year old has finished 29 of the foes he?s felled including twenty TKOs and nine submissions.

UFC 153 is headlined by featherweight title-holder Jose Aldo putting his belt on the line against Erik Koch and also features Vitor Belfort-Alan Belcher and Glover Teixeira-Quinton Jackson.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

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Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/01/gabriel-gonzaga-greenlit-for-scrap-with-geronimo-dos-santos-at-ufc-153

Rolles Gracie Royce Gracie Royler Gracie Ryan Gracie

Floyd Mayweather Jr. once again a free man

Renowned boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. is officially a free man again after being released earlier today from jail in Las Vegas where he was serving a 90-day sentence stemming from a domestic battery charge. Mayweather had been behind bars since June 1.

No word was given on why Mayweather was only required to serve sixty days instead of the complete term.

The decorated pugilist was found guilty in an incident from this past December where he was accused of assaulting the mother of his children. He has been linked to a number of other incidents involving violent behavior towards others outside of the ring responsible for his fame and fortune.

“Money” Mayweather’s Camp Concerned About Fighter’s Fitness in Jail

Mayweather did not comment to media after exiting the correctional facility, briefly meeting with friends and family before heading off in a waiting car.

The next step for Mayweather is to apply for a new license to fight in the State of Nevada. His May 5 match-up with Miguel Cotto was the only bout on his previous agreement with the NAC.

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Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/03/floyd-mayweather-jr-once-again-a-free-man

Zelg Benkei Galesic Mauro Galvao Arman Gambaryan Manvel Gamburyan

Lyoto Machida Discusses UFC on Fox 4 Victory, Future Plans, and More (Video)

Lyoto Machida appeared on FUEL TV following his impressive UFC on Fox 4 performance to discuss his victory and future plans with hosts Jay Glazer, former opponent Rashad Evans, and former verbal foe Chael Sonnen. The former champion will now face the winner of UFC 151's main event between light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson.

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/29778/lyoto-machida-discusses-ufc-on-fox-4-victory-future-plans-and-more-video/

Ricardo Arona  Noboru Asahi Marcus Aurelio  Mikhail Avetisyan

?UFC on FOX: Shogun vs. Vera? Ratings Remain Steady at 2.4 Million Viewers

Breaking News: Americans love them some 2012 Summer Olympics. Although the four featured fights in Saturday’s live “UFC on FOX: Shogun vs. Vera” broadcast hosted a spectacular show, the Octagon’s fourth foray on FOX garnered just 2.4 million viewers. According to TVByTheNumbers, 28 million fans flipped the dial to catch NBC’s tape-delayed Olympics when FOX [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/124937/ufc-on-fox-shogun-vs-vera-ratings-remain-steady-at-2-4-million-viewers/

Akihiro Gono Gabriel Gonzaga Lyman Good Gary Goodridge

BJ Penn Issues Rory MacDonald Counteroffer

One thing’s for certain, BJ Penn (Pictured) and Rory MacDonald are hellbent on still fighting each other. After it was revealed MacDonald was forced out of their UFC 152 bout in Toronto with a nasty gash above his right eye, the Canadian asked Penn to postpone their scrap two months until November rolls around – [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/124801/bj-penn-issues-rory-macdonald-counteroffer/

Andrei Arlovski  Ricardo Arona  Noboru Asahi Marcus Aurelio 

Rory MacDonald withdraws from UFC 152 with injury, still wants to fight BJ Penn

The lineup for UFC 152 took a hit this weekend when news surfaced revealing welterweight Rory MacDonald had suffered a cut in training requiring 38 stitches and would not be ready to go again in time for a scheduled scrap with BJ Penn on September 22 at the Toronto-bound show. Though the UFC has not [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/05/rory-macdonald-withdraws-from-ufc-152-with-injury-still-wants-to-fight-bj-penn

Tiki Ghosn Dennis George Kultar Gill Allan Goes

Nam Phan and Cole Miller Wage War: UFC on FOX 4 Preliminary Card Rundown

It was a mixed bag of results for the bouts on the UFC on FOX 4 preliminary card, which aired live on Fuel TV prior to the main card broadcast on FOX, and in terms of action, the six bouts delivered.

• In the first fight of the evening, flyweight scrapper John Moraga utilized his well-credentialed wrestling chops to prevent jiu-jitsu specialist Ulysses "Useless" Gomez from bringing the fight to the ground, and once Moraga found his groove on the feet, he lit Gomez up with a storm of short punches and elbows against the cage.� Gomez crumbled under the onslaught, giving Moraga the win via knockout at 3:46 of the first round.

• In featherweight action, dueling judoka Manvel Gamburyan and Michihiro Omigawa took turns blasting each other in the striking exchanges ? Gamburyan dinging the Japanese fighter with a flying knee, a well-timed high-kick, and various punches, Omigawa tagging the Armenian with a torrent of jabs and crosses.� But the TUF 5 runner-up found success with his takedowns, and though Omigawa was usually back up in an instant, points were scored.� When time ran out, the judges gave Gamburyan the well-deserved unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

• Heavyweight Brit Oli Thompson may have had the advantage in terms of muscle, but fellow UK product Phil De Fries seemed unfazed.� Rocking Thompson in the first with a decent portion of fist-salad, De Fries established early on just how dangerous he could be, and when he began mixing in an aggressive ground assault, for Thompson things went from bad to worse.� The ending sequence came when De Fries got his foe down, secured back-control and applied a face crank; Thompson tapped out at 4:16 of Round Two.

• Featherweight Josh Grispi needed a win in his return bout against jiu-jitsu expert Rani Yahya, but he made the mistake of playing the Brazilian's game and it cost him.� From takedown to guard pass to North/South choke submission, it was all Yahya, and Grispi was forced to tap out at 3:15 of the first round.

• The light-heavyweight contest between wrestler Phil Davis and Brazilian Muay Thai specialist Wagner Prado ended in the most unsatisfying way possible.� In one of the first full-fledged striking exchanges on the feet, Davis accidentally put his fingers in Prado's eye.� Prado was instantly in pain, and the blood around his eye was enough for the doctor to call it.� The bout was rendered a "no decision" at 1:28 of Round One.

• The "main event" of the preliminary card, which saw ultra-tough featherweights Cole Miller and Nam Phan throw down, did not disappoint in terms of pace and violence.� Eschewing their vast collective jiu-jitsu experience for the opportunity to stand and box, Miller and Phan battered each other relentlessly for all three rounds.� In the first, Phan quickly overcame Miller's sizeable reach advantage to repeatedly land a vicious left hook to the chin. But Miller made adjustments by the time Round Two rolled around, and his straight rights began knocking Phan's head back over and over again.� The final frame saw no abatement in the dogfight, and when time ran out, the judges gave the split decision to Phan (29-28, 29-28, 28-29).

Other popular content on Yahoo! Sports:
? Adrian Wojnarowski: Lithuania gives blueprint on how to beat Team USA
? Photos: Moon between Olympic rings makes for breathtaking images
? Dan Wetzel: Usain Bolt gears for Olympics' most hyped event

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-fox-4-preliminary-card-rundown-001722294--mma.html

Vitor Belfort  Robert Berry David Bielkheden Michael Bisping 

Matt Hamill Comes Out of Retirement, Welcomes Roger Hollett at UFC 152

It was nearly a year ago that Matt Hamill announced his retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts after back-to-back losses against Quinton Jackson and Alexander Gustafsson. It would seem that it’s been long enough for the Deaflympics gold medalist, who is now slated to return to the octagon at UFC 152 in Toronto, [...]

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/29732/matt-hamill-comes-out-of-retirement-welcomes-roger-hollett-at-ufc-152/

Musse Hasselvall Daiki DJ taiki Hata He Peng David Heath

Lyoto Machida Choo Choo Train!

For those of us that recognize the amazingly legit skills of the one true ninja Lyoto, I would like to wish him the best of luck and support on the...

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/104051-lyoto-machida-choo-choo-train.html

Jonathan Goulet Wilson Gouveia Jason Grace Crosley Gracie

Matthew Riddle posts submission win with pregnant wife on his mind

With family matters on his mind, Matthew Riddle earned a win at UFC 149 with an arm triangle choke of Chris Clements.

After a bruising two and a half rounds, Clements tried a spinning back fist. Riddle grabbed Clements' arm, and maneuvered him into an arm triangle while the pair was still standing. They fell to the ground, but Riddle held on. Clements tapped at 2:02 in the third round, giving Riddle the win.

After telling UFC commentator Joe Rogan he loved him, Riddle turned his focus to his wife and kids.

"I wanna say I love my wife Lisa. We have a kid on the way, and we already have twins. I love you all," Riddle said after his win.

[Related: Ronda Rousey calls out Michael Phelps for behavior in Beijing]

Riddle's devotion went beyond mentioning his wife to the crowd in Calgary and the pay-per-view audience. Instead of flying from Texas to Calgary for the fights, Dave Farra reports Riddle drove 20 hours because he wanted her at the fights with him. Pregnant women are often advised not to fly during certain parts of their pregnancies, so he made the sacrifice so she could be there to support him.

Riddle won a $65,000 Submission of the Night bonus, which should help with the baby on the way.

Other popular content on Yahoo! Sports:
? Tim Brown: Jays, Astros complete huge 10-player trade
? Rockets GM Daryl Morey goes off on Houston reporter
? Kevin Love pleased 'bad blood' is gone from Timberwolves' locker room

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/matthew-riddle-posts-submission-win-pregnant-wife-mind-051150079--mma.html

Kotetsu Boku  Tony Bonello Stephan Bonnar Lorenzo Borgomeo 

Aussie Noke Drops to 170 to Meet The Spaniard

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-151-fight-card-updates

Tomasz Drwal Joe Hybrid Duarte Aldrin de Jesus  Todd Duffee 

UFC 150: Donald Cerrone vs Melvin Guillard

Image: http://media.ufc.tv/generated_images_sorted/Fighter/Donald-Cerrone/Donald-Cerrone_539_right30.png Image:...

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc-vbookie-betting/104048-ufc-150-donald-cerrone-vs-melvin-guillard.html

Marvin Eastman  Stav Crazy Bear Economou  Yves Edwards  Justin Eilers 

Lyoto Machida still tempted by move to middleweight

Former UFC champion Lyoto Machida turned heads at yesterday?s weigh-ins for UFC on FOX 4 when he stepped on the scale at a slim 201 pounds. Though never a particularly large light heavyweight, Machida?s mark being so low brought up a number of questions about his interest in dropping down to 185 pounds despite his [...]

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/04/lyoto-machida-still-tempted-by-move-to-middleweight

Rob Broughton  Mike Brown  Junie Browning Paul Buentello 

UFC on Fox 4 results recap: Joe Lauzon vs Jamie Varner fight review and analysis

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2012/8/5/3221450/ufc-on-fox-4-results-recap-joe-lauzon-vs-jamie-varner-fight-review

Clay Guida Jason Guida Melvin Guillard Cody Guinn

Matthew Riddle posts submission win with pregnant wife on his mind

With family matters on his mind, Matthew Riddle earned a win at UFC 149 with an arm triangle choke of Chris Clements.

After a bruising two and a half rounds, Clements tried a spinning back fist. Riddle grabbed Clements' arm, and maneuvered him into an arm triangle while the pair was still standing. They fell to the ground, but Riddle held on. Clements tapped at 2:02 in the third round, giving Riddle the win.

After telling UFC commentator Joe Rogan he loved him, Riddle turned his focus to his wife and kids.

"I wanna say I love my wife Lisa. We have a kid on the way, and we already have twins. I love you all," Riddle said after his win.

[Related: Ronda Rousey calls out Michael Phelps for behavior in Beijing]

Riddle's devotion went beyond mentioning his wife to the crowd in Calgary and the pay-per-view audience. Instead of flying from Texas to Calgary for the fights, Dave Farra reports Riddle drove 20 hours because he wanted her at the fights with him. Pregnant women are often advised not to fly during certain parts of their pregnancies, so he made the sacrifice so she could be there to support him.

Riddle won a $65,000 Submission of the Night bonus, which should help with the baby on the way.

Other popular content on Yahoo! Sports:
? Tim Brown: Jays, Astros complete huge 10-player trade
? Rockets GM Daryl Morey goes off on Houston reporter
? Kevin Love pleased 'bad blood' is gone from Timberwolves' locker room

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/matthew-riddle-posts-submission-win-pregnant-wife-mind-051150079--mma.html

Keith Hackney Matt Hamill Volk Han Joachim Hansen

UFC on Fox 4 Play-by-Play

MMAFrenzy's coverage of UFC on Fox 4 rolls along with our play-by-play and live scoring of tonight's main card. Tonight's card is highlighted by Mauricio "Shogun" Rua taking on Brandon Vera in the main event. Be sure to check back and refresh often for updates on tonight's main card on Fox.

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/29744/ufc-on-fox-4-play-by-play/

Josh Barnett  David Baron  Phil Baroni Don Barr