Saturday

UFC Middleweights Patrick Cote vs. Alessio Sakara Set For Montreal This November

A pair of veteran middleweights will face-off on opposite sides of the Octagon this November when Patrick ‘The Predator’ C�t� (17-8) welcomes Alessio ‘Legionarius’ Sakara (15-9, 1NC) to his hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada as part of UFC 154. Officials with the promotion confirmed the matchup on Friday at UFC.com. A middleweight matchup that should [...]

Source: http://www.themmanews.com/ufc-middleweights-patrick-cote-vs-alessio-sakara-set-for-montreal-this-november/

Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz Luke Cummo  Jeff Big Frog Curran Dai Shuanghai 

Golovkin vs. Proksa results and LIVE fight coverage tonight (Sept. 1) on HBO boxing

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2012/9/1/3285510/golovkin-vs-proksa-results-and-live-fight-coverage-tonight-sept-1-hbo-boxing

Leonard Garcia Andrew Gardner Tiki Ghosn Dennis George

The Agony of Defeat and How Three Fighters Have Dealt with It

Watch a fighter's face when he's won and the story is all there ? the relief, the elation, the euphoria.� And yet, what of the other half to that equation?� What of those who've been forced to swallow the bitter pill of defeat?� It's an inescapable truth that, for someone to be the victor, someone else must lose, and that karmic flipside is what makes the sport a cruel and harsh mistress to all who dare strap on four-ounce gloves and step into the cage.� To compete is to flirt with a very particular, very exacting kind of agony.� For the sake of examining further what it means to be on the losing side of things, Cagewriter tracked down a trio of accomplished fighters to get their perspective.� The three all share two common denominators: they're very, very good at what they do, and they've all dealt with defeat.

Tom DeBlass, UFC Fighter

In 2003, New Jersey native Tom DeBlass fought his first amateur bout.� He'd been a track star in college, and had only three months of martial arts training, but hey, what the heck, right?� Unfortunately, his opponent was veteran kickboxer and experienced mixed martial arts fighter, and things didn't go so well.� So DeBlass went back to the drawing board and sought to gain the skills necessary to succeed.� By the time he made his return to the cage, he was now a black belt under Ricardo Almeida, with successful runs as a competitor in everything from the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds to the Pan-Ams to the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championship Trials.� He was, quite literally, a completely different person.

"I lost my first fight as a youngster because I really just ? I didn't even train jiu-jitsu, I didn't even know anything," says the 30-year-old DeBlass.� "With that skill set, I would've lost a hundred out of a hundred times, because I didn't know any better."

It took only seven pro fights in New Jersey's Ring of Combat promotion for DeBlass to earn his shot in the UFC's Octagon ? seven fights in a little over a year and a half, each one flawless and won by quick submission or knockout or protracted war.� But when that shot came, it was for a UFC on Fuel TV held in Sweden, and it was on short notice against a vastly more-experienced Cyrille Diabate.� No one says no when the UFC comes calling, so DeBlass took the fight; he lost via majority decision ? his first defeat as a pro and his first loss in nine years.

"This one with Cyrille, it hit me pretty hard," says DeBlass.� "I was pretty upset.� Just because I know, with all respect to him, I'd finish him probably fairly quickly if I was in a full training camp.� This was one fight where I was really, really out of shape.� Usually in between fights I stay in shape, but I'd hurt my ankle.� I'd pulled out of a Ring of Combat fight, and I was letting my ankle heal.� I was on vacation with my fianc�e the week before, and I got fat and I got out of shape.� I knew that, so it was kind of a terrible feeling going into a fight knowing you're not prepared for it.� But I still thought I could win.� And you know, the fight was going my way.� Not even just going my way, it was an easy fight.� I was dominating.� Then I just had nothing left.� I was so exhausted.� And when I lost, I was just very disappointed ? I'm still very disappointed."

What did DeBlass do to cope?� "Right away, as soon as possible, I tried to find the positive," he says.� "I changed my whole training.� As much as I was doing before, I'm doing things differently now, working on different aspects.� And everything happens for a reason, man.� In this sport, you've got to be ready for anything."

The UFC already had DeBlass scheduled to fight on another UFC on Fuel TV, but the bout was cancelled when his opponent got injured. �Regardless, DeBlass ? who's moving down to middleweight for the first time ? fully anticipates being ready for anything when the UFC calls again.� Just as he did after losing that first amateur bout all those years ago, he's making the adjustments necessary to assure future success.

James Jenkins, Ring of Combat Fighter

Things were going great for James Jenkins until he walked face-first into a nose-breaking right hand.� Up to that point, the 26-year-old Matt Serra/Ray Longo product was beating all comers in Ring of Combat ? so much so that, to give Jenkins someone to fight for the promotion's featherweight belt, an opponent was flown in from Chicago.� Still, Jenkins was the heavy favorite going into the bout.� But all it takes is one mistake in this game.� One mistake.

"I felt absolutely horrible," says the Long Island, N.Y. native.� "I felt like I had a great shot in front of me and I had worked hard to get this far.� I didn't have any regrets as far as training hard, I didn't take him lightly ? I could be fighting a 13-year old and I wouldn't take him lightly."

Says Jenkins: "I'm a prideful guy.� I don't take losing? I couldn't lose at a game of Monopoly.� So this was pretty rough.� It was hard.� A lot of bad feelings.� I don't want to have to feel it again for ? well, if I could have my way, never."

What was it like for Jenkins after the fight? �"I get down to the locker room, and I was just trying to wash the blood off my face and everything," he says.� "I think for a few days I did nothing but think about it.� I'd be sitting in a car with my girlfriend and I was just start zoning out thinking about it.� For a while, I had this feeling like I could just go back in time.� Like if I could just think about it hard enough, I could go back in time and I could fix it and I could make it all better.� I had to sit there and really tell myself, 'You can't go backwards.� What's done is done.� The only thing I can do is work for the future.'� That's the only thing you can do when [expletive] goes wrong, you just have to work to make sure it doesn't happen again."

What's next for the still-rising featherweight star?� "I took a little time off to be with my friends and family, but now I want to be back in the gym and fighting at the next Ring of Combat.� I want to come out with a strong showing.� I really think that's the only thing that will take away some of the bad feelings.� You know, to get a win."

When Cagewriter interviewed Jenkins, it was outside of former UFC champ Matt Serra's gym, right before a training session; clearly, Jenkins is already on his way back to the cage.

Dan Miller, UFC Fighter

There are few fighters in the UFC ? or even the world ? who can impress in defeat like the veteran middleweight-turned-welterweight Dan Miller.� In eleven fights in the Octagon, Miller has amassed a 6-5 record, and those five losses were after hard-fought scraps against the likes of Chael Sonnen, Demian Maia, Michael Bisping, Nate Marquardt and Rousimar Palhares ? tough guys, one and all.� Still, the New Jersey native knows of the sting a fresh "L" on your record can leave.

"It is tough," he says.� "I going into every fight believing that I can win, and wanting to win, but it's part of the sport and somebody has to lose."� He adds: "The way I feel is, as long as I put everything I had into it and got beaten by a better fighter that night, it makes it a little easier."�

"For me it was never okay.� I never walked out of the ring not disappointed in myself.� But again, it's something that sucks, but it's not the end of the world.� I go into the gym and it makes me work harder.� Every time I lost I just tried to get better and improve myself."

Miller's advice to any young bucks out there who find themselves on the inevitable losing end?� "Keep your head up and learn from it, basically.� Pretty much everyone is going to lose at some point in their career, and it's one of those things where you're going to have to learn from it.� If you didn't learn from it, then it's bad."

*��������� *��������� *��������� *

That's it for me, folks.� It's been a blast writing for Cagewriter, and hopefully you'll see me again.� Follow me here on Twitter; this is where I blog about local fights shows of both the sanctioned and unsanctioned variety; this is the book I wrote on underground fighting.� I've been writing about MMA since 2001, and I sure as hell ain't stopping now!

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/agony-defeat-three-fighters-dealt-003155154--mma.html

Dean Amasinger  Jimmy Ambriz Matt Andersen  Alex Andrade 

ONE FC: Pride of a Nation Results: Sylvia-Arlovski ruled No Contest, Pulver stopped with strikes

ONE FC is poised to continue their conquering of the Asian market this morning (or tonight if you live overseas) with ONE FC: Pride of a Nation, a card boasting a slew of regional talent in addition to a number of notable competitors including Bibiano Fernandes, Phil Baroni, Jens Pulver, and Rolles Gracie, as well [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/08/31/one-fc-pride-of-a-nation-real-time-results/

Gregor Gracie Ralek Gracie Renzo Gracie Rickson Gracie

Friday

The Agony of Defeat and How Three Fighters Have Dealt with It

Watch a fighter's face when he's won and the story is all there ? the relief, the elation, the euphoria.� And yet, what of the other half to that equation?� What of those who've been forced to swallow the bitter pill of defeat?� It's an inescapable truth that, for someone to be the victor, someone else must lose, and that karmic flipside is what makes the sport a cruel and harsh mistress to all who dare strap on four-ounce gloves and step into the cage.� To compete is to flirt with a very particular, very exacting kind of agony.� For the sake of examining further what it means to be on the losing side of things, Cagewriter tracked down a trio of accomplished fighters to get their perspective.� The three all share two common denominators: they're very, very good at what they do, and they've all dealt with defeat.

Tom DeBlass, UFC Fighter

In 2003, New Jersey native Tom DeBlass fought his first amateur bout.� He'd been a track star in college, and had only three months of martial arts training, but hey, what the heck, right?� Unfortunately, his opponent was veteran kickboxer and experienced mixed martial arts fighter, and things didn't go so well.� So DeBlass went back to the drawing board and sought to gain the skills necessary to succeed.� By the time he made his return to the cage, he was now a black belt under Ricardo Almeida, with successful runs as a competitor in everything from the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds to the Pan-Ams to the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championship Trials.� He was, quite literally, a completely different person.

"I lost my first fight as a youngster because I really just ? I didn't even train jiu-jitsu, I didn't even know anything," says the 30-year-old DeBlass.� "With that skill set, I would've lost a hundred out of a hundred times, because I didn't know any better."

It took only seven pro fights in New Jersey's Ring of Combat promotion for DeBlass to earn his shot in the UFC's Octagon ? seven fights in a little over a year and a half, each one flawless and won by quick submission or knockout or protracted war.� But when that shot came, it was for a UFC on Fuel TV held in Sweden, and it was on short notice against a vastly more-experienced Cyrille Diabate.� No one says no when the UFC comes calling, so DeBlass took the fight; he lost via majority decision ? his first defeat as a pro and his first loss in nine years.

"This one with Cyrille, it hit me pretty hard," says DeBlass.� "I was pretty upset.� Just because I know, with all respect to him, I'd finish him probably fairly quickly if I was in a full training camp.� This was one fight where I was really, really out of shape.� Usually in between fights I stay in shape, but I'd hurt my ankle.� I'd pulled out of a Ring of Combat fight, and I was letting my ankle heal.� I was on vacation with my fianc�e the week before, and I got fat and I got out of shape.� I knew that, so it was kind of a terrible feeling going into a fight knowing you're not prepared for it.� But I still thought I could win.� And you know, the fight was going my way.� Not even just going my way, it was an easy fight.� I was dominating.� Then I just had nothing left.� I was so exhausted.� And when I lost, I was just very disappointed ? I'm still very disappointed."

What did DeBlass do to cope?� "Right away, as soon as possible, I tried to find the positive," he says.� "I changed my whole training.� As much as I was doing before, I'm doing things differently now, working on different aspects.� And everything happens for a reason, man.� In this sport, you've got to be ready for anything."

The UFC already had DeBlass scheduled to fight on another UFC on Fuel TV, but the bout was cancelled when his opponent got injured. �Regardless, DeBlass ? who's moving down to middleweight for the first time ? fully anticipates being ready for anything when the UFC calls again.� Just as he did after losing that first amateur bout all those years ago, he's making the adjustments necessary to assure future success.

James Jenkins, Ring of Combat Fighter

Things were going great for James Jenkins until he walked face-first into a nose-breaking right hand.� Up to that point, the 26-year-old Matt Serra/Ray Longo product was beating all comers in Ring of Combat ? so much so that, to give Jenkins someone to fight for the promotion's featherweight belt, an opponent was flown in from Chicago.� Still, Jenkins was the heavy favorite going into the bout.� But all it takes is one mistake in this game.� One mistake.

"I felt absolutely horrible," says the Long Island, N.Y. native.� "I felt like I had a great shot in front of me and I had worked hard to get this far.� I didn't have any regrets as far as training hard, I didn't take him lightly ? I could be fighting a 13-year old and I wouldn't take him lightly."

Says Jenkins: "I'm a prideful guy.� I don't take losing? I couldn't lose at a game of Monopoly.� So this was pretty rough.� It was hard.� A lot of bad feelings.� I don't want to have to feel it again for ? well, if I could have my way, never."

What was it like for Jenkins after the fight? �"I get down to the locker room, and I was just trying to wash the blood off my face and everything," he says.� "I think for a few days I did nothing but think about it.� I'd be sitting in a car with my girlfriend and I was just start zoning out thinking about it.� For a while, I had this feeling like I could just go back in time.� Like if I could just think about it hard enough, I could go back in time and I could fix it and I could make it all better.� I had to sit there and really tell myself, 'You can't go backwards.� What's done is done.� The only thing I can do is work for the future.'� That's the only thing you can do when [expletive] goes wrong, you just have to work to make sure it doesn't happen again."

What's next for the still-rising featherweight star?� "I took a little time off to be with my friends and family, but now I want to be back in the gym and fighting at the next Ring of Combat.� I want to come out with a strong showing.� I really think that's the only thing that will take away some of the bad feelings.� You know, to get a win."

When Cagewriter interviewed Jenkins, it was outside of former UFC champ Matt Serra's gym, right before a training session; clearly, Jenkins is already on his way back to the cage.

Dan Miller, UFC Fighter

There are few fighters in the UFC ? or even the world ? who can impress in defeat like the veteran middleweight-turned-welterweight Dan Miller.� In eleven fights in the Octagon, Miller has amassed a 6-5 record, and those five losses were after hard-fought scraps against the likes of Chael Sonnen, Demian Maia, Michael Bisping, Nate Marquardt and Rousimar Palhares ? tough guys, one and all.� Still, the New Jersey native knows of the sting a fresh "L" on your record can leave.

"It is tough," he says.� "I going into every fight believing that I can win, and wanting to win, but it's part of the sport and somebody has to lose."� He adds: "The way I feel is, as long as I put everything I had into it and got beaten by a better fighter that night, it makes it a little easier."�

"For me it was never okay.� I never walked out of the ring not disappointed in myself.� But again, it's something that sucks, but it's not the end of the world.� I go into the gym and it makes me work harder.� Every time I lost I just tried to get better and improve myself."

Miller's advice to any young bucks out there who find themselves on the inevitable losing end?� "Keep your head up and learn from it, basically.� Pretty much everyone is going to lose at some point in their career, and it's one of those things where you're going to have to learn from it.� If you didn't learn from it, then it's bad."

*��������� *��������� *��������� *

That's it for me, folks.� It's been a blast writing for Cagewriter, and hopefully you'll see me again.� Follow me here on Twitter; this is where I blog about local fights shows of both the sanctioned and unsanctioned variety; this is the book I wrote on underground fighting.� I've been writing about MMA since 2001, and I sure as hell ain't stopping now!

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/agony-defeat-three-fighters-dealt-003155154--mma.html

Yves Edwards  Justin Eilers  Jon Olav Einemo Per Eklund

Yahoo! Sports and Heavy present Fight Day Live

Fight Day is back this Saturday, live from UFC 150 in Denver, Colorado. Host Dave Farra will guide you through the entire night's action with expert analysis from industry veterans John Morgan of MMA Junkie, Brett Okamoto of ESPN, and Mike Straka of Tapout Radio. Fight Day's Maggie Krol takes you behind the scenes for interviews with all the fighters on the main card. UFC 150 is headlined by a UFC lightweight title fight between champion Ben Henderson and former champion Frankie Edgar. The co-main event of the night is sure to produce fireworks as power strikers Donald Cerrone and Melvin Guillard lock horns. Don't miss Fight Day at 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. PT.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/yahoo-sports-heavy-present-fight-day-live-171201850--mma.html

Wesley Cabbage Correira  Patrick The Predator Cote  Randy The Natural Couture  Dan Cramer

Bruce Buffer explains ?It?s fight time?

During recent UFC events, you may have noticed UFC Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer changing up his signature call of, "It's tiiiiiiiiiime" to "It's fight tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime."
I was confused by this. Why would Buffer mess with such announcing perfection...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/bruce-buffer-explains-fight-time-174055101--mma.html

Dan Bobish Vagam Bodjukyan Kotetsu Boku  Tony Bonello

Zombie Prophet has compiled a playlist featuring all but one of the cast members of the upcoming...

Source: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/8/30/3281203/zombie-prophet-has-compiled-a-playlist-featuring-all-but-one-of-the

Stephan Bonnar Lorenzo Borgomeo  Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney 

Anderson Silva: 'A Lot Of People Thought I Was Gay'

"A lot of people thought I was gay," Anderson Silva admits.

It has been observed numerous times over the years that the middleweight champion has an...

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/104834-anderson-silva-lot-people-thought-i-gay.html

Phil Baroni Don Barr Pat Barry  Vitor Belfort 

Thursday

Tim Sylvia Plans To Send Andrei Arlovski Into Retirement With His Fists

A battle of former UFC heavyweight champions will take place at ONE FC 5: Pride of a Nation Friday morning, as Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski square off in the Philippines. The card, which can be purchased for streaming at the ONE FC website, will feature the fourth meeting between Sylvia and Arlovski. Sylvia (31-7) [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/N8gZWX0C6Ig/

Thiago Alves  Andre Amade  Dean Amasinger  Jimmy Ambriz

ONE FC 5: ?Pride of A Nation? Eduard Folayang vs. Felipe Enomoto Preview (Video)

ONE FC has released yet another video preview ahead of ONE FC 5: “Pride of A Nation”. This time around, the evening’s co-main event �between lightweights Eduard Folayang and Felipe Enomoto is highlighted. Folayang, will hold home court advantage as the Filipino enters the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The wu shiu expert looks to put his [...]

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/30136/one-fc-5-pride-of-a-nation-eduard-folayang-vs-felipe-enomoto-preview-video/

Ed Herman Heath Herring Branden Lee Hinkle Tank Abbott

Kickboxing star Tyrone Spong signs with GLORY

26-year old knockout machine Tyrone Spong, one of the brightest young stars on the kickboxing scene, has officially inked a deal with the new big kid on the sport?s block, GLORY. According to an official press release from the promotion, Spong?s contract involves multiple fights and is exclusive meaning he won?t be transitioning to MMA for at least another two years.

Though no opponent has been named for Spong, it was stated he will participate in GLORY?s upcoming Heavyweight Grand Prix alongside other K-1 stand-outs like Peter Aerts, Remy Bonjasky, Semmy Schilt, and Jerome Le Banner.

?The best stand-up fighters in the world are taking part in this league, and I want to prove that I am the best. I will be the king of the GLORY ring,? said Spong in a prepared statement.

Spong holds an overall record of 68-6-1 including 42 knockouts. His last outing involved a third-round knockout of Aerts, improving his current winning streak to four.

PHOTO CREDIT – GLORY

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/22/kickboxing-star-tyrone-spong-signs-with-glory

Kendall Grove Clay Guida Jason Guida Melvin Guillard

Vitor Belfort Recruits Rashad Evans to Prepare for Jon Jones

There’s an old phrase that goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” In Vitor Belfort’s (Pictured) case, the enemy of my UFC 152 opponent is my new head coach.� Shortly before “The Phenom” decided to challenge light heavyweight king Jon Jones for his crown on just one month’s notice, he started honing his [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/126545/vitor-belfort-calls-on-rashad-evans-to-prepare-for-jon-jones/

Manvel Gamburyan Sean Gannon Edgar Garcia Leonard Garcia

Wednesday

Ronda Rousey: ?(Cyborg) really disgraced herself and her sport and her country by cheating all those years??

It doesn?t look like Strikeforce star Ronda Rousey has any intention of backing off her stance regarding the need for Cristiane Santos to drop down to 135 pounds to face her. Santos, who held promotional gold at 145 pounds, is currently serving a yearlong suspension after anabolic steroids were found in her system. She has recently said she is unable to make the bantamweight limit in a healthy manner.

However, Rousey isn?t buying it as she made clear during a recent stop by the set of ESPN?s SportsCenter.

?I really don?t think it?s unreasonable for me to expect that when she?s not doing steroids she would lose some weight. She really disgraced herself and her sport and her country by cheating all those years, and I really don?t think the best way to deal with it is to reward her with a title-shot with all the considerations that she wants,? said a to-the-point Rousey. ?I think it?s her only option. I have plenty of other options so if she doesn?t want to do it then I?ll do something else.?

Santos Thinks Rousey is a ?Spoiled Little Girl?

Rousey is currently basking in the glory of her sixth straight win by opening round Armbar, a 54-second finish of Sarah Kaufman earlier this month.

Check out the complete interview with Rousey below where she also talks about the controversy surrounding UFC 151 and the possibility of a career in Hollywood:

PHOTO CREDIT – ESPN

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/25/ronda-rousey-%e2%80%9ccyborg-really-disgraced-herself-and-her-sport-and-her-country-by-cheating-all-those-years%e2%80%a6%e2%80%9d

Ray Cooper  Kit Cope  Wesley Cabbage Correira  Patrick The Predator Cote 

Wanderlei Loses Father in Tragic Car Accident

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/Wanderlei-Loses-Father-in-Tragic-Car-Accident

David Heath Delson Heleno Dan Henderson Josh Hendricks

Lyoto Machida Cites Lack of Time as Reason for Turning Down UFC 152 Title Bout

When news hit late last night that Jon Jones would be facing Vitor Belfort instead of Lyoto Machida at UFC 152, it was met with a collective head-scratch from the MMA community. Machida has released a statement regarding his decision through Blackhouse, citing an inability to put together a proper camp to face someone the [...]

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/30088/lyoto-machida-cites-lack-of-time-as-reason-for-turning-down-ufc-152-title-bout/

Melvin Guillard Cody Guinn Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao

Attila Vegh KOs Travis Wiuff at Bellator 73 (Video)

Attila Vegh won the summer series light heavyweight tournament with a 25 second knockout of Travis Wiuff at Bellator 73. Vegh landed a quick uppercut then right which floored the pressing Wiuff. He followed up with a flurry of ground strikes to the fallen Wiuff before the referee called off the punishment. With the win, [...]

Attila Vegh KOs Travis Wiuff at Bellator 73 (Video) is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News

Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/bellator-news/attila-vegh-kos-travis-wiuff-at-bellator-73-video-59359/

Melvin Guillard Cody Guinn Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao

Tuesday

UFC on Fox 5 Update: Schaub vs. Johnson and Brown vs. Swick Added

The UFC's already stacked "UFC on Fox 5" card just added two explosive matches to the Seattle card. Heavyweights Lavar Johnson and Brendan Schaub will square off in a hard hitting matchup, while Matt Brown and Mike Swick will go to war at welterweight. The UFC announced the move Monday evening.

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/30147/ufc-on-fox-5-update-schaub-vs-johnson-and-brown-vs-swick-added/

Luiz Buscape Firmino Spencer Fisher Jon Fitch Kenny Florian

Vitor Belfort: Bro! We Are Old School Guys! - Inside MMA

Cy2FGBrIKKQ

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/104752-vitor-belfort-bro-we-old-school-guys-inside-mma.html

Jason Ellis Aleksander Emelianenko Fedor Emelianenko Yasubey Enomoto

UFC President Dana White softens stance on having female fighters inside the Octagon

If you?d asked UFC President Dana White a year ago for his opinion on the role of women in MMA he would have offered up an answering involving respect for their endeavors while adding the notion of females inside his organization?s cage was unlikely. However, at this point in 2011 the name Ronda Rousey was only one of a budding star rather than the substantial draw she has become since.

Rousey?s rise to the top, along with a number of other recent bouts between women, have apparently changed White?s mind on the topic to the point he has spoken openly about adding a women?s division (likely bantamweight) to the UFC at some point in the near future.

White was asked about the matter during an MetroPCS online chat with fans and the outspoken executive mentioned he was ?warming up? to the idea of females inside the Octagon, stating he had already begun weighing the idea of bringing women in or possibly a 115-pound male weight-class instead.

?I don?t think I?ve been too shy about what I think about Ronda Rousey,? explained White on his appreciation of what he?s seen from females as of late. ?She just looked impressive, and not only did she look impressive on Saturday night, her numbers killed it on Showtime, too.?

Rousey Says Improved Maturity Assisted with Win Over Sarah Kaufman

He also referred to the entertaining effort turned in by Julie Kedzie-Miesha Tate earlier in the evening.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/23/ufc-president-dana-white-softens-stance-on-having-female-fighters-inside-the-octagon

Gilbert Aldana  Jose Aldo  John Alessio  Houston Alexander

Jon Fitch, Nate Diaz, UFC 150: The Morning News Roundup ? 8.8.12

As the saying goes, it's all about the Benjamins ? which, if my handy "Biggie Smalls Street Vernacular Dictionary ? Volume 2" is accurate, means it's ultimately all about money.� Money is what fighters get when they take the biggest fights, sign the fattest contracts, and build up the most hype for whatever bouts they have scheduled for that week.� And hey, that's not a bad thing.� Fighting is a job, and the UFC is the top employer in the field, so why not make that wampum while you can?� Anyway, all this should clue you in on what today's morning news roundup is about: money.

  • UFC welterweight Jon Fitch really wants out of his rumored bout against Brazilian Erick Silva at UFC 153 ? or at least, he would much rather have a rematch with Hawaiian fighting legend B.J. Penn.� Case in point: the disingenuous-seeming trash-talk Fitch is spewing.� I don't think Penn is a coward, most (if not all) of the world doesn't think Penn is a coward, and I seriously doubt Fitch truly thinks Penn is a coward.� But Fitch knows a fight with Penn could have a bigger bottom line, so here come the harsh words!

  • UFC lightweight contender Nate Diaz is holding a pen, and the tip of that pen is hovering over a new contract that UFC president Dana White has unfurled and flattened on the table.� Seems like a no-brainer that he sticks with the UFC, no?� I mean, where else is he going to go?� The Strikeforce lightweight champ is his buddy, and for him to go to Bellator, he'd have to sit on the shelf for a while.

  • The media call for UFC 150 was yesterday and MMAWeekly's got the audio.� Personally, media calls are all the same to me ? the same spoon-fed hype and storylines, the same questions, the same faux-excitement.� They're just something that's done to drive media (and, subsequently, fan) interest, which presumably fuels pay-per-view sales.� The only time media calls are interesting is when PRIDE FC champ Fedor Emelianenko and his manager Vadim Finkelstein are on the line and we hear goats and water splashing and all sorts of weird stuff in the background (which actually happened once).

  • The folks at the UFC are helping erect a LGBTQ community center in Las Vegas, N.V., which is a pretty altruistic thing to do if you ask me.� MMAJunkie's got the quote from UFC executive Reed Harris:

"The UFC supports many worthwhile causes, and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center's goals of supporting human rights and offering programs for health and wellness are important causes that the entire UFC organization supports," Harris told MMAJunkie.com.� "We are pleased to be able to show support for an organization that offers health and wellness programs and seeks to better our community."

This little tidbit has nothing to do with money, but it's a good deed that deserves some recognition.

That's all for now.� Now, please, just leave me alone.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/jon-fitch-nate-diaz-ufc-150-morning-news-122124512--mma.html

Jaime Gutierrez Dave Gomez Keith Hackney Matt Hamill

Anderson Silva nearly stepped in to save UFC 151

While hindsight remains 20/20, it appears the UFC may have been able to salvage the since-cancelled UFC 151 if they?d held off on axing the event for a few more hours. Though light heavyweight champ Jon Jones was unlikely to have agreed to any change in opponent given the short preparation time, a different division?s title-holder was willing to step up in his place as a legitimate headliner if necessary.

According to UFC President Dana White, middleweight king Anderson Silva called him personally to say he would fight on the card at 205 pounds if necessary. Unfortunately, the UFC had already gone past the point of no return where scratching the show was concerned and Silva?s offer, though appreciated, was declined.

Jones Apologizes to Fans, Fighters for UFC 151 Butterfly Effect

MMAFighting was first to report the conversation with White. It is unknown who Silva would have faced had things worked out differently.

With the offer no longer relevant, Silva will go back to sitting on the sidelines for the remainder of 2012 while waiting for either a clear cut 185-pound contender to surface or a super-fight with Georges St-Pierre.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/25/anderson-silva-nearly-stepped-in-to-save-ufc-151

Shane The Engineer Carwin  Jason Hollywood Chambers Ryo Piranha Chonan  Dan The Sandman Christison 

Monday

ONE FC 5: ?Pride of A Nation? Eduard Folayang vs. Felipe Enomoto Preview (Video)

ONE FC has released yet another video preview ahead of ONE FC 5: “Pride of A Nation”. This time around, the evening’s co-main event �between lightweights Eduard Folayang and Felipe Enomoto is highlighted. Folayang, will hold home court advantage as the Filipino enters the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The wu shiu expert looks to put his [...]

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/30136/one-fc-5-pride-of-a-nation-eduard-folayang-vs-felipe-enomoto-preview-video/

Bernard Ackah  Terrance Aflague Yoshihiro Akiyama  Gilbert Aldana 

Alan Belcher Out of UFC 153, Calls for Chris Weidman Upon Return

When Vitor Belfort shunned a UFC 153 scrap against Alan Belcher (Pictured) to challenge light heavyweight king Jon Jones for his crown at UFC 152, Octagon officials were forced to locate a replacement to meet “The Talent” in the October 13th event. Well, according to Belcher, no such move will be necessary because he’ll be [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/126658/alan-belcher-out-of-ufc-153-calls-for-chris-weidman-upon-return/

Shane The Engineer Carwin  Jason Hollywood Chambers Ryo Piranha Chonan  Dan The Sandman Christison 

Alan Belcher withdraws from UFC 153 with ?spinal fracture?

After the UFC yanked Vitor Belfort out of an October match-up with Alan Belcher in order to face light heavyweight champion Jon Jones a month earlier, many fans were left wondering how the organization would handle the vacancy considering Belcher?s status as one of the top 185ers on the roster. While names like Chris Weidman and Wanderlei Silva were thrown around, in the end it looks like ?The Talent? won?t be fighting at UFC 153 after all based on an injury he sustained while training for the expected tilt.

?Everyone?s asking if I am mad at the UFC, Jones, (and) Belfort. (The) answer is no. This is a blessing in disguise. I have a spinal fracture,? wrote Belcher on Twitter.

Belcher: “I Don’t Plan on Losing Anytime Soon”

While the injury sounds severe, apparently it won?t keep Belcher out of action for very long, as the 28-year old added a follow-up message saying he expected to be ready to rumble by November and wanted a Top 5 foe, specially mentioning Weidman as an option he was interested in.

The 18-6 Belcher is currently on a four-fight winning streak including finishes of Patrick Cote and most recently Rousimar Palhares. The UFC currently has two shows scheduled for November with UFC 154 on November 17 in Montreal seeming to be a logical destination.

Additionally, it has since been announced the rematch between light heavyweights Phil Davis-Wagner Prado has been moved from UFC on FX 5 to UFC 153 to replace Belcher-Belfort.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/25/alan-belcher-withdraws-from-ufc-153-with-%e2%80%9cspinal-fracture%e2%80%9d

Roan Jucao Carneiro Shane The Engineer Carwin  Jason Hollywood Chambers Ryo Piranha Chonan 

Dana White UFC 150 Video Blog Day 1 (VIDEO)

Man, these behind-the-scenes vlogs that UFC president Dana White has been putting out lately are like the nectar of the gods. In this one, we get a peek at what went on backstage at UFC on FOX 4 - a peek that includes just-KOd DaMarques Johnson wondering what the heck happened, Jamie Varner nursing a mashed paw, and Ryan Bader looking gloomy and morose. There's so much that goes on at a fight show beyond what we see in the cage; being able to see a glimpse of some it... that's priceless stuff right there.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/dana-white-ufc-150-video-blog-day-1-123541385--mma.html

Dan Hardy Lee Hasdell Musse Hasselvall Daiki DJ taiki Hata

Sunday

Shogun Declined UFC 152 Rematch with Jon Jones

The fallout from the UFC 151 debacle continues as reports now indicate that former champion Mauricio Rua turned down an opportunity to face Jon Jones at UFC 152 after his former rival and countryman Lyoto Machida declined the bout. Lorenzo Fertitta reportedly confirmed the rumor to LA Times writer Lance Pugmire, who announced it via [...]

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/30091/shogun-declined-ufc-152-rematch-with-jon-jones/

Kultar Gill Allan Goes Takanori The Fireball Kid Gomi Akihiro Gono

UFC on FOX 5 set for the KeyArena in Seattle

The KeyArena in Seattle, Washington will play host to the UFC on FOX 5 on December 8th. The news was initially reported on Tuesday evenings episode of UFC Tonight on FUEL TV. UFC on FOX 5 will feature lightweight champion Ben Henderson defending his title against the number one contender Nate Diaz. Also scheduled is [...]

UFC on FOX 5 set for the KeyArena in Seattle is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News

Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/ufc-news/ufc-on-fox-5-set-for-the-keyarena-in-seattle-59286/

Karn Grigorian Karen Grigoryan Kendall Grove Clay Guida

Josh Thomson returning to action next month in clash with Caros Fodor

Former Strikeforce lightweight champ Josh Thomson isn?t looking to sit on the sidelines and watch the division pass him by despite having fought twice already in the past six months. ?The Punk? was recently linked to a September 29 meeting with Caros Fodor where the 33-year old will look to make his way back towards a shot at the title currently being worn by Gilbert Melendez.

Ironically, Melendez will also defend his belt at the same show in a bout against Pat Healy.

Thomson revealed his match-up with Fodor in a recent interview with Sherdog.

Teammates Play Prank on Thomson

The 19-5 Thomson holds a past win over Melendez as well as victories against the likes of Healy, Gesias Cavalcante, and KJ Noons. Thirteen of his triumphs have involved a finish including nine by way of submission.

Fodor is one of the company?s top prospects, holding a record of 7-2 with five wins under the Strikeforce banner.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

Source: http://www.fighters.com/08/20/josh-thomson-returning-to-action-next-month-in-clash-with-caros-fodor

Gabriel Gonzaga Lyman Good Gary Goodridge Gerard Gordeau

Lyoto Machida Issues Statement Regarding Decision to Skip UFC 152

UFC light heavyweight king Jon Jones turned down a UFC 151 scrap against Chael Sonnen because he felt eight days was not enough time to prepare for the former middleweight top contender. That ultimately opened the window for Lyoto Machida (Pictured) to step in and co-headline UFC 152 opposite Jones. However, less than 12 hours [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/126567/lyoto-machida-issues-statement-regarding-decision-to-skip-ufc-152/

Hermes Franca Rich Franklin Ian Freeman Don Frye

Tom DeBlass Drops To Middleweight, Meets Riki Fukuda at UFC on FUEL TV 6

The UFC’s fist venture into China, which takes place in November 10�at Cotai Arena in Venetian Macau Resort Hotel, has seen a middleweight bout added to the card as Tom DeBlass makes the trek down to 185 lb. to face tough Japanese mainstay Riki Fukuda. DeBlass (7-1) made his UFC debut on 12 days’ notice [...]

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/30050/tom-deblass-drops-to-middleweight-meets-riki-fukuda-at-ufc-on-fuel-tv-6/

Musse Hasselvall Daiki DJ taiki Hata He Peng David Heath