Saturday

Kazuo Misaki retires from MMA after highly respectable run

It looks like Japanese icon Kazuo Misaki has decided to hang his gloves up after picking up wins in his last three tilts including an upset victory over Paul Daley. The 36-year old may still be fit enough to fight but his relative lack of activity has left him ready to focus on other avenues in life.

Before walking away for good, Misaki will compete one last time in front of his countrymen as part of the December 22 lineup for DEEP: Haleo Impact.

Misaki?s status was first reported by Asian MMA.

The 25-11-2 ?Hitman? first emerged on the scene thanks to his success under the Pancrase and PRIDE banners. Over his decade-plus in MMA, Misaki picked up wins over names like Siyar Bahadurzada, Joe Riggs, Denis Kang, and Dan Henderson, as well as tallied fifteen finishes along the way.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/20/kazuo-misaki-retires-from-mma-after-highly-respectable-run

Antoni Hardonk Dan Hardy Lee Hasdell Musse Hasselvall

Gilbert Melendez not guaranteed to be ready for January fight

After axing two events, Strikeforce is in desperate need of a positive boost and hoped to have one in the works for January when the organization plans to return to the airwaves with a stacked lineup. Though not officially announced, the card has been associated with efforts from a number of champions including lightweight title-holder Gilbert Melendez.

However, according to Melendez?s manager (who also happens to be his father), the talented 30-year old is still healing up from a shoulder injury he suffered in September and may not be ready in time for a fight so soon.

?There’s no definite yes. It all depends if his body is healing on time as we anticipate,? said the elder Melendez of his son?s health in a conversation with MMAJunkie. ?We?ll know more in mid-November.?

“El Nino” Comments on Injury, Cancelled Card

Melendez?s health-related woe forced him to withdraw from a title-defense against Pat Healy that ultimately inspired Showtime/Strikeforce to scrap the show. Prior to the unfortunate situation, Melendez had won seven straight fights including title-defenses against Josh Thomson, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Jorge Masvidal, and Shinya Aoki.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/26/gilbert-melendez-not-guaranteed-to-be-ready-for-january-fight

Siyar Bahadurzada Bao Ligao  Josh Barnett  David Baron 

Defining Georges St-Pierre

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/Defining-Georges-St-Pierre-2012

Murilo Bustamante  Grant Campbell  Gesias JZ Calvancante  Luiz Cane 

?Rampage? Jackson shows off his Gangnam Style moves

By now, you've likely seen the Korean pop video by Psy, "Oppa Gangnam Style." If you haven't, click here, enjoy, and enjoy having it in your head the rest of the day. The catchy tune caught the ear of injured UFC light heavyweight Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and he showed the dance to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour on Monday. Skip to 1:15 to check out Jackson's moves.

Jackson had communicated with Psy via Twitter, telling him he's working on the dance that has become a viral sensation. He also said he was practicing the dance by himself when a teammate walked in. Awkward!

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/rampage-jackson-shows-off-gangnam-style-moves-222353976--mma.html

Bao Ligao  Josh Barnett  David Baron  Phil Baroni

Friday

TUF 16 Weekly Recap - Episode 6

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/tuf-16-recap-episode-1606

Stav Crazy Bear Economou  Yves Edwards  Justin Eilers  Jon Olav Einemo

Eddie Alvarez: ?It feels good to know that I'll have options.?

Lightweight Eddie Alvarez may only be 28 years old but he?s been fighting professionally since 2003, racking up a 24-3 record over the span including 21 finishes and success against a number of notable competitors including Roger Huerta, Joachim Hansen, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Josh Neer, Pat Curran, and Shinya Aoki. Still, despite his overwhelming success, Alvarez has never set foot inside the Octagon.

Alvarez has called Bellator his professional home for the past three years where he became the promotion?s first 155-pound champion. However, with Alvarez having recently completed his contract, the well-rounded Philly native finally has a chance to sign with the UFC and is expected to be pursued hard by the organization.

?This is an exciting time in my career,? explained Alvarez in a press release from his representatives at Authentic Sports Management.

?I’ve dedicated over ten years to this sport, and I believe I have another ten ahead of me,? he continued. ?As for next steps, I will talk it over with my management team. It feels good to know that I’ll have options. Few fighters have that luxury, and I’m thankful. My team, the Blackzilians and my coaches at Jaco Hybrid Training Center will help me to stay sharp as I wait to see what’s next. No matter what happens, I’ll continue to give fans what they pay for.?

UFC President Dana White Confirms Company’s Interest in Alvarez

Alvarez?s is fresh off a highlight-reel finish of Patricky Freire who he took out with a headkick in the opening round of their October 12 outing. The victory marked his ninth in ten tilts.

PHOTO CREDIT – BELLATOR

Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/17/eddie-alvarez-%e2%80%9cit-feels-good-to-know-that-ill-have-options-%e2%80%9d

Martinsh Egle Eric Butterbean Esch Efrain Escudero Rashad Evans

How to Choose Proper Gear in MMA

ShareThis

Source: http://www.ufcrundown.com/blog/how-to-choose-proper-gear-in-mma/

Melvin Guillard Cody Guinn Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao

John Dodson?s TUF-winner is your knockout of the week

Flyweight John Dodson will take on Jussier Formiga at UFC on FX on Friday night. The bout will decide who will challenge Demetrious Johnson for the brand new UFC flyweight belt. This will be Dodson's third UFC bout since winning "The Ultimate Fighter."

Here's a little reminder of what he did to win TUF:

Will he pull of the same magic on Friday, or will Formiga spoil his plans? Tell us in the Facebook, on Twitter or in the comments.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/john-dodson-tuf-winner-knockout-week-210708140--mma.html

Cyril Abidi  Daniel Acacio Bernard Ackah  Terrance Aflague

Josh Koscheck Done for 2012

With the UFC filling out their fight cards at breakneck speeds to close out the year, former welterweight top contender Josh Koscheck (Pictured) finds himself on the outside of the Octagon looking in as 2012 winds to a close. However, just because the 34-year-old only managed to get inside the cage twice this year, it [...]

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/129546/josh-koscheck-done-for-2012/

Dave Gomez Keith Hackney Matt Hamill Volk Han

Thursday

Dave Castillo vs. Justin Buchholz for Showdown Fights lightweight title

A lightweight championship bout matching Dave Castillo against Justin Buchholz headlines Showdown Fights 9 on November 16th. Castillo and Buchholz earned the opportunity to fight for the title after picking up wins at the Showdown Fights 8 in August. Castillo (16-4) recorded a first round knockout over Gordon Bell while Buchholz (13-7) submitted Clay Collard [...]

Dave Castillo vs. Justin Buchholz for Showdown Fights lightweight title is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News

Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/mma/dave-castillo-vs-justin-buchholz-for-showdown-fights-lightweight-title-59984/

Pat Barry  Vitor Belfort  Robert Berry David Bielkheden

TUF 16 Weekly Recap - Episode 6

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/tuf-16-recap-episode-1606

Vagam Bodjukyan Kotetsu Boku  Tony Bonello Stephan Bonnar

Dana White ?committed? to adding female division to the UFC roster

Twenty-five years from now fans may look back at Ronda Rousey as not only one of the greatest female competitors to ever grace the cage but a legitimate pioneer of female fighting. The 25-year old bantamweight has brought a spotlight on her gender?s side of the sport in the past eighteen months unlike any since [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/10/24/dana-white-committed-to-adding-female-division-to-the-ufc-roster/

Ian Freeman Don Frye Tony Fryklund Kazuyuki Fujita

Rampage Backtracks out of Texieria Fight; Wants Forrest Instead

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It is kind of weird that Griffin vs Rampage 2 STILL hasn't happened yet. Rampage has been campaigning for that fight for awhile now. I'd...

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/106305-rampage-backtracks-out-texieria-fight-wants-forrest-instead.html

Akihiro Gono Gabriel Gonzaga Lyman Good Gary Goodridge

1984 Olympic Gold Medalist and MMA Advocate Jeff Blatnick Passes Away at 55

Sad news in both the MMA and amateur wrestling realms today as news has spread that Jeff Blatnick has passed away. Blatnick was one of the better judges in the MMA world and a great high school wrestling coach at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School in Burnt Hills, NY. The 1984 Olympic gold medalist died after complications arose during heart surgery. He was 55.

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/30923/1984-olympic-gold-medalist-and-mma-advocate-jeff-blatnick-passes-away-at-55/

Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson Paulo Filho Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic

Wednesday

Benson Henderson says he?s not too different than Nate Diaz

UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson is defending his title against Nate Diaz in December. Though the two appear to be vastly different, Henderson told Cagewriter that he sees a common ground with his opponent.

"I don't think we're all that different. I think we're pretty similar. He expresses himself in a different way, but we're both fighters. Both pretty emotional, amped-up guys. I really don't think that we're all that different," Henderson said. "I do think that the media and people will try to portray that and play that up, and if it sells tickets, great. If it gets people to tune in, I'm all for it."

Henderson, who grew up near Seattle, where he will fight in December, said he understands where Diaz is coming from.

"He had a hard life growing up. He grew up in a bad neighborhood. Where I grew up wasn't all that great, either. He talks about it a little more and portrays that. You can pick and choose how to portray yourself. We come from the same place, I just choose to portray myself a little differently."

Come back to Cagewriter tomorrow for more from Henderson.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/benson-henderson-says-not-too-different-nate-diaz-202258844--mma.html

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

ONE FC?s Arnaud Lepont Has ?No Excuses? Following Loss To Shinya Aoki

French lightweight fighter Arnaud ‘The Game’ Lepont (9-2) jumped at the chance to headline last October’s ONE FC: Rise of Kings event, opposite the reigning DREAM champ Shinya Aoki. Despite doing his best to rile the Japanese fighter, like showing up at the weigh-ins with a “How to beat Aoki for Dummies” book, Lepont wasn’t [...]

Source: http://www.themmanews.com/one-fcs-arnaud-lepont-has-no-excuses-following-loss-to-shinya-aoki/

Marcelo Brito  Rob Broughton  Mike Brown  Junie Browning

Creating a "Killer" - Carlos Condit's Defining Moments

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/Creating-a-Killer-Carlos-Condit-Defining-Moments

Andrew Gardner Tiki Ghosn Dennis George Kultar Gill

Rich Franklin more likely to ?choose retirement over the necessity of TRT to continue?

At 38 years old, former UFC champion Rich Franklin understands his remaining fights are numbered and is out to make one more run at a title-shot before calling it a career. However, thanks to modern day medicine coupled with athletic commissions? openness to the treatment, Franklin could extend his run in MMA by undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy and even teased the possibility a few months back.

Since giving it more thought, it appears ?Ace? has changed his mind and come around to the idea that TRT would taint his reputation rather than enhance it by potentially adding a few wins.

?The public perception of TRT is that it’s cheating. The moment I said I was actually thinking about it, I started getting quite a bit of backlash,? admitted Franklin in an interview with ESPN, adding, ?More than likely, in my mind, I’ll choose retirement over the necessity of TRT to continue.?

While the day will eventually come where Franklin will have to make that decision, the seasoned veteran quickly pointed out that it hasn’t arrived just yet.

?I don?t believe I?ve dropped off with my speed or strength or any of that,? said Franklin of his current state, pointing to his June win over Wanderlei Silva as an example of his remaining ability to compete at a high level.

Franklin’s Original Remarks on TRT

The 29-6 Franklin?s next fight is scheduled for November 10 where he?ll face Cung Le in headlining action at UFC on Fuel 6. The card marks the organization?s debut in China.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/22/rich-franklin-more-likely-to-%e2%80%9cchoose-retirement-over-the-necessity-of-trt-to-continue%e2%80%9d

Karn Grigorian Karen Grigoryan Kendall Grove Clay Guida

Jon Jones: ?I don?t see any way Chael can win this fight but I?m still gonna train like an absolute madman because losing to him is not an option.?

Critics of the UFC?s decision to hand Chael Sonnen a shot at light heavyweight champion Jon Jones have cited the outspoken competitor?s vanilla-flavored attack and size as two of the reasons he has an extremely slim chance of earning an upset in their 2013 tilt. If fans were hoping Jones might feel differently, giving Sonnen some level of credit in terms of being a threat, they will no doubt be disappointed to learn the 25-year old title-holder is completely confident he?ll smash Sonnen in every way possible.

?Chael is a decent…a pretty good wrestler. He was an Olympic alternate. He wasn’t on the team. No disrespect to other alternates today, but I don?t really consider him Cael Sanderson or a legit wrestler,? said Jones on the match-up during a conference call with media. ?Maybe he will get me down. Who cares if he takes me down? He gets submitted all the time from top position anyways.?

?I think I have a very solid jiu-jitsu game off my back and I?ve never been able to display it,? he continued, adding skepticism about it even coming into play in their scheduled scrap given his takedown defense. ?I highly doubt his wrestling will play a gigantic factor in the fight.?

?I don?t see any way Chael can win this fight but I?m still gonna train like an absolute madman because losing to Chael is not an option,? the animated phenom continued, saying he wanted to punish Sonnen for comments he?s made and send him into obscurity.

Jones Hoping to Put Closure on Controversy Surrounding UFC 151 with Win Over Sonnen

The two talented fighters will face off on TUF 17 (airing in January 2013) before fighting on April 27.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/18/jon-jones-%e2%80%9ci-don%e2%80%99t-see-any-way-chael-can-win-this-fight-but-i%e2%80%99m-still-gonna-train-like-an-absolute-madman-because-losing-to-him-is-not-an-option-%e2%80%9d

Ryan Gracie Peter Graham Forrest Griffin Tyson Griffin

Tuesday

Manager Ed Soares On Becoming The President Of The Resurrection Fighting Alliance Promotion

Ed Soares, manager of Brazilian MMA stars like Anderson Silva, talks about his new role as President of Resurrection Fighting Alliance and RFA's new TV deal with AXS TV
Soares also talks about his fighter Anderson Silva's desire to face Georges St-Pierre next. Watch that piece by pressing PLAY or by making the jump

Source: http://www.themmanews.com/manager-ed-soares-on-becoming-the-president-of-the-resurrection-fighting-alliance-promotion/

Ralek Gracie Renzo Gracie Rickson Gracie Rodrigo Gracie

Bellator chief Bjorn Rebney relays reason for Zoila Gurgel being on the undercard

In the roll out of Season 7, Bellator announced that this year would mark the return of champion Zoila Gurgel. They then created a small rift amongst fans when it was revealed she would be fighting Casey Nowland on the undercard of Bellator 78, as fans thought keeping her off the televised broadcast was no way to treat someone with her status as a title-holder. When former Strikeforce bantamweight champ Miesha Tate got word she too had some harsh words for Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney, claiming sexism and vowing never to fight for the promotion.

Rebney has finally responded to the name-calling and explained the thought process behind the decision to put Gurgel’s fight on the prelims.

Tate’s Comments on Rebney/Bellator

“Zoila?s been plagued by injury after injury over the last 19 months, having not fought since March, 2011,” Rebney wrote in an email to MMAFighting.� “We felt that the best road back for her did not include rushing her into a major fight against one of the top-ranked women in the world.?

Nowland fits the bill, coming off her second career loss and only possessing an overall record of 4-2. Meanwhile, Gurgel won her title in 2010 against Megumi Fujii by way of Split Decision. Gurgel then outpointed Karina Hallinan in March of 2011, though her belt wasn?t on the line. Gurgel?s title won?t be up for grabs against Nolan either.

?This is not a world title fight as it?s made significantly north of the 115 weight limit where she holds our title. Depending on how Zoila feels and performs on Friday, we can then determine the next appropriate step back,” explained Rebney.

And what does “The Warrior Princess” have to say about this? She is just happy to be fighting, according to her Twitter posts.

Fans can watch her match-up with Nowland this Friday night in Dayton, Ohio. Those not attending can see the scrap on Spike.com before the main card takes place on MTV2 with action firing up at 7:00 PM EST.

PHOTO CREDIT – BELLATOR

Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/23/bellator-chief-bjorn-rebney-relays-reason-for-zoila-gurgel-being-on-the-undercard

Dennis George Kultar Gill Allan Goes Takanori The Fireball Kid Gomi

UFC on FUEL TV 6: Rich Franklin vs. Cung Le ? Teaser Video

The Ultimate Fighting Championship will hold their first-ever event in China with UFC on FUEL TV 6 on November 10th. Headlining the card is a middleweight clash between former champions Rich Franklin and Cung Le. Franklin is a former UFC middleweight champion while Le held the middleweight title with Strikeforce. Franklin (29-6) is coming off [...]

UFC on FUEL TV 6: Rich Franklin vs. Cung Le – Teaser Video is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News

Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/ufc-news/ufc-on-fuel-tv-6-rich-franklin-vs-cung-le-teaser-video-59981/

Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson Paulo Filho Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic

The Quotable Ace

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/The-Quotable-Ace

Mac Danzig  Karen Darabedyan Viacheslav Datsik Marcus Davis 

Matt Hughes backtracks on retirement, talks career and today?s ?softer? fighters

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2012/10/22/3539962/matt-hughes-ufc-champion-reitred-soft-fighters-injuries

Stav Crazy Bear Economou  Yves Edwards  Justin Eilers  Jon Olav Einemo

Monday

Brad Pickett vs. Eddie Wineland On Tap For UFC 155

A second match has been added to the end year UFC 155: Dos Santos vs. Velasquez II event between bantamweight fighters Brad ‘One Punch’ Pickett (22-6) and former WEC title holder Eddie Wineland (19-8-1). Pickett announced the matchup on Monday via Twitter (@One_Punch). – Fighting Eddie wineland on December 29th @ufc 155 in the fight [...]

Source: http://www.themmanews.com/brad-pickett-vs-eddie-wineland-on-tap-for-ufc-155/

Lee Hasdell Musse Hasselvall Daiki DJ taiki Hata He Peng

Sergio Moraes wins at UFC 153, then has awkward celebration

At UFC 153, Sergio Moraes pulled out his first UFC win. He beat Renee Forte with a rear-naked choke in the third round of their preliminary card bout. After releasing the choke, Moraes held on to Forte for a celebratory kiss.

OK, if these two wanted to smooch, that's cool. But it seemed like Forte was uncomfortable with Moraes' celebration. In the future, Sergio, ask before smooching.

Related UFC 153 coverage on Yahoo! Sports:

Other popular content on the Yahoo! network:
? Anderson Silva stokes fire for a superfight against Jon Jones
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Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/sergio-moraes-wins-ufc-153-then-awkward-celebration-021434493--mma.html

Akihiro Gono Gabriel Gonzaga Lyman Good Gary Goodridge

Brad Pickett battling Eddie Wineland in December

Two seasoned veterans who have been impressing fans since their WEC days have been booked for a bout on December 29 at UFC 155 in the form of a fight featuring Brad Pickett and Eddie Wineland. Each man is coming off an impressive knockout win and will move one step closer to challenging for a [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/10/22/brad-pickett-battling-eddie-wineland-in-december/

Marvin Eastman  Stav Crazy Bear Economou  Yves Edwards  Justin Eilers 

Flexible hours, nice co-workers, seeing the world: Fighters talk about fighting for a living

While it's easy to look at fighters as warriors who get in the cage to get to the highest pinnacle of the sport, it's also a job. Like everyone with a job, fighters have to put in hours at their office, do mundane tasks they wish they didn't have to do...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/flexible-hours-nice-co-workers-seeing-world-fighters-144019424--mma.html

Gerard Gordeau Jonathan Goulet Wilson Gouveia Jason Grace

Sunday

UFC: Macau Promo Featuring A Trio Korean Talent

The UFC has begun to market their forthcoming UFC on Fuel TV 6 event, which will emanate live from the CotaiArena in Cotai, Macau on November 10. The latest promo features a trio of Korean fighters on the billing, most notably welterweight standout Dong Hyun Kim. Accompanying “Stun Gun” are promotional debutants Kyung Ho Kang [...]

MMAFrenzy.com

Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/30869/ufc-macau-promo-featuring-a-trio-korean-talent/

Chris Brennan Marcelo Brito  Rob Broughton  Mike Brown 

Miesha Tate tweets it?s OK for a man to hit a woman if she hits first

When talking to fans on Twitter on Thursday night, former Strikeforce bantamweight champion Miesha Tate said it is OK for men to hit women if women hit them.

It's not surprising that Tate would take this stance. She has spent her career in what is often considered a man's job and has likely been the victim of several double standards. She sees how double standards can be damaging, and doesn't think women should expect to be the beneficiary of them.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/miesha-tate-tweets-ok-man-hit-woman-she-134312738--mma.html

Alexander Gustafsson Jaime Gutierrez Dave Gomez Keith Hackney

Michael Bisping: Anderson Silva fight isn't good for Georges St. Pierre

Source: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/10/21/3532210/michael-bisping-georges-st-pierre-anderson-silva-good

Rich Franklin Ian Freeman Don Frye Tony Fryklund

Strikeforce officially axes November 3 show after run of injuries

First it was the leg injury of Frank Mir stalling the main event bout with Daniel Cormier, then it was the co-main event fighter Luke Rockhold pulling out, and most recently Sara McMann was forced to withdraw from her bout with Liz Carmouche. While it was initially believed Strikeforce would attempt to seek replacements for the rumbles, it turns out the organization has since decided to officially cancel the November 3 card originally expected to host the trio of tilts.

According to a press release, the company’s next card will take place in January though no date/location were revealed.

?Due to a series of injuries, we were forced to cancel the upcoming card on Nov. 3, but are already working to put together a stacked card in January,? stated Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker in a prepared statement.

Many pundits have gone on record saying that the show’s scrapping will almost certainly mean that Strikeforce and Showtime would part ways. However, as it appears now, the January event will in fact run on Showtime and the promotion is still moving forward.

Strikeforce on Brink of Being Disbanded

?While we’re disappointed with the cancellation, we are looking forward to an even bigger Strikeforce event on Showtime early next year,? explained Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of ShoSports.

The press release also provided some measure of relief for fans expecting to go to the event, saying ticket holders can get refunds from the point of sale. For those keeping track at home, Strikeforce ran 16 events in 2011 (including Challengers cards), but has only put on five this year.

Source: http://www.fighters.com/10/12/strikeforce-officially-axes-november-3-show-after-run-of-injuries

Andrei Arlovski  Ricardo Arona  Noboru Asahi Marcus Aurelio 

UFC 152 photo gallery

Check out pictures from UFC 152 by Tracy Lee. You'll see Jon Jones come back for a win, Evan Dunham's really bloody face, and more.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-152-photo-gallery-161314828--mma.html

Dan Hardy Lee Hasdell Musse Hasselvall Daiki DJ taiki Hata