Fight Champions

Saturday

TUF 16 Results: Neil Magny?s performance improves Team Carwin?s record to 1-0

When UFC heavyweight Roy Nelson selected Neil Magny from Shane Carwin?s squad last night on the Ultimate Fighter 16 he explained it was the result of the 24-year old celebrating his birthday that very day. However, the gift was not meant to be one out of kindness but rather a means of eliminating Magny from the season?s tournament by pairing him against BJJ expert Cameron Diffley.

In the end, Magny has a present of his own to deliver in the form of an opening round victory for his team. The Chicago native?s success came as the result of crisp striking and takedown defense preventing Diffley from ever finding his groove minus one legitimate submission attempt.

Their bout capped off the second episode of TUF 16 also ripe with other highlights including some dissention in the ranks of Team Nelson and the beginnings of a prank war.

A Closer Look at the TUF 16 Teams

A handful of fighters in Nelson?s group showed disappointment with their leader?s decision to approach training less rigorously than they would have preferred, leaving some competitors wondering if they were truly going to be able to maximize their potential.

On a brighter note, his team also gelled some during the episode after covering Team Carwin?s Mike Ricci with flour after catching him off-guard as he returned from training. Ricci, who had previously said he couldn?t relate to the intellectual deficiency of some of his house-mates, seemed unamused by remained stone-faced rather than lashed out at the culprits.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/09/22/tuf-16-results-neil-magny%e2%80%99s-performance-improves-team-carwin%e2%80%99s-record-to-1-0

Daiki DJ taiki Hata He Peng David Heath Delson Heleno

GSP video - talks to school about bullying - short

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/sports-video/video-georges-st-pierre-talks-bullying-at-his-old-school/article4573203/

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/105596-gsp-video-talks-school-about-bullying-short.html

Thiago Alves Andre Amade Dean Amasinger Jimmy Ambriz

Undefeated Chas Skelly collides with Rey Trujillo at Legacy FC 16

A featherweight bout matching Chas Skelly and Rey Trujillo has been added to Legacy Fighting Championship 16. Legacy FC officials announced on Friday that both fighters have verbally agreed to the fight. Chas Skelly (9-0) enters the bout undefeated in his professional career as he prepares for his debut under the Legacy banner. A Team [...]

Undefeated Chas Skelly collides with Rey Trujillo at Legacy FC 16 is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News

Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/mma/undefeated-chas-skelly-collides-with-rey-trujillo-at-legacy-fc-16-59703/

Marcelo Brito Rob Broughton Mike Brown Junie Browning

Shane Carwin suffers knee injury but fight with Roy Nelson not in jeopardy

An apologetic Tweet from UFC heavyweight Shane Carwin revealing a recent knee injury had MMA fans declaring the injury bug is alive and well after watching a number of main events fall apart in recent weeks due to health-related woes. However, Five Ounces of Pain has been able to confirm his scheduled scrap with Roy [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/09/27/shane-carwin-suffers-knee-injury-but-fight-with-roy-nelson-not-in-jeopardy/

Jose Aldo John Alessio Houston Alexander Ricardo Almeida

Friday

Stefan Struve Promises Fans A ?Finish? In FUEL TV Main Event Saturday Night

UFC heavyweight Stefan ‘Skyscraper’ Struve headlines this Saturday’s UFC on FUEL TV 5 event opposite undefeated American fighter Stipe Miocic. With thirty finishes between both fighters, Struve is promising fans a quick end to the FUEL TV main event. Struve talked to Mauro Ranallo about Saturday’s fight during Thursday’s episode of “The MMA Show With [...]

Source: http://www.themmanews.com/stefan-struve-promises-fans-a-finish-in-fuel-tv-main-event-saturday-night/

Daiki DJ taiki Hata He Peng David Heath Delson Heleno

Jon Jones reportedly asked Dana White to tell Chael Sonnen to stop calling him out

Before UFC light heavyweight Jon Jones turned down a fight with Chael Sonnen, the two engaged in a war of words. Sonnen called Jones out, Jones responded with, "If you're going to disrespect me out of nowhere, at least disrespect me to my face like a man. And you call me a punk, I'm more man than you'll ever be," and then Jones said he knew what he was doing all along.

Except, there are reports now that Jones was bothered by Sonnen not only calling out Jones here, but in the many things Sonnen said after Jones turned down their fights. He even reportedly asked UFC president Dana White to tell Sonnen to stop.

This isn't the first time Jones has been oddly bothered by what people have to say about him. After beating Quinton Jackson at UFC 135, the UFC brought Rashad Evans into the cage for the two to face off for their next fight. Jones was so bothered by the sight of his former friend in the cage that he ignored Evans' compliments on how he fought, and said Evans "ruined his night twice." Really? Jones had just beaten a former champion by submission, but the mere sight of Evans ruined what should have been a jubilant evening for him.

When Jones apologized for getting behind the wheel of a car while drunk, he lashed out again at his "haters" who tried to "kick him while he was down." After White announced the cancellation of UFC 151 and lashed out against Jones and his camp, Jones actually unfollowed his boss on Twitter.

For a millionaire professional athlete, Jones has a thin skin. He often appears more concerned with what his detractors think than his supporters.

It's an odd stance for someone of his level to take, because part of the job of being a famous athlete is dealing with people who don't like you. Look at the mentions of Twitter pages or Facebook pages for any pro athlete. They are being blamed for everything from fantasy team losses to ruining a fan's life. San Francisco 49er Kyle Williams received death threats after fumbling in a playoff game. It's not right that anyone should have to deal with such vitriol, but it's part of the fame game.

Jones has the skills, speed, reach, height and fight intelligence to stay at the top of the MMA world for a long, long time. He appears so far above his competition that the only person who can beat him is Jon Jones. Right now, he should be thinking about his fight with Vitor Belfort on Sept. 22, not be worried about what Sonnen has to say.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/jon-jones-reportedly-asked-dana-white-tell-chael-204150521--mma.html

David Baron Phil Baroni Don Barr Pat Barry

Glover Teixeira?s Growth as a Fighter a Result of Working with Chuck Liddell

UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell has been an important part of Glover Teixeira’s career since the beginning and is in part responsible for the Brazilian’s emergence as one of the top 205ers in MMA.

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

Lee Hasdell Musse Hasselvall Daiki DJ taiki Hata He Peng

Wagner Pradeo Looking To Re-Write ?No Contest? Versus Phil Davis At UFC 153

His UFC� debut ended in a no contest just 88 seconds into the first round at UFC on FOX 4. Now, Wagner Prado and Phil Davis will settle unfinished business at UFC 153. As Paula Sack discovers, not only does the 24-year old have new motivation, but the light heavyweight has a new strategy in the Octagon. Catch UFC� 153: Silva vs Bonnar, Saturday, October 13 at 10PM ET / 7PM PT, live on Pay-Per-View.

Source: http://www.themmanews.com/wagner-pradeo-looking-to-re-write-no-contest-versus-phil-davis-at-ufc-153/

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

Rory MacDonald Wants To Fight More Frequently

Rory talks about his prior injury, and he says he wants to fight more.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/6PDdGM8e6Qk/

Siyar Bahadurzada Bao Ligao Josh Barnett David Baron

Thursday

Gilbert Melendez injury causes Strikeforce to cancel Saturday?s card

Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez was hit with an injury just a week before he was scheduled to fight Pat Healy. He had to withdraw from the fight. Without Healy-Melendez, Showtime decided not to air the card. Without Showtime, Strikeforce canceled the event.

"When Showtime informed us that it would not be airing the event, we made the difficult decision to cancel Saturday's card in Sacramento," Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said via press release. "Without a television partner, we simply could not move forward with this event. We wish Gilbert a speedy recovery and will work diligently and quickly to reschedule the fighters affected by this news on upcoming cards."

This is the second major injury to hit Strikeforce recently. UFC heavyweight Frank Mir pulled out of his Nov. 3 bout with Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix champ Daniel Cormier with an injury.

Healy told Bloody Elbow Radio that he was told he would not be fighting again until Melendez is healthy, and that he wasn't given the option to fight someone else.

"I'm like in a daze, still. I have to think about, if Gil's going to be out six months and I have to wait the whole time, I have to start making some plans to make money right now so I'm not in a situation where I have to make money right before training for a fight," Healy said.

Outside of Melendez Healy, Saturday's card featured:

? Guto Inocente vs. Gian Villante
? Caros Fodor vs. Josh Thomson
? Adriano Martins vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg
? Quinn Mulhern vs. Jorge Santiago
? Jorge Gurgel vs. Mizuto Hirota
? Amanda Nunes vs. Cat Zingano
? Mike Kyle vs. Dion Staring
? Nah-Shon Burrell vs. Yuri Villefort
? Michael Bravo vs. Estevan Payan

Those fighters didn't create enough firepower for Showtime. Perhaps a re-airing of the "Weeds" season finale will be enough for the network instead of a live sporting event.

This creates a problem for the Strikeforce fighters on the card. One of the complaints heard most often from Strikeforce fighters is that they don't fight enough. In 2012, Strikeforce has held just five fight events. With such infrequency, fighters have few chances to fight and make money from their fight purse and sponsors.

Outside the main event, Strikeforce has nine fights place. Though there is room on the Nov. 3 card, it won't be enough to accommodate every fighter. Plus, the fighters thought they were getting paid on Sept. 29, and best case scenario has them getting paid a month from now. Fighting is never an easy way to make a living, but cancelling cards in the last minute makes the job much harder.

More news from the Yahoo! Sports Minute:

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/gilbert-melendez-injury-causes-strikeforce-cancel-saturday-card-123304008--mma.html

Rickson Gracie Rodrigo Gracie Roger Gracie Rolles Gracie

Stephan Bonnar took the Anderson Silva fight because of Silva?s many Twitter followers

Stephan Bonnar stepped up when the UFC needed an opponent. Two UFC 153 fights had fallen apart: Jose Aldo's bout with Frankie Edgar and Glover Teixeria's fight with Quinton Jackson. Bonnar jumped into the main event spot at UFC 153 against Anderson Silva. Though that fight seems a bit crazy for Bonnar, there's a reason why he took Silva instead of Teixeira.

Twitter followers.

The mostly-retired Bonnar said the UFC originally offered Teixeira, but he reminded them of his rule.

"I said, 'You know my rule. If I'm going to do this again, he's got to have more Twitter followers than me.' I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. That's how I feel. That's a measure of someone's popularity, and I just want a bigger name. The last three opponents, I've had more Twitter followers than them, and I've beat them, and I feel like I deserve a bigger name now. I really don't have an interest in fighting an up-and-comer type, guys who are climbing their way up and people don't really know how good they are."

But Silva? He and his 2,549,212 followers make the cut. Bonnar didn't think his manager would be able to make that fight. But the fight was made, and the news spread quickly. Bonnar finally confirmed it with UFC president Dana White on Friday.

Not long after, Bonnar started doing his specialized training for Silva.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/stephan-bonnar-took-anderson-silva-fight-because-silva-210343585--mma.html

Forrest Griffin Tyson Griffin Karn Grigorian Karen Grigoryan

Stephan Bonnar: ?If I'm not sleeping, I'm going to keep coming.?

UFC light heavyweight Stephan Bonnar knows what fans are expecting on October 13 when he faces Anderson Silva at UFC 153 ? his utter destruction. Bonnar is a massive underdog entering the bout despite having a weight advantage and a three-fight winning streak under his belt. Then again, when taking on the man many feel is the greatest Mixed Martial Artist in the history of the sport, neither of those factors means a whole lot once the cage door closes.

Bonnar recently spoke some about his strategy entering the headlining fight, acknowledging the likelihood of him getting lit up a few times inside the Octagon. However, unless his body quits on him, Bonnar expects to be pressing forward the entire time.

?If I could find a weakness or work him over on the ground, that’s great. But if I can’t and I’m forced to fight one of those blood-and-gut fights ? I know he’s really accurate with his strikes. I know that. I’m going to get hit. I just need to keep pushing forward. That’s what I do,? explained Bonnar in an interview with MMAJunkie.

“All I do know is when I get in there, I can’t help but fight my ass off. I can’t help but just give it everything I’ve got,? the fan-favorite continued. ?If I’m not sleeping, I’m going to keep coming. I know no other way.?

Bonnar Hoping Silva Breaks a Hand or Foot on His Head

The “American Psycho” has certainly lived up to his comments through his career. Bonnar, who holds a 15-7 record, has never been submitted or stopped by strikes, losing twice to injury-oriented TKOs and five more times by way of decision.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/09/26/stephan-bonnar-%e2%80%9cif-im-not-sleeping-im-going-to-keep-coming-%e2%80%9d

Cody Guinn Jorge Gurgel Andre Gusmao Alexander Gustafsson

Gilbert Melendez injury causes Strikeforce to cancel Saturday?s card

This is the second major injury to hit Strikeforce recently. UFC heavyweight Frank Mir pulled out of his Nov. 3 bout with Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix champ Daniel Cormier with an injury.

Healy told Bloody Elbow Radio that he was told he would not be fighting again until Melendez is healthy, and that he wasn't given the option to fight someone else.

Outside of Melendez Healy, Saturday's card featured:

Those fighters didn't create enough firepower for Showtime. Perhaps a re-airing of the "Weeds" season finale will be enough for the network instead of a live sporting event.

More news from the Yahoo! Sports Minute:

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/gilbert-melendez-injury-causes-strikeforce-cancel-saturday-card-123304008--mma.html

Hiroyuki Abe Cyril Abidi Daniel Acacio Bernard Ackah

Ken Shamrock accidentally scores a knockout

Former UFC champ Ken Shamrock is nicknamed the "World's Most Dangerous Man," and he proved this title while in a mall in California. TMZ reports Shamrock reportedly hit a woman while trying to break up a fight.

While sitting at a mall in Modesto, Calif., he saw two women involved in a fight. He jumped in to try to separate them, when another person jumped on his back. He threw the back-jumper to the ground and threw a knockout punch, earning his first knockout since 2004.

It wasn't until she was out that Shamrock and the crowd yelled at him that he saw he had knocked out a woman. Though a report was taken, the police told TMZ they most likely won't press charges because Shamrock was acting in self-defense.

Shamrock's rep notes, "Outside the ring, Ken is not a violent man ... and was only trying to do the right thing."

Inside the ring, Shamrock's last fight was in November of 2010. He lost in a TKO due to leg injury. His last UFC fight was a 2006 loss to Tito Ortiz, an ending to their longstanding rivalry. Shamrock's career spanned 17 years and included wins in PRIDE, Pancrase and the UFC.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ken-shamrock-accidentally-scores-knockout-165102044--mma.html

Forrest Griffin Tyson Griffin Karn Grigorian Karen Grigoryan

Wednesday

MMA Marketplace: Battle of the UFC 152 walkout shirts

It's time to break down UFC 152's main event via the most important factor: walkout shirts. Sure, Vitor Belfort is a historic underdog and is not expected to last long in the fight against UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, but what do the shirts say? Let's see.

On the left, Vitor Belfort's shirt by RVCA. It's available in green and white and you can buy it straight from RVCA for $29.95.

On the right, we have Jones' shirt ... maybe? Here's the deal. Jones is now sponsored by Nike, and he tweeted out this "Bones Knows" Nike shirt before UFC 151 was canceled. According to the tweet:

#Nike only made 80 signature T-shirts for UFC 151, I absolutely cannot wait to bless my fans, talk about #exclusive

So, there were only 80 shirts made, but it's not 100 percent clear on how to get them. Nike's online store doesn't have them or any mention of Jones. If you want to buy gear from Jones now, take a look at his UFC store online which has items from his last fight.

By virtue of pretty green color and the ease in buying the shirt, Belfort wins. Tune in Saturday to see if that pans out.

Related UFC news from Yahoo! Sports:

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/mma-marketplace-battle-ufc-152-walkout-shirts-140150648--mma.html

Royler Gracie Ryan Gracie Peter Graham Forrest Griffin

Demetrious Johnson is ready to defend his new belt against another top flyweight

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2012/9/26/3409616/ufc-flyweight-champion-demetrious-johnson-joseph-benavidez

Dan Henderson Josh Hendricks Ed Herman Heath Herring

Demetrious Johnson Discusses Being The UFC Flyweight Champion

Demetrious Johnson might not be able to wear his UFC flyweight title with ease, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t enjoying carrying the belt around. Johnson became the first-ever UFC flyweight champion this past weekend, defeating Joseph Benavidez via decision. “It’s pretty heavy,” said Johnson, of the UFC title, on UFC Tonight recently. “I like [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/qO1vsh8do-4/

Dan Cramer Alberto Crane Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz Luke Cummo

Stephan Bonnar: ?It's just amazing how overnight I go from my phone never ringing to the coolest guy around.?

Not many people would consider themselves fortunate to be fighting the best pound-for-pound Mixed Martial Artist in the sport in his hometown without a full camp to prepare for the bout. Then again, Stephan Bonnar has never been anything other than extraordinarily unique.

Bonnar has been entertaining fans since first emerging on the original Ultimate Fighter and solidified his spot in UFC history thanks to his performance against Forrest Griffin at the finale. Now he?s on the cusp of the biggest opportunity of his career when it looked like his run in the Octagon might be at an end.

The 35-year old ?American Psycho? recently opened up on his October outing against Anderson Silva and, rather than show concern or ask to have his back patted, Bonnar?s attitude was one of overwhelming appreciation.

?It’s just amazing how overnight I go from my phone never ringing to the coolest guy around,? said Bonnar in an interview with MMAJunkie. ?He’s the best guy on everyone’s pound-for-pound list, he’s got 15 straight UFC victories, been a champion for six years or so. It’s great, though, because I feel like I have nothing to lose. Fighting Anderson in his backyard, I’m a record-setting underdog. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Prior to the pairing Bonnar considered himself a former fighter for the most part after failing to land a big match-up as he hoped he would after seven years in the sport and a three-fight winning streak under his belt. To hear Bonnar tell it, he?s still having to pinch himself after landing the scrap with Silva.

Bonnar Explains Frustration with Lack of a Marquee Fight

?It really went from me being retired to the biggest fight I could ever dream of having ? overnight. Life is funny sometimes,? he said contentedly.

UFC 153 is scheduled for October 13 in Rio de Janeiro.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Source: http://www.fighters.com/09/19/stephan-bonnar-%e2%80%9cits-just-amazing-how-overnight-i-go-from-my-phone-never-ringing-to-the-coolest-guy-around-%e2%80%9d

Matt Andersen Alex Andrade Jermaine Andre Yoji Anjo

Anderson Silva, Stephan Bonnar to meet as UFC 153 is put ?back on track?

On Tuesday, UFC 153 fell apart as Jose Aldo pulled out of the main event fight with Frankie Edgar with an injury just hours after Quinton Jackson pulled out of his bout with Glover Teixeira. Wednesday, the October card in Rio de Janeiro was glued back together with the help of UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

As USA Today reported and Yahoo! Sports confirmed with UFC president Dana White, Silva will move up to light heavyweight to fight Stephan Bonnar in the three-round main event. Teixeira will now face fellow Brazilian Fabio Maldonado. Antonio Rodrigio Nogueira was filming a commercial with Silva when the UFC called about the Bonnar fight. He offered to fight and will now face Dave Herman.

The UFC was forced to scramble after injuries threatened another card. UFC 151 was recently canceled when Dan Henderson was injured light heavyweight champion Jon Jones turned down a bout with Chael Sonnen. Jones' refusal to fight caught White's ire so he was pleased to find his other champions would step up when needed.

[Insurance policy isn't to blame for spate of injuries in UFC]

"This is old-school UFC. A card is in jeopardy, but guys that are world champions and superstars stepped up and jumped in and saved the card. This is why the fans love this sport and why we went on a 12-year run without canceling an event."

Bonnar getting the call to fight Silva is a surprise as so many middleweights are clamoring to fight for the belt. His last fight was a decision over Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 139. Bonnar is best known for his bout with Forrest Griffin at the first finale of "The Ultimate Fighter." Their thrilling bout is credited for helping build the UFC into the company it is today.

Since that bout in 2005, his career has been up and down. At 14-7, he doesn't have the resume to earn a title shot, but his willingness to take a fight on short notice and the fact that Silva's belt is not on the line created the perfect storm for Bonnar to get the big fight.

Though he's dominated at middle weight for years, Silva has fought at light heavyweight before. In 2009, he knocked out former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin in the first round. He knocked out James Irvin in 1:01 in 2008.

Silva and Nogueira both fought on UFC 134, the first Brazilian card since 1998. They both won by knockout in front of a raucous crowd. It's not surprising to see them both want to take on fights in front of their home crowd again.

Related UFC video from Yahoo! Sports:

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/anderson-silva-stephan-bonnar-meet-ufc-153-put-021611610--mma.html

Jai Bradney Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan Marcelo Brito

Tuesday

Josh Thomson: ?It sucks, but what are you going to do??

Strikeforce lightweight Josh Thomson was one of the twenty fighters affected by the organization?s decision to cancel a show slated for this coming weekend. The promotion decided to ditch the event after headliner Gilbert Melendez went down with an injury and Showtime, the broadcaster, decided they weren?t willing to air the card without the lightweight [...]

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/09/25/josh-thomson-it-sucks-but-what-are-you-going-to-do/

Akihiro Gono Gabriel Gonzaga Lyman Good Gary Goodridge