The Official MMA Agents Blog

This blog has moved

2010-03-11T19:59:00.001-08:00

This blog is now located at __FTP_MIGRATION_NEW_URL__.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
__FTP_MIGRATION_FEED_URL__.

Anthony Johnson Injured, Out Of 'UFC On Versus' Fight

2010-02-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

February 14, 2010
Originally posted on Fightline.com

Anthony Johnson Injured, Out Of 'UFC On Versus' Fight

MMAFighting.com is reporting that Anthony Johnson's manager, Ken Pavia, has confirmed that "Rumble" has had to pull out of his fight with John Howard due to an undisclosed knee injury. Their fight was to take place at the UFC on Versus show on March 21.

John Howard holds three wins in three fights in the Octagon and has a 13-4 record in professional MMA competition. His last fight saw "Doomsday" defeat Dennis Hallman by TKO (punches).

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson has earned five wins in eight Octagon appearances. He avenged a controversial loss to Kevin Burns and went on a three fight win streak until being submitted by Josh Koscheck in his last fight at UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin 2.

Reposted by MMAagents, leaders in Mixed Martial Arts Athlete Representation

Haitian-Canadian David Loiseau talks MFL, Haiti and the road back

2010-01-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

January 25, 2010
Originally posted on MMAscrapsradio.com

Haitian-Canadian David Loiseau talks MFL, Haiti and the road back

The devastating earthquake that shook Haiti last week has reached someone on every corner of the globe. Though he’s based out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, middle weight fighter David “The Crow” Loiseau was shaken when he heard of the earthquake that hit there last week. Part Haitian, Loiseau still had family on the island country and was anxious to hear news of their well being.

“I have family there, and friends there,” said Loiseau. “So my life has been on pause since last Tuesday. Even though my immediate family is healthy and they are alive; there’s a hundred thousand dead bodies there it’s not going to be safe for the next few months. People are hungry, people are thirsty, it’s not a peaceful place to be.”

Though the country he holds so dear has been ravaged by devastation, “The Crow” wants to be an inspiration to fellow Haitians and help them realize that there is something to fight for. Though aid is slowly funneling in, Haitians can take it upon themselves to start the process of rebuilding by helping fellow citizens and fighting to keep the peace while so much havoc is engulfing the tiny island.

As a means to help Haiti, Loiseau has offered to take a “big” fight and donate all the proceeds to help the victims in Haiti.

“I would be willing to fight on a big show and donate every single penny from my sponsors to my fight purse, everything,” said Loiseau. “To inspire people, especially the people of Haiti to fight their fight and to know the MMA community is behind them.”

Taking that fighting attitude, Loiseau heads into his first fight in nearly a year on February 27th in Montreal. His last fight was a unanimous decision loss to Ed Herman at UFC 97 last April. Coming off that loss, “The Crow” has reevaluated his strengths and realized that going into this fight, he needs to focus more on his ground game and get stronger in that aspect.

To prepare himself for his return after 10 months away, Loiseau is working with Firas Zihabi and Bruno Fernandez. Though he’s just learned who his opponent is, he is more than prepared to fight on the 27th of February.

“With the caliber of people I train with, I’m ready for anybody,” stated Loiseau. “I just need to make some adjustments.”

To help with the crisis in Haiti go to www.RedCross.org or text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10* to the Red Cross.

*The $10 is charged to your mobile bill and will be reflected on your next monthly statement.

Listen to the archive of MMA Scraps Radio with David Loiseau, Ryan Bader, and CB Dolloway.

Reposted by MMAagents, leaders in Mixed Martial Arts Athlete Representation

DaMarques Johnson and Chris Lytle Interview on MMA Scraps Radio

2010-01-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

Originally posted on MMAscrapsRadio.com
January 10, 2010

DaMarques Johnson and Chris Lytle joined Pat and Travis of MMAScraps as they talked about past fights and future fights. Travis also announced a new partnership with MMA Jacked. Also a coupon code for 15% off any Performance MMA purchase was given during the show, so tune in!

Listen to the interview at http://www.mmascrapsradio.com/2010/01/damarques-johnson-and-chris-lytle-join.html

Reposted by MMAagents, leaders in Mixed Martial Arts Athlete Representation

Pictures: UFC 'TUF 10 Finale' - Dennis Hallman

2009-12-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

December 7, 2009
Originally posted on Sherdog.com

Kimbo Slice and Roy Nelson picked up big wins in their official UFC debuts Saturday on Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale.”

Dave Mandel was cageside at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas to photograph the event for Sherdog.com.

Click here to see gallery

DREAM welterweight champ Marius Zaromskis signs multi-fight deal with Strikeforce

2009-11-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

November 2, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

DREAM welterweight champion Marius Zaromskis may soon be fighting in the U.S. as "The Whitemare" has signed a multi-fight agreement with Strikeforce.

Promotion officials announced the intriguing addition to the Strikeforce roster on Saturday afternoon.

While Strikeforce and DREAM have forged an official partnership in an effort to cross-promote, Strikeforce Director of Communications Mike Afromowitz told MMAjunkie.com that Zaromskis' contract will operate independently of that deal.

Click here to read entire article

DREAM 12 Analysis: Popularity on the Rise for Alistair Overeem, Marius Zaromskis

2009-10-28T10:19:00.001-07:00

October 28, 2009
Originally posted on BloodyElbow.com

Yesterday, I focused on the memorable comeback win by Eddie Alvarez over Katsunori Kikuno after surviving a deep standing crucifix at DREAM 12. While the battle between the two lightweight champions was easily one of the better bouts on the card, the event also featured a number of talents in the Japanese mixed martial arts scene that we'll likely be seeing in the North American scene very soon.

In the headlining bout, Alistair "Megareem" Overeem, as I like to moniker him, easily steamrolled the "Mega Punk" James Thompson as he caught him in a standing guillotine choke, the same choke that he defeated Tony Sylvester with at Ultimate Glory on October 17th. While Overeem's opponent quality is on the low end of the spectrum in his more recent mixed martial arts contests, it's apparent that these bouts are serving as a means to pushing Overeem's image to the Japanese fans as well as giving him easy paychecks for his increased popularity and drawing power.

Many fans continue to complain about Overeem's inability to defend his Strikeforce heavyweight championship stateside, but as Michael David Smith so obviously pointed out -- Overeem's recent forays in the MMA ring are simply tune-up bouts for the K-1 World Grand Prix. Any MMA fan who follows the sport and understands the differences between K-1 and MMA can easily solve the puzzle and come to the same conclusion that MDS talks about in his article, but surprisingly enough... there was enough outcry over the Strikeforce heavyweight belt that the article actually needed to be written.

Overeem is scheduled to battle Ewerton Teixiera in the opening bout at the K-1 World Grand Prix Final on December 5th, and if he manages to make it to the World Grand Prix Final and win -- he'll be one of the most sought after fighters in Japan. Strikeforce may need to head to Japan in order to reap the benefits of Overeem's popularity.

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson Deserves Stiffer Competition

2009-10-28T10:03:00.001-07:00

October 28, 2009
Originally posted on InsideFights.com

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is an enormous welterweight, and that seemed to cause him problems on the day of the weigh-ins for UFC 104. The scales jumped past the ideal 170 pound weight up to 176, but his fight with Yoshiyuki Yoshida stayed on tap for the main card.

Johnson explained after the fight in an interview on UFC.com that an injury before his scheduled fight with Matt Brown fight let his weight get into heavyweight range, as he claimed to bulk up to 220 pounds.

For the record, Johnson has really only really had problems making weight once before, missing the weight limit before his bout with Rich Clementi. He claims that he could have cut the rest of the weight if he received a little extra time.

However, the fight went on Saturday night, as the man nicknamed “Rumble” absolutely rolled through Yoshida, who has been brutally knocked out in two consecutive fights. Unfortunately for Johnson, his weight problems prevented a $60,000 Knockout of the Night bonus from coming his way.

That being said, one thing that is undeniable is the fact that this guy is for real. After his loss to Kevin Burns at UFN 14, which was showered in controversy, Johnson has gone on to win his next three fights quite convincingly.

Click here to read entire article

Anthony Johnson Talks UFC 104 With Inside Fights

2009-10-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

October 28, 2009
Originally posted on InsideFights.com

After his first round technical knockout victory over Luigi Fiorivantti, Anthony Johnson took some question’s from announced Joe Rogan. In the post fight interview, one would have a hard time believing the disappointed Johnson had actually one the fight.

“The reason I was disappointed in myself with the Luigi fight is that I was just chasing him around the octagon too much, you know,” explained Johnson. “I’m trained to fight, not chase people around. So that’s why I was saying I was disappointed. I just felt like couldn’t do what I wanted to do.”

Not only was he disappointed that he could not follow his plan, “Rumble”, a fan favorite for his exhilarating fights, was also unhappy that he “couldn’t give the fans what they wanted”.

This weekend at UFC 104, Johnson has an opportunity to entertain the fans and continue his roll through the UFC welterweight division.

Johnson’s match up at UFC 104 is Yoshiyuki Yoshida, who was put out cold by Josh Koscheck in his last performance. Yoshida walks into the cage against a true knockout artist in Johnson, who is an enormous and powerful welterweight always looking for the knockout.

“Like always man, I expect my performance to be the best that it can be and go out there and do my best, and, you know, always give something good for the fans,” states Johnson. “Of course I plan on winning, but I’ll take a win anyway I can. But everybody know I’m gonna shoot for the knockout.”

While Yoshida has only been knocked out one time in his career, Johnson certainly holds as much power in his punches as Koscheck can claim. However, Johnson thinks if he is to knockout Yoshida, it will be even more vicious than Koscheck’s.

Click here to read entire article

Pictures: UFC 104 'Machida vs. Shogun' - Anthony Johnson

2009-10-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

October 28, 2009
Originally posted on Sherdog.com

UFC 104 will be remembered for the controversial decision that named Lyoto Machida a victor over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

Dave Mandel was cageside at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to photograph the action-packed bouts for Sherdog.com.

Click here to see gallery

Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson slotted for UFC 106 co-main event

2009-10-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

October 28, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

With the loss of its UFC 106 main event between UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and challenger Shane Carwin earlier this week, the UFC has bolstered the Nov. 21 card with a welterweight bout between contenders Josh Koscheck (13-4 MMA, 11-4 UFC) and Anthony Johnson (8-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC).

Koscheck posted on Twitter late Tuesday that he would appear on the card, and a source close to the event told MMAjunkie.com overnight that Johnson will serve as his opponent.

The UFC, though, has yet to officially announced the fight, which serves as the night's co-main event.

Click here to read entire article

UFC 104's Anthony Johnson: "As soon as I didn't make weight, my life changed"

2009-10-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

October 28, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

UFC welterweight Anthony Johnson should have left Los Angeles $60,000 richer.

After earning a devastating 43-second TKO win over Yoshiyuki Yoshida on the main card of this past Saturday's UFC 104 event in Los Angeles, Johnson appeared to be a lock for the evening's "Knockout of the Night" award and a $60,000 bonus.

But Johnson missed weight the day before, and UFC president Dana White declared "Rumble" ineligible for the award. Johnson said the penalty was a life-changing moment.

"It sucked, but in a way it didn't suck because I deserved to be punished for not making weight," Johnson recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio). "It's nobody's fault but mine for not making weight. So I accepted the punishment of not getting $60,000, but trust me, my feelings were hurt."

Click here to read entire article

Matt Horwich edges fellow UFC vet Jason Lambert at debut Aggression MMA event

2009-10-26T14:11:00.001-07:00

October 26, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie

Two former UFC fighters desperately needed a win but only one got it when Matt Horwich topped Jason Lambert via split decision over the weekend.

The middleweight bout headlined Aggression MMA's debut show, which took place Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Edmonton EXPO Centre (previously the Northlands AgriCom) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Notable light heavyweight Cyrille "Snake" Diabate and World Victory Road/KOTC veteran Nick Denis also picked up wins.

Click here to read entire article

MMAjunkie.com Radio: UFC 104 winners Joe Stevenson, Anthony Johnson, Ryan Bader

2009-10-26T09:43:00.001-07:00

October 26, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

MMAjunkie.com kicks off another week of programming with three of the biggest winners from this past week's UFC 104 event.

Joining the show are Joe Stevenson, who re-entered the UFC's lightweight title picture with an impressive knockout of Spencer Fisher; Anthony Johnson, who overcame weight-cutting problems to quickly dispose of Yoshiyuki Yoshida; and Ryan Bader, the "TUF 8" champion who moved to 10-0 with a unanimous decision win over Eric Schafer.

MMAjunkie.com Radio begins at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Click here to read entire article

Despite weighty problems, UFC 104 victor Anythony Johnson not moving to middleweight

2009-10-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

October 26, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

LOS ANGELES – The lone bright spot of Anthony Johnson's otherwise disastrous weekend was about as good as it gets: an impressive, dominating victory over a quality opponent that clearly puts him in the welterweight's title picture.

However a rough weight cut cost Johnson part of his purse, a $60,000 Knockout of the Night bonus, and the respect of many fans.

But don't expect the massive welterweight to move up to 185 pounds anytime soon.

Click here to read entire article

Johnson destroys Yoshida, any chance he gets KO of the Night?

2009-10-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

October 26, 2009
Originally posted on YahooSports.com

Can anyone say Thiago Alves? Anthony Johnson's fight against Yoshiyuki Yoshida was eerily similar to Alves win over Matt Hughes at UFC 85. Alves missed weight by four pounds and then ran roughshod over Hughes. Johnson missed in Los Angeles by an unreal six pounds at 176 and then scored a 41 second knockout of Yoshida to open the pay-per-view portion of UFC 104.

In the end, the size probably didn't make that much of a difference but it's a matter of principle. Clearly, Johnson should be leader in the clubhouse for a huge Knockoiut of the Night bonus, but does the UFC want to reward a guy who missed weight so badly? The bonuses will probably be good for at least $60,000.

"I'm sorry to the UFC. I'm sorry to the fans," Johnson told the crowd at Staples Center. "I tried to make weight. The reason I got so heavy was knee injury I suffered training for Matt Brown."

Rumors had it that Johnson started camp at 220 pounds. On Friday morning, he still weighed 180 and was then seen being carried back to the fighter hotel by his manager Ken Pavia just a 80 minutes before the weigh-in.

The 25-year-old Johnson (9-2, 5-2 UFC) has picked up five wins in the UFC, all by pretty devastating knockouts. Believe it or not, the 41 second KO is only the second fastest of Johnson's career. He beat Chad Reiner in 13 seconds. He also took out Tommy Speer in 51 seconds.

Cagewriter hosts the only UFC 104 postfight show from Staples Center starting at 1:30 a.m. ET. Listen here.

Mike Pyle vs. Jake Ellenberger latest addition to UFC 108 card

2009-10-21T14:56:00.001-07:00

October 21, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

UFC 108's quickly filling fight card got another addition with a booking that pits Mike Pyle (19-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC) vs. fellow welterweight Jake Ellenberger (21-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC).

Sources close to both competitors told MMAjunkie.com verbal agreements are in place and bout agreements will be signed shortly.

The event takes place Jan. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view.

Click here to read entire article

BRAD BLACKBURN PLANS UFC RETURN IN 2010

2009-10-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

October 21, 2009
Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight "Bad" Brad Blackburn recently signed a new multi-fight deal with the organization and expects to return to UFC action in early 2010.

“I am going to be fighting in January or February,” he told MMAWeekly.com. “I already called them. I called the UFC last week. I said, ‘I can fight January 30th on.’ I’m trying to fight for a living now, and give it 100-percent. I’m not trying to be a spectator. I’ve been feeling like a spectator lately.”

Blackburn revitalized his career in the now defunct International Fight League and has a 3-0 record since landing the UFC. In his last bout, against Edgar Garcia at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale in June, Blackburn suffered an injury to his right shoulder in the first round that required surgery to correct.

“Of course it takes a while with the surgery that I had, but it’s feeling good right now,” said the 32-year-old fighter. “I’m happy with the result so far. I can spar. I can hit the pads. I can grapple. I don’t feel comfortable wrestling yet. There’s a few things I can’t do grappling, but for the most part I’m training again. I expect to be close to 100-percent within a month.”

Coming off layoff and surgery, Blackburn wants to pick up where he left off, stepping up in competition to face a Top 10 ranked opponent in his return.

“It has to be a big name. It has to be Top 10. If it’s not Top 10, it has to be a really big name or I’m not going to take it because I’ve fought guys Top 15 and that’s what I’ve been doing,” he said. “I’ve been ranked around that area and because of my injuries I get pushed back again in the rankings, but it’s like, okay, I’ve done that and now it’s time to go Top 10. I want Top 10.”

Blackburn has a 15-9-1 professional mixed martial arts record and recently re-signed with the UFC, inking a four-fight deal.

UFC 104 Preview: The Main Card - Anthony Johnson

2009-10-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

October 21, 2009
Originally posted on Sherdog.com
(Photo courtesy of about.com)

If you ever wanted to see polar opposites fight, this is the match for you. Johnson’s unrefined yet powerful striking resides in a different universe from the one in which Yoshida developed his textbook judo game. While most favor technique over talent, Yoshida has proven a somewhat undersized welterweight, and his striking remains a major weakness. Considering the ginormous reach and size advantage Johnson will hold, one has to wonder if Yoshida will even get within two feet of the American before he gets a face full of fist.

Johnson is basically six feet, two inches of fast-twitch muscle fibers. Of course, having an NFL-level high jump will not get you out of a rear-naked choke, and the technical deficiencies in Johnson’s game have been his Achilles’ heel in the UFC. If Johnson finds scoring a quick knockout beyond his reach, he will have to stay mistake-free for however long this fight takes, as Yoshida only needs a few seconds to turn anyone into a human origami project.

It will be a long time, if ever, before we see Johnson’s fight IQ catch up to the rest of his game, but after watching Yoshida get bullied around and plowed over by Josh Koscheck at UFC “Fight for the Troops,” this looks like a perfect fight for Johnson to flex his brawn over his brains. Watch for Johnson to back up Yoshida early with power shots. Once Yoshida starts backpedaling, Johnson has this fight locked up. Yoshida’s inability or unwillingness to force Johnson into a mistake will be his undoing.

UFC vet Xavier Foupa-Pokam headlines Dec. 3 Tachi Palace Fights II event

2009-10-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

October 21, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Tachi Palace Fights, the reincarnation of the once-popular Palace Fighting Championships, returns for its second show on Dec. 3, and the organization has secured recent UFC fighter Xavier Foupa-Pokam for the night's main event.

The French kickboxer takes on Mike Moreno in a middleweight bout.

Other notables on the card, which takes place at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif., include Diego Saraiva, Cyrille Diabate and Kyle Pimentel.

TPF began a new era earlier this month with its "Most Wanted" card, which featured Bellator champ Joe Soto's win over Mike Christensen and David Mitchell's controversial split-decision victory over UFC vet War Machine (formerly known as Jon Koppenhaver). Promoter Christian Printup recently took over sole control of the California-based organization, which has produced many notables who went to the UFC, WEC and other major promotions.

Click here to read entire article

PROMMA.INFO Exclusive Interview - Anthony Johnson

2009-10-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2009
Originally posted on ProMMA.info

UFC Welterweight Anthony Johnson made a pit stop at the Projket Label both to speak with PROMMA.INFO’s ‘Fast Eddie’ Constantine. ‘Rumble’ brought up what it would take for him to move up to 185, training at Cung Le’s gym, Matt Brown, a brief stint at American Kickboxing Academy and grappling tournaments.

Alistair Overeem vs. James Thompson at Dream.12

2009-10-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2009
Originally posted on MMA.fanhouse.com

Alistair Overeem hasn't fought for Strikeforce since winning its heavyweight championship two years ago. But after winning an easy fight over the weekend, he'll fight again after just a week off, stepping into the cage to take on James "The Collosus" Thompson at Dream 12 on Sunday.

Dream has not yet announced the fight, but a source with knowledge of the situation tells FanHouse that it will take place on the card, which is noteworthy as the first time the Japanese Dream promotion will use a cage instead of a ring.

This past Saturday, Overeem needed less than a minute and a half to finish off Tony Sylvester with a standing guillotine in the first round, and he'll enter the cage with Thompson a heavy favorite to finish that fight quickly as well. Overeem is one of the best strikers in MMA, and Thompson has been beaten by knockout or TKO five times in the last three years.

Thompson is well known to fans as the guy who lost to Kimbo Slice on CBS in 2008, in what is still the most-watched MMA fight in American history. Overeem is, in addition to being Strikeforce's heavyweight champion, one of the world's top heavyweight kickboxers. After he fights Thompson, his next fight will be in the K-1 ring on Dec. 5, when he faces Ewerton Teixeira in the first round of the K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final.

DREAM.12 additions include welterweight champ Marius Zaromskis and Kazushi Sakuraba

2009-10-19T10:38:00.001-07:00

October 19, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

The lineup for next week's DREAM.12 event has been shored up with the official announcement of a handful of bouts.

DREAM welterweight champion Marius Zaromskis (12-3) takes on Myeon Ho Bae (8-4) in a non-title bout, Tokimitsu Ishizawa (1-4-1) takes on Katsuyori Shibata (3-6-1), Keisuke Fujiwara (7-1-3) meets Tomoya Miyashita (12-5-6), and Kazushi Sakuraba (25-12-1) has replaced Melvin Manhoef and takes on Zelg Galesic (9-4).

The event takes place Oct. 25 at Osaka Castle Hall in Osaka, Japan, and airs live in North America on HDNet.

Click here to read the entire article

Camping with the Kids: Inside Phil Baroni's UFC 106 training camp, Part III

2009-10-19T10:36:00.001-07:00

October 19, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Welcome to part III of "Camping with the Kids: Inside Phil Baroni's UFC 106 training camp," the latest series from MMA agent and occasional MMAjunkie.com contributor Ken Pavia.

Although intended to focus on Baroni, as we learned in Part I, the series focuses just as much on two promising UFC youngsters, Mike Pierce and Ricky Story, who ventured to California and now find themselves on a whirlwind tour of MMA's top training facilities.

In Part III, "the kids" train with Freddie Roach and Junior Gazze and then head to Long Beach to train with boxing legend Antonio McKee at the Body Shop, where Pierce and Story became the only the second and third outsiders to survive a brutal workout.

Click here to read entire article

‘Rumble’ draws strength from late grandpa

2009-10-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

October 16, 2009
Originally posted on YahooSports.com

Morris Johnson taught his grandson, Anthony, lessons that, more than 20 years later, continue to serve him well.

Do your best. Never give up. Push yourself.

Anthony Johnson is one of the rising stars of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a welterweight with one-punch knockout power and a killer instinct second to none.

He’ll fight Yoshiyuki Yoshida a week from Saturday at UFC 104 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, looking for his fifth consecutive knockout victory.

At this stage of his career, Johnson is much like Georges St. Pierre, the UFC’s dynamic welterweight champion, was five years ago: Extraordinarily gifted, highly regarded but inexperienced and still learning his way in the game.

He’s already authored one of the most vicious knockouts in UFC history. He blew out Tommy Speer in Broomfield, Colo., on April 2, 2008, in but 51 seconds, the ferocity of which was almost frightening to watch. Yet, Johnson said that knockout was nothing.

“I’ve gotten so much better since then,” Johnson said. “If I fought him today, with what I’ve learned, I’d knock him out even worse.”

His pedigree is as a wrestler, but few in mixed martial arts have hands as good as Johnson’s. He is naturally strong and fast. Even as a child, his grandfather had to warn him about his own strength.

“When I was little, my aunt’s kids used to come over and we would play together,” Johnson said. “I would push them. To me, it was just light, but to them, it was like someone tackled them, slammed them, whatever. My granddad had to warn me about doing things like that, because I didn’t realize how strong I really am.

“One time, he and I were putting together a wagon to carry off the leaves that had fallen in the yard. I was tightening the bolt onto the wagon as I was putting it together and I ended up breaking the bolt in half because I tightened it too tight. He said he’d never, ever, seen anyone break a bolt in half before, but I wasn’t trying to do that. I was just trying to do what I was supposed to do and tighten it.”

Many significant moments in Johnson’s life involve his grandfather, who died two years ago.

Morris Johnson adopted his grandson and raised him from the time he was 2 years old. “My parents preferred the streets to raising their child,” Anthony says, softly. “The story of how my granddad wound up with me is crazy. Nobody would believe it if I told you.”

He declines to discuss those circumstances. And at one point during the telephone interview, it seems as if he may not discuss anything. Asked about his grandfather, there is suddenly a long pause, an uncomfortable silence.

The phone seems as if it may have gone dead. The question is repeated in the event he’s still on the line.

There’s a single sound, then another long pause.

The question is repeated again. There is a sniff and then, voice quivering and cracking, Anthony Johnson finally begins to speak through his tears.

“My granddad was my best friend,” Johnson said. “He adopted me and he raised me. He taught me so many valuable lessons: Always do your best. Never give up. Always be humble. So many things.”

Morris Johnson may be gone, but his influence remains, carried through a grandson who clearly worships him. He has a patch on his shorts he wears during his fights about the Bible’s Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”).

That is because when his grandfather collapsed at home, his grandmother read the 23rd Psalm as they desperately awaited an ambulance. At the funeral, the preacher read the 23rd Psalm, though no one but Anthony knew what his grandmother had done.

Johnson will also hold his arms up, as if he’s flexing, shortly before a fight in honor of his grandfather. When Anthony was wrestling in high school and college, he would glance at his grandfather in the stands, who would always make that gesture.

“He’d hold his arms up like he was flexing, as if I’d already won,” Johnson said. “It was our little sign, our connection. It was his way of telling me to give it my all. I still remember that to this day.

“I try to live my life like he lived his. I want to make him as proud of me as I can every single day. A lot of negative stuff comes your way in a given day, and there are always negative people. He would never allow the negative stuff and the negative people to get in the way of him doing what he thought was right. That’s really helped me and I try as best I can to live that same way.”

The first obstacle is getting down to the welterweight division’s 170-pound weight limit. Johnson, who is a broad-shouldered 6-foot-2, weighed 220 pounds when he began training for Yoshida.

He’s down to 190 now and plans to take advantage of the extra pound allowance fighters are given in non-title bouts and come in at 171 pounds.

“The only pressure I feel, honestly, is the pressure to make the weight,” Johnson said. “Once I’m on weight, I know everything else will take care of itself.”

Johnson has yet to fight a top 10 opponent, but knows the day is coming. He’s improving rapidly while training in ex-Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le’s camp and believes he’s only scratched the surface of his potential.

He’s hitting harder than he ever has, he said, and is learning to put his transitions together better.

“I’m hard on myself and I get upset when I make a mistake, but the good thing is that I can see the progress I’ve made,” Johnson said. “And I truly believe I’m nowhere near my potential. My granddad used to tell me never to settle for second best and never stop pushing to get better.

“Every day in the gym, I think of what he used to say and I’m determined to make myself better. It’s a way to honor him, to take what he taught me and put it into practice. And that’s what I try to do. It’s why I work so hard. It’s my way of thanking him for all he did for me.”

JAMES THOMPSON: "KIMBO LOOKED ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS WHEN HE FOUGHT ME"

2009-10-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

October 16, 2009
Originally posted on FightyHype.com by Percy Crawford

"I guess that after his loss, he had a big break and I think when you're first getting to grips with wrestling and the ground, you can't afford to do that. I thought Kimbo looked about the same level as when he fought me. He's dangerous on his feet and not so dangerous when he's not on them," stated Strikeforce heavyweight James Thompson as he shared his thoughts on Kimbo Slice fighting in the UFC. Check it out!

PC: How have you been doing James?

JT: Good, thanks mate!

PC: You haven't fought that much this year. Is that by design? Do you think you need to take some time off?

JT: I've fought twice this year actually; once in Japan once in Montreal. I had a lot of fights not happen, but I'll fight before the end of the year.

PC: I wanted to talk to you a little about all of the hype that Kimbo Slice is generating. A lot of people didn't feel like you got a fair shake in that fight. Is that a rematch you're still hoping to get some day?

JT: I did not get a fair shot and would love for a rematch down the line.

PC: Did you see his fight against Roy Nelson and if so, what did you think of his performance?

JT: I guess that after his loss, he had a big break and I think when you're first getting to grips with wrestling and the ground, you can't afford to do that. I thought Kimbo looked about the same level as when he fought me. He's dangerous on his feet and not so dangerous when he's not on them.

PC: Although it's no fault of his own, Kimbo does garner a lot of attention. Do you think he's deserving of it?

JT: Depends on how you look at it. He hasn't paid his dues the usual route, but then again, he, or someone very smart, marketed him well. Wish I'd thought of the idea. I would've been right on it. So I don't begrudge him for any of it.

PC: You are currently on a 4-fight losing streak. What do you feel you have to do to get things turned around?

JT: Yeah, it has been really hard. After the Kimbo fight, I felt I gave everything and did not get a fair run, so I started feeling sorry for myself and went off track big time. All of this was my own fault. Not a big secret what I have to do to turn things around. I just have to take advantage of the great training I have at London Shoot Fighter, which is what I'm now doing.

PC: When would you like to fight again and would you prefer it be in the States or Japan?

JT: I want to fight before Christmas and I don't mind where because both treat us well.

PC: Would you have ever considered trying out for The Ultimate Fighter?

JT: I would have gone for this season, but I'm contracted to Strikeforce. Scott Coker has been very good in letting me fight anywhere, but that might have been pushing it a bit.

PC: Thanks for your time. Good luck in your next fight. Is there anything you want to say in closing?

JT: No problem. I just wanted to say thanks to London Shoot Fighter, Cherry Active, EXtreme Nutrition and MMAagents. Cheers!

Camping with the Kids: Inside Phil Baroni's UFC 106 training camp, Part I

2009-10-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

October 14, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

MMAjunkie.com today kicks off a new series titled "Camping with the Kids," in which we give readers an inside look at a fighter's training camp.

Occasional MMAjunkie.com contributor Ken Pavia, who last year penned our "Living with Luke" series, returns for an inside look at Phil Baroni's UFC 106 training camp.

In his UFC homecoming fight, "The New York Badass" takes on Amir Sadollah in a welterweight match-up. In the first installment of his series, Pavia discusses how training camps are put together, training partners and gyms chosen, and how Baraoni specifically is preparing for his Nov. 21 fight in Las Vegas.

Click here to read entire article

Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings - Martin Kampmann

2009-10-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Another title defense, another elite contender, another dominant victory for St. Pierre. GSP’s lopsided decision over an elite challenger in Thiago Alves at UFC 100 showed why he remains one of the sport’s pound-for-pound kings and caused many fans and observers to begin demanding a move to middleweight.

Fitch earned himself a hard-fought and well-deserved unanimous verdict over Paulo Thiago in July. Next on tap for the American Kickboxing Academy product will be former middleweight King of Pancrase Ricardo Almeida in the Brazilian’s welterweight debut at UFC 106 on Nov. 21.

Coming off a unanimous decision loss in his July UFC title bid against Georges St. Pierre, Alves’ return to the cage in December will not be a “gimme,” as he will meet once-beaten fellow Brazilian Paul Thiago at UFC 107.

As expected, Shields will return to the middleweight division for Strikeforce’s Nov. 7 show on CBS, where he will take on Jason “Mayhem” Miller. As an extra perk for the former EliteXC champion, the bout will be for the promotion’s middleweight crown, recently vacated by Cung Le.

In his first appearance in the cage since his upset loss to Paulo Thiago in February, Koscheck -- who also rebounded from a broken toe that sidelined him in May -- needed less than a round to punch out sturdy veteran Frank Trigg. The win put Koscheck back in the welterweight title picture in the UFC.

Thiago certainly receives no favors from UFC matchmaker Joe Silva. After meeting Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch in his first two UFC bouts, the Brazilian Military Police member will take on another elite 170-pounder at UFC 107 in December, when he meets fellow Brazilian Thiago Alves.

If Swick wants to become the next challenger to George St. Pierre’s welterweight throne, he’ll have to earn it on Nov. 14 at UFC 105. There, he’ll take on surging Brit Dan Hardy with a title shot on the line.

Daley came to the UFC with a reputation as one of Britain’s best talents and one of the welterweight division’s most dangerous strikers. Even so, he was an underdog to divisional standout Martin Kampmann. However, Daley needed fewer than three minutes to blow away Kampmann at UFC 103 and signal his arrival in the UFC’s 170-pound division.

UFC 103 was supposed to feature Kampmann meeting Mike Swick with the next crack at Georges St. Pierre on the line. After Swick pulled out due to injury, Kampmann was a considerable favorite to debuting British banger Paul Daley, who responded by demolishing the Dane in the first round.

Many hardcore fans felt Condit would find himself in rough waters in his Sept. 16 bout with the relatively unknown Jake Ellenberger, but few could have imagined the extent. Condit had to overcome an onslaught from Ellenberger in the opening stanza in order to take a split decision win by the skin of his teeth.

Dan Hardy, Marcus Davis, Jay Hieron, Dan Hornbuckle, Matt Hughes.

Sean Salmon to Fight Yuki Sasaki in Finland, Moving Past Recent Controversy

2009-10-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

October 9, 2009
Originally posted on MMA.fanhouse.com

Sean Salmon, who created a storm of controversy after he wrote in an MMA Junkie column last month that he tapped out in a recent fight, not because he was in pain, but because he was afraid of getting injured later in the fight, will look to get his career back on track on Oct. 17 when he faces veteran Yuki Sasaski at a Freedom Fight show in Finland.

Salmon's agent, Ken Pavia, confirmed the news with FanHouse on Thursday.

Salmon lost via armbar submission to Allan Weickert on a local show in Cleveland, Ohio, in June. In the column, he wrote that he could have escaped the hold, but was told by the Wolfslair Academy in the United Kingdom that if he got injured in the fight, he could not return to train with them, so he opted to tap out to avoid any injuries.

Click here to read entire article

Although Strikeforce contract possible, War Machine says one-fight deals have perks

2009-10-07T13:51:00.001-07:00

October 7, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

After butting heads with UFC management and earning his walking papers in 2008 – only to rack up an impressive five-fight win streak for a variety of organizations – many people have one question for War Machine (10-2).

When's he going to sign a multi-fight deal with a major organization?

But War Machine (formerly known as Jon Koppenhaver), who fights David Mitchell at Thursday's Tachi Palace Fights event, on Tuesday told MMAjunkie.com Radio his recent globetrotting has many benefits.

Click here to read entire article

MMAjunkie.com Radio: UFC 104 fighter Anthony Johnson

2009-10-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

October 7, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Rising UFC welterweight contender Anthony Johnson is a guest on today's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio.

The crowd-pleasing 170-pounder goes for his fourth win in five fights when he meets Yoshiyuki Yoshida later this month at UFC 104. The fight is part of the night's pay-per-view broadcast.

MMAjunkie.com Radio begins at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Click here for entire article

Nick Diaz Is Taking Food Off Jay Hieron's Table

2009-10-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

October 5, 2009
Originally posted on CagePotato.com

It seems like the trials and tribulations never end for Jay Hieron. The guy has had two different organizations pull fights out from under him, then he signs with Strikeforce in order to get a title shot against Nick Diaz, which he now can't get due to Diaz's, well, I'll paraphrase Hieron here and call it "[monkeying] around."

Talking to Steve Cofield, you can hear the anger and frustration in Hieron's voice as he wonders why Diaz can't get off the weed and forget about this boxing pipe dream long enough to do the only feasible fight that makes sense at this point. Honestly, what is Diaz doing these days? I realize he's probably on his own program, but how long can you do bong rips and watch reruns of "227" before you wake up one afternoon and realize that your best years are slipping away and you're not making the most of them?

If anybody has suffered enough in this business, it's Hieron. For Pete's sake, Diaz, give the boy the fight. You've got the rest of your life to get high and [monkey] around.

Amir Sadollah vs Phil Baroni Official For UFC 106

2009-09-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

A previously rumored bout between "The Ultimate Fighter 7" champion Amir Sadollah, and "The New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni has officially been added to the events page at www.ufc.com. The fight will take place at UFC 106 which airs live on pay-per-view from Las Vegas, Nev.

Sadollah entered the UFC without any professional mixed martial arts experience. In the "Ultimate Fighter" tournament, he made the finals by besting fellow combatants Steve Byrnes, Gerald Harris, Matt Brown, and C.B. Dolloway. He was scheduled to meet Jesse Taylor at the finale event, but Taylor was removed due to behavioral problems.

In a replacement bout, C.B. Dolloway defeated Tim Credeur and earned a rematch with Sadollah at the finale.

In the first contest, Sadollah defeated Dolloway by way of armbar and it did not take long for Amir to once again lock up Dollaway's arm to get his second straight victory over his opponent.

It would be 14 months before Amir would fight again; he suffered several injuries forcing the cancellation of multiple fights. In just his second professional fight, Amir was quickly knocked out by Johny Hendricks and now holds an MMA record of 1-1.

Standing opposite Sadollah in the cage will be Phil Baroni, who looks to return to the organization where he initially made a name for himself. "The New York Bad Ass" began his career with an impressive 5-1 record before he would lose four straight before leaving the UFC.

Since his exodus from the ranks of the UFC, Baroni has fought in PrideFC, Cage Rage, Icon, and Strikeforce. A drop to welterweight has proven successful, as he is 3-1 since the move. Phil looks to put his mark on the UFC's welterweight division and establish himself as a serious contender. His last bout was a uninamous decision loss to Joe Riggs in June, pushing his MMA record to 13-11 (although UFC officials list his record at just 6-5).

Originally posted on 9/29/09 at http://www.mmaspot.net/index.php/redblack/comments/39090929_amir_sadollah_vs_phil_baroni_official_for_ufc_106/

Reposted by MMAagents, leaders in Mixed Martial Arts Athlete Representation.

Tuff-N-Uff Amateur MMA Fights, Paintball Highlights At Mesquite Fundraiser

2009-09-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

Mesquite, Nevada - Every day, United States military personnel face a new battle as they return home from combat zones.

Addressing the desperate need to relieve the financial and emotional burdens caused by the physical and mental scars of war, Mixed Martial Arts legend Randy "The Natural" Couture created the Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation. With a mission focused on raising money and awareness, the foundation's goal is to help these brave men and women fulfill any of their unmet needs as they return back to civilian life.

"Having spent time in a uniform, it became a personal goal of mine to find a way to give back to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces for the sacrifices they make defending our freedoms. The Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation was born out of that desire." Couture explained.

Tapping into his network of current and former MMA fighters, Couture is hosting a weekend fundraiser October 16-18 in Mesquite, Nevada. Xtreme Combat Weekend will include three days of scenario paintball, amateur MMA fights and "Xtreme" parties.

Participants & donors have the opportunity to play paintball against and alongside nationally recognized fighters including Randy Couture, Ryan Couture, Gray Maynard, Jay Hieron, and John Alessio.

The paintball games will be played exclusively at A Pirates Paradise's new field located 5 miles northeast of Mesquite. Owner Tim Andrus has spent the last two months preparing the 40-acre site for this event.

"The property borders and actually extends over the Virgin River. The thick scrub provides so much cover, we've had to plow roads and paths through the field, " Andrus said. "We're really excited to be the host site for Xtreme Combat Weekend. It's a great cause; Randy is an awesome guy, and we're doing something to help the troops."

A highlight of the weekend will come Saturday evening when up-and-coming fighters take center stage at the CasaBlanca Events center for amatuer MMA fights presented by Tuff-N-Uff. A separate ticketed event; seats will range from $20 for general admission to only $50 for ringside. Like all the weekend's events, proceeds support the Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation.

Post fight, the public can meet up-and-coming fighters and some of their favorite MMA stars at an after fight night club in the CasaBlanca Hotel. A $15 cover charge applies, and this party is limited to persons age 21 and over.

"This weekend really wouldn't be possible without our sponsors," Andrus added. "Special Ops Paintball, Spyder Paintball, Kee Action Sports, Planet Eclipse and Blackjack Paintball have all thrown their support behind us on this event."

Registration and event schedules are available online at the event's website, XtremeCombatWeekend.com.

"We hope everyone will come join us for a great weekend including paintball and amateur fights all in the name of our troops," Couture said.

For more information on the Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation please contact:

Valerie Haney
Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation
4055 West Sunset
Las Vegas, NV 89118
xtremecouturegifoundation.org
(702) 616-1022

Originally posted 9/30/09 at http://www.mmascrapsradio.com/2009/09/tuff-n-uff-amateur-mma-fights-paintball.html

Reposted by MMAagents, leaders in Mixed Martial Arts athlete representation.

David Loiseau, Former UFC Middleweight Contender, to Try Out for 'TUF 11'

2009-09-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

September 29, 2009
Originally posted on MMA.fanhouse.com

When FanHouse spoke to David Loiseau recently about his MMA future, "The Crow" was still focused on continuing his career with the UFC despite getting cut by the organization in April. And according to Loiseau's agent, Ken Pavia, Loiseau thinks that trying out for the eleventh season of The Ultimate Fighter provides his best chance at getting back into the UFC.

"He's committed to doing whatever it takes to get back into a major show, and that includes submitting an application for the next TUF season," Pavia told FanHouse on Tuesday.

Five Ounces of Pain recently reported that the UFC will be holding open tryouts for TUF 11 on Oct. 26 in Los Angeles -- two days after UFC 104. The organization has yet to officially announce the tryouts and which weight classes will be featured on the show, but all signs point to it being welterweights and middleweights. No coaches have been announced for the show just yet.

Pavia said that Loiseau plans on submitting his application on Tuesday evening.

"Of course UFC, man. Of course," Loiseau responded when asked where he would like to fight next. "I'd love to go back, you know, just to get another chance to do what I do."

The 29-year-old Loiseau (18-9) began his Octagon career at UFC 42 in April 2003, defeating Mark Weir via first-round knockout. He lost a middleweight title fight to Rich Franklin at UFC 58 in March 2006 and was released after losing to Mike Swick at UFC 63. After compiling a 4-2 record outside the UFC, Loiseau returned to the Octagon at UFC 97, but lost a one-sided unanimous decision to Ed Herman in front of his hometown Montreal, QC, crowd. He currently has a 4-4 UFC record, and holds notable victories over Evan Tanner, Charles McCarthy and Gideon Ray.

The fourth season of the Spike TV reality show featured a cast of ex-UFC fighters and current TUF competitor Wes Sims has fought in the Octagon before, but should Loiseau make the cast, he would arguably be the most famous former competitor to land a spot on the show.

Baroni vs. Sadollah and Davis vs. Saunders relegated to UFC 106 prelims

2009-09-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

September 29, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

The UFC's November return to Las Vegas continues to take form, and the promotion today announced three preliminary card bouts for "UFC 106: Lesnar vs. Carwin."

Phil Baroni vs. Amir Sadollah, Marcus Davis vs. Ben Saunders and Jason Dent vs. George Sotiropoulos, all previously reported by MMAjunkie.com, were today officially added to the UFC 106 card.

UFC 106, featuring a heavyweight title fight between current champ Brock Lesnar and challenger Shane Carwin, takes place Nov. 21 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Click here to read entire article

MMA Big Show’s unbeaten welterweight champ Roger Bowling wants War Machine

2009-09-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

September 28, 2009
Originally posted on ProMMA.info

Indiana (USA): What started out as simply a potentially great fight has evolved into a blood feud between MMA Big Show Welterweight Champion “Relentless” Roger Bowling (6-0) and former UFC bad boy War Machine (10-2).

After having to pull out of a fight against Machine twice due to injury, Bowling is being forced to defend himself against all kinds of verbal attacks from his proposed opponent.

“Twice we have been scheduled to fight now and twice he has suddenly gotten injured two weeks before the fight! If you’re scared to fight the War Machine, don’t sign on the dotted line,” Machine told Fighters.com

Click here to read entire article

M-1 Challenge Semifinals

2009-09-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

September 28, 2009
Originally posted on MMAfighting.com

Press Release:

USA WEST VS. USA EAST M-1 CHALLENGE SEMIFINAL MATCHUP ON SEPT. 26 TO FEATURE TWO BATTLE OF UNBEATENS

Amsterdam, Holland -- Few head coaches have been more committed to winning the 2009 M-1 Challenge Championship Cup than Team USA West's Colin Oyama.

Oyama single-handily raised the bar of competition in the 2009 "M-1 CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY AFFLICTION" when he enlisted top-shelf talents such as former EliteXC fighters Giva Santana and Shane Del Rosario as well as one-time Affliction veteran Fabio "Negao" Nascimento to help spearhead his five-man squad.

So while Team USA East waited on pins and needles to find out who their USA West counterparts would be for their M-1 Challenge semifinal matchup on Sept. 26 in Rostov, Russia (to be available live on Internet PPV at M-1Global.com), Oyama was not going to make any hasty decisions about who was going to select to fill out his roster.

Oyama was faced with two tough decisions as he searched for replacements for WEC-bound lightweight Dave Jansen and light heavyweight Raphael Davis, who is slated to compete in the upcoming Abu Dhabi Combat Championships during the M-1 Challenge semifinals.

After his USA West team went 3-0 in team challenge play and 13-2 in individual fights, Oyama refused to cave into pressure and name his replacements before he had found fighters he was confident that could take his team to the M-1 Challenge finals.

Oyama announced over the weekend that those two fighters are lightweight Steve Magdaleno and light heavyweight Spencer Hooker. With both Magdaleno and Hooker secured, all four rosters and 10 scheduled fights for the Sept. 26 M-1 Challenge semifinals in Rostov, Russia are now finalized.

Reacting to USA East's coach Reed Wallace's slick recruiting of IFL veteran Delson Heleno to fight for him at welterweight and undefeated blue chip prospect Ivan "Batman" Jorge to fight at lightweight, Oyama felt the need to raise the ante.

Enter Hooker and Magdaleno, two emerging talents on the cusp of breaking out in this sport.

Magdaleno joins Team USA West as a member of the VMAT Gym, the fight gym owned and operated by current UFC light heavyweight Vladimir Matyushenko and also the home to recent UFC acquisition Jared Hamman. When Magdaleno steps into the ring with Jorge on Sept. 26, both fighters will be putting undefeated records on the line. Jorge, a native of Brazil, is 9-0, while Magdaleno has a 6-0 record with four of his wins coming via early stoppage.

Hooker trains out of Colorado Springs and has a 6-1 record. A submission specialist with five wins via tap out, Oyama's decision to enlist Hooker's services is likely a counter to former WEC vet Chuck "The Reverend" Grigsby's standing at the USA East resident light heavyweight.

At 6'6'', Grigsby is known for utilizing his long reach advantage and battering his opponents' faces with his blistering jab. While Oyama has been tight-lipped about his team's gameplan, one would expect Hooker to look to take Grigsby out of his comfort zone and negate his reach by putting his back on the mat.

In addition to Magdaleno vs. Jorge and Hooker vs. Grigsby, USA East vs. USA West will also feature three other individual matchups. Heleno is set to square off against Negao in a battle of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts that some M-1 officials believe could be the fight of the night. At middleweight, Giva "The Arm Collector" Santana will put his 13-1 record on the line for USA West when he takes on Gerson "Indio" Dos Santos Cordeiro of USA East.

Set to close out the best-of-five series between the two USA teams is another battle of unbeatens, as Del Rosario will put his 7-0 record on the line against Pedro Ribeiro's 5-0 record. With the four preceding matchups appearing to be tightly contested on paper, there's a good chance that the Del Rosario vs. Ribeiro matchup could be the deciding fight as to which USA team will reach the M-1 Challenge finals.

The complete bout listing of fights for the M-1 Challenge semifinals on Sept. 26 in Rostov, Russia are now as follows:

USA EAST VS. USA WEST -

1. Lightweight (154 lbs./-70 kg): Ivan Jorge vs. Steve Magdaleno
2. Welterweight (167.2 lbs./-76 kg): Delson Heleno vs. Fabio "Negao" Nascimento
3. Middleweight (184.8 lbs./-84 kg): Gerson "Indio" Dos Santos Cordeiro vs. Giva Santana
4. Light Heavyweight (204.8 lbs./-93 kg): Chuck Grigsby vs. Spencer Hooker
5. Heavyweight (+204.8 lbs./+93 kg): Luis Pedro Ribeiro vs. Shane Del Rosario

ENGLAND VS. RUSSIA LEGION -

6. Lightweight (154 lbs./-70 kg): Scott Hewitt vs. Yura Ivlev
7. Welterweight (167.2 lbs./-76 kg): Simon Phillips vs. Magomed Shikshabekov
8. Middleweight (184.8 lbs./-84 kg): Matt Thorpe vs. Ansar Chalangov
9. Light Heavyweight (204.8 lbs./-93 kg): Lee Austin vs. Besiki Gerenava
10. Heavyweight (+204.8 lbs./+93 kg): Rob Broughton vs. Akhmed Sultanov

Cummings admits respect for Kennedy, hopes to smile his way to victory at Strikeforce

2009-09-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

September 25, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

When Strikeforce middleweight prospects Zak Cummings (10-0) and Tim Kennedy (10-2) squared off at Thursday's official weigh-ins, the mood was anything but intense.

The duo was all smiles at the SpiritBank Event Center in Bixby, Okla., and Cummings recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio to expect more of the same in tonight's "Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs. Cummings" main event on Showtime.

"I've got a lot of respect for [Kennedy]," Cummings said. "After watching his interview before his fight with 'Mayhem' Miller, I was like, 'I can't fight this guy. I like him. He cracks me up.'

Click here to read entire article

MARTIN KAMPMANN: FROM TENNIS TO KICKING ASS

2009-09-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

September 25, 2009
Originally posted on Heavy.com

Mixed martial arts is not just about... mixing up the martial arts. It also mixes fighters from countries around the world where a fan from the U.S. can and will root for a Canadian fighter, even when he is squaring off against a U.S. fighter. Look no further than Georges St-Pierre.

Enter Martin Kampmann. Like St-Pierre, Kampmann competes in the welterweight division, and like St-Pierre, he is a popular fighter from another country – Denmark, to be exact.

A win over Mike Swick at UFC 103 would have likely propelled the Danish born fighter into a title shot against St-Pierre.But as fate would have it, Swick was forced to pull out of their fight and now Kampmann faces a new opponent in Paul Daley.

While a win this weekend may not guarantee Kampmann a title shot, he remains focused on the fight ahead of him, looking forward to showcasing his complete MMA skill set.

Don’t bet your hard earned kroner on this fight going to a decision. Eighty percent of Kampmann’s fights evade the judges scorecards, and he is just as adept at submitting his opponent as he is at knocking them out.

We caught up with Martin Kampmann after his evening training session and learned why he chose Thai Boxing over Karate, how he determines what movies he will watch, and what he loves about his legendary coach Randy Couture.

Heavy.com: Besides MMA, when you were younger, you wanted to be a tennis star?

Martin Kampmann: When I was young I played tennis because that is what my Dad loved. He would drag me out onto the tennis court. I got tired of it pretty fast. He got my younger brothers hooked on it though... one of them is actually pretty good at it.

Heavy.com: How did your Dad take to MMA?

Martin Kampmann: He likes it now. Not so much at first. He doesn’t like to see people get banged up too much. But he is very supportive my career which is important for me.

Heavy.com: So after leaving behind tennis you got into Karate. I read you were inspired by movies like Bloodsport with Jean-Claude Van Damme. You moved past karate though and found your groove with Thai Boxing. What did you like better about it?

Martin Kampmann: Thai Boxing looked fun so I wanted to try it out. It liked the style and it suited my personality better. I liked the contact better versus working on stance all the time.

Heavy.com: With Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida adapting Karate successfully to the octagon does it make you think more about using it?

Martin Kampmann: Machida has brought Karate back and I think that is cool. I think it works well for him. Different styles suite different fighters. I haven’t been using any Karate in my MMA training, but whatever helps win fights I will train in, so we shall see.

Heavy.com: When you aren’t busy training do you spend any of your free time watching movies?

Martin Kampmann: I do love movies. I like to watch good movies, not shitty movies. I am picky so I will check out the reviews before I go see a movie. Have you heard of rottentomaotes.com? I will go there. It doesn’t have to be an Oscar nominated movie…it just has to have a good story line.

I just saw the new Quentin Tarantino movie Inglorious Bastards and I liked that. It was pretty good. It was not very historically accurate but still a very good movie, very entertaining.

Heavy.com: Does music play a role in your training sessions? Do you like to have it on in the background?

Martin Kampmann: Definitely. Usually I will just listen to what is on the radio or what someone has going on their IPOD. I listen to a little bit of everything. I actually listen to a lot of Danish music too, to remind me of home. Some people think European music is just techno but we have all kinds of music. We have rock, rap, you name it.

Heavy.com: Throw the names of two Danish musicians at our readers.

Martin Kampmann: I like the rapper L.O.C... also an old school rock band D-A-D. They are both pretty popular over in Denmark.

Heavy.com: What makes Martin Kampmann laugh?

Martin Kampmann: My good friend and training partner Mike Pyle. He is a funny dude. Good jokes while hanging out with my buddies. I like good pranks too. I wish I could think of some good ones of the top of my head. Most of the things I probably wouldn’t tell to the public.

Heavy.com: How would you describe your style? Is fashion important to you in terms of how you look?

Martin Kampmann: I like to look good but I don’t spend too much time thinking about what to wear. I have a nice sponsorship with Hitman Fight Gear so you can check out the website to see more of the style. They hook me up with a lot of cool stuff. Day to day I am casual. I don’t bling it up. I live in Vegas so, especially in the summer, it gets too hot. I am wearing flip flops and shorts every day.

Heavy.com: Speaking of Vegas, you have one of the best training camps in MMA at Xtreme Couture. You must get pretty spoiled with all those great training partners.

Martin Kampmann: It is very nice to train here. I came over here because of my friend Mike Pyle. I train with Mike and Jay Heiron a lot since they are similar in size. Jay just won his fight in Strikeforce.

I like to train with guys of different size though. I actually train with Tyson Griffin a lot who fights at lightweight. I will punch him, he will punch me. I will try to take him down; he will try to take me down. We go all out. He is a tough little dude.

Heavy.com: Forrest Griffin is also a part of Xtreme Couture. In his recent book Got Fight, he actually talks about you and how tough you are and that you have a never quit attitude. You just keep coming back for more every time and get better in the process.

Martin Kampmann: I actually haven’t read it yet and I need to. I was told what Forrest said about me and that meant a lot for him to say those things about me. For me, Forrest is one of the hardest workers I have never met, so it is good to have someone like that to train with. I heard the book is hilarious so I want to read it for that too.

Heavy.com: How awesome is Randy Couture?

Martin Kampmann: Randy is inspirational. I can’t really say how great it is to be in the same gym as him. When that guy walks into the cage he is happy and having a good time.

He loves what he does and has such a great attitude.

It wears off on you and it inspires you to get the most out of yourself. He has taught me not to stress about things and just live in the moment.

Heavy.com: You were competitive in the Middleweight before losing to Nate Marquardt. You decided to cut weight for the first time in your career which is something you weren’t really accustomed to until you fought over in the United States correct?

Martin Kampmann: Yeah, I have always come in and fought close to the weight I was walking around at but over here everyone cuts weights. People were telling me from the beginning that I needed to cut weight and fight at welterweight.

Even some of the 155 pounders, when they were out of shape, would walk around heavier then I would. I decided to stay at 185 pounds as long as I was winning fights. My attitude was: why fix what’s not broken and if I lose we will take it form there.

Unfortunately I took that loss to Marquardt which really sucked. I hate to lose. I still think I could have done much better but sometimes you screw up and get caught. He fazed me with a good kick and did a great job of keeping pressure on me when I was hurt.

Heavy.com: In MMA it's so fast and dynamic and a fight can turn on you in a moment.

Martin Kampmann: Very true. There are so many ways to lose in MMA.

Heavy.com: There is no shame losing to a guy like Nate Marquardt though... you saw what he did to Demian Maia at UFC 102?

Martin Kampmann: I don’t like losing, bottom line. I don’t like the fact that I lost that fight. I would love to fight him again, but not for a while.

Heavy.com: You are only 27, so you're young in the sport. Is Middleweight ever an option down the line?

Martin Kampmann: Definitely. Anything is possible in the future. Right now I have to stay grounded and think about the guy in front of me.

Heavy.com: The guy in front of you was Mike Swick and the fight was being billed as a number one contender's fight, but Swick pulled out and now your opponent is Paul Daley. Can the fans expect to see an explosive striking fight with both of you being so versed in Muay Thai?

Martin Kampmann: He is very good striker with knockout power, very explosive. I do not underestimate him. He will be a tough fight... he may have heavier hands then Swick. His ground game is a weak point in his game though.

He has been submitted several times in his career so I know I will have the edge if and when the fight goes to the ground. I will keep him guessing and mix it up. I want to show him all parts of my game.

Heavy.com: T(KO) or submission - do you prefer one over the other?

Martin Kampmann: I enjoy both ways of winning a fight. As long as I win the fight I am happy, no matter how it is finished. Whatever gets the job done.

Heavy.com: This fight may or may not propel you into a title fight with St-Pierre depending on how things play out. Would you still like to fight Mike Swick if the UFC wants you to?

Martin Kampmann: Of course I would like to fight Swick. He is the guy I trained for, so I have it in my mind to fight him.

Heavy.com: Speaking of St-Pierre... it is noticeable that he takes the fight to the ground a lot more then he used to and looks unstoppable. Is there anything a fighter can do to stop that?

Martin Kampmann: Just get your wrestling as sharp as you can. That is easier said then done. He has definitely turned into almost a pure wrestler where as before he used to strike more before he got knocked out by Matt Serra.

Heavy.com: Do you think St-Pierre is playing it safe?

Martin Kampmann: He fought Alves last time and his strong point is his stand up. I think St-Pierre plays to win it. If you strike with Alves there is a chance you will get knocked out. He is in there to win it so the best chance for him to do that is take his opponent down and get in his guard. The best strategy wins a fight.

Heavy.com: Lastly, tell us about being from Denmark. Do you have a lot of family and friends there…do you get to go back and visit a lot? And do you feel the differences between European and American culture?

Martin Kampmann: I love Denmark. I enjoy going back to visit my family and friends. I will be going back for Christmas. There are differences because of the culture of course but I see us as all being human beings wanting to pursue the same things for our lives.

Every place is different though which makes it cool. I love to travel and see different cultures and what makes everyone unique. I would like to go to New Zealand... that's the next place on my list. I hear that it is so beautiful there. I would love to see the whole world.

Heavy.com: It looks like we're winding down, Martin. I know you are busy with training so I want to thank you for taking the time to sit down and talk with us. Good luck in your upcoming fight at UFC 103.

Martin Kampmann: Thank you. Thanks for the support.

When Will 'The Crow' Fly Again?

2009-09-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

September 24, 2009
Originally posted on MMA.fanhouse.com

David Loiseau's return to the UFC didn't go as planned in April. "The Crow" lost a one-sided unanimous decision to Ed Herman in his hometown of Montreal, QC, and the UFC cut ties with him again immediately after the fight. Loiseau now finds himself hungrier than ever, but also frustrated with the current politics of MMA.

FanHouse recently spoke to Loiseau at the Tristar Gym in Montreal about what went wrong against Herman and when he expects to fight next. The video interview is below.

"Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs. Cummings" live and official weigh-in results

2009-09-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

September 24, 2009
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

BIXBY, Okla. – MMAjunkie.com is on scene for today's official "Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs. Cummings" fighter weigh-ins.

Playing host to the weigh-ins is the SpiritBank Event Center in Bixby, Okla., which is the same Tulsa-area venue that hosts Friday's Showtime-televised event.

The weigh-ins are slated to begin at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). We'll post live updates as the fighters hit the scale.

Click here to read entire article

SpiritBank Event Center hosts Thursday's "Strikeforce Challengers" weigh-ins

2009-09-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Strikeforce returns Friday for the latest of its prospects-driven event series, "Strikeforce Challengers," and the official fighter weigh-ins take place Thursday at the SpiritBank Event Center in Bixby, Okla.

The same venue hosts the following night's Showtime-televised event, which features a headliner between top middleweight contenders Tim Kennedy and Zak Cummings.

The weigh-ins, which are open and free to the public, begin at 7 p.m. CT local time (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

In addition to Kennedy vs. Cummings, Friday's event, which is the third "Strikeforce Challengers" show to date, features main-card bouts of famed kickboxer Ray "Sugarfoot" Sefo vs. UFC vet Kevin Jordan, Zach Light vs. University of Missouri All-American wrestler Tyron Woodley, Travis Calonoc vs. Thomas Longacres, and U.S. Olympian and MMA newcomer Daniel Cormier vs. Gary Frazier.

The full card includes:

MAIN CARD

Zak Cummings vs. Tim Kennedy
Kevin Jordan vs. Ray Sefo
Zach Light vs. Tyron Woodley
Travis Calonoc vs. Thomas Longacres
Daniel Cormier vs. Gary Frazier

PRELIMINARY CARD

Lacey Schuckman vs. Jeri Sitzes
Levi Avera vs. Paul Bradley
Brandon Gaines vs. Trey Houston
John Carson vs. Kenny Giddens
Nick Gibbons vs. Josh Pulsifer
Lemont Davis vs. Dillon Smith

MMAjunkie.com will be on scene with a live report and photos from Thursday's weigh-ins. We'll also have full coverage from Friday's preliminary and main cards, and all the post-event news.

UFC 103 medical suspensions: All 26 fighters suspended, "Cro Cop" indefinitely

2009-09-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

All 26 competitors from this past weekend's "UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort" event were issued medical suspension following the event.

MMAjunkie.com obtained the list of suspensions from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees combat sports in the state.

Although most of the suspensions run the minimum of seven days, some fighters received extended ones, including Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, who has been suspended indefinitely.

Click here to read entire article

Beerbohm vs. Aoki - winner gets the rights to the colorful trunks

2009-09-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on ProMMA.info

“Let’s do it!” That was Lyle Beerbohm’s response when asked by Fast Eddie Constantine on the latest edition of The INFO if he would fight Shinya Aoki for ownership rights to Beerbohm’s famous “shorts of many colors” made by his mother.

This sums up Beerbohm’s desire to face the best lightweights in the world and compete for the lightweight title within Strikeforce. “I want to fight the best lightweights and get the Strikeforce belts,” said Beerbohm. “That is my only goal and whatever gets me there is what I want to do.”

Beerbohm feels he should be next in line, but he will compete against whoever Strikeforce matches him up with. One name that came up however was Jorge Gurgel. “I was kind of hoping to fight Gurgel on the November card,” he said. “He fought In Washington on the same card when I beat Bang Ludwig so I was hoping that was how the match up would go for November.”

Beerbohm was very satisfied with his most recent victory on the Arena Rumble card, winning in under two minutes. “In Strikeforce I am not allowed to use elbows, so I wanted to use it when I fight outside Strikeforce,” he explained. “I took him down and ended up giving him 30 staples and 20 stitches. The first elbow split him wide open and I was surprised when the ref did not stop it.”

Beerbohm felt bad that the referee did not act faster to care for the bloodied fighter’s safety. “I did not stop but I looked up at him for a second with a look thinking, ‘Are you going to stop this?’ He did not, so I threw a few more punches and he finally stepped in,” explained Beerbohm.

The variance in the rules does not seem to affect the Washington based fighter. “Rules are rules. I can fight any which way you want,” he said. “If you can’t do it and I can’t do it them it does not really bother me. Don’t get me wrong, I do love throwing elbows! The guys in Strikeforce are lucky.”

Beerbohm is currently under negotiations with Strikeforce to extend his tenure with the organization. “I think Strikeforce is the place to be,” Beerbohm stated. “He [Scott Coker] treats me real well and does everything I want. They are on Showtime and the competition is there.”

One of the points that Beerbohm wants in his new deal is the guarantee that his fights are televised. “I am 23–0 with 21 finishes,” Beerbohm said. “I have beaten several UFC veterans and I think I should be on TV. I think we will be on TV from here on out.”

Beerbohm thanked Ken Pavia and MMA Agents for their work in securing the exposure that he feels he deserves. “Pavia is a great agent,” he said.

Beerbohm does not feel he needs to migrate his training away from northern Washington in order to compete with the world’s best at 155 lbs. “I have a loyal team here in Spokane,” said Beerbohm.

“They have been with me since day one. I have Mike Hanks he is an unbelievable Striker, Cody McKenzie is 6 – 0 as a pro. If you know the basics, you do not need to go anywhere else. You do not need all these tricky places to learn new stuff. When it comes down to it, the fight is mental and I am second to none there.”

Beerbohm debuted his “Beer-naked choke” in a recent victory against Duane Ludwig. “I do have some tricky submission that I do. I have only been training two-and-a-half years and everything is clicking at the right time,” said Beerbohm. “You are going to see some fancy moves when I fight on Showtime. You will see the Beer-naked choke again.”

When asked if he would consider other events such as the ADCC submission wrestling championships, Beerbohm was all ears. “That is definitely some thing I want to do. It s the number one grappling tournament in the world and I would love to be up in there,” he said.

Due to his previous legal issues, this year’s tournament would be out of the question. “Unfortunately, I do not have a passport and I can’t get it in time. But maybe the next time the tournament comes around I will be able go,” Beerbohm said.

Beerbohm stated his previous substance abuse issues have helped mental focus. “When having a major meth addiction, I put all of my time and effort into that drug. Now I switched and I put all of my effort into MMA,” explained Beerbohm.

Don’t forget to check out The INFO every week as we strive to bring you the best coverage and discussion from everything in the world of mixed martial arts.

PROMMA.INFO is Google’s number one source of pro MMA news and information.

UFC 103 Preview: The Main Card (Kampmann)

2009-09-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Originally a high-stakes No. 1-contender match, Kampmann’s scheduled opponent, Mike Swick, was a late scratch thanks to a training camp injury. In Swick’s stead is brutal British kickboxer Paul Daley. A new face in the mutant shark tank that is the welterweight division, Daley is one of the best strikers in the game today, but his takedown defense and subpar jiu-jitsu have kept him from fulfilling his obvious potential. While Kampmann is known for his kickboxing base, he has developed excellent takedown skills inside the Greco-Roman clinch and his jiu-jitsu is surprisingly fluid.

What should worry Kampmann is his chin, which made his time as a middleweight extremely difficult and could haunt him again if he allows this fight to turn into a pure kickboxing match. Unfortunately for Daley, Kampmann is a savvy fighter who knows when to switch gears. Kampmann’s reach advantage over Daley will also allow him to use the jab to keep Daley from charging in. That tactic was used to great effect by Nick Thompson in his bout with Daley, and as long as Kampmann follows suit, Daley will have tapped out long before he gets a chance to score the knockout.

An underrated aspect of Daley’s game is his skill inside the Thai clinch. It could pose a problem for Kampmann, who uses the clinch to set up his takedowns. Any takedowns Kampmann goes for will have to be executed swiftly, and if he plans on keeping Daley down, he needs to avoid the cage or risk Daley cage walking his way out of trouble. Treading carefully will be key for Kampmann in this bout, as the slightest mistake could give Daley all the opportunity he needs to send him on a one-way trip to the canvas.

Daley will make for an interesting addition to the UFC, but he won’t crack the upper echelon of contenders and it will show against Kampmann. The difference in wrestling ability will simply be too much for Daley to overcome, and Kampmann’s own kickboxing background should be enough to keep him out of harm’s way. Expect Daley to have his moments on the feet. They will be quickly snatched away, though, as Kampmann hits takedown after takedown and wears down the British sparkplug en route to a second-round submission win via the arm-triangle choke.

The INFO episode 30: featuring Connors, Beerbohm, and Trigg

2009-09-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on ProMMA.info

THE INFO returned with another show stacked with guests, featuring Bruce “The Noose” Connors, Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm, and Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg. Connors talked about his recent win at XFC 9, being a S.W.A.T officer and a former Marine Sniper, as well as his hopes for fighting again in 2009. Beerbohm made it clear that he hopes to continue fighting a full schedule in 2010 and fighting in Strikeforce, his thoughts on the 155 pound division, and his hopes of taking on Shinya Aoki. Frank Trigg came on right after training at Xtreme Couture and fielded questions about MMAJunkie Radio, Josh Koscheck, the one question that he hates being asked, and the overall landscape of the MMA media. Matt De La Rosa and “Fast Eddie” Constantine made their picks on the Ultimate Fight Night 19 card, talked about the CageDivas previous episode, and The Ultimate Fighter 10.

Click here to read entire article

Video: Lyle Beerbohm vs. Josh Martin

2009-09-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on FiveOuncesofPain.com

This past Saturday evening, undefeated Strikeforce lightweight contender Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm improved his record to 13-0 with a brutal first round stoppage over KOTC and Bellator veteran Josh Martin during Arena Rumble.

The event was held in Spokane, Washington, Beerbohm’s hometown, and the voices that can be heard in the background are Lyle’s friends and family. Enjoy!

"UFC Fight Night 19: Diaz vs. Guillard" official weigh-in results: All fighters make weight

2009-09-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com
Photos by Sherdog.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – MMAjunkie.com was on scene for today's "UFC Fight Night 19: Diaz vs. Guillard" official fighter weigh-ins, and all but one of the event's competitors initially made weight for the show.

The weigh-ins took place at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, and the same venue plays host to Wednesday's Spike TV-broadcast event.

Main-event competitor Nate Diaz, who meets Melvin Guillard in a lightweight fight, weighed 156.5 pounds, a half pound over the 156-pound limit, on his initial weigh-in attempt. However, a UFC official confirmed with MMAjunkie.com soon after the weigh-ins that Diaz made the 156-pound limit.

Click here to read entire article on MMAjunkie.com

The Breakdown: UFC Fight Night 19 Prelims (Mike Pyle)

2009-09-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

by Tim Leidecker (tleidecker@sherdog.com)

In a battle of two students of two very famous former longtime teammates, Matt Lindland disciple Chris Wilson will take on Randy Couture understudy Mike Pyle in a quality welterweight showdown. Both men have several significant wins on their record already with Wilson beating Jay Hieron, Rory Markham and Steve Bruno, while Pyle got the better of a young Jon Fitch as well as Shonie Carter and current shooting star Dan Hornbuckle.

Despite coming from mainly wrestling-oriented camps, both men have a very good submission game as well. Both are seasoned athletes who plied their trade abroad, and one could say that at age 32 and 33 respectively, both fighters have been through it all and done it all. Kudos to UFC matchmaker Joe Silva for putting a fight together that is a very interesting affair, especially for the hardcore fans who have followed the careers of both fighters.

Wilson seems to have the slightly better form going into the fight. It’s been more than three years since he was finished (against Nick Thompson in June 2006). Pyle was tapped three times during that time span, though in his defense you also have to add that one of those losses was to top-five welterweight Jake Shields and the other came on extremely short notice against Brock Larson in May.

The fight is pretty much a coin toss with Pyle coming on as the slight favorite based on name value. It will be interesting to see if they will duke it out on the feet or whether the fans will be in for a grapple fest once it does hit the mat. If pressed, go with Pyle as he has finished more high-profile opponents, but don’t be surprised if Wilson walks away with the decision either.

Horn tops Guida, Prangley and Beerbohm victorious at Arena Rumble

2009-09-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Picking up his second win since a three-fight losing skid and subsequent release from the UFC, Jeremy Horn stopped Jason Guida via first-round submission at Saturday's "Arena Rumble" event.

The show took place at the Spokane Arena in Washington.

Horn built off his June victory over Chris Davis at Adrenaline MMA III with a submission win over Guida, perhaps best known for getting kicked off "The Ultimate Fighter 8" after failing to make weight for the show's opening elimination round.

Horn, a nearly 14-year pro fighter competing in his (officially recognized) 106th career fight, secured the fight-ending arm-triangle choke after the main-event fight went to the ground.

Horn is now 82-19-5. Guida, meanwhile, suffered his fifth straight loss and falls to 17-21.

In other action, well-rounded South African Trevor Prnagley stopped journeyman Dennis Reed with a quick knockout to pick up his fourth straight victory since a runner-up finish in Strikeforce's 2007 four-man middleweight tournament.

Prangley, a former UFC fighter, dropped his veteran opponent with a big blow to earn the knockout win in the opening minute of the night's co-headliner.

Prangley, perhaps one of the middleweight division's most underrated fighters, is now 21-5 and 10-1 over the past three years; the lone loss came to top-10 185-pounder Jorge Santiago in November 2007. Reed falls to 43-45-1.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

UFC Newcomer Jay Silva Still Doesn't Believe His Dream Has Come True

2009-09-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMA.fanhouse.com

Two years ago, Jay Silva was just a nightclub bouncer who liked watching MMA on television. Then a chance encounter with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 78, led to him moving to California to begin his MMA career. Next week, he'll make his Octagon debut when he steps in on short notice to face CB Dollaway at UFC Fight Night 19 in Oklahoma City. Dollaway's original opponent, Dan Miller, was forced to withdraw from the bout after suffering an undisclosed infection.

FanHouse spoke to Silva, who is 5-1 in his career, about his unique road to the UFC and how he plans on preparing for Dollaway. The full interview is below.

Ariel Helwani: How did you get into MMA?
Jay Silva: I used to be a bouncer in New York and I used to get into fights all the time. I met this guy, who was part of Renzo Gracie's family, and he used to bounce with me. He always used to tell me to come train with them jiu-jitsu. One day I saw The Ultimate Fighter 1, and I thought, Man, I can do that; I can kick those guys a**. So I decided to go down there and start training. Next thing I know, I was fighting.

Why did you decide to leave New York for Los Angeles?
Because I met "Rampage" and he moved me here.

Where did you met Rampage?
I met Rampage at UFC 78. He sat in front of me and his best friend sat next to me. I always liked Rampage, and was like, Wow, I can't believe it's Rampage Jackson. I was a big fan of his, so I went and asked for a picture. So "Rampage" looked at me like he didn't really want to take the picture and was like, 'Oh, ok.' And I hated him for that. I was like, Who does this guy think he is? There were a lot of people asking to take pictures and he was trying to pay attention to the fights, but I didn't understand that.

Then I was sitting next to his friend -- I didn't know it was his friend -- and we were taking bets on the fight, and he was like, 'Are you from here?' And I was like, 'Yeah.' And he said, 'Oh, man, I want to go out tonight. Do you know any spots?' And I said, 'Yeah, I work as a bouncer in New York, so I know all the spots. Where do you want to go?' He said, 'Take me out,' and I said, 'OK.' We switched numbers, and next thing I know, he calls me a half an hour later and says, 'Hey, is it alright if I bring some friends?' I didn't know he was bringing Rampage. Next thing I know, he showed up with Rampage, Dan Henderson, Jason "Mayhem" Miller. When Rampage came out of the car, he gave me a big hug, and I thought, this guy is weird. But that's it. When we got into the club, we started talking and got along really good, and he was like, 'Come down to train with me. I'm always down to train with new people.' Next thing I knew, he called me to come train with him in California. So I went there, we got along good, and next thing I knew we were like best friends. He then asked me to move to California, and here I am.

What do you make of Jackson agreeing to appear in the new A-Team movie, thus postponing his fight against Rashad Evans?
I think it's good for him, man. I'm really happy for him. He's doing what he likes to do; he's passionate about movies. He always wanted to do movies.

Some people believe that fighters should be fighters and actors should be actors ...
Because they're not fighters. When they get in the cage and fight and see how hard it is, or train every day and see how hard it is, then they'll change their mind. You've got NBA players who want to be singers and rappers who want to be athletes. And now you've got MMA fighters who want to be movie stars. Ain't nothing wrong with that.

So how did this new deal with the UFC come about?
Man, [his agent] Kenny [Pavia] got it. I went to spend the weekend in New York, and next thing I know Kenny called me and said, 'I got great news for you.' I was like, 'Yeah, OK, what is it?' And he just told me I was going to be fighting in UFC. I didn't believe it. I said I was only going to believe it when I signed the contract. I just went to sign the contract, and I still don't believe it. I just worked so hard to get here and I am finally here. I'm just going to believe it when I'm in there, in the Octagon, on TV. That's when I'm really going to believe it.

Is there a part of you who wishes you could have more time to train for your UFC debut?
Yeah. I wish I had more time to show my skills, but I fought on Aug. 15 at "Call to Arms," so I'm still in pretty good shape. I could have been in better shape because I took some time off, but I'm going back to training right now. Before that, Cheick Kongo, who's right here, he's like my big brother, we're always training together. We're not training hardcore, but we're training. I don't care. A fight for me is a fight. The worst case scenario is getting knocked out -- that's all. I don't think he's going to win anyway. I wish I had more time, but sometimes it doesn't happen that way.

Did you expect to get a shot in the UFC this early in your career?
I've been working at that for a long time, but I don't know. Honestly, I don't know.

Would you have rather had a few more fights under your belt before getting the call from the UFC?
Man, I think I'm ready right now. I know I can be a really good fighter. You guys ain't see nothing yet. But I know I'm ready for the UFC because this is what every MMA fighter is working for.

Dollaway lost his last fight in 55 seconds. Are you expecting to face a desperate fighter next week because if he loses he might be on his way out of the UFC?
Yeah. I feel sorry for him because I know he's going to lose. I think CB is a great fighter, man. I don't know CB, and if you're not a fighter that I like, I don't watch your fights. And CB is not one of the fighters that I look up to, so I've never seen his fights. I've seen a little glimpse of his fights when they're on TV, but he's not one of the guys that I pay attention to see how they fight. And even now that I know I'm going to fight him, I never do research on my opponents because I want to go out there and fight my fight. If you learn too much about your opponent your going to be worried about what you are going to do to defend yourself. I don't want to think about him and I just want to fight my fight. ... For me, there are two ways [this fight can end]: I'm getting knocked out or he's getting knocked out. But we're not going to go to a decision. I never liked going to a decision and I don't plan on going now. So hopefully I will knock him out.

Why wouldn't you want to watch tape on your opponent? I can't understand how that would do more harm than good for you.
I let my coaches do that, and even when they do that, I don't want them to tell me. They're going to train me according to my opponent. If I see my opponent fight, I'm going to start thinking about what I'm going to do. ... So might as well not pay attention to what he is going to do and just go out there and do what you want to do.

What will you do to prepare for this fight considering it's just a week away?
Basically, I'm going to do whatever I do for all my fights. I'm doing more strength and conditioning for this fight because it's short notice and I know he has been training for a long, so he's in good shape. I just want to make sure I'm in really good shape, too. So basically, I want to focus more on strength and conditioning and just be ready for the fight. I don't want to gas in the fight or give people any excuse. I want people to see the real Jay Silva. Otherwise it's going to be messed up because you're not going to have the chance to see the real Jay Silva because it's short notice. But I'm not making any excuses. I took the fight because I wanted to take the fight and I took the fight because I knew I can win this fight.

What's it like training with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles?
Man, the guy is amazing. He's such a nice person; he's so good. He's just amazing. I'm a big fan of Freddie Roach. When I got out there, I didn't have any money or anything, and he said, 'Don't worry about it.' And he held pads for me and helped me with training. You know, he believed in me like Rampage did. He said, 'You know, you're going to be good and I want to be there when you get there.' So for me, it's amazing. A guy like that taking his time to come and help me, it's just amazing. ... And I'm the only MMA fighter who goes there every single day. People think I'm a boxer because I go there every single day.

Do the MMA fighters get to train with the boxers?
We train with all boxers. The good thing about Freddie Roach is that Wild Card is a boxing gym. There's no such thing as MMA. If you step in there with your MMA knees and kicks, they look at you and say, 'Listen, this is boxing. So if you want to do your MMA, get out of here. This is strictly boxing.' So you train with everybody.

Will Roach be in your corner for this fight?
No, Freddie won't be in my corner. My other boxing coach, Eric Brown, will be in my corner. Freddie has some expo to do or something, so he couldn't make it. Hopefully next time.

For those who have yet to see you fight, which fighter would you compare your style to?
You gotta see my style and then you're going to tell me.

So no comparison out there?
I'm Jay Silva and I got my own style. You got to see it, man. You know, I don't want to compare myself to this fighter or that fighter. No, I got my own style and you got to see it. After you see it, you'll be like, 'Wow, you were right.'

What would be your dream match in the UFC?
(Laughs) I don't want to say, man.

Why not? Why are you shy all of a sudden?
I'm not shy, it's just ... I don't know, I'm an up-and-comer. I can't pick fights -- I just want to fight.

Well, there are a lot of good fighters in MMA with your last name. Will people soon have to talk about you when discussing the best Silvas in the sport?
I will be in that mix pretty soon, you'll see. Mark my words.

Tyron Woodley vs. Zach Light Booked for Upcoming Strikeforce Challengers Card

2009-09-10T13:54:00.001-07:00

Originally posted on MMA.fanhouse.com

A welterweight bout between prospect Tyron Woodley (3-0) and veteran Zach Light (6-8) has been signed for Strikerforce's upcoming Challengers card on September 25. Light's agent, Ken Pavia, confirmed the news with FanHouse on Tuesday. The event airs live on Showtime from the SpiritBank Event Center in Bixby, Okla.

Woodley is one of the up-and-coming fighters in the Strikeforce 170-pound division. He defeated Sal Woods via first-round Brabo choke submission in his Strikeforce debut on the undercard of the Jake Shields vs. Robbie Lawler event in June (video above).

"T-Wood" was a two-time All-American at the University of Missouri and the school's first conference champion. None of his MMA fights have gone past the first round.

Light, the head wrestling coach at Wolfslair Academy in the United Kingdom, has lost his last three fights in a row. His most notable fight was a loss to Pete Spratt at UFC 37.5 in June 2002.

"I'm extremely impressed with him," Light said. "I think he's probably going to be one of the toughest guys I've ever fought. When I say that, the benefit to me is that he is a straight wrestler. He comes from the exact background I come from. We're both very good at the exact same thing. His striking is not any better than mine, I would say it's probably about the same. But my experience, I think, it's going to be the deciding factor.

"I've been in this game for nine years, and I have been in training camps with the best fighters in the world for the last nine months. We're seven weeks off. The only reason I haven't been fighting is because we're in training camps with "Rampage," Michael Bisping, Paul Kelly, Cheick Kongo, and I'm running, training, lifting, doing jiu-jitsu, wrestling ... everything, every day with these guys."

Pavia said the Woodley-Light bout is expected to take place on the televised portion of the card, and Light is looking at this fight as the beginning of the new chapter in his career.

"My plan is to win this fight, and win a couple more in the Challengers series, beat a couple of similar guys, and make a step up from there. ... I plan on kicking the sh** out of this guy, and I mean in that in a good way. I'm not disrespecting him, but it's going to be exciting, and I'm going to look to finish the fight."

Strikeforce also recently announced that K-1 veteran Ray Sefo (1-0 in MMA; 54-20-1 in K-1) will fight Kevin Jordan (11-7) on the card, as well. The 38-year-old Sefo is works as a trainer at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.

The event will be headlined by Zak Cummings vs. Tim Kennedy.

Daley vs. Kampmann, Foster vs. Story official; UFC 103 again complete with 13 bouts

2009-09-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

The recently reported contests of Martin Kampmann vs. Paul Daley and Rick Story vs. Brian Foster were today officially announced by the UFC.

The additions re-complete the 13-bout card at "UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort" on Sept. 19 in Dallas.

The start time for the event was also moved up more than an hour, and action now gets underway at American Airlines Center at 5:20 p.m. local time (6:20 p.m. ET) rather than the originally scheduled time of 6:30 p.m. CT.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

"Superman" vs. "Doomsday" shifted to The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale in December

2009-09-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Orginally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Despite previous reports to the contrary, a rumored matchup between Dennis "Superman" Hallman (41-12-2 MMA, 1-3 UFC) and John "Doomsday" Howard (12-4 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will actually take place at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale on Dec. 5 in Las Vegas.

Initial reports suggested the bout would take place at UFC 106 in November.

Bout agreements have yet to be finalized for the match, though both parties have agreed to the contest.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Exclusive Interview with Jay Hieron

2009-09-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Originally posted MiddleEasy.com

If you see Jay Hieron loading up a shotgun and aiming it directly at the good luck fairy, don't be surprised. Dude rocked it in the International Fight League and became IFL's first welterweight champion. He even defended his belt against Mark Miller with a first round TKO. He was the reigning badass in IFL and literally overnight, the entire organization disappeared. Hieron was left with a giant metallic belt that didn't really match with anything in his wardrobe so he went to fight for Affliction in 'Day of Reckoning'. After serving Jason High a brutal first round KO in a little bit over a minute, everyone in Anaheim sort of stood there in silence. It was as if they witnessed the detonation of the atom bomb all within the confines of a padded ring. That night, everyone saw what Hieron does on a daily basis...dude just cleans competition and mops the floor behind him. Jay was scheduled to fight in that mythical event known as Affliction: Trilogy against Semtex but...well let's just say we all know what happened with that (pretty sure I stubbed my toe kicking that dead horse). Hieron was out a paycheck and had no organization to fight under. UFC propositioned Hieron to sign with their promotion but Hieron, who just signed with EA Sports MMA, refused their offer and instead chose Strikeforce instead. Hieron's decision was primarily based on an instant title shot Strikeforce offered him against Nick Diaz. The universe was finally aligned to give Hieron what he deserved and...the universe decided to urinate on his future once again. Diaz intentionally missed the CSAC drug test forcing him to drop out of the fight and the title shot scheduled for Hieron was demoted to a non-televised regular welterweight bout. That night, Hieron got drunk off his 'I'm a complete badass' potion (you can only get it at Xtreme Couture) and won a convincing unanimous decision over his opponent Jesse Taylor.

MiddleEasy interviewer, Dick 'Starscream' Grayson, had a chance to open up Hieron's brain and throw a party in it. Check out our exclusive interview with Jay Hieron, only at MiddleEasy.com - Because MMA is everything.

I grew up in Brooklyn, you grew up in Long Island. What type of kid were you?Ah man, Curious kid, you know? Getting into trouble...small kid getting picked on all the time. Where I come from there are no one-on-one fights so I was always pretty much getting jumped. You know...just looking for an 'out'. Looking for something.

One of your favorite movies is True Romance, why do you like that so much?Man I just like it. The action, the story behind it, the incredible flip to Hollywood part. The guy goes for his dream and it may be a crazy dream but at the end of the day he's walking down the beach living the good life.

The dude who played Commissioner Gordon played a gangster in that movie...What part of the movie?

That's the movie with Patricia Arquette and...Christian Slater's in it.

Yeah, and her pimp is that dreadlocked dude.Yeah!

He's the same dude that played Commisioner Gordon in the new Batman.Oh yeah, yeah. That's right. Damn, he's a good actor. I didn't even know that.

He also plays Dracula. Which part was better: Dracula, Gangster or Gordon?The dreadlocked gangster, for sure.

Do you think refer enhances, deters or has a neutral effect on performance?Nah, I don't think it has any...it doesn't help you at all that's for sure. I think it will give you the munchies, that's about it.

Since that fight with Nick Diaz fell through, what are you doing in the meantime?Training, staying active. Helping all the boys, they have big fights coming up in the gym so I'm helping them out. I'm hoping on that Diaz fight, for my next fight again in Strikeforce for the title. My understanding is no matter what, even if it's not Diaz, I get a title shot in my next fight for Strikeforce. You know, I can't really control what Nick does. I think that's a great fight for me and him...and for the fans. That's a great fight. Outside of the UFC there are only a few top 170 pounders and I think me and him are two of them.

If that fight does go down, what is Nick Diaz's best asset?Um...you know, I think he's pretty well-rounded and he's definitely tough. I think he's a tough kid...and I think that's it, he's a tough kid. He's good at ju-jitsu, good at striking, his wrestling is ok...but I think all in all, he's a tough kid.

Out of all the things that happened in the past year, which one sucked the most?Wow. Man. They all SUCKED. I can't put one hurt worst than the other because they all felt bad but I think I just learned how to deal with it because the same thing kept on happening to me over and over again so I had to learn how to deal with it and refocus. At the end of the day, everything turned out alright.

What are your thoughts on the GSP/BJ Penn rivalry? It's over. That's the past. Look on to the future.

You think there's going to be a third fight?I don't think there should be. GSP is up 2-0. That chapter is over, move on to the next.

GSP vs. Anderson Silva at a catchweight. What happens?Anderson. Too big, too strong. Striking is too good...too many advantages on his part against GSP. Not taking anything away from GSP, I just think...this guy, he's fighting at 205 and doing great things up there. A lower weight can't come up and touch him I don't think.

What do you expect to see in the Fedor/Brett Roger's fight?Ah...Fedor. I think Fedor. I think submission sometime in the first round. Brett Rogers is a big kid, big guy but I think Fedor is just too well-rounded for him.

What do you expect to see in the Carwin/Lesnar fight?Wow. Shane Carwin's a big guy, he's got a wrestling background, heavy hands. If he utilizes his wrestling to stay on his feet I definitely think he can win that fight. I mean Brock...I don't think he's well- rounded yet but he does have the size and the mass so that's always an advantage. He takes guys down and pounds them. But like I said, Carwin is a big guy too and if he utilizes his wrestling to stay on his feet I think he can win that fight.

You think MMA should institute another division between LHW and HW?Yeah. Randy's fighting Brock Lesnar...walking in the cage at 220, 225 at the most and Brock is easily 270, 275. So I think so, but it's still a growing sport.

What fight are you looking forward to?All the boys at the gym have fights coming up for sure. We got Tyson Griffin, Martin Kampmann, Mike Pyle, Gray Maynard, Vitor Belfort so I'm definitely looking forward to all those guys. I'm going to corner them. I'm a huge boxing fan too so I can't wait to see Mayweather and Marquez get down. I'm an all-around fight fan.

What do you think about Manny and Cotto?I think...man...I bet against Pac-Man before and he knocked Del La Hoya's block off. I don't know, I think Cotto has been showing big heart, he's going to be real big at whatever weight they fight at. I think I'm leaning a little more towards Cotto. But like I said I bet against Manny before so...I wouldn't put money on it. Put it like that. But I give a slight edge to Cotto.

What fight would you like to see happen in MMA? Jay Hieron and GSP...2.

The IFL was the most unique organization ever. How was it like fighting in there?It was actually good. They definitely treated the fighters right. It was a little different, they had the team concept. I was on salary with them so I was getting a check every month which was great for being a fighter because you fight pay check to pay check when you fight so that definitely keeps your mind at ease that you know you got money coming in it makes everything smooth with training, you get your bills paid and stuff. They were always professional. They definitely treated us right. They may not have made the best business decisions but they always treated the fighters good.

Name two benefits of not fighting in the UFC.I don't know if there's any benefits...that's definitely the NFL of the MMA world. My decision to not go with them and to go with Strikeforce was a couple more incentives like a title shot, you know how many times do you get a title shot in your career? So I really couldn't turn the title shot down. Then I signed a deal with the EA Sports videogame so that was another reason I couldn't sign with them. But they did step up to the plate this time with the money, they did offer me great money which I was definitely surprised about. I was really, really close to signing back with the UFC. I was going to go back with them and Strikeforce just threw another number at me, gave me a bonus and I signed with the EA Sports videogame. So at the end of the day, I feel like I made the right decision and the UFC isn't going anywhere anyway, I want to end my career there but we'll see what happens. My main focus now is to get this title in Strikeforce.

What's another camp that impresses you besides Xtreme Couture?Definitely Jackson's camp. AKA. American Top Team, they're good. There's a lot of great camps out there. The numbers prove itself, you look at guys camps and see how many of their fighters are doing good and that says it all in itself right there. Our camp is definitely one of the top camps for sure, got a lot of great guys coming in, training. Definitely those other camps I mentioned are great camps too.

You train with Forrest too, what's he been up to since his fight with Silva?Actually I just seen Forrest today, we were rolling around doing some jits...he's about to get married this weekend so he's walking down the aisle with that...that's going to feel like walking down to the cage I guess.

Tell Forrest MiddleEasy said congratulationsCool.

So you also trained with Gina Carano, am I correct? Yeah, actually never trained hands on. I don't really train with the women, when I'm training for a fight it's all guys.

What percent of average dudes can Gina beat-up in a fight?I guess a few, you know? I think it's a little tougher for a woman because a man's pride is on the line when he tries to fight with a chick, but a regular guy on the street Gina would kill him.

What were your thoughts on Gina/Cyborg?A great fight for women's MMA. They both laid it on the line, Gina came up a little short but it happens. It's the name of the game man. It's the hurt business. Now we have to see what she does next, pick herself up and get back out there.

Now she's doing movies now, do you think her focus will be split between the two?I...I can't tell you that brother, don't have any idea. We'll see...she's doing movies now?

What do you think women's MMA needs to do to maintain the spotlight?I have no idea bro. The men's MMA is still trying to get on the forefront, that should be the main focus right now really. We're not even legalized in New York where I'm from and that's one of my dreams right now is to fight in the Madison Square Garden before my career is over so...the women's fighting is cool and all but the men's fighting has to travel a lot of distance before that can even be accepted, the men's fighting isn't even that accepted yet. I love Gina to death, she's like a sister but again...men's fighting needs to go over leaps and bounds to get to where it's accepted.

Five-minute or three-minute rounds for women? Yeah, I mean if they want to fight they should fight the same time as men. The only two fighter's that are good to me in women's MMA are Gina and Cyborg. That's really the only two I would even watch. My opinion doesn't matter...but that's my opinion. Before women's MMA goes anywhere the men's MMA still got to break down barriers and we still have to get legalized in states like New York and stuff like that. Huge progress in the past couple of years but it's still a baby. Those main sponsors that we don't have yet like Nike and the big time...the money isn't like...the money is good from a couple of years ago but still, it's not like...

You're putting more on the line than any other sport.Yeah, exactly. It's not like the NFL and all of that. The popularity of it is definitely getting out there but again, like I said, the men's MMA still has to go through barriers and the women's MMA isn't going to go anywhere until that happens.

How do you spend your down time?Man just trying to relax. Eating chocolate. Letting my hair down and just trying to have fun. Relax. Because when you're training for a fight your mind is so focused, you're putting so much pressure on your body to stay in shape that you got to have balance so I just try to kick back and have fun with my training like I'm doing now, helping the guys out and just having fun with it.

Any hobbies? Collect baseball cards...I have a 76 Impala that I've been working on for a couple of years now so that's a little hobby of mine. I like watching movies and stuff...a lot of guys in the gym like videogames. I hate videogames...until the EA Sports game comes out, I'm not playing any.

Who plays videogames alot in your camp?Mike Pyle is probably the best guy in the gym on videogames. Then Gray Maynard...everybody in there plays videogames. I'm kind of like the outcast with that probably because I'm not that good at it, I'm real competitive...I like to win at everything I do so that's probably why.

Well what's the geekiest thing you're into?Let me think...I don't think I'm into anything that's geeky. I'm trying to think...I don't know man. I don't have a pocket pencil, I do have some glasses though. I may look like a geek when I'm watching TV...but that's probably where it ends.

When you go out in Vegas, what do you do?Go out to the clubs. Hang out. I don't drink at all so I drink some water and Redbull and just have a good time, you know? We get treated real good out here, everybody knows who we are and they give us the VIP treatment. That's definitely cool. Vegas is a great place if you want to come party but you got to draw the line, you can't party too much. Some people can't live here because they have access to everything out here. I'm a real strong-minded person so especially when I'm in camp I try to stay away from all of that.

What's the most common food you're found eating? Fried chicken man. I love chicken. After my fight I eat fried chicken but I eat that grilled chicken. After training camp I start growing feathers because I eat chicken so much.

Randy Couture's BBQs look baller. Have you ever been to one?Yeah man I've been to his house a bunch of times and he throws down on that grill so it's good times bro. Everybody down here at the gym, we're like a family and we got them little get togethers so it's all cool.

Would you rather be able to fly, be invisible or breathe underwater?Wow...probably fly.

If you transformed into a pair of sunglasses, what brand would you be?Louis Vuitton...Evidence.

In terms of insurance, what happens when you get injured?Ah...you're fucked. Most cases it depends, if you get hurt in a fight it's taken care of. If you get hurt in training, most fighters have to take care of it themselves. Like I said, MMA is a growing sport and we have lots of leaps and bounds to go over and that's probably one of them. A lot of fighters can't afford health insurance, but that's just part of the game.

What changed from you getting picked on to now? I grew up and started defending myself. There comes a day and time when you have to do that and there was that time when everything clicked and switched. I was tired of getting picked on and I did something about it.

Any shout-outs?Yeah definitely, Xtreme Couture, all the boys that got fights coming up...big shout out to them. Everybody's ready down here so they're going to go out and do their thing. That's it. Thanks for having me.

Brad Blackburn Interview

2009-09-01T15:37:00.001-07:00

Tracy Lee comes through with photos from the Bennett Golf Tournament

2009-08-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

Click the photo below to view all of the pictures from the event.

Strikeforce (Santos vs. Carano) Salaries

2009-08-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS

– Cristiane Santos $25,000 (includes $5,000 win bonus) def. Gina Carano $125,000

MAIN CARD FIGHTERS

– Gegard Mousasi $2,000 def. Renato Sobral $75,000

– Gilbert Melendez $50,000 def. Mitsuhiro Ishida $30,000

– Fabricio Werdum $50,000 (includes $25,000 win bonus) def. Mike Kyle $14,000

– Jay Hieron $55,000 (includes $30,000 win bonus) def. Jesse Taylor $12,000

Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.com

Scott Coker: Nick Diaz vs. Jay Hieron Strikeforce title fight could happen by year's end

2009-08-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Although skipping a mandatory drug test cost the fighter a welterweight title shot and a spot on this past Saturday's "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg" card, Nick Diaz could still get a shot at the belt by year's end.

That's according to Strikeforce CEO and co-founder Scott Coker, who discussed the Diaz situation following Saturday's Showtime-broadcast event.

If and when licensed by the California State Athletic Commission, Diaz (20-7) is expected to fight for the title against his originally scheduled opponent, Jay Hieron (18-4).

Just a week before Hieron, who said he recently signed his deal with Strikeforce (and turned down an offer from the UFC) largely because of the promised title fight, was set to meet Diaz, who skipped a mandatory drug test and was knocked off the card. Hieron went from a fighting for the title on the televised main card to a meeting with Jesse Taylor, who took the fight on just a week's notice, on the un-aired preliminary card.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Hieron official for "EA Sports MMA," exec says "growth of sport" a primary goal

2009-08-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Just two weeks before he'll take center stage for the UFC at the company's first-ever fight card in Portland, Ore., former UFC champion Randy Couture today took the lead role for one of the company's newest sworn enemies.

Couture joined EA Sports president Peter Moore for a press conference in San Jose, Calif., in which "The Natural" was officially announced as an "important part" of the software developer's 2010 MMA-themed video game, tentatively titled "EA Sports MMA."

New Strikeforce signee Jay Hieron was also announced as a part of the new EA Sports offering, but it was Couture's smiling face – just 14 days before he appears in the main event of UFC 102 – that EA Sports focused on today.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

UFC's Chris Lytle undergoes successful knee surgery, expected to be out six months

2009-08-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

With no surprises or complications, UFC welterweight Chris Lytle today underwent successful knee surgery.

Lytle, who injured his knee while preparing for a UFC Fight Night 19 bout with Carlos Condit, was scratched from the Sept. 16 card earlier this week, as MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported.

Lytle underwent surgery near his home in Indianapolis. Doctors replaced his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and repaired his medial meniscus, his agent, Ken Pavia of MMAAgents.com, today confirmed via text message.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

UFC stunner: "The New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni announces new deal with UFC

2009-08-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

It's official: Phil Baroni, a shameless (and effective) self-promoter who's better known as "The New York Bad Ass," is returning to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

On Thursday the 33-year-old fighter signed a new multi-fight deal with the UFC and is heading to the organization's welterweight division.

Baroni today broke the news that he signed the deal while a guest on MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), though no date or opponent have been determined for his return to the octagon.

"I just signed and sent my contract back to the UFC," Baroni said.

Baroni (13-11 MMA, 3-5 UFC) hasn't fought in the UFC since UFC 51 in 2005, when he suffered a submission loss to Pete Sell. It was the fourth consecutive loss for Baroni, who burst onto the UFC scene in 2001 with a series of devastating knockouts and a 3-1 record.

Since he was initially released by the organization, Baroni has fought all over the world with organizations such as PRIDE, Strikeforce, ICON Sport, EliteXC, Cage Rage and Palace Fighting Championships.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

MMAjunkie.com Radio: Phil Baroni in studio and ready to make an announcement

2009-08-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

We've heard the rumors, and today Phil Baroni joins MMAjunkie.com Radio in studio to set the record straight.

Soon after reports surfaced on Thursday that stated "The New York Bad Ass" might be returning to the UFC, Strikeforce officials announced they had released Baroni from the organization. Could a return to the octagon now be in store?

Catch MMAjunkie.com Radio Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. EST (9:05 a.m. PST) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Welterweight Phil Baroni released by Strikeforce; reportedly "likely" to sign with UFC

2009-08-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Following a June defeat at the hands of Joe Riggs, welterweight slugger Phil Baroni (13-11) was today officially released from his contract with Strikeforce.

Baroni fought just twice for the organization, compiling an 0-2 record.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said he wasn't ruling out a future relationship with the "New York Bad Ass," providing Baroni can put together a win streak in the welterweight division.

"We wish Phil the best of luck and hope he can revive his career," Coker said. "If he can, maybe one day he can return and fight for us."

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Veteran welterweight Dennis Hallman returning to UFC, signs four-fight deal

2009-08-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Twelve-plus-year veteran Dennis Hallman (41-12-2 MMA, 1-3 UFC) will soon fight in the UFC for the first time in more than four years.

The 34-year-old submission ace, who debuted for the UFC in December 2000 at "UFC 29: Defense of the Belts," recently signed a new four-fight deal with the world's largest MMA promotion.

Hallman's agent, Ken Pavia of MMAAgents.com, today informed MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the new deal.

Perhaps best known for his two submission wins over former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes – which came in a combined time of 37 seconds – Hallman's UFC 29 win was his only victory in the UFC. The Washington native dropped decisions to Jorge Rivera and Jens Pulver and suffered a TKO loss to Frank Trigg in his other three UFC appearances.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Brad Blackburn signs new four-fight UFC deal, sidelined till early 2010 after shoulder surgery

2009-08-18T12:36:00.001-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

After a 3-0 start in the organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has secured welterweight Brad Blackburn's services by offering the fighter a new four-fight deal.

Blackburn (15-9-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who had one fight remaining on his previous deal, inked the new contract on Tuesday, MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) confirmed with his agent, Ken Pavia of MMAAgents.com.

However, it's not all good news for Blackburn; recent shoulder surgery will keep the IFL veteran out of action until at least early 2010.

Blackburn recently underwent the knife for what was expected to be a minor surgery. However, his injury proved more severe than doctors first thought once surgeons began operating on the bothersome shoulder, and Blackburn will now be sidelined approximately six months while he heals.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Jay Hieron passes the Gauntlet, Eyes Nick Diaz

2009-08-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

If you can find a high-level fighter who’s had more career ups and downs than Strikeforce welterweight contender Jay Hieron, let him know. He’s tired of carrying the mantle.

It was one thing after another leading up to his debut at Saturday’s “Carano vs. Cyborg”: Affliction folding, Nick Diaz tuning in and dropping out, a more-than solid Jesse Taylor stepping in on a week’s notice. More than enough to distract, and it wasn’t even counting the turbulence since last June when the International Fight League (IFL) folded and left Hieron without a job.

Until the day of the weigh-ins for Carano vs. Cyborg, he didn’t know if he’d get any of the money his sponsors promised him for the fight. The commitments were made when Diaz was the opponent and the bout was on TV. On the undercard, sponsors Full Tilt, Everlast, EA Sports, and Xtreme Couture didn’t want to pony up.

“I was stressing because I wasn’t going to get paid,” said Hieron. “When I first got there, I was like, what the hell, I’m not on the main card? I guess Showtime didn’t want to speak about the Diaz situation.”

Hieron had gone through the exact same situation in January, when his bout with Jason High was shuffled to follow the main event of Affliction's "Day of Reckoning."

Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.com

JEREMY WILLIAMS: "THEY NEED TO CREATE A SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION"

2009-08-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on FightHype.com

"I think now there is a scarce array of talent in the heavyweight division. These Europeans, these Eastern Block guys, they have really dominated. There really hasn't been an American in a while. We definately need an American champion in that respect...the heavyweight division needs to be broken up into two halves with one being above 240 and the other below 240 or maybe even 230 because you have guys cutting down from 260 to 240, you know? People are just getting bigger and the heavyweight division, well, let's see, if we look at the smaller weight classes, it's like 119, 122, 125, 130, 135, etc. and the heavyweight division is 200 to too many. It doesn't make a difference. You can weigh whatever. I mean 7', 300 lbs. and he can fight a guy that is 6', 200 lbs. I mean, people are just getting bigger. I think boxing needs to expand the heavyweight division. They need to create a Super Heavyweight division," stated former heavyweight contender Jeremy Williams as he shared his thoughts on the current state of the heavyweight division. Check it out!

NS: Jeremy, how have you been?

JW: Good man. Just relaxing in my life.

NS: Man, you've accomplished so much in your career. I don't even know where to start. How about Bully Beatdown. How is that project coming along?

JW: Sure man, Bully Beatdown should be starting filming in another week or so. Jason [Mayhem Miller] is cool to work with. From there, I've got my t-shirt line coming out and I am also working on a instructional Boxing and MMA stand-up DVD for Ringside magazine.

NS: How has your experience been with your TV projects? You've got Bully Beatdown now and you were also a coach on The Contender.

JW: Bully Beatdown has done a really, really good job and is a great show. It is done by the same people as The contender; that's actually how I got the job. You know, Bully Beatdown is for a diffenent audience. It's for a younger crowd. It's an MTV show. It's more fun than to find a great fighter.

Click here to read the entire article on FightHype.com

HDNet Fights Video Vault: Jay Hieron vs. Mark Miller at April 2008 IFL event

2009-08-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

In anticipation of this weekend's "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg" event and his fight with late replacement Jesse Taylor, this week's HDNet Fights Video Vault installment features Jay Hieron.

In the embedded video, Hieron (14-4 at the time) puts his IFL welterweight title on the line against challenger Mark Miller (8-2) at an April 2008 event in the now-defunct IFL organization.

Each week HDNet and MMAjunkie.com release a new and exclusive fight from the ever-growing HDNet Fights video library. Stunning knockouts, slick submissions and shocking finishes are the norm for this weekly feature, and the Hieron vs. Miller bout is no exception.

In his previous fight, Hieron, a former UFC fighter, scored a TKO victory over Delson Heleno to win the welterweight belt and to set up the fight with Miller.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Former "TUF 7" contestant Jesse Taylor steps in for Nick Diaz at "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg"

2009-08-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

The rotating cast of characters that will make up the main card of "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg" has taken another hit, and a welterweight title matchup has today gone up in smoke.

After failing to appear for a pre-fight drug screen on Friday, and again today, Nick Diaz will not be licensed by the California State Athletic Commission for the Aug. 15 event at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker today confirmed with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that former "The Ultimate Fighter 7" contestant Jesse Taylor (13-3) will now face Diaz's original opponent, Jay Hieron.

As MMAjunkie.com previously reported, Strikeforce was holding out hope that Diaz would still be approved for the bout, but the welterweight missed today's re-scheduled "second chance" deadline set by the CSAC. Forced to take action, Strikeforce called on Taylor to fight on just five days' notice.

Infamous for his removal from "TUF 7" after qualifying for the season's finals, Taylor then lost by submission to C.B. Dollaway at UFC Fight Night 14 in July 2008. Taylor has since gone on to record seven-straight wins, including two victories in July. In fact, the bout will be Taylor's third in just five weeks.

While Diaz and Hieron were scheduled to meet for Strikeforce's vacant welterweight title, Coker confirmed the rescheduled matchup will be a non-title affair.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Strikeforce CEO confirms Diaz vs. Hieron bout in jeopardy, resolution may come today

2009-08-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Previous reports that Nick Diaz missed a scheduled pre-fight drug screen with the California State Athletic Commission on Friday were today confirmed by Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker.

The executive confirmed the report on today's media call promoting the Aug. 15 event, "Carano vs. Cyborg," and Coker also said Diaz is currently in the process of submitting a sample to the CSAC.

Coker said he expects word from the commission on Thursday as to whether Diaz will be cleared to face Jay Hieron for Strikeforce's vacant welterweight title at the Showtime-broadcast event – though if the welterweight fails to show the bout could be scrapped today.

Diaz missed his original screen on Friday, citing his training regimen for the absence.

Coker went on state that the organization does have a back-up plan in place should Diaz be removed from the card – assuring Hieron would appear at the event – though he declined to elaborate on who would step up on short notice. Coker also would not clarify whether a potential replacement bout would still be for the organization's vacant 170-pound title.

Hieron was originally scheduled to face Paul Daley at the recently canceled "Affliction: Trilogy" event on Aug. 1. That event was scratched after headliner Josh Barnett failed a pre-fight drug screen, testing positive for anabolic steroids.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

King Mo vs. Kerr at "Breakthrough"

2009-08-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Following the loss of would-be headline fighter Don Frye, "M-1 Breakthrough" will now feature a main event between previously scheduled headliner "King" Mo Lawal (4-0) and replacement fighter Mark Kerr (15-10).

Additionally, the Aug. 28 event, which takes place in Kansas City, will feature a special exhibition match between recent Strikeforce signee Fedor Emelianenko and Gegard Mousasi.

A source close to the event today exclusively revealed the two matchups to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

Bout agreements have been signed for both matchups.

Lawal, who's posted a 4-0 record with World Victory Road's Japanese-based Sengoku event series, makes his U.S. debut at the upcoming show, which is the first of what M-1 officials call a "premium fight series" to complement its current country-vs-country "M-1 Challenge" shows. Lawal, a Division I collegiate All-American, announced last week that his original opponent, veteran fighter Frye (20-7-1), had pulled out of the event.

Scrambling to find a last-minute replacement, M-1 officials settled for Kerr, once one of the sport's most feared competitors. But after launching his career with a 12-0 record and tournament wins at WVC 3, UFC 14 and UFC 15, Kerr hit a rough patch (which was well documented in the acclaimed documentary "The Smashing Machine").

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.comdd

MMAjunkie.com Radio: MMAagents head Ken Pavia

2009-08-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

MMAjunkie.com Radio will today be joined by MMAagents head Ken Pavia, as well as "The Sunday Junkie" winner, Bob Webb.

Pavia, whose management firm handles over 50 clients, will discuss a project close to his heart, the First Annual Ryan Bennett Memorial Golf Tournament, which takes place Aug. 11 at Sierra Lakes Golf Club in Fontana, Calif. Bob will also call in to discuss his opinion on why Fedor Emelianenko's recent signing with Strikeforce may have been a positive for the UFC.

Catch MMAjunkie.com Radio Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. EST (9:05 a.m. PST) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Passed on for Nick Diaz fight, Strikeforce's Phil Baroni says future will be different

2009-08-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Strikeforce welterweight brawler Phil Baroni (13-11) was the first person to raise his hand when the organization was in need for a replacement opponent for Nick Diaz.

It's the warrior mentality that has been a career hallmark of the "New York Bad Ass," but it wasn't enough for Showtime to allow Baroni to step in for Joe Riggs on the main card of the Aug. 15 event, "Carano vs. Cyborg."

Baroni recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) he was a bit disappointed that he wasn't allowed to take the fight, and he's using that emotion to fuel his next trip to the cage.

"With Showtime, I haven't done as well as I planned for them," Baroni said. "They're not high on me, so they don't think I'm worthy of a fight with Nick."

Showtime has broadcast two of Baroni's career losses – a June decision to Joe Riggs and a June 2007 submission defeat to Frank Shamrock. But Baroni believes the potential fireworks of a matchup with Diaz should have been enough to warrant a slot on the card.

"If I would have won the fight (with Riggs), [Diaz and I] would have been fighting each other," Baroni said. "The fight was a decision. I thought I was the No. 1 guy that would definitely be able to fill in.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Phil Baroni to Sengoku

2009-08-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on DemandMMA.com

UFC and Pride veteran “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni (13-11) has exclusively informed us at DemandMMA that his next fight will be for the Japanese promotion Sengoku, and it is tentatively scheduled for the September 23rd, Sengoku 10 event.

While no opponent is confirmed, Baroni believes he will be facing Pride veteran Makoto Takimoto (5-5). Takimoto, though posting a .500 record, has faced unbelievably stiff competition in his relatively short career, facing the likes of Frank Trigg, Zelg Galesic, Gegard Mousasi, Evangelista Santos, among others. Takimoto’s most impressive win came at Yarennoka 2007 when he earned a split decision victory over former UFC middleweight champion, Murilo Bustamante.

Click here to read the entire article on DemandMMA.com

Erin Toughill Off August Strikeforce Card

2009-08-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAfanhouse.com

Female mixed martial arts fighter, Erin Toughill, will have to wait a little longer to make her Strikeforce debut. Toughill was once slotted to compete on Strikeforce's August 15 card, but the organization's director of communications, Mike Afromowitz, confirmed with FanHouse on Thursday that she is only being reserved as an injury replacement in case Gina Carano or Cristiane Santos get injured prior to their 145-pound title bout scheduled for the same card.

Toughill (10-2-1) is currently riding a four-fight winning streak. According to her agent, Ken Pavia, she was offered a fight against Santos on Strikeforce's April 11 card, but wanted a little more time to train for it and had one fight left on her Palace Fighting Championship contract.

Toughill also has an 8-2-1 boxing career, although she hasn't boxed since 2006. Interestingly enough, she lost to Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, in 2005 and fought Joe Frazier's daughter, Jackie Frazier-Lyde, to a no contest in 2002. She also appeared on the second season of "American Gladiators" as "Steel."

Click here to read the entire article on MMAfanhouse.com

Jay Hieron replaces Joe Riggs, meets Nick Diaz for Strikeforce welterweight title on Aug. 15

2009-07-30T17:47:00.001-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

After entertaining offers from both Strikeforce and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, notable welterweight Jay Hieron (17-4) ultimately chose the option that leads to an immediate title shot.

Hieron has agreed to a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce and replaces Joe Riggs in an Aug. 15 championship fight with Nick Diaz (20-7) for the organization's first-ever welterweight title.

Hieron's camp today confirmed the deal with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), though it hasn't been officially announced by Strikeforce.

Earlier this week Hieron had reportedly already signed a deal with Strikeforce, though sources later told MMAjunkie.com he was still choosing between that contract and an offer from the UFC. Hieron had been slated to fight Paul Daley before the cancellation of the Aug. 1 "Affliction: Trilogy" event and was quickly contacted by multiple organizations.

The former IFL fighter competed in the UFC twice before and suffered losses to Georges St. Pierre (TKO) at UFC 48 and Jonathan Goulet at UFC Fight Night 2 (TKO due to a cut). However, the Xtreme Couture fighter is currently riding a five-fight win streak (with seven wins in his past eight fights) with wins over the likes of Jason High, Victor Moreno and Mark Miller.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.com

MMAjunkie.com Radio: John Howard, Tamdan McCrory, Justin McCully and Vinny Magalhaes

2009-07-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

MMAjunkie.com Radio returns today with another stacked show, including UFC 101 opponents and welterweight prospects John Howard and Tamdan McCrory.

Also joining the show in studio is frequent co-host and UFC 102 competitor Justin McCully and "The Ultimate Fighter 8" runner-up Vinny Magalhaes.

Catch MMAjunkie.com Radio Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. EST (9:05 a.m. PST) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm: ‘It’s never too late to change your life’

2009-07-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on FiveOuncesOfPain.com

During my journey through the fascinating and constantly exciting world of mixed martial arts, few stories have served to humble and inspire me in the manner that my good friend Lyle Beerbohm’s has. If you’re not familiar with this undefeated mercenary of the cage with the unforgettable neon fight shorts, allow me to supply a brief summary of what “Fancy pants” is all about.

Lyle was a star wrestler in high school before completely losing focus on his athletic side upon graduation and immersing himself in the nasty world of drugs. Crystal meth was his drug of choice and it was just a matter of time before Beerbohm found himself incarcerated inside of a state penitentiary due to his addiction to the unforgiving drug. It was during his stay in prison that Lyle had the opportunity to watch a new television show that was being called “The Ultimate Fighter”. From that point on Lyle knew what he had to do with his life to right the ship.

Beerbohm began training in mixed martial arts the day he got released from prison, literally. It was on the drive home from his time spent behind bars that Lyle begged his father to pull over and allow him to check out a local gym. He hasn’t taken a back step since.

Click here to read the entire article on fiveouncesofpain.com

Rogers appears best fit to battle Russian champ Emelianenko

2009-07-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on SI.com

I needed a new way of thinking, so later in the day I focused on Emelianenko's preference of Brett Rogers --who entered in the heavyweight top 10 after walloping Andrei Arlovski in June -- over the likes of Belfort, the perceived front-runner and potentially bigger pay-per-view draw, and Buentello.

One person close to Emelianenko recently told me that, contrary to popular belief, the Russian champion is in charge of his destiny and it's laughable to think his management is manipulating him. I took it to mean he and the UFC remain far apart because Emelianenko wants it that way. Until he feels differently about competing in the Octagon, there isn't a real chance it will happen.

So when he says he wants Rogers, we should listen.

Why?

Rogers makes sense because he's ranked and undefeated in 10 fights. For Emelianenko, a loss against a challenger with a perfect record isn't nearly as debilitating as falling short against a blown-up middleweight or a heavyweight with double-digit losses on his résumé.

Meanwhile, a win for Rogers immediately sets up a big-money rematch, which you'd have to think would come under the Strikeforce banner since Rogers is its man. It would guarantee at least one more high-anticipation, big-money fight outside the UFC -- one, I imagine, that would give rise to quite a lot of fan and media interest. Depending on Roger's decisiveness of victory, Strikeforce could comfortably lay claim to promoting the top heavyweight in the world. And Showtime would stand to benefit by being Rogers' premium network home.

Click here to read the entire article on SI.com

Jay Hieron: ‘I have a lot of bills and no paycheck’

2009-07-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on fiveouncesofpain.com

A perspective that seems to be absent in the wake of today’s cancellation of ”Affliction: Trilogy” is the effect the news has had on the individuals who were preparing to enter the ring on August 1st (and bring home some well-deserved pay in the process). Months spent preparing for now-defunct bouts have ultimately resulted in tolls taken on fighters’ wallets and bodies.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com has contacted welterweight Jay Hieron on Friday afternoon to get his take on the situation. Hieron, who is currently on a five-fight winning streak, was scheduled to compete against British striker Paul Daley at the event originally headlined by Fedor Emelianenko.

“It sucks, man. Rough business,” said the Long Islander. When asked whether or not he knew if he would receive a percentage of his contracted pay, Hieron responded, “I don’t know, but I know I put everything on hold. We all put everything on hold…paid a lot of money for training…and I have a lot of bills and no paycheck.”

The 17-4 “Thoroughbred” trains with XTreme Couture, a gym also associated with fellow “Affliction: Trilogy” victims Chris Horodecki and Vitor Belfort.

Click here to read the entire article on fiveouncesofpain.com

Hieron to Strikeforce, Expected to Face Diaz

2009-07-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

It appears that Affliction refugee Jay Hieron has found a new home.

Three days after the clothing company ceased its prizefighting operations, the former International Fight League welterweight champion has agreed in principal to a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce, though a contract has yet to be signed.

In his first fight, Hieron would be expected to step in for Joe Riggs to face Nick Diaz at Strikeforce “Carano vs. Cyborg” in San Jose, Calif., on Aug. 15. The fight will likely be for the first ever Strikeforce welterweight title.

Carano vs. Cyborg, which boasted no less than four title fights, recently saw its championship schedule halved by injuries and withdrawals. Heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem, who was scheduled to defend his title in June, was forced to withdraw from a return against Fabricio Werdum due to a re-aggravated hand injury. Riggs withdrew last week after reportedly suffering an adverse reaction to prescription medication.

Hieron (17-4) was on the front lines for the collapse of the IFL in summer 2008 and fielded offers from the UFC and Strikeforce before accepting an offer with Affliction. In January, he fought Jason High in the swing bout for Affliction’s second event, “Day of Reckoning,” earning a brutal knockout in 64 seconds. A native of Long Island, New York, he is a mainstay of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.com

MMAjunkie.com Radio: Strikeforce's Phil Baroni in studio

2009-07-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

Strikeforce welterweight Phil Baroni and UFC lightweight Kurt Pellegrino will be guests on today's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio.

The "New York Bad Ass" will join the crew in studio to discuss what he's been up to since a June loss to Joe Riggs and when he hopes to fight again. Meanwhile, Pellegrino will call in to discuss his preparation for a UFC 101 main-card bout with Josh Neer.

Catch MMAjunkie.com Radio Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. EST (9:05 a.m. PST) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Korean Media's Q&A with Super Agent Ken Pavia of MMAagents.com

2009-07-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

1. please introduce yourself, and what you do.
My name is Ken Pavia and I own www.MMAagents.com the preeminent Mixed Martial Arts Sports Agency. Our US staff including Attorney and Agent Nate Brodnax, Director of Fighter Endorsements Danny Lagafuaina, and Director of Fighter Compliance Julian Gregorio and our four interns represent 54 elite level MMA fighters. For a living we make dreams come true.

2.whats your relationship with john han and what are you & john planning to do?
MMAagents has three international branches. Jon Han runs the Korean affiliate. We are very excited to have Jon and his brother as part of the team and are excited to be able to tap into the Korean MMA market. We look forward to working with Jon to bringing Korean fighters to the United States and to bring US televised fights into Korea.

3. how is it like to work as an mma agent worldwide?
In 2008 our clients fought in 35 organizations in 8 countries. We have exceeded those numbers already this year. We are very excited to be a part of the international expansion of MMA and it is so rewarding to see fighter get to live their dreams and see other countries and cultures in the process. Despite living out of a suitcase, I really love what I do.

4.give me your best fight. favorite fighter and why.
Asking me to choose a favorite fighter is like asking a father to choose a favorite son. But certain fights have given me very emotional responses. Justin McCullys victory over Antoni Hardonk moved me to tear because I had seen Just work as a training partner to Tito Ortiz and Ricco Rodriguez for years. That fight was his opportunity to shine. I also found myself in exuding emotion at fights which is out of character when Razor Rob fought Olaf Alfonso, Phil Baroni won with KOs in Pride, and most recently when Brett Rogers KOed The Pitbull.

5.are we going to see any korean fighter in the ufc or any other events near future?
Well we already have Stun Gun, Dennis Kang, and Sexyama and that is a good start. They are representing their nation well. With their success I believe you will soon see Strikeforce and Bellator reaching into the Korean talent pool and the UFC will continue to scout there as well.

6. who do you have in your roster? (not everyone give us names everyone might know)
Some of the bigger names as Martin Kampman, Chris Lytle, Anthony Johnson, Phil Baroni, Brett Rogers, Benji Radach, and James Thompson. Please visit out web site for the complete list.

7. heard you are very close to scott coker, ceo of strikeforce, and he is half korean. do you have any plan to have your korean fighter in that show?
Scott is a very close friend. He would very much like to have Korean fighters on his show and has even talked about some day doing shows there. His mother is Korean and he was actually born there. He is very proud of his heritage.

8. i give you a word, express what you think of it in a word, or short sentence.

FEDOR- The greatest fighter who has ever lived, but he is ready to lose to a new star (hopefully Brett Rogers!)

DANA WHITE- Very confident and a pioneer of our sport.

TITO- The best at marketing an image that the US market has ever seen.

AKIYAMA(SEXYAMA)- Such a talented person. He will be very successful in the UFC.

UFC- The Gold Standard that all others strive to achieve.

KEN PAVIA- Dedicated to his clients and the sport. And he makes dreams come true… everyday.

9. any last words to korean mma fans?
On behalf of MMAagents and in conjunction with Jon Han we are honored to help further the careers of Korean fighters. In the short time we have been involved with Korean MMA it has become evident that there is an enormous amount of talent and fan interest. It is our desire that our talents will be symbiotic and we will be able to bring value and entertainment to the Korean MMA community.

UFC's Brad Blackburn Out Until 2010

2009-07-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

One fighter who has made the most of his UFC opportunity over the last year is former IFL welterweight “Bad” Brad Blackburn.

Since making his debut for the UFC this past December, he has won all three of his fights for the promotion, turning in gritty, solid performances against James Giboo, Ryo Chonan, and Edgar Garcia.

It is his success that makes the recent news that he will be out for the remainder of the year that much more disappointing.

As Blackburn confirmed to MMAWeekly.com, “The doctors said when they went in to fix my AC (acromioclavicular) joint that I had a nice long tear in my labrum (shoulder).

“They had to fix both of those and my estimated time for recovery is nine months.”

Early in Blackburn’s fight with Edgar Garcia at the Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale in June, Garcia slammed him, causing the injury, and turning Blackburn into a one-armed fighter the remainder of the bout.

Since the fight, concern had risen in regards to the extent of the injury when it became apparent that Blackburn could not reach across his body with his injured shoulder, prompting doctors to want to check his labrum in addition to his AC joint.

While the news is upsetting, Blackburn remains in good spirits and plans to use his positive state of mind to motivate him towards a faster recovery.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.com

Anthony Johnson's Supplement Sponsor Press Release

2009-07-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

2009-07-01

VOTING FOR THE 2009 BODYBUILDING.COM SUPPLEMENT AWARDS BEGINS JULY 1st!

It's that time of year again; time for the 2009 Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards (the industry standard for recognition of the premier products in the fitness and supplement world). The polls officially open on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009. Coming off an amazing 2008, laying claim to 6 awards out of 11 nominations, BSN is back stronger than ever this year with an impressive 14 separate category nominations. The number of nominations is amazing considering there are 110 companies, and over 10,000+ products to choose from. In addition, this year, 4 new categories have been added and BSN is at the top, pulling nominations for 3 out of 4 of these categories, with one new category being Intra-Workout Supplement of the Year, a category created by the invention of the N-Training™ phenomenon VOLUMAIZE®.

This year's category nominations are as follows:

Creatine Supplement of the Year (CELLMASS®)
Energy Supplement of the Year (ATRO-PHEX® and THERMONEX™)
Energy Drink of the Year (ENDORUSH®)*
Fat Loss Supplement of the Year (ATRO-PHEX® and CHEATERS RELIEF™)
Intra-Workout Supplement of the Year (VOLUMAIZE®)*
Muscle Builder of the Year (AXIS-HT™, CELLMASS®, NITRIX® and N.O.-XPLODE™)
Nitric Oxide Supplement of the Year (NITRIX® and N.O.-XPLODE™)
Pre-Workout Supplement of the Year (NITRIX® and N.O.-XPLODE™)*
Protein Powder of the Year (LEAN DESSERT PROTEIN™, SYNTHA-6™ and TRUE-MASS®)
Supplement of the Year (CELLMASS®, NITRIX®, N.O.-XPLODE™ and SYNTHA-6™)
Weight Gainer of the Year (TRUE-MASS®)
Labels of the Year
Ad Campaign of the Year
Brand of the Year
* New Category for 2009

Last year, over 278,000 fans such as yourselves voted and had their voice heard. To have your voice heard and cast your vote for this year's Supplement Awards, act now by logging onto http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/supplementawardpage.htm. Remember, time is limited, so don't delay and vote today! Once you register to vote, you will be entered to win $500 in free supplements from Bodybuilding.com as well as receive a 5% discount on your next Bodybuilding.com order. The winners will be announced Saturday, September 26th, live at the Mr. Olympia Expo, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Remember, the industry needs your support, so it doesn't matter who you vote for, just vote!

Hieron Navigate Affliction Fallout

2009-07-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Originally Sherdog.com

Affliction Entertainment, partnered with M-1 Global, announced Friday that it had cancelled its Aug. 1 event, leaving Vitor Belfort, Jay Hieron, Chris Horodecki, and Mark Hominick without a much-needed paycheck.

“Where we are right now with all the fighters, is their managers and lawyers are looking at how (the fighters) are going to be compensated for lack of a fight,” said Tompkins.

One source told Sherdog.com Friday that the clothing purveyors-turned-promoters are offering T-shirt deals to the ousted fighters to help offset their losses.

Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio could not be reached for comment, while Tompkins said he had no knowledge of these dealings.

“I know that there’s a big difference between postponing a fight and canceling a fight when it comes to your contracts and what the fighters deserve,” said Tompkins.

Hieron, who became the International Fight League’s 170-pound titleholder, only to watch the promotion go under over the course of 30 months, said he was anxious to find out how Affliction will handle the 22-fighter roster affected by the cancellation.

“I know we all put our lives on hold, and bills stacked up for these fights,” said Hieron. “I paid my trainers, my sparring partners for this fight.”

Hieron’s manager, Ken Pavia, didn't have much time to talk about the fallout, though for a good reason. Hieron’s name has been thrown in the hat as a potential replacement For Joe Riggs, who withdrew Thursday from his Strikeforce 170-pound title fight against Nick Diaz on Aug. 15 due to a reaction to medication, and Pavia is in swift negotiations with the promotion.

Click here to read the entire article on Sherdog.com

Phil Baroni workout photos: An MMAjunkie.com image gallery

2009-07-27T18:53:00.001-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

MMA veteran Phil Baroni and MMA newcomer Satoshi Ishii, a 2008 Summer Olympics judo gold medalist, recently ventured to the beaches of Huntington Beach, Calif., for an open workout.

Photographer Rav Holly captured images of the fighters and the workout for MMAjunkie.com.

Check out the image gallery and get an up-close look of the duo.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Tiki Ghosn Interview

2009-07-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

Click here for the Interview

Another Dirty Curty Interview Calling Out Ken Pavia

2009-07-22T22:28:00.001-07:00

Will Ken Pavia Ever Fight Dirty Curty?

2009-07-22T22:25:00.001-07:00

There was a proposed Pavia-Curty last year, but it was scrapped when the card was postponed. Will this fight ever happen? Here's an MMAHawaii.com Exclusive Interview w/Dirty Curty

Brett Rogers Interview

2009-07-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

Why Brett Rogers Should Get The Nod To Fight Fedor Emelianenko At Affliction 3

2009-07-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAforReal.com

Of course all of this would hinge on Strikeforce allowing Rogers to take this fight. Check it:

Throw PPV out of the window because there is nobody left that Affliction can use to boost PPV numbers. Even if Bobby Lashley was chosen to fight Fedor, it wouldn't add a significant amount of PPV buys to the show IMO.

Vitor Belfort shouldn't be called on to fight Fedor. He's a middleweight first of all, and already scheduled to fight on the card. Why eliminate one problem by creating another in finding an opponent for Jorge Santiago? Not to mention that's one of the best middleweight fights outside of the UFC that can happen.

I wouldn't be too mad with Fabricio Werdum getting the fight, but he is coming off a KO loss to Junior Dos Santos at UFC 90. Plus, he's not going to submit Fedor and that's pretty much his only way of winning the fight IMO.

Tito Ortiz just said that he couldn't take the fight due the reasons I mentioned earlier today.

Now let's take a look at why Rogers should get the nod to fight Fedor Emelianenko:
-Rogers is coming off a devastating KO win against former top 5 HW Andrei Arlovski.
-Rogers has never gone the distance in a fight, so you know it has the potential to be an exciting fight.
-It would be a legitimate HW as Fedor's opponent, and arguably a top ten HW(MMA4Real has Roger's at #9).
-It's a win-win fight for Rogers. If he wins, then it further solidifies him as a top HW. If he loses, then he took the fight on short notice(and depending on how he lost) could earn even more credibility if he gives Fedor a run for his money.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAforReal.com

Justin McCully vs. Mike Russo and Tim Hague vs. Todd Duffee complete UFC 102 card

2009-07-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

With the addition of two heavyweights bout on the preliminary card, the lineup for UFC 102 is now complete with a total of 11 fights.

"UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira" takes place at the Rose Center in Portland, Ore., and airs on pay-per-view.

As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported last week, UFC 102 has two new bouts: Mike Russo (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Justin McCully (9-4-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) and Todd Duffee (4-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Tim Hague (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC).

McCully had been slated to fight rising heavyweight prospect Junior Dos Santos at the Portland event. However, last week he told MMAjunkie.com Radio that Dos Santos had been scratched from the card and replaced by UFC newcomer Russo.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Brett Rogers ruled out of "Affliction: Trilogy" bout with Fedor Emelianenko

2009-07-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

"It's safe to say neither Fabricio or Brett will be fighting on Aug. 1," Afromowitz said. "The plan is still for Fabricio to fight on Aug. 15, and we hope to have an opponent named soon.

"As for Brett, nothing is finalized, but he won't be fighting on Aug. 1."

At a media call addressing the situation held earlier today, Affliction vice resident Tom Atencio had mentioned he was open to working with Strikeforce to seek a replacement for Barnett. The comment fueled speculation that either Werdum or Rogers would take the fight.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Goes Wants to Fight Coleman, Hendo, Gracies

2009-07-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

With his unanimous decision victory over Stephan Bonner at this past weekend’s UFC 100 event, former UFC and Pride champion Mark Coleman proved that he is still a viable commodity.

So it’s no surprise that shortly after his win, fellow UFC and Pride veteran Allan Goes, a ghost from Coleman’s past, is seeking to once again step onto the field of battle with him and settle what Goes calls “unfinished business” between the two.

“Right now, that’s the only fight I have in my heart,” stated Goes. “It’s the only fight that I cannot sleep at night thinking about.

“I’m very humble in my heart, but I’m ready and focused to totally destroy him if I have to.”

Originally Goes and Coleman met at Pride 13 in 2001 in a fight that Goes admittedly was not his best in. It’s because of this that Goes considers the fight one of personal redemption and is willing to forgo monetary compensation for it if needed.

“Now it’s all about honor for me, so I’d fight him for free,” admitted Goes. “I would plead to Dana (White), to Joe Silva to put together this match, because I’ll put on a fight they won’t regret.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAweekly.com

Shark Fights card draws 10,603 fans

2009-07-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on Amarillo.com

One of the largest crowds to witness a mixed martial arts event in Texas was on hand Saturday night for Shark Fights 5.5 at Gamboa's Outdoor Event Center in Amarillo.
The nine-bout card drew 10,603 fans - admission was free - despite threatening weather.

Doug Evans capped the night by claiming the Shark Fights featherweight title with a victory against Amarillo native Douglas Frey.

"Amarillo really responded to the event," Shark Fights matchmaker Brent Medley said. "It's rare to see all social and economic backgrounds in this city come together for one event, but they did on Saturday night. It was special, especially considering the rich fight heritage in Amarillo."

Evans, who fights out of Anchorage, Alaska, improved to 7-4 after submitting Frey with a guillotine choke 1 minute, 46 seconds into second round. Evans landed several punches early, forcing Frey to take the fight to the mat. That strategy was unsuccessful, however, as Evans was able to counter and controlled the fight from that point.

Click here to read the entire article

Wilson vs. Pyle official for UFC Fight Night 19

2009-07-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Also made official for the Spike TV-televised event are two bouts previously reported by MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com): Tim Credeur (12-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) vs. Nate Quarry (11-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) and Mike Pyle (17-6-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) vs. Chris Wilson (14-5 MMA, 1-2 UFC).

The latest UFC Fight Night 19 card now includes:

MAIN CARD
Nate Diaz vs. Melvin Guillard
Roger Huerta vs. Gray Maynard
Tim Credeur vs. Nate Quarry
Carlos Condit vs. Chris Lytle*

PRELIMINARY CARD
Steve Cantwell vs. Brian Stann
Mike Pyle vs. Chris Wilson
Ed Herman vs. Aaron Simpson*
Justin Buchholz vs. Jeremy Stephens*
Kyle Bradley vs. Sam Stout*
Ryan Jensen vs. Steven Steinbeiss*

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

Positive energy helps Ricco Rodriguez battle the odds

2009-07-17T14:12:00.001-07:00

Originally posted by the Tampa Tribune

TAMPA - Ricco Rodriguez is choosing to stand and fight.

As easy as it could have been to turn and run from his past, quietly tucking away the pieces of his life deemed unsavory, he's made the decision to face it head-on.

After joining the first season of Celebrity Rehab on VH1 with Dr. Drew Pinsky, Rodriguez laid everything on the line. He told of being abused as a child and wrecking his car, severely injuring his girlfriend. He recounted the fight that landed the two in jail and his then-1-year-old son in protective custody. All of which came at the hands of alcohol and drugs.

"Coming from New York and not having a lot of money, moving out when I was 17 and going through trials and tribulations just like I'm sure a lot of people have, to reach that successes and not have a mentor look over you and say, hey, this is the right path to go down and this is the wrong path to go down," Rodriguez admitted.

"My father was taken from me at a young age and the truth of the matter is I didn't have anybody here to tell me right form wrong. I learned from hands on experience."

Not long after shocking Mixed Martial Arts fans with his verbal submitting of Ultimate Fighting Championship legend Randy Couture in UFC 39 in 2002 and winning the heavyweight title, things went awry.

Click here to read the entire article