Dan Henderson And Cyrille Diabate Talk Bisping

MMAjunkie.com Radio: UFC 100's Dan Henderson, Cyrille Diabate

After a monstrously stacked primetime show on Wednesday night, the MMAjunkie.com Radio crew returns with another all-star lineup for today's program.

Joining the show is UFC 100 main-card fighter Dan Henderson, who takes on Michael Bisping, his rival coach from "The Ultimate Fighter 9," at Saturday's pay-per-view event. Joining Henderson in studio are "TUF 9" assistant coach and fighter Cyrille Diabate and "MMA Live" host Jon Anik, who's in Las Vegas to shoot multiple episodes of the popular ESPN MMA show.

For more on MMAjunkie.com, and to listen to and watch the shows, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio

Primetime Radio: Jon Fitch, Paulo Thiago, Cyrille Diabate, "King Mo," Ariel Helwani

Tonight's show airs in a special 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET (5 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT) timeslot, and UFC 100's Jon Fitch and Paulo Thiago and "The Ultimate Fighter 9" assistant coach Cyrille Diabate will join the program, while fast-rising Sengoku prospect Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal and Ariel Helwani of AOL FanHouse and VERSUS.com will join in to help co-host the show.

For more on MMAjunkie.com, and to listen to and watch the shows, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio

David Hojak Interviews Cyrille Diabate

Originally posted on throwthembows.com

ThrowThemBows.com editorial author David Hojak (0-0) recently got a chance to speak with veteran mixed martial artist and TUF9 Team USA striking coach, Cyrille Diabate (14-6). Born to French parents in Le Celle St Clous, France in 1973, Cyrille has spent his life winning WKA and National Kickboxing titles, which he gave us some insight into during his call.

On the call, he also discussed the pretense of how he'd like to return to the UFC, what awaits him when he gets there, and how long he'd like to stay.

Cyrille was humble in his approach to returning to the UFC, believing that he was as tasked with proving his worth in the organization despite his vast experience, especially considering his impressive 7-1 run in his last eight fights.

He talks more about his chance to perform in Pride in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, and takes with him the memories of walking down that Pride ramp, down to the Pride ring, and living in the moment of competing in a Pride bout. Though he admits he was finished brutally, he bears no ill will towards Shogun.

Click here to read the entire article at ThrowthemBows.com

Cyrille Diabate on Inside MMA

TopMMANews Catches the Snake

UFC 98 Spotlight: Xavier Foupa-Pokam “Professor X” - PRO MMA exclusive interview

Originally posted on ProMMA.info

On April 18, 2009 an ominous Xavier Foupa-Pokam entered the UFC cage for the first time and battled veteran Denis Kang to a decision. On May 23 Xavier Foupa-Pokam, better known as “Professor X”, will make his second appearance inside the Octagon as he takes on Drew McFedries at UFC 98 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

26-year-old Snake Team member “Professor X” is an extremely athletic 6′1″ middleweight from France; a Cage Rage veteran and muay-thai specialist who is also dangerous on the ground. He carries a professional MMA record of 20-9 with 11 (T)KOs and 7 submissions. Rarely will you see a “Professor X” fight go to decision. In 2007 he appeared on the History Channel’s “The Human Weapon” as a Savate instructor.

PRO MMA (promma.info) recently had the opportunity to speak with the Professor about a number of topics including his opinion of his UFC debut performance, his upcoming fight at UFC 98, the Snake Team, MMA in France, the origin of his nickname, the UFC Middleweight Champ, his future, and more. PRO MMA (promma.info) proudly presents the mysterious “Professor X.”

PRO MMA: Xavier, thank you for taking the time to speak with us here at PRO MMA (promma.info). How are you doing and how are your preparations coming along for your upcoming fight at UFC 98 against Drew McFedries?
XAVIER: I’m doing very good. I’m still very disappointed of my last fight, so I’m looking forward to this next one to do a better job.

PRO MMA: Have you seen many of Drew McFedries’ fights; what is your opinion of his skill and how do you see yourself matching up with him?
XAVIER: I’ve watched some of his fights. He’s a tough guy with heavy hands. But my boxing is faster, more precise and less predictable than his. And if he tries and takes me down, I’ll submit him.

*********

RO MMA: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans and would you like to thank any sponsors?
XAVIER: To my fans, I’d like to say that my last fight was an accident. Just wait and watch the next one. It’s just the beginning of a very long story… I want to thank my manager Ken Pavia and all his MMAagents team. They do a very good job for me. I also want to thank Cyrille Diabate, my trainer, for all he’s doing for me every day and all my guys from the Snake Team; especially Jimmy Riah and Olivier Ancely, our physical conditioners. I want to thank all the guys of the Sankuno; and specially David Pierre-Louis. I also want to thank all my guys from the Team Quest; Dan Henderson, Thierry Sokoudjou Reameau, Kristoph Sozinsky, Jason “Mahyem” Miller, Heith Sims, Lew Polly, Pantcho and all of you guys. Then, I also want to thank the Private Coach centers, Serious Pimp, Hayabusa and Karl Kany for supporting me.

Click here to read the entire article at ProMMA.info

Fighter A-Z: Xavier Foupa-Pokam

Originally posted on FourOuncesToFreedom.com

Xavier Foupa-Pokam is a rare breed of fighter. French born and bred isn't something you hear a lot when it comes to describing mixed martial artists. Every UFC fan knows Cheick Kongo, but even he doesn't train in his home country. "Professor X" is very proud of France, and until recently his goal was to show every European fan what French fighters could do. Now, he's getting the chance to show North American fans the same thing.

Xavier's martial arts training started with karate in the suburbs of Paris when he was 11. After years of training he became interested in expanding into other disciplines, but his instructor wasn't happy about that, thinking it would mess with his focus at karate tournaments. Eventually Foupa-Pokam burned out on karate and decided to take up another martial art that had always interested him - Thai Boxing. After some research, Xavier went to meet the man that later became his mentor - Cyril "The Snake" Diabate.

Around the time that Professor X joined the gym, Diabate had converted the previously striking-only gym into a full-fledged MMA gym. Despite the emphasis on MMA, a lot of Diabate's proteges were very similar in terms of skillset - tall, long-limbed strikers. Xavier fit in quite nicely. There was one small problem with an MMA camp in France though - MMA wasn't legal there. They couldn't even fight in their home country. This led to Foupa-Pokam taking fights in places like Switzerland, Hungary, South Africa, and Sweden. The country he fought in most, however, was England.

Click here to read the entire article at FourOuncestoFreedom.com

Video on Demand: PFC 12 ‘High Stakes’

Sherdog.com is proud to offer free video on demand from Lemoore, Calif., where the Palace Fighting Championship hosted “High Stakes.”

Featuring a stacked card of UFC and Pride veterans, the show also put on display the sport’s next generation of stars.

Hosted by Sherdog Radio Network’s TJ De Santis, mixed martial arts veteran Erik Apple and comedian Andre Covington, tune in to see 12 action-packed bouts for free!

Click here to see the entire fight card at Sherdog.com

Saraiva takes PFC Title; Diabate and Prof. X Dominate

Originally posted on Sherdog.com

Former PFC lightweight champion and UFC veteran Diego Saraiva dropped down to featherweight to snatch the gold away from reigning champ Jorge Evangelista with a rear-naked choke finish at 2:39 in the second round.

Evangelista came out on top in a close first round. He was the more aggressive of the two in a round that seemed to be mostly a feeling out period. But round two was all Saraiva.

“The Octopus” lived up to his nickname when he dragged the champ to the mat, wrapped him up, took his back, and locked in the finishing move. Evangelista tried to counter by slamming them both on their heads, but it was to no avail and he submitted.

When the fighters rose, the former champ’s left eye was swollen shut and Saraiva had blood running down his face from a cut on his forehead. The win improves Saraiva’s record to 13-8-1.

In other non-title action, France native and Pride veteran Cyrille Diabate dispatched TUF veteran Lodune Sincaid just 1:15 into round two.

Diabate dominated the striking exchanges, cutting Sincaid in round one and dropping him with a vicious head kick right at the buzzer. Sincaid answered the bell for round two, but the ref called time out to have Lodune’s cut checked after 75 seconds of action.

In other bouts, Xavier Foupa-Pokam destroyed Kyacey Uscola with a knee to the body that left him doubled up and rolling around in a corner at 2:06 of the first round.

Click here to read the entire article at Sherdog.com

"PFC 12: High Stakes" play by play and official results

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

XAVIER FOUPA-POKAM VS. KYACEY USCOLA

Round 1 - Uscola throws a heavy low kick, but Foupa-Pokam counters with a right hand. Uscola shoots in and slips, but he maintains an underhook and works Foupa-Pokam to the ground. Foupa-Pokam pulls guard while in his corner, and instructions come from his corner in his native French. Uscola looks for some short shots from top, but Foupa-Pokam avoids the damage. Referee Jason McCoy calls for a stand-up, and pulls the doctor to look at a small cut above Uscola's left eye. The restart comes quickly, and Foupa-Pokam delivers a quick assault of punches and kicks. Uscola falls, but Foupa-Pokam allows him to his feet. Foupa-Pokam moves forward with more aggression now, and a flying knee to the body lands with stunning authority. Uscola collapses on the floor, and "Professor X" doesn't bother to follow. Xavier Foupa-Pokam def. Kyacey Uscola via KO (knee to the body) -- Round 1, 2:06.

CYRILLE DIABATE VS. LODUNE SINCAID

Round 1 - Diabate immediately stalks the much-smaller Sincaid. As Diabate moves in, Sincaid clinches and takes Diabate to the floor. Diabate initially controls Sincaid and scores elbows to the head, but Sincaid pops out and moves to side control. Diabate remains calm underneath and gains half-guard. Sincaid offers little on top and Diabate pulls full guard. Sincaid moves swiftly back into side control and in a scramble looks for a guillotine. Diabate slips out and transitions to Sincaid's back. Punches follow, but they land to the back of the head. Referee Cecil People stands the fighters and issues a warning. On the restart Diabate lands a heavy left leg to the body. The move hurts Sincaid, and Diabate follows with a series of punches to the head that immediately cut Sincaid open. Sincaid crumbles and covers as the bell sounds. MMAjunkie.com sees it for Diabate after the flurry to end the round, 10-9.

Round 2 - Sincaid doesn't budge from his corner and Diabate walks him down. Another body kick and a punch and elbow score for Diabate. Sincaid is on the defensive and Diabate's confidence is sky high. Sincaid covers meekly in the corner and Diabate punishes his opponent with a series of elbows to the face. The blows leave Sincaid's nose twisted and gashes in his face. Peoples halts the bout for the ringside doctor to take a closer look. The decision doesn't take long, and the fight is waved off. Cyrille Diabate def. Lodune Sincaid via TKO (doctor's stoppage due to cuts) -- Round 2, 1:15.

CHAMP JORGE EVANGELISTA VS. DIEGO SARAIVA

Round 1 - Evangelista opens with a high kick that Saraiva blocks. Evangelista catches a kick from Saraiva and clinches in the corner. As they back away, Saraiva ducks under an elbow. Saraiva throws a kick to the body, but Evangelista circles away. Saraiva scores a kick to the body then escape from a counter in kind. Saraiva cuts the ring off, but he can't capitalize on Evangelista's time in the corner. Saraiva traps Evangelista in the corner but will not let his hands go, much to the dismay of his corner. The round ends, and MMAjunkie.com sees a close round for Saraiva, 10-9, based on ring control.

Round 2 - Saraiva again walks Evangelista down but hesitates. A flurry finally comes, but Evangelista clinches. Evangelista works the Thai clinch briefly, but Saraiva moves away. Saraiva throws an axe kick after eating a left hand. Saraiva shoots in and wrestles Evangelista to the ground. Evangelista turtles and Saraiva takes his back. "The Octopus" locks in both hooks and peppers Evangelista with punches. Evangelista lifts and slams in an effort to shake Saraiva, but the move just lets "The Octopus" sink in the choke. Saraiva rolls Evangelista over and tightens the hold, forcing the tap. Saraiva earns the PFC featherweight title. Evangelista stands to reveal his left eye is completely closed. Diego Saraiva def. Jorge Evangelista via submission (rear-naked choke) -- Round 2, 2:39.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Snake Team seeks higher plane with PFC wins

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo may currently be the most well-known French striker currently competing in MMA, but he doesn't have the corner on the market.

Former EliteXC light-heavyweight Cyrile Diabate (12-6-1) made his presence known with a blood-filled decision win over Jaime Fletcher at "ShoXC: Hamman vs. Suganuma II" in August 2008. Now "The Snake" will look to continue his winning ways against "The Ultimate Fighter" veteran Lodune Sincaid (14-6) at Thursday's "PFC 12: High Stakes" in Lemoore, Calif.

And he's bringing fellow Snake Team fighter Xavier Foupa-Pokam (19-9) with him in their shot at a successful U.S. invasion.

"I was interested in an MMA career because it's getting bigger and bigger," Diabate recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "There's more opportunities for fighters. If I make it over here (in the U.S.), and we make it over here, there's more opportunities for the rest of the team as well. It was a logical step for me to try and hit the American market."

Making his way to the U.S. has been a long process for the 36-year-old Diabate.

"I started off kickboxing at the end of 1991," Diabate said. "I was French amateur champion the first year and then French semi-pro champion the year after that. It just continued from there."

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Thursday's PFC Card Will Stream Live on Sherdog

Originally posted on Sherdog.com

Sherdog.com will offer a free live stream of Thursday's PFC "High Stakes" card, which is headlined by four championship bouts.

The Sherdog Radio Network's TJ De Santis will broadcast live from ringside on Thursday, Jan. 22.

PFC Featherweight Championship
Jorge Evangelista vs. Diego Saraiva

LHW Match-Up
Cyrille Diabate vs. Lodune Sincaid

MW Match-Up
Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs. Kyacey Uscola

Click here to read the entire article at Sherdog.com

Updated PFC 12 Card

Originally posted on MMAnews.com

PFC World Featherweight Championship
Fresno, Calif.’s Jorge Evangelista (8-2-1) vs. Atlanta, Ga.’s Diego Saraiva (12-8-1)
*Evangelista is making his first title defense.

Light Heavyweights
La Celle St. Clous, France’s Cyrille Diabate (12-6-1) vs. North Hollywood, Calif.’s Lodune Sincaid (14-6)

Middleweights
Paris, France’s Xavier Foupa-Pokam (19-9) vs. Utah’s Kasey Uscula (15-12)

Click here to read the entire article at MMAnews.com

FiveOuncesofPain.com's Interview with Cyrille Diabate

PFC Top 10 Includes the likes of Larson, Diabate, and Saraiva

Originally posted on PalaceFightingChampionship.com

Featherweight | 145 Pounds

CHAMPION - Jorge Evangelista
1. Casey Olson
2. Diego Saraiva

Welterweight | 170 Pounds

CHAMPION - Bryan Travers
1. Mike Moreno
2. Jeremiah Metcalf
3. Phil Baroni

Middleweight | 185 Pounds

CHAMPION - Vacant
1. Leopoldo Serao
2. Phil Collins
3. Doug Marshall
4. Jaime Jara
5. Xavier Foupa-Pokham

Light Heavyweight | 205 Pounds

CHAMPION - Jorge Oliveira
1. Glover Teixeira
2. Cyrille Diabate
3. Isaiah Larson


Click here to read the entire article at PalaceFightingChampionship.com

PFC 12 Card to include the likes of Diabate, Professor X, Diego Saraiva

Posted by Sean Frank:

Three MMA Agent Clients are scheduled for the Palace Fighting Championship 12 in Lemoore, California. Talented Striker Cyrille "The Snake" Diabate makes his PFC debut. The Pride and Elite XC veteran will be facing off against fellow Light Heavyweight, Ultimate Fighter Alum Lodune Sincaid. Also scheduled is the PFC and Cage Rage vet Xavier Foupa-Pokam. "Professor X" as he most often referred, will be meeting Kyacey Uscola in the ring. Also on the card, is Former PFC lightweight Champ Diego Saraiva who will be making his return to Lemoore to challenge Jorge Evangelita for the Featherweight title. The drop in weight could help Diego become a 2-division champion.

EliteXC's Diabate meets UFC vet Sincade in Jan. 22 PFC main event

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Famed French striker and recent EliteXC fighter Cyrille "Snake" Diabate (12-6-1) will meet "The Ultimate Fighter" and UFC alumnus Lodune Sincaid (14-6) in the main event of Palace Fighting Championship's Jan. 22 event.

Nathan Brodnax of MMAAgents.com, which represents Diabate, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that bout agreements will soon be distributed and signed for the headline fight.

Diabate, a one-time PRIDE fighter who was offered an EliteXC light-heavyweight title fight before the organization canceled its Nov. 8 event, will compete for just the second time in 21 months.

.....................

Also scheduled for the card, according to Brodnax, is a bout between Xavier Foupa-Pokam (19-9), who's won 11 of his past 12 fights, and BodogFIGHT and King of the Cage veteran Kyacey Uscola (15-12).

Foupa-Pokam is one of Diabate's training partners.

The Jan. 22 PFC event takes place at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Diabate-Feijao possible for Elite XC Belt

Originally posted on TATAME.com

After confirming exclusively to TATAME.com that he’ll do his next fight in EliteXC for the light-heavyweight title, Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante said that his trainings now are focused in one opponent. “It looks like I’m going to face Cyrille Diabate, who fought with Shogun (Rua) in Pride. I think will be him, 90% chances”, said the athlete, that will face at November 8th card. With three fast knockouts on the event, Cavalcante keeps training with Anderson Silva to win the belt.

Click here to read the entire article at TATAME.com

10 Questions With Cyrille Diabaté (9/2/2008)

10 Questions With Cyrille Diabaté (by Darrick Patrick)

Cyrille "Snake" Diabaté is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as PRIDE, ShoXC, Cage Rage, Real Rhythm, Extreme Force, DEEP, M-1 Mix-Fight Championship, 2 Hot 2 Handle, Rings, Cage Wars, and Golden Trophy.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to competing in professional mixed martial arts?

Cyrille: Long story! In short, like a lot of my fellow fighters, it started with a tough childhood. I had a lot of anger and energy to express. I started to train and fight in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Savate - and I fell in love with those arts. MMA was the next logical step.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Cyrille: Take your time and choose wisely who your trainer is going to be. They will have a great impact on what kind of martial artist you become.

Darrick: What personally brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Cyrille: A sense of achievement and the feeling that I've become a better person.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Cyrille: My mother and grandfather. They both passed away when I was young and both stayed strong until the end, never complaining.

Darrick: What does a typical training session for you consist of?

Cyrille: There's not really a typical training session anymore. I've been training and fighting for seventeen years and if I get bored, I don't train as well! The length, content, and intensity varies a lot depending on my schedule and needs. I rely a lot more on experience and steady training than before.

Click here to read the rest of the article at Livejournal.com