Strikeforce (Santos vs. Carano) Salaries

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

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

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.

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

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.

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Jay Hieron passes the Gauntlet, Eyes Nick Diaz

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."

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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Hieron Navigate Affliction Fallout

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

Sherdog's Official Welterweight Rankings

Welterweight

1. Georges St. Pierre (19-2)
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 St. Pierre is one of the sport's pound-for-pound kings and has caused many fans and pundits to begin demanding a move to middleweight. However, St. Pierre's next challenge will likely come from the winner of the September bout between Mike Swick and Martin Kampmann.

2. Jon Fitch (19-3, 1 NC)
Hardly flashy, but Fitch racked up yet another solid victory at UFC 100, taking a hard-fought unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Paulo Thiago. The victory moved Fitch's mark in the Octagon to an impressive 10-1.

3. Thiago Alves (16-4)
Though Alves struggled to muster much offense in his 25-minute decision loss to Georges St. Pierre at UFC 100, the Brazilian stalwart showed considerable grit by making it to the final bell against the vastly superior St. Pierre. The other silver lining for the "Pitbull"? He's only 25 years old.

4. Jake Shields (23-4-1)
He may have looked out of his depth for a minute or so, but Shields’ submission skills shined through once again June 6 against Robbie Lawler. The former EliteXC welterweight champion submitted the former EliteXC middleweight titleholder 2:02 into their Strikeforce bout, recording his 12th straight win. Shields’ unbeaten streak now spans almost five years.

5. Martin Kampmann (15-2)
Kampmann said he is only interested in big fights at 170. Fortunately for Denmark's top MMA export, he's got one: Kampmann will take on Mike Swick at UFC 103 on Sept. 19. The winner is likely to be next in line for a crack at Georges St. Pierre's welterweight throne.

6. Paulo Thiago (11-1)
Thiago finally got one put in the loss column at UFC 100. However, the still fairly unknown Brazilian did prove that he was tougher than previously thought following his upset over Josh Koscheck in February by dragging divisional elite Jon Fitch through three competitive rounds.

7. Josh Koscheck (12-4)
A foot injury deprived Koscheck of a chance to get back into action against Chris Wilson at UFC 98 in May. Koscheck’s next bout will be even sterner now. His opponent for UFC 103 on Sept. 19 is former UFC welterweight title challenger Frank Trigg, who returns to the promotion and the division after a run at middleweight.

8. Carlos Condit (22-5)
Condit was unsuccessful in his UFC debut in April, losing a hotly contested split decision to Martin Kampmann. However, the former WEC champ may have a crack at some extra money in his second Octagon appearance, as he'll take on regular "Fight of the Night" bonus recipient Chris Lytle at Sept. 16's UFC Fight Night card.

9. Mike Swick (14-2)
Having put together a 4-0 mark as a welterweight, Swick's big moment at 170 has arrived. The fleet-handed AKA product will take on Dane Martin Kampmann on Sept. 19 at UFC 103 with the winner likely gaining the right to challenge Georges St. Pierre.

10. Dan Hardy (22-6, 1 NC)
With his split decision over Marcus Davis at UFC 99 in June, Hardy has emerged as yet another contender in the UFC's startlingly deep welterweight division. The victory was his 11th in his last 12 fights, his lone loss in that span coming via contested disqualification against Yoshiyuki Yoshida in December 2007.

Other contenders: Marcus Davis, Jay Hieron, Matt Hughes, Karo Parisyan, Nick Thompson.

*With no wins in nearly 20 months, the currently suspended Karo Parisyan falls from sixth to the contenders list, just outside the top 10.

Click here to read the entire article on Sherdog.com

MMAdness June Rankings

Welterweight (170 pounds)

1. Georges St. Pierre
2. Thiago Alves
3. Jon Fitch
4. Martin Kampmann
5. Mike Swick
6. Jake Shields
7. Marcus Davis
8. Carlos Condit
9. Paulo Thiago
10. Frank Trigg

Also receiving consideration: Hayato Sakurai, Matt Hughes, Brock Larson, Josh Koscheck, Jay Hieron, Nick Thompson, and Karo Parisyan

Click here to read the entire article at MMAdnes.com

Versus' Welterweight Rankings

Originally posted on Versus.com

WELTERWEIGHT
1. Georges St-Pierre (18-2) – It seems as though a lot more people are picking Alves to defeat GSP at UFC 100 than I had previously thought. Alves may be a big welterweight, but I don’t see that happening.
2. Thiago Alves (16-3) – See above.
3. Jon Fitch (18-3, 1 NC) – As long as GSP is holding the 170-pound UFC title, it will be hard for Fitch to justify receiving a title shot. Especially with AKA teammates Mike Swick and Josh Koscheck beneath him.
4. Jake Shields (22-4-1) – Why do I have this strange feeling that Shields is going to look to stand and trade with Lawler?
5. Matt Hughes (43-7) – Not impressed with his lay and pray performance at UFC 98. I would like to see him against Koscheck next.
6. Martin Kampmann (16-2) – I understand why he turned down the T.J. Grant fight, but I also don’t. If you were that sure that you can beat him, why not just do it?
7. Josh Koscheck (12-4) – Paulo Thiago may be the answer to a trivia question someday.
8. Mike Swick (13-2) – Swick faces the dangerous Ben Saunders at UFC 99.
9. Carlos Condit (23-5) – Condit has quickly become the forgotten man at 170.
10. Matt Serra (9-6) – Hard to come up with what’s next for the “Terra.” How about a catch-weight fight against Sean Sherk?

Honorable Mention: Dustin Hazelett, Karo Parisyan, Jay Hieron, Marcus Davis, Dan Hardy.

Click here to read the entire article at Versus.com

USAT/SBN May MMA Consensus Rankings: Welterweight

Top 25 Welterweights

#7 Martin Kampmann
#19 Jay Hieron
#22 Anthony Johnson
#23 Chris Lytle
#24 Brad Blackburn

Click here to read the entire article at Bloodyelbow.com

Jay Hieron vs. Paul Daley reportedly set for Affliction III on Aug. 1

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

A bout between welterweight veterans Jay Hieron (17-4) and Paul Daley (21-8-2) has been signed for Affliction's upcoming third show, which takes place Aug. 1.

The news comes from MMA FanHouse, which earlier this week reported that verbal agreements are also in place for a main event between Fedor Emelianenko and Josh Barnett.

Although not officially announced, Affliction III is expected to take place in the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Hieron, a former UFC fighter who makes his second Affliction appearance, hasn't fought since his "Day of Reckoning" TKO victory over Jason High in January. The 64-second victory was Hieron's fifth consecutive win.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

After missed chances at Nick Diaz, DREAM, Jay Hieron looks to Affliction

Originally posted on MMAJunkie.com

Currently riding a five-fight win streak, including an impressive win over Jason High at "Affliction: Day of Reckoning" in January, former IFL champion Jay Hieron (17-4) is itching to get back in action.

And while "The Thoroughbred" agreed to a June bout with Nick Diaz at Strikeforce, Hieron recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) an August return for Affliction appears likely.

"I'm pretty positive I'm on the next (Affliction) card, whether it's the [Aug. 1] or [Aug. 15]," Hieron said. "I haven't got a name yet, but I was supposed to be on that June 6 Strikeforce card and fight Nick Diaz."

Hieron said he verbally committed to the bout with Diaz, but the organization elected to go with Scott Smith instead. Hieron said he hopes he can revisit the bout at some point.

"I agreed to it," Hieron said. "[Strikeforce] asked me, and right away I said, 'Yes.'

"I think that's a great opponent for me. I could get in the gym and get up for that. I get up for everybody, but that's definitely a fight I think I match up well with."

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"Inside MMA" preview: "Stitch" taps Hieron vs. Goulet as bloodiest fight

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Jacob "Stitch" Duran has seem some cuts during his storied career as a cut man – some really doozies.

And on tonight's new edition of "Inside MMA" on HDNet, he discusses the bloodiest one of all.

"There was a lot of blood, man," Duran said.

The veteran stitcher-upper was talking about a UFC Fight Night 2 bout between Jay Hieron and Jonathan Goulet. The October 2005 bout kicked off the night's preliminary card and was never shown on TV.

And it'll likely stay that way.

Goulet caught Hieron with a knee between the eyes. Hieron's face soon exploded with a flood of red.

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MMAjunkie.com Radio: Jay Hieron (in studio) and Trevor Prangley

IFL, UFC and Affliction veteran Jay Hieron, one of the world's top 15 welterweight fighters, will be an in-studio guest on today's edition of MMAjunkie.com.

Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio

On May 2nd Phil Baroni,Martin Kampmann, and Jay Hieron Participate in First Championship Series in Edison NJ

Originally posted on GoFightLiveTv.Blog

The First ever Asylum Championship Series Comes to Edison, NJ - 4/2/2009
Featuring Wrestling, Grappling, MMA Fights, and Seminars with Elite Pro MMA Fighters

Edison, NJ - The creator of Asylum Fight League, Carl Mascarenhas, is pleased to announce the first ever Asylum Championship Series I, a day-long event featuring all aspects of Mixed Martial Arts competition, on Saturday, May 2. The event will be held at the Raritan Center in Edison, NJ a 150,000 sq ft of action packed space.

Headlining the first ever Asylum Championship Series event will be seminars conducted by top level professional mixed martial arts fighters. Fighters Phil Baroni, Kurt Pellegrino, Martin Kampmann, Eddie Alvarez, and Jay Hieron will give educational and informative seminars about various mixed martial arts techniques.

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