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Warrior 4 Life - “Professor X” moves forward after UFC release - PRO MMA exclusive interview
Originally posted on ProMMA.info Cage Rage veteran Xavier Foupa-Pokam, a.k.a. “Professor X,” made his UFC debut against Denis Kang at UFC 97. Unfortunately for Xavier, the first-time UFC jitters got the better of him and he lost the decision. Not one to rest on his laurels, and ready to jump right back in there a month later to fill in for the injured James Irvin, Professor X was asked by the company to face Drew McFedries at UFC 98. It was his second chance to show UFC fans what he was made of. This time the fight did not go to decision. McFedries caught the Professor with a punch early on, he was able to capitalize on it with a flurry, which in turn caused the ref to stop the fight at the 0:37 mark of the opening round. Subsequently, after two fights and one month, “Professor X” was released from the UFC. PRO MMA (promma.info) had the privilege of speaking to Xavier this week about his fight with McFedries, his release from the company, and where he goes from here. The Professor explained what happened at UFC 98, “What happened was simple. I just made one mistake, and I paid for it… cash. I knew that McFedries was going to rush to me and that I only needed to step to the side before doing everything else and there would be no way for him to beat me. I didn’t, or not properly. So he caught me.” *********** “Professor X” Xavier Foupa-Pokam would like to thank the following: -My trainer Cyrille Diabaté and all my team, the Snake Team for helping me, supporting me and sharing all this moments with me, good or bad. This surprise birthday party was awesome! -I have a special thought for Gregory “Blade” Babene and Mamour “Mamourinho” Fall that should make their US debut soon. -I also want to thank Ken Pavia and all his MMA Agents team for their tremendous work. These guys are really good. -I want to thank Jimmy Riah and Olivier Ancely (Private Coach centers) our two physical conditioners for their good job, their huge knowledge about conditioning and their support. -I want to thank the Sankuno from Paris for all their help for preparing our fighters with Jiu-jitsu. Click here to read the entire article on ProMMA.infoLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
UFC drops middleweight Xavier "Professor X" Foupa-Pokam after back-to-back losses
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com Xavier Foupa-Pokam, who signed with the UFC earlier this year and went 0-2 in a one-month span, has been released by the organization. His agent, Ken Pavia, today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the fighter's release from the UFC's roster of middleweight fighters. The French fighter, a kickboxer better known by his nickname of "Professor X," dropped to 20-11 with the two losses. Foupa-Pokam first joined the UFC in January when he agreed to meet notable Denis Kang at UFC 97. Facing a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt was a tough test for Foupa-Pokam, who is primarily a stand-up fighter. Foupa-Pokam ultimately suffered a unanimous decision loss, but it was only the fifth time in 32 professional victories that an opponent took Kang, a former Spirit MC champion and PRIDE veteran, to a decision. Despite the three-round fight, Foupa-Pokam agreed to fight again for the UFC just five weeks later at UFC 98. On just three weeks' notice, he replaced an injured James Irvin and suffered a 37-second TKO loss to Drew McFedries. (Foupa-Pokam initially protested the stoppage despite the significant damage he incurred during the fight.) Pavia said he was initially going to fight to keep Foupa-Pokam in the UFC, but after speaking with UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, he realized the fighter's best option would probably be a clean break from the organization. "I started to request to keep him under contract to the UFC and maybe take some fights outside the organization, but [Silva] reminded me that it's very restrictive with what they allow outside the UFC and that it's probably in a fighter's best interest to be released and to take fights with no restrictions," Pavia said. "The UFC is booking fights six months in advance, so he could have been on the sidelines for a long time. Additionally, even the worst fighter in the UFC is a great fighter, so he'd have a very tough fight when what he really needs is a chance to regain his confidence." Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Ken Pavia, Xavier Foupa-Pokam
The European Invasion
Originally posted on MMAopinion.com With UFC 99 set to go down in Germany, with or without the nation’s youth in attendance, I’ll say that I think that Dana White’s apparent decision to set his sights on France is a good one. Expanding the fanbase of the UFC in mainland Europe is a huge step in the right direction. I’m not convinced that it will tap a financial market like the one that Dana has put together in the U.S., but it’s certainly possible, especially if he can, yet again, access an 18-35 male demo that wants more contact and can appreciate the sport. With the emergence of prominent French fighters like Cheick Kongo and up-and-coming Xavier Foupa-Pokam (set to fight at UFC 98), the country certainly presents a good opportunity for the UFC to showcase its foreign talent. Click here to read the entire article at MMAopinion.comLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
McFedries v Foupa-Pokam - The Lowdown
Originally posted on Setanta.com Primarily a Muay Thai man, Foupa-Pokam arrived in The UFC off the back of a seven-fight tear, but instantly lost his debut to Denis Kang. Within one month the Frenchman is heading back to The Octagon as replacement for James Irvin. Boasting hugely-improved Jiu-Jitsu, Foupa-Pokam is nevertheless expected to stand-and-bang with McFedries, in what should be an absolute firecracker. The pressure is on him to avoid a second successive defeat though, and the safest place to be against McFedries (we all remember his stunning knock-out of Marvin Eastman) is on the deck. Do not be surprised to see Foupa-Pokam takes things to the mat, where he has scored three submissions in his last seven victories. EXPERT'S VIEW: A punch-for-punch trade-off would likely see McFedries score the KO. But Foupa-Pokam's Muay Thai skills make him dangerous in the clinch, while the ground game is heavily favoured towards the Frenchman. PREDICTION: Foupa-Pokam - TKO Click here to read the entire article at Setanta.comLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
UFC 98 Preview and Predictions
Originally posted on Examiner.com Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs. Drew McFedries This matchup should provide us with a enjoyable exchange on the feet, at least until one of the fighters no longer believes he is able to trade in the pocket. The American audience was introduced to Xavier Foupa-Pokam (aka Professor X) last month in a decision loss to Denis Kang. Having his first experience in the octagon out of the way, he’ll attempt to erase the memory with a convincing win Saturday night. Foupa-Pokam may have some of the best pure kickboxing skills in the UFC’s middleweight division. He throws both punches and kicks with tremendous speed and precision. McFedries also prefers to keep the fight standing. He is as one-dimensional as fighters get in the UFC. His punching power is devastating. His ground game, not so much. If the fight does go to the ground, Professor X will have a decided advantage. But then again, so would a turtle. McFedries absolutely must keep this fight standing to have a chance. He needs to close the distance, and force Foupa-Pokam to trade in the pocket. Professor X will try to keep McFedries at the end of his punches while standing. If he gets in trouble on the feet, taking the fight to the mat should provide the edge he needs to pull off the win. My prediction: Foupa-Pokam’s speed advantage should be the difference here. His ability to strike quickly and avoid serious danger will allow him to frustrate McFedries and force him into a mistake. Xavier Foupa-Pokam by 1st round (T)KO. Click here to read the entire article at examiner.comLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
Jitters Gone, "Professor X" Ready for UFC 98
 Originally posted on MMAweekly.com He certainly didn’t look it, but Xavier Foupa-Pokam says the UFC jitters got him at UFC 97. “I was feeling very great in the locker-room, and just before the corridor to the path to the Octagon,” Foupa-Pokam told MMAWeekly.com. “Then, I started to feel tense and didn't fight the way I should have. I wasn't lucid; I was short of breath.” “Professor X” is far from alone in the experience. The UFC debut continues to be, for lack of a better term, an “X factor" when evaluating newcomers. Foupa-Pokam had 29 fights on his resume when he stepped into the cage. But as so much anecdotal evidence has shown, even the most experienced fighters can lose their composure when they step onto the big stage. His opponent, Denis Kang, suffered his own jitters on his debut at UFC 93, despite 40-plus fights on his ledger. Nevertheless, Professor X blasted Kang with kicks and punches throughout much of their three-round battle, looking every bit an explosive menace. But he says adrenaline made him more tired than ever before. “I had troubles recovering rapidly, and I made mistakes I normally never do that spoiled a lot of energy,” he said. "Normally, I often go to a fight very confident. I consider a fight like a party that celebrates the end of a hard preparation; that's maybe why I often dance a bit when on the path to the cage or the ring. The day before the fight, I was still wondering why a lot of journalists were asking me if I wasn't afraid of feeling too nervous on this first UFC fight. Now I understand why.” Foupa-Pokam is embarrassed when he looks at the fight now. Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.comLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
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.infoLabels: Cyrille Diabate, Ken Pavia, MMAagents, Xavier Foupa-Pokam
Xavier Foupa-Pokam, Chael Sonnen official as replacements for UFC 98
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com UFC 98 is once again officially complete, as Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-10 MMA, 0-1 UFC) and Chael Sonnen (21-10-1 MMA, 1-3 UFC) today were officially announced as participants on the evening's main card. Foupa-Pokam meets fellow striker Drew McFedries, while Sonnen faces middleweight prospect Dan Miller. Headlined by a light-heavyweight title fight between champion Rashad Evans and challenger Lyoto Machida, UFC 98 takes place May 23 in Las Vegas. Foupa-Pokam looks to rebound from a loss in his UFC debut. The French national dropped a unanimous decision to Denis Kang at UFC 97 in April. Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
Irvin off UFC 98 card, Foupa-Pokam to replace if immigration issues resolved
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com he UFC has pulled a James Irvin (14-5 MMA, 4-4 UFC) vs. Drew McFedries (7-5 MMA, 3-4 UFC) bout from the official fight card for UFC 98 due to a knee injury suffered by Irvin. And while Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-10 MMA, 0-1 UFC) has been reported as Irvin's replacement, a source close to "Professor X" told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the French fighter can only take the bout if immigration issues are resolved in time for the May 23 event. The Irvin vs. McFedries fight had been scheduled for the televised main card of UFC 98, which takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The event airs on pay per view. Foupa-Pokam has agreed to the bout, but immigration problems need to be resolved quickly. Otherwise, the UFC could tap a different replacement fighter for Irvin, who was forced off the card with a torn meniscus in his right knee. Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
"Professor X" looks to continue the party in UFC 97 bout with Denis Kang
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com Much has been made of UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva's impressive win streak heading into Saturday night's UFC 97 event in Montreal. But Silva won't be the only dangerous striker carrying an impressive win streak into the event – Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-9 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has stopped each of his past seven opponents. And while Foupa-Pokam will face an always-tough Denis Kang (31-11-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in his octagon debut, the Frenchmen believes he's more than ready. "Maybe because of their smaller media exposure, people often seem to under-estimate European fighters," Foupa-Pokam today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "Some of the guys I've fought were really tough guys, even if their reputations were not as big in the world as their talent. And I haven't only fought European fighters, I've nearly fought around the world. "Fighting Denis Kang will be a tough one, but I'm feeling very ready for this right now." With 11 knockout or TKO wins counted among his 20 career victories, "Professor X" has utilized his striking background to its maximum potential in his near seven-year career. Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
UFC 97 Preview: The Supporting Cast
Originally posted on MMAweekly.com Denis Kang vs. Xavier Foupa-Pokam Canadian fighter Denis Kang takes on UFC newcomer Xavier Foupa-Pokam. Kang is coming off a loss in his UFC debut and badly needs a win to stay relevant in the middleweight division. Pokam has been working his way up to the UFC and won’t waste his opportunity. Pokam will have the advantage on the feet, while Kang has the edge on the ground. Kang hasn’t fought to his ability in the past couple of years and if he is caught off guard then Pokam will take full advantage. David Loiseau vs. Ed Herman UFC veteran David Loiseau makes his long-desired return to face off with Team Quest middleweight Ed Herman. Herman is coming off two straight losses and needs a win to stay in the UFC. Loiseau has the advantage on the feet and will look to stop the fight with strikes. Herman needs to be careful and get the fight to the ground, where he has a huge edge over Loiseau because of his wrestling ability. Both fighters need a win, so expect them to play it safe in order to get the much needed victory. Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.comLabels: David Loiseau, Xavier Foupa-Pokam
Sherdog Live Radio: Xavier Foupa-Pokam, David Loiseau
One-on-One: Meet MMA's 'Professor X'
Originally posted on Versus.com This Saturday, Xavier "Professor X" Foupa-Pokam (20-9) will make his UFC debut against veteran Denis Kang (31-11-1) in Montreal. At this point, you might be thinking to yourself, "Xavier who?" Not much is known about the French-born Muay Thai specialist, but should he pull off the upset at UFC 97, you'll be hearing a lot more people pronounce "Foupa-Pokam" with ease. Versus.com's Ariel Helwani caught up with the UFC newcomer to talk about his Octagon debut and more. Below is a transcript of their conversation. ARIEL HELWANI: How did it feel when you first got the call that you will be fighting in the UFC? I was very happy and satisfied; I was waiting for it for a long time. The UFC is the biggest organization in the world and I want to become a champion one day. That’s where the best fighters are and that’s where I want to prove myself. XAVIER FOUPA-POKAM: You hit a rough patch in your career several years ago when you only won three of nine fights. Was there ever a point that you thought your shot in the UFC wouldn’t come? Not really. I just had to work more and improve myself. But I knew I would get (a shot at the UFC). The fact is that my goal is not only to be in the UFC, it was about being a good fighter in the UFC. I never doubted it, I just thought, ‘Ok, I have to prove myself now to show that I deserve to be there.’ You are currently enjoying the best winning streak of your career winning seven fights in a row. What are you doing differently now? I’m a better overall fighter now. I can jiu-jitsu now; I can wrestle now. I have been working a lot on my jiu-jitsu at Samkuno, which is one of the best European BJJ schools. I have also been working a lot on my wrestling at Team Quest, which is where I am at the moment finishing my preparation. I used to be considered a Muay Thai MMA fighter, but today I am a better overall MMA fighter. Since a lot of North American fans don’t much about you, can you talk a little more about who you have been training with for this upcoming fight? I have been with my trainer (MMA fighter) Cyrille “The Snake” Diabate and all my teammates at "The Snake Team" in Paris, France. I have also been training at the Samkuno in Paris my BJJ. Now, I am finishing my training here at Team Quest in Temecula, California, with Dan Henderson, Krysztof Sozynski, who is also fighting on the same card as me (against Brian Stann) Thierry Rameau Sokoudjou, Lou Polley and all the other guys at Team Quest. Click here to read the entire article at Versus.comLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
UFC 97 Redemption: The Picks
Originally posted on BleacherReport.com Xavier Foupa-Pokam d. Denis Kang Kang will come out with something to prove after his disastrous debut, but Xavier is well rounded as well. I admit I don't know as much about "Professor X," but he has a number of wins by submission as well as (T)KO. Kang has faced better competition, I believe, but has lost to most of them. Kang can't seem to settle down for a decision win, switching back and forth between tactics and needlessly exposing himself to danger. I'm picking Foupa-Pokam just based on Kang's tendency to throw away fights, but I wouldn't be surprised if it went the other way. David Loiseau d. Ed Herman I think Loiseau has finally gotten his head right, and is coming off three wins, including a gutsy fifth round TKO of Solomon Hutcherson. Herman is an unpredictable fighter, and not in the good way. He has been winning and losing upsets his entire time in the UFC. The telling factor is that Herman is not a very explosive fighter and will probably have difficulty controlling Loiseau. His striking is also very rudimentary, and I think Loiseau will give him fits on the feet. That is if he can open up, which shouldn't be an issue with Herman; I think the UFC is giving Loiseau a good style matchup in this one. Click here to read the entire article at BleacherReport.comLabels: David Loiseau, Xavier Foupa-Pokam
The mysterious stylings of Professor X—Xavier Foupa-Pokam
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.comLabels: Cyrille Diabate, Xavier Foupa-Pokam
UFC 97 Main Event Officially Announced
Originally posted on 5thround.com Although it has been Rumored for weeks, the UFC officially announced the main events for their “UFC 97: Silva vs. Leites” event in Montreal, Canada on April 18th. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell, who is looking to make one final run at the title, will face the talented, yet struggling, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will headline the card as he will defend his belt against Thales Leites. Main Bouts: David Loiseau vs. Ed Herman Xavier Foupa-Pokam vs. Denis Kang Jason MacDonald vs. Nate Quarry Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Chuck Liddell Thales Leites vs. Anderson Silva (UFC Middleweight champion) Click here to read the entire article at 5thround.comLabels: David Loiseau, Xavier Foupa-Pokam
Xavier Foupa-Pokam signed for UFC debut with Denis Kang in Montreal
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com Cage Rage and Palace Fighting Championship veteran Xavier Foupa-Pokam (20-9 MMA, 0-0 UFC) and middleweight Denis Kang (31-11-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) have signed bout agreements to meet at UFC 97. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned of the bout late Thursday night from multiple sources close to the event. While not yet officially announced by the organization, UFC 97 is tentatively scheduled for April 18 in Montreal. Foupa-Pokam is a French native who trains with PRIDE, DEEP and ShoXC veteran Cyrille Diabate's Snake Team. "Professor X" last fought in January in a first-round knockout of BodogFIGHT and King of the Cage veteran Kyacey Uscola. The 26-year-old is currently on a seven-fight win streak and has earned victories in 12 of his past 13 bouts. Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.comLabels: Xavier Foupa-Pokam
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