Belfort wants Bisping, Bader requests Tito

 Photo : Dave Mandel/Sherdog

Vitor Belfort wasn't very impressed with Michael Bisping's post Jorge Rivera TKO shenanigan's in Sydney this past weekend. *The Phenom* even called out *The Count* via his twitter account after retweeting a couple of fans, one of which suggested Vitor teach Bisping a lesson about spitting on people.

@vitorbelfort:

"On my way to the airport going back to vegas I am looking forward to fight bisping on may card I need to fight soon I want to get busy"

Coming off the first loss of his career , Ryan Bader has decided that a win over Tito Ortiz would look good on his resume. Bader tells ESPN that he would like to fight Tito purely out of respect before his career is over. Ortiz was recently forced to pull out of his Main Event fight at UFN 24 due to a mini concussion and a cut that required over twenty stitches.

photo: bleacherreport

Coming Soon: UFC 128 Trailer - Shogun vs. Jones

UFC 127 Results: Penn vs. Fitch ends in a Draw

Photo via: HeavyMMA

UFC 127's Main Event that took place on a Sunday afternoon in Australia became the 2nd Main Event out of the last 3 major events for the promotion to end in a draw.


Although Fitch grinded, grounded, and pounded Penn for nearly all 5 minutes of the 3rd Round it proved to be too little too late to score another Decision Victory.

Penn took a page out of his newest training partner Matt Hughes book by pushing Fitch against the fence and scoring an early take down of his own. The second round easily could have gone to either fighter. Some highlights: B.J. may have broken Fitch's nose with an elbow, Fitch scored a solid take down after a missed flying knee by Penn , and Penn worked for his signature rear naked choke only to be reversed by Fitch.

As for the 3rd Round, well according to @MikeChiappetta, Fitch outstruck B.J. 134-0 in the final round of the contest. It just wasn't enough though under UFC rules to take hme the W. Should be very interesting to see what is next for both fighters. My thoughts? If GSP defeats Shields and moves up to Middleweight ... Make Penn vs. Fitch 2 for the title.

UFC 127 Results: Bisping TKO's Rivera

photo via : Life.com

After losing a point due to an illegal knee to a downed opponent during the Round 1 of the UFC 127 Co Main Event, The Count would prevail by finishing El Conquistador in the 2nd Round via TKO (unanswered strikes). 

Bisping apologized during his post fight interview with Joe Rogan for taunting Rivera after the stoppage. Hopefully this means no more mock YouTube videos from Rivera....ever.

UFC 127 Results: Siver stops Sotiropoulos

Dennis Siver just catapulted himself up the Lightweight Ranks with a convincing win over George Sotiropoulos in his own backyard at UFC 127. Siver knocked down GeorgeSots twice in the 1st Round while successfully stuffing every single take down Sotiropoulos attempted from start to finish.

Give credit where credit is due to Sotiropoulos for sticking it out but Siver clearly got the best of him. Should be very interesting to see who the man responsible for possessesing the nastiest spinning back kick in the world takes on next.

UFC 127 Results: Ebersole stuns Lytle in UFC Debut

Photo via Portrait.gov

 Brian Ebersole made quite the impression in Australia during his Octagon debut. The Midwest native came sporting a shaved arrow on his chest, numerous cartwheel attempts and all sorts of unorthodox tomfoolery.

 The momentum was on Lytle's side until Ebersole landed a vicious knee to the face of Lytle. A veteran of over 60 fights in his MMA career, Ebersole went on to win his UFC debut in memorable fashion via Unanimous Decision. One half of an early fight of the night candidate on a card that still has 3 fights remaining, fans will be talking about Brian Ebersole for a long time.

UFC 127 Live Results

Main Card:

• B.J. Penn (16-7-2) vs. Jon Fitch (23-3-1) ends (29-28, 28-28, 28-28) in a majority draw.

• Michael Bisping (21-3) defeats Jorge Rivera (19-8) via TKO (strikes) (Round 2, 1:54)

• Dennis Siver (18-7) defeats George Sotiropoulos (14-3) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

• Chris Lytle (30-17-5) vs. Brian Ebersole (47-14-1) defeats Chris Lytle (30-18-5) via UD

• Kyle Noke (19-4-1) submits Chris Camozzi (14-4) via rear naked choke (Round 1, 1:35)



Preliminary Card (ION Television)

• Ross Pearson (12-4) defeats Spencer Fisher (24-7) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

• Alexander Gustafsson (11-1) defeats James He Tuna (12-5) via rear naked choke (Round 1, 4:27)

• Nick Ring (11-0) defeats Riki Fukuda (17-5) via UD (29-28 x 3) . Robbery.

Preliminary Card (Facebook Stream)

• Anthony Perosh (11-6) defeats Tom Blackledge (10-7) via rear naked choke (Round 1, 2:45)

• Zhang Tie Quan (13-1) defeats  Jason Reinhardt (20-2) via guillotine choke (Round 1, 0:48)

Preliminary Card (Un-Aired)

• Curt Warburton (7-2) defeats Maciej Jewtuszko (8-1) via UD (29-28 x 3)

• Mark Hunt (6-7) defeats Chris Tuchscherer (21-4) via TKO (punches) (Round 2, 1:41)


  (Find more posters like this over at Olieng)

UFC 127 Prelim Results: Ring defeats Fukuda?

Nick Ring (11-0) remains undefeated after defeating Riki Fukuda (17-5) at the Acer Arena via Unanimous Decision (29-28 on all 3 judges score cards).

The judges decision brings back recent memories of Phan vs. Garcia, Dunham vs Sherk and of course Tyson Griffin vs Nik Lentz. I could see the fight going either way in a razor thing first round, but the second and third were clearly both Fukuda's without question.

Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 40 Live Stream

 *pictured - Two of the tops in WMMA face off: Rosi Sexton (left), Roxanne Modafferi
(right) (Cage Warriors Facebook)
 You can watch the Live Stream of Cage Warriors Fight Championship 40 tonight here

UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones Poster, Betting Odds

UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones
March 19, 2011
Prudential Center
Newark, New Jersey

Main Card: (PPV)

• Light Heavyweight Championship: Mauricio *Shogun* Rua (C) (+160) vs. Jon *Bones* Jones (-200)

• Urijah *The California Kid* Faber vs. Eddie Wineland

• Jim Miller vs. Kamal *Prince of Persia* Shalorus

• Nate *The Great* Marquardt (-300) vs. Yoshihiro *Sexyama* Akiyama (+220)

• Mirko *Cro Cop* Filipovic vs. Brendan *The Hybrid* Schaub

Preliminary Card (Spike TV)

• Edson Barboza vs. Anthony Njokuani

• Luiz Cane vs. Eliot Marshall

Preliminary Card:

• Ricardo Almeida vs. Mike Pyle

• Kurt Pellegrino vs. Gleison Tibau

• Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland

• Dan Miller vs. Nick Catone

• Raphael Assucano vs. Eric Kock

Arianny in OZ

 Here at hov-mma we try to keep folks abreast of some of the most important stories in MMA. This just in... Arianny is still hot.

Check out more photos of UFC Girls Arianny, Brittney & Chandella hanging out with fighters and surfers on the beaches of Australia at Combat Lifestyle.

UFC 127 Quick Pick Em

UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch
Acer Arena
Sydney, Australia



Main Card:

• B.J. Penn vs. Jon Fitch



If Fitch wants to win this fight he needs to stick with what he knows best. Man blanketing and humping his opponent to a unanimous decision victory. Should he decided to try and win some new fans by engaging in a stand up war with *The Prodigy* will only cause his loved ones to cry. I'm hoping Fitch tries the latter. Penn via TKO.

• Michael Bisping vs. Jorge Rivera

The only thing more annoying than Michael Bisping were those embarrassing Jorge Rivera YouTube videos. They may actually be worth a chuckle after Bisping takes this one via TKO.

• George Sotiropoulos vs. Dennis Siver

GSots couldn't of said it any better. This one should be like two dogs fighting over a bone out there.  Sotiropoulos via submission.

• Chris Lytle vs. Brian Ebersole

These two have a combined 6,000 fights between them. I'll take the guy who's started in the UFC when I was really young and better looking. Lytle via ultraviolence. 

• Chris Camozzi vs. Kyle Noke

This fight should be responsible for at least a couple million PPV buys give or take a couple million.  Camozzi silences the crowd by pulling out a victory via decision.

Preliminary Card (ION Television)

• Ross Pearson vs. Spencer Fisher

Pearson via boxing of the ears.

• James He-Tuna vs. Alexander Gustafsson

Gustafsson via Vulgar Display of Power

• Nick Ring vs. Riki Fukuda

Ring via flamboyance. 

Preliminary Card (Facebook Live Stream)

• Zhang Tie Quan vs. Jason Reinhardt

Tie Quan via kicking and punching to the mind

• Anthony Perosh vs. Tom Blackledge

Blackledge via KO.

Preliminary Card (Un -Aired)

• Maciej Jewtuszko vs. Curt Warburton

Jewtuszko via TKO.

 • Mark Hunt vs. Chris Tuchscherer

The UFC would be even more interesting if they had more fighters with losing records on the Prelims. I'll be rooting for Hunt here but at 5-7 without a win since he was 5-1, I believe his ego is totally deflated. Training partner Brock Lesnar has allegedly taken shits that look like Chris Tuchscherer. That said, this cat should be able to smother Hunt en route to a TKO victory.

Getting to know *The Promise* Ring

 Here are some highlights from the 20 Questions with Nick Ring conducted by GalsGuidetoMMA.

 Ring will be making his long awaited UFC debut this Saturday Night in Sydney when he takes on DEEP standout Riki Fukuda.



• 5. What song is currently on your iPod?

 Gaga. Love Her.

• 6. What is your favorite curse word?

Barbara Streisand.

• 7. As as Canadian, how do you survive without the 500 channels us Americans are blessed with? 

I make snowmen and I use extra large carrots. 

UFC 123: Penn vs. Hughes 3 Full Video

Yahoo!

Strikeforce Columbus: Tate injured, Carmouche steps in

Strikeforce has announced that #1 Women's Welterweight Contender Miesha Tate will be unable to go on March 5th in Columbus due to a knee injury suffered during training. Stepping in for Tate to challenge Champ Marloes Coenen (18-4) on short notice will be the undefeated Liz *Girl-Rilla* Carmouche (5-0).

All five of Carmouche's wins took place last year between May and November, two of them taking place under the Strikeforce banner.

This will be Coenen's 3rd straight title fight for Strikeforce. To her credit, she almost survived three rounds in her Middleweight title fight with Lady Cyborg until she was finished via TKO. A move down to Welterweight and an immediate title shot worked out well for the Dutch Submission Fighter. Coenen defeated Sarah Kaufman via a nasty armbar earning herself the title last October.

TUF 13: Team Lesnar vs. Team Dos Santos Trailer

 Video autoplays after the break


Via: BloodyElbow

Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida Sparring Session

A peek into what a sparring session between Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva and Former Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida looks like over at Team BlackHouse.

Countdown to UFC 127 Full Video

 You can check out the full episode of Countdown to UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch here.

 This episode focuses on Penn vs. Fitch as well as Bisping vs. Rivera, and of course Aussie native George Sotiropoulos and arguably his toughest opponent to date Dennis Siver.

BAMMA 5: Daley vs. Shirai Poster

 Paul *Semtex* Daley defends his BAMMA Welterweight Championship against Yuya Shirai on February 26th in Machester.

 *Semtex* is next in line for the Strikeforce Welterweight Title currently worn by Nick Diaz. If he comes up short against current DEEP Welterweight Champ Yuya Shirai this weekend ... his title shot against Nick Diaz goes away.

UFC 127 Fight Week: Jon Fitch: " Everyone Loves a Winner."

   CombatLifestyle

UFC 127: Bisping doing all he can to sell his fight with Rivera

 Love him or hate him, Bisping sells fights.

UFC 127 Fight Week: Jorge Rivera: "Bisping is a B*g Fat F***ing **ck"

Today's UFC 127 Press Conference Full Video

 Co- Headliner Michael Bisping & Headliner B.J. Penn buddy it up at today's UFC 127 Pre-Fight Press Conference in Sydney, Australia. (photo via Facebook)

Pre Fight Press Conference Replay can be found by clicking: BJPenn.com

Wanderlei Silva Presents: Fighter Life - Episode 1

wandfightteam

Bet on UFC 127: Full Fight Card + Odds

UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch

Main Card:

• B.J. Penn (+165) vs. Jon Fitch (-210)

• Michael Bisping (-375) vs. Jorge Rivera (+275)

• George Sotiropoulos (-350) vs. Dennis Siver (-250)

• Chris Lytle (-300) vs. Brian Ebersole (+220)

• Kyle Noke (-210) vs. Chris Camozzi (+165)


Preliminary Card (ION TV)

• Ross Pearson (-200) vs. Spencer Fisher (+160)

• James Te-Huna vs. Alexander Gustafsson

• Nick Ring vs. Riki Fukuda

Preliminary Card (Facebook)

• Anthony Persoh vs. Tom Blackledge

• Zhang Tie Quan vs. Jason Reinhardt

Preliminary Card (Un-aired)

• Mark Hunt vs. Chris Tuchscherer

• Maciej Jewtuszko vs. Curt Warburton

Brandon Vera is Back

  Brandon *The Truth* Vera has been reinstated by the UFC following his third straight loss this past January 1st at UFC 125.

 MMAJunkie reports that the loss is likely to be changed to a No Contest due the controversy surrounding his opponent Thiago Silva's post fight drug test.

UFC 127: Jon Fitch " If I kill him, I get his power."

From today's UFC 127 Presser in Australia
via: BloodyElbow

Jon Fitch - " If I kill him, I get his power. If I beat Penn, I'm going to take all of his wins in my back pocket."


B.J. Penn in response to above comment - " That ain't gonna happen."

Jon Fitch Runs the Gamut

 Jon Fitch runs the gamut on everything from his video blogs to twitter and of course being in shock when offered the B.J. Penn fight. 

OfficialJonFitch (The Jon Fitch YouTube channel)

@FitchFighter (Follow Fitch on Twitter)

Training with Matt Hughes gave B.J. Penn more confidence

 * The Prodigy* talks to Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting about a variety of topics including training with Matt Hughes, his style vs. Fitch's, and a possible title shot after Saturday's bout Down Under.

UFC 131: Winner of Florian vs. Nunes guaranteed Title Shot

  It's all smiles for Featherweight's Kenny Florian & Diego Nunes. According to Tatame.com, the winner of the recently announced UFC 131 bout will earn a title shot against the winner of Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick at UFC 129.





  There is one catch though. Andre Pederneiras (Nunes coach) explains that Diego will only fight for the title if "it's not on Junior's (Aldo's) hands."

 For Florian, well it's been pretty well documented that one of the main reason's he moved down in weight was for a shot at Aldo's strap. He's even gone as far to suggest the fight take place in Aldo's backyard (MMAWeekly).

UFC 131: Dos Santos vs. Lesnar will be the world famous promotion's 2nd visit to Vancouver, B.C. following a very successful debut last June. The event is scheduled to take place on June 11th, 2011, almost a year to the date of UFC 115: Liddell vs. Franklin, which took place on June 12th, 2010. All the way back in the day when the Rogers Arena was called General Motors Place.

Dan Hardy: " B.J. (Penn) would be a fun fight"

 While Welterweight Dan Hardy remains focused on his next opponent (Anthony *Rumble* Johnson on March 26th in Seattle), he still has no issues discussing his dream fights at 170.

Anderson Silva and Son (Video)

 Family first for TeamBlackhouseMMA. Very touching video of the Top Pound for Pound Fighter in the world that may solve the mystery of the famous mask.

Machida Family War Song (Video)

 Ed Soares explains: " His dad (Lyoto's) sings that song. It's Lyoto's entrance song that he sings. And Lyoto says that ever since he was a little kid, before competitions his dad would sing that song to him. And it's like a Japanese War song about Karate... and he went to the studio and recorded his dad and at the beginning of his entrance it's his dad singing that song. (And) That's what he was doing like all day long during the day when he was with Lyoto he'll be singing that song to Lyoto."

 Check out more videos like these at the Team BlackhouseMMA YouTube channel.

Jose Aldo & Co. shopping for his first suit

 Looks like UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo has been dabbling with those new and improved Joker products! In this video from TeamBlackhouseMMA we watch Ed Soares and Co. help one of the worlds Top 3 Pound for Pound Fighters shop for his 1st suit.

Arianny Celeste's Swimsuit Photo Shoot for TMAPhoto (Video)

Arianny Celeste - Turn it up! from Tim Aldridge on Vimeo.

 Video Highlights of UFC Ring Girl Arianny Celeste's recent photo shoot for TMAPhoto (via BloodyElbow). 

UFC 127 Fight Week: Hughes happy to help Penn train for Fitch

 Matt Hughes talks about his time spent helping B.J. Penn for his next Welterweight bout.

 " BJ Penn had texted me a couple of weeks ago to see if I had some time to come out and train and get him ready for Fitch. After that initial call I checked my schedule, said I could come and had him send me Fitch's last five fights. BJ gave me first class accommodations all the way through. I think we got some good training in, I'd love to sit here and tell you what we worked on, but I just can't. What I can tell you to do is go to BJPenn.com and there are several videos of us on there. I think most of them will have my little Hanna in there as well. It was a great experience for me, first off I got to train with BJ; I think we would both say we're a lot alike. And number two, I got to spend some quality time with my daughter. I'm on the road a lot and usually my family is at home. This time I was gone for nine days and got to take my 4 1/2 year old daughter with me. One of the things I liked most is that Hannah will most likely remember everything and it was 1 on 1 time with my girl" 

Matt-Hughes.com

UFC 128: Jones, Rua - Post 126 Presser (Video)

UFC 126 - Jones, Rua Press Conference  |  UFC  |  SPIKE.com

 Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio *Shogun* Rua and Newly crowned #1 Contender Jon Jones talk about their upcoming date together on March 19th in New Jersey.

Fight Night 24: Tito Out, Mr. Wonderful steps in to fight Lil Nog

It appears that Tito Ortiz will remain in the UFC at least through the spring. Here's the breaking news fresh off Dana White's Twitter account:

danawhite 

Tito has pulled out of fight night due to getting stitches. 8-0 Phil davis will be fighting lil nog now and is pumped for this fight!

 Phil Davis was originally scheduled to fight Matt Hamill at UFC 129 in Toronto, who was later replaced by Jason Brilz. Nogueira is the 3rd and highest ranked opponent Davis has been scheduled to fight in recent weeks. This really is best case scenario for the gentleman they call Mr. Wonderful. A win over Lil' Nog puts him on the fast track towards title contention.

Strikeforce: Coenen vs. Tate - "I know in my heart this is my time" - Miesha Tate

WomensMMARoundup

Strikeforce : Feijao vs. Henderson Trailer

Strikeforce Challengers 14: Beerbohm vs. Healy - Live Results

Strikeforce Challengers 14
2/18/11
Cedar Park Center
Cedar Park, Texas

ShoMMA Broadcast Results:

• Pat Healy (26-17) hands Lyle Beerbohm (15-1) his first career loss via UD (29-28 x 3)

• Ryan Couture (2-0) submits Lee Higgins (2-1) with a rear naked choke (Round 3, 4:41)

• Carlo Prater (26-10-1) makes quick work of Bryan Travers (14-3) via anaconda choke (Round 1, 0:38)

• Ryan Larson (6-2) defeats Erik Apple (10-3) via triangle choke (Round 2, 3:14)

• David Douglas (6-2) defeats Nick Gonzalez (16-9) via rear naked choke (Round 1, 1:05)

Official Hamill Trailer

HAMILL - Official Teaser from Hamill the Movie on Vimeo.

Fedor Not Ready to Hang up Gloves

Via BloodyElbow:

Fedor: " I rushed to declare my retirement. I will fight more. Possibly, I will return to the Heavyweight Grand Prix. I am capable of having a few more fights. I didn't make any analysis yet in why I lost. I need to recover, I can't see very well yet." 

  If any of the 8 fighters competing in the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix suffer an injury, you have to believe Fedor is the first reserve Coker will call on to fill in. The Strikeforce CEO also expressed that we could see Fedor challenge the loser of Overeem vs. Werdum on the MMA Hour.

UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch winner gets Title Shot

It appears that when when 2 time UFC Champion B.J. Penn squares off with the resident Wes Mantooth of the Welterweight Division, Jon Fitch, it may be for the Number one Contender spot in the Welterweight division.

 UFC President Dana White had this to say earlier today during a conference call for the February 26th event:

" They're definitely in the title picture. Either guy that wins that fight, lets face it, the reality is B.J. Penn held titles in both weight classes, Fitch has fought for the title and has literally dominated that division for a long time, just couldn't win the title. Either one of those guys that wins this fight is in the mix. They're the Number One guy."

 What does being the Number #1 Contender for a UFC belt mean these days? Ask Yushin Okami, Anthony Pettis, or even Junior Dos Santos. That said, when it comes to the Welterweight division, the scenarios that present themselves at this event and beyond should get everyone talking.

UFC 127 Fan Made Poster - Olieng

Jens Pulver - "Driven" Free Screening Online Tonight Only

 You can catch a Free Screening of the Jens Pulver Documentary "Driven" until 12 PM MST for Valentines Day Only by clicking the link below.

ThisLovelyMachine

Buy the DVD Here: JensPulverDriven

(Video) Bigfoot dominates Fedor

Fedor's Eye

Tracy Lee for Yahoo! Sports

 Combat Sports fans can only hope this isn't the last we see of *The Last Emperor*.

Shot of the Night: GSP & Reem

MsTracyLee

The End of an Era: Fedor may have just announced his retirement

Photo via: Esther Lin for Strikeforce

After suffering his 2nd straight loss, the latest via doctor stoppage to Antonio Silva minutes ago, it appears the fighter they call *Bigfoot* may have just ended the career of the Greatest Heavyweight Mixed Martial Artist of All Time.

 A one eyed, ice cold Fedor had this to say following elimination :  

"Thank you very much for the love and support. Something went wrong from the very beginning... Maybe it's time to leave... Maybe it's the last time, maybe it's high time. Thank God for everything. I've had a great sporting life. Maybe it's God's will."

Strikeforce Heavyweight GP Results: Bigfoot eliminates Fedor

photo via : AllElbows

 Antonio *Bigfoot* Silva shocked the world tonight by eliminating Fedor Emelianenko in the First Round of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament.

 After a very close back and forth 1st Round, Bigfoot pounded the fuck out of the much smaller Emelianenko in what was easily a 10-8 Round. Fedor showed his heart again and again by surviving Bigfoot's brutal ground and pound and submission attempts.

 The fight was ended at the end of the 2nd Round due to Fedor's right eye being closed. Announcer Mauro Ranallo made a very legit point following the loss stressing that the legendary undersized Heavyweight should possibly move down a weight class.

 Silva advances to the Semi-Finals to face the winner of the Overeem vs. Werdum headliner that will take place on April 9th in Japan. 

 During the post fight interview with Gus Johnson, Fedor announced it may be time for him to retire from the sport.

Strikeforce Heavyweight GP Results: Kharitonov advances, sends Arlovski packing

 Sergei Kharitonov delivered Andrei Arlovski his 4th straight loss by way of lethal KO to advance to the Semi-Finals of the Strikeforce Heavyweight GP Tournament.

 Kharitonov will face the winner of Barnett vs. Rogers which is expected to take place on April 9th in Japan.

Strikeforce to announce Gina Carano's return tonight

 MMAFighting confirms that Strikeforce will announce the return of Gina Carano during tonight's Live Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix broadcast. Carano will appear in front of the IZOD Center crowd in New Jersey to discuss further details of her return later tonight.

 Carano has been absent from MMA since she was delivered her first loss via the hands of Cristiane *Cyborg* Santos back at Carano vs. Cyborg in August of 09. 

UFC 129 sells 55,000 tickets, destroys all records

 Rogers Centre employees will have there work cut out for them in the days leading up to UFC 129. The stadium was originally configured to handle 42,000 fans for the upcoming event but now will have to house 55,000.

 MMAFighting reports that MMA major Ontario debut will be the first event for the growing sport to surpass a $10 Million dollar gate.

Strikeforce/M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Silva - Heavyweight GP Results

 All 5 Main Card Bouts tonight take place in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Division

Main Card:

• Heavyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Bout: Antonio Silva (16-2) defeats Fedor Emelianenko (32-3) via TKO (doctor stoppage) (Round 2, 5:00)

• Heavyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Bout: Sergei Kharitonov (18-4) defeats Andrei Arlovski (15-9) via KO (Round 1, 2:39) to advance to the Semi-Finals.

• Heavyweight World Grand Prix Reserve Bout: Shane Del Rosario (11-0) defeats  Lavar Johnson (15-4) via submission (armbar) (Round 1, 4:31)

• Heavyweight World Grand Prix Reserve Bout: Chad Griggs (10-1) defeats Gianpiero Villante (7-2) via TKO via excessive blows to the face (Round 1, 2:59)

• Heavyweight World Grand Prix Reserve Bout: Valentijn Overeem (29-25) makes quick work of  Ray Sefo (2-1) with a quick takedown and neck crank submission (Round 1, 1:37)

Hamill vs. Rampage in the works for UFC 130

 First it was Thiago Silva, then the Rashad vs. Rampage II rumors, now it looks like it'll be Matt Hamill locking horns with top 3 Light Heavyweight  Quinton *Rampage* Jackson at UFC 130.

 Hamill was originally slated to take on Phil Davis at UFC 129 in Toronto. With 5 straight W's in one of the toughest division's in the business, Hamill has now been rewarded a shot to catapult himself to the top of the LHW ranks. Whether or not Davis will remain on the highly anticipated Toronto card remains to be seen.

Once I Was A Champion - Rich Franklin

 From : onceiwasachampion:

Rich talks about Evan's personality inside the ring.

Evan Tanner - Once I Was A Champion Trailer

Today would have been Evan Tanner's 40th Birthday. 

http://www.onceiwasachampion.com/

Wand calls out Belfort

 After half of the UFC Middleweight division called out Wanderlei in the past year, the legendary Axe Murderer has a request of his own. Silva told Tatame.com today via telephone that he would like to avenge the loss he suffered against Vitor Belfort via TKO back at UFC 17.5 in Brazil.







"And now where are you running to? I'd give you the number one (on the line to fight me) easily, I'm challenging him ... I want him. It's up to you Dana White and Joe Silva". - Wanderlei calling out *The Phenom*

UFC 130: Rashad steps in for Thiago Silva

photo: LasVegasSun

  The always reliable @DamonMartin over at MMAWeekly reported yesterday that Rashad Evans will make his return to the Octagon as early as May for UFC 130.




 Quinton *Rampage* Jackson was set to square off against Thiago Silva as the Co - Main Event of the evening but Silva seems to be having some issues with the NSAC. With Silva out, Evans steps in to try and make it two and a row against Quinton.

Here is how the UFC 130: Edgar vs. Maynard III Fight Card is looking with Rampage vs. Rashad II as the Co-Feature. 

Main Card:

• Lightweight Championship Bout: Frankie Edgar (C) (13-1-1) (-130) vs. Gray Maynard (10-0-1) (-110)

• Quinton *Rampage* Jackson (31-8) vs. Rashad Evans (15-1-1)

• Frank Mir (14-5) vs. Roy Nelson (15-5)

• Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1) vs. Brian Stann (10-3)

• Thiago Alves (18-7) vs. Rick *The Horror* Story (12-3)

Preliminary Card:

• Stefan Struve (21-4) vs. Travis Browne (10-0-1)
UFC130

Shogun, Aldo visit Ultimate Fighter Season 13

 In this video: Brazilian UFC Champions Shogun Rua & Jose Aldo visit the TUF set to help Team Dos Santos.

Via: Tatame

"I Really Feel Like I'm The Most Dangerous Guy Out There" - B.J. Penn

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Bigfoot Main Card Pick Em

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. *Bigfoot* Silva
February 12, 2011
Izod Center
East Rutherford, New Jersey

Main Card:

• Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Silva


 Mike Kyle had Silva on queer street this past December before Bigfoot rallied and scored a TKO victory in the 2nd Round. I don't believe Silva will be able to survive Fedor's  power early like he did Kyle's . He's a big target for an angry Russian who's ready for the winner of Werdum (avenge his only real loss) vs. Overeem (become the Top Heavyweight in the World once again) in the 2nd Round of this tournament. Fedor via KO.

• Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov

 The much anticipated Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tourney will kick off with an Arlovski vs. Kharitonov Quarterfinal Matchup. Although Kharitonov is the favorite here, watch for Arlovski to play spoiler. His last 3 losses come against Silva, Fedor & Rogers, who are all members of this 8 Man Tournament. Arlovski is hungry to avenge any of these 3 losses. However, Kharitonov may prove to be too powerful for the Pit Bull on this night. Many believe Kharitonov to be the Dark Horse of this Tournament and the favorite to come out of the weaker side of the bracket. Kharitonov via TKO.

• Shane Del Rosario vs. Lavar Johnson

 Rock Rosario vs. Black Superman. I'll take Del Rosario here via UD in what could be the most entertaining match up of the evening.

• Chad Griggs vs. Gianpiero Villante

 Griggs retiring of Bobby Lashley in Houston last year was the defining moment of his MMA career.It won't get any better than that for the Grave Digger. Villante is a much more dangerous opponent than Lashley and should be able to end this one early. Villante knocks him down, wears him out and ends it via submission.

• Valentijn Overeem vs. Ray Sefo

 This contest starts off a night of an all Heavyweight Main Card! This fight, well really all of these fights have the potential to make this another quick night for a Strikeforce televised card. Sefo via TKO in under a minute. 

UFC 126: 10-1
2011: 25-17

Ebersole replaces Condit

 MMA Journeyman Brian Ebersole (46-14-1) will step in for the injured Carlos Condit later this month to square off against Chris Lytle (30-17-5). This bout should remain as a part of the UFC 127 PPV Broadcast.




  FightNewsAustralia confirmed the news earlier today with MMAJunkie adding that Condit will be out of action for a minimum of a month.

Tyson Griffin, KenFlo - Elevator Men

 UFC Lightweight Veterans Tyson Griffin & Kenny Florian will be the first major players to drop down to 145 in 2011.


 Griffin, once a top contender in the Lightweight division, is coming off an 0-3 campaign in 2010. Griffin put on a masterful performance in his last fight of 2010 against Nik Lentz only to come up on the wrong end of a judges split decision, one of the most disturbing decisions in the history of the sport.

 For Florian it'll be his 4th weight class under the UFC banner. *The Machinst* grew a little belly to secure himself a spot on the debut season of of SpikeTV's Ultimate Fighter series as a middleweight. After 2 victories at 170 in 2005, Kenny made a home in the Lightweight division where he went 9-3, 2 losses being #1 contender bouts and the other being a title shot.

CagePotato
http://tysongriffin.com/
ESPN

Fedor & Reem - All Smiles

  Check out the rest of the Strikeforce/M-1 Global Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix Press Conference Photo Gallery here.

 Follow Fedor on Twitter.

Jones ready to become a 23 Year Old UFC Champion on March 19th

 First off ... this photo taken by Scott Petersen over at MMAWeekly has been getting alot of love around the internet this week. It deserves even more. When it's all said and done it may be one of the best shots captured in the history of the sport.

 Here's what Jones told Ariel Helwani about his opportunity to become UFC Light Heavyweight Champion 6 weeks after submitting the previously undefeated TUF Season 8 Champion Ryan Bader:






" You know what, I thought Shogun was cool when I was younger because he was a 23 year old Pride Champ, and I love Jose Aldo because he's a 23 year old UFC Champion. I'm definitely not afraid of it, I know it's very possible. Right now, I just need to keep the people close to me that's always been there and realize that there's going to be a lot more distractions coming my way but I'm prepared for it mentally. And I promise myself that I won't allow myself to fall by the wayside. I'm way too close to my dreams to slow down or start doing anything dumb and I won't do anything dumb. I'm gonna win this fight." 

via: MMAMania

Condit doubtful for UFC 127

Photo: MMAWeekly

 The man who earned himself hov-mma KO of the Year honors in 2010 may not be making the flight down under for UFC 127 according to the folks over at Sportsnet.ca.

  According to Sportsnet the man they call *The Natural Born Killer* has suffered an knee injury and understandably may not be able to go come fight night.  Condit was scheduled to fight fellow Welterweight contender Chris Lytle at the now annual Australia UFC Pay Per View event later this month.

UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields Poster * Full Fight Card

UFC 129
April 30, 2011
Rogers Centre
Toronto, Ontario

• Welterweight Championship: Georges St. Pierre (C) (-600) vs. Jake Shields (+350)

• Featherweight Championship: Jose Aldo (C) vs. Mark Hominick

• Randy Couture (+225) vs. Lyoto Machida (-350)

• Matt Hamill Jason Brilz vs. Phil Davis

• Mark Bocek (+100) vs. Ben Henderson (-140)





Preliminary Card:

• Nate Diaz vs. Rory MacDonald

• Sean Pierson vs. Brian Foster

• Yves Jabouin vs. Pablo Garza

• Claude Patrick vs. Daniel Roberts

• Ivan Menjivar vs. Charlie Valencia

• Jason MacDonald vs. Ryan Jensen

• John Makdessi vs. Kyle Watson

UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch Trailer

Anderson Silva Front Kick KO GIF

 Via: ZombieProphet

 Silva confirmed during the Post Fight Press Conference that it was Steven Seagal (yes ... that Steven Seagal) who helped him perfect the Front Kick heard round the MMA world.