The Weekend in Violence: Three Stars

photo: strikeforce

1. Miesha Tate

Is this the new face of WMMA? Tate lived up to the hype Saturday Night pulling of an incredibly slick arm triangle choke of the Dutch submission specialist Marloes Coenen. Her reward, the Strikeforce Womens Bantamweight Title (formerly known as the Women's Welterweight Championship) which makes her the first American Woman to capture hold Zuffa gold. This will bring plenty of popularity for Miesha stateside, hopefully putting Strikeforce Champion on resume will finally get her the cover of Women's Health that her Twitter followers have been clamoring for.

Whats next for the newly crowned champ? A chance to avenge one of her only losses against last weeks Weekend in Violence top star Sarah Kaufman (who looked sharper than ever against Carmouche last Friday). If she can get past Kaufman don't count Coenen out of an eventual rematch. She's already tweeted that she wants that beautiful belt back.

2. Dan Henderson

Hendo completed the Fedor Strikeforce Trifecta of doom via H-Bomb in the form of an uppercut. This will go down as the first time that the Russian kingpin has ever been KO'ed in his career and may even be the shot that retires the former #1 Heavyweight. After a decade of perfection, Fedor has now dropped 3 in a row and in my opinion he looks like he has plenty more fight left in him. This wasn't Fedor in his prime by any means but it doesn't make Hendo's KO any less impressive.

Now that the highly decorated mixed martial artist's contract has expired it'll be interesting to see if he actually defends his Title in Strikeforce or moves back to the UFC.

3. Tim Kennedy

How can you not like this guy? A U.S. Army guy who keeps it real by showing love after every fight win or lose. More often than not the result is a Win. Last night it was a UD victory over "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler. With Shields and Mayhem now being on the UFC roster and Hendo opting to compete at Light Heavyweight the Strikeforce Middleweight division is virtually depleted, which really doesn't leave them any options than a Souza vs. Kennedy rematch should the current champ get past Luke Rockhold this September.

Strikeforce: Henderson KO's Fedor GIF

The brilliance of Hendo's KO a day later.

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson Live Results

Main Card (Showtime 10 P.M. EST):

• Dan Henderson (28-8) defeats Fedor Emelianenko (31-4) via TKO (Round 1, 4:12)

• Miesha Tate (12-2) defeats Marloes Coenen (19-5) via submission (arm triangle choke) (Round 4, 3:03)

• Tim Kennedy (14-3) defeats Robbie Lawler (18-8) via UD (30-27 x 3)

• Tyron Woodley (9-0) defeats Paul Daley (27-11-2) via UD (29-28 x 3)

• Tarec Saffiedine (11-3) defeats Scott Smith (17-9) via UD (30-26, 30-27 x 2 )

Dominating performance. Smith may not be a Zuffa employee after this one.



Preliminary Card (Untelevised): 

• JZ Cavalcante (16-4-1) defeats Bobby Green (15-5) via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

• Tyler Stinson (21-7) defeats Eduardo Pamplona (15-3) via KTFO (Round 1, 0:15)

• Alexis Davis (10-4) defeats Julie Kedzie (16-9) via UD (29-28, 30-27 x 2)

• Derek Brunson (8-0) submits Lumumba Sayers (4-2) via RNC (Round 1, 4:33)

• Gabriel Salinas-Jones (5-0) defeats Bryan Humes (6-2) via submission (brabo choke) (Round 3, 1:19)

Strikeforce: Henderson TKO's Fedor via Uppercut, Strikes

A action packed 1st Round ended with less than a minute left with Dan Henderson completing the Strikeforce trifecta of finishes on Fedor. In his last three fights The Last Emperor has now been finished via submission, doctor stoppage and Technical Knockout.

After Fedor stunned Hendo the Greco Roman beast found his way on top of Emelianenko's back. Henderson snuck a lethal short uppercut on his opponent who was on his hands and knees dropping him face first to the canvas appearing to leave him down and possibly out for a split second. Henderson then continued with a few strikes to the back of Fedor's head and at that point Herb Dean had seen enough. Very controversial ending to a great 1st Round between Fedor and Hendo.

Miesha Tate Chokes out Marloes Coenen to become Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion

Miesha Tate (12-2) submitted submission specialist Marloes Coenen (19-5) to become the new Strikeforce Bantamweight Champion in the 4th Round of an all out war tonight.

This sets up a rematch between Tate and #1 contender Sarah Kaufman (14-1) likely at a year end Strikeforce even. Kaufman defeated Tate via Unanimous Decision back at the very first Strikeforce Challengers in 2009.

I had this one scored 29-28 after 3 with Tate taking Round 1 (which really could've gone either way, Coenen dominating the 2nd stanza and Tate dominating from top position all through the third. Miesha sealed the deal by sinking in a crafty arm triangle and forcing "Rumina" to tap before she fell asleep.

photo: combatlifestyle

UFC 133: Evans vs. Ortiz 2 Hype Teaser

Two company men doing a good job at promoting a fight that has Rashad as a -400 favorite. Then again wasn't Bader a -500? Nice pocket square Tito!

Pic of the Day: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Miesha Tate

@MieshaTate

Rashad Evans on Jimmy Fallon Interview Video

Not the full interview but still a very entertaining look at one of the most colorful personalities in our sport.

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson Pick Em

photo : mmafighting

Main Card:

• Fedor Emelianenko  vs. Dan Henderson







Fedor has made a career out of beating up men bigger than him. Now he finally gets to feast on someone smaller. Fedor will shine tonight and the haters will say it wasn't fair because Hendo is a LHW. Hopefully with a victory Fedor will consider making the full drop down to LHW where he belongs at this stage in his career. Fedor via submission

• Marloes Coenen  vs. Miesha Tate

 This one is for all of the marbles. We learned that the Champ can take a beating and hold it together enough to take whatever limb her opponent leaves open for her in the championship rounds. If Tate can utilize her elbows in her ground and pound I like her chances a lot in this one. I'm gonna have to pick Coenen though. Her submissions are just way too slick and kill with a quickness.

• Robbie Lawler  vs. Tim Kennedy

Kennedy via Rangering Up.

• Paul Daley  vs. Tyron Woodley

Woodley via Koscheckin'

• Scott Smith  vs. Tarec Saffiedine

Saffiedine via TKO

Strikeforce Releases Alistair Overeem

Zuffa and Alistair Overeem are no longer in bed together effective last week as reported by Inside MMA  earlier tonight. When this Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Bonanza started did anyone think that Reem would be a free agent and Fedor would be fighting a guy from a different weight class before the Final Four even threw down.

Overeem will be fighting in Russia this October as a part of United Glory World Series. So does this mean that the Strikeforce Heavyweight GP is now pretty much a joke and really should just be ignored?

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson - Intense Fedor Open Workout

HT: MMAFighting

Very cool look at one of the greatest and most guarded legends of the sport.

Love the editing and subtle background music in this one.

Why Coenen vs. Tate is the Most Important Fight in WMMA History

Go check out why I believe Marloes "Rumina" Coenen vs. Miesha "Takedown" Tate is the most important fight in WMMA History over at MMAValor

Miesha Tate talks Marloes Coenen: "I'm going to try to kill her"

"I'm gonna try to kill her. I really am. I'm gonna try to get it to the point where the referee is fearful of her life and stops the fight. That's my goal..... This fight's absolutely the monument of my career... "

via: ShootMediaTV

UFC 133: Evans vs. Ortiz 2 Trailer

Could Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson Be The Main Event of the Year?

@fedoroskol
@danhendo

On paper it very well may be. We've seen this story before though. A high profile match up that just doesn't deliver isn't uncommon these days. Many top tier fighters are more concerned about the W than putting on a show.

With Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson Fight Week in full swing it would be impossible to prepare yourself for this media barrage.  It may seem like this card is has been flying under the radar now to some but as the week goes on MMA fans will be very aware of what Saturday July 30, 2011 means. Tonight we will take a brief look at what could easily be the best fight this Strikeforce promotion has put together in its short history.  As the week goes on keep it locked here and at mmavalor for coverage of the complete card.  I'm not fucking around.


Main Event (Televised on Showime *US* Superchannel *Canada*)

• Fedor Emelianenko (31-3) vs. Dan Henderson (27-8)

"Now this is what its like when world collide! Are you ready to go. 'Cause I'm ready to go..."

Fights like these don't happen every day, let alone every year. How does one even prepare themselves for bouts like this? Relish the moment. I don't care about Fedor losing his last two fights. David Bowie made some of the greatest records of our time, he also made some shite ones. Fedor couldn't win forever. Even in his last two (and only 2 legit) losses you could still see why some regard this man as the most dangerous Heavyweight in the world. Every punch is thrown with bad intentions. Fedor Emelianenko is not trying to score points or win on the judges scorecards. You could say the same for Dan Henderson.

Dan Henderson is a stalker. And I don't mean that in a creepy, inappropriate, someone keep an eye on this guy kind of way. This guy walks around with a bomb attached to his person on a daily basis. You can game plan for Hendo's right hand all day. "The H-Bomb" (give credit where credit is due, Hi Mauro), has been responsible for putting many fighters fast asleep and doesn't seem to really have any remorse.

When two of the most decorated Champions in Mixed Martial Arts history engage in Mortal Combat next Saturday Night its likely that things are gonna end pretty. Coming off two losses, Fedor is not likely to continue in this line of work should Henderson pull out a KO victory. If Fedor beats Henderson, well, Hendo is still Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion and has plenty of options in either Zuffa promotion.

The Weekend in Violence: Three Stars

1. Sarah Kaufman

Going into Kaufman's bout with Liz "Girl-Rilla" Carmouche this past Friday a lot of folks, including myself, gave the standup edge to Carmouche on account of her power. Unfortunately for Carmouche all the power in the world isn't going to do a whole lot of good when you can't find your opponent. Especially when you're looking through a crimson mask that's been painted on your face via your adversary's jab. Kaufman utilized that jab, takedown defense and strength on the cage en route to a dominating 30-27 decision. Under the tutelage of Greg "Yoda" Jackson, Kaufman continues to be a major threat in the world of WMMA. At the age of 25 don't expect to see this Victoria, B.C. native to go away anytime soon.

2. Marlon Sandro

 Sandro punched his ticket to the Bellator Summer Series Featherweight Finals last night at the expense of Argentinian black belt Nazareno Malegarie. The top ranked Featherweight continues to run through anyone not named Hioki and Omigawa with relative ease. If Sandro can continue his winning ways against Pat Curran in the Finals next month it'll be interesting to see if he takes a spot in line behind Patricky Pitbull for a shot at the Bellator Featherweight Title or moves up to tougher competition right away. Warren vacating the belt for a title match between Pitbull and the Sandro/Curran victor may be the best move for the promotion since Warren is entering next season's Bantamweight Tourney.

3. Bobby Voelker

Voelker won the rubber match against Roger Bowling as the Main Event of Strikeforce Challengers 17 on Friday with a lethal comeback TKO victory that would make anybody's mother proud. Bowling
won the first round but may have been slowed by another eyepoke (flashback to their first meeting) as the rounded was heading toward a close. Whether or not this slowed down Bowling and caused him to make the mistake that lead to Voelker's knee is unknown. Either way Voelker comes out the victor and will likely find himself appearing on a Strikeforce Main Card in the near future against someone not named Roger Bowling for once.

Honorable Mentions: Neil Grove, Sean McCorkle, Pat Curran

Bellator 47 Main Card Live Results

  photo via: mmavalor

• Neil Grove improves to (11-3-1) with a TKO victory over  Zak Jensen (10-7) at (Round 1, 2:00)

This is how you start off a Live broadcast. Two dudes that don't give a toss about their opponents safety let alone their own. This one played out like a video game. A two minute long holy shit moment.

• Chris Horodecki (18-3) defeats Chris Saunders (9-2) via UD (30-27 x 3)

All Horodecki start to finish. Nothing to write home about here.

Featherweight Semi-Final Bouts:

• Marlon Sandro (19-2) defeats Nazareno Malegarie (20-2) via clinic (30-27 x 3)

• Pat Curran (15-4) defeats Ronnie Mann (20-3-1) via UD (29-28, 30-27 x 2)

Summer Series Featherweight Tournament Championship (August 20th)

• Marlon Sandro (19-2) vs. Pat Curran (15-4)

Bellator 47: Curran vs. Mann Main Card Quick Pick Em

Tonight Live on MTV2 (9 P.M. EST)

Featherweight Semifinal Bouts:

• Pat Curran vs. Ronnie Mann

 Mann via GNP

• Marlon Sandro vs. Nazareno Malegarie

Sandro via Lethal Weapons

Rest of the Main Card:

• Neil Grove vs. Zak Jensen

Grove via KO


• Chris Horodecki vs. Chris Saunders

Horodecki via easy action

Coming Soon: Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson

Strikeforce Challengers 17: Voelker vs. Bowling 3 Live Main Card Results

• Bobby Voelker (24-8) defeats Roger Bowling (9-2) via TKO (Round 2, 2:16)

Voelker nailed Bowling right on the button with a knee from the thai clinch then swarmed him to get the stoppage. Voelker took a lot of punishment from a very impressive Bowling early on but weathered the storm and found his opening at the right time.

• Devin Cole (19-9-1) defeats Shawn Jordan (15-5) via UD

• Ovince St. Preux (11-4) defeats Joe Cason (8-1) via
 submission (strikes) (Round 1,1:12)

Not even close. OSP put the hurt on Cason very quickly picking up his 8th straight victory (5th in Strikeforce).

• Sarah Kaufman (14-1) defeats Liz Carmouche (5-2) via UD (30-27)

Kaufman utilized her jab to paint a crimson mask on the face of Carmouche. Very impressive stand up and take down defense by Kaufman.

Post fight Kaufman stated that she needs Coenen to defeat Tate next week so she can avenge her only loss and take her title back. 

• Adlan Amagov (8-1-1) defeats Ronald Stallings (9-4) via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Amagov was surgical in all aspects of the game easily taking Rounds 1 and 2 in this one. The 3rd round was up in the air as Amagov's unorthodox style and fatigue left him open to some punishment.

Jon Fitch is Tired of Being Ignored

I like this version of Jon Fitch. And that's saying a lot coming from me.

ht: mmacanda.net

Strikeforce Challengers 17: Voelker vs. Bowling 3 Main Card Pick EM

• Roger Bowling vs. Bobby Voelker

Like Matt Hughes said when he fought B.J. Penn for the third time last fall, going up 2-1 in a trilogy fight is basically like winning all 3. Bowling and Voelker both have the opportunity to do that tonight in the Main Event of the Evening.

Voelker finished bowling on October 22nd of last year serving him his only loss so far while Bowlings victory came via getting his eye poked by Voelker. I've got Voelker coming out on top again. Bowling really has never beaten him and he never will unless these guys do continue to fight every few months like they have been. 


• Sarah Kaufman vs. Liz Carmouche

In what really should be the Main Event of the evening we have Sarah Kaufman returning to Strikeforce after a win in her own backyard to take on Liz "Girl-Rilla" Carmouche. Both girls are coming off losses in Strikeforce to submission specialist Marloes Coenen which is nothing to be ashamed of. This one could go either way. This one could either end quickly via vicious TKO or could turn into a 3 Round blood bath due the pure heart and viciousness of both fighters. No quit in these two! Since I have to pick I'll take Carmouche via decision. From where I'm sitting it looks like she hits little bit harder.

• Devin Cole vs. Shawn Jordan

Jordan via TKO

• Ovince St. Preux vs. Joe Cason

Cason via something crazy

• Ronald Stallings vs. Adlan Amagov

Amagov via ultraviolence

Booth Bets:

I'm rolling with a Carmouche/Cason Parlay special tonight. Both fighters are decent sized underdogs and the pay is mighty mighty nice. OSP looked sluggish to me in his last fight and Carmouche vs. Kaufman is a lot closer than the odds are telling us although Kaufman does deserve to be a favorite being the former champ.

Demian Maia's Message for Chael Sonnen

Sonnen has been defeated via triangle choke 4 times in his career and 8 of his 11 losses have come by way of submission. Maia subbed Sonnen with ease back at UFC 95 via triangle.

UFC 135: Rampage Clowns Jon Jones

 UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jonny *Bones* Jones has this cute little thing he does during stare downs for press before his recent fights. When it comes time to lock eyes and/or raise dukes with his future opponent he stares off into the distance.

Lately its either just confused fighters (Mauricio *Shogun* Rua) or left himself open to being clowned by professional pranksters. Insert Rampage GIF (above left).

Be sure to visit ironforgesiron for today's full UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage Pre Fight Press Conference Video from Colorado today.

UFC 136 Just Got Real

• Lightweight Championship: Frankie Edgar (C) vs. Gray Maynard III (UFC 136)

UFC 136 now has a Main Event. The two top Lightweights in the world will meet for the third time with Maynard holding a 1-0-1 record over the current Champ. The 2nd meeting between these two that took place at UFC 125 on New Years Day remains the front runner for Fight of the Year honors. (ufc)

• Featherweight Championship: Jose Aldo (C) vs. Kenny Florian (UFC 136)

You like title fights in October? How about 3 of them? With the Welterweight and Lightweight UFC straps both on the line why not add the Featherweight title into the mix. Jose Aldo will make his 5th title defense under the Zuffa umbrella this Fall against the only UFC fighter to compete in 4 different weight classes in Kenny Florian. Houston, Texas will be the setting for these two highly anticipated title fights.

UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III will take place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on October 8th. Houston will also host the 2nd two day Fan Expo of the year which for those of you fight fans who haven't attended I'd highly recommend you do. Here are the rest of the rumored/announced matchups:

• Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann

• Demian Maia vs. Jorge Santiago

• Melvin Guillard vs. Joe Lauzon

• Mike Russow vs. Dave Herman

• John Grispi vs. Matt Grice

UFC 133: Tito Ortiz Comes Full Circle

Tito Ortiz hasn't fought twice in a year since 2006 (A year where he fought 4 times). On August 6th he finds himself as a late Main Event replacement coming off the upset of the year that took place just weeks ago. The most polarizing figure in the history of the UFC is officially back.

UFC 133: Evans vs. Ortiz 2 Poster, Fully Updated Card

UFC 133: Evans vs. Ortiz II
      August 6, 2011
      Philadelphia, PA



Delete Phil Davis & Vladimir Matyushenko. Insert Tito Ortiz & Matt Hamill. Boom. Hopefully no more injuries occur between now and then. If so, we will update them below.

Main Card: (PPV)

• Rashad Evans (15-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) vs. Tito Ortiz (16-8-1 MMA, 15-8-1 UFC)



• Rich Franklin (28-6 MMA, 13-5 UFC) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC)

• Vitor Belfort (19-9 MMA, 8-5 UFC) vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC)

• Jorge Rivera (19-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC) vs. Costantinos Philippou (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

• Rory MacDonald (11-1 UFC, 2-1 MMA) vs. Mike Pyle (21-7-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC)

• Dennis Hallman (50-13-2 MMA, 3-4 UFC) vs. Brian Ebersole (47-14-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)

Preliminary Card: (Spike TV)

• Matt Hamill (10-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (11-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC)

• Chad Mendes (10-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Rani Yahya (16-6 MMA, 1-0 UFC)

Preliminary Card:

• Ivan Menjivar (22-8 MMA, 1-1 UFC) vs. Nick Pace (6-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)

• Johny Hendricks (10-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) vs. Mike Pierce (12-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC)

• Mike Brown (24-8 MMA, 0-3 UFC) vs. Nam Phan (16-8 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

• Rafael Natal (12-3-1 MMA, 0-1-1 UFC) vs. Paul Bradley (18-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)

Unforgettable Shots of Violence: Kim Couture Out Cold after Late Stoppage

photo via: combatcaptured

It hasn't been the greatest year for the Couture's. We saw Captain America suffer a violent loss in the final outing of his Hall of Fame Mixed Martial Arts career in April. Randy's Son Ryan was dealt the very first loss of his young career in June after being dominated by Matt Ricehouse for 3 Rounds. The icing on the cake though would be Randy's ex wife Kim Couture being choked unconscious via scissor choke by Sheila Bird in Calgary last weekend. If you check out the video after the jump you can see that the stoppage was about 7-10 seconds too late. Again an incredible shot by combatcaptured .

Mirko "Cro Cop" vs. Roy Nelson headed for UFC 137

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic will be allowed to finish out his contract with the UFC this October. His opponent will be another Heavyweight coming off 2 straight losses in Roy "Big Country" Nelson.

gol was the first to report the story early today in an interview with the Croatian Legend.



Here is how UFC 137: St. Pierre vs. Diaz is shaping up so far:

UFC 137
October 29. 2011
Las Vegas, Nevada

• Welterweight Championship: Georges St. Pierre (C) (22-2) vs. Nick Diaz (25-7)

• B.J. Penn (16-7-2) vs. Carlos Condit (27-5)

• Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic (27-9-2) vs. Roy Nelson (15-6)

• Hatsu Hioki (24-4-2) vs. George Roop (12-7-1)

UFC 133: Tito Reconsiders, Evans vs. Ortiz II Confirmed

@danawhite: Get ready philly for Rashad Evans vs Tito Ortiz!!! Aug 6th LIVE on PPV at the Wells Fargo Center!!!!!!

 Ortiz has stepped up big time taking this fight after Machida reportedly agreed too it, then turned it down after the UFC wouldn't pay him Anderson Silva money (mmajunkie). White has confirmed that Tito's job is NOT on the line should he lose this fight and a win obviously puts him right in the mix for a title shot.

Anyone waking up from a coma within the next couple weeks may feel like they didn't lose any time at all.

Ortiz and Evans fought to a draw 4 years ago this month as part of UFC 73: Stacked.

photo: urdirt

Ortiz, Machida both turn down Evans Bout

Tito Speaks:

I have a life and things to take care of. The fight game is about making the right choices of my career. If you knew what I have been going through you all would understand. Peaking for a fight is what makes a fighter unstoppable! Timing is everything in life. This is a rebuild year for me not do or die. The time will come again! #positive

Machida's wife/manager also expressed that the fight is just too soon for her husband to take. Check the story here at Fighters Only .

When Tito says its a rebuild year for him not do or die hes absolutely correct. After the Bader upset there is no logical reason for him to jump in with the sharks after only a month.

In Lyoto's case again I have no issue. He's said before that he needs at least 8 weeks to prepare for a fight. This would give him 3.

As for who could possibly step into fight Rashad, your guess is as good as mine at this point. Stay tuned.

UFC 133: Rashad vs. ???????

Phil Davis will be unable to compete at UFC 133 in Illadelph, PA due to a knee injury. MMAFighting broke the story just moments ago. While this may be a blessing in disguise for Mr. Wonderful (come on guys, dude needed a little breather and Rashad was a badddd match up), where does that leave Rashad? Evans has been out of the ring for nearly a year and a half now. Waiting is not an option at this point! Even if something happens to Bones or Rampage before 135 in September, well, with Rashad's luck he'd suffer another injury before that event as well. Is there even a Light Heavyweight out there who can fill in on this short of notice??? Forrest has a hot 2nd date with Shogun set for Brazil next month. Franklin and Lil Nog are already building up a little war of words as the Co Feature for 133, don't want to mess with that. How about Tito or Bader? Too soon. Tito just reclaimed some fame and Bader is about as relevant as Tito was before he fought Bader right now. Well there is one odd man out.

Enter, The Dragon.

UFC 133: Evans vs. Machida II ?


UPDATE :
via: @MikeChiappetta :

I just asked Dana White if Lyoto accepted the fight. His answer: "No, and Tito turned it down." There is no replacement yet.

 photo: Kickassmma  

The Penn/Fitch/Condit Tweet Timeline

All sings point to Penn vs. Condit in October as of now. After reading this timeline which fight would you rather see? Take a gander.



@jonfitchdotnet (July 7) : My shoulder feels great and my doc appointment to be 100% cleared is aug 16.

That means I can fight in October.

@bjpenndotcom (July 9) : @jonfitchdotnet @danawhite October is perfect. I'm in

@jonfitchdotnet (July 9): Ill be good in oct. lets settle it. RT @bjpenndotcom: @jonfitchdotnet Please stop flooding my twitter with this monkey business. @danawhite

@bjpenndotcom (July 11): @jonfitchdotnet still waiting for your reply about October... or was that just a publicity stunt?

@jonfitchdotnet: (July 11): Its on. RT @bjpenndotcom: @jonfitchdotnet still waiting for your reply about October... or was that just a publicity stunt?

@bjpenndotcom: (July 11): @jonfitchdotnet tried to make it happen but Joe Silva said "the fans don't want it & I'm not interested". Not much more I can do on my end

@CarlosCondit: (July 11): The people have spoken @bjpenndotcom, they want to see us scrap, let's give em what they asked for 

@bjpenndotcom: @CarlosCondit Yup. Let's do it! October 29th

@jonfitchdotnet: (July 11) @bjpenndotcom sounds like the fans want it to me. Either way we will meet again.


@jonfitchdotnet: (Today) @bjpenndotcom you broke my heart, I thought you were a man of principle.

@bjpenndotcom: (Today) All 3 TOP WW contenders are challenging me and I dont even have a belt. lol (: Bring it on! I got 165lbs. of pressure for your jaw @jonfitchdotnet @danawhite @UFC @CarlosCondit @jakeshieldsajj

Kenny Powers Uncensored K-Swiss Commercial Feat. Jon Jones & Urijah Faber

Also starring hilarious cameos by Matt Cassel, Patrick Willis, Jillian Michaels, Michael Bay, etc.

UFC 133: Evans vs. Davis Poster, Updated Fight Card

UFC 133: Evans vs. Davis
     August 6, 2011
     Philadelphia, PA 

Main Card: (PPV)

• Rashad Evans (15-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) vs. Phil Davis (9-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC)

• Rich Franklin (28-6 MMA, 13-5 UFC) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC)

• Vitor Belfort (19-9 MMA, 8-5 UFC) vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC)

• Jorge Rivera (19-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC) vs. Alessio Sakara (15-8 MMA, 6-5 UFC)

• Rory MacDonald (11-1 UFC, 2-1 MMA) vs. Mike Pyle (21-7-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC)

Preliminary Card: (Spike TV)

• Vladimir Matyushenko (26-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (11-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC)

• Chad Mendes (10-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Rani Yahya (16-6 MMA, 1-0 UFC)

Preliminary Card:

• Dennis Hallman (50-13-2 MMA, 3-4 UFC) vs. Brian Ebersole (47-14-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)

• Ivan Menjivar (22-8 MMA, 1-1 UFC) vs. Nick Pace (6-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)

• Johny Hendricks (10-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) vs. Mike Pierce (12-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC)

• Mike Brown (24-8 MMA, 0-3 UFC) vs. Nam Phan (16-8 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

• Rafael Natal (12-3-1 MMA, 0-1-1 UFC) vs. Constantinos Philippou (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

hov-mma July 2011 Rankings

Who will fall first?

Plenty of movement in every single Class here aside from the Male P4P (Chael Sonnen's favorite category) category.








hov-mma Rankings by Weight Class

Key:

(Rank) Fighter (Record) (Last Rank)
(Key Victims) (Next Opponent (*not yet official))



Heavyweight (7/8/11)

1. Cain Velasquez (9-0)  Last Rank (1)

(Lesnar, Nogueira, Kongo) (Junior Dos Santos, *UFC 138: 11.19.11)

2. Junior Dos Santos (13-1) (2)

(Carwin, Nelson, Werdum) (Cain Velasquez, *UFC 138: 11.19.11)

3. Brock Lesnar (5-2) (↑5)

(Carwin, Mir, Couture) (*Early 2012)

4. Alistair Overeem (35-11) (4)

(Werdum, Belfort, Kharitonov) (Antonio Silva, Strikeforce HW Tournament Semi-Final)

5. Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) (↓3)

(Overeem, Emelianenko, Silva) (TBD)

6. Antonio Silva (16-2) (↑7)

(Emelianenko, Arlovski, Kyle) (Overeem, SF HW Tournament Semi-Final)

7. Frank Mir (15-5) (↑9)

(Lesnar, Nogueira, Kongo) (TBD)

8. Fedor Emelianenko (31-3) (8)

(Nogueira, Coleman x 2, Filipovic) (Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson: 7.30.11)

9. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-6-1) (↑10)

(Couture, Barnett, Werdum) (Brendan Schaub, UFC 134: 8.27.11)

10. Shane Carwin (12-2) (↓6)

(Mir, Gonzaga) (TBD)


cusp (Kharitonov, Barnett, Browne)


Light Heavyweight (7/8/11)

1. Jon Jones (13-1) (1)

(Shogun, Matyushenko, Bader) (Rampage Jackson, UFC 135: 9.24.11)

2. Rashad Evans (15-1-1) (2)

(Jackson, Griffin, Liddell) (Phil Davis, UFC 133: 8.6.11)

3. Rampage Jackson (32-8) (3)

(Machida, Henderson, Liddell x 2) (Jon Jones, UFC 135: 9.24.11)

4. Shogun Rua (19-5) (4)

(Machida, Jackson, Overeem) (Forrest Griffin, UFC 134: 8.27.11)

5. Lyoto Machida (17-2) (5)

(Evans, Rua, Couture) (TBD)

6. Forrest Griffin (19-6) (6)

(Jackson, Rua, Franklin) (Shogun Rua, UFC 134: 8.27.11)

7. Dan Henderson (27-8) (7)

(Bisping, Cavalcante, Franklin) (Fedor Emelianenko, Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson: 7.30.11)

8. Phil Davis (9-0) (8)

(Nogueira, Stann, Boetsch) (Rashad Evans, UFC 133: 8.6.11)

9. Gegard Mousasi (30-3-2) (9)

(Souza, Lombard, Sobral) (Hiroshi Izumi, DREAM.17: 7.16.11)

10. Rich Franklin (28-6) (↑NR)

(Okami, Hamill, Liddell) (Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, UFC 133: 8.6.11)


cusp (Matyushenko, Cavalcante, Nogueira)


Middleweight (7/8/11)

1. Anderson Silva (28-4) (1)

(Sonnen, Franklin x 2, Griffin) (Yushin Okami, UFC 134: 8.27.11)

2. Chael Sonnen (24-11-1) (2)

(Okami, Marquardt, Filho) (Brian Stann, UFC 136: 10.8.11)

3. Yushin Okami (26-5) (3)

(Silva, Marquardt, Munoz) (Anderson Silva, UFC 134: 8.27.11)

4. Ronaldo *Jacare* Souza (14-2) (4)

(Kennedy, Lawler, Miller) (Luke Rockhold, Strikeforce 36: 9.10.11)

5. Mark Munoz (11-2) (↑9)

(Maia, Dollaway, Simpson) (TBD)

6. Michael Bisping (21-3) (↑7)

(Leben, Hamill, Akiyama) (Jason Miller, TUF 14 Finale: 12.3.11)

7. Brian Stann (11-3) (↑8)

(Leben, Santiago) (Chael Sonnen, UFC 136: 10.8.11)

8. Chris Leben (26-7) (↑NR)

(Silva, Santiago, Swick) (TBD)

9. Nate Marquardt (31-10-2) (↓5)

(Maia, Kampmann, Palhares) (TBD)

10. Demian Maia (14-3) (↓6)

(Sonnen, MacDonald, Quarry) (TBD)


cusp (Lombard, Santiago, Belfort)


Welterweight (7/8/11)

1. Georges St-Pierre (22-2) (1)

(Penn x 2, Koscheck x 2, Fitch) (Nick Diaz, UFC 137: 10.29.11)

2. Jon Fitch (23-3-1) (2)

(Alves x 2, Sanchez) (TBD)

3. Nick Diaz (25-7) (3)

(Daley, Santos, Shamrock) (Georges St. Pierre, UFC 137 : 10.29.11)

4. Jake Shields (26-5-1) (4)

(Henderson, Condit, Okami) (Jake Ellenberger, UFN 25: 9.17.11)

5. B.J. Penn ( 16-7-2) (5)

(Florian, Hughes x 2, Sherk) (TBD)

6. Carlos Condit (27-5) (↑7)

(Kim, Hardy, Ellenberger) (TBD)

7. Josh Koscheck (15-5) (↓6)

(Daley, Johnson, Sanchez) (TBD)

8. Diego Sanchez (23-4) (↑9)

(Guida, Diaz, Santiago) (Matt Hughes, UFC 135: 9.24.11)

9. Rick Story (13-4) (↓8)

(Alves, Foster, Hendricks) (TBD)

10. Thiago Alves (18-8) (↑NR)

(Koscheck, Hughes, Lytle) (TBD)


cusp (Kampmann, Hughes, Askren, Daley)


Lightweight (7/8/11)

1. Frankie Edgar (13-1-1) (1)

(Penn x 2, Sherk, Miller) (Gray Maynard, TBD)

2. Gray Maynard (10-0-1) (2)

(Edgar, Miller, Florian) (Frankie Edgar, TBD)

3. Gilbert Melendez (19-2) (3)

(Aoki, Guida, Kawajiri x 2) (Jorge Masvidal, TBD)

4. B.J. Penn (16-7-2) (4)

(Florian, Hughes x 2, Sherk) (TBD)

5. Shinya Aoki (28-5) (5)

(Alvarez, Kawajiri, Aurelio) (TBD)

6. Eddie Alvarez (22-2) (6)

(Huerta, Imada, Kawajiri) (Michael Chandler, TBD)

7. Jim Miller (20-2) (7)

(Oliveira, Wiman, Danzig) (Ben Henderson, UFC Live 5: 8.14.11)

8. Mevlin Guillard (28-8-2) (↑9)

(Siver, Dunham, Stephens) (TBD)

9. Clay Guida (29-11) (↑10)

(Pettis, Diaz, Gomi) (TBD)

10. Dennis Siver (19-7) (↑NR)

(Wiman, Sotiropoulos, Fisher) (TBD)


cusp (Sherk, Henderson, Pettis, Kawajiri)


Featherweight (7/8/11)

1. Jose Aldo (19-1) (1)

(Faber, Hominick, Gamburyan) (*Kenny Florian, TBD)

2. Hatsu Hioki (24-4-2) (2)

(Sandro, Omigawa, Hominick x 2) (TBD)

3. Chad Mendes (10-0) (↑4)

(Omigawa, Koch, Vazquez) (Rani Yahya, UFC 133: 8.6.11)

4. Marlon Sandro (18-2) (↑7)

(da Silva, Denis) (Nazareno Malegarie, Bellator 47: 7.23.11)

5. Kenny Florian (15-5) (↑NR)

(Nunes, Guida, Gomi) (*Jose Aldo, TBD)

6. Mark Hominick (20-9) (6)

(Roop, Garcia, Jabouin) (TBD)

7. Diego Nunes (16-2) (↓3)

(Brown, Assuncao, Toner) (TBD)

8. Dustin Poirier (10-1) (8)

(Grispi, Micklewright, Young) (TBD)

9. Tyson Griffin (15-5) (↑NR)

(Guida, Faber, Gamburyan) (TBD)

10. Michihiro Omigawa (12-10-1) (10)

(Hioki, Sandro, Escovedo) (TBD)


cusp (Freire, Roop, Warren)


Bantamweight (7/8/11)

1. Dominick Cruz (18-1) (1)

(Faber, Benavidez x 2, Bowles) (TBD)

2. Brian Bowles (10-1) (↑4)

(Torres, Mizugaki, Page x 2) (TBD)

3. Urijah Faber (25-5) (3)

(Cruz, Wineland, Pulver x 2) (TBD)

4. Joseph Benavidez (14-2) (↓2)

(Torres, Loveland, Fabiano) (Eddie Wineland, UFC Live 5: 8.14.11)

5. Demetrious Johnson (10-1) (↑6)

(Torres, Yamamoto, Page) (TBD)

6. Scott Jorgensen (12-4) (↓5)

(Pickett, Mizugaki, Banuelos) (TBD)

7. Brad Pickett (20-5) (7)

(Johnson, Mejinvar)

8. Miguel Torres (39-4) (8)

(Mizugaki, Valencia, Banuelos) (TBD)

9. Eddie Wineland (18-7-1) (↑NR)

(Campuzano, Roop, Stone) (Joseph Benavidez, UFC Live 5: 8.14.11)

10. Renan Barao (26-1) (↑NR)

(Escovedo, Cariaso) (TBD)


cusp (McDonald, Ueda, Makovsky, Mizugaki)

Male and Female P4P after the jump off:

TUF 14: Team Bisping vs. Team Mayhem Video Teaser

TUF 14 - Coming In September
Tags: Watch The Ultimate Fighter TUF 14 Michael Bisping Jason "Mayhem" Miller

Must See Laptop TV: Chael Sonnen Speaks on Marquardt, Brazil and... Just Watch

Thank you to All Elbows & Ariel Helwani for this one. MMAFighting

Today is the day where we can officially stop saying "Chael Sonnen is back." Either the guy is a comedic genius or whomever writes his material should be on Stephen Colberts payroll.

Sonnen vs. Stann headed for UFC 136 in Texas

The most polarizing figure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship has not been shy since his PED suspension ran out late last month. HEAVY.com reported earlier today that Sonnen will return to action on October 8th in Houston as part of the Co Main Event for UFC 136. His opponent will be none other than Captain Brian Stann. Stann is 3-0 since moving down to 185 after an eye opening UD loss to Phil Davis early last year.

Expect to hear plenty more from Sonnen leading up to his fight with Stann in October. It will be interesting to see what kind of angle he takes in promoting a fight against a very likeable U.S Marine Corps Veteran.

photo: mmaweekly

UFC 134: RIO Video Teaser

The Greatest Mixed Martial Artist in the World will return home on August 27th and he will be bringing a couple of close friends with him.

• Anderson Silva will be fighting in Brazil for the first time since 2003 when he makes his 9th consecutive title defense in the UFC Middleweight division. Whether or not it will be successful will be all up to his opponent and current #1 Contender Yushin "Thunder" Okami. Its been widely publicized of course that Okami was the last man to defeat Silva. The win did come via DQ due to an illegal up kick delivered by Silva. This is a rematch that has needed to happen for a while and could not take place at a better venue.

• Like Silva, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua will also be fighting in front of his home crowd for the first time in 8 years. He also has been given the chance to avenge arguably a loss in another rematch that has been a long time coming. When Rua came over to the UFC from PRIDE he was regarded as one of the most dangerous men in the sport. Forrest Griffin had no business beating Rua in his UFC debut let alone submitting him. Not only will Shogun be looking to even the score, Griffin will look to shut up the fans and media folk who believe he only won the first contest due to Shogun being injured.

• Speaking of fighting injured, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira may not enter the Octagon at 100 percent when he takes on Brendan Schaub on the Main Card of UFC 134. Even so, there is no way the legendary Brazilian Heavyweight would pass up an opportunity to compete in professional mma at home for the first time of his career along side Silva and Rua. Schaub campaigned for this fight knowing full well that a win over Big Nog makes him a Top 10 Heavyweight and a loss cant hurt him either. Appearing at press conferences and doing press for one of the most anticipated events of all time with the 5 men mentioned above cements him as a major player. If a fair weather Brazilian MMA fan didn't know who Brendan Schaub was yesterday they will today. It's up to "Minotauro" to put a stop to the man who sent Gonzaga packing and may have been responsible for ending "Cro Cop".

B.J. Penn: " Get Rid of The Belts, Get Rid of the Judges, No Decisions"

I vote for B.J. to start his own promotion. JUST SCRAP KOMBAT. With the Prodigy cage side yelling "Finish Him!".


CagePotato

UFC 132: Following Chris Leben after a career defining moment

Very entertaining and highly revealing look at the life of a big name fighter after the biggest KO victory of his career.

HT: mmamania / kvadd

UFC 132: Wanderlei Silva vs. Chris Leben Wrap Up

 You and I are both living in a post Chris Leben knocking out Wanderlei Silva in 27 seconds world. 

On last years 4th of July card Leben filled in for Wand on short notice. Him defeating Akiyama coming two weeks removed from a Knockout of the Night performance vs. Aaron Simpson turned out to be a blessing in disguise for not only Leben, but fight fans all around the world. Even yours truly dubbed said contest as 2010 Fight of the Year.

Leben let the world know minutes after submitting Akiyama that he wanted Wanderlei next. Of course guys like Akiyama (who was slated to fight Wand at 116), Brian Stann, Vitor Belfort,  Nate Marquardt, Chael Sonnen (the list goes on and on) had something to say about that. After a 16 month lay off from the sport it was Wanderlei Silva himself who turned down Belfort to engage with Chris Leben. He granted Leben's request to scrap and put himself in a position to be one half of what Joe Rogan hyped "Fight of the Decade". 


Well we both know what happened Saturday Night. Leben crippled his idol much quicker than anyone could've imagined. So quick that many folks, Dana White himself, are now calling for Wanderlei's job. Being KO'ed in 4 of his last 6 lossses I honestly can't blame anyone for that. Saying that Wand's chin is suspect is an understatement. This is a guy who has been fighting since he was a kid. He's taken part in some legendary bare knuckled chute box wars that 90 percent of today's current UFC roster wouldn't even dream of engaging in. If Silva decided to hang up his gloves tomorrow no one would look down upon him. He's accomplished everything and more than any mixed martial artist could've ever dreamed of. He's earned a sport on the Mt. Rushmore of the most feared men who have ever engaged in combat. Do you really believe Wand is going out like that though? Good. Because he's not. Leben was a bad match up for Wanderlei. Coming off that lay off and being as stubborn as he is it was only a matter of time before someone got knocked out and it was destined to come in the 1st Round. No one thought it would come that early but would it have really made a difference if the fight lasted a couple of minutes longer? We'd still be asking ourselves the same questions. Does Wanderlei Silva still have a place in this sport? Yes. He's a draw and he puts asses in the seats. He has one of the biggest followings in MMA and still has at least a few more fights left in him. He just needs to fight smarter. He needs to follow a gameplan like he did against Bisping last February in Sydney. Late round takedowns and picking his spots. Not throwing so wide and leaving himself open to being tagged. Then again Leben and Bisping are totally different animals. That's where the promoters come in.

The days of Silva vs. Leben, Silva vs. Liddell, and Silva vs. Jackson, blow for blow, smash mouth, giving the fans what they want, fights are over. If Wanderlei and Co. want to fight again and the UFC wants to continue to employ him, both parties have to understand that they are dealing with a fragile fighter here. Bisping was a perfect opponent. Even though Chael Sonnen expressed that he would not want to fight Wanderlei I still believe that he is also the perfect opponent. While Bisping and Sonnen are both talented martial artists they don't exactly pose a threat when it comes to knocking grown men out. Wanderlei vs. Sonnen would give the media enough trash talk to publish a book, and also Wanderlei a chance to redeem himself. Other options for Wand would include welcoming Sakuraba back to the UFC next February when the promotion visits Japan or even a match up against former Sengoku Champion Jorge Santiago. 


So what's next for the Crippler? He's won 4 of his last 5 and that one fight he did lose he blames on eating too much gummi bears. Not too take anything away from Brian Stann though, right? Vitor Belfort takes on Yoshihiro Akiyama early next month in Philadelphia. I believe, like many others, that the winner of this bout should be the next opponent for Leben. In Belfort we have a legit striker who is one fight removed from being #1 Middleweight Contender. In Akiyama we have a guy who is 3/3 when it comes to collecting Fight of the Night bonuses. I for one wouldn't be opposed to seeing Leben vs. Akiyama II. Either situation would be more than worthy of Co-Headliner status on that year end show in Montreal. I mean they do owe those fans a little something better than Struve vs. McCorkle right?




photo via: motorboat kingpin Tracy Lee's combatlifestyle

UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber Highlight Video

espn/@JonAnik

The best Main Card of the year for the promotion ending the way it should, with the Best Fight of the Night. 

The Weekend in Violence: Three Stars

photo: Yahoo!/Tracy Lee

1. Tito Ortiz

Ortiz picked up his first win since 2006 last night against a Top 10 Ranked opponent. Ryan Bader basically called out Tito just so he could get a victory over a "former" legend on his resume. Woops. Ortiz did not hesitate to go in for the kill early when he had Bader on the ropes showing everyone that he did not want his 24th UFC fight to be his last.

2. Carlos Condit

Condit improved his UFC Record to 4-1 last night with a KOTN performance on a knock out heavy card. While everyone else was making highlight reel KO's with there fist Condit switched it up a little by adding a scary accurate flying knee into the mix. Condit called for his Title shot after defeating a previously undefeated Judo standout in Dong Hyun Kim last night. I still believe that Condit would give GSP more problems than anyone else at 170 but he may still be another win away due to St. Pierre taking on Diaz in late October. While the top sharks in the division look to already have dance partners lined up (Shields vs. Ellenberger, Penn vs. Fitch 2 likely) it'll be interesting to see who Condit draws next. Koscheck or Brenneman would be solid opponents.

3. Dominick Cruz/Urijah Faber

Cruz left with the belt following the Main Event last night but both of these guys left with a well deserved bonus check for Fight of the Night. Cruz and Faber welcomed the Bantamweight Division into the UFC with a bullet at UFC 132 showing the world what many of us already knew. The lighter weight divisions are the most exciting in the sport. With the 125 pounders hopefully be introduced before the year is out the promotion needed a fight like this to send a message. They go it and they can thank Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber for it. While Cruz does look unbeatable at times there were just as many moments where it looked like Faber had what it took to solve the riddle. We can only hope that we get a rubber match now that Cruz has evened the score.

Honorable Mentions: Chris Leben, Rafael do Anjos, Melvin Guillard

UFC 132 All American Bonuses Awarded Following Explosive 4th of July Weekend Card

$75,000 Bonuses were awarded to these 4 American fighters following tonight's 132nd numbered UFC Event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena:

Fight of the Night: Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber

Knockout of the Night: Carlos Condit

Submission of the Night: Tito Ortiz

via: @MikeChiappetta

Rafael Dos Anjos Crumbles Sotiropoulos, Condit KOTN (GIFS)

check the great ifi for more.

Condit annihilates Dong Hyun Kim after the jump:

UFC 132: Ortiz finishes Bader (Video)

ht: @Jon_Anik

espn

Cruz vs. Faber FightMetric Statistics

Significant Strikes:

Cruz: 90
Faber: 50

Total Strikes:

Cruz: 97
Faber: 58

Takedowns:

Cruz: 4/13
Faber: 1/5

Using the Ten Point Must System FightMetric scores the fight 49-47 in favor of Dominick Cruz giving Faber the 5th Round and Cruz Rounds 1 through 4.

See the complete stats here: Fightmetric

photo via: mmamania

UFC 132: Chris Leben's Brutal Crippling of Wanderlei Silva (GIF)

Visit Iron Forges Iron for plenty more visuals from UFC 132.

UFC 132 Results: Cruz evens the score with Faber, Fight Delivers

This was one where the judge scorecards did not tell the tale of the fight. Dominick Cruz retained his UFC Bantamweight Championship by defeating Urijah Faber via Unanimous Decision to cap off the most exciting Main Card of the year so far.

Cruz landed more shots and displayed his trademark awkward elusiveness to sway the judges in his favor. Faber clearly landed the harder shots and at times looked to have the answer to the frustrating riddle that is Dominick Cruz but could not keep him down. Faber has now lost 4 consecutive Title shots under the Zuffa banner but should still remain in contention due to the lack of star power in the Bantamweight division and also holding a win over Cruz prior.

The biggest story of this fight was that it delivered. These two put it all out there tonight on the big stage. The Bantamweight Division has officially arrived in the UFC and one can only hope these two will fight again before it's all said and done.

Final Result: Dominick Cruz improves to (18-1) and retains his UFC Bantamweight Championship by defeating Urijah Faber (25-5) via UD (50-45, 49-46, 48-47)

UFC 132 Results: Leben cripples Wanderlei

Chris Leben asked for it and he got it. The only question that remained was what was he gonna do with it?

It only took 27 seconds for one of the most anticipated fights in UFC History to come to an end. Leben has said in past interviews that it's not a fight until he gets hit. Once Wanderlei landed on his opponent The Crippler just let them fly. He wobbled Silva with a knock on the side of the head and followed with multiple uppercuts putting the Legendary Axe Murderer fast asleep.

Wanderlei has been in so many wars and has taken so much punishment over the years that his chin may just not be able too take much more in the sport he helped put on the map. That and a mixture of getting hit in the face by a guy with serious power is never a good thing. The war everyone was hoping for just wasn't to be. Incredible win for Leben over one of the most vicious finishers of all time. 

Final Result: Chris Leben (26-7) defeats Wanderlei Silva (33-11-1) via KO (punches) (Round 1, 0:27)


photo via: @danawhite

UFC 132 Results: Siver awarded win in contorversial decision

Dennis Siver defeated "Handsome" Matt Wiman in a not so handsome decision on all 3 of the judges scorecards.

After Siver took the first round, Wiman opened up multiple holes in the German Kickboxer's face come Round 2. It just wasn't enough. It looked like Wiman had the fight in the books doing most of the damage in the 3rd but Siver did have a strong showing in the final minute of the fight. It was enough in the judges eyes to lock up his 4th straight win in arguably the deepest division in the sport.

Final Result: Dennis Siver (19-7) defeats Matt Wiman (13-6) via UD (29-28 x 3)

UFC 132 Results: Tito Ortiz shocks the world

Tito Ortiz lives on.

Love him or hate him its hard not to feel good for a guy who had his back up against the wall fighting for his job. Not only did Ortiz upset Top Light Heavyweight wrestling phenom Ryan Bader at UFC 132, he finished him in the 1st Round. Thats 4 consecutive 1st Round finishes on this card now, each victor outdoing the last.

Tito caught Bader right on the jaw with a right that dropped Bader. Ortiz followed Bader and locked in a tight guillotine that forced Bader to tap. Ortiz ends a 5 fight winless streak that spanned 5 years with a shocking victory over Ryan Bader tonight.

Final Result: Tito Ortiz (16-8-2) defeats Ryan Bader (12-2) via guillotine choke (Round 1, 1:56)

UFC 132 Results: Condit finishes DHK via flying knee, Calls for Title Shot

Carlos Condit is a finisher. He only needed just under 3 minutes Saturday Night to prove it once again by finishing the red hot undefeated Dong Hyun Kim via TKO.





Condit found his opening and landed a flying knee right on the button that stunned the "Stun Gun" and left him defenseless. Kim ate a couple more punches and became just another victim of the "Natural Born Killer" .

In his post fight interview with Joe Rogan, Condit called on UFC Matchmaker to do the right thing and give him a well deserved shot at the UFC title. Georges St. Pierre will make his 7th straight title defense this October when he takes on the last Strikeforce Welterweight Champion in Nick Diaz.

Final Result: Carlos Condit improves to (27-5) by defeating Dong Hyun Kim (14-1-1) via TKO (flying knee/punches) (Round 1, 2:58)

UFC 132 Results: Melvin Guillard Hammers Shane Roller

photo via: fighterportraits

Melvin Guillard continued his winning ways tonight by knocking out Shane Roller in Las Vegas tonight. Guillard now ups his win streak to 5 straight in a Lightweight division so crowded that he may need to put together a few more before getting a shot at the title.

Final Result: Melvin Guillard improves to (28-8-2) by knocking out Shane Roller (10-4) via KO (punches) (Round 1, 2:12)

UFC 132 Results: Rafael dos Anjos KO's Sotiropoulos with a Quickness

 Rafael dos Anjos moves to 15-5 tonight after knocking out former Top Lightweight contender George Sotiropoulos (14-4) with a vicious right hook that came all the way from Toledo.

G. Sots came into his fight at UFC 127 owning a 7 fight win streak and seemed to be headed for a title shot sometime in 2011. After being owned by Dennis Siver at that same event and, being obliterated in under a minute by dos Anjos tonight, it's back to the drawing board for the very talented Aussie.

UFC 132 Results: Facebook Preliminary Card

• Brian Bowles (10-1) defeats Takeya Mizugaki (14-6-2) via (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Bowles suffered a broken hand in this one. This fight capped off a rather uneventful Facebook Prelim card.

• Aaron Simpson (9-2) defeats Brad Tavares (7-1) via UD (30-27 x 3)

• Anthony Njokuani (14-5) puts a muay thai clinic on Andre Winner (11-6-1) winning this one via UD (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

• Jeff Hougland improves to (10-4) by defeating Donny Walker (15-7) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Jake Shields motorboat/plank combos MMA Photographer Tracy Lee

One of the most recognizable and talented photogs in the business is no stranger to having  a bit of fun while on the job. Lee celebrated motorboat day yesterday by, well, getting motorboated and having others step behind the camera to take the pictures. When events like these happen, everyone wins.

Chael Sonnen is back, Talks Silva vs. Leben

Chael Sonnen will be fighting sooner rather than later now that his suspension has been lifted as of 4 days ago. So get ready for more videos and quoteables like the one(s) above.

ufc

Future UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz deseves a Standing Ovation tonight Win or Lose

I find it difficult to call Tito Ortiz one of the Godfathers of MMA but it'd be ridiculous for even a Tito "hater" like me not to admit that he is one of the Godfathers of the UFC. I'm one of those guys who always finds myself cheering for a good villain. So my friends do find it strange that I never jumped on the Tito bandwagon over the years. Even though my view on Tito is (keeps mouth shut) as a fan of the sport and even a writer now days I have a confession too make. I'm kind of rooting for him to pull it off tonight. He's one of those guys I love to hate. Plus the nerd in me dreams of an eventual 3rd match with Chuck. Yah I know me winning the lotto is more likely but an MMA fan can dream right? Ok enough! As hard as it is for me to do I'm going to try and be a professional here and give Ortiz props in this article. As much as it pains me to say it, he deserves them. Here is the only time you will see HOV-MMA write a positive article about Tito Ortiz.

We live in a current era where the Light Heavyweight strap is getting passed around at nearly every defense. Its hard to imagine that there was a guy who defended that belt successfully 5 times in between eventually losing it and missing on his first crack at it. Thats 7 straight title fights between UFC 22 and 44. Now we join Tito winless since 2006 fighting for his job in the same organization he helped build with his very own image. Should Ortiz lose tonight like he is expected to do Dana White has made it clear it is indeed his last dance. He also has made it clear that even though the two haven't had the greatest relationship over the years he is still a shoo in for the UFC Hall of Fame.. and deservedly so.

MMA trilogies are so few and far between. When they do happen its because a score needs to be settled. The almighty rubber match is always a huge draw. How the hell do you get someone to buy into part 3 of a trilogy when one guy has already pounded the other twice? Ortiz vs. Shamrock, albeit one sided, will always go down as one of the greatest MMA trilogies of all time. These two guys could sell fight to a veteran peace activist. Who wouldn't want to see these two jerks beat on each other? These fights were my introduction to MMA and I honestly couldn't find a reason to root for either of these guys. I just liked the guy with the mohawk who fought before them on the UFC 40 card and that scary guy who did the hand roll over in Pride. That said I enjoyed the smack talk. I enjoyed the build up. The film nerd in me enjoyed the editing in the promos and behind the scene training shows that led up to each event.

Some of us get nostalgic when it comes to our sports teams, we remember where we were physically and mentally when our team won any and every title. We get that way with fights and fighters too. We even get a bit ridiculous and superstitious at times. I know there is a certain bar near by where B.J. Penn is 0-2 when I've been in attendance there. I also know that I will not be visiting said bar again when Penn is on a fight card. I remember where I was during those early Ortiz fights as well. I wasn't even a huge fan of the sport yet. Nor did I have any idea that I'd be sitting around writing articles (and enjoying every minute of it) for Mixed Martial Arts websites years later. If tonight is indeed the last time we see Ortiz inside the Octagon I'm sure all of those memories will flash through the heads of Tito Nation out there. I can appreciate that. I'll even have a beer with all of you guys and wipe your tears.

UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber Pick Em

check out the rest of the UFC 132 Weigh In photos over at CombatLifestyle

We are at the half way point of the season and your boi Booth is recovering fairly well posting a 100-61 record leading into tomorrow nights event. That is down from 2010's year end record of 110-60 (we didn't launch the pick em until about this time last campaign) but we still have the rest of the year to improve. While this card does feel like it has some sure bets there really is no such thing in the UFC. Aside from Bader vs. Ortiz the Main Card was one of the most difficult for me too pick yet.

Main Card (PPV)

• Bantamweight Championship: Dominick Cruz (C) vs. Urijah Faber

It's actually rather refreshing to have a Main Event where the featured fighters genuinely dislike each other again. We all know Faber holds a victory over Cruz and we also know that Cruz was a completely different fighter back then. Faber may have lost a step or three while Cruz looks to be in full "fight like a butterfly, sting like a bee mode.I have a tough time picking against one of the most dominant fighters in the sport in recent years but I feel like Faber may be The Dominator's kryptonite. He's on another level mentally and physically than the Champ's previous opponents and will not hesitate to take crazy chances when the opportunity presents itself. Faber via submission.

• Wanderlei Silva vs. Chris Leben

This fight is the true definition of a Pick EM. Two veteran fan favorites who leave it all in the cage every single time. We could either see a 3 Round war or a 10 second KO. Wanderlei Silva via TKO. 

• Tito Ortiz vs. Ryan Bader

Bader via submission (punches)

• Carlos Condit vs. Dong Hyun Kim

Am I a nerd for thinking of how this fight could play out all day today? That was rhetorical. DHK should have no issue tossing Condit around at will while softening him up with some impressive ground and pound. The only problem is Condit has more tenacity and less quit than Kim's previous victims. Condit finds a way here and finishes DHK off via something crazy. 

• Dennis Siver vs. Matt Wiman

Siver via UD

UFC 132: The Crippler vs. The Axe Murderer Poltergeist

(Video) Carlos Condit prepares for DHK

A behind the scenes look into the way that Carlos Condit prepares for his upcoming Welterweight bout with Dong Hyun Kim in Vegas Saturday Night. Nice music selection (Kings of Leon, Tool) and we catch a glimpse at the softer side of a Natural Born Killer to close things out.

UFC 133: Evans vs. Davis Trailer

The City of Brotherly Love is always ready for a bit of regulated violence. One has to wonder if Bruce Prichard will be cornering any of the fighters on this card.

5 Fighters to Watch at UFC 132

Carlos Condit doesnt give a f**k about DHK's judo.

Check out my piece over at MMAValor about 5 fighters you may want to keep a close eye on at UFC 132.