UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III Extended Preview

Gray Maynard " How long did I carry the anger? What time did we end that fight... and what time is it now? "

The odds of the third meeting between these two trumping the second is next to impossible. That said, this has to be the most anticipated Lightweight tilt of 2011.

UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar will turn 30 a week after his 3rd dance with #1 Contender Gray Maynard at UFC 136. Maynard will turn 33 next Spring. I'll go on record right now and say that regardless of the outcome on October 8th in Houston these two will fight for a fourth time before they end their respective careers.

UFC 139: Wanderlei Silva to the fans - " You guys are the reason I keep trying. "

" My fans who are with me, like I say, are not my fans, they are my friends."

Cung Le fights out of San Jose, Califronia, the setting for his UFC Debut against MMA Legend Wanderlei Silva which takes place on at the Shark Tank on November 19th. One would think that Le would be the fan favorite on paper but fighting Wanderlei is a unique situation. The quote above pretty much explains it. There isn't a fighter in the world that rewards his fans more than Wanderlei Silva. He's the most genuine character in the sport today and will likely would be met with a warm welcome no matter where he fights. After all, he's earned it.

Coming off a disappointing 27 second KO loss against Chris Leben in his last fight, Wanderlei needs a good showing against Le or else he cannot continue in the UFC. One can make the argument that Leben would've knocked anyone out with that uppercut and Wandy did defeat Bisping down under before his year + layoff leading up to the Leben. So this fight against Le can and should be promoted as one of the more exciting stylistic Co Main Events of the fall. As a fan of the sport and the fighters who helped build it lets hope that Wand's chin can perform on the same level as his heart come fight night.

UFC Live on Versus 6: Barry vs. Struve, Cruz vs. Johnson Weigh In (Video)

Joe Rogan points out via Joe Silva that Barry vs. Struve is the biggest height discrepancy in UFC History.

These two fights along with the Wiman vs. Danzig rematch and Brenneman vs. Johnson could potentially be the sleeper hit of the season. 

TUF S14:E2 Results

TUF 14 Draft Results:

Team Bisping got first pick and Team Miller gets to pick the first match up.

• Team Bisping

Bantamweights: 


1. Louis Gaudinot
3. TJ Dillashaw
5. John Albert
7. Josh Ferguson

Featherweights:

1. Diego Brandao
3. Akira Corassani
5. Marcus Brimage
7. Stephen Bass

• Team Miller

Bantamweights: 

2. John Dodson
4. Johnny Bedford
6. Dustin Pague
8. Roland Delorme

Featherweights:

2. Dennis Bermudez
4. Bryan Caraway
6. Dustin Neace
8. Steven Siler

Bantamweights: Bryan Caraway eliminates Marcus Brimage via RNC (Round 2)

Jon Jones Doesn't Want to Share his Psychology with Steven Seagal

If you're in a pinch and need some quick cash just ask Sensei Steven Seagal who he thinks is going to win on the next UFC card. Seagal claims that he's been watching MMA for so long that he's never wrong when he makes his predictions. Check the link below for the an excerpt from the interview Jon Jones did earlier today in the Jungle with Jim Rome:









I just thought it was interesting. You never know what peoples motives are. Especially to chat with a guy that coaches Lyoto Machida. Machida is definitely somebody I wanna fight in my near future. I just didn't wanna share my psychology with him or just who I am leading up to the fight, anything that would put me at a disadvantage in the future. So I just told him it'd be best if he stayed away. It's just confusing really, to bring somebody in that you don't work with at all and have him trying to give you last second advice..."

UFC Live 6: Cruz vs. Johnson Main Card Pick 'Em

Main Card (Versus)

• Bantamweight Championship: Dominick Cruz (C) vs. Demetrious Johnson

Dominick Cruz faces his quickest competitor to date in Bantamweight on the rise Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson Saturday Night. Johnson is on a terror since his WEC debut loss against Brad "One Punch" Pickett back at WEC 48: Aldo vs. Faber last Spring. He's stayed busy running off 4 straight wins against top competition and finds himself fighting for the UFC Bantamweight Championship in Washington this weekend due to his recent success. 

Cruz on the other hand is one of the Top 10 P4P fighters in the world for a reason. His hard work ethic and endless gas tank make him a very tough fighter to find, let alone beat. It'll be interesting to see if Johnson can get Cruz to the ground and what he can do with the champ while he's down there. Cruz isn't a big time finisher so if Mighty Mouse can stick with him and possibly wear him down he may end up leaving D.C. with some new hardware.

Prediction: Cruz via UD.

• Stefan Struve vs. Pat Barry

Barry via Little Macesque jumping KO!

• Anthony Johnson vs. Charlie Brenneman

Brenneman via TKO

• Matt Wiman vs. Mac Danzig

Danzig via revenge is a dish best served cold

UFC 139: Shogun vs. Hendo Poster, Fight Card

Two of the most Savage Fighters on the Planet will meet for the first time in San Jose on Novemeber 19th to decide who will get the next crack at the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship after Rashad Evans. Tickets go on sale for this event starting tomorrow at 10 AM for UFC Fight Club Members. The full announced card is listed below. Expect more fights to be signed in the coming days.



 • Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (20-5, 18 Finishes) vs. Dan Henderson (28-8, 15 Finishes)

• Wanderlei Silva (33-11-1, 26 Finishes) vs. Cung Le (7-1, 7 Finishes)

• Urijah Faber (25-5, 20 Finishes) vs. Brian Bowles (10-1, 9 Finishes)

• Ryan Bader (12-2, 8 Finishes) vs. Jason Brilz (18-4-1, 14 Finishes)

• Stephan Bonnar (13-7, 10 Finishes) vs. Kyle Kingsbury (11-2, 6 Finishes)

• Rick Story (13-4, 6 Finishes) vs. Martin Kampmann (17-5, 13 Finishes)

• Tom Lawlor (7-3, 5 Finishes) vs. Chris Weidman (6-0, 4 Finishes)

• Gleison Tibau (23-7, 13 Finishes) vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (15-5, 9 Finishes)

• Miguel Torres (38-4, 31 Finishes) vs. Nick Pace (6-2, 4 Finishes)

The Weekend in Violence: Three Stars

This past weekend was chock full of MMA. I'll be honest with you guys. I did not catch all of it. What I did catch though was a lot of ultraviolence! Enough to make this weeks list more difficult than past ones. Your Weekend in Violence Three Stars are:

1. Nate Diaz

In four minutes and twenty seven seconds Nate Diaz out struck Takanori Gomi 36-4 finishing en route to an armbar victory over the PRIDE Lightweight Legend. Diaz surely made his brother Nick proud making the family 2-0 against Gomi (I'm sorry, Nick losing his win due to testing positive for marijuana is garbage). This was easily Nick's most dominating performance to date and shows that 155 is where he belongs. Some fans forget that Diaz is the only fighter to hold a victory over the "undefeated" Number #1 contender Gray Maynard. Although Maynard did avenge the loss, the win does not show up on either fighters record because the UFC likes to pick and choose which Ultimate Fighter house contests count.

2. Masakazu Imanari

Masakazu Imanari was relentless in pursuit of submissions in a very familiar setting this past weekend at DREAM.17. Watching Imanari put on a jiu jitsu clinic against Abel Cullum inside of the Saitama Super Arena was a treat. Imanari moves onto the Semi Finals of the DREAM Bantamweight GP which will hopefully take place before the year is out. Cullum on the other hand has to still be recovering from the vicious armbar that finally finished him early in the 3rd Round.

3. Eduardo Dantas

The KO Eduardo Dantas was responsible for during at Bellator 51 Saturday Night was so nice I'm gonna have to post it after the jump. When you look at guys like Imanari, Dantas, and even the 2 hour premiere of TUF Season 14 last week, its clear that the Bantamweights are the most exciting fighters in the sport. Just like Imanari, Dantas advances to the Bantamweight Tournament Semi's for his promotion as well.

Bellator 51 (Video): The Self Proclaimed Baddest Man on the Planet Takes a Nap

In the highlight above 40 year old exorcist Alexis Vila KO's Joe Warren in just over a minute last night in Canton, Ohio. This eliminates Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Warren's shot at becoming a two division champ as the early KO has eliminated him from the Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament. Watch this video and see who's bad.

video via: middleeasy

UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage Fighter Bonuses

$75,000 Bonuses were awarded to 4 fighters based on their performance Saturday Night in the Mile High City.

• Submission of the Night: Nate Diaz 

• KO of the Night: Josh Koscheck

• Fight of the Night: Jon Jones vs. Rampage Jackson

UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage Fight Results

Main Card (PPV)

• Jon Jones (14-1) defeats Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (32-9) via submission (RNC) (Round 4, 1:14)

• Josh Koscheck (16-5) defeats Matt Hughes (45-9) via KO (Round 1, 4:59)

• Mark Hunt (7-7) defeats Ben Rothwell (31-8) via UD (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)

• Travis Browne (12-0-1) defeats Rob Broughton (15-6-1) via UD (30-27 x 3)

• Nate Diaz (14-7) defeats Takanori Gomi (32-8) via submission (armbar) (Round 1, 4:27)

Preliminary Card (Spike TV)

• Tony Ferguson (12-2) defeats Aaron Riley (30-13-1) via TKO (corner stoppage) (Round 1, 5:00)

• Tim Boetsch (14-4) defeats Nick Ring (12-1) via UD (29-28 x 2, 30-27)

Preliminary Card (Facebook)

• Junior Assuncao (13-4) defeats Eddie Yagin (15-5-1) via UD (30-26 x 2, 30-27)

• Takeya Mizugaki (15-6-2) defeats Cole Escovedo (17-8) (Round 2, 4:30)

Expect this one to be run again during any downtime that may occur on the Spike TV or PPV broadcasts. Wow.

• James Te Huna (13-5) defeats Ricardo Romero (11-3) via deadly KO (Round 1, 0:47)

Romero was making some very strange noises in the cage after he got hammered with some vicious blows post KO. It sounded like he had just woken up from a nightmare.

photo: CombatLifestyle

UFC 135 Fight Day Live Stream

Broadcasting live with Ustream


@HeavyMMA

Countdown to UFC 135 Full Video

Jon "Bond" Jones: "I Got Caught Spying"

Gotta give it up to Jon Jones for staying in character during his full interview with Luke Thomas during fight week.

via: bloodyelbow

DREAM.17 Results

The Magic of Mixed Martial arts still lives on through DREAM and was witnessed by many fans who stayed up (or set their alarms) to catch the third card of the year for the promotion early this morning. One can't help but smile when you're hit with the intro matched with the music and of course those first words out of  Lenne Hardt's ( aka Screaming PRIDE Lady) mouth just seal the deal. Here's to JMMA never dying and hopefully always being available to view for us fans from the States. Oh ya, and here are the full results from DREAM.17 with minimal jibber jabber from yours truly.

DREAM.17
September 24, 2011
Saitama Super Arena

•  Shinya Aoki (29-5) defeats Rob McCullough (19-8) via face crank (Round 1, 4:57)


Memo to Aoki's next opponent. Work on your neck/face crank D.

• Tatsuya Kawajiri (29-7-2) defeats Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen (22-11-1) via arm triangle (Round 3, 2:30)

Kawajiri looked great in his Featherweight debut and could very well prove to be a force at 145 if he decides to stay at this weight.

• Takeshi Inoue (21-5) defeats Caol Uno (28-15-5) via Head Kick KO (Round 1, 4:17)

Wicked head kick KO from the fighter the kids love to call "Lion". A thing of beauty.

• Yan Cabral (10-0) defeats Kazushi Sakuraba (26-16-1) via arm triangle (Round 2, 2:42)

You could hear a pin drop after this one ended.Saku's video intros and ring entrances are still as entertaining as they are strange. His fights are neither. They are downright depressing. It's well beyond time for him to call it a career in the fight game. He's a mummified version of himself out there and it looks like the first leg kick that he takes hurts just as much as the last. Late last year his ear fell off during a fight. What's next? Hopefully we don't have to answer that question.

The DREAM World Bantamweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals Results and more after the fuck:

UFC 135 Weigh In Full Video

UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage Pick 'Em

 Main Card (PPV)

• Jon Jones  vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

These two made it really easy for the media these past couple of months. With the out of the cage tomfoolery now officially over it's time to watch these two square off once and for all.  Oh ya, the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship is on the line. Recent history would favor Rampage. This belt gotten passed around more than "insert corny pervy joke here" in recent years. The last fighter to successfully defend the Light Heavyweight strap was the one and only Lyoto Machida and even that title defense holds an asterisk in the mind of most MMA fans around the world. Tomorrow night in Denver the Jon Jones hype train will pass through in ultra violent fashion knocking over every one in its path. Jones via a very disturbing finish for the ages

• Josh Koscheck vs. Matt Hughes

Koscheck is excited. He got a call 19 days before an event asking him to fight someone that he's wanted for years.  Hughes on the other hand has hinted at this bout (originally scheduled against Diego Sanchez before "The Dream" broke his hand) being his last. Should he upset Kos expect him to sign a one or two fight deal with the UFC and retire at 39. If Koscheck puts the hurt on him, like a lot of folks are expecting, this will be curtains for one of the Greatest Fighters in UFC History. Koscheck via KO

• Ben Rothwell vs. Mark Hunt

Anytime Mark Hunt goes up against a guy who knows one submission move post 2006... well.... expect him to be submitted. If Hunt can keep it standing it's anyone's fight. I'll assume that it hits the ground at some point with bother fighters still conscious and Rothwell pulls of an easy submission.

• Travis Browne vs. Rob Broughton

 The undefeated, under appreciated Travis Browne gets PPV Main Card status once again after his KO of the Night Performance back at UFC 130 against Stefan "Skyscraper" Struve. This time around he will stand opposite fellow Heavyweight Rob Broughton who was quite the star back in his Cage Rage days. Although he is a couple of years younger than Browne, if I had to pick one out of the two, Browne has the brighter future in the UFC. Aside from a beaten Cheick Kongo obsessing over his shorts last October in England, Browne is perfect in 3 UFC fights. Make that a 4th. Browne via KO.

• Nate Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi

 Wow. This is the one that's going to start off the Pay Per View? Don't be late. Lots of hype going on underground for this one. I'll take Diaz via gogo just for the sake of history.

Prelim picks after the fuck:

UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage Weigh In Results

 • Jon Jones (204.5) vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (204)

• Josh Koscheck (170.5) vs. Matt Hughes (170)

• Ben Rothwell (263) vs. Mark Hunt (261)

• Travis Browne (255) vs. Rob Broughton (261)

• Nate Diaz (156) vs. Takanori Gomi (155)

• Tony Ferguson (155) vs. Aaron Riley (155)

• Tim Boetsch (186) vs. Nick Ring (185)

• Junior Assuncao (145) vs. Eddie Yagin (145)

• Takeya Mizugaki (135)  vs. Cole Escovedo (135)

• James Te Huna (205) vs. Ricardo Romero (205)

UFC 135 Video: Rampage Found Jones Spy, Both Keep Playing "Disrespect" Game

Let's see who can win at the "you're more disrespectful than me" game. Sorry guys it's getting old. Let's try something new. I have a feeling these two will deliver at this evenings Weigh In's in Denver.

TUF S14:E1 Results

Tonight they fight to get into the house. Results coming after/during the Spike TV East Coast Broadcast.

Storylines:

• For the first time ever fans get to vote for the best fight, KO & submission of the season to win 25K.

• If it comes down to it B.J. Ferguson would love to fight his brother Josh at the finale (BJ will not be joining his brother in the house).

• Tateki Matsuda is the first ever Japanese fighter to fight on TUF

• 8 KO's 5 Submissions 3 Decisions

 Batmanweights: 

• Josh Ferguson eliminates Casey Dyer via TKO (1st Round)

• John Dodson eliminates Brandon Merkt via TKO (1st Round)

• Roland Delorme eliminates BJ Ferguson via triangle choke (1st Round)

• Johnny Bedford eliminates Carson Beebe via guillotine (1st Round)

• Dustin Pague eliminates Tateki Matsuda via Majority Decision (19-19, 20-18 x 2)

• Louis Gaudinot eliminates Paul McVeigh via sudden death decision (3rd Round)

• TJ Dillashaw eliminates Matt Jaggers via TKO (1st Round, 5:00)

• John Albert eliminates Orville Smith via RNC (Round 1)

 Featherweights:  

• Diego Brandao eliminates Jesse Newell via KO (1st Round)

• Dennis Bermudez eliminates Jimmie Rivera via TKO (2nd Round)

• Marcus Brimage eliminates Bryson Wailehua - Hansen via TKO (2nd Round)

• Bryan Caraway eliminates Eric Marriott via UD (20-18 x 3)

• Dennis Neace eliminates Josh Clopton via UD (20-18 x 3)

• Steven Siler eliminates Micah Miller via guillotine (3rd Round)

• Stephen Bass eliminates Karsten Lenjoint via triangle choke (2nd Round)

• Akira Corassani eliminates Brian Pearman via KO (1st Round) Wow. They saved the best for last.

Video: Rampage met a Jon Jones Doppleganger in Denver

h/t:  @UFC_Undisputed

UFC on Fox 1: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos Fight Card

There is a lot riding on the largest mixed martial arts promotion in the world's prime time network TV debut.

There really shouldn't be any issues delivering with the Velasquez vs. Dos Santos fight airing live and the Henderson vs. Guida replay option should the HW Title Fight end early.We'll see if the UFC decides to air Henderson vs. Guida live as the event moves closer.

• UFC Heavyweight Championship: Cain Velasquez (C) (9-0, 8 Finishes) vs. Junior Dos Santos (13-1, 11 Finishes)

• Ben Henderson (14-2, 10 Finishes) vs. Clay Guida (29-11, 20 Finishes)

• Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (18-4, 15 Finishes) vs. Darren Uyenoyama (6-3, 4 Finishes)

• Dustin Poirier (10-1, 8 Finishes)  vs. Pablo Garza (11-1, 9 Finishes)

• Cub Swanson (15-4, 11 Finishes) vs. Ricardo Lamas (10-2, 5 Finishes)

hov-mma: September 2011 Lightweight Rankings

Texas is the setting for Edgar vs. Maynard III and it's only a handful of weeks away. You can guarantee that everyone listed below will be watching. They've been waiting just as long as we have.

Key:

(Rank) Fighter (Record) (Last Rank)
(Key Victims) (Next Opponent)
Lightweight (9/3/11)

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

(Penn x 2, Sherk, Miller) (UFC 136: Gray Maynard, 10.8.11)

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

(Edgar, Miller, Florian) (UFC 136: Frankie Edgar, 10.8.11)

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

(Aoki, Kawajiri x 2, Guida) (Strikeforce 37: Jorge Masvidal, 12.17.11)

4. Shinya Aoki (28-5) (↑5)

(Alvarez, Kawajiri, Aurelio) (Dream 17: Rob McCullough, 9.24.11)

5. Eddie Alvarez (22-2) (↑6)

(Huerta, Imada, Kawajiri) (Injured)

6. Ben Henderson (14-2) (↑NR)

(Miller, Cerrone x 2, Bocek) (UFC on Fox 1: Donald Cerrone, 11.12.11)

7. Melvin Guillard (28-8-2) (↑8)

(Siver, Dunham, Stephens) (UFC 136: Joe Lauzon, 10.8.11)

8. Clay Guida (29-11) (↑9)

(Pettis, Diaz, Gomi) (UFC on Fox 1: Ben Henderson, 11.12.11)

9. Jim Miller (20-3) (↓6)

(Oliveira, Wiman, Danzig) (TBD)

10. Dennis Siver (19-7) (10)

(Wiman, Sotiropoulos, Fisher) (UFC 137: Donald Cerrone, 10.29.11)

dropping out (Penn, inactivity at 155)

cusp (Sherk, Pettis, Cerrone)

TUF 14: First 8 Minutes

Sneak Peek: Ultimate Fighter - Team Bisping vs. Team Miller
Get More: Watch The Ultimate Fighter TUF 14 Dana White Michael Bisping Jason "Mayhem" Miller Josh Ferguson BJ Ferguson Casey Dyer featherweights bantamweights

TUF 14: Team Bisping vs. Team Mayhem premieres tonight on Spike. This will be the final season of TUF on Spike before it moves to FX in 2012. 

Video: Jon "Bones" Jones & Quinton "Rampage" Jackson Full Jimmy Kimmel Live Apperance

Some cute banter between the two UFC 135 Headliners last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

EllisMania 7: MINDFIST Quick Results

Here are the Quick Results for last nights EllisMania VII: Mirra vs. Deegan via: bestofellis.com :

• Brian Deegan defeats Dave Mirra

• Kit Cope defeats Jason Ellis

• Grant Cobb is victorious in the Musical Chair Fight

• Pink Shirt Girl wins Shock Collar Match

• Taco defeats Taco in Crazy Girl Fight

• Brittney Markham defeats Domino Presley in Tranny Fight

• Erika Ashley defeats Just Emily in Hot Chick Fight

Rampage Jackson, Jon Jones to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live Tonight

This weekend, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former light heavyweight champion Rampage Jackson will fight in the main event of UFC 135 in Denver, and the buildup between the athletes has been nothing if not tense.

Tonight, the two will come face-to-face for the first time since the fight announcement when they appear together as guests on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

It's unknown at press time whether the third guest on the show, Dr. Phil, will be brought in to try and smooth things over between the two.

Jimmy Kimmel Live airs on ABC at midnight ET/PT. 

source: ufc.com

ESPN Sport Science: Jonny "Bones" Jones Edition

Sport Science: Jon Jones by ESPN

Sport Science really puts into perspective how much a dangerous freakshow this young talent really is. "His spinning elbows are faster than the blades of an apache helicopter. "

Video: Ellenberger Disposes of Shields In Under a Minute

Welterweight on the rise Jake Ellenberger didn't need much time to finish one of the hardest fighters to finish (just ask Dan Henderson) in the sport last night in New Orleans. 53 seconds into the 1st Round the Juggernaut left his opponent laying face first on the mat while he celebrated by far the biggest victory of his young career.

Lots of love and respect to Jake Shields for sticking with this fight just 18 days after the death of his Father and mentor. You can't help but feel for the guy and you know he will be back sooner rather than later doing what he does best. Also a huge congrats to Ellenberger. I'd love to see him get Fitch next, I know he's scheduled to take on Johny Hendricks at UFC 141 but Ellenberger deserves this having just taken out one of the former Top 10 P4P fighters in the world in under a minute. He's been obsessing over Fitch for a long time now. If not Fitch then give him Koscheck should he take out Hughes next Saturday Night.

Video: Mayweather KO's Ortiz, Ref Looks Away

After Jake Ellenberger's 53 seconds disposal of Jake Shields and Bellator putting on it's 50th show , this is what everyone in the Combat Sports world is talking about this morning leading into a stacked day of NFL action.

UFN 25: Shields vs. Ellenberger Results

Check the Main Card Results from UFC Fight Night 25: Battle on the Bayou over at mmavalor .

You can also find the full Preliminary Card Results at mmavalor as well.

Star Power: Mayweather vs. Merchant

via: ZP420MMA

Star Power: Ortiz Headbutts Mayweather, Mayweather follows with KO (GIF)

You can hate on Money May all you want. When Ortiz decided to make it a dirty fight, he got finished, quick.

The most memorable moment of the night would have to of been Floyd's post fight interview with Larry Merchant. Mayweather got Merchant so riled up that the following words actually came out of his mouth: " If I was 50 years younger I would kick your ass."

Final Result: Floyd Mayweather stays undefeated improving to (42-0) with a victory over Victor Ortiz (29-3-2) via KO to become the new WBC Welterweight World Champion (Round 4, 2:59)

gifs via: ironforgesiron

Fight Night 25: Shields vs. Ellenberger Main Card Pick Em

Main Card (Spike TV)

• Jake Shields (26-5-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) vs. Jake Ellenberger (25-5 MMA, 4-1 UFC)


Caesar Gracie gives his student a magic potion to drink before each fight. It makes it impossible for any man to knock one of his fighters out. Shields via submission

• Court McGee (13-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) vs. Dong Yi Yang (10-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)

Not only is McGee a great comeback artist in the game of life, he's not too shabby inside of the cage either. Yang just has too much power for him though. Yang via TKO.

• Jonathan Brookins (12-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Erik Koch (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)

Fight of the Night sleeper right here. Brookins via Split Decision

• Alan Belcher (16-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC) vs. Jason MacDonald (25-14 MMA, 6-6 UFC)

The Return of the Talent, and his god awful Johnny Cash ink. Really though, it's nice to see Belcher back. MacDonald is by no means an easy test for his first fight since UFC 113 in Montreal. I do see him winning big though tonight. Belcher via TKO statement maker.

Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz Cannot be Ignored

Whether or not you are still a fan of pro boxing or not you want to know the outcome of Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0) vs. Victor Ortiz (29-2-2) Saturday Night.

As we enter another weekend jam packed with MMA and even another EllisMania, Money May vs. Vicious gets top billing. You may or may not watch the fight but you certainly will tweet, google or ask your friend for the result. If you watched the first three parts of HBO 24-7 (part four airs tonight) you may have become invested in this one. It's hard not to root for Ortiz due to his rough upbringing and huge heart. It's also still hard not to root for the undefeated mega star in Mayweather who commands attention and still gives us slim hope that we may see him take on Pacquiao to determine who is truly the best boxer of this era, hopefully sooner rather than later.

The question begs whether or not MMA fans will turn away from a night of UFC and Bellator for a Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight. All I can say about tomorrow night for combat sports around the world is that May and Ortiz need to put on a good show to erase the stench we've been left with from Pacquiao vs. Mosley this past Spring. I can't think of two better guys to do it.

I'll be watching UFC Fight Night 25 and the Mayweather vs. Ortiz on my tele and computer tomorrow night while saving Bellator on dvr for later. What's the most important event for you this weekend fight fans?

EllisMania 7: MINDFIST Fight Card

The 7th Installment of EllisMania goes down tomorrow night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Don't hesitate to check out bestofellis tomorrow night for live results and various other tomfoolery.

hov-mma: September 2011 Featherweight Rankings

Can Kenny Florian utilize his machinist elbows on October 8th in Texas to dethrone the #1 Featherweight in the world?

Key:

(Rank) Fighter (Record) (Last Rank)
(Key Victims) (Next Opponent)

Featherweight (9/3/11)

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

(Faber, Hominick, Gamburyan) (Kenny Florian, UFC 136: 10.8.11)

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

(Sandro, Omigawa, Hominick x 2) (George Roop, UFC 137: 10.29.11)

3. Chad Mendes (11-0) (↑4)

(Omigawa, Koch, Yahya) (Likely to face the winner of Aldo vs. Florian, TBA)

4. Kenny Florian (15-5) (↑5)

(Nunes, Guida, Gomi) (Jose Aldo, UFC 136: 10.8.11)

5. Mark Hominick (20-9) (↑6)

(Roop, Garcia, Jabouin) (TBA)

6. Pat Curran (16-4) (↑NR)

(Sandro, Huerta, Imada) (TBA)

7. Diego Nunes (16-2) (7)

(Brown, Assuncao, Toner) (TBA)

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

(Grispi, Micklewright, Young) (Pablo Garza, UFC on Fox 1: 11.12.11)

9. Tyson Griffin (15-5) (9)

(Guida, Faber, Gamburyan) (Bart Palaszewski, UFC 137: 10.29.11)

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

(Hioki, Sandro, Escovedo) (Jason Young, UFC 138: 11.5.11)

dropping out (Sandro)

cusp (Freire, Roop, Warren, Gamburyan)

You be the judge.

The video that started it all: right here



source: mixedmartialarts



source: bjpenn.com

Hit up all three of those links for the back story along with the videos.

My honest opinion with no bias:  Dana is Dana. The UFC is the UFC. They will continue to edit things and build things up whether or not it crushes loyalty between fighters. They are in the business of hitting huge. Hitting huge promoting a sport that for many is based on pride, not ego. Which will forever make things like this controversial and unfortunate.

For Penn, this is where the no bias part comes in, stop trying to defend yourself. Your fans aren't going anywhere. I'm one of the biggest. We know what the UFC is doing. We know they are the suits. Yah Dana wears a t-shirt, he's still a suit. They aren't slipping something by us here. If there's an issue with you and Nick here, handle that with Nick. Maybe you did. I love you dude. Love you for that passion.

For Diaz. Just keep being you. Same with Penn. Same with Dana. It's how the business works.

Last but not least. How about this fucking fight. It doesn't need any hype like this. This is the wrong kind of hype.

New UFC 137 Poster, Updated Fight Card

From Champion vs. Champion to Champion vs. The Killer. Either way it's nice to see Diaz keep his spot on the poster and the Prodigy make an appearance. Switcheroo or not this card remains the most stacked card of the season. Lets check out the Updated UFC 137 Fight card as it stands today (subject to change):

Main Card (PPV):

• Welterweight Championship: Georges St. Pierre (C) (22-2) vs. Carlos Condit (27-5)

• B.J. Penn (16-7-2) vs. Nick Diaz (25-7)

• Cheick Kongo (16-6-2) vs. Matt Mitrione (5-0)

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

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

 Preliminary Card (Spike TV):

 • Dennis Siver (19-7) vs. Donald Cerrone (16-3)

• Tyson Griffin (15-5) vs. Bart Palaszewski (33-13)


Preliminary Card:

• Brad Tavares (7-1) vs. Tim Credeur (12-4)

• Scott Jorgensen (12-4) vs. Jeff Curran (33-13-1)

• Brandon Vera (11-5) vs. Eliot Marshall(10-3)

• Danny Downes (8-2) vs. Ramsey Nijem (4-2)

• Chris Camozzi (15-4) vs. Francis Carmont (16-7)

"They forced me to say Nick Diaz's name" - B.J. Penn

UFN 25 Main Event Figher Jake Shields Speaks on Passing of Father, Jake Ellenberger, & Diaz vs. Penn

Knoxx Video catches up Jake Shields at the El Niño gym to speak about the tragic passing of his father, his upcoming fight with Ellenberger, and the Diaz brothers taking out their next opponents. You also may want to hear what he has to say about him matching up against Anderson Silva.

hov-mma September 2011 Bantamweight Rankings

'Here I come to save the day!"

Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson has the opportunity to break the  UFC Bantamweight division wide open with a victory over defending champ Dominick Cruz on October 1st in D.C.



Key:

(Rank) Fighter (Record) (Last Rank)
(Key Victims) (Next Opponent)

 Bantamweight (9/3/11)

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

(Benavidez x 2, Faber, Bowles) (Demetrious Johnson, UFC Live 6: 10.1.11)

2. Joseph Benavidez (15-2) (↑4)

(Torres, Wineland, Fabiano) (TBA)

3. Brian Bowles (10-1) (↓2)

(Torres, Mizugaki, Page x 2) (Urijah Faber, UFC 139: 11.19.11)

4. Urijah Faber (25-5) (↓3)

(Cruz, Wineland, Pulver x 2) (Brian Bowles, UFC 139: 11.19.11)

5. Demetrious Johnson (10-1) (5)

(Torres, Yamamoto, Page) (Dominick Cruz, UFC Live 6: 10.1.11)

6. Scott Jorgensen (12-4) (6)

(Pickett, Mizugaki, Banuelos) (Jeff Curran, UFC 137: 10.29.11)

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

(Johnson, Menjivar) (Renan Barao, UFC 138: 11.5.11)

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

(Mizugaki, Valencia, Banuelos) (TBA)

9. Renan Barao (26-1) (↑10)

(Escovedo, Cariaso) (Brad Pickett, UFC 138: 11.5.11)

10. Masakatus Ueda (13-1-2) (↑NR)

(Sato, Acosta, Dantas) (TBA)

dropping out (Wineland)

cusp (McDonald, Makovsky, Mizugaki)

"Feijao" KO'ed Opponent with Broken Arm

“I couldn’t do my best because I broke my arm on the first round… When I tried to punch him, he dodged and my forearm hit his head and broke. I went to the hospital after the fight to do an X-ray and it’s really broken… He pressured me on the second round, but I overcame that. What made a big difference on this fight were my trainings, I was able to show I’m back.”
quote via bjpenn.com , full story over at Tatame . I won't even mention his opponent's name in this post because with the performance he put on Saturday night doesn't deserve it. That said, this story makes Feijao even more of a warrior.

The Weekend in Violence 1st Star Jordan Mein Ends Evangelista Cyborg via Standing Elbows (Video)

via: mma-bignevt1

The Weekend in Violence: Three Stars

1. Jordan Mein

On a busy Saturday in Mixed Martial Arts this Alberta bred up and comer stood slightly above the rest in terms of violent finishes. Jordan "Young Guns" Mein survived a steady diet of "Cyborg" low kicks for a couple rounds in his Strikeforce debut only to unleash precise terror all over his opponents face ending him via TKO in the 3rd. Mein showed some very impressive combinations and deadly killer instinct as the fight wore on. With 30 professional fights under his belt at the age of 21, (20 of 23 wins end via finish) Jordan Mein has to be on everyone's radar after this weekend.



2. Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier just punched his ticket to the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix Finals. That ticket was Bigfoot Silva's chin.In just under two years DC has compiled a 9-0 record , last night of course being the most impressive. Watching Cormier come up though you could tell he had the tools to beat Bigfoot or for that matter any of these Strikeforce Heavyweights. A freestyle wrestler by trade, Cormier also revealed last night that his striking is to be feared. With the cage prowess of a fearless bull, DC's smaller stature actually may be an advantage against Josh Barnett if he can keep it standing.

3. Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante

Watching Yoel Romero Palacio dance around the cage while taunting Feijao  for the better part of 2 rounds borderlined on disgusting. Watching Feijao land a spinning backfist followed by an assault of punches and even a knee to knock Romero senseless was rewarding.

honorable mentions: Ben Saunders, Josh Barnett, Alexis Davis. King Mo Lawal, Paul Daley, Jordan Radev

photo: mountainwarriormma

Strikeforce World Heavyweight GP: Barnett vs. Kharitonov Main Card Highlight Video

When Mauro says in his opening that we were treated to one of the best cards of the year last night he's not blowing smoke up the skirt of Strikeforce this time around. Top to bottom last night's Strikeforce card was one of the Top 3 MMA fights cards of the year so far. Not a bad feat considering we are already heading into the final quarter of 2011.

Because the above highlight package is given to us from Showtime Sports we are missing some of the most memorable moments of the night from the HDNet broadcast. Performances by Jordan Mein and Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante come to mind and will surely be documented later today in our Weekend in Violence segment.

Strikeforce: Cormier Deletes Bigfoot (Fight Video)

Daniel Cormier came into the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix as an injury reserve. He'll finish it in the Finals against Josh "War Master" Barnett some time during the first quarter of next year.

via: ifi

Strikeforce: King Mo KO's Roger Gracie With the Right Hand of Doom (gif)

King Mo clearly has the power of grayskull in his right hand.

Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov Live Results

Main Card:

Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinals:

• Josh Barnett (31-5) defeats Sergei Kharitonov (18-5) via submission (sidechoke) (Round 1, 4:28)

• Daniel Cormier (9-0) defeats Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva (16-3) via KO (Round 1, 3:56)

Main Card (Non Tourney Fights):

• Strikeforce Middleweight Championship: Luke Rockhold (8-1) defeats Ronaldo Souza (14-3) via UD (50-45, 48-47 x 2) to become the new Strikeforce Middleweight Champion

• Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal (8-1) defeats Roger Gracie (4-1) via KO (punch to the skull) (Round 1, 4:33)

• Pat Healy (26-16) defeats Maximo Blanco (8-3-1) via submission (RNC) (Round 2, 4:24)

Preliminary Card:

• Mike Kyle (19-8-1) defeats Marcos Rogerio de Lima (8-1) via UD (29-28 x 2, 30-27)

• Rafael Cavalcante (11-3) defeats Yoel Romero Palacio (4-1) via mind blowing KO (Round 2, 4:51)

Very refreshing to see "Feijao" finish Romero in such an exciting fashion after watching Romero dance around the cage and taunt Feijao throughout the duration of the fight. Romero ended the fight asleep, dreaming about dancing.

• Jordan Mein (23-7) defeats Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (18-15) via TKO (Destruction) (Round 3, 3:18)

• Alexis Davis (11-4) defeats Amanda Nunes (6-2) via TKO (strikes) (Round 2, 4:53)

• Dominique Steele (4-1) defeats Chris Mierzwiak (3-1) via UD (29-28, 29-27 x 2)

Bellator 49 Season 5 Premiere Live Results

Season 5 of Bellator kicks off tonight in Atlantic City. If you tune in to MTV2 at 9 P.M. EST you can catch all 4 of the Welterweight Quarterfinal contests. Spike.com will host the Prelim stream directly from website - (right here).

Main Card (Season 5 Welterweight Quarterfinals):

• Chris Lozano defeats Brent Weedman via UD (29-28 x 3)

• Ben Saunders defeats Chris Cisneros via TKO (knees) (Round 3, 0:29)

• Luis Santos defeats Dan Hornbuckle via UD (30-27 x 3)

• Douglas Lima defeats Steve Carl via UD (29-28, 30-27 x 2)

Preliminary Card:

• Alexandre Bezerra defeats Scott Heckman via TKO (Round 2, 1:38)

• Giedrius Karavackas defeats LeVon Maynard via TKO (KO via knee followed by punches) (Round 3, 1:32)

• Joel Roberts puts Brylan Van Artsdalen asleep via submission (triangle choke) (Round 2, 1:47)

• Lester Caslow defeats James "Binky" Jones via TKO (knee injury) (Round 2, 0:15)

• Azunna Anyanwu defeats J.A. Dudley via TKO (unanswered strikes) (Round 2, 4:16)

BAMMA 7: Trigg vs. Wallhead Results

Get your Complete BAMMA 7 Results over at MMAVALOR because that's where I wrote them.

Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov Pick Em

The Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix continues in Cincinnati, Ohio Tomorrow Night. Not only will the Final Four Heavyweights do battle, we also get to witness big names like King Mo, Ronaldo Souza, Cybrog Santos, Rafael Cavalcante, Roger Gracie & Like Rockhold.

Coming off an 11-1 showing at UFC: Rio, here are my picks for Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov -

Main Card:

Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinals:

• Josh Barnett vs. Sergei Kharitonov

Barnett via War Mastery

• Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva vs. Daniel Cormier

Cormier via Bulldogin' it.

Main Card (Non Tourney Fights):

• Strikeforce Middleweight Championship: Ronaldo Souza (C) vs. Luke Rockhold

Souza via gator crawl

• Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal vs. Roger Gracie

King Mo via Ground and Pound

• Pat Healy vs. Maximo Blanco

Healy via Bam Bam!

UFC 137: Inside MMA Breaks down the Switch

Flashback: Bloodstain Lane vs. Chael Sonnen

Love him or hate him, Bloodstain Lane is great for the sport. 

Check out more Bloodstain videos over at TheTeamTakeover or follow him on Twitter @Bloodstain Lane

UFC 135: Jones vs. Rampage - An Extended Look

ht: bjpenn.com

UFC 137: St. Pierre on Condit: "This fight is much more dangerous than Nick Diaz"

Solid interview with Georges after the announcement was made yesterday that he would have a change in opponents. This video captures a clearly emotional Georges, one of the greatest champions and consummate professionals of the sport shows that he is indeed no robot.

heavy

B.J. Penn breaks the heart of Jon Fitch, Again

@jonfitchdotnet Jon Fitch

my twitter has blown up. Lots of people asking if I've been offered a fight yet. I haven't. But I am more than willing to fight bj or Diaz

21 hours ago via Echofon

@bjpenndotcom BJ PENN

@jonfitchdotnet If your not ready to fight shut your $@&%ING mouth! Dana said your not cleared till December.Quit wasting everybody's time.

7 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone 

 

@jonfitchdotnet Jon Fitch

@bjpenndotcom I'm cleared to fight oct 29.

5 hours ago via Echofon

Jon Fitch is like that kid who can't get a dance at the prom lately. His boss doesn't seem interested in setting him up with a partner either. For Fitch's sake this could all be better for him in the long run. An angry reborn Jon Fitch could be dangerous for whomever signs on to fight him later this year. 
 

Diaz still on 137, Will Fight Penn in Co-Main Event

This could be the beginning of a special rivalry. One for the ages.

" If I told you what I want to do with that fight you guys would flip out."

- Dana White on what he wants to do with B.J. next after yesterday's Diaz/Condit switcheroo

@bjpenndotcom

Dana just offered me a deal I can't refuse.pretty sure I'm still fighting on Oct. 29th.

1 hour ago via Twitter for iPhone

- Penn Tweeting from his iPhone just an hour ago 

Update: 


@bjpenndotcom:
Me and Nick Diaz!! OCT. 29th

There you have it! 

I haven't seen Twitter a buzz about a fight or a situation like this one in a while. All I can really say is that this is what happens when you don't show up for work or "play the game" in any place of employment. While the attitude that Diaz possesses is essentially a huge part of why he's the star he is today he doesn't appear ready to headline a show with GSP. He singed the dotted line and knew what he was in for. If he couldn't deliver this early on then that would involved a demotion. That said, fighting B.J. Penn in the Co-Main is one hell of a nice demotion. While the title isn't on the line he still draws a legend in a fight that may be even more anticipated than the Main Event for many long time fans of both guys including myself.

Nick Diaz: " F**k Your Mother & Your Beauty Pageant"

Nick Diaz is alive and well in the 209. He'll no longer be fighting for the title on October 29th (due to all those deal makers making deals) but as of now he's still under contract exclusively with the UFC.

Would you guys like to see him fight B.J. Penn on the St. Pierre vs. Condit card or should he headline the upcoming San Jose so he doesn't have to worry about missing flights?

UFC 137: Change of Plans

Georges St. Pierre will now defend his Welterweight Title against Carlos "The Natural Born Killer" Condit.

B.J. Penn (the man who was supposed to fight Condit) is  left without an opponent as of now.

The Waterboy vs. The Hairrow coming to Toronto

Brian Ebersole (48-14-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has been tapped to take on home town hero on the rise Rory MacDonald (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) at the Air Canada Centre on December 10th.

The Welterweight contest will likely take place on the Main Card of UFC 140 which now has three fights with Rich Attonito vs. Claude Patrick also being announced on ufc.com today.

Brock Lesnar Will Welcome Alistair Overeem into the Octagon on December 30th

December 30th in Vegas. The two baddest Heavyweights on the Planet collide. Lesnar vs. Overeem is no longer a rumor folks.

The LA Times announced today the year end Main Event showdown will indeed be scheduled (key word being scheduled) for 5 Rounds. Another interesting tid bit from the article is that the winner of Lesnar vs. Reem will be next in line for the Heavyweight Title which will either be in the hands of Cain Velasquez or Junior Dos Santos at that time.

This fight will likely be the final fight of the UFC Calendar year on the yet to be announced UFC 141 card. 

UFC 135 Update: Sanchez Breaks Hand, Koscheck Ready to Fill in Against Hughes

@danawhite

Diego Sanchez broke his hand. Looking for a replacement for Hughes.

4 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone

Replacement found? 

@JoshKoscheck

:) got a fight in 21 days bitches........

3 hours ago via Twitterrific

@JoshKoscheck

Oh ya 19 days then or something like that!!!! Either way it looks like I am in to fight matt Hugh if he takes it????

2 hours ago via Twitterrific

Translation: Koscheck has been offered to take the Hughes fight but it isn't official until Hughes accepts. Koscheck was originally rumored to be moving back to Middleweight at UFC 139 in San Jose but one last fight at Welterweight against a UFC Hall of Famer would be impossible to pass up.

More on this one as it unfolds. 


photo: sherdog

One Week Later: Anik, Sonnen & McNeil Break Down Rio

ESPN MMA Live

UFC Undisputed 3: Anderson Silva Is A Real Life Video Game Character

You can vote for which of the five out of seven current UFC Champions (Heavyweight - Lightweight) you'd like to appear on the UFC Undisputed 3 Cover over at http://www.ufc.com/ufcundisputed3 .

Dana White Talks UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos

Man I would love to be a fly on the wall when the big shots are writing on that white board.

UFC 137: St. Pierre vs. Diaz Poster, Fight Card

Four UFC Championships will be put on the line during the month of October. I'm going to go ahead and make the safe assumption that this has never happened in the promotions history (someone check on that for me please). The last one, and arguably most important one, will be sitting cage side when Georges St. Pierre makes his 7th consecutive title defense against Nick Diaz who is coming off 3 straight successful Strikeforce Welterweight Title Defenses.

Before the Champion vs. Champion Main Event we will be treated to a potential Welterweight Title eliminator, two monster Heavyweight collisions, and the UFC debut of a multiple title holder in the  Featherweight division.




Main Card (PPV):

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

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

• Cheick Kongo (16-6-2) vs. Matt Mitrione (5-0)

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

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

Full Preliminary Card after the jump:

UFC 135 HYPE: Exclusive Jones vs. Rampage Trailer

The UFC is doing it way big for their lone September numbered event. This trailer got the kind of treatment that is usually reserved for GSP shows. Fight fans should expect to see this one played over and over leading up until September 24th.