UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem Event Poster Released

This is how you close out 2011 Folks.

• Brock Lesnar (5-2, 4 Finishes) vs. Alistair "Demolition Man" Overeem (35-11, 33 Finishes) (5 Round Heavyweight Title Eliminator)

• Donald Cerrone (17-3, 14 Finishes) vs. Nate Diaz (14-7, 13 Finishes)

• Jon Fitch (23-3-1, 10 Finishes) vs. Johny Hendricks (11-1, 7 Finishes)

• Vladimir "The Janitor" Matyushenko (26-5, 16 Finishes) vs. Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson (12-1, 11 Finishes)

• Dong Hyun Kim (14-1-1, 7 Finishes) vs. Sean Pierson (11-5, 10 Finishes)

• Jakob "Christmas" Volkmann (13-2, 6 Finishes) vs. TJ Grant (17-5, 15 Finishes)

Expect the UFC to round out this card in the coming weeks

Happy Halloween Fight Fans

Tonight I leave you with a photo of Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion and real life Wonder Woman Miesha Tate.

You can, you should, go follow her over @MieshaTate

Enjoy your evening and as always thanks for stopping by.

FutureViolence: UFC 141 - Goliath vs. Goliath, Cerrone vs. Diaz

With the announcement of Donald Cerrone vs. Nate Diaz earlier today we are seeing the final numbered card of this calendar year take form right before our very eyes. MMAJunkie broke the fight announcement last night and it has since been confirmed by the UFC as the Co-Main Event of the evening. You won't find me complaining. A win for Cerrone would have him finishing the year with an unheard of 5-0 record at the UFC Level while a win for Diaz would catapult him back right back into relevance at 155. Here is the card as it stands to day (again, all cards are subject to change) :

• Brock Lesnar (5-2, 4 Finishes) vs. Alistair "Demolition Man" Overeem (35-11, 33 Finishes) (5 Round Heavyweight Title Eliminator)

• Donald Cerrone (17-3, 14 Finishes) vs. Nate Diaz (14-7, 13 Finishes)

• Jon Fitch (23-3-1, 10 Finishes) vs. Johny Hendricks (11-1, 7 Finishes)

• Vladimir "The Janitor" Matyushenko (26-5, 16 Finishes) vs. Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson (12-1, 11 Finishes)

• Dong Hyun Kim (14-1-1, 7 Finishes) vs. Sean Pierson (11-5, 10 Finishes)

• Jakob "Christmas" Volkmann (13-2, 6 Finishes) vs. TJ Grant (17-5, 15 Finishes)

UFC 139: Shogun vs. Hendo Official Trailer

The full fight card for this event is available here.

B.J. Penn Has A Message For His Fans

" I want to thank all the fans for their love and support. I have decided to take some time off to enjoy life, train and teach. I will keep you guys posted on what's next."

After Penn's done with his well deserved break from engaging in combat it'll be interesting to see who his unlucky first opponent will be.

bjpenn.com

The Weekend in Violence: Three Stars - UFC 137 Edition

1. Nick Diaz

" Where you at Georges? Where you at mother fucker? I don't think Georges is hurt. I think he's scared. I think he's scared to fight everyone right now." - Nick Diaz Post Fight

Nick Diaz broke the record on Saturday Night for most significant strikes landed in a single UFC fight with 178. His fight wasn't a five round affair. It was only three. 158 of them came in the final two rounds. As the fight wore on Diaz relentlessly poured it on Penn cementing himself as the #2 Welterweight in the Combat Sports world. Not only did Diaz bust Penn up beyond recognition making him consider retirement, he also called out Georges St. Pierre forcing the fight the fans want to be made for Super Bowl Weekend. Most importantly though, what Diaz did to Penn cannot be forgotten. Diaz put on one of the best performances in MMA history this past weekend and solidifying his status as the front runner for Fighter of the Year. Fans who neglected Strikeforce and only remembered the old Nick Diaz caught up with the rest of us at UFC 137. This guy is the most exciting fighter in the world right now.


2. B.J. Penn


" In the ten years that we've all seen B.J. Penn perform in a fight we've never seen B.J. busted up. Even in his fights where he was on the bottom getting smashed by Hughes, getting smashed by St. Pierre, he doesn't cut, he doesn't bleed, he doesn't swell up. It's like he's got leather skin. He got busted up tonight lemme tell ya." - Dana White Post Fight

" Fucking Hawaiian's" -  Nick Diaz's Corner

If Nick would've hit anyone else with the volume of strikes he hit Penn with Saturday Night not only would they have went down, they would've quit. Penn never quit. B.J. Penn took a beating inside the Octagon this past weekend alright. He took one that frustrated him enough to announce his retirement at the age of 32 (he'll be back.) He took a beating and kept on fighting showing his warrior spirit. Even after being hit with the most significant strikes in a single UFC fight Penn has still never been knocked down in his career.

3. Donald Cerrone

Cerrone gave the dangerous German kickboxer and Top Ten (former?) Lightweight Dennis Siver the quickest beating he's received since Melvin Guillard KO'ed him at UFC 86. Cerrone made quick work of Siver finishing him via RNC after a brilliant kickboxing display. This win improves "Cowboy" to a 4-0 record during his 2011 campaign and 17-1 career against fighters not named Ben Henderson. Cerrone will close out 2011 with a fight against Nate Diaz on December 30th right back in Sin City, where interestingly enough he has finished all of his fights via some form of choke.

honorable mentions: Francis Carmont

Stats via fightmetric .

Go Get Some Donald Cerrr-Own- Nay!

Greg Jackson urging his fighter to get some right before he finished Dennis Siver last night via a rear naked choke worth $75K.

UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz Post Presser Highlight Video

Nick Diaz shares his gift of gab. A sans beard Roy Nelson gets plenty of screen time due to having the seat beside Diaz. A World Championship Fight Announcement, pee drama and much much more. It's the Post UFC 137 Presser starring Dana White and Nick Diaz. These two should have a sitcom together.

UFC 137: Diaz vs. Penn Fight Highlights

Step Aside Carlos. Nick Diaz's retiring of B.J. Penn last night in Vegas moves him right back to the front of the line of UFC Welterweight Contenders.

St. Pierre vs. Diaz has been tentatively been scheduled for UFC 143 on February 4th right back in Vegas the night before the Super Bowl. 


via: espnmma

UFC on FOX Primetime: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos Premieres Tonight

The first of what should be many UFC on FOX Primetime specials in the coming years airs tonight. UFC on FOX Primetime: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos debuts around your local NFL programming.

Video Preview after the jump:

Behind the Scenes with Diaz and Penn

This video takes a look at the 48 hours leading up to the final fight of B.J. Penn's career. The fight that cemented Nick Diaz as the #1 Contender for Georges St. Pierre's Title.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz Announced for Super Bowl Weekend 2012

" See what I have to do to get a fight!" - Nick Diaz at the UFC 137 Post Fight Presser

Apparently Georges St. Pierre did not react well to Nick Diaz calling him out after he put a beating on legendary two division champion B.J. Penn during the UFC 137 Main Event.

GSP on Diaz: "He's the most disrespectful human being I've ever met and I'm going to put the worst beating on him."

UFC President Dana White announced at tonight's Post Fight Press Conference that Carlos Condit has agreed to step aside and allow Nick Diaz to challenge Georges St. Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Championship on February 4th in what will likely be the Main Event of the annual Super Saturday Card. Condit will be fighting on the same card against a yet to be named opponent.

UFC 137 Bonuses: Diaz, Penn, Palaszewski & Cerrone Earn $75K Each

photo : @lorenzofertitta

• Fight of the Night: Nick Diaz vs. B.J. Penn

• Knockout of the Night: Bart Palaszewski

• Submission of the Night: Donald Cerrone

UFC 137: B.J. Penn Retires

Direct quote from B.J. Penn after his Unanimous Decision loss to Nick Diaz tonight:

"I can't keep performing at the top level. That's it Joe. I got a daughter and another daughter on the way, I don't want to go home looking like this. I'm done."

If this is the case, B.J. Penn will go down as one of, if not the greatest Mixed Martial Artist of all time. I can't think of a guy who's more respected in the sport than Baby Jay. 


Diaz out landed Penn 239-76 in Total Strikes during their three round affair tonight. According to compustrike , 222 of those were arm strikes by Diaz while Penn landed 66 arm strikes of his own. Diaz did what he does best by putting relentless pressure on his opponent not giving him time to even think about countering with something dangerous.

Plenty more to come here after the Post Fight Press Conference and into tomorrow.

UFC 137 Main Card Results: Penn Retires, Diaz Makes Case For Title Shot

After a mediocre night of fights B.J. Penn and Nick Diaz did not hesitate to let it all hang out. Diaz proved that he is an absolute killer in his return to the Octagon while Penn displayed the heart of a warrior in what he says will be the last fight of his career. All in all a pretty disappointing PPV card for the UFC tonight. Nick Diaz emerges as the only true star of the night. I believe B.J. will come back sometime in 2012 at 155 (where he belongs). Lets take a gander at the results:

• Nick Diaz defeats B.J. Penn via UD (29-28 x 2, 29-27)

• Cheick Kongo defeats Matt Mitrione via UD (30-27, 29-27, 29-28)

• Roy Nelson defeats Mirko Filipovic via TKO (Round 3, 1:30)

• Scott Jorgensen defeats Pat Curran via UD ((29-28 x 2, 30-27)

• Hatsu Hioki defeats George Roop via Split Decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29)

UFC 137 Spike TV Broadcast Results: Cerrone, Palaszewski Earn Key Victories

Bart Palaszewski and Donald Cerrone catapulted themselves up the rankings in their respective weight classes tonight, both earning finishes in the 1st Round.

• Bart Palaszewski (36-14) defeats Tyson Griffin (15-6) via KO (Round 1, 2:45)

• Donald Cerrone (17-3) defeats Dennis Siver (19-8) via RNC (Round 1, 2:22)

UFC 137 Facebook Prelim Results: The Truth Hurts

Former top UFC prospect Brandon Vera may have saved his job tonight. He may have also suffered a broken arm in the process. Four fights, four decisions. Here are your full UFC 137 Facebook Preliminary Live Stream Results:

• Brandon Vera (12-5) defeats Eliot Marshall (10-4) via UD (29-28 x 3)

• Ramsey Nijem (5-2)defeats Danny Downes (8-3) via UD (30-25, 30-26, 30-27)


• Francis Carmont (17-7) defeats Chris Camozzi (15-5) via UD (30-26, 30-27 x 2)

• Clifford Starks (8-0) defeats Dustin Jacoby (6-1) via UD (30-27 x 3)

Fight Day: Penn vs. Diaz Final Preview

Make no mistake about it. Nick Diaz is on a fucking tear. Don't talk to me about the low level of competition in Strikeforce. Aside from a positive marijuana test and a doctor stoppage against Karl James Noons that sent Diaz under the knife , Diaz hasn't suffered a loss since he was booted from the UFC back in 2006. He hasn't exactly been coasting either. He's fought 16 times since the three fight losing streak he suffered in the promotion he returns to tonight. He's finished 13 of those fights (yes I'm counting the Gomi one) in impressive fashion. If he can defeat B.J. Penn tonight in his long waited return to the big show then he put's himself near the top of the heap of elite fighters in the sport. Penn is a guy who has only been defeated by former UFC Champions (Machida, Edgar, GSP, Hughes, Pulver). He is by far the toughest test to date for Diaz. Tonight we will see how much Diaz has evolved since '06 when he goes toe to toe against the best in the business.

• Scar Tissue. A Grammy Award winning single from the Red Hot Chili Peppers from the last great rock album of the 90's (Californication). Also the only reason a fighter like Nick Diaz could ever lose to Karl James Noons. Even Diaz called it in a pre fight interview. Now that his bone has been filed down on his brows it seems unlikely that Penn will able to open up a Diego Sanchez or Joe Stevenson like cut on Diaz in Vegas tonight. Well, directly above his eyebrows at least.

• Elbows. Under Strikeforce rules elbows and forearms to a grounded opponent are considered illegal. Under UFC rules, as long as you aren't going 12-6, elbows to the face of a grounded opponent are very legal. Diaz has plenty more face to be opened up if Penn decides to take him down and work his elbows during Saturday Nights Main Event.

• Boxing. Can Penn take, can anyone take those trademark Diaz body "punches in bunches"? Or will Penn be able to shut down Diaz with his arsenal of deadly counters? Questions like these make this such an exciting fight on paper. Diaz comes in with a clear height and reach advantage over Penn which could make it easy for Diaz to have his way standing. It could also make it easier for a smaller Penn to evade and pick apart the larger target. Highly respected Boxing trainer Freddie Roach doesn't call B.J. Penn the best boxer in MMA for shits and giggles. Again if this fight should stay standing, we could be in for one of the most exciting kickboxing matches in MMA History tonight.

• Ground. The smaller Penn has a big advantage should this one hit the ground. The wirey Diaz should be easy for him to control and gain top position. Penn still has one of the hardest guards to pass in the game. While Diaz is very skilled in submissions its not likely for him to pull anything off on the seasoned bjj veteran. Neither of these fighters have or will be submitted no matter who you match them up against. The only thing likely if this fight hits the ground is Penn unleashing some ground and pound early or Diaz working some late should Penn get gassed come Round 3.

• Mental. Both of these guys are just as interesting characters as they are mixed martial artists. That's why they have such huge dedicated fan bases. They both carry a swagger and a ferocious fearlessness to speak their minds. It's been well documented that these two have nothing but respect for each other leading up to UFC 137. Diaz went as far as to say that he didn't want to fight Penn, a guy who's poster graced his wall years ago, he came over to the UFC for St. Pierre. Two days ago at the pre fight presser both fighters refused to embrace after their stare down. Last night at the weigh in the two almost engaged in fisticuffs. Diaz placed his head on Penn's and the two were quickly separated. Did Penn get inside Diaz's head by ducking under his fists, forcing Diaz to eventually take a swipe at him? Or was it a calculated move by Diaz, does he need a reason to hate "his favorite fighter" before they are forced to engage. By the time these two stand opposite each other locked inside the same cage none of this will matter. Both of these vet's are not going to throw a game plan out the window because of a little scuffle the night before. In hindsight we can all go back and point our fingers at a number of things that happened leading up to or during this bout.  "He's a good opponent..its time to fight". Yes, by all means B.J. It is time to fight.

UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz Pick 'Em

After a rough start to the 2011 campaign your boi is on a bit of a roll. I'd honestly be lying if I told you that going 30-3 at the last 3 UFC numbered events hasn't been my hottest run since I started this thing. The only problem is I've yet to have that perfect Pick 'Em. Here goes nothing!



Main Card (PPV):

• B.J. Penn vs. Nick Diaz

Can Diaz capitalize on his clear size and reach advantage. Although Penn insists on fighting at 170 he is still way more dangerous at 155 and guys as talented as GSP, Fitch and Diaz should have no problem taking advantage of this in the later rounds. The trick for Penn's opponents at 170 is to get there and take minimal damage in route. An angry fired up B.J., well everyone knows how dangerous that can be. Sincerely, Sean Sherk . Nick will get right in Penn's face. Penn will bark right back at him. It will be glorious. I can't wait for this fight! Penn via TKO

• Cheick Kongo vs. Matt Mitrione

Mitrione via TKO. I like Kongo if he can take Mitrione down but I just think Meathead is to athletic for that. Mitrione is the real deal and it'll be fun to see who he gets next should he get past the crafty Frenchman. 

• Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson

 Nelson via KO or submission. Whatever he's in the mood for.

• Scott Jorgensen vs. Jeff Curran

Jorgensen via ultraviolence

• Hatsu Hioki vs. George Roop

Hioki has to take this. For Japan. Please. Hioki via submission

Preliminary Card (Spike TV):

• Dennis Siver vs. Donald Cerrone

Yikes. This one could, should get ugly. I have a tough time picking against either of these guys no matter who they are going up against on any given Saturday. Cerrone via decision. The future shall bring us Henderson vs. Cerrone III. This time it'll be for the UFC title.

• Tyson Griffin vs. Bart Palaszewski

This one is now a catch weight affair (148) due to Griffin coming in over weight. Things could get tricky on the ground for Griffin against Palaszewski but I'll take my chances with the wrestler any day. Griffin via grounding and pounding. If these guys decide to stand and trade watch out. 

Preliminary Card (Facebook)

• Brandon Vera vs. Eliot Marshall

The return of the The Truth? Nah. Marshall via submission

• Ramsey Nijem vs. Danny Downes

Downes via UD

• Chris Camozzi vs. Francis Carmont

Carmont must impress GSP with his performance. Although his record isn't anything to write home about his losses do come against stellar competition early in his career. I like Carmont to rip off a couple of wins quickly at the UFC level starting with a TKO over Camozzi tomorrow night.

• Dustin Jacoby vs. Clifford Starks

Arizona MMA reprazent? Starks via TKO

No Love Lost: B.J. Penn vs. Nick Diaz Weigh In Video

I'm not sure if anyone expected this scuffle between Penn and Diaz Friday Night at the UFC 137 Weigh In's. Either these are two guys who need to develop some sort of hate for each other before engaging in violence tomorrow night or there is a legitimate disdain that has developed over time between Penn and the Cesar Gracie camp and student.

via: mmaheat

UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz Live Stream / Weigh In Results (7 P.M. EST)

Main Card (PPV):

• B.J. Penn (169) vs. Nick Diaz (170) * Whether or not these guys feel betrayal or need to desperately build up some hate for one another to perform at a higher level, well, after what we saw tonight I don't thing either guy will have an issue punching the other in the face.


• Cheick Kongo (234) vs. Matt Mitrione (255)


• Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic (235) vs. Roy Nelson (252) *Nelson was wearing a fat suit


• Scott Jorgensen (135) vs. Jeff Curran (134)


• Hatsu Hioki (145) vs. George Roop (145)


Preliminary Card (Spike TV):


• Dennis Siver (155) vs. Donald Cerrone (156)


• Tyson Griffin (149) vs. Bart Palaszewski (146) * Griffin has an hour to lose 3 pounds unless Palaszewski agrees to a catch weight affair


Preliminary Card (Facebook)


• Brandon Vera (205) vs. Eliot Marshall (204)


• Ramsey Nijem (155) vs. Danny Downes (155)


• Chris Camozzi (185) vs. Francis Carmont (185)


• Dustin Jacoby (185) vs. Clifford Starks (186)

Dana White UFC 137 Video Blog 2

A look behind the scenes at the UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz Pre Fight Presser on the Brooklyn Bridge in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as a heartfelt meet and greet between Dana and the fans.

UFC 137 Video Blog 1 after the jump:

UFC 137: Nelson Looks to Put a Nail in Cro Cop's Coffin

Fan of Mirko and or "Big Country? Or maybe you're just a fan of the old Basketball Arcade Classic NBA Jam. Either way you may want to check out my latest article over at mmavalor . Boomshakalaka!

UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz Pre-Fight Presser

Starring B.J. Penn, Cheick Kongo, Matt Mitrione, Dana White and maybe even Stockton's own Nick Diaz. The Presser starts at 4 P.M. EST. 

Courtesy : UFC/YouTube

FutureViolence: UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida

The UFC returns to Toronto for the second time during it's 2010 campaign with a st-st-st-stacked card presented by TapouT

Main Card (PPV)

• UFC Light Heavyweight Championship: Jon Jones (C) (14-1, 12 Finishes) vs. Lyoto Machida (17-2, 8 Finishes)

• Frank Mir (15-5, 11 Finishes) vs. Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira (33-6-1, 23 Finishes)

• Tito Ortiz (16-9-1, 11 Finishes) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-5, 11 Finishes)

• Rory MacDonald (12-1, 11 Finishes) vs. Brian Ebersole (48-14-1, 34 Finishes)

• Mark Hominick (20-9, 16 Finishes) vs. Chan Sung Jung (11-3, 9 Finishes)

Preliminary Card:

• Krzysztof Soszynski (26-11-1, 21 Finishes) vs. Igor Pokrajac (23-8, 20 Finishes)

• Mark Bocek (9-4, 8 Finishes) vs. Nik Lentz (21-3-2, 15 Finishes)

• John Makedessi (9-0, 7 Finishes) vs. Dennis Hallman (50-14-2, 43 Finishes)

• Claude Patrick (14-1, 12 Finishes) vs. Rich Attonito (10-4, 6 Finishes)

• Yves Jabouin (16-7, 12 Finishes) vs. Walel Watson (9-2, 9 Finishes)

• Jared Hamman (13-3, 12 Finishes) vs. Constantinos Phillippou (8-2, 5 Finishes)

• Mitch Clarke (9-0, 7 Finishes) vs. John Cholish (7-1, 6 Finishes)

Cesar Gracie Talks Penn vs. Diaz

HDNetFights

Inside MMA

B.J. Penn UFC 137 Video Blog: The Road Episode 2

Another look inside the world of Penn's camp and travels. Just a really well put together video in all aspects. I think you'll enjoy it whether you're a Penn fan or not.

Music:

Moby - Flower
Deadmau5 - Ghosts n Stuff (Nero Dubstep Mix)
Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers

via: communitydotbjpenn

RVCA

B.J. Penn UFC 137 Video Blog 1

I believe I've posted this one here before but I see no harm in posting it again since B.J. is fighting this weekend and Reagan is fighting next weekend. 

The opening:

Mixed Martial Arts. Better known as MMA, is A form of sport that involves individuals using a variety of combat techniques to defeat an opponent.


Some do it for the money or the fame. But a real fighter does it for the sheer love of the sport. 

This is a story of two brothers - One a World Champion , the other just beginning his career on their journey through the sport of MMA, pushing one another to become the best fighters in the world....

Countdown to UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz Video

Watch B.J. shoot guns with Matt Hughes and Jeremy Horn. See some classic old Nick Diaz UFC highlights (faceplanting Robbie Lawler) and some clips from his Strikeforce run. All in all 11 minutes of wholehearted goodness.

Nick Diaz:

"I had a centerfold out of one of these fight magazines and it said "Prodigy Penn" 

"I have the same game plan every fight. Thats... to win. Win the fight. 

"There's just keys to open doors to makes finishes happen, to make fights exciting. I think I have the ways to do that."


Cesar Gracie:


" I see this fight as Nick finishing B.J., B.J. is an incredibly talented martial artist. I think Nick is the kyrptonite to Superman, I see Nick tapping him out.


Jason Parillo (Penn's boxing coach)

"Nick and B.J. are gonna go in there with all the respect in the world for each other and disrespect each other the entire time they're in there.

hov-mma October MMA Rankings

"Death to Bigfoot. Long Live the New Flesh."

Full Updated October Rankings Here

Check out all of the upcoming match ups for every ranked fighter after the jump:

UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz Countdown Preview

Penn vs. Diaz. Kongo vs. Mitrione. Do me a big favor and try to find two match ups more exciting than that for a Saturday Night in October.

via: IFI

Countdown to UFC 137 Airs Tonight

The Final Four. The end of an era. Only 4 Countdown to UFC shows remain on the Spike TV contract. No worries though UFC slaps. Next year the FOX team will surely have something similar to please the hardcore fans and convince potential newbies across the world. Until then we are blessed with the beginning of the end. A 30 minute show that will tease this weekend's Penn vs. Diaz Main Event air tonight. Why so short? Well after the recent St. Pierre injury it couldn't of been very easy to gather the footage needed for a full hour. If you have plans tonight and can't catch the program or set the dvr check back here in the morning for the full episode.

New Official UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz Trailer

UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz goes down this Saturday Night in Vegas. With all of the controversy and injuries this card has suffered it still holds up, on paper, as one of the best cards of the season top to bottom.

Pat "HD" Barry & Mirko "Cro Cop" Road Trippin'

In this video we find Pat Barry and Mirko playing sing along to a Mama and the Papas classic.

@HypeOrDie

UFC 137 Poster 3.0, Updated Fight Card

"I'm not happy about fighting Penn at all. I signed to fight a certain guy (St. Pierre). I thought we had a deal." - Nick Diaz

"I expect it to happen. A fight's a fight, there's no friends in the Octagon. I expect him to come out and maybe say some things, I may be saying some things myself. I won't hold any of that against him personally."- Penn on Diaz trash talking during fights

Main Card (PPV):

• 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)

• Brad Tavares (7-1) vs. Dustin Jacoby (6-0)

• 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:

• 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)

Audio: Jim Rome Appears on the Chael Sonnen Show

UFC 137: Diaz on Penn "He's my favorite fighter."

" He's my favorite fighter. He's better than they are. He's better than everybody. He came from my school."

" MMA fans in general are looking forward to this fight. I think we have some of the same style. Therefore we have some of the same fans...and I respect his style of fighting."

 via: bjpenn.com

We're Going Through Changes

Sorry about the unusual heavy lack of posting lately but we are going through some changes around these parts. We look forward to completing our first full calendar mma year and should be back in action within the next week with some positive changes. Thanks for stopping by.

The Weekend in Violence: Three Stars

"I think you and I are destined to do this forever." The Joker to Batman (The Dark Knight, 2008)




1. Frankie Edgar

It almost took a cumulative hour of fighting for Edgar to finally defeat his arch nemesis. And just like their last meeting he did it in true heroic fashion. After spending 11 Rounds of consciousness together over three fights Edgar face planted Maynard in the 12th putting an exclamation point on what should go down as the greatest MMA trilogy of all time.

1A. Gray Maynard.


" And I listen, to the voice inside my head. Nothing. I'll do this one myself."

With Pearl Jam's "State of Love and Trust" blaring from the Toyota Center speakers in Houston Saturday Night. Gray Maynard made a mad dash into the Octagon. It was almost like he'd been waiting 9 months in a cage to get his rematch after he and Edgar fought to a stalemate on the very first day of 2011. His 1st Round violence was more calculated this time, with the same result. After he landed a vicious uppercut on the chin and a flying knee right on the Champions face it seemed like this time around Maynard would finally end Edgar. He had him out of it half way through the round, Edgar was desperately grabbing at his legs for a take down, but once again, Frankie survived the Maynard onslaught."I hit him with a knee, I hit him with a hook.....If there was a bat out there I probably would've hit him with that too." A frustrated Maynard stated at the Post Fight presser.

Both of these athletes should be proud of this modern day classic rivalry. I've never done a 1 and 1A for this three starts segment and I likely won't again. I'd actually love to watch Part II and III back to back before the year is out. Part III may have been better than a Part II that was still the 2011 fight of the year favorite.

UFC 136: Frankie Edgar TKO's Gray Maynard (GIF)

To use his own words, Frankie Edgar put some closure on his longstanding rivalry with Gray Maynard tonight. Case closed right? The funny thing is these guys are now 1-1-1 all time with nearly an hour of fighting under their belt. While Edgar did beat Maynard via one of the greatest comebacks in modern history don't rule another contest out in the future if Gray can keep winning, which is very likely.

All of that aside, tonights come from behind KO felt pretty sweet if you're a Frankie Edgar fan. Enjoy the gif and check out ironforgesiron for the plenty plenty more.

UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III Fighter Bonuses

$75,000 Bonuses were awarded to 4 fighters Saturday Night for their efforts inside of the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Hail to the following victors:

Fight of the Night: Nam Phan vs. Leonard Garcia

Knockout of the Night: Frankie Edgar

Submission of the Night: Joe Lauzon

photo via: mmaweekly

Full UFC 136 Fight Results: Edgar, Lauzon & Sonnen Shine

Is Joe Lauzon now a top ten Lightweight? Is Gilbert Melendez next for Edgar? These are just a few of the questions that will emerge from tonight's fights in Houston. Lets take a gander at the Main Card results for UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III.

photo: combatlifestyle

• Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) defeats Gray Maynard (10-1-1) via TKO (Round 4, 3:54) to retain his UFC Lightweight Title

• Jose Aldo (20-1) defeats Kenny Florian (14-6) via UD (49-46 x 3) to retain his UFC Featherweight Title

• Chael Sonnen (26-11-1) defeats Brian Stann (11-4) via arm triangle choke (Round 2, 3:51)

Sonnen called out Silva in a winner leaves town speech post fight

• Nam Phan (17-9) defeats Leonard Garcia (15-8-1) via UD (29-28 x 3)

• Joe Lauzon (21-6) defeats Melvin Guillard (29-9-2) via RNC (Round 1, 0:47)

UFC 136 Results: Frankie Edgar Is A Real Life Rocky Balboa

UFC 136 is now in the books and this folks is one they are going to be talking about for a long, long time.

Gray Maynard had everyone feeling deja vu once again but this time he remained composed after he put the hurt on Edgar. With a number of uppercuts along with a sensational flying knee, Maynard seemed to have Edgar in a world of hurt once again fumbling around on wobbly legs. Somehow Edgar persevered arguably taking Rounds 2 & 3 with his trademark world class boxing and head movement. Then out of nowhere, doing his best Kyra Sedgewick impression, Edgar closed out the trilogy with a short uppercut of his own followed by a barrage of punches.

We just witnessed another chapter in what is quickly becoming one of the most exciting careers in the history of MMA. 

Final Result: Frankie Edgar defeats Gray Maynard via TKO (Round 4, 3:54) to retain his Lightweight Title.

UFC 136 Spike TV Prelim Results: Pettis Not Going Anywhere, Maia exposes Santiago

photo via 5thround

• Demian Maia (15-3) defeats Jorge Santiago (23-10) via UD (30-27 x 3)

Santiago is now 1-4 in his UFC career. Demian Maia further proved that Santiago does not belong amongst the top 10 Middleweights in the world.

• Anthony Pettis (pictured) (14-2) defeats Jeremey Stephens (20-7) via SD (29-28 x 2, 28-29)

Anthony "Showtime" Pettis got right back on track this evening with a razor thin split decision victory over the very dangerous "Lil Heathen" Stephens. After being given a wrestling clinic Carpenter style for his UFC debut, a win over Stephens puts Pettis right back in the middle of the logjam that is the UFC 155 lb. division.

UFC 136 Facebook Prelim Results

Welcome to the UFC Heavyweight division Stipe Miocic. Looks like you'll be sticking around a while, and we're happy to have you here.

UFC 136 Facebook Preliminary Card Results:

• Stipe Miocic (7-0) defeats Joey Beltran (13-6) via UD (29-28 x 2, 30-27)

• Darren Elkins (13-2) defeats Tiequan Zhang (15-2) via UD (30-27 x 2, 30-26)

• Aaron Simpson (11-2) defeats Eric Schafer (12-6-2) via UD (30-27 x 3)

• Mike Massenzio (13-5) defeats Steve Cantwell (7-5) via UD (29-28 x 2, 30-27)

UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III Pick 'Em

Main Card (PPV)

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

Edgar via Anti-Bully Movment

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

Aldo via 25 to life

• Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann

 Sonnen via good old fashioned GNP

• Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan

 Nam Phan will follow in the footsteps of Chan Sung-Jung tomorrow night. Nam Phan via righting judges wrongs.

• Melvin Guillard vs. Joe Lauzon

Neither of these guys really give a fuck about each others well being. While Guillard is the clear favorite because of his speed and killer instinct you cannot sleep on Lauzon. If Guillard makes one mistake Lauzon will not hesitate to take a limb. Guillard is already thinking about title shots. Lauzon is thinking about Guillard. Lauzon via submission.


Preliminary Card (Spike TV)

• Demian Maia vs. Jorge Santiago

I don't think I've been more impressed with a fighter following a UD loss than I have been with Demian Maia after UFC 131. He seems to be on the road to putting it altogether and should be able to either decision or submit the former Sengoku Champion when all is said and done. Maia via Insert winning method here

• Anthony Pettis vs. Jeremy Stephens

There's a reason I wait until after the weigh in's to make these picks.  Pettis via submission

UFC 136 D. White Vlog 1

This Vlog begins with an in depth look like a mutha fucka at UFC 135 post fight(s).  My favorite part had to of been the post fight exchange between Koscheck and Hughes. That's what the sport is all about.

UFC 136: Sonnen Couldn't Sleep After Being Offered Stann Bout

 

  Video: Chael Sonnen Talks About Brian Stann « Featured « Iron Forges Iron™
- Watch more Sports Videos at Vodpod.

h/t: csnwashington - @ironforgesiron

UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III Weigh In Results

 Main Card (PPV)

• Lightweight Championship: Frankie Edgar (C) (154.5) vs. Gray Maynard (155)

• Featherweight Championship: Jose Aldo (C) (145) vs. Kenny Florian (145)

• Chael Sonnen (185.5)  vs. Brian Stann (186)

• Leonard Garcia (145)  vs. Nam Phan (145)

• Melvin Guillard (155.5) vs. Joe Lauzon (155.5)

Preliminary Card (Spike TV)

• Demian Maia (185) vs. Jorge Santiago (185)

• Anthony Pettis (154.5) vs. Jeremy Stephens (156)

Preliminary Card (Facebook Live Stream)

• Joey Beltran (245) vs. Stipe Miocic (236)

• Zhang Tie Quan (146) vs. Darren Elkins (145)

• Aaron Simpson (186) vs. Eric Schafer (185.5)

• Steve Cantwell (186) vs. Mike Massenzio (185)

UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida Is the Right Battle For December 10th

Toronto, we have a headliner. It was announced earlier today that Lyoto Machida will fight Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on December 10th inside of the Air Canada Centre. It's been a minute or two since I've seen a fight announcement elicit so much emotion, positive and negative, more so the latter in this case. In order to get rid of all the excitement that's been going on in my skull since this announcement I need to vomit it up right here via word form whether anyone reads it or not. So here goes my random mma asshole blogger opinion piece:

TUF S14.E3 Results

•  We are introduced to the first of what will most likely be many pranks this year. Bisping removes all 4 tires from Mayhem's Challenger and puts it in his locked room.  Bisping 1. Mayhem 0.

• Team Bisping's Marcus and Diego lose focus. Diego is ready to kill. Bisping does a fine job of calming them down, for now.

• Akira puts his balls on the line to make his housemates laugh. Not everyone is digging it.

• Miller makes the next fight announcement. It's a Bantamweight tilt between Johnny Bedford vs. Josh Ferguson. Josh has a cute little love not for Johnny.

• Akira and "triplesack" Dustin Neace become close friends through the fine art of pranking and chit chat.

• Weigh In: Bedford 135.5 Ferguson 135

• Johnny Bedford defeats Josh Ferguson via UD . 2 Rounds of domination. Team Mayhem 2. Team Bisping 0.

The Weekend in Violence: Three Stars UFC Live 6 Edition

Mac Danzig (pictured left) and Matt Wiman (right) are both $65,000 richer after collecting some well deserved Fight of the Night bonus paychecks this past weekend.

1. Matt Wiman

Before Wiman unleashed elbow hell on Danzig, Neer did the same to Wisniewski. The only difference as Wisniewski seemed to like it. Danzig fought back with some wicked body body head combos but Wiman was the more violent of the two. Well deserved win for Wiman against a more than worthy opponent in Danzig.

2. Josh Neer

They call this guy "The Dentist" for a reason. I believe this fight may have set the record for uncontested elbows. Wisniewski has me wondering if he should adopt a shrink after this one as well. 
3. Dominick Cruz

D. Cruz has fought the full 20 Rounds over his last 4 fights, the first 4 Bantamweight Title defenses of his young  career. Cruz utilized his repeated use of the german suplex along with stellar takedown defense to slow down the relentless Mighty Mouse. Looking at the UFC Bantamweight roster I cannot find anyone who could possibly dethrone Cruz. Either we haven't met his successor yet or someone from 145 could take the elevator down in the near future. Suggestions?

Honorable Mentions: Anthony Johnson, Mac Danzig

Short and Sweet: Chael Sonnen Doesn't Believe in Travis Browne

During the fact or fiction segment for the MMA Live, Sonnen is asked about his thoughts on Travis Browne contending for the UFC Heavyweight strap come 2012. His response will either leave you upset, or give you hearty guffaw.

UFC Live 6: Cruz vs. Johnson Fight Results

Main Card:

• Dominick Cruz defeats Demetrious Johnson via UD (50-45 x 2, 49-46 ) to retain his UFC Bantamweight Title.

• Stefan Struve defeats Pat Barry via triangle choke (Round 2, 3:22) Barry powerbombed his opponent and landed into his own demise

Stefan Struve was awarded an extra $65,000 for Submission of the Night

• Anthony Johnson defeats Charlie Brenneman via TKO (head kick, early stoppage) (Round 1, 2:49)

Anthony Johnson was awarded an extra $65,000 for KO of the Night

• Matt Wiman defeats Mac Danzig Via UD (29-28 x 3)

Both fighters were awarded $65,000 for putting on what was clearly the Fight of the Night

Preliminary Card results after the jump: