Invicta FC 3 adds Sarah Kaufman vs. Kaitlin Young to their October 6th card in Kansas City

The follow up fight card to what many mixed martial arts pundits have leading the way when it comes to event of the year honors just got another big fight. A Bantamweight tussle between former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman and Invicta FC 1 fight of the night winner Kaitlin Young  Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama. This fight will land on the main card of the October 6th event right before the Baszler vs. D'Alelio co-main event.

Kaufman is looking for a quick rebound from her 54 second loss to Ronda Rousey earlier this month in San Diego. After sharing fight of the night honors with Leslie Smith at the inaugural Invicta FC event, Kaitlin Young was submitted by United States Marine Liz Carmouche at Invicta FC 2. The addition of Kaufman vs. Young to an already stacked card that now boasts 14 fights is a very welcome one.

Kaufman will still remain on the Strikeforce roster. "Were just borrowing her for this event," Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp told Bloody Elbow's Stephanie Daniels in an interview conducted earlier today. A win over Kaitlin Young will bring Kaufman one step closer to what she believes is rightfully hers, that Strikeforce bantamweight title. A win for Young, well that would catapult her right into the thick of things at 135.

Invicta FC: Penne vs. Sugiyama will stream live and free once again over at the invictafc website on October 6th.

'UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort Event Poster; Updated Fight Card

Let's try this again. 2 title fights. Plus, a pairing of two top ten middleweight fighters that continue their quest for a title shot. This is UFC 152, well, we can only hope.

With the cancellation of UFC 151, this will be the first of two cards the UFC has to offer us this September. After the break we will once again update a card that if it remains as it is set today, looks spectacular on paper.

The 'Armbarian' - Ronda Rousey Best Damn Highlight Video

Solid Golden work by FlyWinEvolutionsEnt

Today's post is brought to you by the number 9 - 

• 9 Fights (6 Pro - 3 Amateur)

• 9 Wins

• 9 finishes via armbar submission

• 9 first Round finishes

• 8 finishes in under one minute

• Miesha Tate is the only opponent to last more than one minute with Rousey

• Average fight time - 62 seconds

• Average fight time vs. opponents not named Miesha Tate - 37 seconds 

R.I.P. Count von Count

Change of Plans: Machida turns down Jones fight, Belfort steps up

photo via - espn

There have been a lot of crazy days and nights when it comes to the world of UFC news. I'm trying to think of one crazier than this. When we woke up yesterday morning Jon Jones was still fighting Dan Henderson, as far as we knew, at UFC 151 in Las Vegas a week from Saturday.

What we didn't learn until around 2 p.m. eastern time was that Henderson had been pulled from the event by the UFC doctors due to an injury, and Chael Sonnen had stepped up to the plate on just 8 days notice to take on Jones. Jones wasn't interested in this change and had pulled himself from the event. This event would be scrapped altogether. Fighters, and fans alike would proceed to rip Jones and question his character. UFC 151 would become a ghost event and Jones would defend his title at UFC 152 in Toronto against Lyoto Machida. It would be a  rematch of their UFC 140 fight at the very same venue, the home of Carlton the Bear - the lovely Air Canada Centre. Good night. See you guys tomorrow, what a day - it doesn't get much crazier then this. Right? Wrong.

Late into the night the news broke that Lyoto Machida had actually turned down his title shot against Jones on a months notice. Machida and his camp seemed to be amped about getting a crack at the title after his KO victory over Ryan Bader earlier this month. Apparently this was just too soon for "The Dragon" and too much of a risk, or he just wasn't feeling it at this time. Jones will still defend his title in Toronto though and if you gave me five guesses I wouldn't of came up with the man he'll now tango with, but I have to admit, I am intrigued. Enter Vitor Belfort.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion and former UFC heavyweight tournament champion stepped up to the plate and out of the middleweight division to take on Mr. Jones. When you think about how impossible Jones could be to beat in the Octagon, Belfort's blitzkrieg spazmatron speed and KO power may be one of the only answers. It's almost a perfect match up. So, as it stands this very second, UFC 152 will be headlined by Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort. As always, stay tuned and don't take any naps.

Another juicy tidbit of info came out over the wire about how UFC 151 was almost saved by a current company champion. Check it out after the break.

TweetFC: CM Punk slams Jon Jones

It's not easy being the best in the world. When you're WWE champ, not showing up for an event, or even turning down a fight - it's just not an option. It's all in the script. It's also one hell of a workload, and calling it taxing on one's body would be a foolish understatement. 

CM Punk and Chael Sonnen may be good friends, so he's obviously a bit bias when it comes to Jon Jones at this moment. But today wasn't the first time the Chicago made superstar has taken a stab at the UFC Light Heavyweight kingpin. Punk was quick to criticize Jones, and Nike after learning about their highly publicized endorsement deal earlier this month.

Let's reward more drunk drivers with endorsement deals! #responsiblity

—  CM Punk (@CMPunk) August 8,2012 

That of course was some jabbery at Jones' DWI incident earlier this year in Binghamton. Punk didn't hesitate earlier today when given the opportunity to take a stab at one of "Bones" quotes either. Check it out after the break.

Chael Sonnen: 'Jon Jones is an entitled brat'

via - ESPN

UFC 152 is now 'Jones vs. Machida II'

When news broke earlier today that UFC 151 would be canceled, it left fans wondering what would be made of Jon Jones and his light heavyweight title. The answer was that the Air Canada Centre in Toronto would host Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida 2 next month as the headliner for UFC 152. Interestingly enough, the first time these two met at UFC 140 was inside of that very same Air Canada Centre in Toronto. When its all said and done, Machida will have fought 3 of his last 4 fights in Toronto, the first being his KO of the night performance that retired Randy Couture in front of the largest crowd in UFC history. 

UFC 152 was originally supposed to be headlined by Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez for the heavyweight championship. When that fight was moved, a welterweight scrap between B.J. Penn and Rory MacDonald was rumored to be the main attraction. Eventually we would learn that the flyweight championship contest between Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson would be the 5 round main event, Penn and MacDonald would be scrapped due to MacDonald succumbing to injury. Now Toronto will get two title fights just like they did at UFC 129. So what may be an awful day for the UFC, is a great day for mixed martial arts fans in Ontario. 

Check out the new UFC 152: Jones vs. Machida II' card as it stands today after the break. 

'UFC 151: Jones vs. Hendo' will go down as the event that never was

It was historic moment today for the worlds leading mixed martial arts promotion. It was a moment that nobody saw coming. UFC 151 was canceled. This is the first time the UFC was forced to cancel an event and it happened just 10 days before it was set to go off live on Labor Day weekend. So who's to blame for this?

It all started when light heavyweight challenger Dan Henderson was forced to withdraw from the main event with a partial tear in his MCL. Unfortunately, mixed martial arts is much like professional football. Both sports have a 100% injury rate. It's not a shock anymore when a high profile fighter, or any fighter for that matter, is forced to pull out of an event this close. We saw it happen with Mark Munoz earlier this year when he was forced to withdraw from his contenders bout with Chael Sonnen. Luckily Michael Bisping took the fight with Chael on 8 days notice. This main event between Dan Henderson and Jon Jones was a whole different story though. With a co-main event between Ellenberger and Hieron that sounds more like a Bellator super fight than a pay-per-view main event, and the preceding fights looking like UFC on Fuel TV 'insert number here preliminary card bouts' - this card had to be scrapped altogether. Unless...

First Look: Invicta FC 3 Penne vs. Sugiyama Poster

via - @shanknapp

On October 6th in Kansas City the very first Invicta FC champion will be crowned. Undefeated atomweight Naho "Sugi-Rock" Sugiyama will make her stateside debut against a well known finisher in Jessica Penne. 

The always entertaining and rawkus Shayna "The Queen of Spades" Baszler will also be back inside the Invicta cage looking to get back to her winning ways against Sarah "The Monster" D'Alelio, who has put together a 2-0 record during her Invicta stint so far.

You can check out the full 13 fight 'Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama' card as it stands today after the jump. 

Weekend in Violence 3 Stars: Rousey still amazes; Tate and Kedzie steal the show

 UFC President Dana White is Miesha Tate's biggest fan after her instant classic with Julie Kedzie

Please, won't you join us for the 'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' edition of the Weekend in Violence 3 Stars on a Tuesday. We'll keep this one short and sweet as we wrap a neat little bow around this past weekend's event. 

1a. Miesha Tate

Miesha Tate was getting slaughtered in the stand up game by Julie Kedzie on Saturday night. Actually, slaughtered would be an understatement. Kedzie knocked Tate down twice in the first round, and these were not slips. She got outstruck 41-8 in those first five minutes and was forced to go for five takedowns just to survive. She was stuffed on all five of them and looked worse for wear with each attempt. It was like Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard II and III with less testosterone.

Tate continued to eat Kedzie's foot as the fight wore on but somehow started to land her takedowns. In the third she ended the bout with as dramatic an armbar finish that you'll ever see in the sport. It was so dramatic that during the post-fight presser she looked like an emo chick trying to cover her lazy eye, who also suffered from a dangerous cupcake fetish. Either way, we love Miesha here and we hear that she will be taking a break from the sport due to a lack of passion for it. We hope that she comes back soon, and if not we wish her the absolute best in her future endeavors. I haven't been covering this sport for very long but Miesha has been one of my favorite fighters to cover in the short amount of time I've spent doing this.

1b. Julie Kedzie

Kedzie came out like a bat out of hell in this one. A pure "fireball". She was just over a minute away from possibly taking either a split or unanimous decision victory over a Miesha Tate that was one fight removed from being a champion. Kedzie's performance was so impressive that I believe she took a step forward rather than a step back. Her record may not look great on paper and some of her previous performances may have been a little less than impressive. Sometimes in defeat fighters just put on showings that can really begin a surge in their careers. A Julie Kedzie looking that great coming off a heartbreaking loss is more dangerous to me than a Julie Kedzie coming off a great win against Miesha Tate. She will train just as hard as she did for this past fight and she will come out to put you away, but won't put herself in a position to lose like that again.

2. Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is like Royce Gracie on speed. She comes into the cage with one objective. Get her opponent on the ground and submit her, as quickly as possible with minimal damage. This is unprecedented for someone competing at this high of a level with this much publicity. Sarah Kaufman was arguably the best P4P female fighter in the world before her bout with Rousey. She trains with the best and she knew exactly what she was training against. Rousey still did what everyone, including Sarah and her coaches, knew what she was going to do.

Ronda got her opponent to the ground with a lovely inside trip and immediately began working for that armbar. It took her three attempts and that was it, 54 seconds later and she will likely enter 2013 as the best female fighter in the world with no real competition - unless Cyborg cuts off a limb. This girl made her professional debut in March of 2011 and she may have already cleaned out her division. She is the Jon Jones of the women's 135 pound division.

3. Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza

Jacare did exactly what he was supposed to do. Strikeforce gave him an opponent that didn't even belong on the same broadcast as him. Brunson would've been better served on Showtime Extreme against Keith Berry or Adlan Amagov. But credit to Souza. He didn't whine, he went in there and took care of business and added a beautiful KO to his highlight reel. It will look pretty sweet to fans who haven't seen him when it plays before his first UFC fight. You can find the video of this beaut after the break.

Strikeforce: Miesha Tate vs. Julie Kedzie Video Highlights

Mauro Ranallo breaks down tussle between Miesha Tate and Julie Kedzie that took place this past Saturday on ShoExtreme. This fight is a strong candidate for fight of the year as we head into the final quarter of 2012.

Related Articles:

Miesha Tate defeats Julie Kedzie in a true 'Eye of the Tiger' performance

Strikeforce: Miesha Tate vs. Julie Kedzie preview and prediction

The Island of Misfit Toys: Why Strikeforce is getting the sharp/short end of a very big stick

Miesha Tate will return at 'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman'

Black and Blue Sabbath, Sunday Morning Perspective

Ronda Rousey calls out "Guyborg," but will this fight ever happen?

Directly after her 54 second disposal of Sarah Kaufman last night (the second longest fight of her career), Strikeforce bantamweight kingpin Ronda Rousey decided to call out what could very well be her next opponent. The very dangerous Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino.

While Lady Cyborg is currently taking a leave of absence from the game - she tested positive for an anabolic steroid following her last bout - she should be due back in time to hit the mat with Rousey in early 2013. There is one problem though, Cyborg claims she would have to lose a limb to make 135 pounds, the weight class where Rousey currently resides as queen. Rousey of course will not budge, and why should she? Rousey is after all the champion and if Cris really want's to be the one to dethrone her then she'll cut the weight. The 145 pound women's division in Strikeforce used to just be the bring in a punching bag for Cyborg division and call it a title fight. Now that she has been stripped of her title and suspended the landscape has changed, to say the least. So will we ever see a Rousey vs. Cyborg title fight? It depends how bad Zuffa wants it in the end. A big paycheck and the title of "First UFC women's fight ever" would certainly sway her now, wouldn't it? 

video - mmaheat

'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' live post-fight press conference video

via - mmaheat

Strikeforce Results: Ronda Rousey submits Sarah Kaufman in less than a minute via armbar

"Here's another one. And another one." Welcome to the "Rowdy" era. Can anyone stop the Rouseybar?   The most entertaining part of this one was Rousey calling out Cyborg after her win in true Diaz form. Rousey made it clear that if she [Cyborg] wants it, you come to the champ, the champ doesn't come to you. If not Cyborg, who would you guys like to see challenge the champion next?

6 professional fights. 6 armbar finishes. Automatic. We we're prepared for a quick play-by-play. And here it is -

Round 1: Herb Dean gets the pleasure of calling this one. The girls touch gloves. It's time folks. Rousey pushes the pace. Gets Kaufman against the cage. Kaufman is on the ground. This could be a short night. Shes ripping at Kaufman's arm. 30 seconds in and Kaufman is in defensive mode. Ronda is determined, she's locked in. Its all over. Kaufman taps. Rousey submits her via armbar in under a minute.

Final Result: Ronda Rousey (6-0) defeats Sarah Kaufman (15-2) via submission (armbar). Round 1, 0:54

Strikeforce 'Rousey vs. Kaufman' results: Miesha Tate defeats Julie Kedzie in a true 'Eye of the Tiger' performance

Here is our play-by-play of one of the best fights I've seen thus far in 2012.

Round 1: Miesha "Cupcake" Tate enters to "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor.  Julie "Fireball" Kedzie to "Dog Days are Over" by Florence and the Machine. And we are off. Jason Herzog is the ref. Both girls come out hard. Oh man Kedzie is just slaughtering Tate early. A head kick lands that could be danger for the former champ. Tate looking to set up her takedowns. Kedzie's striking is crisp!

Beautiful kickboxing display early. Superman punch from Tate misses, and Kedzie lands one on the jaw. Cupcake has Fireball against the cage. Shamrock makes a good point for once, I will be calling those punches Superwoman punches as opposed to Superman. Now Kedzie reverses postion, shes dominate, and releases. This is Kedzie's fight standing. All Kedzie early. Great takedown defense from Kedzie. She has Tate in the north south position now. Another big right hand from Kedzie, and Tate looks tired. She's telegraphing takedowns. Kedize is hitting Tate in the ribs and gets back up. You can hear Greg Jackson yell "Holy Julie Kedzie Wow!". Tate finally lands a good shot but telegraphs another one. Kedzie stuffs another one and is just constantly working. Side kick knocks Tate down! Kedize looks amazing! Now Tate gets dominant position, what a sweep into mount after she attempts a triangle choke! Tate still has some fight in her. Kedzie takes it 10-9.

Strikeforce 'Rousey vs. Kaufman' results: Germaine de Randamie dominates Hiroko Yamanaka for 3 full rounds

We will be doing play-by-play for the three female fights on this card. Here is what we watched transpire when Germaine "Iron Lady" de Randamie (pictured), Hiroko Yamanaka, and Mike Beltran hung out inside the cage together.

The heavily bearded Mike Beltran will be the third human in the cage for this one. Germaine de Randamie is connecting, and missing, with the much heavier shots here. Yamanaka needs to get creative to get inside on de Randamie. She lands very few jabs and misses on a well timed superman punch. Yamanaka goes for a takedown late in the round but it's just not happening. Plenty of head movement and fancy footwork from Yamanaka but de Randamie is not budging. As we head into the second round its clear that de Randamie is up on the scorecards 10-9.

'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' Main Card Quick Results

• Light Heavyweight Bout: Ovince St. Preux (12-5) knocks out T.J. Cook (12-5) with a left hook from the 20th row (Round 3, 0:20). Cook just couldn't take anymore. He may have been KO'ed in the first and ended the round throwing some haymakers putting OSP in some danger of his own. Cook came out in the 3rd looking like death. His team put him in danger by even letting him answer the bell and he paid dearly. Hopefully Cook recovers and we see this warrior in the cage again.

• Middleweight Bout: Anthony Smith (17-8) defeats Lumumba Sayers (6-3) via triangle choke (Round 1, 3:52). Lumumba makes sure to remind us, just seconds after he taps, that he still praises God, and the Lord is on his side, win or lose.

• Welterweight Bout:  Tarec Saffiedine (13-3) defeats Roger Bowling (11-3) via UD (30-27 x 3). The stats may have looked close but Saffiedine did more damage utilizing his clinch work and deadly combos.

• Middleweight Bout: Ronaldo Souza (16-3) defeats Derek Brunson (9-2) via KO (punches) with a quickness. Round 1, 0:41

• Bantamweight Championship Bout: Ronda Rousey (C) (6-0) retains her Bantamweight title by submitting Sarah Kaufman (15-2) via armbar at the 54 second marker in the very 1st round.

'Strikeforce: Tate vs. Kedzie' Preliminary Card Quick Results

photo credit - Tracy Lee's Combat Lifestyle

The four fight preliminary broadcast is officially underway in San Diego, California's Valley View Casino Center. If you weren't able to catch the festivities in house we will have live quick results right here via the boob tube and Showtime Extreme. Solo articles for a few of the feature fights will follow along with plenty of post-fight coverage as we shall eventually enter a post Rousey vs. Kaufman era. Enjoy the fights folks.

• Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green improves his record to (19-5) by defeating Matt Ricehouse (6-1) via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x 3)

• Featherweight Bout: Germaine de Randamie (3-2) was just way too much for Hiroko Yamanaka (12-2) taking this one via UD (30-27 x 3)

• Middleweight Bout: Adlan Amagov (10-2-1) defeats Keith Berry (11-10) via TKO (illegal push kick to the knee, followed by strikes) Round 1, 0:48. Awkward ending with lots of communication issues.

• Bantamweight Bout: Miesha Tate (13-3) defeats Julie Kedzie (16-11) via submission (armbar) Round 3, 3:28)

The Ronda Rousey Quote Machine

Horse semen injections and death threats. Welcome to your typical fight week with "Rowdy" Ronda Jean Rousey.

Tonight the talks ends when Rousey and Kaufman enter the cage. But before we learn whether or not the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight title will remain in California, or head back to British Columbia, let's relive the week in quoteables.

Rousey wants Cyborg next at 135 regardless of what it takes for her to make the weight

"As long as she makes 135, I don't care if she's injecting horse semen into her eyeballs but that's the only way I feel it would be a fair fight. She's never had a fair fight in her life and I see how the prospect of that would scare the hell out of her and why she would insist at fighting heavier."

"I don't owe her [Cyborg] anything. She's completely defamed, and anything she's ever done is nothing because she is a big old cheater and she's been doping her whole life. And I think the reason why people like Dana think there is a lack of depth in all these divisions is because this girl is doping and making everybody look like they aren't in her league. And I think the reason people look at women's MMA like that was because of her."

"She is nothing but a detriment to the sport and the only positive she could play is an Ivan Drago bad guy that gets beat to hell by a Rocky. So no, she can come down and fight me at 135 because I have a whole line of people that want to fight me already and I don't owe her anything."

If she dies, she dies

"Sarah Kaufman should be thanking her lucky stars that MMA is properly regulated in California. I respect her so much that I'm not taking any chances. If I get her in an armbar I'm going to try and rip it off and throw it at her corner, if I get her in a choke I'm going to hold it until she's actually dead. And if I get a knockout I'm going to actually try and pound her face into the ground. She's relying on the competence of the California Athletic Commission to walk out of that cage alive. That has nothing to do with whether I like her or respect her - she seems like a nice chick - but I go into every fight like my little sister's life is depending on it. And in that kind of situation, no one can ever beat me."

Kaufman's response

"She's gonna try and kill me, which is kinda mean, but that's alright...That's great, it's a fight. And that's what you wanna do, you don't wanna come in and play patty-cake, that's not what we're here for.  We're here to show up and do everything we possibly can to win. I mean, hopefully no one dies in the process, but again, it's a fight and anything can happen. So, it's great, its gets people excited and people want to see two athletes showing up and fighting, and not just trying to out score the other person. They want to see someone decisively finish a fight."

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman coverage

sources - tsn - mmafighting

Strikeforce: Ronda Rousey vs. Sarah Kaufman Preview

Rousey and Kaufman staredown following Thursday's press conference in San Diego - photo - Esther Lin

This one feels a lot different. If I told you that I've been following Ronda Rousey from the very beginning, well, I'd be lying. And when it comes to mma blogging (whether or not 2 or 10,000 people read these posts) that's just something I cannot do. The first time I saw Rousey fight was at Strikeforce Challengers 18, the Showtime broadcast. I'm a total Strikeforce on Showtime slappy, and although its highly unlikely, I would love to see this promotion survive. That's besides the point though. Back to the first time I saw Rousey fight. She submitted Sarah D'Alelio in less 25 seconds via a flying armbar. Now could I tell you that all of this would happen - the magazine covers, the TMZ attention, even the Strikeforce title shot - just from watching that fight? No. But could I tell you that I, along with anyone else watching or in attendance that night didn't see someone who would eventually be an superstar in years to come either? No. I just didn't think it would happen this soon.

So let's talk present day. Rousey is prepared to make that all important first title defense. She's put her name out there and done her best to put eyes on Strikeforce and Showtime. You can disagree with what the route shes taken all you want but hey, it's worked, and it's worked very, very well. But nothing can change the fact that standing across from her tomorrow night will be a very pissed off former champion, with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Coming Soon: 'Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy'

'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' Staff Pick 'Em

photo - Esther Lin for ShoSports

Main Card (Showtime - 10 p.m. EST)

• Strikeforce Bantamweight Championship Bout: Ronda Rousey (C) vs. Sarah Kaufman

Erin Tierney: The fight might take longer than it takes to read this sentence. Pick: Rousey, Round 1, submission.

Dan Rose: Listen, people are crazy if they think this will be a walk in the park for Rousey. Yes, she's currently the face of WMMA. Yes, she looked damn nice naked in the ESPN Bodies issue. Yes, she is a bona fide superstart with an armbar straight from hell and enough attitude and mettle to make Chael Sonnen blush. That said, this is a fight, and Sarah Kaufman can damn sure fight.

Sarah Kaufman has had to sit back, and watch all the shenanigans that went on, with Rousey basically leap-frogging her for a title shot based solely on her words. She's had to sit back and watch Ronda do the ESPN shoot. She's seen Ronda chum it up with Dana White. She's heard Dana say if a woman fights in the UFC, it'll likely be Rousey and she's sat back and watched Rousey's all access show, and you know what, she's pissed off. The amicable Canadian might not say it, hell; she might not show it, but it's there.

When the bell rings. she will bring that quiet rage and determination into the cage with her, and she will try to pry a belt away from Rousey and a spotlight away from looks over fighting ability and sizzle over steak. This fight will be exciting. If Ronda is unable to get the fight to the floor early, she'll eat shots and she won't like it. If Kaufman can keep it standing, she wins, if not, she's going to struggle. I think Sarah Kaufman will remind everyone why we watch MMA this Saturday night, and she'll TKO Ronda Rousey.

Hank Booth: Sarah Kaufman is the more complete fighter out of these two. Let me play the role of our mutual friend Captain Obvious though and point out what you already know. If this fight hits the ground, it's just a matter of time before she taps. So again, Kaufman may be the more complete fighter, but judo throws and armbars is what Rousey serves up just as well as Micheal Phelps does gold medal performances, and Kim Kardashian does sex tapes. And it's a combo that just seems to work.

The most important thing for Kaufman in this fight is distance and an early outburst. She has to hit Rousey, hit her hard, and use her footwork to slip in and out. She has the one punch power to steal earn that belt back without this fight ever hitting the ground. Can she do this for 25 minutes. Not likely. Again, she has to stun Ronda early or just put her to sleep and hit the time clock. Sarah Kaufman defeating Ronda Rousey would not be a shocker. I just don't see it happening Saturday night. Ronda Rousey retains her Bantamweight strap via a not so shocking tap or snap finish.

'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' live weigh-in coverage

Ronda Rousey is the biggest star in Strikeforce today. If Gilbert Melendez had a decent opponent not named Josh Thomson to give him a run for his money it would be a different story. Rousey has a stable of talented fighters coming after what she has and a monster target on her back. Kaufman, Tate, Cyborg, Davis, the list goes on and on, especially with Invicta now making waves. Sarah Kaufman will have the opportunity to stop the Rousey freight train before it even starts.

Also a #1 contenders bout between Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and Derek Brunson is on the menu, along with a Welterweight contest between Roger Bowling and Tarec Saffiedine could decide who's next for current champion Nate Marquardt. If you're a big fan of WMMA there are also two phenomenal match ups on the Showtime Extreme undercard that have title implications written all over them should one of the four women put on a dominant performance.

You can catch the the full weigh-in results for 'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' in written form below or join us after the break for the live video stream which will start rolling at 6:45 p.m. EST.

Main Card (Showtime 10 p.m. EST)

• Bantamweight Championship Bout: Ronda Rousey (C) (135) vs. Sarah Kaufman (134)

• Middleweight Bout: Ronaldo Souza (186) vs. Derek Brunson (186)

• Welterweight Bout: Roger Bowling (170) vs. Tarec Saffiedine (169.5)
• Middleweight Bout: Lumumba Sayers (185) vs. Anthony Smith (186)
• Light Heavyweight Bout: Ovince St. Preux (205.5) vs. T.J. Cook (203)

Preliminary Card (Showtime Extreme 8 p.m. EST)

• Bantamweight Bout: Miesha Tate (136) vs. Julie Kedzie (135)

• Middleweight Bout: Adlan Amagov (186) vs. Keith Berry (186)

• Featherweight Bout: Hiroko Yamanaka (145) vs. Germaine de Randamie (144)

• Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green (155) vs. Matt Ricehouse (155)

Strikeforce: Miesha Tate vs. Julie Kedzie Preview and Prediction

It's been over a year since we've last since Julie "Fireball" Kedzie fight. Tomorrow night she will jump right back into the mix and take on a fighter in Miesha Tate that is looking to erase the memory of her last bout, her highly publicized loss to Ronda Rousey.

Kedzie is a seasoned vet who has been competing against the best of the best for nearly a decade. She has a well rounded game and trains at one of the best gyms in the world, Jackson's MMA. Recent footage has shown that Kedzie looks fantastic, saying she's in fighting shape would be an understatement. If this fight stays standing she has the tools to get it done against Tate. Striking has never been Miesha's strong suit. Her two losses before the Rousey bout came via an early, and vicious head kick from Kaitlin Young, and in a fight against Sarah Kaufman where Kaufman was able to stuff the majority of her takedowns; thus out boxing the Team-Alpha Male standout en route to a unanimous decision victory. The problem with this fight is that Julie Kedzie is no Sarah Kaufman. She's a fantastic fighter and may be able to stuff Tate's double leg early, but Miesha is relentless, she'll take the fight to the ground eventually as long as her switched doesn't get flipped.

If Kedzie can get the win here it'll be more of an upset in my eyes than if Kaufman can dethrone Rousey. Miesha Tate has been on a roll of late, aside from the Rousey loss. You can attribute that to her dominant takedown game and highly underrated submissions. We are only two years removed from Miesha winning two fights in one night to win the Women's Strikeforce Bantamweight tournament. That earned her a shot at submission specialist Marloes Coenen, whom she submitted to earn the title that Rousey would eventually rip away from her earlier this year in Ohio. This is Tate's hexagon, and while everyone has a punchers chance, I see the fighter who has recently changed her nickname from "Takedown" to "Cupcake" (shout out to Lloyd Woodard) getting it done on the ground tomorrow evening.

I Am a Fighter: Sarah Kaufman Strikeforce ShoSports Promo

Sarah Kaufman knows what it's like to be a champion. She also knows what it's like to be overlooked. On Saturday night, history is in her hands just as much as it is in her opponents submission technique. Don't get it twisted. Sarah Kaufman already has her name cemented in women's mixed martial arts history. That said, a win over Ronda Rousey to reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers... that brings Sarah to a whole 'nother level.

Related Articles:

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman updated August 18th fight card

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman main event trailer

Ronda Rousey and Sarah Kaufman have a date this summer in San Diego

Strikeforce 'Tate vs. Rousey': Forgetting Sarah Kaufman

'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' updated August 18th fight card

Current and Former Champion square off for an upcoming ShoSports promo (via Ronda Rousey)

Find me an athlete that competes in mixed martial arts for a living that has made a bigger bang this year than Ronda Rousey. Done? Couldn't find one could you? At least you tried. There really is no argument that the newly crowned Strikeforce Bantamweight Champion and consensus #1 WMMA fighter in the world has more momentum on her side than anyone in the world of sports today. Don't get it twisted though. Standing across from her in San Diego on August 18th will be a hungry former champion that is no stranger to finishing accomplished fighters in devastating fashion.

When you have a huge budding superstar like Rousey headlining a card, it really brings out the best in everyone that shares the cage with that headliner on the night. Whether or not Strikeforce becomes absolved into the UFC or remains its own entity come 2013, this card features some major players that can continue to grab headlines no matter where they perform. After the break you can find the fully updated 'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' fight card as it stands today.

Strikeforce: Hiroko Yamanaka vs. Germaine de Randamie Preview

Where does an impressive win for Hiroko Yamanaka put her in the seemingly dead Strikeforce Women's Featherweight division? (photo credit - sherdog)

Hiroko Yamanaka and Germaine de Randamie will lock horns on the preliminary portion of Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman fight card this Saturday night on Showtime Extreme, which will begin at  right around 8 p.m. EST. This will be the first fight for both competitors during their 2012 campaign. The last time we saw Yamanaka she was getting pounded in the face by a juiced up Cris Cyborg for sixteen seconds. Yamanaka's defeat was eventually overturned due to Cyborg's drug test turning up positive, and now "Cat's Eye" is back to compete at 145 against a very tough opponent.

Germaine "The Iron Lady" de Randamie has the toughest test of her career ahead of her. It's been over a year since her tough unanimous decision loss to Julia "The Jewel" Budd at Strikeforce Challengers 16. The Iron Lady did finish off the fight strong against Budd which could serve her very well against a fighter in Yamanaka who will either submit her or grind it out for fifteen minutes. With both fighters coming off a long layoff it'll be interesting to see which, if either fighter comes out aggressive.

Yamanaka brings in an impressive 12-1 record to the Strikeforce hexagon mainly due to her grappling and muay thai skills. So let's take a look at Germaine de Randamie's mma record. It currently sits at 2-2. Never judge a book by its cover though. Germaine is nothing short of a legend when it comes to the Dutch muay thai circuit. With a record of 40 plus wins (depending on who you listen to) and zero losses in her muay thai days, the still relatively young fighter can make a huge splash with a win over a name like Hiroko Yamanaka.

I can't really recall an opening preliminary card fight with this much meaning. You have a fighter that is one bout removed from a title shot going against someone that is a world-renowed muay thai wrecking machine.

Hiroko Yamanaka vs. Germaine de Randamie will be the second bout of the evening on the Preliminary portion of the 'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' card at 8 p.m. EST this Saturday night.

'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights

 

photo via Tracy Lee's CombatLifestyle

The Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California was the setting for Thursday afternoon's Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman pre-fight press conference. The current and former Strikeforce women's bantamweight champions were on hand along with co-main event fighters Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and Derek Brunson.

Very strong words from both the champion and the challenger in this one. While they remain respectful toward each other, they also do not hesitate to let us know that they are more concerned with taking that belt home than whether or not their opponent lives or dies. Check the highlights out after the break. 

Strikeforce's Miesha Tate 'Hates the sound of Ronda Rousey's voice, She needs to grow up'

Miesha Tate will go from headlining the biggest Strikeforce fight of the year so far to headlining the under card of this week's 'Rousey vs. Kaufman' event. She doesn't seem to be very happy about it either. Can you blame her?

The fighter that had her belt, and arm ripped away by Ronda Rousey recently visited the MMAHour to discuss her thoughts on being placed on the Showtime Extreme portion of this weekends Strikeforce card along with, of course, her current take on her nemesis Ronda Rousey. Let's take a gander at a few quoteables from Miesha's interview below.

On headlining the Showtime Extreme portion of the card -

"I think being main event of the undercard is lame."

The pressure is off compared to her last fight, Miesha just wants to focus on her peformance -

"I'm excited to get out there so I can get some fresh feedback. Show my fans I'm healed and well, not only that I'm back, but I'm back with a vengeance."

Miesha clearly did not tune into All Access: Ronda Rousey or Ronda on Conan

"I get annoyed by it a honestly a little bit, not the magazine stuff, I don't like to watch her interviews so I don't. I don't watch anything on Ronda. I don't like the sound of her voice... so I haven't watched it. Other than that I think it's great, the bigger that she gets.. when I get my rematch, when I beat her...that makes me bigger."

More on Ronda

"She needs to stop talking so much crap, especially about celebs and people who aren't fighters. That is so childish. About Kim Kardashian, about Michael Phelps..grow up."

Bold statement from Miesha

"Without me Ronda would not be at the level she is at, and somewhat vice versa."

Miesha is prepared to make a statement against Julie Kedzie

"I wanna steal the show from those ladies (Rousey and Kaufman). I wanna have a better fight and get that rematch."

Tate wants to be the one to rip that title back from Rousey, not Kaufman or Cyborg 

"In my heart probably Sarah, but part of me wants me to be the one to do it. I don't want Sarah to be the first one to beat her, I wanna be the first one to beat her."

"I'd wanna get my title shot first (before Cyborg), I want my shot and I want it as soon as possible."

You can find the full interview in video form after the break via mmafighting

All Access - Ronda Rousey Episode 2

The 2nd and final episode of 'All Access: Ronda Rousey' aired last night on Showtime. If you didn't catch it you can find it above thanks to the folks at SHOSports. Why this special wasn't called 'All Access: Rousey vs. Kaufman' beats me but I suppose it's just another case of Sarah Kaufman getting the proverbial shaft. Nonetheless it is a great piece and really does give us nearly equal focus on both Rousey and Kaufman leading up to their title fight this Saturday night in San Diego.

Year One of the UFC on FOX partnership is set to end with a bang

Nate Diaz will headline his second FOX card of the year on December 8th

Remember the 1st UFC on FOX show. It was the promotion and networks little gift to us. A marquee, and free heavyweight title fight between Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos. Of course, as mma fans tend to do, we found a way to complain about it. "Why isn't Benson Henderson vs. Clay Guida going to be televised also?" Well, Henderson and Guida did put on one hell of a co-main event that night, for the handful of folks that watched it on facebook, and the 11K + that showed up to the Honda Center. Then Velasquez and Dos Santos put on a show that probably wasn't what any one of the behind the scenes suits had hoped for. Follow that up with UFC on FOX 2 being one of the worst cards of the year and you may even have a bit of a panic. Enter Nate Diaz.

When it came to the major networks 3rd major UFC offering, it was clear that no one was in the mood to risk a boring card. It may have not been filled with huge names or a big title fight, but real mma fans knew that with Nate Diaz closing out the night, UFC on FOX 3 was must see T.V. The ratings may not have been huge, but fighters like Diaz and Alan Belcher delivered career defining performances that got some buzz going again. Now, as we head into December for the final major mma network card of the year, we are in for a real treat. With the help of the NFL on FOX pushing this card you can expect the UFC on FOX machine to end it's first full year on a high note.

December 8th, 2012 will be just a few weeks over a full year from when Benson Henderson and Clay Guida's UFC on FOX 1 co-main event headlined the facebook portion of that card. Oh what a difference a year makes. Now Benson Henderson is the UFC lightweight champion. On that Saturday night this coming December, he will be making the 2nd defense of his title against Nate Diaz, a fighter who had just beaten Takanori Gomi in his first fight back at 155 since early 2010. After picking apart Donald Cerrone and becoming the first man in history to finish Jim Miller, Diaz has earned his shot at bringing UFC gold back to the 209. And how much sweeter could it be if it all happened live on free network tv? It's not a question about if Henderson and Diaz will deliver in this year-end big FOX headliner, the question is what B.J. Penn will show up against Rory MacDonald?

'Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama' is official with 13 fights

Just like that. Invicta FC has announced its full 13 fight lineup for its 3rd event and it's a doozy! Bantamweight #1 contender Sara McMann will not be fighting in the main event as previously teased, McMann needs some well deserved rest after already winning two fights that went the distance this year. Expect her to be back for Invicta FC 4.

Headlining this event will be an Atomweight Title Bout between Jessica Penne and Naho Sugiyama. This fight was announced during the Invicta FC 2 free internet stream. So who are the 24 other fighters that will fill out Invicta's third offering? A women's mixed martial arts legend making her Invicta debut, one of the best from Dublin, and the same Queen of Spades that gave us an incredible showing last time out are just a few. You can find the full 13 bout card after the break. Or you can view the official announcement from the Invicta FC  website here.

Forrest Griffin will welcome Chael Sonnen to the UFC Light Heavyweight division on Dec 29th

Beat me again Forrest, if you can.

Things didn't quite work out for Chael Sonnen at 185. He was the only man who was granted two title shots against the longest reigning champion in the promotion's relatively short history. And although he made them both entertaining inside, and outside of the cage, he just couldn't do enough to get Dana to wrap that belt around his waist. Now he will try his talents at 205, and will be welcomed by none other than a former divisional belt holder and future UFC hall of famer - Forrest Griffin.

Forrest was one of the first fighters I ever met. It was a brief encounter, and when you have a brief encounter with Forrest it's hard to tell if he suffers from brain damage or if he's just putting his cool, calculated wit on over drive. It's why he's such a fan favorite. It's also why Dana White has put it out there that he wouldn't mind if Forrest decided to hang up his 5 oz gloves. The guy has done everything and more in the sport. He won the most important fight in company history, took the title from Rampage - the guy is even a New York Times best selling author. No one wants to see Forrest get knocked out again. It's the same deal with Wanderlei. These are guys that helped build the game and they have nothing left to prove. So that said, it's a good thing he's fighting Chael Sonnen next.

Chael Sonnen's gloves are similar to those Incredible Hulk gloves you might find at your local supermarket. While they may help him with his world class take downs, they don't do a whole lot of damage to his opponents. It's almost like, the more Chael hits you, the more he bleeds from the face. If his fight with Forrest stays standing it'll likely be a point scoring contest. If it hits the ground, expect a fun mixture of jiu jitsu and wrestling. It may just end like it did the first time this two met when Forrest emerged victorious via arm-triangle choke at an IFC event nearly a decade ago.

This fight is expected to be a part of the pay-per-view portion of the yet to be officially announced UFC 155: Dos Santos vs. Velsaquez II year end card in Las Vegas.

To hear this fight announcement from the mouth of Mr. Sonnen himself check out the video in full entry.

Strikeforce Video: Behind the scenes with Ronda Rousey and Sarah Kaufman

"When I get that title back, it's gonna be an awakening." - Sarah Kaufman

"I can't mentally terrorize her the way I would be able to do so to someone with less experience." - Ronda Rousey

Strikeforce

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman

'UFC 151: The Future vs. Destroyer of Legends' Preview

"The Future can be rewritten with one punch."

UFC 151: Jones vs. Hendo

The Weekend in Violence 3 Stars: The Cowboy, The Blessed, and the Goyito

1. Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone

After eating a nasty left hook from his old training partner Melvin Guillard, it appeared that Donald Cerrone may be taking another big step back in the lightweight division. Maybe all the smack talking with Anthony Pettis during fight week took some of the focus off the task at hand for the Cowboy. Maybe not.

Cerrone recovered like a champion and put Guillard away with a head kick/punch to the face combo that was good enough to earn him an extra $60K for knockout of the night honors. Cerrone and Guillard also received another $60K a piece for putting in a minute and sixteen seconds of work.

During the post-fight presser it was made clear that Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis will be next and will likely be a #1 contenders showdown, the winner receiving a shot at the winner of Benson Henderson vs. Nate Diaz.

2. Max "Blessed" Holloway

I'm a huge fan of fighters that like to mix it up and go to the body. Max Holloway put together a beautiful finishing sequence this past Saturday night to make Justin Lawrence want nothing more to do with him. It was a well placed knee to the body followed by a nasty left hook to the body late in the 2nd round that earned the Hawaii native a TKO. Holloway just continued to abuse an already wounded Lawrence after both of those blows showing that this "Blessed" fighter was born with the killer instinct he'll need to climb the ranks at 145.

3. Erik "Goyito" Perez 

Welcome to the UFC Bantamweight division Erik Perez. His 17 second offing of Ken Stone earns him a spot in The Weekend in Violence history. I have a feeling this won't be the last time we see him here. Perez face planted Stone with a right hand then followed up by knocking out Stone again. Then it looked like, and I might be wrong, that Perez woke Stone up with another blow that left him confused, unaware of the quick and violent beating he just took. This fight also reaffirmed that Ken Stone may just be the best fighter in the world at getting knocked out in really cool looking ways.

Retired mixed martial artist Jason "Mayhem" Miller was arrested nude inside of a church today

 

Photo credit - Dave Mandel/Sherdog

If you call getting into embarrassing twitter beefs with your ex-boss and running around a church nude with a fire extinguisher a great career move, then Jason "Mayhem" Miller may just be ahead of his time.

Usually when I see the word nude come over the wire with the acronyms/abbreviations MMA and TMZ attached to it you hope for the best. This is the furthest thing from it. During this past fight weekend in Denver, Mayhem engaged with UFC President Dana White on Twitter over what could have very well been chalked up to a former fight appearing disgruntled, and possibly intoxicated. Dana dealt with the situation the best he could and even admitted that he felt bad about it afterward. Apparently this would not be an isolated incident.

TMZ broke the story earlier today that Miller was busted inside of a church in the O.C. nude, covering the 1st and 2nd floors with fire extinguisher spray. The mixed martial arts veteran and Bully Beatdown host was completely coherent and was taken into custody for burglary. He is currently being psychologically evaluated and will hopefully come out of this recent funk.

Miller still appeared to have some fight in him after his final fight against C.B. Dollaway, a fight where his overall performance suffered due what appeared to be a prior knee injury being re aggravated during the fight. He ended his career with a 28-9 record holding notable wins over Tim Kennedy, Robbie Lawler, and one of his heroes in Kazushi Sakuraba.

UFC 150 Video: Donald Cerrone's KO of Melvin Guillard was one for the ages

photo via Tracy Lee's combatlifestyle

Melvin Guillard became the first man to knockdown Donald Cerrone last night in Denver. It was precise left hook that floored the "Cowboy" early in the opening frame in a moment that seemed to be the beginning of the end for this Colorado Springs born fighter.

Instead, Cerrone did his best to back peddle in an attempt to regain his composure so he could hopefully get out of the round. What happened next was a beautiful and violent sight to behold. Cerrone caught "The Young Assassin" with a left head kick that grazed Guillard's temple and came right back on his jaw on the way down. Cerrone followed it up with a straight right and it was curtains. This fight only took a full 1:16 and it was named fight of the night. Cerrone also came out with knockout of the night honors earning himself an extra $120K in bonuses on the night. Deservedly so.

Randa Roozie does her best Ronda Rousey impression

When it comes to the sports "Ultimate Goofballs", Strikeforce Champion Ronda Rousey may take the cake. Errr, I mean Randa Roozie.

The #1 contender for her title, Sarah Kaufman, has decided to start a contest. Whomever can post a video of themselves doing the best impression of her opponent, Ronda Rousey, gets themselves a couple of free tickets to see the two dance next Saturday in San Diego.

Well Sarah has a huge fan that has knocked this thing out of the park with ease. I believe we have a winner, and trust me- she'll have the best seat in the house come August 18th.

Join us after the break to see the fabulous RandaRoozie do her best Ronda Rousey impression for Sarah Kaufman's 'Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman' ticket giveaway.

Video: UFC 150 'Henderson vs. Edgar II' Main Event Backstage Pass

Benson Henderson eeked out a close split decision victory over Frankie Edgar last night to retain his lightweight title. Two judges scored to bout for the champion 48-47, while a third judge scored it for Edgar 49-46. Do the math and you have Edgar winning the fight 8-7 when you combine all three judges score cards but it just doesn't work that way.

Benson will go onto face Nate Diaz before the year is out, likely on the UFC on FOX 5 card, and Edgar is left to either continue at 155 or do what his boss has been clamoring for and move down to the featherweight division.

'UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II' post-fight press conference live video + fighter bonuses

An additional $60,000 was awarded to each of the following fighters for their refusal to underachieve during tonight's fights inside of Denver, Colorado's Pepsi Center.

Fight of the Night: Donald Cerrone vs. Melvin Guillard

Knockout of the Night: Donald Cerrone

Submission of the Night:  Dennis Bermudez

'UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II' main card preview and predictions

Main Card (PPV)

• Lightweight Championship: Benson Henderson (C) vs. Frankie Edgar

Hank Booth: Earlier this year in Japan, "The Smooth One" found "The Answer". Now the newly crowned champion comes home to the Mile High City to make the first defense of his UFC Lightweight title. For Frankie Edgar this will be the 3rd straight year where he's found himself involved in a rematch match for that belt he would like to once again put around his waist come Saturday night. It was an upkick that Bendo landed on Edgar to close out the 2nd Round of their first fight that turned the tides. Much like the "Showtime Kick" that Henderson received via Anthony Pettis at WEC 53, one move can decide a fight when it comes to men that are this tough to finish. So who will emerge with the coveted 155 lb. belt around their waist when the smoke clears in Denver?

Don't get it twisted. Frankie Edgar is a *insert your multiple expletives here* warrior. I love watching this guy fight. I may even be rooting for him this weekend , wouldn't you like to know. In the first fight Edgar landed more takedowns, and had no problems catching Bendo's kicks. With Bendo clearly being the larger fighter , that seemed to present no serious problems to Edgar in most aspects of the game. The reason Henderson won the decision was likely due to the visible damage and amount of overall strikes from head to toe that Benson landed during those 25 minutes.

Cardio is clearly not an issue here. Henderson is all too familiar with Denver and is quite the specimen to say the least - no homo. Edgar is a professional, you have to believe the former champion is more than prepared for the altitude. It's tough to see either of these two succumbing to a finish - this is a fight for the judges. Frankie Edgar's next fight will not be for a title. Benson Henderson retains his title via UD in a fight of the year candidate.

Dan Rose: Ben Henderson is going to have to fight the fight of his life this time to defeat Edgar. I consider Frankie Edgar to be the best lightweight in the world, and he will look to reclaim his championship Saturday night. Henderson's win wasn't a fluke, but if he and Edgar fight ten times, I think Edgar has the skills to win seven of them, including this one. Edgar and Bendo go the distance, and when it's all said and done, Frankie Edgar wins a hotly contested split decision.

• Lightweight Bout: Donald Cerrone vs. Melvin Guillard 

Booth: Remember those WEC fight nights? Whether it was Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday - these cats always delivered. Towards the end of the promotions run, Donald Cerrone and Benson Henderson were arguably the two biggest stars when it came to the 155 lb division. With a combined record of 9-1 since they've joined the UFC ranks (dude, one of them is already the UFC Champion) it's clear that the WEC has garnered a handful of the best modern day lightweights in the world. Cerrone will outlast Guillard and eventually submit him via RNC. 

Rose: Let me start by saying, this fight is FILTHY! These two are going to land huge shots until one goes to sleep. Cerrone could control the standup by utilizing kicks, and would do well to take the fight down and bully Guillard on the ground. We know these two will let the hands go, and it has fight of the night basically engraved in it. Expect a second consecutive double award winner here, Donald Cerrone will win both fight of the night and KO of the night. Awesome fight.

You can find our preliminary picks for this card over here. The rest of the main card lives after the break.

'UFC 150: Edgar vs. Henderson' weigh-in video and results, Guillard misses weight

Tomorrow nights card in Denver, Colorado features an "Avalanche" of lighter weight mixed martial artists that all look ready to finish the man they've been thinking about likely even more than their significant others over the past weeks and months. For Frankie and Benson it's been the better part of a year.

Tomorrow night we will once again learn who the best lightweight fighter in the world is today, we will also be treated to what could be a fight of the year candidate between two old friends in Donald Cerrone and Melvin Guillard. Also on this card, Jake Shields makes his return to middleweight, Yushin Okami tries to get back on track, and an exciting array of featherweight and bantamweight talent throw down for the right to party with a smile after the curtains close.

You can find the full 'UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II' weigh-in results after the break.

Main Card (Pay Per View)

• Lightweight Championship: Benson Henderson (154.4) vs. Frankie Edgar (154.6)

• Lightweight Bout: Donald Cerrone (155) vs. Melvin Guillard (157.5)

• Middleweight Bout: Jake Shields (185) vs. Dave Herman (185)

• Middleweight Bout: Yushin Okami (185) vs. Buddy Roberts (184)

• Featherweight Bout: Justin Lawrence (145) vs. Max Holloway (145)

Preliminary Card (FX)

• Feathweight Bout: Dennis Bermudez (145) vs. Tommy Hayden (144)

• Middleweight Bout: Jared Hamman (184) vs. Micheal Kuiper (185)

• Bantamweight Bout: Ken Stone (135) vs. Erik Perez (135)

• Bantamweight Bout: Dustin Pague (136) vs. Chico Camus (135)

Preliminary Card (Facebook)

• Featherweight Bout: Nik Lentz (145) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (145)

* - Guillard will forfeit a percentage of his purse to his opponent for refusing to cut the additional weight. Cerrone had no issue with Guillard missing weight, Guillard had texted him earlier in the day informing and apologizing to him that he would not make the full cut.

'UFC 150: Edgar vs. Henderson II' preliminary card preview and predictions

Dennis Bermudez and Tommy Hayden face off during the UFC 150 weigh-ins at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. image via - combatlifestyle

Preliminary Card (FX)

• Featherweight Bout: Dennis Bermudez vs. Tommy Hayden

Hank Booth: TUF 14 submission of the season winner Dennis Bermudez is even exciting to watch in defeat. His fight season finale fight with Diego Brandao was one of the best rounds of 2011 even if it saw him being armbared with 9 seconds left - Bermudez brought it. His opponent Tommy Hayden is coming of a rough loss against a very tough Fabricio Camoes. He's never went the distance in his career and will be more than willing to stand and trade with Bermudez. Bermudez has the advantage on the ground if he doesn't like the way Hayden's power feels on his face. This is the perfect match up to send us into the pay-per-view portion of the card. I'm taking Hayden to submit stun Bermudez, follow him down and submit him after some lethal early exchanges. 

Dan Rose: Dennis Bermudez looked tremendous in his last outing against Pablo Garza after having lost three consecutive fights. Bermudez has awesome wrestling, and is a little spark plug. Tom Hayden is a tough fighter who loves to finish fights, having never gone the distance. He could be overmatched here by Bermudez, who will out-strike and out-grapple him. Hayden will be game, but he'll fade and get beat in the third.

'UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II' Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights

Who is hungrier for a fight on this planet right now than Frankie Edgar? Just look at the way he leer's at that belt. This is a guy who could've easily accepted defeat and moved won to the weight class his boss told him to fight at. Instead he decided to get right back in there and reclaim what he believes is rightfully his.

video via- MMAFighting

Video: Ronda Rousey briefs Conan O' Brien on sex being good or bad for women before a fight

"It's the opposite for women, if you have sex it raises your testosterone. So, that kind of sucks that I don't have a boyfriend right now. But I'm sure my twitter is blowing up with offers at the moment. It's almost like we're taking it out of them or something. I don't know the exact science behind it. Maybe that was a pick up line or something I heard before, who knows."

Watch Ronda explain her world famous "Rouseybar" to Conan. The Strikeforce Bantamweight champion also explains to the late night hero that she was indeed really really naked in this years ESPN body issue.

Also, is tickling legal in MMA? Ronda has the answer. Two more videos after the break.

via - TeamCoco

All Access: Ronda Rousey - Episode 1 Video

Here it is folks. SHOSports granted us an inside look at arguably the biggest star in all of MMA right now last night. This episode is the first of two (the second will air next Wednesday night at 9:30 PM ET, same bat channel) that will document the Strikeforce bantamweight champion's whirlwind of fame, along with plenty of focus on her upcoming title defense against Sarah Kaufman.

Watch out for appearances from WMMA stars like Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg, the women who helped make Rousey's stardom possible.

Related Articles:

Strikeforce official trailer for 'Rousey vs. Kaufman', Saturday August 18th on Showtime

Showtime Sports will grant you all access to Ronda Rousey

Picture Perfect: Ronda Rousey's nude body does not disappoint

The HOV 2012 mid-year awards

Dana White 'UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II' Video Blog

Like most of the UFC President's 1st vlog's for any event this one gives you an in depth behind the scenes look at the promotions previous event. In this case, that event would be UFC on FOX 4: Shogun vs. Vera.

Highlights:

• DaMarques Johnson is just trying to remember "who the fuck he is" after being layed out by Mike Swick. Asks his team if he put on a good fight.

• Jamie Varner clearly has a broken right hand. He suffered the break in the 2nd round of one of the best fights of the year. Kudos to Jamie.

• Ryan Bader's visible frustration after being knocked out by Machida. Bader has no idea what he got caught with even when they hit the backstage area. He thinks he got hit with a left kick.

• Vera thanking Shogun repeatedly after the fight. Beautiful stuff.

• Machida congratulating Mike Swick and imitating his power right. Dana welcoming Swick back home.

Bully Beatdown: River Violence Edition

Guys, it's 2012. With mixed martial arts at the height of it's popularity, thus causing an increase of mma gym memberships, it may not be a good idea to bully strangers - especially by the river.

In this video we see a dude who is being called "Chase" go all "Mini Cro-Cop" on a guy who may or may not be two weight classes above him. We learn after "Chase" has proved his point that he's really not into coming to the river for these sorts of confrontations. Someone find this kid, and ink him. He has the charisma of a Diego Sanchez and head kick artistry that would make Kazuyoshii Ishii swoon.

The first time I watched this video, thanks to a link from middleasy, it was around 300 hits. By the end of the week I'm guessing it'll be around 6 digits. This is one for the ages folks.

Solid Gold finding by - middleeasy

UFC on FOX 4 KO of the Night Video: Don't call it a comeback, Mike Swick has been here for years

 

Welcome back Mr. Swick

"There's a 50% chance I'm gonna win this fight, there's a 100% chance that someone's taking a nap."  - DaMarques Johnson

Don't call it a comeback. Mike Swick has been here for years. The man the kids call "Quick" started off hot, for a moment it looked like we we're about to witness another 1st round KO from the season 1 TUF alum. Instead it was DaMarques Johnson closing out the round strong. Swick went into survival mode after and somehow got out of "The Darkness" and made it into the 2nd round.

That 2nd round saw Swick using that dangerous right hand to put his opponent away. Injuries and being misdiagnosed with a lethal stomach disease kept Swick away from the game for over two years. Not only is Swick back, he's $50K richer with his KO of the night bonus, he's healthy, and he still has years left to wreak havoc on UFC welterweights.

Final Result: Mike Swick (15-4) defeats DaMarques Johnson (16-11) via KO (punch), Round 2, 1:20

You can find the highlight via foxsports after the break -