Nick Diaz officially launches new MMA promotion, WAR MMA; first event hits Stockton on June 22

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Technically retired UFC welterweight Nick Diaz is getting into the MMA business on the promoter side, as he officially introduced WAR MMA on Wednesday, which will debut on June 22 from the Stockton Arena.

WAR MMA's debut event will be headlined by a bout between former UFC competitor Daniel Roberts and Justin Baesman, with UFC and WEC vet Antonio Banuelos in the co-headliner against Benny Vinson. Other fights announced for the card include Caleb Mitchell vs. Evan Esguerra, Roy Boughton vs. Liron Wilson, Mike Persons vs. Clayton “Money Shot” McKinney, and Darin Cooley vs. Cody Gibson. More fights will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

The promotion will use a ring, and have revealed bouts will come under the unified rules of mixed martial arts, with some modifications. Notably, elbows to a grounded opponent have been disallowed, and modifications have been put in place "to encourage grapplers to advance their position instead of stalling."

Tickets are on sale now for the card, and more information can be found at NickDiazPromotions.com.

[Nick Diaz art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]

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Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_17058.shtml

Jermaine Andrè Yoji Anjo Ao Hailin Shinya Aoki

Happy Mother’s Day to all the fightin’ moms, because all moms are fighters

When Cat Zingano beat Miesha Tate at "The Ultimate Fighter" finale in April, it marked the first time a mother fought in, and won, a UFC bout. Weeks later, it was Sara McMann winning. Another mom, another raised hand. Mothers are  2-0 in the UFC.

Zingano told Cagewriter in February that she doesn't have to look far to find motivation in a fight because of her son.

"When someone has their arms around my neck, I think I have to be here for my child. Nothing's going to stop me."

But really, is there any surprise to see a mother win a fight? Whether it's getting her children to clean her room, getting a bully to back off, or just keeping her children alive, all moms are fighters.

My mom is a fighter. When she was a high schooler, that fighting spirit got her into trouble. It was before Title IX and well before women were allowed to wrestle or box or beat the snot out of their opponents in a cage. So she fought in the hallways of her high school, which led to many visits to many different principals' offices. Though she gave up her pugilistic ways as she grew up and had kids, the fighting spirit never went away. She fought for cleaner air, better schools, better programs for kids in our town, and when she was diagnosed with cancer, she decided to fight for the cancer survivors who had it much worse than she did.

My mother-in-law, too, was a fighter. After her second diagnosis of cancer, she fought to have the life she wanted in her final years. She knew cancer would end her life much too early, so she fought to spend time surrounded by family, friends and the gardens she so happily cultivated. Even when cancer stole every bit of her energy, she fought to spend her few minutes with her children, friends and family.

Every mom of a UFC fighter I've come across has been a fighter. Inevitably, her first fight was to keep her son or daughter out of the cage. After giving up that fight, she focused her fight to make sure her fighter was ready for the cage. Ronda Rousey's mom did this by waking her daughter up with armbars. Chael Sonnen's mom does it by being at her son's side when training. Rashad Evans' mom does it with motivational speeches that would make Eric Taylor proud.

If you can, spend some time with that fighter you call mom this Mother's Day. Listen to her stories about her fight. The next time you see a mom in the cage, it won't surprise you to see her with her hand raised.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/happy-mother-day-fightin-moms-because-moms-fighters-165618325.html

Shinya Aoki Andrei Arlovski Ricardo Arona Noboru Asahi

Are Early Stoppages Worse Than Poor Judging?

A lot of hoopla has been made this past weekend over the main event between Cain Velasquez and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva at UFC 160 and whether or not it was an early stoppage or if it was justified.  This is going to be an argument that it was indeed and early stoppage, and we’ll take a look at some recent and not so recent examples of how the fight may have played out had the referee allowed the fight to continue.  We’ll also play with the notion that early stoppages are worse for fighters’ careers than poor judging or even late stoppages based on the fact that there are still so many unknowns.

When referee Mario Yamasaki called the fight at 1:21 of the first round, the first thing Silva did was look the referee directly in the eye and protest the stoppage.  Then he stood up under his own power and calmly walked to the side of the cage as normally as could be.  If an observer had only seen the fight after Mr. Yamasaki had called it, there would be nothing in the actions of Bigfoot to indicate that he had just received a slight concussion.  Add to that the fact that he attempted to stand up twice mere seconds before indicates that he was in fact intelligently defending himself, the other criteria for stopping the fight.  So what might have happened had the referee continued to let them fight?

Outcome #1:  Velasquez would have continued to demolish Bigfoot en route to a TKO or unanimous decision the way he did with Junior dos Santos at UFC 155.  Let’s be honest, Velasquez was the clear favorite in this fight for a reason.  By all accounts he is the superior fighter and almost every fight analysts had Velasquez with his hand raised at the end of the night.  In this outcome, the referee simply saved Silva from a more severe beating.

Outcome #2:  Bigfoot stops Velasquez with strikes.  This scenario is the second-most likely outcome to this fight.  As evidence by the first fight on FOX (and to a lesser extend the fight with Cheik Kongo), Velasquez is capable of being knocked out.  And Silva is known for his power and his ability to recover.  Silva only received 18 significant strikes from Velasquez in their fight at UFC 160 – compare that to the 51 strikes he received from Alistair Overeem in their fight at UFC 156 (source: FightMetric).  That’s almost three times the amount of strikes he was able to absorb while still managing to knock out one of the most feared strikers in the division.

Outcome #3:  Bigfoot submits Velasquez.  Although less likely, Bigfoot is a BJJ black belt and capable of submitting foes from his back.  If one finds it hard to believe that a fighter can win by submission after taking a fierce beating in the first round, look no farther than Brock Lesnar’s fight with Shane Carwin at UFC 116.  Few, if any, gave Lesnar a chance after his first round drumming by Carwin, and even fewer would have ever thought that Lesnar would have won by submission.  Is it outside the realm of probability? Yes.  Is it outside the realm of possibility? No.

Outcome #4:  Velasquez submits Bigfoot.  Although even less likely than the previous outcome, it is still not completely impossible.  Can a wrestler-turned-striker submit a high-level BJJ black belt?  Look no farther than Jon Jones’s submissions over both Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort.  As unlikely as it would be, it would at least have been a definitive end to the fight.

So there you have it, four different scenarios with four solid outcomes.  No questions as to who would have won the fight and no unnessasary damage done to either fighter.   In a poor judges’ decision, most of the fans know who “actually” won the fight and the UFC has even gone so far as to award winning bonuses to fighters on the losing end of poor decisions (Nam Phan in his first fight with Leonard Garcia, for example.)  But early stoppages are so clearly disconcerting for all involved.  It robs the losing fighter of a chance at victory, the fan of a longer fight, and even the winning fighter of a clear-cut, undisputed “W” in the win column.  Early stoppages also rob the fighters and viewers of opportunities to witness one of the greatest spectacles in sports, the comeback.  Imagine if the referee had stopped the Lesnar/Carwin fight in the first round?  Or if the referee had seen enough in the Overeem/Silva fight to not allow it to go to the third?  Or if the referee had stopped the Velasquez /Kongo fight after Velasquez got dropped the second time and couldn’t get off his knees? In all these instances the fight was allowed to go on and the fighter who appeared to take the most damage won and changed the MMA landscape.  Would Velasquez have been able to put Bigfoot away?  Would Silva have been able to rally back and take the belt?  I don’t know. That’s why we let them fight.  It’s only when the officials don’t allow the fight to play out are we left with continued questions – and the fighters, fans, and sport of MMA suffers for it.

 

 

The post Are Early Stoppages Worse Than Poor Judging? appeared first on Five Ounces of Pain.

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2013/05/31/are-early-stoppages-worse-than-poor-judging/

Antoni Hardonk Dan Hardy Lee Hasdell Musse Hasselvall

UFC 160: Mark Hunt reveals he broke his toe in first round against Junior dos Santos

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Mark Hunt put forth a gritty effort on Saturday night against Junior dos Santos, but ultimately succumbed to a spinning heel kick from the former UFC Champion and a brutal knockout punch on the ground. He did so while battling jet lag after getting into the country only a few days before the event, and added another issue early in the first round.

Hunt took to his Facebook page to send a message to his fans, and though he wasn't making any excuses for the loss, he revealed he had suffered an injury that ultimately affected his performance.

"Thanks for the support apologies about the result," Hunt wrote, "Junior was [too] slick for me. Got a broken toe first round and had no movement, but like i said before if I am going out I am out on my back. Thanks again 1luv."

The loss was just Hunt's second in the UFC, breaking a four fight winning streak that saw him score knockout wins over Cheick Kongo and Stefan Struve in the last year and a half.

Penick's Analysis: Hunt's footing certainly didn't seem at its best during the fight, and a broken toe would do well in explaining that. Regardless, it doesn't take away the fact that dos Santos was just the faster, more technical striker throughout anyway. Hunt got in a few clips throughout the night, but he was constantly beaten to the punch, and worn down late by dos Santos to the point that finishing sequence could happen. The Mark Hunt title train has come to a halt, but he'll be able to bounce back a little lower in the division.

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Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_17028.shtml

Kotetsu Boku Tony Bonello Stephan Bonnar Lorenzo Borgomeo

15 UFC Heavyweight Champions

1.    Mark Coleman (1997) – defeats Dan Severn at UFC 12 (2/7/97) to become the first UFC Heavyweight Champion.2.    Maurice Smith (1997) - defeats Mark Coleman at UFC 14 (7/27/97).  Smith defends the title once, against Tank Abbott.3.    Randy Couture (1997-98) – defeats Maurice Smith at Ultimate Japan (12/21/97). Couture loses his title after a contract dispute.4.    Bas Rutten – (1999) defeats Kevin Randleman at UFC 20 (5/7/99) to win the vacant title.  Rutten vacates the title to move down in weight.5.     ... Read the Full Article Here

Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-heavyweight-champ-timeline

John Jones Chael Sonnen Hiroyuki Abe Cyril Abidi

UFC bantamweight Nick Denis retires, cites potential brain injuries

UFC bantamweight Nick Denis has announced his MMA retirement.

The 29-year-old Canadian fighter, who made an impressive UFC debut earlier this year, made the announcement on Thursday on his personal blog.

Denis, who went 1-1 in the UFC, cited concerns over potential brain injuries.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/_N6Ggezy4SA/ufc-bantamweight-nick-denis-retires-cites-potential-brain-injuries.mma

Jaime Gutierrez Dave Gomez Keith Hackney Matt Hamill

ONE FC 9 Weigh-In Results; Bibiano Fernandes, Phil Baroni, Tim Sylvia Set

While there is no UFC this weekend, there is plenty of MMA action, as ONE Fighting Championship will host an event beginning Friday. ONE FC 9: Rise to Power goes down from the Mall of Asia Arena and will air live online via pay-per-view beginning at 8 a.m. ET. The prelims start at 6:30 a.m. [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/pHEneNc3wbU/

Josh Hendricks Ed Herman Tank Abbott John Jones

Should killemall stop posting?

Should the greatest heel in the posting business stop posting?


If the overwhelming majority is Yes then I will stop posting with immediate effect


WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Source: http://ninjashoes.net/forum/showthread.php?80832-Should-killemall-stop-posting&goto=newpost

Phil Cardella Roan Jucao Carneiro Shane The Engineer Carwin Jason Hollywood Chambers

Former UFC champ Matt Serra says he’s walking away from life as a fighter

In an interview with Newsday, former UFC champ Matt Serra said he is walking away from fighting. He wouldn't quite say the retirement word, but his last fight was in September of 2010. Blood clots have affected his health, and he doesn't want to be an aging fighter.

"An aging fighter?" Serra said. "You know, it's like an aging stripper, but not as funny. Not a lot of people want to see that."

He should also consider walking away from interviews after delivering that choice line. How will he ever top it? His candor in interviews always made Serra a fun person to cover.

Serra finishes with a record of 11-7, but will be most remembered for being one of the two men who beat UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. At UFC 69, Serra fought the perfect fight against GSP. He was aggressive and won with a TKO in the first round. Serra surrendered the belt back to GSP in their next bout, but his legacy was set. He had taken out the king.

Outside of his own fight career, Serra has touched the MMA world by being one of its teachers and advocates. He has two BJJ schools on Long Island, and has coached several UFC fighters, including UFC middleweight contender Chris Weidman.

Thanks for the memories, Matt.

Related coverage on Yahoo! Sports:
• There's no quit in UFC heavyweight Junior dos Santos
• Photos: Junior dos Santos eyes comeback
• Antonio Silva out to prove his loss to Cain Velasquez was a fluke

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/former-ufc-champ-matt-serra-says-walking-away-211336705.html

Vitor Belfort Robert Berry David Bielkheden Michael Bisping

Cain, JDS and Hunt top UFC 160 payroll

MMA Junkie reports the salaries for UFC 160 held this past Saturday in Las Vegas.  Not surprising, Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos topped the list with Mark Hunt getting a huge bump in pay.

The total payroll as disclosed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission totaled $1,533,000.

Via MMA Junkie:

Champ Cain Velasquez: $400,000 (no bonus)
def. Antonio Silva: $75,000

Junior dos Santos: $240,000 (includes $120,000 win bonus)
def. Mark Hunt: $160,000

Glover Teixeira: $48,000 (includes $24,000 win bonus)
def. James Te Huna: $30,000

T.J. Grant: $50,000 (includes $25,000 win bonus)
def. Gray Maynard: $45,000

Donald Cerrone: $82,000 (includes $41,000 win bonus)
def. K.J. Noons: $41,000

Mike Pyle: $84,000 (includes $42,000 win bonus)
def. Rick Story: $27,000

Dennis Bermudez: $28,000 (includes $14,000 win bonus)
def. Max Holloway: $14,000

Robert Whittaker: $30,000 (includes $15,000 win bonus)
def. Colton Smith: $15,000

Khabib Nurmagomedov: $28,000 (includes $14,000 win bonus)
def. Abel Trujillo: $8,000

Stephen Thompson: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus)
def. Nah-Shon Burrell: $9,000

George Roop: $26,000 (includes $13,000 win bonus)
def. Brian Bowles: $19,000

Jeremy Stephens: $48,000 (includes $24,000 win bonus)
def. Estevan Payan: $10,000

Payout Perspective:

Mark Hunt’s last officially released payout was $6,000 to show and $6,000 to win.  Thus, a huge bump in pay to receive $160,000 (no win bonus if he won).  Maybe it makes up for the lack of sponsors.  Velasquez gets a nice raise as well as his last payday he received a base of $100K with $100K to win at UFC 155.  The $400K flat (no win bonus) puts him with Jon Jones as the highest paid UFC fighters in terms of base salary (this does not include PPV points or discretionary bonuses).  Despite making $240K ($120K/$120K), JDS saw a pay decrease from his $400K at UFC 155.

Also, we should note that Khabib Nurmagomedov was docked 20% of his purse for not making weight.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Payout/~3/5H67TpQ7Vgo/

Tom Big Cat Erickson Martinsh Egle Eric Butterbean Esch Efrain Escudero

Wanderlei Silva Wants Chael Sonnen in Brazil

It’s official – Wanderlei Silva will not be fighting Chael Sonnen at UFC on FS 1 in Boston. Though the bout had been hinted at for weeks, “The Axe Murderer” recently revealed he doesn’t want to fight so soon and would rather wait a bit longer before locking horns with Sonnen.

Silva spoke to SporTV where he called for the clash to take place in Brazil or on New Year’s Eve Weekend.

“I will not fight in Boston. Sonnen still has not been officially proposed. No one called me offering to fight. Is it interesting? Yes, very. But if it is held, will be after Boston. Before, or in Boston, no. Now, in Brazil would be a dream. I think he’d even have to wear armor and earplugs to walk there.”

“This year I was already two months away from home, and now I have to rest a bit. But it is so nice to be asked. Every event is missing, someone says that I will fight.”

“I’m ready for December, in the year-end event.”

SOURCE: SporTV
PHOTO CREDIT: FIGHTERS.COM

The post Wanderlei Silva Wants Chael Sonnen in Brazil appeared first on Fighters.com.

Source: http://www.fighters.com/05/30/wanderlei-silva-wants-chael-sonnen-in-brazil?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wanderlei-silva-wants-chael-sonnen-in-brazil

Gerard Gordeau Jonathan Goulet Wilson Gouveia Jason Grace

UFC on FOX 5's FX-televised prelims add Easton-Assuncao and Siver-Phan

Two fights have joined FX's super-sized preliminary-card broadcast for next week's UFC on FOX 5 event at Seattle's KeyArena.

FX now airs six fights, not the usual four, prior to the Dec. 8's main-card broadcast on FOX.

The bouts include bantamweights Mike Easton vs. Raphael Assuncao and featherweights Dennis Siver vs. Nam Phan.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/UJlBbc_8dLk/ufc-on-fox-5s-fx-televised-prelims-add-easton-assuncao-and-siver-phan.mma

Shane The Engineer Carwin Jason Hollywood Chambers Ryo Piranha Chonan Dan The Sandman Christison

Chad Mendes-Clay Guida meeting in Milwaukee at UFC 164

Two men on a short list of contenders at 145 pounds have been paired at UFC 164 in the form of a featherweight fight between Chad Mendes and Clay Guida. Guida-Mendes were originally set to tussle at UFC on FOX 7 before an injury to “The Carpenter” forced him out of the tilt. However, the change had little effect on Mendes who ultimately went on to knock out replacement Darren Elkins in 68 seconds.

UFC officials have confirmed the clash’s addition to the August 31 card. No headliner has been attached to the lineup though other bouts booked for the Milwaukee stop include Dustin Poirier-Erik Koch and Ben Rothwell-Brandon Vera.

Mendes has racked up a trio of first-frame KOs since losing to champion Jose Aldo, improving his career mark to 14-1. In addition to Elkins, “Money” also owns past victories over Koch, Michihiro Omigawa, and Cub Swanson.

The bout will mark Guida’s second since dropping down to 145 from lightweight, beating Hatsu Hioki by decision last January in his divisional debut. He holds an overall record of 30-13 including fifteen submission finishes.

The post Chad Mendes-Clay Guida meeting in Milwaukee at UFC 164 appeared first on Five Ounces of Pain.

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2013/05/29/chad-mendes-clay-guida-meeting-in-milwaukee-at-ufc-164/

Kenny Florian Jesse Forbes Xavier Foupa Pokam Hermes Franca

‘UFC 161: Evans vs. Henderson’ Fight Card Once Again Finalized

A back injury has forced Isaac Vallie-Flagg out of his UFC 161 scrap against Sam Stout. Have no fear, lightweight James Krause is here to serve as a last-minute substitute.

The UFC reported the switcheroo Wednesday afternoon.

Stout vs. Vallie-Flagg was originally scheduled to co-headline the FX portion of the festivities. It is believed the new contest will maintain that same slot in the lineup.

Former light heavyweight champ Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson meet in the night’s featured fight.

UFC 161 takes place June 15 inside MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Canada.

Here is the show’s revised agenda:

Preliminary Card:

(Facebook 6:35PM ET/3:35PM PT)

Dustin Pague vs. Yves Jabouin

John Maguire vs. Mitch Clarke

Roland Delorme vs. Edwin Figueroa

(FX 8PM ET/5PM PT)

Kenny Robertson vs. Sean Pierson

Ryan Jimmo vs. Igor Pokrajac

Sam Stout vs. James Krause

Jake Shields vs. Tyron Woodley

Main Card:

(Pay-Per-View 10PM ET/7PM PT)

Pat Barry vs. Shawn Jordan

Alexis Davis vs. Rosi Sexton

Roy Nelson vs. Stipe Miocic

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Dan Henderson vs. Rashad Evans

Source: http://www.5thRound.com/147321/ufc-161-evans-vs-henderson-fight-card-once-again-finalized/

Josh Barnett David Baron Phil Baroni Don Barr

Champ Rockhold calls Larkin attack 'pretty amateur,' eyes early 2013 for return

Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold today told MMAjunkie.com that he never signed a bout agreement to fight Lorenz Larkin and never intended to fight at the promotion's final event.

When officials announced the Jan. 12 event in early November, Rockhold said he informed them a wrist injury lingered and that he was unable to fight.

That's why he's particularly irritated by a series of verbal attacks from Lorenz Larkin regarding his willingness to compete.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/W2DnRK2YaFU/champ-rockhold-calls-larkin-attack-pretty-amateur-eyes-early-2013-for-return.mma

Nick Diaz Tadhg Steamfist Dixon Joe Doerksen Chris Dolman

Invicta FC 4 official with Esparza-Gadelha title fight, Baszler-Davis and more

The lineup is nearly compete for the all-female Invicta Fighting Championships' next card.

Invicta FC 4 takes place Jan. 5 at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. The card is expected to stream online.

Headlining the 12-bout lineup is undefeated Claudia Gadelha vs. Carla Esparza for the organization's first-ever 115-pound strawweight championship.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/x3bAU6Q9Sxc/invicta-fc-4-official-with-esparza-gadelha-title-fight-baszler-davis-and-more.mma

Gregor Gracie Ralek Gracie Renzo Gracie Rickson Gracie

UFC 160 Results: Heavyweight Champion Cain Velesquez Stops Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva Early in the First Round

By: Alvin Benjamin Carter III, MMATorch Specialist

UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez made his first successful title defense in a rematch with Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva not even a minute and a half in the first round.

Velasquez attempted to take Silva down tonight twice and was shrugged off. This made it seem like the two might be in for a longer fight than some might have anticipated, but that was anything but the case.

The champ made quick work of Silva with a left followed by a right that put Silva down and almost out. Velasquez swarmed and the referee waived it off. Silva started to protest, but the stoppage was clean.

After the impressive UFC 160 performances offered by Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos; it would not be surprising if a rubber match was setup for later in the year.


At 1:00 AM Eastern, you can listen to Rich Hansen and CJ Tuttle discuss everything that happened tonight. The UFC 160 Post-Mortem can be heard at THIS LINK.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_17013.shtml

Tom Big Cat Erickson Martinsh Egle Eric Butterbean Esch Efrain Escudero

Now free and unfiltered, Jon Fitch hoping to thrive with a promotion that pushes him instead of holding him back

Source: http://www.mmamania.com/2013/5/29/4376722/now-free-unfiltered-jon-fitch-thrive-wsof-push-hold-back-ufc

Houston Alexander Ricardo Almeida Eddie Alvarez Thiago Alves

Ask the Fight Doc: What do you make of Nick Denis' unexpected MMA retirement?

Promising UFC bantamweight Nick Denis caught many surprise when he announced his MMA retirement on Thursday.

As the former Ph.D. student detailed in his blog, Denis was concerned about brain injury and decided to call it quits at just 29 years old.

MMAjunkie.com medical columnist and consultant Dr. Johnny Benjamin read Denis' blog and gives his thoughts on the fighter's decision.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/2dweTgaRwyY/ask-the-fight-doc-what-do-you-make-of-nick-denis-unexpected-mma-retirement.mma

Spencer Fisher Jon Fitch Kenny Florian Jesse Forbes

Cheick Kongo, Chael Sonnen and eyes: Where do they fall on Cagewriter’s Hot or Not list?

A slow week in MMA? So what. Let's decide what's hot, what's not, what is just a big ball of confusion.

Not -- Costa Philippou: Remember how his fight with Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza was listed as one of the best of the month? Too bad it's off. A cut forced Phillippou off in training, and Chris Camozzi is stepping in to fight Souza at UFC on FX 8. Rafael Natal will now fight Joao Zeferino.

Hot -- Jon Jones: He defended his title for the fifth time, tying the record set by Tito Ortiz in 2002. Sure, he jacked up his toe, but he didn't seem to mind.

Not -- Eyes: It's been a tough week for eyes. Eye pokes were the reason behind two of the stoppages at UFC 159. But things are looking up as the UFC will try to change the rules behind eye pokes in the coming months.

Hot -- Chael Sonnen: "But Maggie!" you say. "He lost his fight to Jon Jones. How can he be on the hot list?" Because the loss was completely expected, and the man didn't miss a beat. He stayed in the spotlight by bringing out an old feud with Wanderlei Silva, and ripping him on Twitter.

Not, or maybe hot, or who knows -- Cheick Kongo: After getting knocked out by Roy Nelson, Kongo's profile disappeared from the UFC site. Then, two reputable MMA news outlets reported Kongo's contract has run out, and that the UFC had no plans to re-sign the French fighter. But Kongo keeps insisting on his Twitter page that he has no plans to leave the UFC.

Thanks for sticking with Cagewriter this week. Follow CW on Twitter and Facebook.

Other popular content on Yahoo! Sports:
• Josiah Turner has had rough time since leaving Arizona
• Heavy favorite Penguins stunned by Islanders
• Kobe Bryant in lawsuit against his mom
• Broncos' Von Miller wants to be a chicken tycoon

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/cheick-kongo-chael-sonen-eyes-where-fall-cagewriter-211742960.html

Wesley Cabbage Correira Patrick The Predator Côté Randy The Natural Couture Dan Cramer

Jeremy Stephens takes bloody, bloody win over Estevan Payan at UFC 160 (Photos)

To kick off UFC 160, Jeremy Stephens beat Estevan Payan with a 30-26, 20-26, 30-27 decision. The bout was so bloody that it left deep, red-colored stains in the Octagon. It was really, really bloody.

You can see the blood leaking from Payan's head here.

And how it stained both men's shorts here.

So. Much. Blood.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/jeremy-stephens-takes-bloody-bloody-win-over-estevan-004806521.html

Patrick The Predator Côté Randy The Natural Couture Dan Cramer Alberto Crane

Former Wyoming legislator worked to legalize MMA, now getting in the cage

As a state legislator in Wyoming, Bryan Pedersen helped author the bill to legalize and regulate MMA in his home state. This weekend, he will test that bill by fighting at the Colosseum Fight Series, the first fights in Cheyenne since the bill passed.

Pedersen, who is 38 years old, has trained in MMA for the past four years. Like many fighters, he originally tried out the sport for fitness reasons only. But once MMA was allowed in his state, and Cheyenne was set to host fights, Pedersen couldn't help but say yes to an offer to fight on the CFS card.

"This is not something I normally do," he said to the Wyoming Star-Tribune. "But I really believe in the sport."

He served for six years in the Wyoming state legislature. Now a financial consultant, he plans on making this both his debut and retirement bout. The weigh-ins will take place at a familiar venue for Pedersen -- the steps of the Wyoming State Capitol Building.

Pedersen is taking the fight seriously, as he drives an hour and a half daily to Easton Training Center in Colorado, the training home of UFC veteran Eliot Marshall.

"I have a goal," he said. "Without a goal, you wouldn’t do it. It creates a sense of urgency and panic. Because every day I’m not training, my opponent is probably getting better. And I’m not."

He's the latest government official to set his sights on the cage, though Pedersen appears to be taking his fight more seriously than the two mayors in south Florida who are planning a bout. Perhaps MMA should become part of the legislative process.

Related coverage on Yahoo! Sports:
• Gray Maynard is back in UFC lightweight title picture
• Transgendered fighter Fallon Fox's struggle a journey in itself
• Shane Mosley shuns retirement, plans to chase another world title

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/former-wyoming-legislator-worked-legalized-mma-now-getting-210946127.html

Sean Gannon Edgar Garcia Leonard Garcia Andrew Gardner

XFC 23 features Stephanie Eggink vs. Angela Magana for inaugural strawweight title

Xtreme Fighting Championships will return to the state of Kentucky for the first time since 2008, for the promotion’s next event XFC 23: Louisville Slugfest. Scheduled for Friday April 19, the AXStv broadcast will include the first ever XFC strawweight WMMA title fight between former US Boxing team member Stephanie “Snowflake” Eggink and veteran Angela Magana.

The XFC has been promoting Women’s MMA since 2007 and has featured at least one female bout on each of their events since. The strawweight division became one of the most active groups in 2012, which led to XFC President John Prisco’s decision to make the fight between Eggink and Magana a championship bout.

Eggink joined the XFC ranks in 2012, making her first appearance under the XFC banner in December taking on XFC vet Heather Clark. Eggink went the distance with Clark, earning a unanimous decision victory after three rounds that showcased all aspects of her game, from her boxing to her jiu-jitsu.

Magana signed with the XFC in early 2013 as the promotion planned to increase the number of women’s bouts featured on their events. With an (11-5) record, Magana is the most experienced fighter amongst the athletes currently signed to the promotion and her few losses come from champions that include Jessica Aguilar, Jessica Eye, and Jessica Penne. Magana is much more experienced than Eggink, with nearly 6 years of pro fights under her belt and wins over the likes of Barb Honchack, Lynn Alverez, and Aguilar.

Following the decision to make the bout a championship match, XFC President John Prisco spoke with officials about the first Women’s title fight in XFC history. “Following her performance against Clark, I thought that Eggink would be the best matchup for Magana. Eggink is experience beyond her years being a pro boxing vet and her jiu-jitsu training under a Royce Gracie black belt. Magana at the same time is one of the best fighters in the game, but hasn’t been getting the respect she deserves in terms of her abilities,” Prisco said. “We’re talking about someone who has beaten some of the best fighters in and out of her weight class, and if you look at her losses, you’re looking at a list of today’s champions. I’m confident that these are two of the best fighters at 115 lbs. and whoever wins is going to be a great representative of the XFC.”

XFC 23: Louisville Slugfest along with the Women’s Strawweight Championship bout will air live on AXStv April 19 from the Kentucky International Convention Center. XFC 23 is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel. For more information on the event or to purchase ticket visit www.OfficialXFC.com. Also, follow the promotion on Facebook and Twitter ‘@OfficialXFC’ for daily news and updates.

Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/xfc-news/xfc-23-features-stephanie-eggink-vs-angela-magana-for-inaugural-strawweight-title-67696/

Jesse Forbes Xavier Foupa Pokam Hermes Franca Rich Franklin

UFC president Dana White sings for Chael Sonnen (Video)

When interviewing UFC president Dana White after fights, media usually want to know about title fight opportunities, implications of wins or losses, and where the UFC is headed next. Press conferences rarely present opportunities to get White to talk about who would win in a fight between him and UFC chairman Lorenzo Fertitta or White's music preferences. On "UFC Tonight," Kenny Florian and Chael Sonnen asked White those very questions. They even got him to sing on what White called "the most embarrassing interview ever."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-president-dana-white-sings-chael-sonnen-video-133347798.html

Dan The Sandman Christison Logan The Pink Pounder Clark Steve The Snake Claveau Rich No Love Clementi

The MMA Hour - Episode 182 - James Head

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/videos/2013/5/28/4371534/the-mma-hour-episode-182-james-head

Gerard Gordeau Jonathan Goulet Wilson Gouveia Jason Grace

UFC 160 salaries

Quote:

The total disclosed payroll for the May 25 event was $1,533,000. UFC 160 took place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main card, which saw Velasquez defend his heavyweight title with a first-round TKO win over Antonio Silva (who earned $75,000), aired on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook. The full list of UFC 160 payouts included: Champ Cain Velasquez: $400,000 (no bonus) def. Antonio Silva: $75,000 Junior dos Santos: $240,000 (includes $120,000 win bonus) def. Mark Hunt: $160,000 Glover Teixeira: $48,000 (includes $24,000 win bonus) def. James Te Huna: $30,000 T.J. Grant: $50,000 (includes $25,000 win bonus) def. Gray Maynard: $45,000 Donald Cerrone: $82,000 (includes $41,000 win bonus) def. K.J. Noons: $41,000 Mike Pyle: $84,000 (includes $42,000 win bonus) def. Rick Story: $27,000 Dennis Bermudez: $28,000 (includes $14,000 win bonus) def. Max Holloway: $14,000 Robert Whittaker: $30,000 (includes $15,000 win bonus) def. Colton Smith: $15,000 Khabib Nurmagomedov: $28,000 (includes $14,000 win bonus) def. Abel Trujillo: $8,000 Stephen Thompson: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus) def. Nah-Shon Burrell: $9,000 George Roop: $26,000 (includes $13,000 win bonus) def. Brian Bowles: $19,000 Jeremy Stephens: $48,000 (includes $24,000 win bonus) def. Estevan Payan: $10,000 Now, the usual disclaimer: The figures do not include deductions for items such as insurance, licenses and taxes. Additionally, the figures do not include money paid by sponsors, which can oftentimes be a substantial portion of a fighter's income. They also do not include any other "locker room" or special discretionary bonuses the UFC oftentimes pays. They also do not include portions of the pay-per-view revenue that some top-level fighters receive. For example, as previously reported, UFC officials handed out additional $50,000 UFC 160 bonuses to Grant ("KO of the Night"), Teixeira ("Submission of the Night"), and dos Santos and Hunt ("Fight of the Night").

http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/0...s-lead-payroll

Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/131225-ufc-160-salaries.html

Karen Darabedyan Viacheslav Datsik Marcus Davis Tony DeSouza

Dana White’s UFC 160: Velasquez Vs Silva II Media Scrum (Full Video)

The ceremonial post fight press conference media scrum took place with UFC President Dana White last after UFC 160: Velasquez Vs Silva II. White fielded questions from the media at the MGM Grand Saturday and you can watch the whole thing below. White discusses the retiring of Forrest Griffin, Griffin and Stephan Bonnar being inducted into the UFC Hall Of Fame, the upcoming rematch between Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos and much more.

Courtesy of the MMAHeat

 Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The post Dana White’s UFC 160: Velasquez Vs Silva II Media Scrum (Full Video) appeared first on Fighters.com.

Source: http://www.fighters.com/05/26/dana-whites-ufc-160-velasquez-vs-silva-ii-media-scrum-full-video?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dana-whites-ufc-160-velasquez-vs-silva-ii-media-scrum-full-video

Roger Gracie Rolles Gracie Royce Gracie Royler Gracie

After successful surgery, mess in Macau, David Mitchell primed for UFC victory

More than two years after dropping his UFC debut, things haven't exactly gone David Mitchell's way.

Injuries, surgery and rehabilitation have left Mitchell out of action for more than 15 months - a streak he had hoped to end earlier this month.

Left without an opponent and some 7,000 miles from home, Mitchell admits it was a frustrating plight. Now he's aiming for a January return, and he's anxious to show the world what he can do when fighting at full strength.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/m0yA-XeF9gg/after-successful-surgery-mess-in-macau-david-mitchell-primed-for-ufc-victory.mma

Bao Ligao Josh Barnett David Baron Phil Baroni

Boxing Queen Holly Holm leaving Ring for Cage after Saturday night

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (May 6, 2013) – The true “Queen of Boxing,” 14-time world champion Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm, may be hanging-up her gloves Saturday night but she’s only switching from a ring to a cage as she pursues her very promising mixed-martial-arts career.

Holm (32-2-3, 9 KOs) will defend her International Boxing Association (IBA) and World Boxing Federation (WBF) junior lightweight titles against former NABC World lightweight title-holder “Merciless” Mary McGee (20-1, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event headlining the “Mayhem” card, presented by Fresquez Productions, at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque.

Rather than announce her retirement from boxing right after Saturday’s fight, Holm went public several weeks ago, in order to let her boxing fans realize that this would be their last opportunity to watch her box. It certainly would have been easier and less stressful to wait, but the New Mexico sports icon has always appreciated her fans to the maximum. Plus, she’s still going to be fighting, only in a different combat sport.

“I am dealing with some pressure being in my final time in boxing,” she explained, “and knowing that I’ll be in MMA. So, I’m focusing on this last fight and feeling some pressure, but there’s always some pressure in a fight. I want to end things on a good night. I didn’t want to just cruise through my last fight in boxing. This isn’t bad pressure. I did want to let people know and there will be a lot of people there Saturday night who may not have been if I hadn’t made my announcement.”

Holm nearly retired two years ago but, at that time, she wasn’t quite ready to make the fulltime switch to MMA. Her plan was to first fight and defeat European starts, Ann Sophie Mathis and Cecelia Breakhus.

“This has been a long time coming,” Holm noted. “I talked with my coach (Mike Winkeljohn) about leaving boxing for MMA back in 2011. I told friends how much I really enjoyed MMA. In a perfect world, I would have but I still wanted to fight Ann Sophie and Cecelia. Then, I could focus 100-percent on MMA. I’ve always been excited about MMA. Plans changed, though, when I lost to Ann Sophie. I knew I had to have a rematch (Holm won by decision). I started enjoying MMA training even more but thought I’d be fighting Cecelia in April, and then would focus on MMA. That fight didn’t go through and when she chose to fight Mia (St. John), I jumped at an MMA fight in February. I really enjoyed it. The fight with Cecelia didn’t happen and here we are. I always told myself I’d stop boxing if my passion wasn’t there 100-percent. I found myself getting less motivated in the gym to box, more motivated by MMA.”

Holm met every challenge during her 11+ year boxing career, finally exhausting all of her options, in terms of fighting world-class opponents. She has an incredible 21-1-1 record in world title fights (212 of her career 275 rounds fought have been in world championships), and 14-1-1 against other world champions, defeating a virtual Who’s Who list of woman boxers from the 140 through 154-pound weight classes, including Mathis, Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, St. John, Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice).

Her promoter, Lenny Fresquez, negotiated with Braekhus’ promoter, Sauerland Boxing, for two years but the final straw for Holm was the announcement that Braekhus would instead be fighting 45-year-old St. John, which came one day after the World Boxing Council mandated a mandatory title fight between WBC champion Braekhus and No. 1 contender Holm.

Like most elite athletes, seeking a new challenge was paramount in her decision to leave boxing for MMA, in which she is undefeated in three fights with three knockouts. Now, her ultimate challenge is to develop into a world-class MMA fighter, one worthy of challenging UFC champion and MMA superstar, Ronda Rousey. “A new challenge was a big part of it,” Holly explained what thinking went into her decision. “She (Rousey) has opened doors for women in MMA. She’s the one to beat and she’s in my weight class, but I’m not ready to fight her tomorrow. I have MMA strengths but I need to build on my weaknesses. She’s world champion now and but that next girl may take her out (before Holm fights Rousey). I do think she’ll be champ for a long time….but you never know.

“I’m also going to turn 32 soon and, if I’m going to make it in MMA, I need to start now. I don’t know where I’ll be in a year, two years, or five years. I’m also married now and someday I want to start a family. Maybe not now but that was another consideration (to now go into MMA fulltime).”

Her fight with McGee had been signed prior to Holm making her decision to leave boxing. She will bring the same class and dignity into the ring against McGee that she has for her previous 37 professional fights.

“I had told my dad, ma, coach and friends what an honor it would be for me to be able to be in the ring with Mary McGee for my last fight,” Holm concluded. “She’s not only a great champion, but a good person, a tremendous person, both in and out of the ring. This fight was scheduled before my (retirement from boxing) decision and that was it. I’m glad to be sharing the ring with her. She’s accomplished a lot and stayed humble. I’m very happy.”

Also fighting on “Mayhem” is a group of New Mexico’s most promising prospects. Albuquerque lightweight Matthew Baca (2-1, 2 KO’s) takes on Armando Gonzales (2-2, 1 KO) in a six-round bout. On the undercard in four rounds matches are welterweight Rocky “El Torito” Romero (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. 11-fight veteran Michael Coca Gallegos, light middleweight Cris Leyva (1-0) vs. Manuel Eastman (1-3), lightweights making their professional debuts, Gabe Gabaldon vs. Brandon Salazar, and cruiserweights making their pro debuts, Manny Rocha vs. Floyd Olguin, Jr. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, ranging between $25.00 and $200.00, are on sale and available to purchase at the Route 66 box office, going online to www.rt66casino.com, or calling 505.884.7484.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. MT, first bout scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. MT.

Go on line to www.FresquezProductions.com or www.rt66casino.com for more information about “Mayhem.”

Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/mma/boxing-queen-holly-holm-leaving-ring-for-cage-after-saturday-night-67735/

Paulo Filho Mirko Cro Cop Filipović Luiz Buscapé Firmino Spencer Fisher

Matthew Riddle enters Bellator season nine welterweight tournament

http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/5/20...ght-tournament

Matthew Riddle has a new gig. And no, he hasn't opened a marijuana dispensary.

MMA's most vocal pro-pro advocate this side of Nick Diaz has found a home in Bellator MMA. The company officially announced Monday that the welterweight standout will compete in their season nine tournament.

Riddle (7-3, 2 no-contests) had his hand raised after each of his past four UFC fights. But twice in that span, his post-fight drug tests turned up positive for marijuana, causing the results to be overturned to no-contests. After the second, originally a split-decision win over Che Mills on Feb. 16, the UFC released Riddle.

The Las Vegas-based fighter had signed with the Texas-based Legacy Fighting Championship, but Bellator bought out Riddle's contract.

"I had so many options after I left the UFC, but knowing that I was able to compete in a tournament against guys like Paul Daley, Ben Saunders, and Douglas Lima, signing with Bellator was an easy decision," Riddle said. "This division is just so stacked, and being able to fight in a tournament makes it even better. Bellator is doing a lot of great things right now, and I want to be a part of it."

In a press release, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney noted concerns with Riddle's marijuana use -- he carries a Nevada medical marijuana card -- but ultimately decided Riddle was worth the risk.

"Matt's got all the tools to be a force in our welterweight division," Rebney said. "When I saw Matt get released from the UFC coming off 4 straight wins including his dominant win over Mills in February, we took notice. We both realize that Matt will have a target on his back for his past indiscretions. But having discussed it with him, I'm comfortable that he's in the right place to enter the Bellator cage this fall in what will be the most loaded Bellator Welterweight Tournament in the promotions history."

Riddle laid out his Bellator goals.

"No questions asked, I want to win the next Bellator Welterweight Tournament, get my shot at the title and take my beautiful wife to the MTV Awards and meet Snoop Dogg," Riddle remarked. "I've seen all the pictures of Bellator guys walking red carpets and it's something I want to earn and be able to do. What could be better than that?"

Source: http://ninjashoes.net/forum/showthread.php?80773-Matthew-Riddle-enters-Bellator-season-nine-welterweight-tournament&goto=newpost

Takanori The Fireball Kid Gomi Akihiro Gono Gabriel Gonzaga Lyman Good

Top Ten Baddest UFC Fights of 2013