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UFC 100 Results And More
UFC 100 Results
Preliminary Card
Lightweight bout: Matt Grice vs. Shannon Gugerty
Gugerty defeated Grice via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:36 of round 1.
Middleweight bout: C.B. Dollaway vs. Tom Lawlor
Lawlor defeated Dollaway via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:55 of round 1.
Light Heavyweight bout: Jon Johns vs. Jake O'Brien
Jones defeated O'Brien via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:43 of round 2.
Welterweight bout: Dong Hyun Kim vs. TJ Grant
Kim defeated Grant via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26).
Lightweight bout: Mac Danzig vs. Jim Miller
Miller defeated Danzig via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Light Heavyweight bout: Mark Coleman vs. Stephan Bonnar
Coleman defeated Bonnar via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Lightweight bout: Matt Grice vs. Shannon Gugerty
Gugerty defeated Grice via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:36 of round 1.
Middleweight bout: C.B. Dollaway vs. Tom Lawlor
Lawlor defeated Dollaway via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:55 of round 1.
Light Heavyweight bout: Jon Johns vs. Jake O'Brien
Jones defeated O'Brien via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:43 of round 2.
Welterweight bout: Dong Hyun Kim vs. TJ Grant
Kim defeated Grant via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26).
Lightweight bout: Mac Danzig vs. Jim Miller
Miller defeated Danzig via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Light Heavyweight bout: Mark Coleman vs. Stephan Bonnar
Coleman defeated Bonnar via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Main Card
Middleweight bout: Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alan Belcher
Akiyama defeated Belcher via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28).
Welterweight bout: Jon Fitch vs. Paulo Thiago
Fitch defeated Thiago via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
Middleweight bout: Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping
Henderson defeated Bisping via KO (punch) at 3:20 of round 2.
Welterweight Championship bout: Georges St-Pierre vs. Thiago Alves
St-Pierre defeated Alves via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-45) to retain the UFC Welterweight championship.
Heavyweight Championship bout: Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir
Lesnar defeated Mir via TKO (punches) at 1:48 of round 2 to unify UFC Heavyweight championship.
Bonus Awards
*Fighters were awarded $100,000 bonuses.
Fight of the Night: Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alan Belcher
Knockout of the Night: Dan Henderson
Submission of the Night: Tom Lawlor
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Cro Cop Back?
Reported by: Steve Marrocco/MMAWeekly.com
The on-again-off-again relationship between Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and the UFC may be on-again.
In a Tuesday report on graciemag.com, up-and-comer Junior Dos Santos says it is, by way of a fight with the Croatian MMA star at UFC 103. The bout would headline the Sept. 19 event hosted by the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Dos Santos was originally scheduled to face Justin McCully at UFC 102 before being removed from the card.
“To me it’s incredible,” said the Brazilian. “When they asked me if they could change the fight date I was a bit bothered, because I wanted to fight right away. I’ve been away for some time now. But the Fertitta brothers asked me and I accepted. After that I found out it would be against Cro Cop and was overjoyed. It’ll be a big opportunity in my career. Lots of good things have happened in my life and this is one more. I’m going to make the most of it.”
Following a controversial win over Mustapha Al-Turk at UFC 99, Cro Cop made headlines by reportedly snubbing a two-fight UFC deal for a contract with Dream. The feared striker subsequently told Croatian news outlets that the snafu had been a misunderstanding and his decision to stray was based on the UFC’s offered timetable for future fights.
Late last week, Croatian website Index.hr reported that Lorenzo Fertitta flew to Cro Cop’s Zagreb home to re-establish contact and offer a new deal for his UFC return. The deal was reportedly “an offer he couldn’t refuse.”
According to MMAWeekly.com’s sources, Cro Cop has dropped out of an announced fight with Siala “Mighty Mo” Siliga at Dream 10 on July 20.
Though it’s conceivable that Cro Cop could make both fights, it appears he has chosen to remain inside the Octagon.
In the build-up to UFC 99, Cro Cop said a UFC title was in his sights.
“I just want to return to the top,” he said. ” I just want to prove to everyone that they were wrong.”
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Diaz vs. Guillard
Reported by: MMAjunkie.com
A lightweight contest between "The Ultimate Fighter" veterans Nate Diaz (10-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC) and Melvin Guillard (23-7-2 MMA, 5-3 UFC) is set for the main event of UFC Fight Night 19.
The UFC today officially announced the contest, as well as confirming the previously reported bout between Roger Heurta and Gray Maynard.
UFC Fight Night 19, a Spike TV-broadcast event that will serve as the lead-in for the debut episode of "The Ultimate Fighter 10," takes place Sept. 16 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
Diaz will be looking to bounce back from a pair of disappointing decision losses to Joe Stevenson and Clay Guida, the "TUF 5" champion's first two defeats in the octagon.
Prior to the losses, Diaz had earned five-straight wins in the UFC, four of which came by submission.
Guillard, a veteran of the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter," will be looking to build on a three-fight win streak, a run that includes back-to-back wins in the UFC.
After earning a win over Eric Regan outside of the UFC, Guillard earned a 36-second win over Dennis Siver in July 2008, as well as a hotly contested split-decision win over Gleison Tibau at June's The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale.
With the addition to the card, UFC Fight Night 19 now includes:
The UFC today officially announced the contest, as well as confirming the previously reported bout between Roger Heurta and Gray Maynard.
UFC Fight Night 19, a Spike TV-broadcast event that will serve as the lead-in for the debut episode of "The Ultimate Fighter 10," takes place Sept. 16 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
Diaz will be looking to bounce back from a pair of disappointing decision losses to Joe Stevenson and Clay Guida, the "TUF 5" champion's first two defeats in the octagon.
Prior to the losses, Diaz had earned five-straight wins in the UFC, four of which came by submission.
Guillard, a veteran of the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter," will be looking to build on a three-fight win streak, a run that includes back-to-back wins in the UFC.
After earning a win over Eric Regan outside of the UFC, Guillard earned a 36-second win over Dennis Siver in July 2008, as well as a hotly contested split-decision win over Gleison Tibau at June's The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale.
With the addition to the card, UFC Fight Night 19 now includes:
- Nate Diaz vs. Melvin Guillard
- Roger Huerta vs. Gray Maynard
- Dan Miller vs. Aaron Simpson*
- Tim Credeur vs. Nate Quarry*
- Ronnys Torres vs. Jeremy Stephens*
- Mike Pyle vs. Chris Wilson*
- Kyle Bradley vs. Sam Stout*
* - Not officially announced
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Dos Santos out McCully in
Reported by: John Morgan/MMAjunkie.com
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Dos Santos out McCully in
Reported by: John Morgan/MMAjunkie.com
Fast-rising UFC heavyweight prospect Junior dos Santos (8-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has been pulled from the the preliminary card at UFC 102, and Justin McCully (9-4-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will instead face UFC newcomer Mike Russow (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
McCully announced the change on today's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).
Headlined by a heavyweight contest between MMA legends Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, UFC 102 takes place Aug. 29 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore.
McCully, who had been slated to face dos Santos, was not sure why his original opponent was pulled from the bout, and MMAjunkie.com was not immediately able to reach the Brazilian for comment.
McCully most recently fought in a December 2008 win over Eddie Sanchez at UFC Fight Night 16. The 12-year veteran has won five of his past six contests, the lone loss coming by submission to Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 86 in July 2008.
Prior to the Gonzaga loss, McCully had earned a unanimous-decision win over Antoni Hardonk in April 2007, his first appearance for the UFC.
Russow will come to the UFC on a seven-fight win streak after losing for the first time in his career to Sergei Kharitonov in February 2007 under the PRIDE banner.
The 32-year-old has earned stoppage wins in all seven of the bouts in his current streak, including six wins by submission.
Russow was originally slated to fight UFC newcomer Todd Duffee on the UFC 102 card, but as we reported earlier today, Duffee will instead fight Tim Hague.
With the changes to the card, UFC 102 now includes:
MAIN CARD
McCully announced the change on today's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).
Headlined by a heavyweight contest between MMA legends Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, UFC 102 takes place Aug. 29 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore.
McCully, who had been slated to face dos Santos, was not sure why his original opponent was pulled from the bout, and MMAjunkie.com was not immediately able to reach the Brazilian for comment.
McCully most recently fought in a December 2008 win over Eddie Sanchez at UFC Fight Night 16. The 12-year veteran has won five of his past six contests, the lone loss coming by submission to Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 86 in July 2008.
Prior to the Gonzaga loss, McCully had earned a unanimous-decision win over Antoni Hardonk in April 2007, his first appearance for the UFC.
Russow will come to the UFC on a seven-fight win streak after losing for the first time in his career to Sergei Kharitonov in February 2007 under the PRIDE banner.
The 32-year-old has earned stoppage wins in all seven of the bouts in his current streak, including six wins by submission.
Russow was originally slated to fight UFC newcomer Todd Duffee on the UFC 102 card, but as we reported earlier today, Duffee will instead fight Tim Hague.
With the changes to the card, UFC 102 now includes:
MAIN CARD
- Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
- Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva
- Chris Leben vs. Jake Rosholt
- Demian Maia vs. Nate Marquardt
- Matt Hamill vs. Brandon Vera
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Chris Tuchscherer
Wilson Gouveia vs. James Irvin - Justin McCully vs. Mike Russow
- Todd Duffee vs. Tim Hague
- Nick Catone vs. Mark Munoz
- Evan Dunham vs. Matt Veach
Lashley Stay Undefeated And More
Lashley stays Undefeated
Reported by: Maggie Hendricks of Yahoo Sports
Reported by: Maggie Hendricks of Yahoo Sports
Former pro wrestler Bobby Lashley showed that he is for real in mixed martial arts, defeating veteran fighter Bob Sapp with a technical knockout in less than two minutes at "Ultimate Chaos" in Biloxi, Miss.
As soon as the bell rung, Bobby Lashley went in for a quick takedown. He had no problem with bringing the much larger Sapp to the canvas. From there, he executed his game plan well, staying on top of Sapp and throwing a barrage of punches. Sapp tapped to signal that he wanted the fight to end, but the referee did not see it, and Lashley kept punching.
Finally, Sapp tapped again, and the referee put an end to the fight at 1:17 in the first round. After the win, Lashley announced that he is ready for whoever wants to take him on.
"To all the heavyweights out there, if you're not looking at me, you better, because I'm coming. I'll take on all challengers," Lashley said.
Both men have the first name Bob, and both have experience professional wrestling, but the similarities end there, as Sapp outweighed Lashley by nearly 67 pounds for the main event. Lashley, who is undefeated in the real sport of MMA after years as a star professional wrestler in the WWE and ECW, took on the fight with Sapp, who is a veteran of Japanese fight promotions PRIDE and K-1, to prove that his desire to excel in MMA is real. A win over Sapp validated Lashley in the cage, moving his record to 4-0.
Lashley weighed in at 255 pounds for the fight, meaning that he would have no problem making the heavyweight class of 265 for more mainstream mixed martial arts promotions like the UFC, Strikeforce and Affliction. Considering how he has steamrolled through his four opponents, and that he is training at the highly touted American Top Team, it's not crazy to think that we will soon see Lashley on a larger stage.
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Hermes Franca vs. Tyson Griffin
Reported by: John Morgan and Dann Stupp, MMAjunkie.com
A lightweight bout between Hermes Franca (19-7 MMA, 6-4 UFC) and Tyson Griffin (13-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) will take place in September at UFC 103.
Sources close to the fighters told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that bout agreements have not been signed but both competitors have verbally agreed to the fight.
The Sept. 19 fight will take place on the main card of the event, which airs live on pay-per-view from the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Franca returns to action for the first time since a torn ACL forced him out of a February UFC Fight Night 17 bout with Joe Lauzon. Prior to the fight, he scored a unanimous-decision win over Marcus Aurelio to rebound from back-to-back losses to Sean Sherk and Frankie Edgar (the only two opponents Griffin has ever lost to).
Prior to the losses, Franca had posted eight consecutive victories, which included wins over Toby Imada (who went to become Bellator's lightweight tournament runner-up), Jamie Varner (who later became WEC's lightweight champion), Nate Diaz (to defend the WEC lightweight title) and Spencer Fisher (who's 4-1 since the loss).
Griffin, meanwhile, enters the fight with five wins in his past six fights (all in the UFC) and a unanimous-decision win over Rafael dos Anjos in his most recent bout at UFC Fight Night 17. Aside from a decision loss to Sherk in October, Griffin is undefeated over the past two years. Even in his two losses (to Edgar and Sherk), Griffin has excelled, winning five Fight of the Night bonuses and one Submission of the Night award in just eight career UFC fights.
As MMAjunkie.com first reported earlier this month, bout agreement were distributed so that UFC 103 will also feature Josh Koscheck vs. Frank Trigg in a featured welterweight bout. However, a main event for the show will likely be announced in the next few weeks.
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Hermes Franca vs. Tyson Griffin
Reported by: John Morgan and Dann Stupp, MMAjunkie.com
A lightweight bout between Hermes Franca (19-7 MMA, 6-4 UFC) and Tyson Griffin (13-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) will take place in September at UFC 103.
Sources close to the fighters told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that bout agreements have not been signed but both competitors have verbally agreed to the fight.
The Sept. 19 fight will take place on the main card of the event, which airs live on pay-per-view from the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Franca returns to action for the first time since a torn ACL forced him out of a February UFC Fight Night 17 bout with Joe Lauzon. Prior to the fight, he scored a unanimous-decision win over Marcus Aurelio to rebound from back-to-back losses to Sean Sherk and Frankie Edgar (the only two opponents Griffin has ever lost to).
Prior to the losses, Franca had posted eight consecutive victories, which included wins over Toby Imada (who went to become Bellator's lightweight tournament runner-up), Jamie Varner (who later became WEC's lightweight champion), Nate Diaz (to defend the WEC lightweight title) and Spencer Fisher (who's 4-1 since the loss).
Griffin, meanwhile, enters the fight with five wins in his past six fights (all in the UFC) and a unanimous-decision win over Rafael dos Anjos in his most recent bout at UFC Fight Night 17. Aside from a decision loss to Sherk in October, Griffin is undefeated over the past two years. Even in his two losses (to Edgar and Sherk), Griffin has excelled, winning five Fight of the Night bonuses and one Submission of the Night award in just eight career UFC fights.
As MMAjunkie.com first reported earlier this month, bout agreement were distributed so that UFC 103 will also feature Josh Koscheck vs. Frank Trigg in a featured welterweight bout. However, a main event for the show will likely be announced in the next few weeks.
The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale
The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale
Main Card
Lightweight bout: Joe Stevenson vs. Nate Diaz
Stevenson defeated Diaz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Lightweight bout: Andre Winner vs. Ross Pearson
Pearson defeated Winner via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) to become the Season 9 Lightweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter.
Welterweight bout: Chris Lytle vs. Kevin Burns
Lytle defeated Burns via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Welterweight bout: DaMarques Johnson vs. James Wilks
Wilks defeated Johnson via submission (rear naked choke) at 4:54 of round 1 to become the Season 9 Welterweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter.
Lightweight bout: Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida
Sanchez defeated Guida via split decision (28-29, 29-27, 29-28).
Bonus Awards
*Fighters were awarded $25,000 bonuses.
Fight of the Night: Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida, Joe Stevenson vs. Nate Diaz, Chris Lytle vs. Kevin Burns. (First time ever that three Fight of the Night awards given out on the same card).
Knockout of the Night: Tomasz Drwal
Submission of the Night: Jason Dent
Preliminary Card
Lightweight bout: Jason Dent vs. Cameron Dollar
Dent defeated Dollar via submission (anaconda choke) at 4:46 of round 1.
Welterweight bout: Nick Osipczak vs. Frank Lester
Osipczak defeated Lester via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:40 of round 1.
Catchweight (208 lbs) bout: Mike Ciesnolevicz vs. Tomasz Drwal
Drwal deafeated Ciesnolevicz via TKO (knee and punches) at 4:48 of round 1.
Welterweight bout: Brad Blackburn vs. Edgar Garcia
Blackburn defeated Garcia via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Lightweight bout: Melvin Guillard vs. Gleison Tibau
Guillard defeated Tibau via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Lightweight bout: Jason Dent vs. Cameron Dollar
Dent defeated Dollar via submission (anaconda choke) at 4:46 of round 1.
Welterweight bout: Nick Osipczak vs. Frank Lester
Osipczak defeated Lester via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:40 of round 1.
Catchweight (208 lbs) bout: Mike Ciesnolevicz vs. Tomasz Drwal
Drwal deafeated Ciesnolevicz via TKO (knee and punches) at 4:48 of round 1.
Welterweight bout: Brad Blackburn vs. Edgar Garcia
Blackburn defeated Garcia via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Lightweight bout: Melvin Guillard vs. Gleison Tibau
Guillard defeated Tibau via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Main Card
Lightweight bout: Joe Stevenson vs. Nate Diaz
Stevenson defeated Diaz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Lightweight bout: Andre Winner vs. Ross Pearson
Pearson defeated Winner via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) to become the Season 9 Lightweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter.
Welterweight bout: Chris Lytle vs. Kevin Burns
Lytle defeated Burns via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Welterweight bout: DaMarques Johnson vs. James Wilks
Wilks defeated Johnson via submission (rear naked choke) at 4:54 of round 1 to become the Season 9 Welterweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter.
Lightweight bout: Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida
Sanchez defeated Guida via split decision (28-29, 29-27, 29-28).
Bonus Awards
*Fighters were awarded $25,000 bonuses.
Fight of the Night: Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida, Joe Stevenson vs. Nate Diaz, Chris Lytle vs. Kevin Burns. (First time ever that three Fight of the Night awards given out on the same card).
Knockout of the Night: Tomasz Drwal
Submission of the Night: Jason Dent
UFC 99 Results
Preliminary Card
Welterweight bout: John Hathaway vs. Rick Story
Hathaway defeated Story via unanimous decision.
Heavyweight bout: Denis Stojnic vs. Stefan Struve
Struve defeated Stojnić via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:37 of round 2.
Welterweight bout: John Hathaway vs. Rick Story
Hathaway defeated Story via unanimous decision.
Heavyweight bout: Denis Stojnic vs. Stefan Struve
Struve defeated Stojnić via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:37 of round 2.
Lightweight bout: Paul Kelly vs. Rolando Delgado
Kelly defeated Delgado via unanimous decision.
Welterweight bout: Paul Taylor vs. Peter Sobotta
Taylor defeated Sobotta via unanimous decision.
Lightweight bout: Dennis Siver vs. Dale Hartt
Siver defeated Hartt via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:23 of round 1.
Lightweight bout: Terry Etim vs. Justin Buchholz
Etim defeated Buchholz via submission (d'arce choke) at 2:38 of round 2.
Main Card
Welterweight bout: Marcus Davis vs. Dan Hardy
Hardy defeated Davis via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Lightweight bout: Spencer Fisher vs. Caol Uno
Fisher defeated Uno via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Welterweight bout: Mike Swick vs. Ben Saunders
Swick defeated Saunders via TKO (strikes) at 3:47 of round 2.
Heavyweight bout: Mirko Filipovic vs. Mostapha Al-turk
Filipović defeated Al-turk via TKO (Strikes) at 3:06 of round 1.
Heavyweight bout: Cain Velasquez vs. Cheick Kongo
Velasquez defeated Kongo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Catchweight bout: Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva
Franklin defeated Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
WEC 41 Results
WEC 41 Results
Main Card
Featherweight Championship bout: Mike Brown vs. Urijah Faber
Brown defeated Faber via unanimous decision (49-46 , 49-46 , 48-47) to retain the WEC Featherweight Championship.
Featherweight bout: Jose Aldo vs. Cub Swanson
Aldo defeated Swanson via KO (flying knee) at 0:08 of round 1.
Lightweight bout: Donald Cerrone vs. James Krause
Cerrone defeated Krause via submission (rear naked choke) at 4:38 of round 1.
Featherweight bout: Jens Pulver vs. Josh Grispi
Grispi defeated Pulver via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:33 of round 1.
Featherweight bout: Manny Gamburyan vs. John Franchi
Gamburyan defeated Franchi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Undercard Bouts
Bantamweight Bout: Rafael Rebello vs. Kyle Dietz
Rebello defeated Dietz via submission (rear naked choke) at 2:55 of round 1.
Bantamweight Bout: Mike Campbell vs. Anthony Pettis
Pettis defeated Campbell via submission (triangle choke) at 1:49 of round 1. Preliminary bout, but was featured on the broadcast.
Bantamweight Bout: Scott Jorgensen vs. Antonio Banuelos
Banuelos defeated Jorgensen via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). Preliminary bout, but was featured on the broadcast.
Bantamweight Bout: Frank Gomez vs. Noah Thomas
Gomez defeated Thomas via submission (arm triangle choke) at 3:12 of round 2.
Bantamweight Bout: Rolando Perez vs. Seth Dikun
Dikun defeated Perez via submission (flying triangle choke) at 2:30 of round 1. Preliminary bout, but was featured on the broadcast.
Rogers Stays Undefeated
Rogers Stays Undefeated
Reported by Yahoo Sports
ST. LOUIS – Brett Rogers’ new mixed martial arts gym in Egan, Minn., is named Ambition MMA, an appropriate moniker for a place that houses a guy looking to move to the top of the heavyweight division.
There is little doubt what the future holds for the undefeated Rogers, who scored a spectacular first-round knockout of former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight king Andrei Arlovski Saturday on a Strikeforce card at the Scottrade Center.
More serious questions surround the future of Arlovski, who has now been knocked out in each of his last two fights.
Arlovski, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is good enough to beat the majority of the world’s heavyweights. He doesn’t look like a guy, though, who is prepared to beat the elite men in the important bouts.
Rogers needed just 22 seconds to dispose of Arlovski on Saturday. He blasted the Belarusian with a left hook that sent the popular former champ staggering back into the cage. Rogers finished him with a flurry of punches, including a left-right-left combination that nearly left Arlovski’s head spinning like a top.
Rogers, the one-time Sam’s Club employee, guaranteed himself another high-profile bout with the nationally televised victory. He may get a shot at Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem on an Aug. 15 card that also features a women’s showdown between Gina Carano and Cris “Cyborg” Santos.
“I’m ready for whatever, man,” Rogers said after improving to 10-0 with his ninth knockout. “I was planning on picking that (heavyweight title) up today, but it was kind of pushed back. I hope he’s keeping that belt good and clean for me.”
Arlovski is only 30 years old, and there’s no reason he couldn’t continue to fight at a high level for four or five more years. But when a man has scaled the heights that Arlovski has, it’s often difficult to accept being a middle-of-the-pack guy.
That’s what Arlovski appears to be at this stage. He was knocked out by Fedor Emelianenko in Anaheim, Calif., in January and suffered a similar fate on Saturday to a man with a far less impressive résumé than Emelianenko.
Many fighters who get knocked out as hard as Arlovski was by Emelianenko are never truly able to take a hard shot again.
It’s hard to question Arlovski’s chin on Saturday because the punches Rogers hit him with were powerful enough to knock down a schoolyard wall. The psychological effect, though, of another knockout loss figures to have a far more lasting impact than the physical damage sustained.
Rogers, though, inflicted plenty of that. He made little pretense of what he intended to do and then simply went out and overpowered Arlovski.
“He wasn’t moving much,” Rogers said.
That’s probably because the first clean punch Rogers landed, a left hook to the cheek, appeared to put Arlovski out on his feet. He was back against the cage when Rogers waded in firing heavy shots, forcing referee John McCarthy to jump in and stop the carnage after Arlovski dropped to the mat.
“I wanted to show everyone I’m not in there to play around,” Rogers said.
If he gets past Overeem in August, he’ll have positioned himself to fight the biggest names available. Though Rogers’ record isn’t filled with big names, he’s only been out of the first round once in 10 fights, and that has to count for something. You can bet that the
Showtime television executives have taken note of that.
Showtime television executives have taken note of that.
What clouds Arlovski’s future is that those same executives undoubtedly were carefully watching his last two outings. Because of his past he commands big money, but fighters who make big money in MMA do it by fighting top-shelf competition.
But after back-to-back crushing knockouts, it’s doubtful Arlovski is going to get another fight of similar magnitude anytime soon.
He was so confident of a victory on Saturday that he’d already agreed to a boxing match on June 27 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. That, too, went out the window when he got knocked out by Rogers.
Arlovski’s boxing handlers were excited by his potential and believed he had the skills to compete for a title. His confidence, though, is now as shattered as his chin.
Rogers has no such issues. His confidence soared with the career-defining win over Arlovski, and his prospects are exceedingly bright.
Rogers hasn’t proven he has a ground game, though the other way to look at is that he hasn’t needed to. If he keeps knocking guys out, he won’t have to worry about his ground skills.
He began training in his spare time while he worked in the tire department at a Minnesota Sam’s Club. He finally decided earlier this year to give the job up for good so he could concentrate on MMA full-time.
It clearly looked like a good move on Saturday, though Rogers doesn’t want to get caught up in the hype.
“I’m not the only guy who started in the working world,” Rogers said. “This was a perfect opportunity and this sport is all about timing. Definitely this is my time and I’m just going to keep on working.”
The only difference between now and six months ago is that he can do his work in a spiffy new gym and doesn’t have to worry about throwing tires around in an auto shop.
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#1 Contender to be Decided
Reported by MMA Junkie
A UFC 100 main-card bout between Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson, who are coaches on the currently airing ninth season of "The Ultimate Fighter," will earn the winner a middleweight title shot.
That's according to the Manchester Evening News, which cited a "UFC spokesperson" who confirmed the plans.
If Bisping, a U.K. fighter, emerges victorious, his title shot against current champ Anderson Silva will come in Manchester, England, according to the official.
Bisping vs. Henderson took third billing on the July 11's stacked UFC 100 card, which also features UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar vs. interim champ Frank Mir and UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre vs. top contender Thiago Alves.
Bisping was an early selection to coach Team U.K. on the show, which is the first season to use a country-vs.-country format. Henderson won the Team U.S. slot by beating Rich Franklin in January.
Bisping, the light-heavyweight winner on the second season of "TUF," is currently 17-1 overall and 7-1 in the UFC. His lone loss came via close split decision to Rashad Evans at UFC 78. The loss prompted Bisping to drop to middleweight, where he's now 3-0 with wins over Charles McCarthy, Jason Day and Chris Leben. A victory over Henderson would undoubtedly be the biggest of his career.
Henderson, meanwhile, is gunning for his third title shot since rejoining the UFC in 2007. He was unsuccessful in bids to take Quinton Jackson's light-heavyweight title in 2007, and in his very next fight, he failed to take Silva's belt in a 2008 middleweight title shot. Since then, though, he's defeated Rousimar Palhares (at middleweight) and Franklin (at light heavyweight) to move to 24-7 (4-2 in the UFC).
Current champ Silva is slated to take a non-title fight against light heavyweight Forrest Griffin in August at UFC 101. If Bisping is victorious at UFC 100, that would give Silva a full three months to prepare for the Manchester event.
Although not officially announced by the UFC, MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) is told by sources close to the organization that the Manchester show, UFC 105, is slated for Nov. 14. It's expected to air (via delay) on Spike TV.
For the latest on UFC 100 and UFC 105, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com
Is Slice TUF
Is Slice TUF?
Reported by Kevin Lole of Yahoo Sports
LAS VEGAS – Kimbo Slice, the controversial heavyweight who in 2008 headlined the most-viewed mixed martial arts card in history, will be one of 16 contestants on the forthcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s reality TV series.
Dana White, the UFC’s outspoken president, has repeatedly mocked Slice for his lack of fighting ability. Slice, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, became a cult figure by competing in street fights that were posted on YouTube. Slice’s “bouts” drew tens of millions of views and led him to turn professional.
He fought for the now defunct Elite XC, garnering massive media attention but getting mocked by White and others affiliated with the UFC for a lack of ability.
White has called him a “joke,” a “bum” and “not a real fighter,” among other less than kind descriptions. He said that Slice would “get murdered if he fought in the UFC” and suggested that his lightweight champion, 155-pound B.J. Penn, would “annihilate” the 230-pound Slice.
The UFC president has repeatedly insisted he would not allow Slice to compete in the UFC unless he won his way onto the show by competing on “The Ultimate Fighter.”
Slice has called White’s bluff and will appear on Season 10 of the highly rated Spike TV series, White has confirmed. Fighters live in the same house and train together, and then fight during the show in a bid to earn a UFC contract.
His appearance, along with that of former UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Rashad Evans as coaches, should guarantee massive ratings.
“It should be interesting, given some of the things I’ve said about him,” White said.
Slice, who has a 3-1 professional record, appeared in the main event of the first MMA card shown on network television in the U.S. when he fought James Thompson on May 31, 2008, on CBS.
Slice won by third-round stoppage in a bout that attracted a record 6.5 million viewers and remains the most-viewed MMA bout in history.
But Slice hasn’t fought since Oct. 4, when he was knocked out by a jab from late replacement Seth Petruzelli, a light heavyweight, just 14 seconds into another fight broadcast on CBS. The plug was pulled on Elite XC, which reportedly lost millions of dollars, in the aftermath of the fight.
White promised “some major surprises” as he announced on a Thursday conference call that Jackson and Evans, each of whom is a former light heavyweight champion, would serve as coaches on Season 10.
He declined to say anything further but urged reporters on the call not to miss media day, which is Tuesday at the UFC Training Center in Las Vegas.
White worked hard to keep Slice’s appearance on the show a secret, hoping to have unveiled him Tuesday. Season 10, which is being called “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” was originally slated to feature a cast of eight heavyweights and eight middleweights, but the UFC quietly informed the middleweights who tried out that it was going with an all-heavyweight show.
And unlike in recent seasons, where the competitors had to win a fight to earn their way into the house, there will be no such arrangement this time. All 16 fighters – Spike and the UFC are keeping names of the others a closely guarded secret – will automatically move into the house.
Though White goes to great lengths to insist that nothing on the show is scripted, it’s virtually guaranteed that Slice won’t fight early in the competition. Having him around and alive in the competition is going to keep ratings elevated.
If Slice is able to advance to the live Dec. 5 finale, with a chance to earn a UFC contract with a win, ratings would likely be the largest in Spike history.
Random MMA News
Sobral vs. Mousasi at Affliction 3
Reported by MMAWeekly.com
Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral will face Gegard Mousasi at Affliction 3 on Aug. 1 in Anaheim, Calif.
Reported by MMAWeekly.com
Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral will face Gegard Mousasi at Affliction 3 on Aug. 1 in Anaheim, Calif.
The bout was initially announced by M-1 Global on its website on Monday. MMAWeekly.com subsequently confirmed the bout with Sobral’s manager, Richard Wilner, who said, “It will be a light heavyweight bout, not a catchweight.”
Mousasi had originally planned to fight Vitor Belfort in a catchweight at the event, dubbed “Trilogy,” confirming the bout on the M-1 Global website last week. The bout had apparently been talked about, but Belfort did not want to move up out of his new home at middleweight, while Mousasi has repeatedly stated that he can no longer make the 185-pound limit.
Sobral has been on a roll as of late, winning five straight bouts, including the capture of the Strikeforce light heavyweight championship from Bobby Southworth last November. He most recently defeated Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at Affliction’s sophomore effort in January.
Sobral had been in plans to face Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante for Strikeforce on June 6, but had to withdraw due to familial considerations. Wilner says that Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has been nothing short of “wonderful” to work with, and has “always been a man of his word” in supporting big fights such as this. Plans now call for Sobral to return to Strikeforce shortly after Affliction 3 to defend his title.
Considered one of the top middleweight fighters in the world, Mousasi recently vacated the Dream middleweight championship and made the move out of the weight class to fight in Dream’s openweight “Super Hulk” tournament, defeating Mark Hunt in the first round of their quarterfinal bout. He weighed in at 218 pounds for that bout, but will have to come back down to 205 for the fight with Sobral.
The bout is expected to be officially released later this week at press conferences in New York and Los Angeles confirming the Aug. 1 event. No. 1 ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko is set to face No. 2 ranked Josh Barnett in the main event of Affliction “Trilogy.”
For all the latest MMA news, go to MMAWeekly.com
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World MMA Rankings
Reported by MMAWeekly.com
The latest MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings were released on Sunday, May 31. This system ranks the Top 10 MMA fighters from all across the world in each of the seven most widely accepted weight classes.
Taken into consideration are a fighter’s performance in addition to his win-loss record, head-to-head and common opponents, difficulty of opponents, and numerous other factors in what is the most comprehensive rankings system in the sport.
Fighters who are currently serving drug-related suspensions are not eligible for Top 10 consideration until they have fought one time after the completion of their suspension.
Fighters must also have competed within the past 12 months in order to be eligible for Top 10 consideration.
Below are the current MMAWeekly World MMA Rankings, which are up-to-date as of May 31.
Division (Weight Class)
Rank. Fighter - Promotion
HEAVYWEIGHT (over 205 pounds)
1. Fedor Emelianenko - Affliction
2. Josh Barnett - Affliction
3. Frank Mir - UFC
4. Andrei Arlovski - Strikeforce
5. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - UFC
6. Randy Couture - UFC
7. Tim Sylvia - Affliction
8. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic - UFC
9. Brock Lesnar - UFC
10. Fabricio Werdum - UFC
2. Josh Barnett - Affliction
3. Frank Mir - UFC
4. Andrei Arlovski - Strikeforce
5. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - UFC
6. Randy Couture - UFC
7. Tim Sylvia - Affliction
8. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic - UFC
9. Brock Lesnar - UFC
10. Fabricio Werdum - UFC
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (205-pound limit)
1. Lyoto Machida - UFC
2. Rashad Evans - UFC
3. Forrest Griffin - UFC
4. Quinton Jackson - UFC
5. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua - UFC
6. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira - UFC
7. Wanderlei Silva - UFC
8. Keith Jardine - UFC
9. Thiago Silva - UFC
10. Renato “Babalu” Sobral - Strikeforce
2. Rashad Evans - UFC
3. Forrest Griffin - UFC
4. Quinton Jackson - UFC
5. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua - UFC
6. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira - UFC
7. Wanderlei Silva - UFC
8. Keith Jardine - UFC
9. Thiago Silva - UFC
10. Renato “Babalu” Sobral - Strikeforce
MIDDLEWEIGHT (185-pound limit)
1. Anderson Silva - UFC
2. Robbie Lawler - Strikeforce
3. Yushin Okami - UFC
4. Nathan Marquardt - UFC
5. Jorge Santiago - Sengoku
6. Dan Henderson - UFC
7. Vitor Belfort - Affliction/Cage Rage
8. Kazuo Misaki - Sengoku
9. Yoshihiro Akiyama - UFC
10. Demian Maia - UFC
2. Robbie Lawler - Strikeforce
3. Yushin Okami - UFC
4. Nathan Marquardt - UFC
5. Jorge Santiago - Sengoku
6. Dan Henderson - UFC
7. Vitor Belfort - Affliction/Cage Rage
8. Kazuo Misaki - Sengoku
9. Yoshihiro Akiyama - UFC
10. Demian Maia - UFC
WELTERWEIGHT (170-pound limit)
1. Georges St. Pierre - UFC
2. Jon Fitch - UFC
3. Thiago Alves - UFC
4. Jake Shields - N/A
5. Josh Koscheck - UFC
6. Matt Hughes - UFC
7. Martin Kampmann - UFC
8. Carlos Condit - UFC
9. Nick Thompson - Strikeforce
10. Mike Swick - UFC
2. Jon Fitch - UFC
3. Thiago Alves - UFC
4. Jake Shields - N/A
5. Josh Koscheck - UFC
6. Matt Hughes - UFC
7. Martin Kampmann - UFC
8. Carlos Condit - UFC
9. Nick Thompson - Strikeforce
10. Mike Swick - UFC
LIGHTWEIGHT (160-pound limit)
1. Shinya Aoki - Dream
2. Eddie Alvarez - Bellator
3. B.J. Penn - UFC
4. Tatsuya Kawajiri - Dream
5. Joachim Hansen - Dream
6. Kenny Florian - UFC
7. Gesias “JZ” Calvancante - Dream
8. Josh Thomson - Strikeforce
9. Frankie Edgar - UFC
10. Satoru Kitaoka - Sengoku
2. Eddie Alvarez - Bellator
3. B.J. Penn - UFC
4. Tatsuya Kawajiri - Dream
5. Joachim Hansen - Dream
6. Kenny Florian - UFC
7. Gesias “JZ” Calvancante - Dream
8. Josh Thomson - Strikeforce
9. Frankie Edgar - UFC
10. Satoru Kitaoka - Sengoku
FEATHERWEIGHT (145 pound-limit)
1. Mike Brown - WEC
2. Urijah Faber - WEC
3. Hatsu Hioki - Sengoku
4. Wagnney Fabiano - WEC
5. Takeshi Inoue - Shooto
6. Jose Aldo - WEC
7. Raphael Assuncao - WEC
8. Leonard Garcia - WEC
9. Joe Warren - Dream
10. Antonio Carvalho - Shooto
2. Urijah Faber - WEC
3. Hatsu Hioki - Sengoku
4. Wagnney Fabiano - WEC
5. Takeshi Inoue - Shooto
6. Jose Aldo - WEC
7. Raphael Assuncao - WEC
8. Leonard Garcia - WEC
9. Joe Warren - Dream
10. Antonio Carvalho - Shooto
BANTAMWEIGHT (135 pounds or less)
2. Brian Bowles - WEC
3. Masakatsu Ueda - Shooto
4. Takeya Mizugaki - WEC
5. Akitoshi Tamura - WEC
6. Will Ribeiro - WEC
7. Damacio Page - WEC
8. Joseph Benavidez - WEC
9. Manny Tapia - WEC
10. Marcos Galvao - WEC
Rua Gets A Shot
Rua gets a shot?
Reported by Yahoo Sports
It appears to be that Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has verbally agreed to fight Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida the undefeated UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
At a confrence call this past Thursday, it was made known that Quinton "Rampage" Jackson decided to pass on a Light Heavyweight Title shot and coach against "Sugar" Rashad Evans. Jackson cited unfinished business as why he decided to coach again instead of fight for the title.
Rua is coming off of a devistating TKO victory over Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell at UFC 97. There is some speculation though as to whether Rua should be in line for a shot at the title. His first fight at UFC 76 against Forestt Griffin he was submitted by rear naked choke. His second fight against Mark Coleman at UFC 93 he won via TKO, but looked badly winded after the fight. Rua has cited unfocused training camps and a persistent knee injury as to why those fights weren't that good.
Rua has stated though that he would like to fight Machida. He recently had an interview with tatame.com and praised Machida's skills and undefeated streak.
“Lyoto was phenomenal, beat Rashad and proved he’s the best of this division,” said Rua. “I’d love to (fight him), he’s a top guy. I wanna fight the best.”
The rumors are now that the bout will be held at UFC 104 on October 24th 2009 in Los Angeles.
Note: Looks like my prediction came true. This should be a pretty decent fight if Rua is 100% healthy.
Reported by Yahoo Sports
It appears to be that Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has verbally agreed to fight Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida the undefeated UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
At a confrence call this past Thursday, it was made known that Quinton "Rampage" Jackson decided to pass on a Light Heavyweight Title shot and coach against "Sugar" Rashad Evans. Jackson cited unfinished business as why he decided to coach again instead of fight for the title.
Rua is coming off of a devistating TKO victory over Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell at UFC 97. There is some speculation though as to whether Rua should be in line for a shot at the title. His first fight at UFC 76 against Forestt Griffin he was submitted by rear naked choke. His second fight against Mark Coleman at UFC 93 he won via TKO, but looked badly winded after the fight. Rua has cited unfocused training camps and a persistent knee injury as to why those fights weren't that good.
Rua has stated though that he would like to fight Machida. He recently had an interview with tatame.com and praised Machida's skills and undefeated streak.
“Lyoto was phenomenal, beat Rashad and proved he’s the best of this division,” said Rua. “I’d love to (fight him), he’s a top guy. I wanna fight the best.”
The rumors are now that the bout will be held at UFC 104 on October 24th 2009 in Los Angeles.
Note: Looks like my prediction came true. This should be a pretty decent fight if Rua is 100% healthy.
MMA News: Rampage Backs Out Of Fight
Rampage Declines Title Fight
During a conference call on Thursday Quinton "Rampage" Jackson said he declined fighting Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Instead he accepted a coaching job for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. The new season is currently being billed as The Ultimate Fighter 10 Heavyweights.
It was widely stated that the last time Rampage coached he didn't like it and vowed never to do it again. What brought him back again was a chance to fight against "Sugar" Rashad Evans at the finale. After Rampage's last fight at UFC 96 they brought Evans into the ring to have a little post fight hoopla. Apparently Rampage didn't like what Evans had to say.
“When I found out who I would be coaching against, I couldn't’t turn it down. You know, Rashad left a bad taste in my mouth. He got up in my face (following the UFC 96 fight) with his bad-ass breath. I’m from Memphis. We don’t like that (stuff).”
Rampage has also stated that having his next fight be December 5th will give him a lot more time to get some things done. This is what he had to say on that,
During a conference call on Thursday Quinton "Rampage" Jackson said he declined fighting Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Instead he accepted a coaching job for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. The new season is currently being billed as The Ultimate Fighter 10 Heavyweights.
It was widely stated that the last time Rampage coached he didn't like it and vowed never to do it again. What brought him back again was a chance to fight against "Sugar" Rashad Evans at the finale. After Rampage's last fight at UFC 96 they brought Evans into the ring to have a little post fight hoopla. Apparently Rampage didn't like what Evans had to say.
“When I found out who I would be coaching against, I couldn't’t turn it down. You know, Rashad left a bad taste in my mouth. He got up in my face (following the UFC 96 fight) with his bad-ass breath. I’m from Memphis. We don’t like that (stuff).”
Rampage has also stated that having his next fight be December 5th will give him a lot more time to get some things done. This is what he had to say on that,
“To be honest, I’ve been wanting to sharpen up on some of my skills,” Jackson said. “I’ve wanted to get my wrestling back up to par, and my ground game. This gives me time to continue to heal up. I fought really hard for two fights. I trained really hard for the Wanderlei (Silva) fight (at UFC 92 in December) and then I went right into training for Jardine. This will give me time to be with my kids and sharpen up my skills. I’m doing this (because) this is my job, my life. I want to put my best foot forward and I want to be the best champion who ever lived."
UFC President Dana White has stated that he will continue looking for a contender for the Light Heavyweight Championship, but has given no timetable on when he'll announce it. It's rumored that the next title fight was supposed to be at UFC 103, but White has now dispelled those rumors claiming it's not.
Note: My personal guess is Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Forrest Griffin is fighting Anderson Silva at UFC 101. Liddell is possibly retired, Jardine is way to up and down. It is possible that whoever wins the Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva fight could be in contention, but right now my pick is Rua.
UFC President Dana White has stated that he will continue looking for a contender for the Light Heavyweight Championship, but has given no timetable on when he'll announce it. It's rumored that the next title fight was supposed to be at UFC 103, but White has now dispelled those rumors claiming it's not.
Note: My personal guess is Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Forrest Griffin is fighting Anderson Silva at UFC 101. Liddell is possibly retired, Jardine is way to up and down. It is possible that whoever wins the Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva fight could be in contention, but right now my pick is Rua.
UFC 98 Results
UFC 98 Results
Preliminary Card
Lightweight bout: Dave Kaplan vs. George Roop
- Roop defeated Kaplan via split decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29).
Welterweight bout: Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. Brandon Wolff
- Yoshida defeated Wolff via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:24 of round 1.
Light Heavyweight bout: Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Andre Gusmao
- Soszynski defeated Gusmao via KO (punches) at 3:17 of round 1.
Lightweight bout: Phillipe Nover vs. Kyle Bradley
- Bradley defeated Nover via TKO (punches) at 1:03 of round 1.
Heavyweight bout: Patrick Barry vs. Tim Hague
- Hague defeated Barry via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:42 of round 1.
Welterweight bout: Brock Larson vs. Mike Pyle
Larson defeated Pyle via submission (arm triangle choke) at 3:06 of round 1.
Main Card
Lightweight bout: Sean Sherk vs. Frank Edgar
- Edgar defeated Sherk via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Middleweight bout: Dan Miller vs. Chael Sonnen
- Sonnen defeated Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Middleweight bout: Drew McFedries vs. Xavier Foupa-Pokam
- McFedries defeated Foupa-Pokam via TKO (strikes) at 0:37 of round 1.
Welterweight bout: Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra
- Hughes defeated Serra via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Light Heavyweight Championship bout: Rashad Evans (c) vs. Lyoto Machida
Machida defeated Evans via KO (punch) at 3:57 of round 2 to become the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.The Latest From The MMA Scene
Arlovski vs. Rogers battling in Strikeforce
Yahoo Sports is reporting that Andrei Arlovski vs. Brett Rogers is now official.
Former UFC Champion and Affliction fighter Andrei Arlovski (15-6) is set to fight Strikeforce's Brett Rogers on June 6th. Rogers was rumored to fight Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem, but instead now fights Arlovski.
Arlovski considered a top 10 Heavyweight in the world is coming of a devastating loss to Fedor Emelianenko in January, but still is 5-1 in his last six fights including 3 straight victories in the UFC before he left. Arlovski was set to make his professional boxing debut on June 27th, but with this fight it will likely be pushed back.
Here's the rest of the scheduled card.
MAIN CARD
Yahoo Sports is reporting that Andrei Arlovski vs. Brett Rogers is now official.
Former UFC Champion and Affliction fighter Andrei Arlovski (15-6) is set to fight Strikeforce's Brett Rogers on June 6th. Rogers was rumored to fight Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem, but instead now fights Arlovski.
Arlovski considered a top 10 Heavyweight in the world is coming of a devastating loss to Fedor Emelianenko in January, but still is 5-1 in his last six fights including 3 straight victories in the UFC before he left. Arlovski was set to make his professional boxing debut on June 27th, but with this fight it will likely be pushed back.
Here's the rest of the scheduled card.
MAIN CARD
Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Shields
Nick Diaz vs. Scott Smith
Kevin Randleman vs. Mike Whitehead
Phil Baroni vs. Joe Riggs
Andrei Arlovski vs. Brett Rogers
PRELIMINARY CARD
Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante vs. Jared Hamman
Josh Bumgarner vs. Jesse Finney
Tyron Woodley vs. Sal Woods
Lucas Lopes vs. Scott Ventimiglia
Pat Benson vs. Dave Cochran
Booker DeRousse vs. James Wade
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
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Anthony Johnson out of Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale
Reported by Yahoo Sports:
Welterweight fighter Anthony Johnson has been forced out of his scheduled fight with Matt Brown on June 20 because of a knee injury.
The UFC has yet to announce it official and still has the original fight listed on its website. The fight is a month away so there is time to find a replacement, but the fight could be scrapped all together because the card is already stacked.
Johnson didn't give an exact date or time for his return. He was going for third win in a row after his last fights ended in a KO and TKO over Kevin Burns and Luigi Fioravanti.
Brown is looking for his fourth win in five fights. He is coming off of a brutal TKO victory over Pete Sell at UFC 96 in March.
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Kongo to replace Herring at UFC 99
Reported by Yahoo Sports:
Top UFC heavyweight prospect Cheick Kongo (14-4-1) looks to be set to replace Heath Herring (28-14) against Cain Velasquez (5-0) at UFC 99 in Germany.
Kongo posted the change on his Facebook early Wednesday morning, and the UFC has since made the adjustment official.
Herring pulled out due to injury/illness neither yet confirmed.
This will be Kongo's fight in two months. Kongo fought at UFC 97 and gained a 2nd round TKO victory over Antonio Hardonk. That was Kongo's third consecutive victory and UFC President Dana White has stated that Kongo could be back in the title hunt now.
Cain Velasquez (5-0) all TKO stoppages and all except one in the first round is an up and coming UFC heavyweight and a victory over him would almost defiantly make Kongo a title contender.
This is the first time the UFC has ever had an event in Germany. Already ticket sales are good despite some local media outlets
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
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Anthony Johnson out of Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale
Reported by Yahoo Sports:
Welterweight fighter Anthony Johnson has been forced out of his scheduled fight with Matt Brown on June 20 because of a knee injury.
The UFC has yet to announce it official and still has the original fight listed on its website. The fight is a month away so there is time to find a replacement, but the fight could be scrapped all together because the card is already stacked.
Johnson didn't give an exact date or time for his return. He was going for third win in a row after his last fights ended in a KO and TKO over Kevin Burns and Luigi Fioravanti.
Brown is looking for his fourth win in five fights. He is coming off of a brutal TKO victory over Pete Sell at UFC 96 in March.
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Kongo to replace Herring at UFC 99
Reported by Yahoo Sports:
Top UFC heavyweight prospect Cheick Kongo (14-4-1) looks to be set to replace Heath Herring (28-14) against Cain Velasquez (5-0) at UFC 99 in Germany.
Kongo posted the change on his Facebook early Wednesday morning, and the UFC has since made the adjustment official.
Herring pulled out due to injury/illness neither yet confirmed.
This will be Kongo's fight in two months. Kongo fought at UFC 97 and gained a 2nd round TKO victory over Antonio Hardonk. That was Kongo's third consecutive victory and UFC President Dana White has stated that Kongo could be back in the title hunt now.
Cain Velasquez (5-0) all TKO stoppages and all except one in the first round is an up and coming UFC heavyweight and a victory over him would almost defiantly make Kongo a title contender.
This is the first time the UFC has ever had an event in Germany. Already ticket sales are good despite some local media outlets
Cro Cop Is Back
Cro Cop Is Back
I decided to fight in the UFC again, because of the stronger competition in the heavyweight division. My next opponent will be Mustapha Al-Turk.
I didn't do well in my first three appearances - I wasn't myself. By returning to the cage I want to prove that I can still fight at highest level, no matter when or where.
It's hard to talk about concrete plans, but I would really like to fight at least three times this year. I wish to fight against quality opponents and to fight my way up to a title shot but for now, I'll focus only on my next fight and after that we'll see what's going to be on the menu next.
I want to say thank you Mr. Dana White for your interest and for an invitation back to the UFC. I owe you a lot from our first deal, and I'll make it up to you.
Thanks everyone for supporting me all the way - we are back in business!
Mirko
Courtesy: MMANEWS.com
Bobby Lashley goes 3-0
Lashley is 3-0
Bobby Lashley is now 3-0 after defeating Mike Cook at last night's Maximum Fighting Championship 21 in River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton. Lashley won the fight 24 seconds into the first round via front guillotine choke. Lashley is now 3-0 and set to fight former NFL offensive lineman and K-1 star Bob Sapp on June 27th in Biloxi, MS.
Note from The Eagle:
Folks I watched this match and it lasted a full 24 seconds. Lashley was just dominate. And to think his opponent made fun of wrestling in his entrance. I guess he got taught a lesson.
The Latest Headlines
Thales Leites vs. Alessio Sakara
Thales Leites (14-2-0) is set to fight Alessio Sakara (17-7-1) at UFC 101. Leites is stepping in for the injured Rousimar Palares (broken tibia). The fight has yet to be official announced.
Leites is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Middleweight Champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva at UFC 97. Many thought the fight to be dissapointing, since Leites was coming in on a five fight win streak and posed a threat to Silva on the ground.
Sakara hasn't fought since September 2008, but did win his last fight against Joe Vedepo by knockout. 7 of Sakara's 8 fights have all ended in the first round either by Sakara winning via KO/TKO or losing via TKO and one submission.
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
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Franklin to stay at 205
Directly from MMANEWS.com
Former UFC Middleweight Champ Rich Franklin is now training with the man who beat him for the crown, Anderson Silva, and now Franklin tells The Dayton Daily News that he will likely stay at 205lbs following his UFC 99 195lb catch weight bout with Wanderlei Silva:
"I'll say this much," Franklin told the newspaper. "With training with Anderson out here in L.A. and him being the champ at 185, it really makes me feel like I don’t have a place at 185 pounds anymore.
"I don't see myself going to back to 185."
