MMA News

Jones, Vera focused on 205-pound division now, but heavyweight may be in future (3/10/2010 2:45:00 AM)
Jon Jones (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and Brandon Vera (11-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) could be headed up a division around the same time. The light heavyweight headliners of UFC on Versus 1 spoke Tuesday to media about their March 21 fight, and both said a trip to the heavyweight division is not out of the question in two years, give or take. It would be Vera's second run in the weight class since June 2008, when the UFC urged him to drop to 205 pounds after losses to Tim Sylvia and Fabricio Werdrum. Jones has served his young career at light heavyweight but said his still-growing frame may support a move up.
Elkins vs. Ludwig completes 11-bout "UFC on Versus 1: Vera vs. Jones" event (3/10/2010 1:00:00 AM)
UFC newcomer Darren Elkins (9-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) was today confirmed by the UFC as the final part of "UFC on Versus 1: Vera vs. Jones." Elkins meets veteran Duane "Bang" Ludwig (19-10 MMA, 2-1 UFC) on the evening's preliminary card. The 11-bout event takes place March 21 at 1STBANK Center in Broomfield (near Denver), Colo. The main card airs live on Versus.
Brendan Schaub announced as third bonus character for "UFC Undisputed 2010" (3/10/2010 12:05:00 AM)
Video game retailer GameStop announced today that "The Ultimate Fighter 10" finalist Brendan Schaub (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) is the third of four playable bonus characters in the forthcoming "UFC Undisputed 2010" title. Jones joins James McSweeney and Marcus Jones as the three officially announced bonus characters to date. The remaining character will be announced on March 16. Customers can secure access to these bonus characters by pre-ordering the game with GameStop either in-store or online. According to the company's website, "a code and instructions to unlock the GameStop exclusive fighters will come packaged with your game."
Emerson vs. Lentz official; UFC Fight Night 21 complete with 11 bouts (3/9/2010 11:10:00 PM)
In a bout first reported by MMAjunkie.com, Rob Emerson (9-8 MMA, 3-2-1 UFC) meets Nik Lentz (17-3-2 MMA, 1-0-1 UFC) on the UFC Fight Night 21 preliminary card. The UFC today announced the matchup, bringing the total number of fights on the card to 11. Featuring a lightweight matchup between perennial contender Kenny Florian and Japanese import Takanori Gomi, UFC Fight Night 21 takes place March 31 at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C. The main card airs live on Spike TV and serves as the lead-in for "The Ultimate Fighter 11" season debut.
Strikeforce to offer fourth fight for CBS broadcast of "Strikeforce: Nashville" (3/9/2010 10:20:00 PM)
With three title fights planned for Strikeforce's April return to CBS, the producers of "Strikeforce: Nashville" could run into a real problem. Properly timing three contests that could each potentially run 25 minutes - or 25 seconds - could leave the promotion with a bit of downtime to fill. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker recently told MMAjunkie.com that in order to fill the void, the promotion will likely air a preliminary card fight for the first time.
UFC Completes Card for Versus Debut (3/9/2010 10:10:11 PM)
Duane Ludwig will meet promotional newcomer Darren Elkins, a late replacement for an injured Spencer Fisher, in a preliminary lightweight match at UFC on Versus 1 on March 21 at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colo.
Matt Wiman vs. Mac Danzig expected for UFC 115 in Vancouver (3/9/2010 9:10:00 PM)
A lightweight match-up between Matt Wiman (11-5 MMA, 5-3 UFC) and Mac Danzig (19-7-1 MMA, 3-3 UFC) is expected for UFC 115. Sources close to the bout told MMAjunkie.com on Tuesday that both fighters have agreed to meet one another and are expected to put pen to paper soon. While not yet officially announced, UFC 115 is expected to take place June 12 at GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia. The night's main card airs on pay-per-view.
Martin Kampmann vs. Paulo Thiago in the works for UFC 115 in June (3/9/2010 8:20:00 PM)
A welterweight matchup between Martin Kampmann and Paulo Thiago is currently in the works for UFC 115. The potential bout was first reported by The Las Vegas Sun, and MMAjunkie.com has since confirmed that both fighters have verbally agreed to the fight, and bout agreements are expected to be finalized shortly. While not yet officially announced, UFC 115 is expected to take place June 12 at GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia. The night's main card airs on pay-per-view.
MMA on Tap March 2010 Rankings (3/9/2010 8:16:06 PM)
Mike Swick: Dan Hardy Deserves Title Shot Against GSP, Can 'Definitely Win' (3/9/2010 7:49:00 PM)
by Ariel HelwaniFiled under: UFC, NewsMike Swick and Dan Hardy have never appeared to be the best of friends. Of course, Hardy beat Swick to earn a welterweight title in November and then Swick talked publicly about how he didn't believe Hardy had done enough to truly earn that shot. So with that in mind, you might be surprised to hear that Swick has changed his tune about Hardy's right to face Georges St-Pierre later this month at UFC 111 and his chances of pulling off the upset in Newark, NJ.Mike Swick: Dan Hardy Deserves Title Shot Against GSP, Can 'Definitely Win' originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
UFC announces international broadcast plans for "UFC on Versus 1: Vera vs. Jones" (3/9/2010 7:30:00 PM)
DirecTV subscribers, stop reading now. While U.S. subscribers of the satellite television service are still waiting anxiously to hear if DirecTV and Versus will resolve their differences in time for this month's debut UFC event on the network, the fight promotion is ensuring MMA fans worldwide will see the event. The UFC recently announced that "UFC on Versus 1: Vera vs. Jones" will air on a host of countries outside of the U.S., including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the U.K.
Ring or Cage, Doesn't Matter to Shinya Aoki (3/9/2010 7:00:00 PM)
by Michael David SmithFiled under: DREAM, StrikeforceAs Dream lightweight champion Shinya Aoki prepares for his first fight outside Japan and his first fight in a cage, he says that he doesn't see much reason for concern in going over the differences between Strikeforce rules and Dream rules.Ring or Cage, Doesn't Matter to Shinya Aoki originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Alessio Sakara vs. James Irvin promoted, completes UFC on Versus 1 main card (3/9/2010 6:40:00 PM)
A potential light-heavyweight slugfest between Alessio Sakara and James Irvin has been promoted to main-card status at UFC on Versus 1 and brings to four the number of televised bouts for the event, MMAjunkie.com has confirmed with event officials. UFC on Versus 1 takes place Sunday March 21 at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Colo. It's the first UFC card televised live on the cable channel, and light heavyweights Brandon Vera and Jon Jones fight in the evening's main event.
UFC Primetime: Gentleman GSP vs. Trash Talker Hardy (3/9/2010 6:30:00 PM)
by Michael David SmithFiled under: MMA Media Watch, MMA Videos, UFCUFC Primetime, the three-part Spike TV series designed to hype the UFC 111 bout between Georges St. Pierre and Dan Hardy, debuts on Wednesday night. And the overarching theme of the series is expected to be the contrast between St. Pierre as the consummate professional mixed martial artist and Hardy as the trash-talking brawler.UFC Primetime: Gentleman GSP vs. Trash Talker Hardy originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Brandon Vera, Jon Jones Okay With Top Prospect Hype (3/9/2010 6:00:00 PM)
by Ray HuiFiled under: UFC, NewsBrandon Vera and Jon Jones, headliners of the first UFC on Versus card, have more in common than just coming off a loss where they came out looking better than the winner. At one point of each light heavyweight's respective career, they have felt what's it like to be touted as a the future of the sport. Vera, now 32, enjoyed the buzz four years ago when he ran through his opponents in the UFC. Jones, meanwhile, is a 22-year-old phenom who has drawn comparisons to Georges St-Pierre. During a media call Tuesday, I asked the two to talk about how expectations and hype have shaped them as a fighter.Brandon Vera, Jon Jones Okay With Top Prospect Hype originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Coker happy with Strikeforce's progress, says company "in this for a long time" (3/9/2010 5:05:00 PM)
In the past year, the California-based Strikeforce promotion has gone from solid regional promotion to counter-programming-worthy opponent of the UFC. While the company's handling of its champions and current relationship with M-1 Global and Fedor Emelianenko have come under a bit of fire, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that he's just fine with the current path of his fight promotion. "I think every goal that we set out last year, we've done that and then some," Coker said.
Ufc On Versus Final With Ludwig Vs Elkins (3/9/2010 4:48:53 PM)
The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Tuesday finalized the fight card for its first foray on the Versus network. UFC on Versus 1 rounds out at 11 on March 21 at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colo. ...
UFC announces Asian broadcast deal with Hong Kong-based All Sports Network (3/9/2010 4:15:00 PM)
As other fight promotions scramble for relevance in the U.S., the Ultimate Fighting Championship continues its own worldwide expansion. The UFC today announced a new long-term distribution agreement with All Sports Network, a 24-hour high-definition sports channel in Europe. The new deal provides UFC programming to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Macau, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.
MMAjunkie.com Radio: Javier Vazquez, Rodney Wallace on special "Primetime" edition (3/9/2010 3:55:00 PM)
Due to some special events at our home in the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, MMAjunkie.com Radio moves from its regular noon to 2 p.m. ET slot to a special evening time tonight. With a special primetime start of 9 p.m. ET, it's only appropriate that the man known as "Showtime," WEC 47 winner Javier Vazquez, joins the program. But Vazquez won't sport the best nickname of the evening - that belongs to Rodney Wallace, who fights at UFC 111 and goes by the moniker of "Sho Nuff the Master." Listen to and watch a video stream of the two-hour MMAjunkie.com Radio show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.
MMAjunkie.com Radio: WEC 47 winner Javier Vazquez on special "Primetime" edition (3/9/2010 3:55:00 PM)
Due to some special events at our home in the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, MMAjunkie.com Radio moves from its regular noon to 2 p.m. ET slot to a special evening time tonight. With a special primetime start of 9 p.m. ET, it's only appropriate that the man known as "Showtime," WEC 47 winner Javier Vazquez, joins the program. Listen to and watch a video stream of the two-hour MMAjunkie.com Radio show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.
New Ufc Primetime Features St-Pierre Vs Hardy (3/9/2010 3:48:46 PM)
The latest edition of UFC Primetime begins Wednesday night. It is a three-part series featuring behind the scenes access to the build-up between Georges St-Pierre and Dan Hardy (INCLUDES VIDEO CLIP)...
After brutal WEC 47 win, Scott Jorgensen believes he's at top of 135-pound division (3/9/2010 2:30:00 PM)
It wasn't that long ago that the WEC's bantamweight division appeared little more than a showcase for then-champion Miguel Torres. My, how things have changed. At this past weekend's WEC 47 event in Columbus, Ohio, Joseph Benavidez stunned Torres with a one-sided submission win and likely earned himself a shot at the 135-pound title. But Scott Jorgensen also landed one of the more memorable finishes in recent memory in his bout with Chad George, and he made a legitimate claim for contender status.
Wec 47: Bowles Vs. Cruz Photo Gallery (3/9/2010 2:18:46 PM)
Dominick Cruz continued his rocket ride to the top of the WEC bantamweight division. MMAWeekly.com’s Jeff Cain was cageside to capture all of the action...
James McSweeney vs. Travis Browne set for The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale (3/9/2010 1:20:00 PM)
UFC newcomer Travis Browne (9-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will meet "Ultimate Fighter 10" veteran James McSweeney (4-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) on the live finale of "The Ultimate Fighter 11." The as-yet-unannounced Spike TV event is expected for June 19 in Las Vegas, though its location is unknown at this time. MMAjunkie.com first reported the heavyweight matchup last week, though at the time, it was uncertain on which card the two would fight. "TUF 11," which features UFC legends Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell as coaches, features middleweight fighters bidding for the much ballyhooed "six-figure" UFC contract.
WEC 47 Wrap-Up (3/9/2010 1:14:10 PM)
Frank Curreri, WEC - Dominick Cruz and Joseph Benavidez, who fought last August, are once again on a collision course. Both fighters earned career milestones at WEC 47 in Columbus, Ohio - with Cruz dethroning WEC bantamweight champ Brian Bowles and Benavidez submitting former kingpin Miguel Angel Torres - and afterward Benavidez made it clear he welcomes a sequel with the belt on the line.
Thiago Vs. Kampmann In The Works For Ufc 115 (3/9/2010 12:48:44 PM)
The latest match-up that has been confirmed for the upcoming UFC 115 card set to take place in Vancouver will pit Brazilian stand-out, Paulo Thiago, against Danish heavy hitter Martin Kampmann in a 170lb fight on the night's main card....
Ultimate Fighter 11 Live Finale: June 19 On Spike Tv (3/9/2010 12:18:46 PM)
Ufc 116: July 3 In Las Vegas (3/9/2010 12:18:46 PM)
Strikeforce Challengers 7: March 26 On Showtime (3/9/2010 11:48:47 AM)
Mac Danzig vs. Matt Wiman Expected for UFC 115 in Vancouver (3/9/2010 11:39:06 AM)
The Ultimate Fighter 6 winner Mac Danzig will look to build off his recent victory when he takes on fellow lightweight Matt Wiman on June 12 at UFC 115 in Vancouver. Danzig snapped a three-fight losing streak with a win over Justin Buchholz in February, while Wiman recovered from back-to-back losses with a December victory over Shane Nelson.
Martin Kampmann vs. Paulo Thiago In The Works for UFC 115 in June (3/9/2010 11:13:33 AM)
A welterweight bout between Martin Kampmann and Paulo Thiago is in the works for UFC 115, as the 170-pound contenders have reportedly agreed to fight at the June 12 event in Vancouver. Kampmann earned a win over Jacob Volkmann in January, but was recently sidelined by a cut, while Thiago defeated Mike Swick in February for his second-straight win.
Alessio Sakara vs. James Irvin Completes UFC on Versus 1 Main Card (3/9/2010 10:42:33 AM)
A previously-reported matchup between middleweight sluggers Alessio Sakara and James Irvin has been promoted to complete the four-fight main card for "UFC on Versus: Vera vs. Jones", the UFC's Versus debut which takes place on March 21 at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Colorado.
Cung Le: 'I'm Hoping to Get a Rematch With Scott Smith ASAP' (3/9/2010 10:37:00 AM)
by Ray HuiFiled under: Strikeforce, NewsIf Cung Le has it his way, the former Strikeforce middleweight champion would like the opportunity in his next fight to avenge the only loss of his career."I"m hoping to get a rematch with Scott Smith ASAP," Le said in the above video on the Strikeforce website.Cung Le: 'I'm Hoping to Get a Rematch With Scott Smith ASAP' originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Sakara Looking for Three in a Row on March 21st (3/9/2010 10:01:00 AM)
Martins Denis, UFC - Every fighter that steps into the Octagon has a particular quest inside his mind, and even if climbing the mountain to earn a fight for the title is a mutual goal, each combatant still has his own formula to grab it.
Wec 47: Vazquez Closes The Door On Pulver (3/9/2010 9:48:47 AM)
Not only did Javier Vazquez put himself back on the winning track, he likely closed the door on former UFC champion Jens Pulver's career...
Ufc Extends Reach With New Asian Tv Deal (3/9/2010 9:48:46 AM)
The UFC on Tuesday announced it has reached a long-term agreement with ASN (All Sports Network), the first 24-hour high-definition sports channel in Asia to distribute UFC programs...
MMA Top 10 Bantamweights: Rise of Cruz, Fall of Torres (3/9/2010 9:30:00 AM)
by Michael David SmithFiled under: WEC, BantamweightsWe saw a major shift in the bantamweight division of mixed martial arts on Saturday night, when two major upsets took place at WEC 47.The bantamweight title belt, of course, changed hands when Dominick Cruz beat Brian Bowles, who suffered a broken hand and couldn't keep fighting after the second round. But in what might be an even more significant change in our perceptions of the 135-pounders, Joseph Benavidez thoroughly dominated Miguel Torres, the man who for most of the last few years has been regarded as far and away the best bantamweight in the sport.So now we have to re-assess our thoughts about the bantamweight division as we unveil our latest Top 10 rankings below.MMA Top 10 Bantamweights: Rise of Cruz, Fall of Torres originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Video: Leonard Garcia vs. George Roop WEC 47 “Fight of the Night” (3/9/2010 9:11:34 AM)
Check out part two of the WEC 47 "Fight of the Night" between Leonard Garcia and George Roop after the jump...
UFC Fight Night 21 Lineup Finalized (3/9/2010 8:59:15 AM)
Robert Emerson will lock horns with Nik Lentz in a preliminary matchup at UFC Fight Night 21 on March 31 at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C. Eleven bouts are now official for the event, which will be headlined by a pivotal lightweight showdown between the world-ranked Kenny Florian and former Pride Fighting Championships titleholder Takanori Gomi.
Undefeated Boxer BJ Flores Signs with Shine Fights for MMA Debut (3/9/2010 8:57:30 AM)
Undefeated WBO NABO cruiserweight champion BJ Flores is likely to become the latest boxer to make the jump to mixed martial arts, agreeing to a non-exclusive, multi-fight contract with upstart Shine Fights after fielding offers from several promotions. Flores is likely to debut in June or July and could fight at light heayweight or middleweight.
WEC Matchmaker: Cruz’s Health a Major Factor in Next 135 Pairings (3/9/2010 8:55:15 AM)
With Dominick Cruz’s victory over Brian Bowles Saturday in Columbus, Ohio, the WEC bantamweight title has now changed hands twice over the last seven months. Is recent rotation of titleholders bad for the WEC? Not according to matchmaker Sean Shelby.
Imada Returns to Bellator (3/9/2010 8:53:15 AM)
The man who authored the most memorable moment in the brief history of Bellator Fighting Championships will return for its second season.
Ufc Signs Distribution Deal With Asias Asn Hd Sports Channel (3/9/2010 8:01:00 AM)
Las Vegas, NV (USA) - UFC® today announced it has reached a long-term agreement with ASN, the first 24-hour HD sports channel in Asia to distribute UFC programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Macau, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.
Urijah Faber Not a Fan of Lesnar, Cruz; Wants Another Shot at Tyson Griffin (3/9/2010 7:55:00 AM)
by Ariel HelwaniFiled under: UFC, WEC, VideosUrijah Faber recently took part in a question-and-answer session in Las Vegas, and "The California Kid" was, as always, very honest with his responses. Some of the topics he touched on included: his title fight against Jose Aldo on April 24, why he doesn't like Brock Lesnar and Dominick Cruz, future fights on his mind, why he doesn't want to see the WEC merge with the UFC and much more. Check out the video below.Urijah Faber Not a Fan of Lesnar, Cruz; Wants Another Shot at Tyson Griffin originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Tim Sylvia vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski Event Postponed Until May 21 (3/9/2010 7:52:17 AM)
A recently-reported event expected to be headlined by former UFC champion Tim Sylvia vs. five-time "World's Strongest Man" Mariusz Pudzianowski, originally scheduled for April 23, has been postponed until May 21 to resolve a television conflict. The card will still take place at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts near Boston and will likely feature Houston Alexander vs. Seth Petruzelli, Yves Edwards, and Rich Clementi.
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabricio Werdum Likely for June; Strikeforce, M-1 Global Finishing Revised Dea (3/9/2010 6:02:15 AM)
Strikeforce and M-1 Global are close to finalizing a revised co-promotion deal that will clear the way for the return of top-ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko to Strikeforce this summer. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed that a June event, headlined by Emelianenko vs. fellow contender Fabricio Werdum, was possible.
Cung Le Hoping for Strikeforce Rematch with Scott Smith ‘ASAP’ (video) (3/9/2010 3:00:11 AM)
Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le is likely to return to action in Strikeforce soon and is hoping for a rematch with Scott Smith, who scored a come-from-behind knockout in December to hand Le his first career loss:
After tough promotional debut, UFC 111's Jared Hamman relieved to fight on U.S. soil (3/9/2010 2:30:00 AM)
Light heavyweight Jared Hamman (11-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) can laugh about it now, but prior to his octagon debut against Alexander Gustaffson at UFC 105 this past November, he was in a world of hurt. Hamman, a former University of Redlands linebacker and defensive end who faces Rodney Wallace at UFC 111 on March 27, had slept just eight hours in the three days prior to the Nov. 15 fight. "I was miserable," he recently told MMAjunkie.com.
Who's On First For Shot At Dominick Cruz? (3/9/2010 1:37:10 AM)
When Dominick Cruz defeated Brian Bowles to win the WEC bantamweight title on Saturday night, the new champion didn't have long to celebrate...
Despite rumors "Kimbo Slice" vs. Matt Mitrione, in fact, official for UFC 113 in Montreal (3/9/2010 1:35:00 AM)
Despite rumors of a potential bout with recent UFC signee and boxer James Toney, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, in fact, will fight fellow "The Ultimate Fighter 10" cast member Matt Mitrione in May at UFC 113. UFC officials today made official the bout, which completes the televised pay-per-view main card of the event. UFC 113 takes place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and feature a main event between light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida and challenger Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
Strikeforce, M-1 Deal Close; Fedor Back in June (3/9/2010 1:11:34 AM)
Strikeforce and M-1 Global are in the final stages of signing off on a revised deal that will see the two organizations co-promote additional events together in the U.S. in 2010. When finalized, the re-bolstered business relationship will also signal the return of Fedor Emelianenko
After the Eyepoke: Trevor Prangley, Karl Amoussou Fight Rages On (3/9/2010 12:22:55 AM)
The fight ended with an accidental eyepoke, but the battle between STRIKEFORCE mixed martial artists Trevor Prangley and Karl Amoussou continues to heat up – outside of the cage. Prangley believes he was in control of the live, SHOWTIME® televised STRIKEFORCE Challengers middleweight (185 pounds) fight at San Jose, California’s Civic Auditorium on Friday, February 26
Patient top contender Joseph Benavidez unsure if WEC title shot is next (3/8/2010 11:35:00 PM)
This past weekend's WEC 47 event appeared it'd perfectly set up the next bantamweight title fight when champ Brian Bowles met Dominick Cruz in the headliner and top contenders Miguel Torres and Joseph Benavidez clashed in the co-headliner. And though Cruz and Benavidez pulled off a pair of upsets, Benavidez today told MMAjunkie.com Radio he's unsure if he'll get the next title shot with the newly crowned champ. But he won't lose sleep either way. Patience truly is a virtue, Benavidez said.
Kimbo Slice vs. Matt Mitrione Finally Official for UFC 113 (3/8/2010 10:38:00 PM)
by Ariel HelwaniFiled under: UFC, NewsLast month at UFC 110, the organization announced Kimbo Slice vs. Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on May 8. However, once James Toney signed with the organization, rumors began to swirl that Slice would fight Toney instead, possibly as early as April 17. Well, the UFC squashed those rumors Monday evening by sending out a press release that the Slice vs. Mitrione heavyweight bout was official for UFC 113 after all.Kimbo Slice vs. Matt Mitrione Finally Official for UFC 113 originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
UFC lightweight Evan Dunham on BJJ black belt and UFC 115 training for Tyson Griffin (3/8/2010 10:30:00 PM)
After 10 years of study, Evan Dunham is now a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. Wellington "Megaton" Dias, a Phoenix, Ariz.-based fourth-degree black belt under Royler and Rolker Gracie, surprised the UFC lightweight with the belt late last month at an affiliate school in Eugene, Ore., where Dunham built his mixed-martial-arts career. The lightweight up-and-comer said the belt is nice but that it's not the end of the road in his evolution as a competitor.
Speculation Quelled, Kimbo Fights At Ufc 113 (3/8/2010 10:07:29 PM)
The UFC on Monday quelled the speculation about a possible bout between former world champion boxer James Toney and Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson...
WEC 47 Fighter Salaries and Bonuses (3/8/2010 9:50:23 PM)
Season-one lightweight tourney runner-up Toby Imada enters Bellator's season-two field (3/8/2010 9:15:00 PM)
Toby Imada, who upset Jorge Masvidal with a performance that earned him the 2009 World MMA Awards "Submission of the Year" honor, looks to improve on last year's runner-up finish and has entered the eight-man field of Bellator Fighting Championships' season-two lightweight tourney. Bellator today announced Imada as the sixth confirmed competitor for its eight-man tourney field. The tournament kicks off with Bellator's second season, which commences in April and airs live on FOX Sports Net with taped highlights on NBC and Telemundo.
Tyler Stinson wins Bellator open tryout, earns spot on Bellator 16 card (3/8/2010 8:35:00 PM)
Tyler Stinson bested a field of 72 fighters - some of whom had experience with the WEC, IFL and other top promotions - and won Bellator Fighting Championships' open tryout this past weekend in Kansas City, Kan. The 24-year-old Kansas native owns a 16-5 professional record and now earns a spot on Bellator 16, which takes place April 29 in Kansas City. Stinson edged 27-year-old Leonardo Pecanha (11-6), who's impressive showing could earn him a spot on a May Bellator card, the promotion today announced.
Strikeforce Challengers VI salaries: Trevor Prangley earns event-high $15,000 payday (3/8/2010 7:50:00 PM)
Veteran Trevor Prangley earned $15,000, and newly crowned Strikeforce women's welterweight champion Sarah Kaufman earned $14,000 and to nab top paydays at Strikeforce Challengers VI. MMAjunkie.com recently requested and today received the list of disclosed salaries from the California State Athletic Commission. The total disclosed payroll for the Feb. 26 event was $75,000, though half the competitors went unpaid because they're amateur fighters.
Kimbo Returns at UFC 113 on May 8th (3/8/2010 7:40:42 PM)
Thomas Gerbasi, UFC - Canada will get their first dose of the Kimbo Slice phenomenon on Saturday, May 8th, when the Ultimate Fighter alumnus looks to make it 2-0 in the Octagon on the UFC 113: Machida vs Shogun 2 card at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Strikeforce Challengers VI draws 2,318 attendees for $86,440 gate (3/8/2010 7:40:00 PM)
Strikeforce's most recent "Challengers Series" card, headlined by a 135-pound title fight between new champ Sarah Kaufman and challenger Takayo Hashi, drew 2,318 attendees to the San Jose Civic Center in San Jose, Calif., for a live gate of $86,440. MMAjunkie.com recently requested and today received the official figures for the Feb. 26 event from the California State Athletic Commission. The report did not state how many, if any, of the tickets were issued complimentary.
WEC 47 fighter salaries: Joseph Benavidez leads $264K payroll with $29K payday (3/8/2010 6:45:00 PM)
Not only did Joseph Benavidez submit favorite Miguel Torres and stake claim to a likely bantamweight title shot, he also earned an event-high $29,000 payday at this past weekend's WEC 47 event. MMAjunkie.com on Sunday requested and today received the list of salaries from the Ohio Athletic Commission. The total disclosed payroll for the March 6 Versus-televised event was $236,500.
"DaDa 5000," Dan Cramer, Jake Rosholt, John Alessio, Doug Marshall weekend winners (3/8/2010 5:15:00 PM)
While the MMA world's focus turned to this past weekend's WEC 47 and Sengoku Raiden Championships 12 events, a host of familiar names posted victories in regional promotions across the U.S. Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson protégé and fellow streetfighter Dhafir "DaDa 5000" Harris, three-time UFC fighter Steve Bruno and "The Ultimate Fighter 7" cast member Dan Cramer earned wins in Florida. Recent UFC castoff Jake Rosholt won in Oklahoma, former WEC champ Doug Marshall won in California, and ex-UFC fighters John Alessio, Chad Reiner and Justin Wren claimed victory in Nebraska.
"DaDa 5000," Dan Cramer, John Alessio, Doug Marshall among weekend winners (3/8/2010 5:15:00 PM)
While the MMA world's focus turned to this past weekend's WEC 47 and Sengoku Raiden Championships 12 events, a host of familiar names posted victories in regional promotions across the U.S. Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson protégé and fellow streetfighter Dhafir "DaDa 5000" Harris, three-time UFC fighter Steve Bruno and "The Ultimate Fighter 7" cast member Dan Cramer earned wins in Florida. Former WEC champ Doug Marshall won in California, and ex-UFC fighters John Alessio, Chad Reiner and Justin Wren claimed victory in Nebraska.
Jens Pulver Torn Between Fighting, Potentially Disappointing Fans (3/8/2010 5:00:00 PM)
by Ray HuiFiled under: WEC, NewsThe one reason keeping Jens Pulver from possibly lacing up his four-ounce gloves once more following Saturday's WEC 47 loss could be the very same thing he cherishes: his fans. In a video released to his fans midnight Sunday on his Facebook page, Pulver presented contradictory remarks, sounding interested in extending his 11-year fight career, but at the same time reiterating his wish to avoid risking disappointment once more with another potential loss. "No, I'm not done," Pulver said. "I'm disappointed. I just think it's not fair to do this to all of you, to go out there and just not get the Ws.Jens Pulver Torn Between Fighting, Potentially Disappointing Fans originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Event Featuring Rumored Pudzianowski-Sylvia Bout Pushed Back to May 21 (3/8/2010 4:37:00 PM)
by Mike ChiappettaFiled under: Fighting, FanHouse ExclusiveThe MMA event scheduled for Worcester, Massachusetts that is rumored to be importing Polish strongman Mariusz Pudzianowski to the U.S. to face former UFC champion Tim Sylvia has a new date. Event promoter Corey Fischer told MMA Fighting that the event has been moved back a month, to May 21 from its original April 23 date, in order to solve a television scheduling conflict.Event Featuring Rumored Pudzianowski-Sylvia Bout Pushed Back to May 21 originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
MMAjunkie.com Radio: Joseph Benavidez and Kendall Grove at special 5 p.m. ET start time (3/8/2010 4:05:10 PM)
Due to some special events at our home in the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, MMAjunkie.com Radio moves from its regular noon to 2 p.m. ET slot to special evening times over the next two days. Today's show, for example, takes place from 5-7 p.m. ET with WEC 47 co-main-event winner and top contender Joseph Benavidez and Kendall Grove, who meets Mark Munoz next month at UFC 112. Tuesday's show, which features WEC 47 winner and featherweight contender Javier Vazquez, airs from 9-11 p.m. ET.
Toby Imada Official for Bellator Lightweight Tournament (3/8/2010 4:05:00 PM)
by Ray HuiFiled under: Bellator, NewsToby Imada, the man who pulled off the general consensus Submission of 2009, will return for Bellator's second lightweight tournament beginning in April, Bellator announced Monday."Toby has meant a great deal to our company and we are very pleased to have him back for our Season 2 lightweight tournament," Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said in a news release.Imada will likely fight American Top Team's Jorge Masvidal, whom Imada finished with an inverted triangle choke during last year's semifinals. Masvidal hasn't been announced for Bellator season two, but both Imada and Masvidal have spoken about the rematch, and in January, Bellator confirmed to MMAFighting.com that a rematch was in the works.Toby Imada Official for Bellator Lightweight Tournament originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Cung Le Angling For Scott Smith Rematch (3/8/2010 3:37:14 PM)
His last time out, Cung Le lost the first bout of his career. Now he's angling for a rematch...