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11072010
  • BLOG: "Bones" Jones, Gomi Both With Something To Prove
    <B>By MATT BOONE<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> The following is an excerpt from a new <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/browse-blogs" target="_Blank">MMANews.com Blog</A> by our own <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/blog/TheFightGame" target="_Blank">John Specht</A>:<BR><BR> <B>Jones, Gomi Both With Something To Prove</B><BR><BR> As Jon "Bones" Jones and Takanori Gomi enter the cage on this Sunday night, they will have something in common, in spite of their careers seemingly headed in opposite directions.<BR><BR> They will both be trying to prove something.<BR><BR> For Gomi, he's trying to prove he belongs in the UFC and is still one of the top lightweights in the world. That he is the same fighter that reeled off 14 straight wins to start his professinal career. That he's still "The Fireball Kid."<BR><BR> Jones will be trying to hush critics that "The Janitor" is a bad matchup for him. That he likely will get bullied around the cage, something he is not by any means used to in his short, but electrifying UFC career.<BR><BR> <CENTER><A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/blog/TheFightGame/134" target="_Blank"><B><BIG>CONTINUE READING THIS BLOG >></B></BIG></A></CENTER><BR><BR> <HR><B>NOTE:</B> Don't forget you can <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/browse-blogs" target="_Blank">post your own blogs</A> or read additional blogs from MMANews.com staff and regular fans, by checking out our <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/browse-blogs" target="_Blank">MMANews.com Blog Section</A>.<BR><HR><BR><BR> <SMALL>Check out all of John Specht's past MMANews.com blogs by <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/blog/TheFightGame" target="_Blank">CLICKING HERE</A>.</SMALL><BR><BR>

  • UFC On Versus 2: Jones vs. Matyushenko Weigh-In Results
    <B>By MATT BOONE<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> The following are the results of today's official UFC On Versus 2 weigh-ins, for the show in San Diego on Sunday night, airing live on the Versus cable channel.<BR><BR> <B>TV Fights:</B><BR><BR> -Takanori Gomi (156 lbs.) vs. Tyson Griffin (154 lbs.)<BR> -Jake Ellenberger (170 1/2 lbs.) vs. John Howard (170 1/2 lbs.)<BR> -Mark Munoz (185 lbs.) vs. Yushin Okami (185 lbs.)<BR> -Jon Jones (206 lbs.) vs. Vladimir Matyushenko (206 lbs.)<BR><BR> <B>Preliminary Fights:</B><BR><BR> -Rob Kimmons (185 lbs.) vs. Steve Steinbeiss (185 lbs.)<BR> -Darren Elkins (154 1/2 lbs.) vs. Charles Oliveira (154 lbs.)<BR> -Brian Stann (186 lbs.) vs. Mike Massenzio (184 lbs.)<BR> -DeMarques Johnson (172 1/2 lbs.) vs. Matt Riddle (171 lbs.)<BR> -Paul Kelly (155 lbs.) vs. Jacob Volkmann (156 lbs.)<BR><BR> Make sure to visit MMANews.com on Sunday for LIVE UFC On Versus 2 round-by-round results coverage!<BR><BR>

  • Chute Boxe Fighter Alexandre "Cacareco" Ferreira Issue Open Challenge
    Dave McKinney Sent Along The Following:<br><br><br> When Alexandre Ferreira left his comfortable home at the luta livre-based Brazilian Top Team in 2008, he thought his MMA career was over. He hadn?t trained for eight months, and the five-foot-seven, 205-pound bull of a fighter was ready to call it quits after a decade in the sport. On a whim, he made his cell phone number public to trainers and promoters alike, hoping that he may get one last shot at a small camp that would allow him to finish his career on his own terms.<br><br> Much to his surprise, Cacareco?s phone rang just two days later, and on the other end was a man that he never imagined would call. Rudimar Fedrigo, the leader of BTT rival Chute Boxe, wanted Ferreira on his team. Just years earlier, Cacareco had been deeply entrenched in the rivalry between the luta livre specialists at BTT and the Muay Thai fighters at Chute Boxe when a brawl broke out between him and Chute Boxe member Evangelista ?Cyborg? Santos after one of his two wins over Chute Boxe members.<br><br> ?This invitation from Rudimar was a great lesson in my life,? Ferreira said at the time of his transition to Chute Boxe. ?We can?t be arrogant because life is like a big circle. In the most difficult moment of my career, it was the person who I expected least that offered his hand and invited me to be part of this team.? <br><br> Now two years older and with two more impressive victories under his belt, the 30-year-old is ready to make a big impact in mixed martial arts. Already a favorite of hardcore fans who followed him through his up-and-down career in the early days of the sport, Cacareco now looks to continue his impressive journey through a sport that was illegal in most of the United States when he found it.<br><br> The Rio de Janeiro, Brazil native started his career with a willingness to fight anybody at anytime, and his record showed the battles that he had been through. After beginning his career with a disqualification loss, Ferreira went on an eight-fight win streak, including two impressive showings in the no holds barred World Vale Tudo Championships that saw him win the one-night tournament once and then nearly win a second time before being injured. The eight-fight win streak for the then 21-year-old Ferreira saw him earn victories over the likes of PRIDE veterans Heath Herring, ?Dirty? Bob Schrijber, and Shannon Ritch, making him one of the hottest prospects in the sport.<br><br> Cacareco then went to Japan in the RINGS organization, but back-to-back losses to Hiromitsu Kanehara and Chris Haseman started a four-fight win losing streak that dropped the Brazilian?s record to a middling 8-5 overall. But since losing to Miquel de Souza in 2004, Cacareco has gone on an impressive streak that has saw him win ten of his past eleven fights, with all ten victories coming via submission in the first round. Perhaps even more impressive, however, is his seven fight win streak dating back to 2007. In the seven fights, Cacareco has spent just a total of nine minutes in the ring, including stopping four of his opponents in less than a minute.<br><br> The dominant streak earned the highly respected fighter a call from the UFC, where he was offered a fight with former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida. The top-ranked fighter declined to fight the fast-rising prospect. Machida instead faced another Brazilian in Thiago Silva, who he easily defeated en route to earning a title shot and becoming a seemingly unbeatable champion. All of that is not lost on Cacareco, who would still like to fight the former world champion. ?It would be a very hard fight for him,? Cacareco said. ?My style would make him confused. He knew I would take him down and submit him, for sure.?<br><br> A brilliant wrestler who went undefeated in more than sixty wrestling matches as an amateur, Cacareco brings a dominant well-rounded grappling style to mixed martial arts that has rarely been seen before. With one of the most impressive double leg takedowns in the game, Ferreira never has much trouble getting a fight into his realm. <br><br> After signing with fast-rising Shine Fights late in 2009, Cacareco was quick to disclose his goals in his new home: ?I want to be the champion,? he stated simply. ?I don?t want to know who [to fight], I just want to know when.? Unfortunately for Ferreira, his scheduled fight at the organization?s May event was cancelled at the last minute, leaving him to wonder once again where to go next. <br><br> To make things worse, Cacareco has still not been paid what he was promised after the cancellation of the Shine event. Regardless, the well-rounded fighter is ready to move on and is willing to fight any fighter in the world at 185 or 205 pounds. <br><br> Fighting in the United States has always been a goal of Ferreira, who has said once again that he?ll face anybody at anytime and in any place: ?Lately, I have no idea how many times I had to answer the following questions: Why aren´t you fighting for a big event and what famous names in the game do you think you would beat?,? Cacareco said. <br><br> ?The answer to the first question is hard, because it doesn?t depend only on me. I believe that I have what it takes to be in any show in the world. The answer to the second question is not that difficult: after seeing some light-heavy-weights that are in the best shows, I can say, with no doubts in my mind that I would do well against most of them. I have a unique way of fighting, I can go toe-to-toe with anybody and, as soon as I lay my hands on them, they know they will get submitted.? <br><br> ?Since Lyoto [Machida] refused to face me in the UFC, people love when I tell them the names of fighters I´d submit. So, for starters, Gegard Mousasi would be a good name. I was offered to fight him last event [at DREAM], but it seems like he preferred to have an easier opponent, somebody who couldn?t even make weight. From the UFC Tito Ortiz, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine, Stephan Bonnar, and all those fighters that come from The Ultimate Fighter reality show; Jon Jones, King Mo, Jeff Monson, Dan Henderson, well, there are so many names out there that it?s too hard to mention, and I?m just listing fighters at 205, because light heavyweight is the division I want to focus on right now.?

  • Dana White Says Shogun Won't Be Fighting In December
    Despite rumors that he might return sooner rather than later, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua will not be returning anytime soon following recent knee surgery, despite trying to push for a return:<br><br> "This kid keeps pushing it to get out there faster and faster. I completely respect him for that. He's an animal. I love it. But there's no way he's going to be ready by December. People keep asking why he's had so many knee surgeries. That's exactly why he's had that many knee surgeries. I doubt [there will be an interim title]. When we did the belt for Brock Lesnar, we didn't know if Brock was ever going to come back or if he'd be out for a year or two. No interim title. We know this kid is coming back. He's already had the surgery. He knows exactly the date he can come back."<br><br> According to <a href=http://www.yahoo.com>Yahoo Sports</a>, White also stated that Shogun may not return until the spring or summer.

  • Joe Soto Vs. Joe Warren Title Fight Set For Bellator 27
    CHICAGO, Ill. (July 30, 2010) ? Bellator Fighting Championships World Featherweight Championship belt will be on the line Sept. 2nd when reigning champ Joe ?The Hammer? Soto defends his title against Season 2 Featherweight Tournament Champion Joe Warren at Bellator 27 in San Antonio.<br><br> The five-round Main Event Championship fight ? which will be televised LIVE nationwide from San Antonio?s Majestic Theatre on FOX Sports Net ? features two fighters at the top of their games each looking to make another huge statement that they are among the world?s top 145-pound fighters.<br><br> Soto, a native of California?s Central Valley, was a virtual unknown in the MMA world before knocking off Ben Greer, Wilson Reis and Yahir Reyes to take home the first-ever Bellator Featherweight Championship belt last June. He recently improved his record to a perfect 9-0 with an impressive May 20th ground-and-pound stoppage of durable UFC veteran Diego Saraiva at Bellator 19 in Dallas. The Hammer is known for his well-rounded arsenal and finishing ability with four of his wins coming via submission and four being stopped via KO or TKO.<br><br> Warren, the former NCAA all-American wrestler at the University of Michigan and two-time Greco-Roman wrestling world champion, burst onto the MMA scene in 2009 with stunning wins over former WEC standout Chase Beebe and Japanese sensation Kid Yamamoto. In 2010, he took home Bellator?s Season 2 Featherweight Tournament Championship with inspiring consecutive victories over Eric Marriott, Georgi Karakhanyan and the previously undefeated Patricio ?Pitbull? Freire, improving his overall pro MMA record to 5-1 and solidifying his place among the best featherweights in the sport.<br><br> ?Of our four upcoming world title fights, the Soto-Warren fight is hugely intriguing,? said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. ?Joe Soto is extremely talented and has made a collection of top ten rankings. Warren?s a world-class wrestler who beat one of the greatest featherweights in the world in just his second fight. He has tremendous heart and he doesn?t understand what the word ?lose? means. Joe Soto also comes from a national-caliber wrestling background and anyone who saw his fight with Diego Saraiva in May knows that his game is polished and world-class throughout every facet of MMA. This should be a truly spectacular fight.?<br><br> Soto said that he ?can?t wait for the fight? and thinks he matches up well against Warren.<br><br> ?I?m just really excited to get in there and compete against him,? Soto said. ?He?s a wrestler just like I am, but I think I can out-wrestle him. If he takes me down, I?m better on my back than he is on top. If we stay standing, I think I can out-box him. No matter where the fight goes, I think I?m a much better all-around fighter than he is.?<br><br> Warren, for his part, respectfully disagreed, saying that ?after September 2nd, Joe Warren will have his first belt and that?s going to be big trouble for everyone in this weight division.<br><br> ?Joe Soto is a tough fighter, but he?s going to see the best Joe Warren that?s ever been in a cage,? Warren said. ?We?re both great wrestlers so I?m guessing we?re going to get in there and beat the crap out of each other, but in the end I?m going to be taking that belt home with me.?<br><br> For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.<br><br> Tickets for Bellator 27 are available at www.Ticketmaster.com.

  • Anderson Silva Talks Being Misrepresented In The Media
    The lead up to UFC 117's middleweight title bout between Champion, Anderson Silva and Challenger, Chael Sonnen has been a completely one side affair in favor of Sonnen in terms of trash talk but in his defense, Silva explains to <a href=http://maximbrasil.uol.com.br/sexo-jogos-mulher/21/artigo176238-1.asp>UOL</a> his stance on trash talk:<br><br> "I can't please everyone. When you become a world reference in a sport you perform you become the target of cheap talking. It's need to watch yourself because any wrong attitude ends showing an opposite image of what is actually represented"

  • UK UFC Fighters Doing Autograph Signings To Promote Game Release
    <a href=http://www.thq.com>THQ</a> sent along the following:<br><br> UFC fighters including Ross Pearson, Dan Hardy, Michael Bisping and Paul Taylor, will be touring the UK and taking part in signing sessions at GAME and GameStation, in August.<br><br> All the signings will be taking place between 5 and 7pm, but more up to date info including who will be at each signing, will be going out on Facebook and Twitter nearer the time.<br><br> Here?s the full list of dates and venues:<br><br> 4 August<br> GameStation, Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9YZ<br><br> 5 August<br> GameStation, 83 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3DD<br><br> 6 August<br> GAME London, 100 Oxford Street, London, W1D 9LL<br><br> 11 August<br> GameStation, 27 Blandford Street, Sunderland, SR1 3JH<br><br> 12 August<br> GameStation, Meadowhall Shopping Centre, Sheffield, S9 1ER<br><br> 13 August<br> GameStation, 138 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4NS<br><br> 19 August<br> GAME, Listergate, Nottingham, NG1 7DE<br><br> 20 August<br> GameStation, 72 Lord Street, Liverpool, L2 1TL

  • King Mo Talks Strikeforce Title Defense On "Inside MMA" On HDNet
    <B>By MATT BOONE<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> Carey Colette from HDNet sent along the following to MMANEWS.com ...<BR><BR> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<BR><BR> DALLAS (July 30, 2010)<BR><BR> <CENTER><B>KING MO SAYS HE'LL MAKE "REFRIED BEANS" OUT OF RAFAEL<BR> "FEIJAO" CAVALCANTE - TONIGHT ON HDNET'S "INSIDE MMA"</B><BR><BR> The Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion speaks out<BR> TONIGHT on HDNet, Friday, July 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET</CENTER><BR><BR> <B>WHAT:</B> On tonight's "Inside MMA," Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champ Mo Lawal makes a play on his opponent's nickname "Feijao" by saying he'll, "make refried beans" of Cavalcante in their upcoming match at Strikeforce Houston on August 21, 2010.<BR><BR> Also on the program, MMA pioneer "Judo" Gene LeBell tells the panel why he turned down a part in the mixed martial arts classic "Enter The Dragon." LeBell, who has worked in over 1000 TV and film productions - and whom also fought in the first sanctioned MMA fight in 1963 - tells Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten that he turned down the movie because he wouldn't make enough in residuals!<BR><BR> Rounding out the panel, Strikeforce Champion Sarah Kaufman - who may have scored the biggest hit in MMA last week with her knockout slam on Roxanne Modafferi - guarantees she'll be on the main card for the next Strikeforce event.<BR><BR> Finally, in the news, Big John McCarthy confirms to Ron Kruck that he will return to referee in the UFC on August 1st ...for the first time since 2007.<BR><BR> A clip from the upcoming program can be found at the following link:<BR><BR> <A HREF="http://blog.hdnetfights.com/tagged/imma" target="_Blank">http://blog.hdnetfights.com/tagged/imma</A><BR><BR> <B>WHEN:</B> TONIGHT, Friday, July 30, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. ET.<BR><BR>

  • Mayhem Appears On "The Voice" On HDNet, Has Harsh Words For Nick Diaz
    <B>By MATT BOONE<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> Colette Carey from HDNet sent along the following to MMANEWS.com ...<BR><BR> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<BR><BR> <CENTER><B>HDNet's Michael Schiavello Ignites Intense Rivalry In The Upcoming<BR> "The Voice Vs. Jason 'Mayhem' Miller"</B><BR><BR> See the comments that sparked a war of words between "Mayhem" and Nick Diaz<BR> Friday, July 30 at 10:00 p.m. on HDNet</CENTER><BR><BR> DALLAS (July 29, 2010) This past week HDNet posted a clip from the upcoming program "The Voice vs. 'Mayhem' Miller" - and that clip has attracted over 45,000 views on YouTube. Not surprising given the fact that Jason "Mayhem" Miller makes some bold comments about Nick Diaz (and a range of other topics) during the interview, set to air this coming Friday on HDNet.<BR><BR> Miller has some surprising answers for Schiavello on subjects such as who gave him the hardest hit in his career and which A-list celebrities he would choose to hook up with now that he has achieved a level of celebrity himself. But, the most talked about piece of his interview with "The Voice" centers around his feelings about another Strikeforce fighter - Nick Diaz.<BR><BR> Miller said of Diaz, "He's highlighting this stupid, thug culture that we really need to get rid of," says Mayhem on HDNET. "I want to beat him up. It's all business, but I want to kick him in the face."<BR><BR> The animosity stems from Miller's view that Diaz "jumped me on national TV" during the Strikeforce brawl in Nashville in April. The raw emotion generated in this HDNet Special can be seen in the following preview clip:<BR><BR> <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuwDKZ60DhQ" target="_Blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuwDKZ60DhQ</A><BR><BR> Diaz responded to Miller's comments by hosting his own obscenity-laden posting, also on YouTube.<BR><BR> "This interview with Mayhem Miller is 'The Voice' at his finest," says Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "Schiavello has a knack of getting very real responses from his guests through very unique methods. Behind the outlandish humor in the show are some very powerful and emotional moments, especially when it comes to Miller talking about Diaz and the brawl in Nashville."<BR><BR> Michael Schiavello, known as "The Voice," is one of the world's leading combat sport broadcasters thanks to his trademark mix of entertaining one-liners and unparalleled understanding of MMA. Schiavello currently serves as the global voice of K-1, K-1 MAX, DREAM, and Mark Burnett's The Contender Asia. In 2008 he was part of the global ABU broadcast of the Olympic Games from Beijing, and is the long time voice of FOX Sports kickboxing, muay thai, and MMA in Australia.<BR><BR> "The Voice Vs..." is HDNet's 60-minute one-on-one interview program hosted by Michael Schiavello featuring revealing conversations with the top stars in and around the world of mixed martial arts.<BR><BR>

  • Dana White Confirms Next Title Contender For Lesnar-Velasquez Winner
    <B>By MATT BOONE<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> On this week's edition of "MMA Live" on ESPN 2, which as of this article has yet to air in the U.S., but has aired already in the the U.K., UFC president Dana White revealed the next number one contender for the heavyweight title.<BR><BR> White noted that whoever wins the Junior Dos Santos vs. Roy Nelson fight at UFC 117 next Saturday night will challenge either Brock Lesnar or Cain Velasquez, depending on who leaves UFC 121 in October with the gold.<BR><BR> Dos Santos vs. Nelson will be one of four main events on the stacked UFC 117 card, scheduled for Saturday, August 7 in Oakland, California. Also featured in top matches that night will be Matt Hughes vs. Ricardo Almeida, Jon Fitch vs. Thiago Alves and a middleweight title attraction between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen.<BR><BR>

  • Spike Confirms TV Bouts For UFC 120 On October 16
    <B>By MATT BOONE<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> Kevin Sornatale from Spike TV sent along the following to MMANEWS.com ...<BR><BR> <CENTER><B>SPIKE TV TO SHOWCASE ENGLAND?S TOP MIXED MARTIAL ARTS FIGHTERS IN ?UFC 120: BISPING VS. AKIYAMA?<BR> ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16<BR> ?The Ultimate Fighter 3? Champ Michael Bisping Takes On Japanese Sensation Yoshihiro Akiyama In The Main Event<BR> Welterweight Contender Dan Hardy Battles Carlos Condit In Co-Feature</CENTER><BR><BR> New York, NY, July 29, 2010 ?</B> Great Britain?s best mixed martial artists will be on display as the UFC heads across the pond for an action-packed pay-per-view quality fight card airing on Spike TV (same day tape) on <B><U>Saturday, October 20 at 9:00pm ET/PT</B></U> emanating from the O2 Arena from London, England. In the main event, the first British winner of ?The Ultimate Fighter?, Michael Bisping (season 3), takes on Japanese superstar Yoshihiro Akiyama in an international middleweight clash. For the co-feature, Nottingham, England?s tough-talking Dan ?The Outlaw? Hardy takes on American Carlos Condit in a welterweight contest.<BR><BR> Michael ?The Count? Bisping (20-3), fighting out of Manchester, England with the Wolfslair MMA Academy, was the victor in ?The Ultimate Fighter 3? under the tutelage of coach Tito Ortiz in 2006. Bisping won two of his next three fights in the OctagonŽ before dropping down in weight class from light heavyweight to middleweight, where he proceeded to win his next three contests including a victory over Chris Leben at UFC 89 in front of his fellow countrymen in Birmingham, England. Since then, Bisping has continued to fight the 185 lb division?s toughest competitors, including Wanderlei Silva, Dan Miller, Dan Henderson and Denis Kang.<BR><BR> One of Japan?s finest mixed martial arts fighters, Akiyama (13-2, 2 NC) was the winner of the 2001 Asian Championships and 2002 Asian Games in judo. He made an impressive debut in the UFC at UFC 100 last July with a split-decision victory over Alan Belcher, earning ?Fight of the Night? honors. Following a tough loss to Chris Leben at UFC 116, which also earned him a ?Fight of the Night? bonus, Akiyama needs a victory over Bisping to continue his path to a title shot.<BR><BR> One of the world?s top welterweights, Hardy (23-7, 1 NC) most recently faced UFC champ Georges St. Pierre at UFC 111 in March. ?The Outlaw,? in the biggest fight in his career, dropped a hard-fought five-round decision to the legendary Canadian fighter. Prior to his title shot, the 28 year-old Briton won his first four fights in the OctagonŽ, defeating such UFC notables as Akihiro Gono, Marcus Davis, Rory Markham, and Mike Swick. A victory over Condit furthers his quest for another shot at the coveted belt.<BR><BR> Condit (25-5), who trains in Albuquerque, New Mexico with the renowned Jackson?s MMA team, is one of the division?s top contenders. Despite being only 26, Condit is a mixed martial arts veteran and was the last man to hold the WEC welterweight belt. He has fought many of the sport?s biggest names including Martin Kampmann, Frank Trigg and Jake Shields.<BR><BR> Rising mixed martial arts star John ?The Hitman? Hathaway (14-0), a former rugby player from Brighton, England, is a perfect 4-0 in his UFC career including an eye-opening decision victory over Diego Sanchez at UFC 114 in May. He will be tested by 11-year-veteran Mike ?Quicksand? Pyle.<BR><BR> Fighting out of Las Vegas, Pyle (19-7-1) is a former WEC welterweight champion who is known for his world-class submission game and over a decade of pro MMA experience. Pyle most recently defeated Jesse Lennox via triangle choke submission in June at UFC 115.<BR><BR> The Spike telecast will open with a welterweight battle between ?The Ultimate Fighter 9? winner James ?Lightning? Wilks (8-3) from Leicestershire, East Midlands, England and Canadian Claude Patrick (12-1). Wilks, who defeated DaMarques Johnson last June in ?The Ultimate Fighter 9? finale, most recently defeated Peter Sobotta at UFC 115 in June. His opponent, Patrick, fighting out of Toronto, was victorious in his recent Octagon debut, defeating Ricardo Funch via submission at UFC 115 in June.<BR><BR> Also on the fight card, a heavyweight showdown between Paris, France native Cheick Kongo (25-6-1) and undefeated Travis Browne (10-0). Kongo is returning to the arena where he enjoyed his finest moment in the Octagon, a decision victory over Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 75. Kongo recently scored an impressive over Paul Buentello in March. A native of Hawaii, the imposing 6?7 Travis Browne won his UFC debut in June over James McSweeney with a first round TKO.<BR><BR> Other bouts might air depending available time:<BR><BR> Cyrille Diabate (17-6-3) vs. Alexander Gustafson (9-1)<BR> Stanislav Nedkov (11-0) vs. Steve Cantwell (7-3)<BR><BR> Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world?s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV?s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at www.spike.com/press.<BR><BR>

  • UFC On Spike TV Aug. 2-Aug. 8 Schedule; UFC 117 Countdown
    <B>By MATT BOONE<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> Kevin Sornatale from Spike TV sent along the following to MMANEWS.com ...<BR><BR> Below is the schedule for UFC programming on Spike for the week of Monday, August 2 ? Sunday, August 8.<BR><BR> All the best,<BR> Kevin Sornatale<BR> Spike Communications<BR><BR> <B>ˇ UFC 117 COUNTDOWN: SILVA VS. SONNEN</B><BR> Premieres Monday, August 2 (11:00 PM ? Midnight, ET/PT). Encores Wednesday, August 4 (7:00 ? 8:00 PM, ET/PT) & Saturday, August 7 (6:00 ? 7:00 PM, ET/PT).<BR> <B>ˇ UFC UNLEASHED #123</B><BR> Telecasts Wednesday, August 4 (8:00 ? 9:00 PM, ET/PT)<BR> <B>ˇ ULTIMATE KNOCKOUTS 6</B><BR> Telecasts Wednesday, August 4 (9:00 ? 10:00 PM, ET/PT)<BR><BR>

  • UFC On Versus 2: Jones vs. Matyushenko Preview
    <B>By MATT MOLGAARD<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> For such an insanely significant card, that could potentially outline the future of more than one division, it?s a true mystery as to why Zuffa and Versus have failed so miserably in the promotion of this event. Perhaps the big dogs fear Jon ?Bones? Jones isn?t a large enough draw to headline an event at this point, and overextending the promotional bucks for this particular bill is a waste of time and paper. Hell, they may well be correct if that is indeed a contributing factor to UFC on Versus 2?s promotional neglect. But today?s actions ultimately hold bearing on tomorrow?s fate. And with highly touted prospects Jon Jones, Jake Ellenberger, John Howard and Mark Munoz all taking to the cage in hopes of continuing their divisional escalation, it?s practically criminal to disregard this promotional installation in such fashion.<BR><BR> Takanori Gomi Vs Tyson Griffin: We?ve got to be honest with ourselves here: Takanori Gomi Version 2010 isn?t the same freak of nature that launched a wrecking ball through the lightweight division five years ago. As Gomi adds the mileage to his body, his technical deficiencies have become far more identifiable, and his sharpest tools have begun to dull. His biggest problem? A few of Gomi?s growing weaknesses happen to be Tyson?s blossoming strengths. Expect Griffin?s wrestling to be just a little too much for Gomi as the fight wears on. Factor the wrestling in with Tyson?s well calculated striking and potentially fight ending abilities while working in the scrambles and you?ve got a recipe for yet another Takanori Gomi defeat. He?ll likely hang on to see the final bell, but Tyson Griffin will exit the cage with the unanimous decision victory.<BR><BR> Jake Ellenberger Vs John Howard: This fights got more question marks stuck to it than the Riddler?s hideous outfit. The only answer it will likely provide is who the more advanced prospect is, because make no mistake about it: these two are legit prospects. Ellenberger is entering this fight on the heels of two extremely impressive bouts. While his UFC debut resulted in a close split decision loss to Carlos Condit, he hurt the former WEC champion multiple times in the fight and showed some excellent striking en route. His second opponent, another welterweight standout, Mike Pyle was pounded out in less than two full rounds. John Howard on the other hand now has four back-to-back victories fighting for the UFC, and has shown an ability to finish fights in impressive and brutal fashion. While Howard looks to have the slight edge in momentum, I?m going to pick Jake Ellenberger by surprise third round knockout.<BR><BR> Yushin Okami Vs Mark Munoz: And here is where the fun ends for the future stars. Munoz has an excellent wrestling base, and he?s proven he?s got power in his hands, especially if he can position himself properly to deliver some clean ground-and-pound. The problem is, just about everything Munoz does well, Okami does better. Mark will have his moments early in the fight, but Yushin will prove to the world he?s still a genuine threat at 185 pounds. I foresee an Okami TKO in round two after the often overlooked Japanese product secures mount, and lets those fists fly.<BR><BR><!--more-break--> Jon Jones Vs Vladimir Matyushenko: While this bout will act as the evenings true talent showcase, it likely won?t match the excitement of Ellenberger/Howard. That?s not to say this clash shouldn?t be exciting, because it most definitely will be, but only as long as ?Bones? allows the bout to continue. Matyushenko?s best days are now well behind him. Once a legitimate top 10 light heavyweight, Vladdy has now lost a step or two, and (recent) tough bouts with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Eliot Marshall, and Jason Lambert aren?t adding any more longevity to an already decorated career. Bones on the other hand has looked near flawless in his 11 bout career with the exception of his blunder against Matt Hamill, whom Jones was destroying before being disqualified for dropping an illegal elbow or two. It may appear competitive for about 90 seconds, but Jones will quickly take over. Bones takes home another win with a late first round TKO stoppage.<BR><BR> Though Zuffa may not be overtly concerned with this card, there?s serious reason to tune in, as the divisional standings could possibly see some shifts occur come August 1st, and a few explosive stoppages are more likely than not considering some of the match-ups Joe Silva has assembled. All in all, I expect one of the better free UFC events in recent memory, it only remains to be seen just how many will check this card out, considering legions of casual fans don?t even know of it?s existence thanks to the little promotional engine that couldn't pushing this card.<BR><BR>

  • Kurt Angle And Ken Shamrock Join Cast Of "Beyond The Mat" Film
    Jeff from RMH Media sent along the following to MMANEWS.com ...<BR><BR> <CENTER><B>INDIE HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING PIC BEYOND THE MAT<BR> PUMPED UP BY SOME LORDS OF THE RING</CENTER></B><BR><BR> These days, the web buzz around Beyond The Mat, the high school wrestling drama starring John Wynn and Days of Our Lives? hottie Mark Hapka, is steadily building into the roar of the crowd as the film is granted some extra heft from pro wrestlers Kurt Angle and Ken Shamrock. The Olympic Gold medalist and UFC champion, respectively, will be appearing in pivotal scenes in the indie pic based on the Tribeca fest-winning screenplay. The film, the feature directorial debut of Van Pham, is executive produced by L.A.-based Catch 22 Entertainment.<BR><BR> Angle, a six-time WWF champ and TNA Triple Crown winner, portrays a menacing coach to Dominic, the sinister opponent of our unlikely hero, Aaron (Wynn), whose pursuit of the ring is nearly derailed by his Hamlet-like quest to find himself while avenging a long-standing grudge.<BR><BR> Shamrock, a UFC Hall of Famer and four-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, who has headlined more than 15 main events in the UFC and Pride Championships, may be slightly overqualified for his role as an exuberant color commentator in Beyond The Mat?s key fight scenes, but his presence, and Angle?s, underscore the filmmakers? commitment to tapping real-world wrestling sensibilities.<BR><BR> What?s more, the film has already garnered endorsements from USA Wrestling as well as the National High School Coaches Association.<BR><BR> To further burnish the film?s sports-world cred, Catch 22?s VP of Production Lorna Paul has secured the talents of editor Scott Conrad, best known for his masterful, Oscar-winning cut of Rocky, everyone?s favorite rags-to-riches-in-the-ring tale.<BR><BR>

  • MFC Signs Six-Event Extension To Air Live Shows On HDNet
    <B>By MATT BOONE<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> Scott Zerr from MFC sent along the following to MMANEWS.com ...<BR><BR> <CENTER><B>MFC-HDNet extend partnership<BR> New six-event deal will capture organization?s exciting growth</CENTER><BR><BR> For Immediate Release</B><BR><BR> The Maximum Fighting Championship will remain a frontrunner in showcasing live mixed martial arts to a massive international audience with a new six-event contract teamed with broadcast partner HDNet.<BR><BR> Since partnering with HDNet in 2008, nine MFC events have been featured live on HDNet Fights, beginning with MFC 15: Rags to Riches and through to the most recent MFC 25: Vindication. During the partnership, viewers from the United States , Canada , and Mexico have tuned in live on HDNet to see the Maximum Fighting Championship and its power-packed lineup of talented fighters.<BR><BR> The newly signed deal, which runs through the end of 2011, includes the fast-approaching MFC 26: Retribution to be held in Westman Place at the Keystone Centre in Brandon , Manitoba , Canada , on Friday, Sept. 10.<BR><BR> ?I am even more excited about this new agreement between the Maximum Fighting Championship and HDNet than when we signed our initial partnership,? said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich, who personally welcomed HDNet Owner and renowned entrepreneur Mark Cuban to the Maximum Fighting Championship at MFC 17.<BR><BR> ?We have learned so much since then thanks to our business relationship. We have gone very far in improving our product and we are ready to take things to the next level to become real players on the worldwide stage.?<BR><BR> Viewers of the MFC on HDNet Fights have seen spectacular fights over the past two years. In that span, champions have been crowned ? Antonio McKee, Emanuel Newton, Trevor Prangley, and Pat Healy ? and numerous fighters have become hot international commodities. Amongst the biggest names that have stepped into the MFC ring are fighters such as Ryan Jimmo, Ryan Ford, Thales Leites, Paul Daley, Benson Henderson, Pete Spratt, Bryan Baker, and John Alessio.<BR><BR> MMA fans across North America have been fortunate enough to see many heart-pounding fights during the MFC-HDNet partnership including the MFC?s 2009 Fight of the Year between Mike Nickels and David Heath, and highlight-reel finishes dished out by the likes of Dwayne Lewis, Bobby Lashley, and Aron Lofton.<BR><BR> ?This new long-term deal keeps Canada ?s No. 1 MMA promotion on ?Your Home of MMA? ? HDNet,? said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights.<BR><BR> ?The MFC is a rarity in this business ? exciting fights, big-name stars, local legends, and sellout crowds. This year, the MFC plans to grow to new heights and HDNet will be there to capture their great events live.?<BR><BR> The Maximum Fighting Championship is the only Canadian-based mixed martial arts organization airing on live television, and has drawn praise for its impressive climb.<BR><BR> ?I?m really impressed with how the MFC has gone from being a really solid regional show to today where it is a real international player in the fight business,? said Kenny Rice, host of ?Inside MMA? and HDNet Fights commentator, this past December.<BR><BR> ?The thing I?ve noticed and what has made the MFC stand out to me is the real growth which we at HDNet Fights have not seen with a lot of other shows. The MFC has become a very versatile organization. You see the fighters who are from the home region and they are very good but you?re also seeing guys from Europe, guys from Brazil , from all over Canada and the United States . And for that, the organization deserves a lot of credit. Things are constantly improving.?<BR><BR>

  • BLOG: Nate Marquardt Interview & Exclusive IMMAE Live Report
    <B>By MATT BOONE<BR> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR> The following is an excerpt from a new <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/browse-blogs" target="_Blank">MMANews.com Blog</A> by our own <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/blog/TheFightGame" target="_Blank">John Specht</A>:<BR><BR> <B>*IMMA Expo Good For Sport*</B><BR><BR> It was a memorable weekend for MMA fans in Colorado.<BR><BR> Sponsored by the Denver based ?King Of Champions Promotions? and "Fight To Win", the International MMA Expo made it's first trip to the region, with the Ritchey Center at DU playing host to the largest MMA tradeshow of it's type.<BR><BR> Not quite the proverbial "kid in a candy shop" experience but very close, as fans were able to submerse themselves in MMA for the whole weekend.<BR><BR> This is the type of large scale traveling event that is great for the sport, as it's able provide much needed exposure to the casual or new fans in various regions. Adding to that is adding easy access to fighters, not to mention all the latest gear, clothing, and supplements on display, all under one roof.<BR><BR> MMA has always had a solid fan base in Colorado, but just like most other areas, has also seen a spike of new fans and more coverage over the last 2-3 years. MMANEWS.com recently spoke to UFC middleweight contender Nate "The Great" Marquardt on when he really noticed a difference ....<BR><BR> <CENTER><A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/blog/TheFightGame/118"><B><BIG>CONTINUE READING THIS BLOG >></B></BIG></A></CENTER><BR><BR> <HR><B><U>NOTE:</U></B> Don't forget you can <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/browse-blogs" target="_Blank">post your own blogs</A> or read additional blogs from MMANews.com staff and regular fans, by checking out our <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/browse-blogs" target="_Blank">MMANews.com Blog Section</A><BR><HR><BR><BR> <SMALL>Check out all of John Specht's past MMANews.com blogs by <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/blog/TheFightGame" target="_Blank">CLICKING HERE</A>.</SMALL><BR><BR>

  • Exclusive: Brian Stann Talks New Book, UFC On Versus 2, More
    By Chris Howie<br> MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer<br><br> War hero, Mixed Martial Arts fighter, Author? Those are three different occupations that one man in the UFC now has under his belt. Former WEC Light Heavyweight Champion Brian Stann, who fights this weekend at UFC on Versus 2, also has a book coming out soon. <br><br> The book, which is scheduled for a mid-September release, covers stories from Brian?s fighting career and time spent in Iraq.<br><br> Stann talked to MMANews.com this week about the book as well as his fight Saturday against Mike Massenzio and his drop to the middleweight division.<br><br> ?About two years ago i started working on this project? Stann started ?Ya know, it took a lot of convincing to do and I wasn't keen on it at first - it covers my life through my childhood, my fighting life and my times over in Iraq. The overall theme is overcoming adversity and learning from mistakes to become a better person and not make those mistakes again.?<br><br> Like many authors going into their first book release Stann is a little uneasy about it coming out ?I?m still a little bit insecure about it coming out because I think it?s never easy for anyone who writes a book because you don't know how it will be received. I never had any real high hopes for it so we'll see. I'm pretty proud of the finished product.?<br><br> <!--more-break--> Aside from the book, Stann also will make his middleweight debut this weekend at UFC on Versus 2 against a returning Mike Messenzio. It will be his first bout at 185lbs. after spending his career in the 205lb. division. It?s a move that Stann has been all for ?I started the cut in April and did it very smart. I haven?t lost any significant strength at all so I'm really pleased in that area. I'm faster, I'm getting more velocity on my punches and I feel this is the right place to be for me. ?<br><br> The difference maker and deciding factor in the drop to middleweight was Stann?s last bout against Phil Davis ?When I fought Phil Davis in my last fight I made weight that morning. I woke up a half a pound under and that is just unacceptable when you are fighting a guy who has cut some significant weight and his game plan is to hold you down and wrestle you the whole time. I'll have to live a more discipline lifestyle but it will certainly be worth it in the end.?<br><br> The drop could be a difference maker for Stann as he feels he has been in fights against bigger fighters that have taken him down and held him on the mat but at 185lbs. he feel he will have the advantage ?The name of this game will be home trying to take me down and hold me down. Being the bigger and stronger fighter it is my goal is to obviously not allow him to do that. This weight class will allow me to come back with strategy on my opponents who have consistently fought to hold me down and keep me on the ground.?<br><br> <!--more-break--> Stann didn?t begin training until he was first exposed to MMA when he entered the Marine Corp. He comes a strictly a football background so the last two years of training at Greg Jackson?s in Albuquerque, NM has been a blessing for him ?I've came to the sport pretty raw but I've been able to do pretty good for the time being. Now that I'm training with all these different fighters I feel great and feel like my skillset is catching up to my athleticism.?<br><br> Being a man who has been in the trenches during the Iraq war and has been awarded the Silver Star for his valor in combat, mental edge is something Stann feels he has over his opponents. ?Coming from the military standpoint, training is training and I don't miss practice or training. I put everything into it and I'm open to constructive criticism and I'm easily coached. Having the combat mindset and being able to react in the Octagon instead of freezing up - I definitely think I have a mental edge over my opponents.?<br><br> Stann will be looking to keep the fight towards his game plan and that is one he hopes fans will enjoy ?I don't think fans like to see fights with a guy in top control grinding out a decision. I want to be in exciting standing fights the fans want to see.?

  • Ricardo Almeida Talks Matt Hughes, Revenge, Choking Him Out
    Ricardo Almeida will meet up with Matt Hughes at UFC 117 and the Renzo Gracie protege recently spoke about his fight with the former UFC Welterweight Champion:<br><Br> "People say that he?s slowed down?and he?s had some hiccups here and there?but at welterweight he?s really only lost to Georges St-Pierre. His fight with Thiago Alves wasn?t really at welterweight. I?m watching video on this guy and watching his fights and I?m thinking like, what are all of these people watching. It?s MMA; when you win, you?re the greatest and when you lose, you?re done. It just so happens that he has beaten a couple of guys from my team?actually, I felt that Matt Serra won his fight, but hey, I?m biased. I was in the corner with Renzo [at UFC 112] and it was very emotional to see the way that it ended, so I asked Joe Silva for that fight right away and they gave me my wish. It?s just extra motivation, but whether I like or dislike Matt Hughes doesn?t really make a difference. If it was my mother in there, I?d be trying to choke her out and I expect nothing less from my opponent."<br><br> Props: Tapology

  • Thiago Silva Off UFC 117 Card, Tim Boestch To Face Newcomer Todd Brown
    Thiago Silva was set to fight Tim Boestch in a light heavyweight contest at UFC 117 but an undisclosed injury has forced him from the card.<br><br> As MMAWeekly.com reported, Silva has had back problems in the past that have played a factor in his training not being up to par.<br><br> Boestch is now expected to face UFC newcomer Todd Brown who holds an 11-1 professional record.

  • Phil Baroni Injured, Dan Miller To Fight John Salter At UFC 118
    An injured collarbone will force Phil Baroni out of a scheduled UFC 118 bout against John Salter. According to reports Dan Miller will step in to face Salter in the prelims.<br><br> Baroni confirmed to MMANews.com that the injury was minor as reports have indicated but did not comment further.<br><br> Miller takes the fight on a month's notice as he looks to try and turn things around and get back in the win column. He last lost via a decision to Michael Bisping at UFC 114 putting him on a three fight losing streak.<br><br>


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