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WSOF 15: Branch vs. Okami
ALSO GOES DOWN TOMORROW NIGHT, FUN FIGHTS ON HERE.
main CARD
NBC Sports Network
Dave Branch vs. Yushin Okami
for middleweight title
Justin Gaethje vs. Melvin Guillard
159pound catchweight
Jessica Aguilar vs. Kalindra Faria
for women's strawweight title
Jorge Patino vs. Eric Reynolds
preliminary CARD
MMAjunkie, 6 p.m. ET
Maurice Salmon vs. Javier Torres
Troy Gerhart vs. Anderson Hutchinson
Jose Cortes vs. Ryan Keenan
Frederico Moncaio vs. Tony Way
Hector Ochoa vs. Robert Reed
Joe Johnson vs. Reggie Pena
Matt Frevola vs. Josh Zuckerman
ALSO GOES DOWN TOMORROW NIGHT, FUN FIGHTS ON HERE.
main CARD
NBC Sports Network
Dave Branch vs. Yushin Okami
for middleweight title
Justin Gaethje vs. Melvin Guillard
159pound catchweight
Jessica Aguilar vs. Kalindra Faria
for women's strawweight title
Jorge Patino vs. Eric Reynolds
preliminary CARD
MMAjunkie, 6 p.m. ET
Maurice Salmon vs. Javier Torres
Troy Gerhart vs. Anderson Hutchinson
Jose Cortes vs. Ryan Keenan
Frederico Moncaio vs. Tony Way
Hector Ochoa vs. Robert Reed
Joe Johnson vs. Reggie Pena
Matt Frevola vs. Josh Zuckerman
excellent night of fights. didnt catch the PPV but everything free was legit. WSOF, Bellator, UFC prelims.
fights of the night: Melvin Manhoef vs Joe Schilling & Jessica Eye vs Leslie Smith. WMMA dove right into Mehico in a way they couldnt do in USA. those chicks represented.
cant wait for Bellator 133
fights of the night: Melvin Manhoef vs Joe Schilling & Jessica Eye vs Leslie Smith. WMMA dove right into Mehico in a way they couldnt do in USA. those chicks represented.
cant wait for Bellator 133
'Rampage' hints at desired UFC return; Dana White discusses 'unique relationship'
LOL, OHHH THE IRONY...
Is Quinton Jackson angling for a UFC return, and is company president Dana White actually open to it?
Both “Rampage” and White this week suggested such a scenario isn’t as farfetched as it might seem.
After Jackson (35-11 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) suffered three straight losses, the UFC released him in early 2013. Prior to the release, Jackson was often less than complimentary of the promotion. He then signed with rival Bellator MMA, where he’s 3-0 with a Season 10 tournament title, as part of a joint MMA and wrestling deal, which included some brief work with TNA.
However, Jackson, now appears unhappy with his new home and might be pining for the days of old (via Twitter):
Quinton Jackson ✔ @Rampage4real
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Just a thought.. But I've learned a big lesson in life and business: sometimes u should just stay with the devil u know @ufc
9:18 PM - 17 Nov 2014
Although labeling the UFC “a devil” isn’t exactly the warmest sentiment, White suggested Jackson hasn’t completely burned his bridge to the UFC, where he reigned as light-heavyweight champion from 2007-2008.
“I like him,” White told TSN’s “Off the Record” on Monday. “‘Rampage’ and I have a very unique relationship. All the stuff that goes on publicly, behind the scenes, we square it away. He’s a good dude.”
During his time with the Bellator, Jackson has seen a change in management. He was a prized acquisition of former chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney, whom ex-Strikeforce promoter Scott Coker recently replaced. After the change, Jackson considered retirement.
He hasn’t fought since a controversial May win over Muhammed Lawal, which prompted a heated post-fight press conference.
LOL, OHHH THE IRONY...
Is Quinton Jackson angling for a UFC return, and is company president Dana White actually open to it?
Both “Rampage” and White this week suggested such a scenario isn’t as farfetched as it might seem.
After Jackson (35-11 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) suffered three straight losses, the UFC released him in early 2013. Prior to the release, Jackson was often less than complimentary of the promotion. He then signed with rival Bellator MMA, where he’s 3-0 with a Season 10 tournament title, as part of a joint MMA and wrestling deal, which included some brief work with TNA.
However, Jackson, now appears unhappy with his new home and might be pining for the days of old (via Twitter):
Quinton Jackson ✔ @Rampage4real
Follow
Just a thought.. But I've learned a big lesson in life and business: sometimes u should just stay with the devil u know @ufc
9:18 PM - 17 Nov 2014
Although labeling the UFC “a devil” isn’t exactly the warmest sentiment, White suggested Jackson hasn’t completely burned his bridge to the UFC, where he reigned as light-heavyweight champion from 2007-2008.
“I like him,” White told TSN’s “Off the Record” on Monday. “‘Rampage’ and I have a very unique relationship. All the stuff that goes on publicly, behind the scenes, we square it away. He’s a good dude.”
During his time with the Bellator, Jackson has seen a change in management. He was a prized acquisition of former chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney, whom ex-Strikeforce promoter Scott Coker recently replaced. After the change, Jackson considered retirement.
He hasn’t fought since a controversial May win over Muhammed Lawal, which prompted a heated post-fight press conference.
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Photos: UFC greats Jon Jones, Anderson Silva spar (since a superfight is unlikely)
Two of the best fighters in MMA history got together on Monday for what was probably an amazing sparring session. Unfortunately, just a few photos serve as evidence.
UFC President Dana White posted the following image of Jon Jones and Anderson Silva (via Instagram) with the hashtags #noppv #noticketssold #rockyvsapollo:
Jon Bones Jones ✔ J @jon nyBones
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That moment when dreams become reality
The two MMA greats were in Las Vegas on Monday for the “UFC: The Time Is Now” press conference and visited the gym at UFC headquarters for a few hours afterward. Silva, especially, seemed to enjoy the session and was part of a hilarious video earlier this week that Jones posted after the session.
Unfortunately, the sparring session is likely to be the only time the two trade punches. At Monday’s press conference, Jones, the UFC’s reigning light-heavyweight titleholder, said he has no desire to fight Silva, the former longtime UFC middleweight champion.
“I would never want to fight Anderson – never, ever,” he said. “I just look up to him so much. I don’t have many people that I’ve looked up to in my lifetime and think, ‘Wow, how cool would it be to be that guy?’ Look at what he’s done. (Michael) Jordan, LeBron (James), Anderson, Kobe (Bryant) – I consider them all in the same class. Athletes of that caliber don’t come around that often. I don’t want to be the guy to beat him.”
Besides, both fighters have more pressing matters. Silva (33-6 MMA, 16-2 UFC) fights Nick Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) in UFC 183′s middleweight headliner on Jan. 31. Four weeks prior at UFC 182, Jones (20-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) fights rival Daniel Cormier (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) in UFC 182′s main event on Jan. 3. Both fights take place in Las Vegas.
Two of the best fighters in MMA history got together on Monday for what was probably an amazing sparring session. Unfortunately, just a few photos serve as evidence.
UFC President Dana White posted the following image of Jon Jones and Anderson Silva (via Instagram) with the hashtags #noppv #noticketssold #rockyvsapollo:
Jon Bones Jones ✔ J @jon nyBones
Follow
That moment when dreams become reality
The two MMA greats were in Las Vegas on Monday for the “UFC: The Time Is Now” press conference and visited the gym at UFC headquarters for a few hours afterward. Silva, especially, seemed to enjoy the session and was part of a hilarious video earlier this week that Jones posted after the session.
Unfortunately, the sparring session is likely to be the only time the two trade punches. At Monday’s press conference, Jones, the UFC’s reigning light-heavyweight titleholder, said he has no desire to fight Silva, the former longtime UFC middleweight champion.
“I would never want to fight Anderson – never, ever,” he said. “I just look up to him so much. I don’t have many people that I’ve looked up to in my lifetime and think, ‘Wow, how cool would it be to be that guy?’ Look at what he’s done. (Michael) Jordan, LeBron (James), Anderson, Kobe (Bryant) – I consider them all in the same class. Athletes of that caliber don’t come around that often. I don’t want to be the guy to beat him.”
Besides, both fighters have more pressing matters. Silva (33-6 MMA, 16-2 UFC) fights Nick Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) in UFC 183′s middleweight headliner on Jan. 31. Four weeks prior at UFC 182, Jones (20-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) fights rival Daniel Cormier (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) in UFC 182′s main event on Jan. 3. Both fights take place in Las Vegas.
Conor McGregor pulling for Cub Swanson – so he can smack him in the face with a pie
This weekend’s UFC Fight Night 57 event features a key featherweight matchup between Frankie Edgar (17-4-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC) and Cub Swanson (21-5 MMA, 6-1 UFC), with the winner potentially challenging for the belt next year. Conor McGregor knows exactly who he wants to win.
“I would like Cub to win for the specific reason that he seems to think he has been promised the UFC title shot if he wins this fight against Frankie,” McGregor said at a Monday press conference in Las Vegas. “So I want to him to win that contest, and then I will bake a freshly made pie and smack him clean in the face with it when I get the title shot.”
Swanson currently sits No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA featherweight rankings, with Edgar checking in right behind at No. 5. They meet in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 57 headliner, which takes place at Frank Erwin Center in Austin and airs on FOX Sports 1 (10 p.m. ET).
Meanwhile, McGregor (16-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) is ranked No. 7, and his boisterous claims have his stock riding as high as anyone’s in the division. The Irish featherweight believes he’s on the verge of something special in 2015, a run that starts with a January UFC Fight Night 59 headliner against Dennis Siver (22-9 MMA, 11-6 UFC).
There have been rumblings that a McGregor win could see him leapfrog any remaining contenders and advance straight to a title shot with current champ Jose Aldo, and even that it could take place in an Irish stadium. McGregor isn’t one to limit the possibilities for his career, and he seems to think he’s certainly on the verge of greatness.
“Let’s see by the end of 2015,” McGregor said. “Let’s see who has the highest pay-per-view numbers. Let’s see who has the highest gate. Let’s see who has the highest attendance, because I am setting up for that, and we are in talks for big, big things.
“I won’t look past Dennis; I will look through him, exactly where I plan on going, and then carry on. But I believe 2015 will be my year. I know a lot of the featherweights are bitching and moaning and hating on it, but they don’t have to love it. They can even hate it. But they will be forced to accept it.”
Of course, several things must happen between now and then. The next step is determining a winner in the Edgar vs. Swanson affair, and either of those men could potentially make a claim for Aldo, or at least for a bout with McGregor to determine a true No. 1 contender. McGregor isn’t bothered by either potential foe.
“I’d feel comfortable against both,” McGregor said. “Frankie has held the lightweight title. He’s challenged at a high level his whole career. He fights with his heart, but again, he’s an aging competitor. He’s on the downside of his career. I think that’s an accurate assessment. The same with Cub. I believe he’s aging. He looks 95 years old.”
This weekend’s UFC Fight Night 57 event features a key featherweight matchup between Frankie Edgar (17-4-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC) and Cub Swanson (21-5 MMA, 6-1 UFC), with the winner potentially challenging for the belt next year. Conor McGregor knows exactly who he wants to win.
“I would like Cub to win for the specific reason that he seems to think he has been promised the UFC title shot if he wins this fight against Frankie,” McGregor said at a Monday press conference in Las Vegas. “So I want to him to win that contest, and then I will bake a freshly made pie and smack him clean in the face with it when I get the title shot.”
Swanson currently sits No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA featherweight rankings, with Edgar checking in right behind at No. 5. They meet in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 57 headliner, which takes place at Frank Erwin Center in Austin and airs on FOX Sports 1 (10 p.m. ET).
Meanwhile, McGregor (16-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) is ranked No. 7, and his boisterous claims have his stock riding as high as anyone’s in the division. The Irish featherweight believes he’s on the verge of something special in 2015, a run that starts with a January UFC Fight Night 59 headliner against Dennis Siver (22-9 MMA, 11-6 UFC).
There have been rumblings that a McGregor win could see him leapfrog any remaining contenders and advance straight to a title shot with current champ Jose Aldo, and even that it could take place in an Irish stadium. McGregor isn’t one to limit the possibilities for his career, and he seems to think he’s certainly on the verge of greatness.
“Let’s see by the end of 2015,” McGregor said. “Let’s see who has the highest pay-per-view numbers. Let’s see who has the highest gate. Let’s see who has the highest attendance, because I am setting up for that, and we are in talks for big, big things.
“I won’t look past Dennis; I will look through him, exactly where I plan on going, and then carry on. But I believe 2015 will be my year. I know a lot of the featherweights are bitching and moaning and hating on it, but they don’t have to love it. They can even hate it. But they will be forced to accept it.”
Of course, several things must happen between now and then. The next step is determining a winner in the Edgar vs. Swanson affair, and either of those men could potentially make a claim for Aldo, or at least for a bout with McGregor to determine a true No. 1 contender. McGregor isn’t bothered by either potential foe.
“I’d feel comfortable against both,” McGregor said. “Frankie has held the lightweight title. He’s challenged at a high level his whole career. He fights with his heart, but again, he’s an aging competitor. He’s on the downside of his career. I think that’s an accurate assessment. The same with Cub. I believe he’s aging. He looks 95 years old.”
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Tyron Woodley set for co-main of UFC 183 in Las Vegas
Kelvin Gastelum took a big step up this past weekend with a win over Jake Ellenberger. In January, he’ll have a chance to take another.
UFC officials today announced Gastelum (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) will meet Tyron Woodley (14-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC 183, which takes place at Jan. 31 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The undefeated Gastelum has been on a torrid pace in the UFC, earning “The Ultimate Fighter 17″ title with an April 2013 win over Uriah Hall and then adding victories over Brian Melancon, Rick Story, Nico Musoke and, most recently, Ellenberger in a scintillating victory at UFC 180.
Meanwhile, Woodley fought most recently in a “Performance of the Night” victory over Dong Hyun Kim at UFC Fight Night 48 in Macau. Woodley sits at No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA welterweight rankings and is 3-1 in his past four fights, with his lone loss coming to fellow top contender Rory MacDonald.
With the addition to the card, UFC 183 now includes:
Nick Diaz vs. Anderson Silva
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Tyron Woodley
Thiago Alves vs. Jordan Mein
Sara McMann vs. Miesha Tate
Tim Boetsch vs. Thales Leites
Rafael Natal vs. Tom Watson
Diego Brandao vs. Jimy Hettes
Andy Enz vs. Thiago “Marreta” Santos
Ildemar Alcantara vs. Richardson Moreira
Kelvin Gastelum took a big step up this past weekend with a win over Jake Ellenberger. In January, he’ll have a chance to take another.
UFC officials today announced Gastelum (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) will meet Tyron Woodley (14-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC 183, which takes place at Jan. 31 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The undefeated Gastelum has been on a torrid pace in the UFC, earning “The Ultimate Fighter 17″ title with an April 2013 win over Uriah Hall and then adding victories over Brian Melancon, Rick Story, Nico Musoke and, most recently, Ellenberger in a scintillating victory at UFC 180.
Meanwhile, Woodley fought most recently in a “Performance of the Night” victory over Dong Hyun Kim at UFC Fight Night 48 in Macau. Woodley sits at No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA welterweight rankings and is 3-1 in his past four fights, with his lone loss coming to fellow top contender Rory MacDonald.
With the addition to the card, UFC 183 now includes:
Nick Diaz vs. Anderson Silva
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Tyron Woodley
Thiago Alves vs. Jordan Mein
Sara McMann vs. Miesha Tate
Tim Boetsch vs. Thales Leites
Rafael Natal vs. Tom Watson
Diego Brandao vs. Jimy Hettes
Andy Enz vs. Thiago “Marreta” Santos
Ildemar Alcantara vs. Richardson Moreira
Props:
Foul Mouth and Foul Mouth
Spike TV: 'Bellator 131: Tito vs. Bonnar' peaks with 2 million viewers
WOW!
Like it or not, veterans Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar can still apparently draw a crowd.
The UFC Hall of Famers, who headlined this past Saturday’s heavily promoted Bellator 131 event, helped Spike TV draw an average audience of 1.2 million viewers for the night’s broadcast.
More specifically, the headliner, which took place at San Diego’s Valley View Casino Center and saw Ortiz earn a split-decision victory, averaged 1.8 million viewers and hit a high of 2 million.
According to Spike TV, the record-setting event is the most-watched and highest–rated MMA fight on cable TV in 2014. It’s also the highest rated event in Bellator history.
“Bellator 131 was an incredible event that had something for everybody, and I’m thrilled to see our efforts were so well-received by our fans,” Bellator President Scott Coker stated. “I’m very proud of our entire Bellator and Spike family for all of the hard work they put resulting in these record-breaking ratings. The most exciting thing for me is the knowledge that that we are just getting started, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store for the future.”
According to Spike TV, the Ortiz-Bonnar headliner is also the second highest-rated MMA fight telecast in all of TV among men 18-34 and men 18-49 in 2014. That includes network-televised UFC on FOX events.
In addition to Ortiz vs. Bonnar, which received the bulk of the event’s promotional muscle, Bellator 131 saw Will Brooks defeat former champ Michael Chandler to win the organization’s undisputed lightweight title, which Eddie Alvarez vacated earlier this year when signing with the UFC.
Bellator wrapped up its 11th season with Saturday’s event. Overall, the Season 11 events averaged 724,000 viewers.
As a comparison, Saturday’s UFC 180 prelims on FOX Sports 1 reportedly drew 624,000 viewers, and WSOF 15 on NBCSN drew 179,000.
In 2015, under the direction of new president Coker, Bellator is moving away from the traditional weekly/season format and shifting to monthly events.
WOW!
Like it or not, veterans Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar can still apparently draw a crowd.
The UFC Hall of Famers, who headlined this past Saturday’s heavily promoted Bellator 131 event, helped Spike TV draw an average audience of 1.2 million viewers for the night’s broadcast.
More specifically, the headliner, which took place at San Diego’s Valley View Casino Center and saw Ortiz earn a split-decision victory, averaged 1.8 million viewers and hit a high of 2 million.
According to Spike TV, the record-setting event is the most-watched and highest–rated MMA fight on cable TV in 2014. It’s also the highest rated event in Bellator history.
“Bellator 131 was an incredible event that had something for everybody, and I’m thrilled to see our efforts were so well-received by our fans,” Bellator President Scott Coker stated. “I’m very proud of our entire Bellator and Spike family for all of the hard work they put resulting in these record-breaking ratings. The most exciting thing for me is the knowledge that that we are just getting started, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store for the future.”
According to Spike TV, the Ortiz-Bonnar headliner is also the second highest-rated MMA fight telecast in all of TV among men 18-34 and men 18-49 in 2014. That includes network-televised UFC on FOX events.
In addition to Ortiz vs. Bonnar, which received the bulk of the event’s promotional muscle, Bellator 131 saw Will Brooks defeat former champ Michael Chandler to win the organization’s undisputed lightweight title, which Eddie Alvarez vacated earlier this year when signing with the UFC.
Bellator wrapped up its 11th season with Saturday’s event. Overall, the Season 11 events averaged 724,000 viewers.
As a comparison, Saturday’s UFC 180 prelims on FOX Sports 1 reportedly drew 624,000 viewers, and WSOF 15 on NBCSN drew 179,000.
In 2015, under the direction of new president Coker, Bellator is moving away from the traditional weekly/season format and shifting to monthly events.
Dana White: Retired ex-UFC champ Brock Lesnar 'interested in fighting again'
UFC President Dana White has again hinted former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar might be interested in making a return to the octagon once his WWE obligations end.
White has left an open invitation for Lesnar (5-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) to return to the company for the first time since 2011. The former titleholder returned to pro wrestling with the WWE after then.
Every few months Lesnar’s name seems to resurface during UFC media events. White reiterated he has a strong relationship with the 37-year-old and that the door is open for a return.
However, at Monday’s “UFC: The Time Is Now” press event in Las Vegas, White said he’s been told Lesnar wants to fight again.
“Brock Lesnar’s under contract with the WWE,” he said. “We have a great relationship with him. He’s healthy, and he’s said that he’s interested in fighting again. We’ll see what happens.”
According to Bleacher Report, Lesnar’s WWE contract is up in April 2015 and an MMA comeback could be on the horizon.
Lesnar hasn’t fought since UFC 141, when he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Alistair Overeem. The defeat was Lesnar’s second straight, and he announced his retirement after the loss.
The tail end of Lesnar’s MMA career was famously plagued by diverticulitis, a medical condition that required multiple surgeries and a complete restructuring of Lesnar’s diet. Lesnar is reportedly back to full health, which may be providing an incentive to fight again.
Although in his late 30s, Lesnar still hovers around the average age of current UFC heavyweights. It’s unknown what, if any, level of training Lesnar has maintained since his last fight. If he’s been in the gym, though, he could find himself in bigger fights immediately upon his return.
Moreover, Lesnar would likely still be a pay-per-view draw. Although he hasn’t fought in nearly three years, he still owns UFC PPV records, including his UFC 100 headliner against Frank Mir, which garnered a record 1.6 million reported buys.
UFC President Dana White has again hinted former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar might be interested in making a return to the octagon once his WWE obligations end.
White has left an open invitation for Lesnar (5-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) to return to the company for the first time since 2011. The former titleholder returned to pro wrestling with the WWE after then.
Every few months Lesnar’s name seems to resurface during UFC media events. White reiterated he has a strong relationship with the 37-year-old and that the door is open for a return.
However, at Monday’s “UFC: The Time Is Now” press event in Las Vegas, White said he’s been told Lesnar wants to fight again.
“Brock Lesnar’s under contract with the WWE,” he said. “We have a great relationship with him. He’s healthy, and he’s said that he’s interested in fighting again. We’ll see what happens.”
According to Bleacher Report, Lesnar’s WWE contract is up in April 2015 and an MMA comeback could be on the horizon.
Lesnar hasn’t fought since UFC 141, when he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Alistair Overeem. The defeat was Lesnar’s second straight, and he announced his retirement after the loss.
The tail end of Lesnar’s MMA career was famously plagued by diverticulitis, a medical condition that required multiple surgeries and a complete restructuring of Lesnar’s diet. Lesnar is reportedly back to full health, which may be providing an incentive to fight again.
Although in his late 30s, Lesnar still hovers around the average age of current UFC heavyweights. It’s unknown what, if any, level of training Lesnar has maintained since his last fight. If he’s been in the gym, though, he could find himself in bigger fights immediately upon his return.
Moreover, Lesnar would likely still be a pay-per-view draw. Although he hasn’t fought in nearly three years, he still owns UFC PPV records, including his UFC 100 headliner against Frank Mir, which garnered a record 1.6 million reported buys.
UFC targets Cain Velasquez vs. Fabricio Werdum title-unification for June in Mexico
After winning the interim title in Mexico, Fabricio Werdum will likely get a chance to unify the UFC heavyweight belts back there in June.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the tentative plans during Monday’s “UFC: The Time Is Now” press conference in Las Vegas. During the fan and media event, the organization laid out its full 2015 schedule, and White suggested a Mexico event will take place in June.
Werdum (19-5-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) scored a second-round TKO victory over Mark Hunt this past weekend at UFC 180 in Mexico City, which marked the UFC’s debut in the country. Hunt replaced reigning champ Cain Velasquez (13-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC), who suffered a knee injury three weeks prior to pay-per-view event, and ultimately lost to Werdum.
With Werdum next up for Velasquez, who’s making a steady recovery from a torn meniscus and sprained MCL, White said the fight makes sense in Mexico. With Velasquez, whose parents were born in Mexico, being a key to the UFC’s growth in the country – and with Werdum gaining a big fan following at UFC 180 – he expects it to be a major show.
Currently, the UFC’s lone PPV event in June, UFC 188, is slated for June 13, though officials haven’t confirmed it’ll take place in Mexico.
But what if Velasquez isn’t ready with that timeline?
“Cain’s going to make it,” he promised.
Velasquez, currently ranked No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA heavyweight rankings (and No. 6 pound-for-pound), hasn’t fought since an October 2013 win over Junior Dos Santos. It marked the 32-year-old’s fourth straight win and second consecutive title defense.
Werdum, ranked No. 3, has won five straight UFC fights since a defeat to Alistair Overeem in his final Strikeforce bout back in 2011.
After winning the interim title in Mexico, Fabricio Werdum will likely get a chance to unify the UFC heavyweight belts back there in June.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the tentative plans during Monday’s “UFC: The Time Is Now” press conference in Las Vegas. During the fan and media event, the organization laid out its full 2015 schedule, and White suggested a Mexico event will take place in June.
Werdum (19-5-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) scored a second-round TKO victory over Mark Hunt this past weekend at UFC 180 in Mexico City, which marked the UFC’s debut in the country. Hunt replaced reigning champ Cain Velasquez (13-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC), who suffered a knee injury three weeks prior to pay-per-view event, and ultimately lost to Werdum.
With Werdum next up for Velasquez, who’s making a steady recovery from a torn meniscus and sprained MCL, White said the fight makes sense in Mexico. With Velasquez, whose parents were born in Mexico, being a key to the UFC’s growth in the country – and with Werdum gaining a big fan following at UFC 180 – he expects it to be a major show.
Currently, the UFC’s lone PPV event in June, UFC 188, is slated for June 13, though officials haven’t confirmed it’ll take place in Mexico.
But what if Velasquez isn’t ready with that timeline?
“Cain’s going to make it,” he promised.
Velasquez, currently ranked No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA heavyweight rankings (and No. 6 pound-for-pound), hasn’t fought since an October 2013 win over Junior Dos Santos. It marked the 32-year-old’s fourth straight win and second consecutive title defense.
Werdum, ranked No. 3, has won five straight UFC fights since a defeat to Alistair Overeem in his final Strikeforce bout back in 2011.
'UFC Fight Night 58: Machida vs. Dollaway' lineup finalized with 10 bouts on FOX Spor
The lineup is set for next month’s “UFC Fight Night 58: Machida vs. Dollaway” event, and 10 of the 12 bouts air on FOX Sports 1.
UFC Fight Night 58 takes place Dec. 20 at Jose Correa Arena in Barueri, Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition to the FOX Sports 1 bouts, two prelims stream on UFC Fight Pass.
The card, though fairly top-heavy, features some ranked fighters in the co-headliners.
In the main event, former light heavyweight champion and recent middleweight title challenger Lyoto Machida (21-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) takes on C.B. Dollaway (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC). Machida is ranked No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA middleweight rankings, and Dollaway is No. 9.
In the co-headliner, former bantamweight champion and No. 2 ranked Renan Barao (32-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) takes on Mitch Gagnon (12-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC), who’s just outside the top 15 at 135 pounds and is an honorable mention.
The full UFC Fight Night 58 lineup includes:
MAIN CARD (FOX Sports 1, 10 p.m. ET)
C.B. Dollaway vs. Lyoto Machida
Renan Barao vs. Mitch Gagnon
Antonio Carlos Junior vs. Patrick Cummins
Rashid Magomedov vs. Elias Silverio
Mike Rhodes vs. Erick Silva
Rony Jason vs. Tom Niinimaki
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX Sports 1, 8 p.m. ET)
Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Igor Pokrajac
Dan Miller vs. Daniel Sarafian
Hacran Dias vs. Darren Elkins
Leandro Issa vs. Yuta Sasaki
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 7 p.m. ET)
Tim Means vs. Marcio Alexandre Jr.
Jake Collier vs. Vitor Miranda
The lineup is set for next month’s “UFC Fight Night 58: Machida vs. Dollaway” event, and 10 of the 12 bouts air on FOX Sports 1.
UFC Fight Night 58 takes place Dec. 20 at Jose Correa Arena in Barueri, Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition to the FOX Sports 1 bouts, two prelims stream on UFC Fight Pass.
The card, though fairly top-heavy, features some ranked fighters in the co-headliners.
In the main event, former light heavyweight champion and recent middleweight title challenger Lyoto Machida (21-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) takes on C.B. Dollaway (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC). Machida is ranked No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA middleweight rankings, and Dollaway is No. 9.
In the co-headliner, former bantamweight champion and No. 2 ranked Renan Barao (32-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) takes on Mitch Gagnon (12-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC), who’s just outside the top 15 at 135 pounds and is an honorable mention.
The full UFC Fight Night 58 lineup includes:
MAIN CARD (FOX Sports 1, 10 p.m. ET)
C.B. Dollaway vs. Lyoto Machida
Renan Barao vs. Mitch Gagnon
Antonio Carlos Junior vs. Patrick Cummins
Rashid Magomedov vs. Elias Silverio
Mike Rhodes vs. Erick Silva
Rony Jason vs. Tom Niinimaki
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX Sports 1, 8 p.m. ET)
Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Igor Pokrajac
Dan Miller vs. Daniel Sarafian
Hacran Dias vs. Darren Elkins
Leandro Issa vs. Yuta Sasaki
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 7 p.m. ET)
Tim Means vs. Marcio Alexandre Jr.
Jake Collier vs. Vitor Miranda
Anderson Silva downplays injury scare ahead of UFC 183
After a small scare, Anderson Silva says his leg and back are 100 percent and there’s no cause for concern ahead of his UFC 183 showdown with Nick Diaz.
Less than three months ahead of Silva’s (33-6 MMA, 16-2 UFC) highly anticipated Jan. 31 pay-per-view headliner with Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC), “The Spider” was hospitalized with back pain earlier this month in Brazil. However, doctors observed him for just a brief period before ultimately releasing him.
While back injuries are a serious matter, especially for a pro fighter, Silva downplayed the situation when asked about it at Monday’s “UFC: The Time Is Now” press conference in Las Vegas.
“I’m good now,” Silva said. “When I go to the academy for training, I train too much. My coach said, ‘Stop Anderson now. You’ve trained too much.’ Then when I finished my training, (I had a) little pain in my back. I go to the hospital, and the doctors said, ‘Anderson, you don’t have nothing. Go home.’
“I go home, and I’m waiting for my fight now. I’m very good. I don’t have any problems. My leg’s good, my back’s good, and I’m very excited to be back.”
Silva is no stranger to injuries. The Diaz fight is his first since he suffered a gruesome broken leg in a loss to reigning middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 168 in December 2013.
While the loss prompted retirement speculation, Silva said he couldn’t allow his career to end in such dreadful fashion.
Silva said his wife and children attempted to convince him to retire, but he wasn’t willing to oblige. He explained that competition is a major aspect of his life and that he needed to fight again.
“My kids says, ‘Dad, please. No back.’ I say, ‘I need to go back because this is part of my life, is to fight, it’s part of my life,’” Silva said. “Then my wife and my kids say, ‘OK, Dad. If you’re happy, go back.’ Thank you to Dana (White) and Lorenzo (Fertitta). I’m very excited for back and to fight for my fans. I need to give back to my fans in the United States, my fans in the world, and what they give me.”
While Silva is currently riding a first two-fight losing streak, there’s still a tremendous amount of buzz for his bout with Diaz, who’s also coming off consecutive losses and an extended layoff.
Silva said he’s eager to fight Diaz, and after what will be a more than one-year layoff, the UFC 183 matchup between the former UFC middleweight champion and former Strikeforce welterweight titleholder has the potential to be a can’t-miss affair.
“I’ve very excited to fight Nick because Nick has great fights in UFC,” Silva said. “I’m training very hard for my fight with Nick Diaz, and I’m very excited to be back.”
After a small scare, Anderson Silva says his leg and back are 100 percent and there’s no cause for concern ahead of his UFC 183 showdown with Nick Diaz.
Less than three months ahead of Silva’s (33-6 MMA, 16-2 UFC) highly anticipated Jan. 31 pay-per-view headliner with Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC), “The Spider” was hospitalized with back pain earlier this month in Brazil. However, doctors observed him for just a brief period before ultimately releasing him.
While back injuries are a serious matter, especially for a pro fighter, Silva downplayed the situation when asked about it at Monday’s “UFC: The Time Is Now” press conference in Las Vegas.
“I’m good now,” Silva said. “When I go to the academy for training, I train too much. My coach said, ‘Stop Anderson now. You’ve trained too much.’ Then when I finished my training, (I had a) little pain in my back. I go to the hospital, and the doctors said, ‘Anderson, you don’t have nothing. Go home.’
“I go home, and I’m waiting for my fight now. I’m very good. I don’t have any problems. My leg’s good, my back’s good, and I’m very excited to be back.”
Silva is no stranger to injuries. The Diaz fight is his first since he suffered a gruesome broken leg in a loss to reigning middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 168 in December 2013.
While the loss prompted retirement speculation, Silva said he couldn’t allow his career to end in such dreadful fashion.
Silva said his wife and children attempted to convince him to retire, but he wasn’t willing to oblige. He explained that competition is a major aspect of his life and that he needed to fight again.
“My kids says, ‘Dad, please. No back.’ I say, ‘I need to go back because this is part of my life, is to fight, it’s part of my life,’” Silva said. “Then my wife and my kids say, ‘OK, Dad. If you’re happy, go back.’ Thank you to Dana (White) and Lorenzo (Fertitta). I’m very excited for back and to fight for my fans. I need to give back to my fans in the United States, my fans in the world, and what they give me.”
While Silva is currently riding a first two-fight losing streak, there’s still a tremendous amount of buzz for his bout with Diaz, who’s also coming off consecutive losses and an extended layoff.
Silva said he’s eager to fight Diaz, and after what will be a more than one-year layoff, the UFC 183 matchup between the former UFC middleweight champion and former Strikeforce welterweight titleholder has the potential to be a can’t-miss affair.
“I’ve very excited to fight Nick because Nick has great fights in UFC,” Silva said. “I’m training very hard for my fight with Nick Diaz, and I’m very excited to be back.”
First three Bellator events of 2015 announced
SAN DIEGO—Bellator Fighting Championships today announced the first part of its 2015 schedule.
The announcement features four title fights spread over the first three months of 2015. Bellator President Scott Coker unveiled the fights during a special press conference prior to the start of Bellator 131.
Bellator 131 takes place at the Valley View Casino Center. A light heavyweight bout between Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar headlines the event.
Gone are the days of Bellator running weekly events. Under the announced schedule, Bellator will run one event per month in January, February and March. Accompanying those events will be a special "tentpole" fight night, held on a Saturday once per quarter. David Schwarz, Senior Vice President of Communications for Spike TV, told Bleacher Report on Thursday that they are targeting 16 events for 2015.
The first event on Bellator's 2015 calendar is Bellator 132, which takes place Friday, January 16 at the Pechanga Casino Resort in Temecula, California. The main event features a featherweight title fight between Patricio "Pitbull" Friere and Daniel Straus. Straus, the former featherweight titleholder, lost the title to Pat Curran in March 2014.
Bellator 133 takes place on February 27 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Douglas Lima defends his welterweight title against Paul Daley. Daley will make his Bellator return after undergoing legal issues with his travel visa. It also features a light heavyweight title fight between Emmanuel Newton and Liam McGeary.
On the undercard, heavyweight brutes Bobby Lashley and James Thompson will face off, and Sokoudjou takes on Linton Vassel.
The final announced fight card is Bellator 134 on March 27, which takes place at the Worldstar Casino Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma. It features a bantamweight championship fight between Joe Warren and Marcos Galvao.
SAN DIEGO—Bellator Fighting Championships today announced the first part of its 2015 schedule.
The announcement features four title fights spread over the first three months of 2015. Bellator President Scott Coker unveiled the fights during a special press conference prior to the start of Bellator 131.
Bellator 131 takes place at the Valley View Casino Center. A light heavyweight bout between Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar headlines the event.
Gone are the days of Bellator running weekly events. Under the announced schedule, Bellator will run one event per month in January, February and March. Accompanying those events will be a special "tentpole" fight night, held on a Saturday once per quarter. David Schwarz, Senior Vice President of Communications for Spike TV, told Bleacher Report on Thursday that they are targeting 16 events for 2015.
The first event on Bellator's 2015 calendar is Bellator 132, which takes place Friday, January 16 at the Pechanga Casino Resort in Temecula, California. The main event features a featherweight title fight between Patricio "Pitbull" Friere and Daniel Straus. Straus, the former featherweight titleholder, lost the title to Pat Curran in March 2014.
Bellator 133 takes place on February 27 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Douglas Lima defends his welterweight title against Paul Daley. Daley will make his Bellator return after undergoing legal issues with his travel visa. It also features a light heavyweight title fight between Emmanuel Newton and Liam McGeary.
On the undercard, heavyweight brutes Bobby Lashley and James Thompson will face off, and Sokoudjou takes on Linton Vassel.
The final announced fight card is Bellator 134 on March 27, which takes place at the Worldstar Casino Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma. It features a bantamweight championship fight between Joe Warren and Marcos Galvao.
came across a coupleof dope pictures from ufc recent cards.
LMAO
THOUGHT THIS ONE WAS PRETTY EPIC
LMAO
THOUGHT THIS ONE WAS PRETTY EPIC
Props:
B-Buzz and B-Buzz
Frankie Edgar wants champ Jose Aldo in April's UFC on FOX 15 headliner
Frankie Edgar ✔ F @FRANKIE Edgar
Follow
Frankie edgar vs jose aldo @ufc @UFCONFOX April 18 main event in my backyard D @DANA white L @Lorenzo fertitta how does that sound?
5:36 PM - 24 Nov 2014
Following his win this past weekend in UFC Fight Night 57, Frankie Edgar said he deserves the next shot at featherweight champion Jose Aldo. Now, he’s pushing a proposed date, too.
Soon after earning a dominant fifth-round submission victory over contender Cub Swanson, Edgar (18-4-1 MMA, 12-4-1 UFC) said he deserved the next shot at Aldo (25-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) over other contenders, including Conor McGregor.
“It should be me, based on my performance, based on what I’ve done in my career; it should be me,” Edgar told MMAjunkie after his FOX Sports 1-televised win at Austin, Texas’ Frank Erwin Center. “I’m here to stay. I’m coming. I’m not going to be an easy fight for anybody, I guarantee that.”
Edgar continued his campaign on Monday evening. As he suggested in Saturday’s post-fight press conference, the former lightweight champion wants to meet Aldo in the headliner of the recently announced UFC on FOX 15 event, which takes place April 18 at Newark, N.J.’s Prudential Center.
With his win, Edgar is now 3-0 since a featherweight-debut loss to Aldo in early 2012, and he’ll move to the No. 4 slot in the new USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA featherweight rankings later today.
However, one potential hangup to getting his potential rematch is McGregor (16-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC), who’s been told he’ll get a title shot if he beats Dennis Siver (22-9 MMA, 11-6 UFC) on Jan. 18 at UFC Fight Night 59.
Although getting the UFC to book a champ for a network-televised event rather than a pay-per-view show would be tough, Edgar also knows it could be even tougher to convince officials to put off a potentially lucrative bout between champ Aldo and the fast-rising and big-talking McGregor.
“I don’t know if I’d be angry,” he said. “I’d be disappointed, but I wouldn’t be a baby about it. What can I do? Just put my head down, go back in the gym and earn another shot. That’s all I can do.”
Frankie Edgar ✔ F @FRANKIE Edgar
Follow
Frankie edgar vs jose aldo @ufc @UFCONFOX April 18 main event in my backyard D @DANA white L @Lorenzo fertitta how does that sound?
5:36 PM - 24 Nov 2014
Following his win this past weekend in UFC Fight Night 57, Frankie Edgar said he deserves the next shot at featherweight champion Jose Aldo. Now, he’s pushing a proposed date, too.
Soon after earning a dominant fifth-round submission victory over contender Cub Swanson, Edgar (18-4-1 MMA, 12-4-1 UFC) said he deserved the next shot at Aldo (25-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) over other contenders, including Conor McGregor.
“It should be me, based on my performance, based on what I’ve done in my career; it should be me,” Edgar told MMAjunkie after his FOX Sports 1-televised win at Austin, Texas’ Frank Erwin Center. “I’m here to stay. I’m coming. I’m not going to be an easy fight for anybody, I guarantee that.”
Edgar continued his campaign on Monday evening. As he suggested in Saturday’s post-fight press conference, the former lightweight champion wants to meet Aldo in the headliner of the recently announced UFC on FOX 15 event, which takes place April 18 at Newark, N.J.’s Prudential Center.
With his win, Edgar is now 3-0 since a featherweight-debut loss to Aldo in early 2012, and he’ll move to the No. 4 slot in the new USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA featherweight rankings later today.
However, one potential hangup to getting his potential rematch is McGregor (16-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC), who’s been told he’ll get a title shot if he beats Dennis Siver (22-9 MMA, 11-6 UFC) on Jan. 18 at UFC Fight Night 59.
Although getting the UFC to book a champ for a network-televised event rather than a pay-per-view show would be tough, Edgar also knows it could be even tougher to convince officials to put off a potentially lucrative bout between champ Aldo and the fast-rising and big-talking McGregor.
“I don’t know if I’d be angry,” he said. “I’d be disappointed, but I wouldn’t be a baby about it. What can I do? Just put my head down, go back in the gym and earn another shot. That’s all I can do.”
