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Incredible 27-fight win streak intact, UFC 143's Renan Barao eyes UFC gold
LAS VEGAS – Brazilian bantamweight Renan Barao (27-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is among a handful of octagon combatants who use DJ Khaled's 2010 track "All I Do Is Win" to accompany him to the cage.
And while the song's title is more empty braggadocio than realistic claim for most fighters, with Barao, it's pure fact.
While he's flown somewhat under the radar in his UFC and WEC career, the man with the incredible 27-fight winning streak will get a chance to introduce himself to the world on Saturday night.
"If it was up to me, I'd fight for the belt right now," Barao told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) in his native Portuguese. "For now, anyone the UFC puts in front of me I'll fight. It's not my job to be choosy."
That next opponent is Scott Jorgensen (13-4 MMA, 2-0 UFC), and the two meet on the main card of this weekend's UFC 143 event, which takes place at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Events Center. The main card airs on pay-per-view while preliminary bouts are featured on FX and Facebook.
Barao is a product of the increasingly impressive Nova Uniao system in Brazil, training with the Kimura-Nova Uniao affiliate gym in his native Natal. Unlike many Brazilians, it was the striking arts that first attracted Barao to training.
"I've been training since I was a kid," Barao said. "My father was a boxing instructor. At 13 years old I started boxing. Later I started jiu-jitsu.
"I got my black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu a year ago. I am a boxer, but of course there's no belt system in boxing. I am also a Muay Thai kickboxer."
In search of a professional fighting career, Barao left his hometown at just 16 years old, traveling 1,600 miles south to Rio de Janeiro in order to train with the legendary Andre Pederneiras.
"My mom paid my way," Barao explained. "My own teacher Jair Lourenco also helped.
"It was a great experience. I learned to live on my own. It was a bit tough, but thanks to God I was able to make it. I took advantage of the experience, and gladly I wasn't too homesick."
It's a ritual he follows to this day, training with his father, Netinho Pegado, and Lourenco while in Natal and shifting to Rio de Janeiro when gearing up for a fight.
Barao's legal name is Renan Mota do Nascimento Pegado, but he's known in the fight game as by the nickname "Barao," which translates to "baron."
"My grandmother gave it to me when I was younger," Barao explained. "She got it from a soap opera character."
Barao turned pro at the tender age of 18, and perhaps ironically was defeated in his very first outing.
"I was a boy," Barao said. "I had never stepped in a cage before. I think I lost to myself. I was stiff, but gladly I was able to overcome that loss.
"A loss is only a loss when you learn nothing. If you learn something, it's not a loss. Thankfully I've been victorious since."
Twenty-seven times in a row. The only blemish on his record since is a 2007 no-contest result, but Barao was hardly to blame.
"I was on the ground and Claudemir Souza soccer-kicked me, which was against the rules," Barao said. "I was dazed and they called it a no-contest. It should have been a disqualification against him, but this was in Recife, and he is from Recife, so I guess that's what happened."
Barao was actually looking to avenge his lone career loss before he received a 2010 call-up to the WEC. He served as the night's curtain-jerker at both WEC 49 and WEC 53, earning submission wins over Anthony Leone and Chris Cariaso. He was then shifted over to the UFC, where he again fought in the first bout of the night, scoring a decision win over Cole Escovedo.
Barao finally earned a chance in the spotlight at this past November's UFC 138 event, where he traveled to England to take on Brad Pickett on his home soil. Barao and Pickett served as the co-feature of the Spike TV-broadcast card, an event that wasn't exactly well-received around the globe.
Barao earned a first-round submission win over Pickett in a rousing affair that was given the night's "Fight of the Night" bonus despite lasting less than five minutes.
"I was very happy," Barao said. "We reached our objective. I trained hard for two months for that fight. It was a highlight in my life, in my career. Thanks to God.
"I think every athlete is tough (at this level). Whether the fighter is the best in the world or a journeyman, we train the same way. There are no easy fights. You have to well-trained to deal with any situation."
Barao now gets his chance on the big stage of a UFC pay-per-view, one which features a blockbuster headliner and is receiving ample attention. Barao is still flying somewhat under the radar, but an impressive showing against Jorgensen could change all that.
"It's the same as always," Barao said. "I always train as much as I can in all areas – standup, wrestling, submissions. I'm training in all facets.
"I'll be well prepared physically. All that's left is to go there and let my game play out. Anywhere the fight goes I'll be comfortable."
And so far, comfortable has meant successful. Another win would bump Barao's record to 5-0 under the Zuffa banner and push his incredible streak to 28 fights. When all you do is win, good things are sure to follow.
"I have a new son, born recently," Barao said. "Right now, my priorities are God, my three-month-old son and my family. That's it.
"Professionally, my goal is the UFC belt. Once I reach that goal, I'll come up with other goals. For now, I'm giving my all. I plan to put on a great show, and I'd like to thank everyone who follows my career."
LAS VEGAS – Brazilian bantamweight Renan Barao (27-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is among a handful of octagon combatants who use DJ Khaled's 2010 track "All I Do Is Win" to accompany him to the cage.
And while the song's title is more empty braggadocio than realistic claim for most fighters, with Barao, it's pure fact.
While he's flown somewhat under the radar in his UFC and WEC career, the man with the incredible 27-fight winning streak will get a chance to introduce himself to the world on Saturday night.
"If it was up to me, I'd fight for the belt right now," Barao told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) in his native Portuguese. "For now, anyone the UFC puts in front of me I'll fight. It's not my job to be choosy."
That next opponent is Scott Jorgensen (13-4 MMA, 2-0 UFC), and the two meet on the main card of this weekend's UFC 143 event, which takes place at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Events Center. The main card airs on pay-per-view while preliminary bouts are featured on FX and Facebook.
Barao is a product of the increasingly impressive Nova Uniao system in Brazil, training with the Kimura-Nova Uniao affiliate gym in his native Natal. Unlike many Brazilians, it was the striking arts that first attracted Barao to training.
"I've been training since I was a kid," Barao said. "My father was a boxing instructor. At 13 years old I started boxing. Later I started jiu-jitsu.
"I got my black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu a year ago. I am a boxer, but of course there's no belt system in boxing. I am also a Muay Thai kickboxer."
In search of a professional fighting career, Barao left his hometown at just 16 years old, traveling 1,600 miles south to Rio de Janeiro in order to train with the legendary Andre Pederneiras.
"My mom paid my way," Barao explained. "My own teacher Jair Lourenco also helped.
"It was a great experience. I learned to live on my own. It was a bit tough, but thanks to God I was able to make it. I took advantage of the experience, and gladly I wasn't too homesick."
It's a ritual he follows to this day, training with his father, Netinho Pegado, and Lourenco while in Natal and shifting to Rio de Janeiro when gearing up for a fight.
Barao's legal name is Renan Mota do Nascimento Pegado, but he's known in the fight game as by the nickname "Barao," which translates to "baron."
"My grandmother gave it to me when I was younger," Barao explained. "She got it from a soap opera character."
Barao turned pro at the tender age of 18, and perhaps ironically was defeated in his very first outing.
"I was a boy," Barao said. "I had never stepped in a cage before. I think I lost to myself. I was stiff, but gladly I was able to overcome that loss.
"A loss is only a loss when you learn nothing. If you learn something, it's not a loss. Thankfully I've been victorious since."
Twenty-seven times in a row. The only blemish on his record since is a 2007 no-contest result, but Barao was hardly to blame.
"I was on the ground and Claudemir Souza soccer-kicked me, which was against the rules," Barao said. "I was dazed and they called it a no-contest. It should have been a disqualification against him, but this was in Recife, and he is from Recife, so I guess that's what happened."
Barao was actually looking to avenge his lone career loss before he received a 2010 call-up to the WEC. He served as the night's curtain-jerker at both WEC 49 and WEC 53, earning submission wins over Anthony Leone and Chris Cariaso. He was then shifted over to the UFC, where he again fought in the first bout of the night, scoring a decision win over Cole Escovedo.
Barao finally earned a chance in the spotlight at this past November's UFC 138 event, where he traveled to England to take on Brad Pickett on his home soil. Barao and Pickett served as the co-feature of the Spike TV-broadcast card, an event that wasn't exactly well-received around the globe.
Barao earned a first-round submission win over Pickett in a rousing affair that was given the night's "Fight of the Night" bonus despite lasting less than five minutes.
"I was very happy," Barao said. "We reached our objective. I trained hard for two months for that fight. It was a highlight in my life, in my career. Thanks to God.
"I think every athlete is tough (at this level). Whether the fighter is the best in the world or a journeyman, we train the same way. There are no easy fights. You have to well-trained to deal with any situation."
Barao now gets his chance on the big stage of a UFC pay-per-view, one which features a blockbuster headliner and is receiving ample attention. Barao is still flying somewhat under the radar, but an impressive showing against Jorgensen could change all that.
"It's the same as always," Barao said. "I always train as much as I can in all areas – standup, wrestling, submissions. I'm training in all facets.
"I'll be well prepared physically. All that's left is to go there and let my game play out. Anywhere the fight goes I'll be comfortable."
And so far, comfortable has meant successful. Another win would bump Barao's record to 5-0 under the Zuffa banner and push his incredible streak to 28 fights. When all you do is win, good things are sure to follow.
"I have a new son, born recently," Barao said. "Right now, my priorities are God, my three-month-old son and my family. That's it.
"Professionally, my goal is the UFC belt. Once I reach that goal, I'll come up with other goals. For now, I'm giving my all. I plan to put on a great show, and I'd like to thank everyone who follows my career."
Thiago Silva vs. Brandon Vera rematch set for May 15 in Virginia
Don't think for a moment this one won't be personal.
Thiago Silva (14-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) and Brandon Vera (12-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC), who first met in a UFC 125 bout that was eventually ruled a "no contest," will fight again on May 15 in Fairfax, Va.
As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported, the UFC is expected to hold an event at this city's Patriot Center, though UFC executives have yet to reveal the venue for the card or where the action will be broadcast.
Nevertheless, the UFC announced the matchup early Thursday morning.
The event is expected to serve as the UFC's second trip to the Patriot Center following UFC Fight Night 20, which took place Jan. 11, 2010 and featured a lightweight headliner between Gray Maynard and Nate Diaz. The event was a reported sellout with a $730,000 live gate and 8,500 in attendance.
Silva fought fellow light heavyweight Vera and earned a unanimous-decision win at UFC 125 in January. However, the 28-year-old subsequently was scratched from a planned UFC 130 bout with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson when UFC 125 drug-testing results were released.
This past March, Silva was served with a formal NSAC complaint after two separate urinalysis samples revealed a substance that was "inconsistent with human urine," which indicated that he "submitted an adulterated and/or substituted specimen for testing for the urinalysis." Silva's first test was flagged, which prompted further testing by the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, which is accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Silva then admitted to taking a prescription steroid, delivered by a doctor via epidural, on two separate occasions prior to UFC 125.
Silva was fined (and later paid) $13,750 of his $55,000 "show" purse and $20,000 of his $55,000 "win" purse for a total of $33,750.
Meanwhile, Vera was released from the UFC following the loss to Silva but was brought back when the ruling was made. Vera has since registered a win in the octagon, a UFC 137 decision over Eliot Marshall, but has done little to hide his contempt for the man he openly refers to as a "juice monkey."
Don't think for a moment this one won't be personal.
Thiago Silva (14-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) and Brandon Vera (12-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC), who first met in a UFC 125 bout that was eventually ruled a "no contest," will fight again on May 15 in Fairfax, Va.
As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported, the UFC is expected to hold an event at this city's Patriot Center, though UFC executives have yet to reveal the venue for the card or where the action will be broadcast.
Nevertheless, the UFC announced the matchup early Thursday morning.
The event is expected to serve as the UFC's second trip to the Patriot Center following UFC Fight Night 20, which took place Jan. 11, 2010 and featured a lightweight headliner between Gray Maynard and Nate Diaz. The event was a reported sellout with a $730,000 live gate and 8,500 in attendance.
Silva fought fellow light heavyweight Vera and earned a unanimous-decision win at UFC 125 in January. However, the 28-year-old subsequently was scratched from a planned UFC 130 bout with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson when UFC 125 drug-testing results were released.
This past March, Silva was served with a formal NSAC complaint after two separate urinalysis samples revealed a substance that was "inconsistent with human urine," which indicated that he "submitted an adulterated and/or substituted specimen for testing for the urinalysis." Silva's first test was flagged, which prompted further testing by the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, which is accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Silva then admitted to taking a prescription steroid, delivered by a doctor via epidural, on two separate occasions prior to UFC 125.
Silva was fined (and later paid) $13,750 of his $55,000 "show" purse and $20,000 of his $55,000 "win" purse for a total of $33,750.
Meanwhile, Vera was released from the UFC following the loss to Silva but was brought back when the ruling was made. Vera has since registered a win in the octagon, a UFC 137 decision over Eliot Marshall, but has done little to hide his contempt for the man he openly refers to as a "juice monkey."
Dan Henderson wants to wait for title shot, says UFC prez
Former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion Dan Henderson has put himself in limbo, according to UFC president Dana White.
"Dan Henderson's in a position right now where it looks like he wants to wait for Jon Jones," White said today.
Earlier this month, White said Henderson (29-8 MMA, 5-2 UFC) turned down a fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC on FUEL 2.
Henderson soon after defended his decision in an interview with Clinch Gear Radio, saying he thought it was undecided whether he or Rashad Evans would get the first crack at champ Jon Jones and that he didn't think a fight with Nogueira was interesting for the fans.
Henderson also clarified that he would have taken the fight had it been three rounds instead of the five-round length currently in place for headlining fights.
Of course, that was before Evans secured a title shot by beating Phil Davis at this past Saturday's UFC on FOX 2.
Many speculated Henderson might have raised the ire of White by turning down the fight against Nogueira. But to hear the UFC president, it's the fighter's choice to wait.
In his most recent performance, Henderson served up an instant classic against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139, fighting five rounds of grueling back-and-forth action before claiming a unanimous decision. It was his first UFC bout after two years in Strikeforce, where victories over Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante and Fedor Emelianenko made him a champ and a hot commodity.
Jones and Evans are expected to fight at UFC 145, which takes place April 21 in Atlanta. That means a late summer or fall return could be in the cards for Henderson.
But for now, it's time to wait.
Former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion Dan Henderson has put himself in limbo, according to UFC president Dana White.
"Dan Henderson's in a position right now where it looks like he wants to wait for Jon Jones," White said today.
Earlier this month, White said Henderson (29-8 MMA, 5-2 UFC) turned down a fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC on FUEL 2.
Henderson soon after defended his decision in an interview with Clinch Gear Radio, saying he thought it was undecided whether he or Rashad Evans would get the first crack at champ Jon Jones and that he didn't think a fight with Nogueira was interesting for the fans.
Henderson also clarified that he would have taken the fight had it been three rounds instead of the five-round length currently in place for headlining fights.
Of course, that was before Evans secured a title shot by beating Phil Davis at this past Saturday's UFC on FOX 2.
Many speculated Henderson might have raised the ire of White by turning down the fight against Nogueira. But to hear the UFC president, it's the fighter's choice to wait.
In his most recent performance, Henderson served up an instant classic against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139, fighting five rounds of grueling back-and-forth action before claiming a unanimous decision. It was his first UFC bout after two years in Strikeforce, where victories over Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante and Fedor Emelianenko made him a champ and a hot commodity.
Jones and Evans are expected to fight at UFC 145, which takes place April 21 in Atlanta. That means a late summer or fall return could be in the cards for Henderson.
But for now, it's time to wait.
Reminder: 'UFC Primetime: Diaz vs. Condit' concludes tonight on FX
As a reminder, 'UFC Primetime' returns to FX tonight in anticipation of UFC 143's interim championship main event.
The well-received three-part series focuses on former Strikeforce champ Nick Diaz (26-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC) and former WEC titleholder Carlos Condit (27-5 MMA, 4-1 UFC), who headline Saturday's UFC 143 event.
The first two episodes provided insight into both fighter's lives, and UFC president Dana White promises even more drama in the final episode, including a series of missed flights by Diaz, as well as both competitors tapping into their "dark side" as they get ready for the fight.
"Wait until you see the last episode of 'Primetime,'" White told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "There's no doubt that as the week of the fight comes, [Diaz] changes. He becomes the Nick Diaz we're used to seeing.
"Condit is one of these guys, too. You'll see it on the next episode of 'Primetime,' too. He's this very smart kid. He's a nice guy, not much to say. He's there playing with his baby. He's with his wife and his family, and then 'boom.' The week of the event, he's like a completely different person. Completely changes. His dad even kind of points that out, and one of them says, 'As this thing winds down, we kind of stay away from him. We kind of back off, and he completely changes who he is.' It's very interesting to see, and you're going to see it in the last episode."
Episode No. 3, the final episode of the series, debuts tonight at 11 p.m. ET/PT.
Following the debut, FX then airs a 90-minute long replay of all three episodes in the series. The airing starts at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.
White promises the final episode will feature interesting footage on Diaz, including another near disaster.
"You ask him questions, and he knows the answer, but '[Expletive] you. I'm not going to tell you the answer. Figure the [expletive] answer out yourself,'" White said. "It's like, 'I don't give a [expletive] what you think. I'm here to fight, and I don't care if you people like me or you hate me or whatever your deal is. I don't even want talk to you.' It's almost like he hates us. What the [expletive] did we do? It's crazy. He's a fascinating human being.
"He missed three flights on the way here. You're going to see all this on the show. He missed three flights coming here."
Different from the UFC's traditional "Countdown" shows, "UFC Primetime" goes more in depth and focuses on some of the biggest fights of the year. The most recent "Primetime" special, for example, (a special single-episode "Primetime" that aired on FOX) focused on this past November's heavyweight title clash between current champion Junior Dos Santos and former title-holder Cain Velasquez. The two met at UFC on FOX 1.
"UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit" takes place Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The evening's main card airs on pay-per-view.
As a reminder, 'UFC Primetime' returns to FX tonight in anticipation of UFC 143's interim championship main event.
The well-received three-part series focuses on former Strikeforce champ Nick Diaz (26-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC) and former WEC titleholder Carlos Condit (27-5 MMA, 4-1 UFC), who headline Saturday's UFC 143 event.
The first two episodes provided insight into both fighter's lives, and UFC president Dana White promises even more drama in the final episode, including a series of missed flights by Diaz, as well as both competitors tapping into their "dark side" as they get ready for the fight.
"Wait until you see the last episode of 'Primetime,'" White told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "There's no doubt that as the week of the fight comes, [Diaz] changes. He becomes the Nick Diaz we're used to seeing.
"Condit is one of these guys, too. You'll see it on the next episode of 'Primetime,' too. He's this very smart kid. He's a nice guy, not much to say. He's there playing with his baby. He's with his wife and his family, and then 'boom.' The week of the event, he's like a completely different person. Completely changes. His dad even kind of points that out, and one of them says, 'As this thing winds down, we kind of stay away from him. We kind of back off, and he completely changes who he is.' It's very interesting to see, and you're going to see it in the last episode."
Episode No. 3, the final episode of the series, debuts tonight at 11 p.m. ET/PT.
Following the debut, FX then airs a 90-minute long replay of all three episodes in the series. The airing starts at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.
White promises the final episode will feature interesting footage on Diaz, including another near disaster.
"You ask him questions, and he knows the answer, but '[Expletive] you. I'm not going to tell you the answer. Figure the [expletive] answer out yourself,'" White said. "It's like, 'I don't give a [expletive] what you think. I'm here to fight, and I don't care if you people like me or you hate me or whatever your deal is. I don't even want talk to you.' It's almost like he hates us. What the [expletive] did we do? It's crazy. He's a fascinating human being.
"He missed three flights on the way here. You're going to see all this on the show. He missed three flights coming here."
Different from the UFC's traditional "Countdown" shows, "UFC Primetime" goes more in depth and focuses on some of the biggest fights of the year. The most recent "Primetime" special, for example, (a special single-episode "Primetime" that aired on FOX) focused on this past November's heavyweight title clash between current champion Junior Dos Santos and former title-holder Cain Velasquez. The two met at UFC on FOX 1.
"UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit" takes place Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The evening's main card airs on pay-per-view.
Main card, prelims set for 'Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey' in Ohio
The lineup, including the preliminary and main cards, is set for next month's "Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey" event.
The show takes place March 3 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
The main card, including a title fight between female bantamweight champion Miesha Tate (12-2 MMA, 5-1 SF) and Ronda Rousey (4-0 MMA, 2-0 SF), airs on Showtime. Prelims air on Showtime Extreme.
Tate and Rousey join Gina Carano and Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos as the only female headliners of a major Strikeforce card. (Sarah Kuafman and Takayo Hashi also headlined a smaller Strikeforce Challengers card in early 2010.)
Also slated for the event, which is Strikeforce's second in Columbus, are main-card matchups of light heavyweights Mike Kyle (19-8-1 MMA, 3-3-1 SF) vs. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2 MMA, 3-1-1 SF), lightweights K.J. Noons (11-4 MMA, 3-2 SF) vs. Josh Thomson (18-4 MMA, 9-2 SF), welterweights Paul Daley (29-11-2 MMA, 1-2 SF) vs. Kazuo Misaki (24-11-2 MMA, 1-0 SF), and middleweights Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (14-3 MMA, 4-1 SF) vs. Derek Brunson (9-0 MMA, 3-0 SF).
Prelims include female bantamweights Alexis Davis (11-4 MMA, 2-0 SF) vs. Sarah Kaufman (14-1 MMA, 5-1 SF), lightweights Caros Fodor (7-1 MMA, 5-0 SF) vs. Pat Healy (26-16 MMA, 4-1 SF), middleweights Scott Smith (17-9 MMA, 3-4 SF) vs. Lumumba Sayers (5-2 MMA, 1-1 SF), and lightweights Conor Heun (9-4 MMA, 1-2 SF) vs. Ryan Couture (3-1 MMA, 3-1 SF).
The full "Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey" card now includes:
MAIN CARD (Showtime)
* Champ Miesha Tate vs. Ronda Rousey (for female bantamweight title)
* Mike Kyle vs. Gegard Mousasi
* K.J. Noons vs. Josh Thomson
* Paul Daley vs. Kazuo Misaki
* Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza vs. Derek Brunson
PRELIMINARY CARD (Showtime Extreme)
* Alexis Davis vs. Sarah Kaufman
* Caros Fodor vs. Pat Healy
* Lumumba Sayers vs. Scott Smith
* Conor Heun vs. Ryan Couture
The lineup, including the preliminary and main cards, is set for next month's "Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey" event.
The show takes place March 3 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
The main card, including a title fight between female bantamweight champion Miesha Tate (12-2 MMA, 5-1 SF) and Ronda Rousey (4-0 MMA, 2-0 SF), airs on Showtime. Prelims air on Showtime Extreme.
Tate and Rousey join Gina Carano and Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos as the only female headliners of a major Strikeforce card. (Sarah Kuafman and Takayo Hashi also headlined a smaller Strikeforce Challengers card in early 2010.)
Also slated for the event, which is Strikeforce's second in Columbus, are main-card matchups of light heavyweights Mike Kyle (19-8-1 MMA, 3-3-1 SF) vs. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2 MMA, 3-1-1 SF), lightweights K.J. Noons (11-4 MMA, 3-2 SF) vs. Josh Thomson (18-4 MMA, 9-2 SF), welterweights Paul Daley (29-11-2 MMA, 1-2 SF) vs. Kazuo Misaki (24-11-2 MMA, 1-0 SF), and middleweights Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (14-3 MMA, 4-1 SF) vs. Derek Brunson (9-0 MMA, 3-0 SF).
Prelims include female bantamweights Alexis Davis (11-4 MMA, 2-0 SF) vs. Sarah Kaufman (14-1 MMA, 5-1 SF), lightweights Caros Fodor (7-1 MMA, 5-0 SF) vs. Pat Healy (26-16 MMA, 4-1 SF), middleweights Scott Smith (17-9 MMA, 3-4 SF) vs. Lumumba Sayers (5-2 MMA, 1-1 SF), and lightweights Conor Heun (9-4 MMA, 1-2 SF) vs. Ryan Couture (3-1 MMA, 3-1 SF).
The full "Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey" card now includes:
MAIN CARD (Showtime)
* Champ Miesha Tate vs. Ronda Rousey (for female bantamweight title)
* Mike Kyle vs. Gegard Mousasi
* K.J. Noons vs. Josh Thomson
* Paul Daley vs. Kazuo Misaki
* Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza vs. Derek Brunson
PRELIMINARY CARD (Showtime Extreme)
* Alexis Davis vs. Sarah Kaufman
* Caros Fodor vs. Pat Healy
* Lumumba Sayers vs. Scott Smith
* Conor Heun vs. Ryan Couture
right now Reem-JDS and Cruz-Faber II are rumored for 148
UFC Announces Next Fox, FX Events in Los Angeles, Atlantic City
Three new developments were confirmed Tuesday night for the UFC’s 2012 event calendar, as the promotion announced date and location information for UFC on FX 4, UFC 148 and UFC on Fox 4.
The announcement was made during the new episode of “UFC Tonight” on Fuel TV. UFC on FX 4 will take place June 22 in Atlantic City, N.J., and UFC on Fox 4 will go down Aug. 4 in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed that a previously announced July 7 date at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas will officially become UFC 148. No bouts have been announced for any of the recently announced events.
The UFC last visited Atlantic City in 2005, when Andrei Arlovski successfully defended his interim heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 53 against Justin Eilers. The show also saw Rich Franklin wrest the middleweight championship from Evan Tanner, forcing the cageside physician to stop the contest in the fourth round.
UFC on Fox 4 marks the promotion’s third of four planned live appearances on network television in 2012. The UFC debuted on Fox this past November after signing a seven-year deal with the network in August. The organization held UFC on Fox 2 on Jan. 28, which was highlighted by Rashad Evans’ unanimous decision victory over Phil Davis in the main event.
UFC Announces Next Fox, FX Events in Los Angeles, Atlantic City
Three new developments were confirmed Tuesday night for the UFC’s 2012 event calendar, as the promotion announced date and location information for UFC on FX 4, UFC 148 and UFC on Fox 4.
The announcement was made during the new episode of “UFC Tonight” on Fuel TV. UFC on FX 4 will take place June 22 in Atlantic City, N.J., and UFC on Fox 4 will go down Aug. 4 in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed that a previously announced July 7 date at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas will officially become UFC 148. No bouts have been announced for any of the recently announced events.
The UFC last visited Atlantic City in 2005, when Andrei Arlovski successfully defended his interim heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 53 against Justin Eilers. The show also saw Rich Franklin wrest the middleweight championship from Evan Tanner, forcing the cageside physician to stop the contest in the fourth round.
UFC on Fox 4 marks the promotion’s third of four planned live appearances on network television in 2012. The UFC debuted on Fox this past November after signing a seven-year deal with the network in August. The organization held UFC on Fox 2 on Jan. 28, which was highlighted by Rashad Evans’ unanimous decision victory over Phil Davis in the main event.
UFC 144's Ryan Bader knows what to expect from 'Rampage' Jackson
Fighting a guy like Jon Jones, you can't really hang your hat on any sort of predictions.
A guy like Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson (32-9 MMA, 7-3 UFC) is a little different story, according to Ryan Bader (13-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who spoke to MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) about his impending fight against the former champ in the co-main event of UFC 144.
UFC 144 takes place Feb. 25 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Main-card fights air live on pay-per-view. Broadcast plans for the preliminary card have yet to be announced.
Bader is on the mend after a two-fight skid that saw him submitted by now-champ Jon Jones at UFC 126 and tapped out by Tito Ortiz at UFC 132. In his most recent performance, he rebounded with a 77-second KO of vet Jason Brilz at UFC 139, which likely saved him from a irrecoverable slide in the light-heavyweight division.
Jackson's place on the ladder is less certain. Nearing the end of a decade-plus career in MMA, he was submitted by Jones in a bid to win back the title and requested a fight in Japan as much for nostalgic reasons as a career boost.
Bader, who won the "The Ultimate Fighter 8," was a fan of Jackson's in his days as a wrestler and before he made it to the UFC. But things have changed now that the two are set to fight.
"You can go back with your career afterwards and say I fought all these guys, but now's not the time," he said. "Now, I get a name like 'Rampage,' and my mindset changes."
Bader brings a strong wresting pedigree to all of his fights, but since emerging from the reality show, he's focused on becoming a dangerous striker. He's so far managed to stop three of his UFC opponents by strikes as well as defeat more experienced strikers such Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
Jackson, though, presents a more significant threat in that department. Known for heavy hands and a strong chin, he has largely abandoned his wrestling roots for a boxing-centric style. He's managed to stop three of his UFC opponents with his hands and wobble several others with punches.
But Bader agrees with observers that say Jackson has become predictable over the years, and therefore easier to beat.
"You fight a guy like Jon Jones, you really don't know what he's going to bring," he said. "It's hard to bring somebody in and have somebody replicate that.
"But fighting 'Rampage,' you know what he's trying to do. He's trying to walk you down, use head movement, and throw those big bombs on you. He does have some elbows and knees, but watching his fights, you pretty much know what he's going to do."
"But we'll be ready for whatever. Maybe he changed some things up for the Japanese crowd."
Jackson spoke of returning to his roots in a press conference held in Japan announcing the Feb. 25 event. A star of the now-defunct PRIDE, he said the Japanese audience encouraged him to take more risks when he fought, which lead to more exciting performances.
Jackson's powerbomb of Ricardo Arona at "PRIDE Critical Countdown 2004" remains one of the most spectacular pieces of highlight tape in the sport.
Bader isn't sure which fighter he's going to face, so he's prepared for either.
"It's not 'Rampage' the guy I grew up watching," he said. "It's 'Rampage' the guy standing across the cage that I've got to go out there and beat."
Fighting a guy like Jon Jones, you can't really hang your hat on any sort of predictions.
A guy like Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson (32-9 MMA, 7-3 UFC) is a little different story, according to Ryan Bader (13-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who spoke to MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) about his impending fight against the former champ in the co-main event of UFC 144.
UFC 144 takes place Feb. 25 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Main-card fights air live on pay-per-view. Broadcast plans for the preliminary card have yet to be announced.
Bader is on the mend after a two-fight skid that saw him submitted by now-champ Jon Jones at UFC 126 and tapped out by Tito Ortiz at UFC 132. In his most recent performance, he rebounded with a 77-second KO of vet Jason Brilz at UFC 139, which likely saved him from a irrecoverable slide in the light-heavyweight division.
Jackson's place on the ladder is less certain. Nearing the end of a decade-plus career in MMA, he was submitted by Jones in a bid to win back the title and requested a fight in Japan as much for nostalgic reasons as a career boost.
Bader, who won the "The Ultimate Fighter 8," was a fan of Jackson's in his days as a wrestler and before he made it to the UFC. But things have changed now that the two are set to fight.
"You can go back with your career afterwards and say I fought all these guys, but now's not the time," he said. "Now, I get a name like 'Rampage,' and my mindset changes."
Bader brings a strong wresting pedigree to all of his fights, but since emerging from the reality show, he's focused on becoming a dangerous striker. He's so far managed to stop three of his UFC opponents by strikes as well as defeat more experienced strikers such Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
Jackson, though, presents a more significant threat in that department. Known for heavy hands and a strong chin, he has largely abandoned his wrestling roots for a boxing-centric style. He's managed to stop three of his UFC opponents with his hands and wobble several others with punches.
But Bader agrees with observers that say Jackson has become predictable over the years, and therefore easier to beat.
"You fight a guy like Jon Jones, you really don't know what he's going to bring," he said. "It's hard to bring somebody in and have somebody replicate that.
"But fighting 'Rampage,' you know what he's trying to do. He's trying to walk you down, use head movement, and throw those big bombs on you. He does have some elbows and knees, but watching his fights, you pretty much know what he's going to do."
"But we'll be ready for whatever. Maybe he changed some things up for the Japanese crowd."
Jackson spoke of returning to his roots in a press conference held in Japan announcing the Feb. 25 event. A star of the now-defunct PRIDE, he said the Japanese audience encouraged him to take more risks when he fought, which lead to more exciting performances.
Jackson's powerbomb of Ricardo Arona at "PRIDE Critical Countdown 2004" remains one of the most spectacular pieces of highlight tape in the sport.
Bader isn't sure which fighter he's going to face, so he's prepared for either.
"It's not 'Rampage' the guy I grew up watching," he said. "It's 'Rampage' the guy standing across the cage that I've got to go out there and beat."
Igor Pokrajac steps in to meet Thiago Silva at UFC on FX 3
With Brandon Vera (12-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) sidelined by injury, Igor Pokrajac (24-8 MMA, 3-3 UFC) has stepped in to meet a returning Thiago Silva (14-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC).
UFC officials today confirmed the injury replacement.
As previously reported, UFC on FX 3 takes play May 15 at Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. The event's main card airs live on FX, and FUEL TV is expected to air the preliminary card.
When Silva steps into the cage that night, it will have been 16 months sine he last appeared in the octagon. Two months after Silva fought fellow light heavyweight Vera and earned a unanimous-decision win at UFC 125 in January 2011, Silva was served with a formal complaint from the Nevada State Athletic Commission – which oversaw the bout – after two separate urinalysis samples revealed a substance that was "inconsistent with human urine," indicating that he "submitted an adulterated and/or substituted specimen for testing for the urinalysis."
In a hearing held this past April, Silva admitted to taking a prescription steroid, delivered by a doctor via epidural, on two separate occasions prior to UFC 125. He was fined (and later paid) $13,750 of his $55,000 "show" purse and $20,000 of his $55,000 "win" purse for a total of $33,750. Additionally, the result of the UFC 125 bout was changed to a "no contest."
Vera was subsequently brought back by the UFC after being released with the UFC 125 loss. Following a decision win over Eliot Marshall at UFC 137, he was booked to meet Silva before injury struck.
Pokrajac most recently fought at UFC 140, where he knocked out Krzysztof Soszynski in 35 seconds. It was his second consecutive win following a TKO victory over Todd Brown at UFC on Versus 3
With Brandon Vera (12-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) sidelined by injury, Igor Pokrajac (24-8 MMA, 3-3 UFC) has stepped in to meet a returning Thiago Silva (14-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC).
UFC officials today confirmed the injury replacement.
As previously reported, UFC on FX 3 takes play May 15 at Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. The event's main card airs live on FX, and FUEL TV is expected to air the preliminary card.
When Silva steps into the cage that night, it will have been 16 months sine he last appeared in the octagon. Two months after Silva fought fellow light heavyweight Vera and earned a unanimous-decision win at UFC 125 in January 2011, Silva was served with a formal complaint from the Nevada State Athletic Commission – which oversaw the bout – after two separate urinalysis samples revealed a substance that was "inconsistent with human urine," indicating that he "submitted an adulterated and/or substituted specimen for testing for the urinalysis."
In a hearing held this past April, Silva admitted to taking a prescription steroid, delivered by a doctor via epidural, on two separate occasions prior to UFC 125. He was fined (and later paid) $13,750 of his $55,000 "show" purse and $20,000 of his $55,000 "win" purse for a total of $33,750. Additionally, the result of the UFC 125 bout was changed to a "no contest."
Vera was subsequently brought back by the UFC after being released with the UFC 125 loss. Following a decision win over Eliot Marshall at UFC 137, he was booked to meet Silva before injury struck.
Pokrajac most recently fought at UFC 140, where he knocked out Krzysztof Soszynski in 35 seconds. It was his second consecutive win following a TKO victory over Todd Brown at UFC on Versus 3
UFC on FUEL TV 2 main card set with four bouts
One week before the UFC's debut UFC on FUEL TV event, the promotion has already prepared the main-card lineup for the series' second show.
UFC on FUEL TV 2 takes place April 14 at Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm. The main card airs on FUEL TV (live on Saturday afternoon in the U.S.), and prelims are expected to stream on Facebook.
Headlining the event is a light heavyweight bout between Alexander Gustafsson (13-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) and veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5 MMA, 3-2 UFC).
Also slated for the televised portion of the event are middleweights Alessio Sakara (15-8 MMA, 6-5 UFC) vs. Brian Stann (11-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC), welterweights Siyar Bahadurzada (20-4-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Paulo Thiago (14-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC), and welterweights DaMarques Johnson (15-9 MMA, 4-3 UFC) vs. John Maguire (17-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC).
FUEL TV is a FOX-owned cable station that now hosts a significant amount of UFC programming. However, it's still unavailable (or a premium option) on many cable platforms. But with a recent push, its reach has increased from approximately 30 million homes to 36 million in the past few months, officials recently announced. The push should continue with the upcoming event series on FUEL TV.
Outside the U.S., the UFC has made the FUEL TV content available on other cable platforms, or in many countries, on UFC.tv.
The latest UFC on FUEL TV 2 card includes:
MAIN CARD (FUEL TV)
•Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
•Alessio Sakara vs. Brian Stann
•Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Paulo Thiago
•DaMarques Johnson vs. John Maguire
PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)
•Damacio Page vs. Brad Pickett
•Diego Nunes vs. Dennis Siver
•Akira Corassani vs. Jason Young
•Papy Abedi vs. James Head
•Cyrille Diabate vs. Jorgen Kruth
•Francis Carmont vs. Magnus Cedenblad
•Simeon Thoresen vs. Besam Yousef
One week before the UFC's debut UFC on FUEL TV event, the promotion has already prepared the main-card lineup for the series' second show.
UFC on FUEL TV 2 takes place April 14 at Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm. The main card airs on FUEL TV (live on Saturday afternoon in the U.S.), and prelims are expected to stream on Facebook.
Headlining the event is a light heavyweight bout between Alexander Gustafsson (13-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) and veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5 MMA, 3-2 UFC).
Also slated for the televised portion of the event are middleweights Alessio Sakara (15-8 MMA, 6-5 UFC) vs. Brian Stann (11-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC), welterweights Siyar Bahadurzada (20-4-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Paulo Thiago (14-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC), and welterweights DaMarques Johnson (15-9 MMA, 4-3 UFC) vs. John Maguire (17-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC).
FUEL TV is a FOX-owned cable station that now hosts a significant amount of UFC programming. However, it's still unavailable (or a premium option) on many cable platforms. But with a recent push, its reach has increased from approximately 30 million homes to 36 million in the past few months, officials recently announced. The push should continue with the upcoming event series on FUEL TV.
Outside the U.S., the UFC has made the FUEL TV content available on other cable platforms, or in many countries, on UFC.tv.
The latest UFC on FUEL TV 2 card includes:
MAIN CARD (FUEL TV)
•Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
•Alessio Sakara vs. Brian Stann
•Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Paulo Thiago
•DaMarques Johnson vs. John Maguire
PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)
•Damacio Page vs. Brad Pickett
•Diego Nunes vs. Dennis Siver
•Akira Corassani vs. Jason Young
•Papy Abedi vs. James Head
•Cyrille Diabate vs. Jorgen Kruth
•Francis Carmont vs. Magnus Cedenblad
•Simeon Thoresen vs. Besam Yousef
With UFC 143 win, Fabricio Werdum eyes fight in Brazilian homeland
Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) is officially back in the UFC.
With a decision over Roy Nelson (16-7 MMA, 3-3 UFC) at this past Saturday's UFC 143, Werdum has a little job security after a three-year absence from the promotion.
Now, he'd like to fight in his home country when the UFC returns to Brazil in an event targeted for June 2 at a location to be determined.
"I'd prefer to go back to Brazil," a good-spirited Werdum said following his win.
With a reputation as a submission specialist, many observers expected Werdum to grapple with Nelson when they met in the co-main event of the Super Bowl weekend card, which took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
But Werdum instead delivered an impressive showing on his feet, dominating Nelson with muay Thai throughout the three-round fight.
"I've always been confident in my standup and felt that I had it," Werdum said. "People on the Internet say I'm only good at jiu-jitsu. I wanted to be able to showcase (my standup) today."
Werdum cut Nelson in the first round with knees and elbows and didn't relent as the winner of "The Ultimate Fighter 10" ran low on gas.
"Roy Nelson has a strong punch and good hands," he said. "I saw that maybe in round three, he tired. We went in the clinch, and I didn't feel a lot of power. So when I see he tired, I tried to punch or kick and knock him out."
The former Strikeforce heavyweight also showed a wily trick. At one point during the bout, he pointed to the canvas as if to show Nelson something he dropped.
"I tried to distract him, so if he looked to that point, I was going to kick his head," Werdum said through a translator.
Although Nelson didn't take the bait and survived to the final bell, it was an emphatic win.
Werdum joked that his work in close was called the "King's MMA clinch" after the gym he trains at in Southern California.
"I show for you guys the happy face," he said, then made a face that closely resembled "The Joker." "Thank you."
The Brazil event is expected to feature a middleweight title fight between champ Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen, as well as a middleweight bout between "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil" coaches Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort and the finalists from the reality show
Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) is officially back in the UFC.
With a decision over Roy Nelson (16-7 MMA, 3-3 UFC) at this past Saturday's UFC 143, Werdum has a little job security after a three-year absence from the promotion.
Now, he'd like to fight in his home country when the UFC returns to Brazil in an event targeted for June 2 at a location to be determined.
"I'd prefer to go back to Brazil," a good-spirited Werdum said following his win.
With a reputation as a submission specialist, many observers expected Werdum to grapple with Nelson when they met in the co-main event of the Super Bowl weekend card, which took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
But Werdum instead delivered an impressive showing on his feet, dominating Nelson with muay Thai throughout the three-round fight.
"I've always been confident in my standup and felt that I had it," Werdum said. "People on the Internet say I'm only good at jiu-jitsu. I wanted to be able to showcase (my standup) today."
Werdum cut Nelson in the first round with knees and elbows and didn't relent as the winner of "The Ultimate Fighter 10" ran low on gas.
"Roy Nelson has a strong punch and good hands," he said. "I saw that maybe in round three, he tired. We went in the clinch, and I didn't feel a lot of power. So when I see he tired, I tried to punch or kick and knock him out."
The former Strikeforce heavyweight also showed a wily trick. At one point during the bout, he pointed to the canvas as if to show Nelson something he dropped.
"I tried to distract him, so if he looked to that point, I was going to kick his head," Werdum said through a translator.
Although Nelson didn't take the bait and survived to the final bell, it was an emphatic win.
Werdum joked that his work in close was called the "King's MMA clinch" after the gym he trains at in Southern California.
"I show for you guys the happy face," he said, then made a face that closely resembled "The Joker." "Thank you."
The Brazil event is expected to feature a middleweight title fight between champ Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen, as well as a middleweight bout between "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil" coaches Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort and the finalists from the reality show
Donald Cerrone vs. Yves Edwards added to May's UFC on FX 3 event
An intriguing lightweight contest between Donald Cerrone (17-4 MMA, 4-1 UFC) and Yves Edwards (41-18-1 MMA, 9-4 UFC) has been added to May's UFC on FX 3 event.
The new booking was announced on Tuesday's new episode of "UFC Tonight" on FUEL TV.
UFC on FX 3 takes place May 15 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. The night's main card airs on FX.
Cerrone looks to rebound from a December loss to Nate Diaz at December's UFC 141 event. The disappointing loss snapped a six-fight win streak for "Cowboy," who had been undefeated under the UFC banner before the result.
Cerrone, who fought twice for the WEC lightweight belt, had been considered at the front of the line for a crack at the UFC 155-pound title before the result. Nevertheless, another win or two could easily have him back in position for a title shot.
Meanwhile, Edwards also looks to snap back from defeat after falling short against "The Ultimate Fighter 13" winner Tony Ferguson at December's The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale. Edwards, who has fought professionally since 1997 is currently mired in a 1-2 stretch but is 3-2 overall in his latest stint in the UFC.s
The bout's position on the evening's card was not revealed
An intriguing lightweight contest between Donald Cerrone (17-4 MMA, 4-1 UFC) and Yves Edwards (41-18-1 MMA, 9-4 UFC) has been added to May's UFC on FX 3 event.
The new booking was announced on Tuesday's new episode of "UFC Tonight" on FUEL TV.
UFC on FX 3 takes place May 15 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. The night's main card airs on FX.
Cerrone looks to rebound from a December loss to Nate Diaz at December's UFC 141 event. The disappointing loss snapped a six-fight win streak for "Cowboy," who had been undefeated under the UFC banner before the result.
Cerrone, who fought twice for the WEC lightweight belt, had been considered at the front of the line for a crack at the UFC 155-pound title before the result. Nevertheless, another win or two could easily have him back in position for a title shot.
Meanwhile, Edwards also looks to snap back from defeat after falling short against "The Ultimate Fighter 13" winner Tony Ferguson at December's The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale. Edwards, who has fought professionally since 1997 is currently mired in a 1-2 stretch but is 3-2 overall in his latest stint in the UFC.s
The bout's position on the evening's card was not revealed
Michael Bisping splits from longtime team at Wolfslair
Top-ranked middleweight Michael Bisping is no longer a member of Wolfslair MMA Academy.
A source close to the camp today confirmed the news to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) but declined to go into specifics about the change.
Bisping (22-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) most recently took on Chael Sonnen at UFC on FOX 2 and suffered a unanimous decision loss, which scratched a middleweight title shot against champ Anderson Silva.
Bisping's work with the U.K.-based MMA team extended through much of his success in the UFC. In 2006, he won "The Ultimate Fighter 3" and subsequently went on a three-fight win streak before a split decision loss to Rashad Evans briefly halted his momentum.
During his work with the camp, Bisping worked with high-profile additions to the team such as Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Cheick Kongo. Wolfslair trainers Dave Jackson and Mario Neto were also featured when Bisping took a coaching job on "The Ultimate Fighter 9."
Recently, Bisping relocated to Huntington Beach, Calif., and trained with UFC vet Tiki Ghosn and standout wrestler Brady Fink.
In 2005, Bisping was stripped of his light-heavyweight title in the now-defunct Cage Rage promotion due to "management issues," according to a statement released on the British promotion Cage Warriors Fighting Championships website. Bisping won and defended the Cage Warriors Fighting Championships three times before his move to the UFC.
Attempts to reach Bisping were unsuccessful.
Top-ranked middleweight Michael Bisping is no longer a member of Wolfslair MMA Academy.
A source close to the camp today confirmed the news to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) but declined to go into specifics about the change.
Bisping (22-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) most recently took on Chael Sonnen at UFC on FOX 2 and suffered a unanimous decision loss, which scratched a middleweight title shot against champ Anderson Silva.
Bisping's work with the U.K.-based MMA team extended through much of his success in the UFC. In 2006, he won "The Ultimate Fighter 3" and subsequently went on a three-fight win streak before a split decision loss to Rashad Evans briefly halted his momentum.
During his work with the camp, Bisping worked with high-profile additions to the team such as Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Cheick Kongo. Wolfslair trainers Dave Jackson and Mario Neto were also featured when Bisping took a coaching job on "The Ultimate Fighter 9."
Recently, Bisping relocated to Huntington Beach, Calif., and trained with UFC vet Tiki Ghosn and standout wrestler Brady Fink.
In 2005, Bisping was stripped of his light-heavyweight title in the now-defunct Cage Rage promotion due to "management issues," according to a statement released on the British promotion Cage Warriors Fighting Championships website. Bisping won and defended the Cage Warriors Fighting Championships three times before his move to the UFC.
Attempts to reach Bisping were unsuccessful.
UFC boss says Mir vs. Velasquez, Griffin vs. Ortiz III in the works
According to UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta, former UFC heavyweight champions Frank Mir (16-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) and Cain Velasquez (9-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) are on a collision course, while familiar foes and former light heavyweight champs Forrest Griffin (18-7 MMA, 9-5 UFC) and Tito Ortiz are in line for a trilogy bout.
Fertitta revealed the planned matchups overnight via Twitter.
No date for either fight was revealed.
Mir currently boasts a three-fight win streak that includes a gruesome submission win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at this past December's UFC 140 event. Mir's run also includes a May 2011 decision win over Roy Nelson, as well as a September 2010 knockout of Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.
Mir, who won the UFC's heavyweight title in 2004 before a motorcycle accident forced him to vacate the belt, also won an interim title in 2008. He's 7-2 in his past nine fights, but both losses have come to wrestling stylists in the form of Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar.
Meanwhile, Velasquez looks to rebound from a November loss, in which he surrendered the UFC title to Junior Dos Santos at the UFC's first-ever FOX-televised event. The defeat was the first of Velasquez's career, a run that included nine-straight wins to open his career, including seven fights in the octagon.
Ortiz, who made his MMA debut in 1997 as a brash 22-year-old at UFC 13, has the most fights in UFC history (26), the most light-heavyweight title defenses in the promotion's history (five), and the longest current service time in the UFC. He was also the sport's biggest star during a pivotal return to pay-per-view and an eventual move into the mainstream.
Ortiz is just 1-6-1 in his past eight fights, though a July 2011 upset of Ryan Bader brought about a brief resurgence. However, with losses to some of the division's elite – Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira – few meaningful fights remain.
However, he can think of one, and he and his would-be opponent have campaigned for it on Twitter. Ortiz wants it, and fellow ex-champ Griffin verbally accepted the challenge on a recent airing of HDNet's "Inside MMA." Ortiz won the first meeting via split decision at UFC 59, and Griffin won the second one (also via split decision) at UFC 106
According to UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta, former UFC heavyweight champions Frank Mir (16-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) and Cain Velasquez (9-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) are on a collision course, while familiar foes and former light heavyweight champs Forrest Griffin (18-7 MMA, 9-5 UFC) and Tito Ortiz are in line for a trilogy bout.
Fertitta revealed the planned matchups overnight via Twitter.
No date for either fight was revealed.
Mir currently boasts a three-fight win streak that includes a gruesome submission win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at this past December's UFC 140 event. Mir's run also includes a May 2011 decision win over Roy Nelson, as well as a September 2010 knockout of Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.
Mir, who won the UFC's heavyweight title in 2004 before a motorcycle accident forced him to vacate the belt, also won an interim title in 2008. He's 7-2 in his past nine fights, but both losses have come to wrestling stylists in the form of Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar.
Meanwhile, Velasquez looks to rebound from a November loss, in which he surrendered the UFC title to Junior Dos Santos at the UFC's first-ever FOX-televised event. The defeat was the first of Velasquez's career, a run that included nine-straight wins to open his career, including seven fights in the octagon.
Ortiz, who made his MMA debut in 1997 as a brash 22-year-old at UFC 13, has the most fights in UFC history (26), the most light-heavyweight title defenses in the promotion's history (five), and the longest current service time in the UFC. He was also the sport's biggest star during a pivotal return to pay-per-view and an eventual move into the mainstream.
Ortiz is just 1-6-1 in his past eight fights, though a July 2011 upset of Ryan Bader brought about a brief resurgence. However, with losses to some of the division's elite – Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira – few meaningful fights remain.
However, he can think of one, and he and his would-be opponent have campaigned for it on Twitter. Ortiz wants it, and fellow ex-champ Griffin verbally accepted the challenge on a recent airing of HDNet's "Inside MMA." Ortiz won the first meeting via split decision at UFC 59, and Griffin won the second one (also via split decision) at UFC 106
Fertitta: Champ Dos Santos vs. Overeem targeted for UFC 146 in Las Vegas
UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos (14-1 MMA, 8-0 UFC) will likely make his first title defense on May 26 in Las Vegas.
That's according to UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta, who made the announcement overnight in a rare extended session of Twitter chat with fans.
Dos Santos is scheduled to face former Strikeforce champ Alistair Overeem (36-11 MMA, 1-0 UFC), who earned the shot with a recent win over former UFC champ Brock Lesnar.
While the UFC has yet to officially announce the event, May 26 is expected to serve as the date of UFC 146 and take place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena.
One potential roadblock to the bout exists, as Overeem is currently facing misdemeanor battery charges in Las Vegas following a recent incident at Wynn Las Vegas. However, UFC president Dana White recently said he wasn't anticipating any complications due to the charge.
"I don't think he's in that much trouble," White said. "This isn't a situation where he beat somebody up; I don't think that's the case."
Overeem, a former Strikeforce champion who was released by the organization and quickly signed by its sister promotion, made his official UFC debut at UFC 141 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. By knocking out ex-champ Lesnar (for his 11th straight win), he set up the upcoming heavyweight title fight with current champ Dos Santos, who's healing from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, champ Dos Santos is recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee. In January, he told MMAjunkie.com Radio that he was nearing full health.
"In another 20 days, I'll be feeling 100 percent again," Dos Santos said. "Then I need two-and-a-half (months) to do my camp, and then I'm ready to do."
White previously mentioned Memorial Day weekend or Fourth of July weekend as possibilities for the fight. Both shows are expected to take place in Las Vegas.
UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos (14-1 MMA, 8-0 UFC) will likely make his first title defense on May 26 in Las Vegas.
That's according to UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta, who made the announcement overnight in a rare extended session of Twitter chat with fans.
Dos Santos is scheduled to face former Strikeforce champ Alistair Overeem (36-11 MMA, 1-0 UFC), who earned the shot with a recent win over former UFC champ Brock Lesnar.
While the UFC has yet to officially announce the event, May 26 is expected to serve as the date of UFC 146 and take place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena.
One potential roadblock to the bout exists, as Overeem is currently facing misdemeanor battery charges in Las Vegas following a recent incident at Wynn Las Vegas. However, UFC president Dana White recently said he wasn't anticipating any complications due to the charge.
"I don't think he's in that much trouble," White said. "This isn't a situation where he beat somebody up; I don't think that's the case."
Overeem, a former Strikeforce champion who was released by the organization and quickly signed by its sister promotion, made his official UFC debut at UFC 141 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. By knocking out ex-champ Lesnar (for his 11th straight win), he set up the upcoming heavyweight title fight with current champ Dos Santos, who's healing from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, champ Dos Santos is recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee. In January, he told MMAjunkie.com Radio that he was nearing full health.
"In another 20 days, I'll be feeling 100 percent again," Dos Santos said. "Then I need two-and-a-half (months) to do my camp, and then I'm ready to do."
White previously mentioned Memorial Day weekend or Fourth of July weekend as possibilities for the fight. Both shows are expected to take place in Las Vegas.