MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

DREAM.12! Yoshiro Maeda Enters The White Cage

A Featherweight fight between DREAM Featherweight GP participants Yoshiro Maeda and Chase Beebe was announced today for the white cage of DREAM.12 in October.

Update: Maeda wants a spot at Dynamite!! with a victory here. Expect more DREAM.12 fights to be announced after the DREAM.11 event. It seems like Alistair will participate despite having the K-1 Finals one and a half weeks later.

OLYMPIA DREAM.12
Date: October 25th, 2009
Place: Osaka Castle Hall in Osaka, Japan

Lightweight Fights:
Katsunori Kikuno vs. Eddie Alvarez
Parky vs. Kuniyoshi Hironaka

Featherweight Fight:
Yoshiro Maeda vs. Chase Beebe

Participants:
Myeon Ho Bae

Planned Participants:
Marius Zaromskis, Alistair Overeem, Paulo Filho, Murilo Ninja, Kiyoshi Tamura, Andrews Nakahara

Possible Participants:
Takafumi Otsuka

 

[Shogun Locc]

Nakamura Fight Moved

It was announced at an urgent press conference today that Daisuke Nakamura’s next DREAM fight has been moved from DREAM.11 to DREAM.12 since an appropriate opponent couldn’t be found for him in time. Don’t be surprised if Nakamura’s opponent at DREAM.12 is Gilbert Melendez.

 

[Shogun Locc]

EASTON AND RUNEZ WALK AWAY CHAMPS AT UWC 7

Ultimate Warrior Challenge on Saturday night returned to the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va., for UWC 7: Redemption. Bantamweight champion Mike Easton held on to his title and Pat Runez captured the vacant flyweight championship.

“I was killing him standing up. It was a close fight, but it is what it is... It was controversial,” said Easton after earning a split decision over former WEC champion Chase Beebe. “I enjoyed that fight. I love those kinds of fights. I’m the champ, gotta beat the Champ!”

Runez was also won a close one to put the gold around his waist. He earned a split decision over seasoned veteran John Dodson. “As long as UWC keeps bringing in quality opponents like John Dodson, I’ll be ready to come back and defend the belt.”

UWC 7: Redemption Results
-Mike Easton def. Chase Beebe by Split Decision
-Pat Runez def. John Dodson by Split Decision
-Kyle Baker def. Tommy Truex by TKO at 4:59, R1
-Timothy Woods def. Ryan Sturdy by TKO at 0:35, R3
-Jacob McClintock def. Beau Baker by TKO at 3:30, R1
-Kris McCray def. Igor Almeida by TKO 0:49, R1
-Iman “Mannie” Achhal def. Sumie Sakai by TKO at 2:30, R2
-Jesse Riggleman def. Josh Ferguson by Split Decision
-Freddy Assuncao def. Felipe Ariantes by Unanimous Decision

 

[Shogun Locc]

VAZQUEZ'S WILD RIDE CONTINUES AT WEC 43

As July was ended, former King of the Cage champion Javier “Showtime” Vazquez went on an unintentional psychological roller coaster ride.

Initially part of the now infamously cancelled Affliction: Trilogy card, he went through preparations to fight, having been told he wouldn’t fight, to fighting again as his match with L.C. Davis was then picked up for WEC 42.

It was perhaps that uncertainty followed by delay that threw Vazquez off, as he was unable to dominate Davis, leading to a controversial split decision loss; only the third of Vazquez’s near 11-year career.

Eager to prove his match against Davis was a fluke, Vazquez recently replaced fellow former Affliction castoff Mark Hominick to face IFL veteran Deividas Taurosevicius at WEC 43 on Oct. 10 in San Antonio, Texas.

“I had told them that I wanted to get in there pretty quickly, especially after that last fight,” said Vazquez of his quick turnaround to MMAWeekly.com. “They had actually told me they were penciling me in for December, and I told them I would be ready by November, so I began training.

“I was already kind of back in the gym. I just had to pick (the pace up a) little bit earlier than I normally would, but I was in decent shape already.”

Looking back on his loss to Davis, Vazquez has resigned himself to the outcome, even if he’s not quite sure how it ended up in his opponent’s favor.

“I don’t really know where he won,” questioned Vazquez. “Especially the (judges) who gave it to him 30-27. I don’t know where he won three rounds. I don’t know where he won two rounds.

“Maybe the last round was the closest one; they could have given it to him, because of the way it played out, but as I looked at it, I didn’t take any damage. I don’t know… Whatever… What can you do, you know?”

In his second WEC match, he takes on the tough-as-nails Taurosevicius, yet another fighter a few months removed from the Affliction: Trilogy debacle.

“His stand-up is decent, his ground is decent, he’s really hard to finish – that’s the problem,” said Vazquez. “It’s hard to get rid of him. Hard to get him to tap or knockout.

“I’ll just keep trying to go after him, try to dominate the fight, and try to impose my will. That’s all I really can do and see what happens.”

Regardless of the outcome, Vazquez intends to get back into the cage as soon as possible, whether it’s the month after the fight or a week after the fight.

“If I can fight in November, I’ll fight in November,” he stated. “I want to get in as many as I can, even if they’re close together. I’m in shape, so I might as well fight.

“If I can get three more in, then I’ll get three more in if I’m healthy. I’m just going to try to stay active and see what I can do, because it’s all that I want to do right now (is fight).”

Years of dominance followed by years away from the sport, finding success again and then suddenly disappointment, has put Vazquez on a roller coast of a ride few fighters could ever know. And yet he is determined as always to succeed, showing the true mark of a former champion.

“I’d like to thank my sponsors: Affliction, Clinch Gear, Unbreakable Mouthpieces, and Inland Chiropractic,” he concluded. “I want to tell the fans thank you for your support. I’ll do my best and hopefully I’ll come out on top.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

WEC general manager Reed Harris expects 2009 returns for Jamie Varner, Urijah Faber

While two of the WEC's top fighters have been shelved with injuries for several months, the organization's general manager, Reed Harris, said he expects both Urijah Faber and Jamie Varner to return to action before the year is out.

Harris recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) that both fighters have been cleared by physicians and have returned to training.

Harris said while he expects Faber to again factor into the WEC's featherweight title picture, Varner has to do so or face the risk of losing his 155-pound title.

"Jamie Varner has been cleared but needs to come back and fight," Harris. "If Jamie doesn't come back and fight, then whoever holds [the interim] belt will become (the champion). We'll unify the belts."

Varner hasn't fought since his split-decision win over Donald Cerrone in January. A rash of injuries from the bout has kept Varner out of commission, and next Saturday Cerrone and Benson Henderson will meet in the main event of WEC 43 to determine an interim lightweight champion.

While Harris said Varner's title could be stripped if he doesn't return to action, the WEC exec also said he doesn't anticipate that being an issue.

"Jamie says he's coming back," Harris said. "We're hoping to do that by the end of the year. So whoever wins this fight then in turn will fight Jamie.

"He said his hand is OK. He's been cleared by his physicians. He's training."

Meanwhile, Faber also been sidelined since a June clash with Mike Brown left "The California Kid's" hands shattered.

Harris said he's amazed that Faber will be back in the cage so quickly.

"Urijah Faber, the doctor cleared his hand," Harris said. "Urijah healed really, really quickly. I heard it was about twice as fast as a normal human being. He's got that hyperbaric chamber thing going, and he told me, 'Reed, I'm not [expletive] you. This thing works. I spent time in this hyperbaric chamber.'

"The doctor said he healed at twice the rate. Of course, he's a really, really healthy dude."

A former featherweight champion and the first real star of the WEC, Harris sees Faber as a factor in the 145-pound division despite a pair of losses to current champ Brown.

"Urijah is a huge factor," Harris said. "If he would have gone out, and Brown knocked him out again, maybe not. He broke his hand, and I thought he was doing well in that fight. Whether he was winning or not is up to the judges. He was doing well.

"The guy was completely a warrior. I think the fact that he broke his hand had a lot to do with the loss, and I think people would want to see him fight Brown again. Now Brown's got a tough fight coming up here in Las Vegas against Jose Aldo. But if Brown gets through Aldo, I think I'd like to see him fight Urijah again, and I know Urijah would like to see that, too."

Of course, Harris said Faber won't get to just walk right back in to a title show.

"We have kind of a policy that we try to make guys work back in," Harris said. "We don't just give them an automatic rematch. ... I'm going to make Urijah fight once or twice before he does that."

While Faber's immediate course is unknown, Harris said he hopes to have the former champ in action before year's end.

"We're working through this contract thing, and we're going to have something soon, I'm sure," Harris said. "I can't wait to get him back in there. He can't wait. He's training now.

"I think we'll see him back in by the end of the year. We're working on it now."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Sakuraba Vs. Pro Boxer

Kazushi Sakuraba will face pro boxer Rubin Williams at DREAM.11. Williams Boxing record is 29-8-1 and his record in his last 7 fights is 0-6-1.

 

[lenbiasyayo]

dana white should give hendo the winner of shogun/machida since he allready lost to silva but he clearly deserves a title shot

 

[Shogun Locc]

Fedor Gets Hitched

Fedor Emelianenko got married over the weekend in Russia, according to his Web site, which has some pictures of the ceremony. “Marina” appears to be the lucky bride’s name, if you trust those translation sites. website: http://efedor.ru/news/424.html

 

[Shogun Locc]

Faber Signs 6-Fight Extension

Urijah Faber has signed a six-fight contract extension with the WEC and is expected to return to the cage this January, the fighter’s manager Mike Roberts told Sherdog.com Monday.

MMAJunkie.com was the first to report on Faber’s new deal with the promotion, which will lock up the popular former featherweight champion with the promotion for seven more fights.

Roberts said the deal was signed last week, following a heavy negotiation period that began last January.

Faber, 30, broke his hand in the first round of his rematch with featherweight champion Mike Thomas Brown at WEC 41 in June. Faber was able to complete the five-round bout, but dropped a unanimous decision to Brown, who defends his title against Brazilian upstart Jose Aldo at WEC 44 on Nov. 18 in Las Vegas.

“The California Kid” underwent surgery and had pins placed in his right hand. Roberts said Faber, who tends to shun prescription medication, turned to unconventional rehabilitation methods, including a hyperbaric chamber, in his recovery process. Though not expected back until March, Faber made a speedy recovery.

The time away from the cage also allowed Faber and his management to restructure a new deal with the UFC’s sister promotion.

“Urijah’s extremely happy with the deal. He feels well taken care of,” said Roberts. “(WEC owner) Lorenzo (Fertitta), Dana (White), and (WEC general manager) Reed (Harris) are super easy to work with. It was just a real complicated deal that took a while to work through.”

Roberts did not give details on the deal, though it is expected that Faber was allotted some kind of added compensation should the promotion launch pay-per-view events this year. Sherdog.com has learned the promotion aims to hold at least two pay-per-view events in 2010. Multiple fighters have tiered profit-sharing incentives for UFC pay-per-view events.

Roberts said Faber’s loyalty to the promotion played a big part in the fighter’s decision as well.

“We could have waited (the contract) out to speak with other promotions, but Urijah said, ‘I started this. I want to grow with this and finish this. I want the belt back.’”

Roberts does not expect Faber to face the winner of the Brown-Aldo championship bout scheduled for WEC 44 on Nov. 18 in Las Vegas.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Strikeforce's next "Arena Series" show likely for San Jose in December

While Strikeforce is now scheduled to host three shows in November, the California-based organization isn't quite finished booking events in 2009.

Dave Meltzer of Yahoo! Sports was the first to report that a December "Arena Series" show was likely, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has since confirmed with multiple sources close to the organization that Strikeforce is planning an event at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

And while Meltzer was the first to report that a Dec. 12 date for the event had been secured with the California State Athletic Commission, an additional Dec. 5 date has since been added to the calendar.

The likelihood of the organization hosting events on back-to-back weeks in its home base of San Jose would seem low, but not many would have predicted that the promotion would host three shows in November.

Strikeforce officials were unavailable for comment when contacted by MMAjunkie.com, though the promotion's CEO, Scott Coker, told Meltzer the Dec. 12 date was simply "tentative."

The San Jose-based Strikeforce promotion has hosted 10 previous MMA events at HP Pavilion, the most recent of which was the Aug. 15 "Carano vs. Cyborg" event.

While the organization has not identified any fighters for participation in the proposed December event, Strikeforce would likely feature such local fighters as lightweight champion Josh Thomson and interim 155-pound champ Gilbert Melendez.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Four bouts added to "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" preliminary card

With two highly anticipated main event bouts already in place for "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo," the organization today announced four preliminary card matchups for the Nov. 18 event.

Previously reported fights of Diego Nunes vs. L.C. Davis, Cub Swanson vs. John Franchi and Seth Dikun vs. Frank Gomez were made official, while a new bout between Ricardo Lamas and James Krause was also added.

The four preliminary card contests join two previously announced feature bouts of Brown vs. Aldo and Manny Gamburyan vs. Leonard Garcia.

WEC 44 takes place Nov. 18 at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The main card airs live on Versus.

Nunes (13-0 MMA, 2-0 WEC), who debuted with the WEC in late 2008, looks for his third straight victory in the organization and his 14th win overall. The 26-year-old Brazilian has topped both Cole Province and Rafael Dias via unanimous decision since the promotional debut. Prior to joining the WEC, Nunes had posted 11 consecutive victories via stoppage (10 in the first round).

Davis (14-2 MMA, 1-0 WEC), meanwhile, looks to build off his split-decision victory over Javier Vazquez in his WEC debut, which came at WEC 42. The 28-year-old IFL, Affliction and Sengoku veteran is 5-1 in his past six fights.

Swanson (13-3 MMA, 3-3 WEC) looks to rebound from a devastating loss to Aldo in June. Swanson had won 13 of his past 14 contest before suffering an eight-second knockout loss to the Brazilian on the main card of "WEC 41: Brown vs. Faber II."

Franchi (5-1 MMA, 1-1 WEC) also looks to bounce back from a loss, the first of his career. Franchi opened his career with five-straight stoppage wins before losing to Gamburyan via unanimous decision on the preliminary card of the same WEC 41 card.

Dikun (7-3 MMA, 1-1 WEC) looks to build off his June victory over Rolando Perez. Dikun, who debuted with the WEC six months prior with a decision loss to Charlie Valencia at WEC 38, stopped Perez via first-round flying triangle choke at WEC 41 to pick up his fifth win in six fights. Dikun earned a $10,000 Submission of the Night bonus for the stunning move.

Meanwhile, Gomez (7-1 MMA, 1-1 WEC) looks to build off his June victory over "The Ultimate Fighter 5" cast member (and late replacement for Eddie Wineland) Noah Thomas. Thomas entered the bout with seven straight victories, but Gomez submitted him with an arm-triangle choke midway through the second round. Prior to the victory, Gomez made his WEC debut and suffered his first career loss after he was tapped out by Scott Jorgensen at WEC 38.

Lamas (6-1 MMA, 1-1 WEC) looks to bounce back from his first career loss at August's "WEC 42: Torres vs. Bowles." After reeling off six wins to open his career, Lamas suffered a second-round TKO loss to Danny Castillo in an exciting bout.

Krause (10-1 MMA, 1-1 WEC) also looks to bounce back from his first career defeat. The submission ace earned nine first-round stoppages in his first 10 career bouts, but he was dominated by Donald Cerrone when facing "Cowboy" at June's WEC 41.

With the additions to the card, WEC 44 now includes:

* Champ Mike Brown vs. Jose Aldo (for WEC featherweight title)
* Manny Gamburyan vs. Leonard Garcia
* Rob McCullough vs. Anthony Pettis*
* Danny Castillo vs. TBA*

PRELIMINARY CARD (un-aired)

* L.C. Davis vs. Diego Nunes
* John Franchi vs. Cub Swanson
* James Krause vs. Ricardo Lamas
* Seth Dikun vs. Frank Gomez

* - Not officially announced

 

[Shogun Locc]

Gaga for Gegard: An MMAmania.com interview exclusive with Gegard Mousasi

After a dominating performance over Renato “Babalu” Sobral to claim the Strikeforce light heavyweight championship belt at the “Carano vs. Cyborg” event back on August 15, Gegard Mousasi has officially arrived on U.S. soil.

The win was his thirteenth in a row. His list of victims includes the likes of Melvin Manhoef, Denis Kang, Mark Hunt, Evangelista Santos, Hector Lombard and Ronaldo Souza.

Needless to say, the Mousasi bandwagon is now circling and there are plenty of seats still available.

At the ripe old age of twenty-four, he has already established himself as one of the best mixed martial arts fighters in the world.

The scary part is that he will only get better with continued training and gainful experience.

The sky’s the limit for this kid.

Next up is his first title defense against a yet to be named opponent on the November 7 Strikeforce/M-1 fight card that will be broadcast live on CBS.

“The Dreamcatcher” took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss Strikeforce, Fedor Emelianenko, Brock Lesnar, his biggest weakness and never shying away from Lady Gaga’s music.

Check it out:

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Tell me how your first experience fighting in the United States went? Was it similar or different from what you imagined it would be?

Gegard Mousasi: I had seen the second M-1/Affliction show live so I knew that the crowd is much different from Japan so I knew what to expect.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Were you surprised that you were able to come in and dominate a guy like Renato Sobral so easily?

Gegard Mousasi: No, I was expecting a tough fight because Sobral is experienced and a tough opponent. I don’t feel I dominated because the fight was too short but sometimes fights end quick.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Now that you are spending more time in the United States what are some things you have noticed about the US that make you laugh or that maybe you do not fully understand?

Gegard Mousasi: Well I am familiar with the food, TV shows, movies and language so I feel comfortable when I am in the US. The weather is also great. Something I don’t understand is the fact you have to tip everybody. In Holland we tip also but there is a big difference between the countries.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What movies or television shows do you watch and what kind of music do you like to listen to?

Gegard Mousasi: I really like Robert De Niro. I watch the comedy shows like Married With Children, Friends, Family Guy and Everybody Loves Raymond. I like all kinds of music artists like Akon. I even listen to Lady Gaga. (laughs)

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Back to MMA, what has been the toughest fight in your entire career up to this point? Who gave you the most trouble and why?

Gegard Mousasi: Probably my third fight against Gilson Ferreira. I was seventeen and I think he was much older, bigger and stronger. I didn’t have a lot of experience. I only could box. It was a brawl fight. I did very well but the rules where different. You couldn’t win unless you knocked him out or knock down or a rope escape (submission).

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): When you step into the cage or ring you seem to be very calm almost like you just woke up. Is this simply your personality or is it something you consciously do to make sure you conserve your energy and emotions?

Gegard Mousasi: I have always been like that even when I was doing amateur boxing and the more fights I have the more relaxed I get in cage or ring. It’s all about experience. It’s something that I try to do because I fight better when I am relaxed.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Will you for sure be fighting on the November 7th Strikeforce/M-1 card in Chicago?

Gegard Mousasi: Yes, I will be on the card with fighters like Fedor, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Cristiane Cyborg and Jason Miller so I am exited to be part of this great fight card.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Has your opponent been confirmed? If so, who are you fighting?

Gegard Mousasi: No, nothing yet.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Out of Paulo Filho, Mike Whitehead, or possibly Ricardo Arona, who would you say is most deserving of the opportunity to fight you for the light heavyweight belt?

Gegard Mousasi: I don’t know. It’s not up to me to think who deserves it or not. I just concentrate on winning my fights.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Are you concerned at all that there are not enough quality opponents for you in the Strikeforce light heavyweight division? Do you feel that they need to add some more talent to the division going forward?

Gegard Mousasi: With Strikeforce working with DREAM and M-1 Global there will be enough opponents to fight. I feel that Strikeforce has everything (in place) to get even bigger. They put up great fight cards, have a good TV deal, and they know how to run their business.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Where will you be training at for your next fight and who are some of the coaches and fighters that will be helping you in your preparations?

Gegard Mousasi: I will train like always with my friends. I also train outside my gym to improve my skills. I train now regularly in the new M-1 gym where there are great trainers and sparring partners and a lot of other gyms. Holland is a small country so everything is close by.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What would you say is an area of your game that you still feel needs the most work?

Gegard Mousasi: Submissions, just because there aren’t a lot of BJJ trainers and fighters to train with that are pure BJJ. I think that’s something I can improve but for that I probably have to train outside Holland so when I get the opportunity I will do that.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You made some comments recently (on a blog recently posted on the M-1 Global official web site) about how one of your future goals is to become a UFC champion. How will you know when it is time to transition over to the UFC and why do you feel like you are not completely ready at this point?

Gegard Mousasi: I didn’t make that statement. I fight for Strikeforce, M-1, Showtime, and CBS and I am very happy with this.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Speaking of the UFC, what would happen if Fedor Emelianenko ever fought Brock Lesnar? Who would win and why?

Gegard Mousasi: It would be a very interesting fight but I have to go with Fedor and not just because we are friends. I think Fedor has proven himself time after time against very different opponents. Brock Lesnar is a great fighter a real athlete but I feel Fedor has proven himself much more than Brock Lesnar in MMA.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Do you think that fight will ever happen or was the opportunity lost?

Gegard Mousasi: Anything can happen.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What (if anything) do you have to say to some of the media and fans out there who think that Fedor stayed with Strikeforce/M-1 because he is avoiding Lesnar or afraid he may lose to Lesnar?

Gegard Mousasi: Fedor has fought the best. He was going to fight the number two heavyweight Josh Barnett. Fedor is not avoiding anyone.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): If you had to guess how many more years will Fedor continue to compete in MMA? Has he ever talked to you about when he anticipates walking away from the sport?

Gegard Mousasi: I don’t know. I can’t say anything. That’s something that only Fedor can say. Every fighter knows for himself when it’s time.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Tell me one thing about Fedor that not a lot of people know about him?

Gegard Mousasi: He is a very good person with a good heart and he still has the same watch he had fifteen years ago. (laughs)

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Do you still intend to eventually fight in the heavyweight division?

Gegard Mousasi: Yes, very much. It’s something I want to do. It’s a goal of mine, I do it only for myself.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Who is currently the best light heavyweight fighter in the world in your opinion?

Gegard Mousasi: Difficult to say. There are so many good fighters that haven’t fought each other.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Most people would say Lyoto Machida is the best light heavyweight fighter in the world. Nobody has been able to figure out his fighting style or have any real success against him yet. If you were to fight him how would you try to attack him?

Gegard Mousasi: For me, I would fight him stand-up, and because he likes to fight stand-up as well it will allow me to fight more aggressive and less worry about takedowns.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Who do you think will win between Machida and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 104 and why?

Gegard Mousasi: I don’t know. It’s a great match up.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Besides your teammates, who are a few other MMA fighters you admire and like to watch fight when you can?

Gegard Mousasi: I like Fedor. I also like fighters that are great inside and outside the ring or cage like Rashad Evans and Semmy Schilt, but he is a K-1 fighter

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): I heard you say in a recent interview that you often go online and read the articles and the blogs about yourself. Why do you like to read all that stuff?

Gegard Mousasi: Sometimes I read what they write. As long as people talk about you it’s good. There will always people that like you or don’t like you. I like to know what people think of me. I want people to have a good impression of me. It matters to me. Maybe when I get older that will be less important to me, but its new to me that people talk about me.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Would you like to pass along a message to your fans or thank any sponsors before we go?

Gegard Mousasi: Thank you for your support! I hope you all watch the fights on CBS. It’s free baby! Yeah! (laughs). I will do my best to be in good shape in my fight and have an exciting fight. I would like to thank EA Games, Tapout, Clinch Gear, MMA Overload and Full Tilt Poker.

Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Thank you for the time Gegard. We appreciate it very much.

 

[Shogun Locc]

MMA Quick Quote: Jake Shields is going to smash ‘Mayhem’ Miller on Nov. 7

“I have nothing against Jason. I think he’s a tough fighter, but I’m gonna go out there and beat the crap of him on the 7th, ya know? Jason likes to talk and I’m gonna go out there and once we’re in the cage, you’ll see what happens. I’ve certainly prepared on my end. When I get through Jason Miller, then we’ll see who they bring at me. Seems like they’re bringing in some big middleweights so there’s lots of possibilities. I feel the best that I have ever felt. I’m going to go out there and try to smash Mayhem. I’ve been working on my stand-up, wrestling and jui jitsu, every aspect. I’m gonna go out there and make a statement and beat the living crap out of him.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley: ‘Jealous’ Mike Swick will fade away after UFC 105 beatdown

“I won’t be fighting at UFC 105, but I will be there meeting the fans and sitting down with some popcorn to see Dan (Hardy) butcher (Mike) Swick. [He's] been bashing me for some reason, I don’t know why, ripping on my record and things like that. All I did was accept a fight he’d pulled out of but he seems to have a problem with me. He said I am big headed, but I have gone out of my way to be humble in the UFC. After the fight I didn’t jump around or nothing or shoot my mouth. I think Swick is jealous because he pulled out of the Kampmann fight and would never have done that if it were him in there and not me. I’ve got eight losses — so what? I’ve fought literally twice as many people as he has and I have fought better opposition than he has. His best win was against Marcus Davis and Dan beat Marcus much worse than he did with lay and pray. Dan is going to get rid of Swick in Manchester next month. You won’t hear too much about him after UFC 105.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

5 Oz. Exclusive with Alistair Overeem: ‘I’m not impressed with Brett Rogers’

FiveOuncesofPain.com recently had the chance to catch up with current Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem to gather his thoughts on Brett “Grim” Rogers recent comments where he stated:

I feel like I should already have the title for when I fought Arlovski. That title should have been mine, but Alistair keeps procrastinating and making up little excuses abut his hand and all this. I mean, he has I don’t know how many other wins, but he’s making excuses. We’re going to get our day.

I’m about to get two titles in a sense [laughs]. I’m going to take out Fedor, and I’m going to take out Overeem whenever I get to him.

When asked his thoughts on Rogers as a fighter and possible future opponent, “The Demolition Man” was blunt and to the point.

“I’m not impressed with Brett Rogers,” commented Overeem in an exclusive conversation with FiveOuncesofPain.com. “Although he had a nice win over Andrei Arlovski.”

With that being said, it shouldn’t be hard to determine who Overeem expects to come out on top of the upcoming heavyweight battle between Rogers and Fedor Emelianenko on CBS in November.

“Fedor will win as he knows how to beat big guys well,” explained Overeem, a “big guy” in his own right at 6′5″ and 250+ pounds.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Hermes Franca, Marcus Aurelio, Chris Wilson, and Justin McCully given the axe by the UFC

With an ever growing stable of fighters, the UFC have cut four veteran fighters of the Octagon.

Hermes Franca, Marcus Aurelio, Chris Wilson, and Justin McCully have been released by the UFC according to a recent report on MMASurvival.com.

Franca is by far the most noteworthy of the fighters cut, being a veteran of seven octagon appearances, with an overall UFC record of 4-3. Franca boasts an overall record of 19-8, with notable wins over Caol Uno, Jamie Varner, Spencer Fisher, and Nate Diaz. However, after failing to make weight and then suffering a second round TKO loss to Tyson Griffin at UFC 103, it appears his octagon days have been numbered.

Aurelio never found his stride in the UFC having a 2-4 record in his six appearances in the Octagon. His latest loss was against Evan Dunham at UFC 103. The loss was an exciting fight that ended in a close decision, which Aurelio took on short notice. “Maximus” holds an overall record of 18-8, with his most notable win against Takanori Gomi, when they fought in the now defunct Pride organization.

Wilson has lost his last two UFC appearances in a row, and probably surprises no one with his reported cut from the organization. Wilson was denied clearance to fight in his scheduled bout against Brock Larson at UFC 98. The UFC was forced to replace Larson with Mike Pyle coming in on a short 48-hour notice. Wilson eventually lost the fight by guillotine choke in the third round, further removing himself from the UFC brass. He holds a 14-6 overall record with a lackluster 1-3 record in the UFC.

McCully is another fighter who never quite matched up well with the UFC. His record was 2-2 in the Octagon, filled with mostly uneventful fights. His latest loss was at the hands of UFC newcomer Mike Russow at UFC 102. Of his two wins for the organization, “The Insane One” holds two decision wins over Antoni Hardonk and Eddie Sanchez.

With the ever-changing landscapes in MMA today, it will come as no surprise to see some of these veterans fighting in other organizations soon. Any of these fighters could sign with Strikeforce or Dream and make an immediate impact in their respective divisions.

 

[drunkaholic707]

good shit cant wait for them to come back to san jose definitely goin to that

 

[Shogun Locc]

Vitor Belfort earns Karate blue belt

Last Saturday, TATAME.com went to Kobukan gym, in Rio de Janeiro, to watch a historical moment in the martial arts history. In Master Tanaka’s academy, Vitor Belfort was graduated for the first time in the Karate, art that he started training in last few months for the fight against Rich Franklin. The UFC fighter received the belt from his coach, the black belt Vinício Antony.

“The idea with this blue belt is bring Vitor to the martial art context, where he’ll have to grow. Besides the status he has in MMA, he’s just a beginner here, but he’s virtuous and learns very easily, develops what he learns very fast and has a lot of fights, what will make his way to the black belt shorter”, commented Vinício.

Vitor took the class normally like all the athletes in the gym and, after the training, he earned the blue belt and commented the conquest to TATAME.com. “It’s a very important acquisition to me. We need to have a base in everything we do in life, so I’m creating my base and I’m having a lot of fun. I’m very happy to learn a new martial art and I’m very satisfied to meet Master Tanaka, a legend in this sport”, commented the new Karate blue belt.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Ishii Has Graduated

Satoshi Ishii announced today that he graduated from Kokushikan University in September. He is now doing hard training for his debut and currently spends almost every day (besides Sundays) at the Power Of Dream gym in Tokyo. He does some physical exercises from 9:30 in the morning and then trains from 10:00. Fighters such as Kazuo Misaki and Kazunori Yokota also train there so he has top fighters as training partners (I believe K-1 fighter Singh Jaideep trains there, Hideo Tokoro trains/trained there, etc.).

Ishii has not only trained the technical side of MMA since converting, he is also putting a lot of effort and is very interested in the physical and conditioning side of the game. He showed his current physique today and there’s a huge difference compared to Beijing last year.

He’s also currently studying Yoshida with gym chairman Furukawa to come up with a strategy for the fight. Ishii wants to fight a fight without any errors on NYE, skillfully switching between the stand-up and the ground game, showing off a real MMA performance.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Report: Scott Smith re-ups with Strikeforce, eyes December bout with Radach or Shamrock

Middleweight slugger Scott Smith (16-6) has signed a new six-fight deal with Strikeforce, and he could see action as soon as December.

News of the new deal was first reported by AOL FanHouse, who learned of the re-signing from Smith's agent, Mike Roberts.

Roberts also shared that his client, while uncertain of his next opponent, was interested in a potential rematch with Benji Radach (19-5) or a bout with MMA legend Frank Shamrock (23-10-2).

Smith is 2-1 under the Strikeforce banner since debuting for the organization in November 2008. After stunning Terry Martin in just 24 seconds, Smith has had back-to-back brawls with Benji Radach and Nick Diaz.

"Hands of Steel" earned a knockout win over Radach in their April contest on the main card of "Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz," but "Razor" has contested since the bout that the stoppage was early. Smtih is apparently willing to revisit the back-and-forth contest in an effort to prove the first result was no fluke.

Smith has also expressed interest in facing Shamrock since the former champion issued some disparaging remarks on "Hands of Steel's" physical appearance during an EliteXC broadcast.

While Roberts said December was a likely return date for Smith, Strikeforce has yet to offer any official plans for a show in that month.