MMA News Thread

[Shogun Locc]

Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante vs. Aaron Rosa targeted for "Strikeforce Challengers" on Nov. 20

A light heavyweight contest between Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (7-2) and Aaron Rosa (12-2) is the works for the televised portion of Strikeforce's "Challengers Series" event on Nov. 20 in Kansas City, Kan.

Fighters.com was the first to report the potential contest, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has since learned from sources close to the event that verbal agreements are in place, though bout agreements have yet to be distributed.

Strikeforce officials have yet to announce any contests for the Nov. 20 event which airs on Showtime.

Rosa is a three-time ShoXC veteran who made his Strikeforce debut at the organization's first "Challengers Series" event in May.

Rosa earned wins in his first 10 career contests, and eight of the Texan's 12 career wins have come by stoppage.

Cavalcante seeks his first win under the Strikeforce banner. The former EliteXC contender suffered a disappointing loss to Mike Kyle on the preliminary card of June's "Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields."

The loss was just the second of the Brazilian's three-and-a-half year career. All seven of his career wins have come via stoppage.

The rumored card for the Nov. 20 event includes:

* Kim Couture vs. Kerry Vera*
* Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante vs. Aaron Rosa*
* Roger Gracie vs. TBA*

* - Not officially announced.

 

[Shogun Locc]

The Next Great Gracie?

Rolls Gracie was viewed by many as the most technical Gracie grappler, and his oldest son, Rolles, has emerged as perhaps the first family’s next great hope in mixed martial arts. Three fights into his career, expectations are higher than ever.

The undefeated Brazilian submitted Peter Graham by rear-naked choke in one of the featured matches at Art of War 14 “Ground Zero” on Sept. 26 at the Cotai Arena in Macau, China. Gracie needed only 1:43 to take out the Australian kickboxer.

A two-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu national champion, Gracie stands to benefit from a fledgling alliance between Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts in Albuquerque, N.M., and the Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Holmdel, N.J.

“Actually, my manager lived in Albuquerque for a long time and trained with Greg [Jackson]. When he moved to New York, he started to train with us at Renzo’s academy,” Gracie said. “He brought us together with Rashad [Evans]. Rashad liked my jiu-jitsu, and right after his fight with Lyoto [Machida], he invited me to his camp. I met Greg Jackson, who’s an amazing person. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by so many great people, like my uncles, Renzo and Rillion, and now Greg. I believe I’m in the right place.”

Gracie, who made his professional MMA debut inside the International Fight League two years ago, has had no trouble with the transition to a new sport. None of his first three opponents have survived the first round against him. Graham, a decorated fighter with more than 50 kickboxing wins to his credit, provided a unique set of challenges for the Brazilian.

“I trained my wrestling more for this fight,” Gracie said. “I knew that Graham was the toughest guy I’ve ever faced. He’d already defeated fighters like Badr Hari, so I knew he was a dangerous opponent. I was in great shape, and everything went fine.”

The 31-year-old heavyweight credits his family for his success. His father, who died tragically in 1982, remains one of the central figures in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

“My uncles used to say that he was a bridge between the old and the modern jiu-jitsu, making jiu-jitsu more aggressive; in the past, it was more like a defensive style,” Gracie said. “When he died in a hang gliding accident, I was only 4 years old, and my brother, Igor, was 2 years old. I have a lot of good memories of him putting me down to roll and having fun.”

A second-degree black belt, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound Gracie has designs on eventually competing on MMA’s grandest stage. However, he seems content to wait for the right time to make his move.

“Of course, the biggest showcase in MMA is the UFC,” he said. “The dream of any fighter in the world is to fight in the UFC, but I want to go there when I think I’m ready. I don’t want to go there and return.”

Former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Brock Lesnar currently rules the UFC’s heavyweight division, having left Heath Herring, UFC hall of famer Randy Couture and Frank Mir in his wake. Gracie sees Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira as perhaps the most significant threat to the monstrous titleholder.

“In the UFC, I would bet on ‘Minotauro,’” Gracie said. “I’m a big fan of his for everything he’s done in the sport -- his historic fights. I think he can beat Lesnar using his jiu-jitsu. Jiu-jitsu is the backbone of MMA.”

Casting an eye toward the future, Gracie plans to keep his options open.

“My job is not to choose opponents; my job is to fight them,” he said. “Jiu-jitsu is also like that. You never know who you will face.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Akiyama Names Silva as Next Opponent

TOKYO -- Yoshihiro Akiyama announced Tuesday that he will be facing Wanderlei Silva next in a middleweight bout at UFC 110 on Feb. 6 in Las Vegas or at UFC 111, which is rumored to mark the promotion’s debut in Sydney, Australia, in late February.

Akiyama shared the news Tuesday during a news conference for the UFC’s “Undisputed” video game release.

The Japanese-Korean fighter, who was a former star for the Dream and K-1 Hero’s promotions, signed with the UFC in February.

Akiyama took a close split decision victory over Alan Belcher at UFC 100 last July in Las Vegas. The three-round slugfest earned the duo “Fight of the Night” honors and a hefty $100,000 bonus each from the promotion.

As Pride Fighting Championships’ feared 205-pound champion, Silva became a bona fide legend in Japan. Since re-joining the UFC ranks in late 2007, his swing-for-the-fences mentality has continued to engage fans, even in his three Octagon losses to Chuck Liddell, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and mostly recently to Rich Franklin at UFC 99 last June in Cologne, Germany. Silva knocked out Keith Jardine in 36 seconds at UFC 84 in May 2008.

The bout with Akiyama will be the Brazilian’s first at 185 pounds.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones official for TUF 10 Finale; tickets on sale this week

The long-rumored light heavyweight contest between Matt Hamill (7-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) and Jon Jones (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is now official.

The UFC officially announced the contest overnight, and the fast-rising prospects will meet at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale.

The Hamill vs. Jones bout is the sole official contest for the Dec. 5 card at The Palms Casino & Resort. Tickets for the event go on sale later this week.

Jones looks to continue his meteoric rise up the ranks of the UFC's 205-pound division. The undefeated youngster, just 22 years old, has earned wins over Jake O'Brien, Stephan Bonnar and Andre Gusmao in his first three octagon bouts.

Meanwhile, Hamill, a former cast member of "The Ultimate Fighter 3," will be looking to build on the strength of two-straight wins. Back-to-back impressive victories over Mark Munoz and Reese Andy have garnered the 32-year-old some well-deserved buzz, putting behind the sting of a September 2008 loss to Rich Franklin.

The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale tickets go on sale to the general public on Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. EST (12 p.m. PST). However, UFC.com newsletter subscribers can purchase tickets beginning at 1 p.m. EST on Oct. 16, and UFC Fight Club members can buy tickets starting Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. EST.

The complete card for the event currently includes:

* Finalist No. 1 vs. Finalist No. 2
* Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones
* Frankie Edgar vs. Kurt Pellegrino*
* Dennis Hallman vs. John Howard*
* Mark Bocek vs. Matt Veach*
* Lucio Linhares vs. Rousimar Palhares*

* - Not officially announced

 

[Shogun Locc]

Fabricio Camoes vs. Caol Uno added to "UFC 106: Lesnar vs. Carwin" in November

Brazilian lightweight Fabricio Camoes (10-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will make his UFC debut on Nov. 21 against Japanese veteran Caol Uno (25-12-4 MMA, 3-4-1 UFC).

Sherdog.com was the first to report the UFC 106 matchup, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has since learned both fighters have agreed to the contest, and bout agreements are expected to be finalized shortly.

Featuring a heavyweight title fight between current champ Brock Lesnar and challenger Shane Carwin, "UFC 106: Lesnar vs. Carwin" takes place Nov. 21 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

After opening his career just 3-4, Camoes has reeled off seven-straight wins, six of which have come via submission. Camoes fought once under the Strikeforce banner, earning a submission win over Torrance Taylor at May's "Strikeforce Challengers" event.

Camoes also earned a 2-0 mark during a brief stint with the now-defunct ShoXC brand.

A 13-year professional veteran, Uno looks to rebound from back-to-back losses for the first time in his career. Uno dropped a unanimous decision to Spencer Fisher at UFC 99 in June, as well as a unanimous decision to Shinya Aoki in a July 2008 DREAM event.

In addition the the UFC and DREAM, Uno has also fought for K-1 and Shooto. The 34-year-old Uno seeks his first UFC win since a UFC 39 decision victory over Din Thomas in September 2002.

With the addition to the card, UFC 106 now includes:

MAIN CARD

* Champ Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin (for UFC heavyweight title)
* Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz
* Luiz Cane vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira*
* Ricardo Almeida vs. Jon Fitch
* Dustin Hazelett vs. Karo Parisyan

PRELIMINARY CARD (un-aired)

* Phil Baroni vs. Amir Sadollah
* Marcus Davis vs. Ben Saunders
* Kendall Grove vs. Jake Rosholt
* Fabricio Camoes vs. Caol Uno
* Jason Dent vs. George Sotiropoulos

* - Not officially announced

 

[Shogun Locc]

Demian Maia still hopeful for a title shot despite ‘tremendous error’ against Nate Marquardt

“Depending on the opponents, if they’re tough guys, well known, I think I will get the chance of fighting for the belt in two or three fights. I want a hard adversary to show everything what I couldn’t in the past fight, all my training. I made tremendous errors versus Nate. There was excess from my side and too much confidence in the beginning, that is the most dangerous part of the fight. There was also a technical mistake. I kicked three times of the same way. I threw a kick and went towards him when I had to wait to exchange some hits and put him to walk behind. I wanted to land a kick and made the big mistake.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

BJ Penn: ‘I definitely want to fight GSP again’

“I definitely want to fight GSP again. I’m biased and I have confidence in myself and I don’t think the fight would go anything like that if we fought again. I’ve got to defend the lightweight title and take on all challenges that make me better but if I get a chance to fight GSP again — even if it was a non-title fight — I’d jump at the opportunity. There will always be people to beat and as the lightweight champion I have to honor that and keep defending the title. But as a businessman you hope it’s someone with a big name who can bring a big fan base into the fight. This is a business — it’s the entertainment business and the biggest fights that can be put together will only benefit me. I am surprised Georges St. Pierre hasn’t tried to push for a fight with Anderson Silva. If I was the welterweight champion I’d try and push myself and see what I could do up at middleweight.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

MMA Quick Quote: Jake Shields will be making a prime time statement against ‘Mayhem’ Miller

“I know people down here and I heard (Jason Miller) is training really hard. You know, Mayhem is a crazy guy but he definitely has his shit together. He knows this is a huge opportunity to come in there and beat me. He doesn’t really get the chance to show what he really can bring to the table on “Bully Beatdown” and this is his chance to show the world what he can do. This is his chance to come out [and prove] he is legit, especially on CBS. If he were to go out there and beat me, it would legitimize him to a lot of people and I’m not going to let him take what I’ve worked so hard for … I don’t want to take a step backwards and lose everything I’ve worked so hard for. I mean, the ‘Rumble on the Rock’ tournament was one of the toughest tournaments ever, but no one saw it. So now with CBS, the card’s legit, and I’m going to go out there and make a statement against Mayhem.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

WEC interim lightweight champ Ben Henderson suffered a serious eye injury and severe dehydration during his war with Donald Cerrone last weekend:

"According to Henderson's agent, Jason Genet, late in the fifth round, Donald Cerrone's heel caught Henderson in the left eye and badly injured it. That's why his eye was very swollen in the post-fight interview with Versus' Todd Harris.

Genet said that when Henderson reached the locker room, he collapsed and stopped sweating. He was then rushed to the hospital and needed four IVs to get rehydrated. Henderson was eventually moved to three different emergency rooms, and it was finally decided that he needed to see an eye specialist because it was feared that he might have a detached retina.

Thankfully, it was determined on Sunday morning that his retina was not detached and that he will not need surgery. Genet said Henderson still can't see out of his left eye, and is scheduled to see his eye specialist in Phoenix on Tuesday to get a final diagnosis."

 

[Shogun Locc]

Vale Tudo Japan 09! Gomi’s Opponent Announced

Takanori Gomi’s opponent for October 30th has been announced and it’s King Of The Cage Lightweight champion Tony Hervey. The fight will be fought at 71kg and with Vale Tudo Japan rules.

Also on the card, Mamoru Yamaguchi will face Jesse Taitano in a regular Shooto Bantamweight fight.

Vale Tudo Japan 09
Date: October 30th, 2009
Place: JCB Hall in Tokyo, Japan

VTJ Rules, 71kg, 5×5 mins:
Takanori Gomi vs. Tony Hervey

VTJ Rules, 65kg, 5×5 mins:
Lion Takeshi vs. Alexandre Franca Nogueira

Shooto Welterweight Title Fight, 3×5 mins:
Willamy “Chiquerinho” Chiquerim vs. Kenichiro Togashi

Shooto Bantamweight Fight, 3×5 mins:
Mamoru Yamaguchi vs. Jesse Taitano

VTJ Rules:
Tenkei Fujimiya vs. Tito Jones

Participants:
Rumina Sato
Yoichiro Sato

 

[Shogun Locc]

SENGOKU XI! Kitaoka Vs. Masvidal Official

Two new fights have been added to SENGOKU XI on November 7th. As rumored, Satoru Kitaoka will return from his loss against Mizuto Hirota to take on Jorge Masvidal, who returns to SENGOKU after a few fights in Bellator in America.

In the second announced fight, undefeated SENGOKU Training Player Shigeki Osawa will get promoted to the main card from the opening fights to face SENGOKU FWGP quarterfinalist Ronnie Ushikawa in the third Featherweight fight announced for the card.

Update: Kitaoka confessed that he was seriously thinking about retirement after his loss to Hirota. However, one week passed and he changed his mind to give MMA another go.

Osawa is already aiming at Kanehara and the SENGOKU belt. He also said that if there is another Featherweigth GP next year, he’d like to participate.

WVR PR Kokuho said that it currently looks like Santiago’s SENGOKU XI fight will be a non-title fight. The last three main card fights will be announced this week.

Three title fights should take place on NYE. The challenger in the Lightweight title fight will be decided depending on how the Lightweight fights at SENGOKU XI go, it’ll be one of the participants in those two fights.

SENGOKU XI
Date: November 7th, 2009
Place: Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan

Fights:
FW: Michihiro Omigawa vs. Hatsu Hioki
FW: Marlon Sandro vs. Yuji Hoshino
FW: Shigeki Osawa vs. Ronnie Ushiwaka
LW: Kazunori Yokota vs. Eiji Mitsuoka
LW: Satoru Kitaoka vs. Jorge Masvidal
HW: Dave Herman vs. Big Jim York
LHW: Kevin Randleman vs. TBA
MW: Jorge Santiago vs. TBA
WW: Akihiro Gono vs. TBA

Opening Fights:
2 or 3 opening fights

 

[Shogun Locc]

Santiago Vs. Khalidov?! Title Fight Or Not?

Polish MMA website MMARocks.pl has revealed that extremely exciting fighter Mamed Khalidov will face Jorge Santiago at SENGOKU XI next month. This isn’t the first time there have been talks of Khalidov in SENGOKU so it doesn’t come as a surprise.

The question is whether or not the fight will be for the Middleweight title. At today’s SENGOKU XI press conference WVR PR Kokuho said that it currently looks like Santiago’s fight might be a non-title one. Let’s hope WVR change their minds.

Update: Mamed has signed a three-fight deal with WVR and this fight will be a non-title fight, it seems like Santiago’s side didn’t agree to it being for the title (according to Mamed’s people).

 

[Shogun Locc]

Alistair Interview! Main Focus Right Now: K-1

Alistair Overeem was recently interviewed by MMARocks.pl. Below is a translation of some of the important questions that were asked.

MMARocks: During the press conference you said you will not comment on Brett Rogers words, but I need to ask again. This doesn’t bother you? Him talking the smack on the internet about you and how you’re not defending your Strikeforce title?

I will not comment on this, I am very busy with K-1 right now, with all the fight I have there. When there will be time to meet in the ring he will see. For now, I will not comment. I am very busy these days, i have a fight in Glory, then in DREAM.12 and after that I’ll fight in the K-1 Finals so I am very busy with training and fighting and I don’t have time for this bullshit.

MMARocks: OK, if we talk about Fedor, you have some plans to fight him? Do your managers talk to him already?

Of course I want to fight with him very bad. He is the Pride legend, the number 1 fighter in the HW division, so I always wanted to fight him. Personally I like him very much, he is a gentleman and very talented fighter. It would be a great fight. Now when he signed with Strikeforce i think this fight will happen. Before when he fought for Affliction and I was Strikeforce champ it was not possible. But now when he is with Strikeforce i am sure we will fight in 2010.

MMARocks: One year ago, in last interview you said you want to fight in UFC. Now when Fedor sign with Strikeforce, this make impact on your plans with UFC?

Its like this. Who ever treat and pays you better will be your employer. Right now I am very happy with Strikeforce, I am the champion of Strikeforce. If I ever go to UFC i need to resign from Strikeforce championship belt and fighting in Japan.

MMARocks: About a match against Mirko in K-1:

I don’t have desire to fight Mirko anymore, I proved everything I wanted. I wish him best and I really have hope that he can finish his career with some wins.

 

[Shogun Locc]

‘King Mo’ Signs with Strikeforce

Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal has signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce and could make his promotional debut as early as December, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.

The deal allows the undefeated Lawal, a NCAA Div. 1 All-American wrestling champion for Oklahoma State in 2003 and decorated international competitor, to continue competing on the Japanese circuit. There, the 28-year-old heavyweight has made a name for himself with four straight victories in the Sengoku Raiden Championship (formerly Sengoku) over the last year. Three of those wins have come by stoppage from strikes, while Lawal’s only decision came after he tore his ACL in the first round of his match with Ryo Kawamura at Sengoku “Seventh Battle” last March.

Most recently, Lawal finished an expired Mark Kerr in only 25 seconds at M-1 “Breakthrough” on Aug. 28.

Known for his flamboyant fight entrances, King Mo earned his regal moniker by wearing a crown to the ring with a bevy of beauties in tow.

Lawal joins Brett Rogers, recently signed Antonio Silva, and the world’s division leader, Fedor Emelianenko, in Strikeforce’s heavyweight ranks.

 

[UCDgreek]

king mo is too small for heavyweight

 

[Shogun Locc]

Tyron Woodley targeted for Showtime slot on Nov. 20 "Strikeforce Challengers" event

Fast-rising welterweight prospect Tyron Woodley (4-0) won't sit on the shelf for long.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the event that the new American Top Team product has verbally agreed to appear at Strikeforce's Nov. 20 "Challengers Series" event in Kasnas City, Kan.

While his opponent was not revealed, MMAjunkie.com has also learned that Woodley is expected to appear on the Showtime-broadcast portion of the event.

Woodley fought most recently in a second-round submission win over Zach Light at September's "Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs. Cummings." The St. Louis resident has quickly compiled a 4-0 record since his professional debut in February, and all four of Woodley's wins have come via submission.

While Strikeforce has yet to officially announce any bouts for the Nov. 20 "Strikeforce Challengers" event, the card is currently expected to feature:

* Kim Couture vs. Kerry Vera*
* Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante vs. Aaron Rosa*
* Tyron Woodley vs. TBA*
* Roger Gracie vs. TBA*

* - Not officially announced.

 

[Shogun Locc]

WEC 43 ratings: Versus broadcast draws 419,000 television viewers

This past Saturday's broadcast of WEC 43, which featured Benson Henderson's decision victory over Donald Cerrone for the WEC's interim lightweight title, drew a television audience of 419,000 viewers, MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned.

The Oct. 10 event, which took place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio and drew 5,176 spectators, aired on Versus.

Ratings were down approximately 37 percent compared to WEC 42 in August, though Versus has been in a state of flux in recent months.

The cable station, which is home to other sports such as NHL hockey and NCAA football, was pulled from DirecTV's lineup on Aug. 31 after the two sides squabbled over carrier fees and placement/tier grouping. The Comcast company alleged Versus' offerings didn't justify the cost.

Despite the DirecTV loss, the WEC bolstered its audience thanks to a recent offering from the DISH Network, which was announced in September (after the WEC rescheduled WEC 43 from Sept. 2 to Oct. 10). DISH Network, which boasts approximately 13.6 million subscribers (compared to DirecTV's 18 million), is offering Versus for free through Dec. 2 to all new and existing customers.

The WEC also recently announced a minor deal with Setanta Sports Australia.

The ratings aren't exactly a hit for the WEC, though WEC 43 was one of the few shows not to feature one of the organization's marquee stars, such as Urijah Faber, Miguel Torres and Mike Brown. In fact, three WEC newcomers made their promotional debuts on the event's televised main card. However, in light of his win and title, the upcoming title-unification bout with current champ Jamie Varner and interesting backstory, Henderson could soon become a top WEC draw.

Additionally, like most shows, WEC 43 earned solid reviews from the MMA community for an entertaining lineup of bouts.

 

[Shogun Locc]

Frankie Edgar vs. Kurt Pellegrino lightweight bout to co-headline TUF 10 Finale

Indicating the lightweight fighters are moving toward the top of of the contenders list, Frankie Edgar (10-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) and fellow New Jersey native Kurt Pellegrino (14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) have been tapped co-headliners of The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale.

Spike TV today confirmed the rumored bout and announced that the fight will co-headline the Dec. 5 event along with Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones, which the UFC formally announced on Tuesday.

The event takes place at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and airs on Spike TV.

The TUF 10 Finale also crowns the winner of the current season of "The Ultimate Fighter." The reality show, which features heavyweight fighters this season, airs its fifth episode tonight.

Edgar returns to the cage for the first time since his upset win over former UFC champ Sean Sherk in May. Aside from a decision loss to Gray Maynard in April 2008, Edgar is undefeated in his four-year pro career, which has included victories over notables such as Jim Miller, Tyson Griffin, Spencer Fisher and Hermes Franca.

Pellegrino, meanwhile, looks to sustain the momentum of his current three-fight win streak. Pellegrino largely flew under the radar after going 3-3 in his six UFC fights but has since posted decision wins over Thiago Tavares and Josh Neer and a submission win over Rob Emerson.

The latest fight card now includes:

* Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones
* Frankie Edgar vs. Kurt Pellegrino
* Finalist No. 1 vs. Finalist No. 2
* Dennis Hallman vs. John Howard*
* Mark Bocek vs. Matt Veach*
* Lucio Linhares vs. Rousimar Palhares*

* - Not officially announced

 

[Shogun Locc]

YVES EDWARDS ON TRACK WITH BACK-TO-BACK WINS

Coming into 2009 former UFC and PRIDE veteran Yves Edwards was in a bad way.

Back-to-back losses to close out 2008, followed by an injury that sidelined him for much of this year cast a cloud of uncertainty over Edwards.

Never one to live in the past or let things get him down, Edwards forged on and is back, healthy again, and on the winning track.

“All I’ve been doing is working out with the guys at ATT, trying to get better and trying to help other guys get ready for their fights,” he said to MMAWeekly.com of his recent 10-month layoff.

“That’s the whole goal, to get better every day. If you don’t get better at something you do or learn something new, you just waste a whole day.”

Edwards’ hard work has paid off as he won both of his fights this year, including this past weekend’s quick dismantling of former WEC fighter Kyle Jensen for the Raging Wolf promotion.

“He’s a tough guy, has a good record, and wanted to fight,” stated Edwards. “I watched some video on him and I really thought he was going to come out and shoot a takedown, and just like I thought, that’s exactly what he did.

“I feel really good with my wrestling and my wrestling defense and it played out well. I don’t think I got hit once. I threw a lot of bombs and tried to close him out early and got the stoppage in the first (round).”

A win over quality opposition has him rejuvenated and ready for more.

“He’s a guy with a good record, has fought some quality guys, and I knew was going to be a challenge,” commented Edwards. “That’s the kind of guy I want to fight.

“It’s more calming to know you’re fighting a guy who is tough. It makes me fight better. So it feels good to come out, stomping a guy like that.”

Always a fighter who can be relied on for entertaining matches, win or lose, Edwards is determined to stay on track, regardless of where it leads next.

“My game plan is just fight to win,” he stated. “I don’t want to put too much more thought into it than that.

“Winning solves everything and it also makes everything work out. I just want to fight good guys and get W’s and let my career take itself where it’s going to go.”

One of the sport’s true showmen and all around great talents, racking up wins will only further cement the notion that Edwards’ time to shine again on the big stage is never too far away.

“I want to thank my sponsors: OnTheMat, MMA Warehouse and Tapout,” he said in closing. “Thanks to my teammates at the American Top Team, my wife and kids; they keep me motivated and supported, and I appreciate it.

“For all the MMA fans and Thugjitsu fans, I appreciate the support you’ve given me. I carry all the love you guys give me in the cage with me. As soon as I know what’s next, we’ll get back in there and do it again.”

 

[Shogun Locc]

Antonio Silva: To get to Fedor, Fabricio Werdum must be eliminated

“Werdum is a good fighter, very experienced, cautious with good jiu-jitsu. He is famed among Strikeforce heavyweights and I want to be between the best ones to get the chance to fight Fedor, so I have to look for a knockout or a submission victory over him. I have improved my stand-up game in the past two years. I’m more confident, moving better, kicking and punching harder. I’m ready for any circumstance that may come up because my ground game is also very sharpened. It’s a fight and anything can happen, but I don’t see Rogers knocking out or submitting Fedor, despite his heavy hands. If you observe, he goes towards the opponent with his guard opened and Fedor hits very well in the short distance. I will be rooting for Fedor to keep winning.”