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The recent string of injuries that have plagued the UFC has caught the attention of Alexander Shlemenko (46-7). His attitude is that certain UFC fighters are saying that their injured to avoid fights they're not pleased with.
"I can tell you for sure, 100 percent, I know why there are so many injuries," said Shlemenko. "I personally find UFC fights not as exciting because of all those injuries. There are a lot of background tactics around who's fighting who; fighters are trying really hard to have a good record in the UFC. If you've been offered to fight someone who's considered a bad match-up, then it's pretty easy to say 'hey, I'm injured.'"
Read More: Alexander Shlemenko Says UFC Fighters Use Injuries to Avoid Fights
"I can tell you for sure, 100 percent, I know why there are so many injuries," said Shlemenko. "I personally find UFC fights not as exciting because of all those injuries. There are a lot of background tactics around who's fighting who; fighters are trying really hard to have a good record in the UFC. If you've been offered to fight someone who's considered a bad match-up, then it's pretty easy to say 'hey, I'm injured.'"
Read More: Alexander Shlemenko Says UFC Fighters Use Injuries to Avoid Fights
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When Cathedral City's Steve Swanson met UFC head Dana White about his prospects of moving up to the big leagues, he got encouraging news.
If Swanson (6-0) can get to 10-0, he's in.
“That lit a fire under me,” Swanson said. “I'm ready.”
Swanson's journey begins Saturday when he faces Jesse Cruz (6-1) on a card in Inglewood at the Hollywood Park Casino Ballroom.
Swanson, 32, is the older brother of rising UFC star Cub Swanson, who is coming off two spectacular knockout victories.
Read More: www-mydesert-com/article/20120817/SPORTS/208170322/Elder-Swanson-has-UFC-dream
If Swanson (6-0) can get to 10-0, he's in.
“That lit a fire under me,” Swanson said. “I'm ready.”
Swanson's journey begins Saturday when he faces Jesse Cruz (6-1) on a card in Inglewood at the Hollywood Park Casino Ballroom.
Swanson, 32, is the older brother of rising UFC star Cub Swanson, who is coming off two spectacular knockout victories.
Read More: www-mydesert-com/article/20120817/SPORTS/208170322/Elder-Swanson-has-UFC-dream
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The biggest thing in the history of female MMA will be back in the cage this weekend when Strikeforce Female Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey defends her new title against top contender Sarah Kaufman.
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Rousey has taken the MMA world by storm and has been busy promoting this fight for months. Now she must prove that she can contend with the striking skills that her opponent will be bringing to the cage. The former Olympic judo medallist has proven that she has far superior grappling skills than any other woman in MMA, but against Kaufman she will need to get the fight to the mat as soon as possible or face a potential beating.
However, getting the fight to the ground fast is exactly what Rousey does, winning all five of her professional fights in the first round via armbar submission. Oddsmakers at Bovada are expecting her to do the same thing against Kaufman and have the champ handicapped as the -600 favorite to retain her title this weekend.
Kaufman is facing an opponent far superior at takedowns and submissions than any she’s ever encountered before and will need to find a way to keep the fight standing to have a chance at winning the belt. If she can find a way to do that her chances to win quickly go way up, and if she is able to test the chin of Rousey she could walk out of the cage as the next Strikeforce Female Bantamweight champ.
At +400 at Bovada the Kaufman upset would make for a big payday and would bring all the Rousey hype to a crashing end. It would be a great thing for Kaufman, but it might not be the best thing for women’s MMA.
Sign up at Bovada NOW and deposit for your 20% Free Bet bonus up to $100.
Rousey has taken the MMA world by storm and has been busy promoting this fight for months. Now she must prove that she can contend with the striking skills that her opponent will be bringing to the cage. The former Olympic judo medallist has proven that she has far superior grappling skills than any other woman in MMA, but against Kaufman she will need to get the fight to the mat as soon as possible or face a potential beating.
However, getting the fight to the ground fast is exactly what Rousey does, winning all five of her professional fights in the first round via armbar submission. Oddsmakers at Bovada are expecting her to do the same thing against Kaufman and have the champ handicapped as the -600 favorite to retain her title this weekend.
Kaufman is facing an opponent far superior at takedowns and submissions than any she’s ever encountered before and will need to find a way to keep the fight standing to have a chance at winning the belt. If she can find a way to do that her chances to win quickly go way up, and if she is able to test the chin of Rousey she could walk out of the cage as the next Strikeforce Female Bantamweight champ.
At +400 at Bovada the Kaufman upset would make for a big payday and would bring all the Rousey hype to a crashing end. It would be a great thing for Kaufman, but it might not be the best thing for women’s MMA.
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A UFC Hall of Famer turned action star wouldn’t mind butting heads with Steven Seagal in the Octagon.
Randy Couture has turned his attention to movies. The former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion is currently promoting “The Expendables 2,” which he stars in with the likes of Slyvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The MMA legend did leave a small door open for a return to the Octagon, though. Couture told G4TV’s Attack of the Show (via MMAWeekly-com) that he won’t return to fighting – “not unless (Steven) Seagal wants to sign up.”
Seagal, a black belt in Aikido and longtime star of cheesy action flicks, has been a fixture at UFC events recently, especially ones featuring middleweight champion Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida, both of whom he trains with in Los Angeles.
Seagal, 60, has taken heat for his claim that he taught Silva the front kick that Silva used to knock out Vitor Belfort last year. Silva has come out and confirmed that to be true, though.
Couture, 49, has not fought in the UFC since a loss to Machida in April of last year. He remains the only fighter to have ever held a UFC title in two different weight classes and famously pummelled James Toney, sending him back to the boxing ring, in 2010.
Read more: UFC legend to stay retired 'unless Seagal wants to sign up'
Randy Couture has turned his attention to movies. The former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion is currently promoting “The Expendables 2,” which he stars in with the likes of Slyvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The MMA legend did leave a small door open for a return to the Octagon, though. Couture told G4TV’s Attack of the Show (via MMAWeekly-com) that he won’t return to fighting – “not unless (Steven) Seagal wants to sign up.”
Seagal, a black belt in Aikido and longtime star of cheesy action flicks, has been a fixture at UFC events recently, especially ones featuring middleweight champion Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida, both of whom he trains with in Los Angeles.
Seagal, 60, has taken heat for his claim that he taught Silva the front kick that Silva used to knock out Vitor Belfort last year. Silva has come out and confirmed that to be true, though.
Couture, 49, has not fought in the UFC since a loss to Machida in April of last year. He remains the only fighter to have ever held a UFC title in two different weight classes and famously pummelled James Toney, sending him back to the boxing ring, in 2010.
Read more: UFC legend to stay retired 'unless Seagal wants to sign up'
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UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones does not want a rematch with Lyoto Machida, but that doesn't worry Machida's manager, Ed Soares.
"I don't think Jon Jones has a choice," Soares told ESPN-com. "He could choose not to fight. "But at the end of the day what's the reason? He can't just (decide to) not fight."
Jones told ESPN-com on Friday that if he retains his title on Sept. 1 against Dan Henderson, he does not want to fight Machida next due to low pay-per-view numbers the two generated for their Dec. 10, 2011, bout in Toronto.
Jones submitted Machida in the second round with a standing guillotine choke to retain his 205-pound title.
"I don't want to fight Lyoto Machida," Jones said. "He was my lowest pay-per-view draw of last year.
"No one wants to see me fight Lyoto Machida. I don't want to fight Lyoto again. Lyoto is high risk and low reward."
Soares said he understands why Jones has reservations about facing Machida again, but expects the rematch will take place.
"The reality is who else is there to fight him?" Soares said. "I understand where he is coming from. Because Machida is probably the toughest light heavyweight he would face.
"And based on his past pay-per-view numbers that's how he feels. But also he has to understand that traditionally when the pay-per-views are out of the country, they're typically 30 percent lower than they are domestically.
Read More: UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones does not want rematch with Lyoto Machida - ESPN
"I don't think Jon Jones has a choice," Soares told ESPN-com. "He could choose not to fight. "But at the end of the day what's the reason? He can't just (decide to) not fight."
Jones told ESPN-com on Friday that if he retains his title on Sept. 1 against Dan Henderson, he does not want to fight Machida next due to low pay-per-view numbers the two generated for their Dec. 10, 2011, bout in Toronto.
Jones submitted Machida in the second round with a standing guillotine choke to retain his 205-pound title.
"I don't want to fight Lyoto Machida," Jones said. "He was my lowest pay-per-view draw of last year.
"No one wants to see me fight Lyoto Machida. I don't want to fight Lyoto again. Lyoto is high risk and low reward."
Soares said he understands why Jones has reservations about facing Machida again, but expects the rematch will take place.
"The reality is who else is there to fight him?" Soares said. "I understand where he is coming from. Because Machida is probably the toughest light heavyweight he would face.
"And based on his past pay-per-view numbers that's how he feels. But also he has to understand that traditionally when the pay-per-views are out of the country, they're typically 30 percent lower than they are domestically.
Read More: UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones does not want rematch with Lyoto Machida - ESPN
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In the past two months, mixed martial arts fans might have noticed the letters R-Y-U on the backs, chests and legs of fighters during UFC events.
It’s a new MMA clothing line, but it’s also a philosophy.
RYU (prounounced ROO) stands for Respect Your Universe, and the company has teamed up with the Bruce Lee Foundation to offer a new product that inspires both MMA fans and athletes, as well as fans of the legendary master who revolutionized martial arts, entertainment and inspired a sport. Lee died in 1973, but his philosophy and teachings live through many of today’s MMA fighters.
The limited-edition Warrior hoodie debuted early this month. Stitched on the hoodie is Lee’s mantra: “Walk On,” which resonates with MMA fighters who persevere through adversity.
Call UFC lightweight Jamie Varner a fan.
For Varner, overcoming adversity isn’t even the half of it. After wresting the WEC lightweight belt from “Razor” Rob McCullough in 2008 and holding the championship for almost two years, he lost the belt to current UFC lightweight champion Ben Henderson.
Read More: MMA fighters honor Bruce Lee with clothes - Entertainment, Pop Culture, Style and Hot Trends - Trending Blog - ESPN Playbook - ESPN
It’s a new MMA clothing line, but it’s also a philosophy.
RYU (prounounced ROO) stands for Respect Your Universe, and the company has teamed up with the Bruce Lee Foundation to offer a new product that inspires both MMA fans and athletes, as well as fans of the legendary master who revolutionized martial arts, entertainment and inspired a sport. Lee died in 1973, but his philosophy and teachings live through many of today’s MMA fighters.
The limited-edition Warrior hoodie debuted early this month. Stitched on the hoodie is Lee’s mantra: “Walk On,” which resonates with MMA fighters who persevere through adversity.
Call UFC lightweight Jamie Varner a fan.
For Varner, overcoming adversity isn’t even the half of it. After wresting the WEC lightweight belt from “Razor” Rob McCullough in 2008 and holding the championship for almost two years, he lost the belt to current UFC lightweight champion Ben Henderson.
Read More: MMA fighters honor Bruce Lee with clothes - Entertainment, Pop Culture, Style and Hot Trends - Trending Blog - ESPN Playbook - ESPN
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Ultimate Fighting Championship officials on Monday confirmed another bout for its year-ending UFC 155 pay-per-view event on Dec. 29 in Las Vegas, adding a lightweight battle between two of the division’s top contenders.
Former Ultimate Fighter participants Joe Lauzon and Gray Maynard have agreed to square off just prior to New Year’s Eve.
Lauzon (22-7) is coming off of a triangle submission victory over Jamie Varner at UFC on Fox 4 in Los Angeles. After getting knocked out by Anthony Pettis earlier this year in Japan, Lauzon’s performance against Varner put his name right back in the title mix.
Maynard (11-1) is in much the same boat as Lauzon. He failed in his last title bid, losing to Frankie Edgar at UFC 136 late last year. He righted the ship by winning a split decision over Clay Guida in June.
A victory at UFC 155 would go far to cement either fighter’s standing as a 155-pound contender.
The UFC 155 fight card is expected to feature UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos defending his belt against Cain Velasquez, as well as the return of Chael Sonnen to 205 pounds to square off with former champion Forrest Griffin.
Stay tuned for MMAWeekly-com for more UFC 155 bouts and other UFC news.
Joe Lauzon vs. Gray Maynard Agreed for UFC 155 - Yahoo! Sports
Former Ultimate Fighter participants Joe Lauzon and Gray Maynard have agreed to square off just prior to New Year’s Eve.
Lauzon (22-7) is coming off of a triangle submission victory over Jamie Varner at UFC on Fox 4 in Los Angeles. After getting knocked out by Anthony Pettis earlier this year in Japan, Lauzon’s performance against Varner put his name right back in the title mix.
Maynard (11-1) is in much the same boat as Lauzon. He failed in his last title bid, losing to Frankie Edgar at UFC 136 late last year. He righted the ship by winning a split decision over Clay Guida in June.
A victory at UFC 155 would go far to cement either fighter’s standing as a 155-pound contender.
The UFC 155 fight card is expected to feature UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos defending his belt against Cain Velasquez, as well as the return of Chael Sonnen to 205 pounds to square off with former champion Forrest Griffin.
Stay tuned for MMAWeekly-com for more UFC 155 bouts and other UFC news.
Joe Lauzon vs. Gray Maynard Agreed for UFC 155 - Yahoo! Sports
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There was a time, not very long ago, when Jon Jones associated becoming UFC light heavyweight champion with making it as a mixed martial artist.
Reaching the 205-pound mountaintop was motivation enough for Jones, who spend hours in the gym sparring, working on refining his skills and developing into arguably the best fighter on this planet.
All that dedication and hard work would pay off on March 19, 2011, in Newark, N.J., where Jones defeated Mauricio Rua by third-round TKO to become the youngest man ever to don a UFC title belt. Jones (16-1) is proud of his accomplishment, but it no longer fuels his motivational engine. What Jones seeks far exceeds wearing a light heavyweight title belt; he now aims for immortality.
When his fighting days come to an end, and that’s a long time from now, Jones wants to leave a mark others will desire to surpass.
When Jones steps into the Octagon on Sept. 1 to make the fourth defense of his title, hard-hitting Dan Henderson will be standing in front of him. Jones is aware of the potential threat Henderson presents and his mind will be focused on minimizing it. But Henderson won’t be the only fighter Jones will battle that evening.
Recently retired former light heavyweight champ Tito Ortiz won’t be far from Jones’ thoughts. These days Jones fights to surpass Ortiz’s UFC light heavyweight record of five consecutive title defenses.
Read More: Jones: For the record, Henderson will fall - Mixed Martial Arts Blog - ESPN
Reaching the 205-pound mountaintop was motivation enough for Jones, who spend hours in the gym sparring, working on refining his skills and developing into arguably the best fighter on this planet.
All that dedication and hard work would pay off on March 19, 2011, in Newark, N.J., where Jones defeated Mauricio Rua by third-round TKO to become the youngest man ever to don a UFC title belt. Jones (16-1) is proud of his accomplishment, but it no longer fuels his motivational engine. What Jones seeks far exceeds wearing a light heavyweight title belt; he now aims for immortality.
When his fighting days come to an end, and that’s a long time from now, Jones wants to leave a mark others will desire to surpass.
When Jones steps into the Octagon on Sept. 1 to make the fourth defense of his title, hard-hitting Dan Henderson will be standing in front of him. Jones is aware of the potential threat Henderson presents and his mind will be focused on minimizing it. But Henderson won’t be the only fighter Jones will battle that evening.
Recently retired former light heavyweight champ Tito Ortiz won’t be far from Jones’ thoughts. These days Jones fights to surpass Ortiz’s UFC light heavyweight record of five consecutive title defenses.
Read More: Jones: For the record, Henderson will fall - Mixed Martial Arts Blog - ESPN
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Shawn Nelson, owner of the Full Nelson Fight Club in Alexandria, has worked with others in the area to bring the Rumble in the Lakes to the Runestone Community Center on August 24.
The mixed martial arts cage match event will feature amateur fighters from all over the state. Eight local fighters will be featured on the card as Doug Jasken, Brad Vickers, Ryan Harris, Aaron Poelaert, Tyler Larson, Bruce Butler, DJ Neuoer and Cody Pahan will step into the cage.
“There’s going to be some really good match-ups,” Nelson said. “We’ve got guys from all over the state coming in and fighting in this. We got eight local guys here in Alexandria that are pretty good. Some of them want to get in the cage and test it out. Maybe they’ll go in there and be done after one fight, but it’s something to experience. It takes a lot to get in that cage.”
The event will feature 10 fights on the card, ranging from the 135-pound weight class through heavyweight. Action will get started at 7:30 p.m. on August 24.
Read More: MMA cage fighting event coming to Alexandria | Alexandria Echo Press | Alexandria, Minnesota
The mixed martial arts cage match event will feature amateur fighters from all over the state. Eight local fighters will be featured on the card as Doug Jasken, Brad Vickers, Ryan Harris, Aaron Poelaert, Tyler Larson, Bruce Butler, DJ Neuoer and Cody Pahan will step into the cage.
“There’s going to be some really good match-ups,” Nelson said. “We’ve got guys from all over the state coming in and fighting in this. We got eight local guys here in Alexandria that are pretty good. Some of them want to get in the cage and test it out. Maybe they’ll go in there and be done after one fight, but it’s something to experience. It takes a lot to get in that cage.”
The event will feature 10 fights on the card, ranging from the 135-pound weight class through heavyweight. Action will get started at 7:30 p.m. on August 24.
Read More: MMA cage fighting event coming to Alexandria | Alexandria Echo Press | Alexandria, Minnesota
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Chael Sonnen is at it again.
On the same day his boss said a December win won't get him a title shot against light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, the two-time middleweight title challenger went right back to work on the champ.
This time, Sonnen employed a little classic reverse psychology, but followed it up as only he can.
Sonnen (28-12-1 MMA, 6-5 UFC), while a guest on "UFC Tonight" on FUEL TV on Tuesday night, said his hope to one day fight Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) is little more than a pipe dream. Sonnen moves to 205 pounds in December and will face former champ Forrest Griffin at UFC 155 in Las Vegas. "I will never fight Jones," Sonnen said. "He will never fight me. He is surrounded by a bunch of yes men. When he asks them, 'Is Chael better than me?,' they tell him, 'Yes.' When he asks, 'Would Chael beat me?,' they tell him, 'Yes.' When he asks, 'Will Chael take my title away?,' they tell him, 'Yes.'"
Jones and Sonnen have engaged in a mild back-and-forth over the past week or so, which is odd considering Jones is getting ready to fight Dan Henderson next week at UFC 151.
Read More: Chael Sonnen says Jon Jones will never fight him
On the same day his boss said a December win won't get him a title shot against light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, the two-time middleweight title challenger went right back to work on the champ.
This time, Sonnen employed a little classic reverse psychology, but followed it up as only he can.
Sonnen (28-12-1 MMA, 6-5 UFC), while a guest on "UFC Tonight" on FUEL TV on Tuesday night, said his hope to one day fight Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) is little more than a pipe dream. Sonnen moves to 205 pounds in December and will face former champ Forrest Griffin at UFC 155 in Las Vegas. "I will never fight Jones," Sonnen said. "He will never fight me. He is surrounded by a bunch of yes men. When he asks them, 'Is Chael better than me?,' they tell him, 'Yes.' When he asks, 'Would Chael beat me?,' they tell him, 'Yes.' When he asks, 'Will Chael take my title away?,' they tell him, 'Yes.'"
Jones and Sonnen have engaged in a mild back-and-forth over the past week or so, which is odd considering Jones is getting ready to fight Dan Henderson next week at UFC 151.
Read More: Chael Sonnen says Jon Jones will never fight him
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The planned flyweight bout between Darren Uyenoyama and Louis Gaudinot for UFC on FX 5 has been bitten by the injury bug. UFC officials on Wednesday confirmed that Gaudinot is out and that Phil Harris has agreed to step in for him, keeping the bout intact.
Uyenoyama (7-3) scored a big victory in his Octagon debut at UFC on Fox 1 last November. He won a unanimous decision over highly touted Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto.
Uyenoyama was supposed to be back in the cage against Ultimate Fighter 14 winner John Dodson at UFC on Fox 3, but was forced out due to injury.
He’s now slated to return at UFC on FX 5 against Harris (21-9), a newcomer to the Octagon, but largely considered the top flyweight in England. Harris is on a five-fight winning streak and has a penchant for closing out his fights by way of submission.
A heavyweight showdown between Travis Browne and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva tops the UFC on FX 5 fight card on Oct. 5 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Stay tuned to MMAWeekly-com for more UFC on FX 5 news.
UFC Newcomer Phil Harris Steps in to Face Darren Uyenoyama at UFC on FX 5 - Yahoo! Sports
Uyenoyama (7-3) scored a big victory in his Octagon debut at UFC on Fox 1 last November. He won a unanimous decision over highly touted Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto.
Uyenoyama was supposed to be back in the cage against Ultimate Fighter 14 winner John Dodson at UFC on Fox 3, but was forced out due to injury.
He’s now slated to return at UFC on FX 5 against Harris (21-9), a newcomer to the Octagon, but largely considered the top flyweight in England. Harris is on a five-fight winning streak and has a penchant for closing out his fights by way of submission.
A heavyweight showdown between Travis Browne and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva tops the UFC on FX 5 fight card on Oct. 5 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Stay tuned to MMAWeekly-com for more UFC on FX 5 news.
UFC Newcomer Phil Harris Steps in to Face Darren Uyenoyama at UFC on FX 5 - Yahoo! Sports
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Heavyweight kickboxing KO artist and former Ernesto Hoost protégé Tyrone “The King of the Ring” Spong (68-6-1, 42 KO’s) of Amsterdam, Netherlands has signed a multi-fight, two-year exclusive deal with GLORY to compete in the world’s premiere kickboxing league. He is slated to make his GLORY debut at the GLORY World Series mega-event in Tokyo, Japan on a December date to be announced soon.
The 26-year-old, 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in), 103.5 kg (228 pound), former It’s Showtime World Champion, has scored KO’s in over 60 percent of his victories,. including his latest conquest, a third-round stoppage of all-time great Peter Aerts in Brussels, Belgium on June 30, 2012.
Spong made an immediate impact in the kickboxing world in 2003, his first year competing as a professional, reeling off 12 consecutive wins in a span of as many months. He notched his first major victory on Oct. 1, 2006 when he scored a thunderous, first round (1:55) KO on world champion Kaoklai Kaennorsing of Bangkok, Thailand in Almere, Netherlands. A marquee moment in his career was as a 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix finalist from the old K-1 organization.
Read More: MMA News: Tyrone Spong Links Up with GLORY
The 26-year-old, 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in), 103.5 kg (228 pound), former It’s Showtime World Champion, has scored KO’s in over 60 percent of his victories,. including his latest conquest, a third-round stoppage of all-time great Peter Aerts in Brussels, Belgium on June 30, 2012.
Spong made an immediate impact in the kickboxing world in 2003, his first year competing as a professional, reeling off 12 consecutive wins in a span of as many months. He notched his first major victory on Oct. 1, 2006 when he scored a thunderous, first round (1:55) KO on world champion Kaoklai Kaennorsing of Bangkok, Thailand in Almere, Netherlands. A marquee moment in his career was as a 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix finalist from the old K-1 organization.
Read More: MMA News: Tyrone Spong Links Up with GLORY
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Attila Vegh spent not one second on his back.
Instead, he put ground-and-pound specialist Travis Wiuff out with punches to win the Bellator "Summer Series" light heavyweight tournament.
The fight headlined Bellator 73, which took place at Harrah's Tunica Hotel and Casino in Mississippi.
The two barely had exchanged more than a few harsh glares before Vegh distracted Wiuff with a shovel punch. He followed with a perfectly placed overhand right that caught Wiuff's temple. The shot buckled the veteran, and more punches prompted referee intervention at 25 seconds of the first round.
With the win, Vegh earns a shot at Bellator 205-pound champion Christian M'Pumbu.
"I think Travis was very strong, but I gave him everything I have," a corner man afterward told Bellator commentator Jimmy Smith. "It will be a hard fight (against M'Pumbu), but I will be ready."
Vegh now boasts an eight-fight win streak, including four under the Bellator banner. Wiuff, who burst on the scene with a decision win over M'Pumbu in a non-title bout, sees a six-fight streak snapped.
Read More: Vegh wins Bellator light heavyweight tournament by TKO
Instead, he put ground-and-pound specialist Travis Wiuff out with punches to win the Bellator "Summer Series" light heavyweight tournament.
The fight headlined Bellator 73, which took place at Harrah's Tunica Hotel and Casino in Mississippi.
The two barely had exchanged more than a few harsh glares before Vegh distracted Wiuff with a shovel punch. He followed with a perfectly placed overhand right that caught Wiuff's temple. The shot buckled the veteran, and more punches prompted referee intervention at 25 seconds of the first round.
With the win, Vegh earns a shot at Bellator 205-pound champion Christian M'Pumbu.
"I think Travis was very strong, but I gave him everything I have," a corner man afterward told Bellator commentator Jimmy Smith. "It will be a hard fight (against M'Pumbu), but I will be ready."
Vegh now boasts an eight-fight win streak, including four under the Bellator banner. Wiuff, who burst on the scene with a decision win over M'Pumbu in a non-title bout, sees a six-fight streak snapped.
Read More: Vegh wins Bellator light heavyweight tournament by TKO
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The most exciting MMA fighter in the sport today is not Jon Jones, Anderson Silva or Georges St. Pierre, hell it’s not even a male fighter.
It’s Ronda Rousey. Inside the cage, Rousey is only 6-0 in her short MMA career. But that is not indicative of the dominant fashion in which she has won. Rousey is hulk strong. Her judo base allows her to take opponents to the ground and snatch their arm. Once she locks in the armbar it’s over. The fat lady has sung.
So why is she not in the UFC?
Dana White has said Rousey would be the first women’s UFC fighter if there ever was one. There are many valid reasons why Rousey should be in the UFC now.
Her fights are electric and fun to watch- that is all you can ask for as a fan. Though they end quickly, you can tell that you are watching greatness.
Rousey also has personality. She was featured in ESPN the Magazine‘s body issue on the front cover. Rousey appeared on SportsNation earlier this week.
Rousey oozes interesting. That is hard to find.
She also knows how to promote a fight. If there ever was need for Chael Sonnen requisite substitute Rousey would suffice. She is a trash talker who is not intimidated by any opponent on any stage.
So again, why is she not in the UFC?
Read More: The UFC Would Be A Better Place With Ronda Rousey : Mixed Martial Arts
It’s Ronda Rousey. Inside the cage, Rousey is only 6-0 in her short MMA career. But that is not indicative of the dominant fashion in which she has won. Rousey is hulk strong. Her judo base allows her to take opponents to the ground and snatch their arm. Once she locks in the armbar it’s over. The fat lady has sung.
So why is she not in the UFC?
Dana White has said Rousey would be the first women’s UFC fighter if there ever was one. There are many valid reasons why Rousey should be in the UFC now.
Her fights are electric and fun to watch- that is all you can ask for as a fan. Though they end quickly, you can tell that you are watching greatness.
Rousey also has personality. She was featured in ESPN the Magazine‘s body issue on the front cover. Rousey appeared on SportsNation earlier this week.
Rousey oozes interesting. That is hard to find.
She also knows how to promote a fight. If there ever was need for Chael Sonnen requisite substitute Rousey would suffice. She is a trash talker who is not intimidated by any opponent on any stage.
So again, why is she not in the UFC?
Read More: The UFC Would Be A Better Place With Ronda Rousey : Mixed Martial Arts
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UFC 151 will go down in MMA history as the event that wasn't.
On Thursday, the UFC canceled the pay-per-view that was booked for this Saturday in Las Vegas after main event title challenger Dan Henderson was forced out with a knee injury and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones turned down a replacement fight against Chael Sonnen.
Throughout the industry, blame for the scrapping of the card has been extended to virtually everyone involved. But on Saturday, Jones took to Twitter to apologize for his part.
Read More: Jones takes blame for UFC 151 cancellation | Detroit Free Press | freep-com
On Thursday, the UFC canceled the pay-per-view that was booked for this Saturday in Las Vegas after main event title challenger Dan Henderson was forced out with a knee injury and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones turned down a replacement fight against Chael Sonnen.
Throughout the industry, blame for the scrapping of the card has been extended to virtually everyone involved. But on Saturday, Jones took to Twitter to apologize for his part.
Read More: Jones takes blame for UFC 151 cancellation | Detroit Free Press | freep-com
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2006/12/07
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Rankings are a silly thing.
For starters, they're entirely subjective. There's a very good chance you're going to take one look at my pound-for-pound list below and start laughing until you cry. And that's fine.
Your list of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport may look entirely different than mine. That's fine, too.
Another reason rankings are silly? They have no bearing on what fights we're going to see. The UFC and Strikeforce aren't beholden to any kind of rankings system, which is ultimately why we're going to see Vitor Belfort challenge for the UFC light heavyweight title on September 22 despite the fact that Belfort hasn't fought at light heavyweight since returning to the promotion a few years ago.
But rankings are still fun. They're a great conversation starter, and it's a good way to put to paper your own view of the mixed martial arts landscape. Ultimately, that's all I'm doing here: telling you what I think, giving you my view of the lay of the land. You may disagree—and in fact, most of you probably will—but we'll still have plenty of fun discussing it.
Without further ado, I give you my pound for pound rankings for August 2012.
Read More: August 2012 MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings: The Best in the Sport | Bleacher Report
For starters, they're entirely subjective. There's a very good chance you're going to take one look at my pound-for-pound list below and start laughing until you cry. And that's fine.
Your list of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport may look entirely different than mine. That's fine, too.
Another reason rankings are silly? They have no bearing on what fights we're going to see. The UFC and Strikeforce aren't beholden to any kind of rankings system, which is ultimately why we're going to see Vitor Belfort challenge for the UFC light heavyweight title on September 22 despite the fact that Belfort hasn't fought at light heavyweight since returning to the promotion a few years ago.
But rankings are still fun. They're a great conversation starter, and it's a good way to put to paper your own view of the mixed martial arts landscape. Ultimately, that's all I'm doing here: telling you what I think, giving you my view of the lay of the land. You may disagree—and in fact, most of you probably will—but we'll still have plenty of fun discussing it.
Without further ado, I give you my pound for pound rankings for August 2012.
Read More: August 2012 MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings: The Best in the Sport | Bleacher Report
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A mixed martial arts fighter who police say beat his pregnant girlfriend so badly she later miscarried has turned himself into authorities.
Willie "Slick" Parks, of Albuquerque, faces aggravated assault charges and was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail after he was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals.
According to a criminal complaint released Sunday, the 28-year-old's girlfriend told police that she blacked out during the beating and Parks didn't allow her to go to the doctor for days. The complaint says she suffered a broken nose, concussion and a miscarriage.
Police say Parks beat her after an argument over clothes she was wearing.
Read more here: NM MMA fighter ordered held for beating girlfriend - Sports - The Sacramento Bee
Willie "Slick" Parks, of Albuquerque, faces aggravated assault charges and was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail after he was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals.
According to a criminal complaint released Sunday, the 28-year-old's girlfriend told police that she blacked out during the beating and Parks didn't allow her to go to the doctor for days. The complaint says she suffered a broken nose, concussion and a miscarriage.
Police say Parks beat her after an argument over clothes she was wearing.
Read more here: NM MMA fighter ordered held for beating girlfriend - Sports - The Sacramento Bee
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UFC light-heavyweight contender Dan Henderson has stated in an interview with Ariel Helwani that he is looking to return at UFC 155. The card will take place on December 29th. If Henderson does fight on the card, It will add to the already stacked line-up that the UFC has put together. The UFC has confirmed three bouts already: Junior Dos Santos VS Cain Velasquez, Forrest Griffin VS Chael Sonnen, and Joe Lauzon VS Gray Maynard.
As for the opponent, we don’t know who he will face yet. It would be nice to see Dan Henderson get his title shot against the winner of Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort,but timing could be an issue. If that is the case, Henderson will have to take a fight against another top contender.
We are hoping that he will get the title shot though. It would be sad to see him lose a contender fight and ultimately lose his chance at a UFC title. Henderson is getting older and might not have enough left in him,in order to compete at the top level. Time is proving to be an issue for Henderson.
If Henderson does go through with his plans and gets his title shot, It would bring two championship fights to the card. I’m not sure if the UFC would want to put together another double title fight card. UFC 152 already has two title fights but the UFC might decide to end 2012 with a huge card. It would definitely please the fans and make up for the loss of UFC 151. I’m guessing we will get an announcement regarding Henderson’s next fight in the next couple months.
UFC News: Expect To See Dan Henderson Return At UFC 155 In December : Mixed Martial Arts
As for the opponent, we don’t know who he will face yet. It would be nice to see Dan Henderson get his title shot against the winner of Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort,but timing could be an issue. If that is the case, Henderson will have to take a fight against another top contender.
We are hoping that he will get the title shot though. It would be sad to see him lose a contender fight and ultimately lose his chance at a UFC title. Henderson is getting older and might not have enough left in him,in order to compete at the top level. Time is proving to be an issue for Henderson.
If Henderson does go through with his plans and gets his title shot, It would bring two championship fights to the card. I’m not sure if the UFC would want to put together another double title fight card. UFC 152 already has two title fights but the UFC might decide to end 2012 with a huge card. It would definitely please the fans and make up for the loss of UFC 151. I’m guessing we will get an announcement regarding Henderson’s next fight in the next couple months.
UFC News: Expect To See Dan Henderson Return At UFC 155 In December : Mixed Martial Arts
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CEBUANO businessman Victor Cui, the son of Diplomat and Consul General Victoriano Cui, is bringing Asia’s biggest and most prestigious mixed martial arts promotion to Manila this Friday night.
ONE Fighting Championship was founded by Cui just over a year ago and has already put on shows in sold out stadiums and arenas in Singapore, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. On Friday it is the turn of the Philippines with 16,500 fans expected to fill the Smart Araneta Coliseum to capacity at ONE FC: ‘Pride of a Nation.’
It will be the biggest MMA event ever to take place in the country and the first chance for fight fans here to get a glimpse of famous fighters such as former UFC champions Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia and Jens Pulver and DREAM champion Bibiano Fernandes.
There will also be five champions from top Filipino promotion the URCC as well as three members of the legendary Gracie family on the card as Cui is determined to make the first ever ONE FC event in the country a night to remember.
“This is our first time in the Philippines and this country has some of the most passionate fight fans in the world so we wanted to make it a really special card, stacked with champions from all over the world and fighters who are household names and MMA legends.”
Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the world and is a multi billion dollar industry in the US. Although extremely popular in Asia, particularly in the Philippines, there had never been a promotion in this continent to rival the UFC in the West until ONE FC came along.
Cui, who was formerly a senior director at ESPN Star Sports, clearly spotted a gap in the market but even he admits to being taken aback by the speed at which ONE FC has grown to become firmly established as the leading MMA promotion in Asia.
Read More: Cebu businessman brings biggest MMA tilt to Manila | Inquirer News
ONE Fighting Championship was founded by Cui just over a year ago and has already put on shows in sold out stadiums and arenas in Singapore, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. On Friday it is the turn of the Philippines with 16,500 fans expected to fill the Smart Araneta Coliseum to capacity at ONE FC: ‘Pride of a Nation.’
It will be the biggest MMA event ever to take place in the country and the first chance for fight fans here to get a glimpse of famous fighters such as former UFC champions Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia and Jens Pulver and DREAM champion Bibiano Fernandes.
There will also be five champions from top Filipino promotion the URCC as well as three members of the legendary Gracie family on the card as Cui is determined to make the first ever ONE FC event in the country a night to remember.
“This is our first time in the Philippines and this country has some of the most passionate fight fans in the world so we wanted to make it a really special card, stacked with champions from all over the world and fighters who are household names and MMA legends.”
Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the world and is a multi billion dollar industry in the US. Although extremely popular in Asia, particularly in the Philippines, there had never been a promotion in this continent to rival the UFC in the West until ONE FC came along.
Cui, who was formerly a senior director at ESPN Star Sports, clearly spotted a gap in the market but even he admits to being taken aback by the speed at which ONE FC has grown to become firmly established as the leading MMA promotion in Asia.
Read More: Cebu businessman brings biggest MMA tilt to Manila | Inquirer News
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• The salaries from UFC 148, Silva vs. Sonnen II included $200,000 for Anderson Silva; $50,000 for Chael Sonnen; $275,000 for Forrest Griffin, including a $150,000 win bonus; $250,000 for Tito Ortiz; $150,000 for Cung Le; $21,000 for Patrick Cote; $96,000 for Demian Maia, including a $48,000 win bonus; $10,000 for Cody McKenzie; $72,000 for Melvin Guillard, including a $36,000 win bonus; and $36,000 for Chad Mendes, including an $18,000 win bonus.
• The coach for Sonnen decided against making a request for an appeal after his fighter lost to Silva for a second time, this time by referee stoppage from strikes. He said Silva had grabbed Sonnen's shorts and hit him with an illegal knee, which replays showed was legal.
• There has been talk of a so-called "superfight" between Silva and George St.-Pierre during the early part of next year, but UFC president Dana White quickly put an end to any talk of a potential superfight.
• White announced that Nate Diaz is the No. 1 lightweight contender and is next in line for a title shot.
• Talk of Rashad Evans dropping down to the middleweight division is gaining steam, and his next fight could be against Sonnen or Chris Weidman.
• The UFC extended its current deal with ESPN in the United Kingdom to air pay-per-view and cable TV events through August 2013.
• UFC on Fox 4 featured the debut of a UFC ref cam. It's the first time such a feature has been used in the UFC.
• UFC heavyweights Shane Carwin and Roy Nelson have been chosen as the coaches for "The Ultimate Fighter 16" on FX, which starts in September.
Read More: PressBox: Quick Strikes From The MMA World