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MMA News and Notes


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Posted by: ReproMan

Advertising at Sherdog.com

Quote:
Fedor Defends Combat Sambo World Championship

Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures) won the open-weight division of the 31st Combat Sambo World Championship on Nov. 10 in Prague. With the win, the 31-year-old Russian, widely regarded as the No. 1 heavyweight fighter in the world, defended the title he won two years ago in the Czech Republic capital.

To do so, he had to step on the mats only once. The 220-plus-pound representative from Uzbekistan did not show in Prague, thus giving Fedor a bye to the semifinals. There he quickly took out a Bulgarian fighter via choke to set up a meeting with a Ukrainian competitor in the finals.

Much to Fedor's chagrin, the Ukrainian fighter, who had defeated UFC veteran Kristof Midoux (Pictures) in the other semifinal, did not turn up either, handing Fedor the victory.

The win gives the member of Red Devil Sport Club his fourth world championship medal in combat sambo, a sport not unlike mixed martial arts. Victory can be achieved by submission and by points scored for throws and activity. With a total of 10 championship medals in Russian, European and world competition, Fedor has become one of the most successful fighters ever in the sport.

His participation in the competition, which with 780 representatives from 45 countries was by far the biggest of its kind, had been one of the sticking points on why the undefeated PRIDE heavyweight champion turned down a very lucrative offer to fight in the UFC. Instead he opted for a contract with newly established promotion M-1 Global, which allowed him to compete on Saturday.
Something fishy about 2 opponents just "not showing".


Posted by: A Black Guy

It's pretty obvious that Cantrell took a dive. Not saying it was planned or he just decided to bitch-out, but that elbow/forearm never connected.

Diaz got robbed, the cut over the eye wasn't bleeding much and there were no complaints of vision problems. Earlier the Kleinbeck fight was stopped for a legitimate cut, being that he had a Fedor-sized open wound. I don't think that excuses Diaz for clearly being out-fought. He looked terrible again, lethargic, weak, and clearly not the same guy who really made me a fan of his.


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by A Black Guy View Post
It's pretty obvious that Cantrell took a dive. Not saying it was planned or he just decided to bitch-out, but that elbow/forearm never connected.

Diaz got robbed, the cut over the eye wasn't bleeding much and there were no complaints of vision problems. Earlier the Kleinbeck fight was stopped for a legitimate cut, being that he had a Fedor-sized open wound. I don't think that excuses Diaz for clearly being out-fought. He looked terrible again, lethargic, weak, and clearly not the same guy who really made me a fan of his.
Yeah, he looked like shit.

At first I thought the uppercut caught Cantrell on the chin, but it just didn't. Weird.


Posted by: PreMier

maybe the body shot broke a rib or seperated some cartlidge and he couldnt breathe?


Posted by: A Black Guy

Quote:
Originally Posted by PreMier View Post
maybe the body shot broke a rib or seperated some cartlidge and he couldnt breathe?
It looked like it caught him in the tit/armpit region.


Posted by: ReproMan

Did Bo Cantrell Take a Dive Against Kimbo Slice? -- MMAjunkie.com



Quote:

Did Bo Cantrell Take a Dive Against Kimbo Slice?

Posted by MMA Junkie on November 12, 2007 at 11:36 am ET



During Saturday’s “EliteXC: Renegade” event, Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson posted a questionable 19-second victory over MMA veteran Bo Cantrell. However, cries that Slice’s opponent took a dive appear unfounded, especially in light of some post-fight findings.

The Slice-Cantrell fight, which aired on Showtime before a Nick Diaz-KJ Noons main event, was supposed to be Slice’s coming-out party. The famed Internet brawler made his unofficial MMA debut in June with a first-round submission of aging boxer Ray Mercer.

Cantrell, though, was supposed to represent a real MMA fighter — a veteran of 20 fights that were accumulated during a four-year career. Granted, Cantrell owned a mere .500 record (with a four-fight losing streak), but in terms of MMA, he was a major step up from the 46-year-old Mercer.

While the Bas Rutten-trained Slice won in convincing fashion on Saturday, MMA fans learned little about the 33-year-old heavyweight’s abilities. After a right shot to Cantrell’s gut and a forearm to his head, Slice was pulled off the fighter and declared the winner via TKO.

The elbow appeared to strike only partially, but it was enough to send Cantrell to the canvas, where he immediately tapped out. The crowd booed mightily as the 30-year-old quickly returned to his feet.

Was it a dive? Was the fix in?

It’s doubtful.

More likely, Cantrell was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation. The Gladiator Challenge and King of the Cage vet probably never competed on such a big stage — especially in front of a live TV audience.
“I am not sure what happened, but just before the fight, I started feeling weird,” Cantrell said after the fight. “I just wasn’t myself in there. I felt a shell of myself.“

Our friend Steve Sievert of the Houston Chronicle shed some additional light on the situation.

As he wrote: “While the two shots from Slice did some damage, it was clear that Cantrell, who reportedly threw up in his dressing room before the bout, would rather have been elsewhere. Shaw revealed after the fight that EliteXC received anonymous phone calls on both Friday and Saturday calling into question Cantrell’s health and whether he was fit to fight. Ultimately, he was cleared by doctors to step into the cage.“

Whether he was actually sick doesn’t matter; if Cantrell thought something might be wrong, it was probably enough to let the doubts creep in.

Throw in a hostile crowd, Slice’s intimidating looks and brutal reputation, and the shattered confidence that comes from four consecutive first-round losses (with an average fight length of just 30 second), and Cantrell’s performance can be understood. Not excused, but at least understood.

As for Slice, with a recently signed long-term deal with EliteXC, he’ll be on the search for a new opponent. He’ll just need to find one that presents a challenge.

“I am happy for Kimbo, but he needs an opponent that is going to push him a little,” said Rutten, who’s trained Slice throughout the year. “I think he can handle it, but I want to see how he does when he has to face some adversity and go a full round or two.

“Really, Kimbo got nothing out of this fight tonight — except for a nice payday.“



Posted by: BoneCrusher

My thoughts on this are that Bas wold not be a party to a worked fight. He makes his living from his reputation now, not his ability to get in the ring. If he is in Kimbo's corner then IMHO the fight was ligit. Why the strikes ... and I watched them on slowmo and agree with you ABG ... ended the fight I dunno. I just strongly feel that Bas would run from anything that would destroy his reputation as severely as being party to a worked fight would do.


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
My thoughts on this are that Bas wold not be a party to a worked fight. He makes his living from his reputation now, not his ability to get in the ring. If he is in Kimbo's corner then IMHO the fight was ligit. Why the strikes ... and I watched them on slowmo and agree with you ABG ... ended the fight I dunno. I just strongly feel that Bas would run from anything that would destroy his reputation as severely as being party to a worked fight would do.
I agree, I think it's more a case of Cantrell just completely flaking.


Posted by: ReproMan

MMA WEEKLY - Your #1 Source for Daily MMA News, Interviews, Multimedia, and More

Quote:

- UFC PRES ADDRESSES SHERK, COUTURE, AND MORE

Monday, November 12, 2007 - by Ken Pishna - MMAWeekly.com



Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White and several of his fighters addressed the media on Monday. While much of the talk centered on this weekend’s UFC 78 event in Newark, N.J., White also addressed several other pressing issues.

With the recent announcement that lightweight champion Sean Sherk’s appeal hearing before the California State Athletic Commission has been pushed back yet again, to Dec. 4, and the B.J. Penn vs. Joe Stevenson fight at UFC 80 proclaimed a bout for the interim lightweight title, Sherk’s situation is right at the fore.

Ever since it came to light that Sherk had tested positive for steroids following his July 7 title defense, White has shown public support for his champion.

“He looked me in the eye and told me like a man, ‘I didn’t do it.’ I believe him,” said the UFC president in early August. “I don’t think he’s a liar. I don’t think he’s a cheater. He’s a good guy, he works hard and I’m going to take his word for it.”

As recently as Nov. 2, Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole was reporting that White said he would not strip Sherk of his title. But even though he has still publicly supported Sherk, as the case has continued to draw out, it appears that stripping him of his title has one again become an option.

In announcing the interim title fight, White stated, “The belt can’t be in limbo for this long. I’ve said since the beginning that I believe in Sean Sherk, but we have to support the athletic commission in whatever decision they make.”

He added to that during Monday’s conference call.

“B.J. Penn and Joe Stevenson are going to fight for the interim title. We'll see what happens with Sherk. If Sherk is found guilty, we'll support the (California) State Athletic Commission and he'll probably be stripped of his title. If not, then he'll keep his title and it will be champion vs. champion.”

If that weren’t enough, the UFC has also had to deal with the discord with its heavyweight champion, Randy Couture, who suddenly “resigned” from the promotion in early October.

Following several public statements and presentations from both sides expressing disappointment over the situation, recent speculation is that Mark Cuban’s new fight promotion, HDNet Fights, has offered Couture a position within the company and that he is close to, if not already, accepting the offer.

White however, indicated that the UFC has offered its champion a title defense and is awaiting a response.

“We officially offered it to him and we haven't heard back yet. We should know this week. He (sent me a text message) yesterday and said he wants to sit down and talk.”

Asked if there would possibly be an interim belt issued for the heavyweight division as well, White was emphatic that would not happen.

“No. Randy's going to make a decision one-way or the other. We're going to get together next week, I think, and talk and see where we're at.”

OTHER NOTES OF INTEREST

– The next UFC Fight Night is currently scheduled for Jan. 23. No location or bout details were given.

– The UFC has started to focus on sanctioning in the state of New York. White said that the promotion plans on being in New York by late 2008 or early 2009.

– The UFC plans on returning to Florida in 2008, as well. A city and date have yet to be determined, but it is likely to be a pay-per-view event held in a city other than Hollywood, where the promotion has run several UFC Fight Nights.

– White declined comment on talks regarding a network television deal – the UFC is believed to be in talks with CBS – other than to say, “I'm talking to a lot of people right now. One thing we've always done is we've always taken this thing to another level every year. Wait until you see what we're going to do in 2008.”



Posted by: BoneCrusher

I still hear Lex Luther's voice in my mind when I read White's press. I think it's permanent.


Posted by: A Black Guy

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
My thoughts on this are that Bas wold not be a party to a worked fight. He makes his living from his reputation now, not his ability to get in the ring. If he is in Kimbo's corner then IMHO the fight was ligit. Why the strikes ... and I watched them on slowmo and agree with you ABG ... ended the fight I dunno. I just strongly feel that Bas would run from anything that would destroy his reputation as severely as being party to a worked fight would do.
I wouldn't give Bas that much credit, I mean, he IS a pancrase guy at heart.


Posted by: ReproMan

http://hacnews.com/sokinterview.html

Quote:
EXCLUSIVE: RAMEAU THIERRY SOKOUDJOU INTERVIEW
By: Luis Cruz


He shocked the world when he knocked out the number 2 and 3 205lbs fighters in the world back-to-back. He grabbed fans and fighters attention alike in minimal time. But what has this wrecking machine been up to since then? In this exclusive interview, I has the chance to catch up with hard hitting Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou to find out what he's been up to and what the fans can expect next.
LC- Luis Cruz with HACNews talking to a Light Heavyweight in mixed martial arts that burst onto the scene in explosive and impressive fashion, "The African Assassin" Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. How you feeling and what's been going on?
RS- I'm feeling great, thanks for asking and things are going good on my end; training, and looking forward to getting back to business.
LC- Can you tell us a little bit about your background in martial arts, Judo, etc?
RS-Well, it's pretty simple, I have done Judo most of my life, I'm a 2nd degree Judo Black Belt and a BJJ Blue belt. And just a few years ago, I started learning Kick Boxing in my quest of becoming an MMA fighter.
LC- Now, as most people are aware, you made an immediate splash in Pride this past February knocking out Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in mere seconds. I was fortunate enough to be covering that event live and witnessed this. I remember my jaw dropping to the ground because up until that point, I had never seen either Nogueira brother seriously rocked, hurt yes, but nothing like that. I remember the odds being somewhere around +1200 for you. Did you go into that fight with an "I have nothing to lose attitude" and did that help you stay calm or was it the opposite and you seen it as a huge opportunity and you were very nervous?
RS- Going into that fight, excitement took over any other feelings, I knew I had a great camp prior to that fight and I knew I was coming out with a victory. I knew it was going to be a long night for me, but hard work paid off really good.
LC- Well you followed that up with another impressive knockout of Ricardo Arona just a couple months later. What were you like going into that fight and how confident were you going into that fight after the Nogueira win?
RS- I knew Arona was a really great BJJ expert and I also knew he wasn't a better striker than me. And due to the fact that I fell in love with Kick Boxing, I couldn't wait to get in there and break his face with my fists.
LC- Not too many fighters come out of relatively nowhere in just their 4th and 5th MMA fight and not only knock off but knockout two top five Light Heavyweights in the world. Great wins but now you haven't fought since the Arona bout and it's been almost a seven month layoff. How anxious are you to get back in the mix or are you enjoying this time off a lot?
RS- I'm more than anxious to get back in there, also I'm enjoying my time off, it allows me to improve my game and add more weapons to my arsenal.
LC- Going into your Pride debut, you were coming off a loss in which you were stopped against Teixeira. Is there any part of you that wants to get back in there with him just to try and redeem that blemish on your record or are you over that and looking forward to just moving up?
RS- As of right now, I'm looking forward to moving up, and of course down the road I would love to go back and fight him again.
LC- How much have you been training lately and with who and where?
RS- I've been training a lot, especially helping Dan getting ready for his last fight in the UFC. Also there are other Team Quest fighters such as Mayhem and others that I've been helping training for their fights.
LC- What's next for you, any proposed bouts lined up and/or dates of when you'll be fighting?
RS- For now I don't have anything solid, I'm hoping to get a fight before the end of this year.
LC- Can you give us details about any negotiations you had with the UFC, how much they offered, or anything?
RS- I'm sorry, I don't deal with that part of my career, I'm just a fighter and Team Quest manages me and handles that part of my career
LC- Ok, no problem. Do you have it in your goals to fight in the UFC someday or are you content with whoever pays you the best?
RS- As a fighter, I would love to fight the top guys, wherever they are, but on the other hand it's also great to earn as much cash as possible, skills pay bills right?
LC- [Laughs] Yes, I guess they do. Let's talk about some other happenings in MMA. Your partner Dan had a unification bout with Rampage in which he thought he won. Do you feel he won that fight?
RS- I totally think he won that fight, it's a shame the judges didn't see that way.
LC- Let's talk a little controversy now. What are your thoughts on the whole Fedor/Randy/UFC debate going on if you've paid any attention to it?
RS- I really didn't keep track on what's going on with that.
LC- How do you feel you match up with those three fighters starting with Fedor Emelianenko?
RS- He's a great fighter and I would love to fight him one of these days.
LC- Rampage?
RS- I would love to kick his ass
LC- Randy Couture?
RS- He's a legend in MMA and it would de a great honor to get in the cage with him.
LC- What are your thoughts on Houston Alexander? He kind of came into the scene similar to you, knocking out a couple of good Light Heavyweights when he was relatively unknown. They weren't two top five back to back wins as on your resume, but still impressive. Also how do you feel you two match up since we're on the subject?
RS- He's a pretty good striker, and I'm looking forward to facing him in a near future.
Word Association
LC- Dan Henderson
RS- Tough guy
LC- Wanderlei Silva
RS- Excitement
LC- Chuck Liddell
RS- In troubled waters
LC- Chuck vs. Wanderlei?
RS- Excitement
LC- Dana White
RS- Business man
LC- Pride
RS- We'll be missing you.
LC- Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
RS- Straight outta the JUNGLE!!!
True or False
LC- Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou can bench 500lbs?
RS- [Laughs] We don't use pounds back in the Jungle!
LC- Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou has fought wild animals in Africa?
RS- True
LC- Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou can breakdance?
RS- True, then it'd rain!
Get2Know
LC- Is there any time in your life that sticks out more than any other that is not MMA related, if so can you tell us about it?
RS- Not quite sure since I train full time and that's all I do all day everyday, but other than that I would say driving. I love cars since they go faster than giraffes!
LC- [Laughs] If there was any one person in the world, whether they are dead or alive, that you could have 5 minutes in an MMA match with, who would it be and why? Preferably not a professional fighter.
RS- Conan the Barbarian. Because he's one of my favorite characters.
LC- That'd be a great fight. The last question I have is, if you could choose any time era to live in rather than today, when would it be and why? This could be past or future.
RS- I would say in the future. It sounds like technology will be more advance and I'm a fan of new technologies.
LC- Before I let you go are there any sponsors you want to mention, any websites or anything else to plug, and anything you want to say to your fans anxiously awaiting your return to the ring?
RS- I would like to thank Light Force for all the support. Also fans can reach me at www.africanassassin.com or on myspace at www.myspace.com/african_assassin. And I'll be back not in the ring but in the cage DEC 29th in Vegas!
LC- [Laughs] I think I got you, at least I hope I do! I want to thank you very much for taking the time to talk to me here at HACNews.com and we wish you luck in the future and hope to see you back very soon, take care.
RS- Thank you for the interview, it was my pleasure.

I don't know what to make of that at the end but it seems that he will be at the very least attending UFC 79. Rumor has it that Machida has agreed to fight him but nothing is in black and white. If so, that would be an incredible fight.



Posted by: BoneCrusher

Quote:
Originally Posted by A Black Guy View Post
I wouldn't give Bas that much credit, I mean, he IS a pancrase guy at heart.
Hey Pancrase was good shit back in the day. What's the beef?


Posted by: ReproMan

Who's everyone got? I'm taking a few upsets in this one. While there aren't huge names on this card, I have a sinking suspicion this is going to be a crazy card with crazy undercard fights. I'm actually really looking forward to this card.

My picks in bold.


UFC 78

Date: Nov. 17, 2007
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Venue: Prudential Arena
Broadcast: Pay-Per-View
MAIN CARDPRELIMINARY CARDRashad should manhandle Bisping. Period.

I think Alexander will stun us again. Silva looked sloppy in his last fight vs. a chump, and gassed shortly thereafter but he did win. Another flashy KO for the man with the biggest cranium in the Western Hemisphere.

I think Herman takes a decision, Doerksen took the fight on short notice.

Parisyan wins a decision via a few "gorgeous, flamboyant" judo throws.

Edgar will bang with Fischer for a little until he realizes that's not a good idea and will put him on his back. Edgar wins the position battle and wins a decision.

Thiago Alves has some killer strikes but I see Lytle being crafty and sneaking up behind him with a RNC victory.

Lauzon and Aurelio should win easily and my other upset pick of the night is Tamden McCrory over Gono. Kid showed a ton of poise in his first match in the UFC against Pete Spratt. He took a good deal of punishment, remained calm and eventually caught Pete with one of many sub attempts while showing decent amount of skill on the ground. Not to mention he's 6'4", which is a gigantic advantage for him @ 170 if he uses it. While they are throwing McCrory to the wolves again, octagon shock for Gono combined with McCrory's reach and scrappy demeanor will help McCrory pick up his 2nd UFC victory.


Posted by: ReproMan

Report: UFC in Talks with Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou -- MMAjunkie.com

Quote:
Report: UFC in Talks with Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou

Posted by MMA Junkie on November 13, 2007 at 9:29 pm ET


Former PRIDE fighter Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (4-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), a top 205-pound fighter currently on the free agent market, is in talks with the UFC about a possible contract, but a rumored UFC 79 fight with Lyoto Machida (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is far from official.The report comes from Dave Meltzer at Wrestling Observer.


News of the possible Sokoudjou-Machida fight flooded messageboards earlier today. UFC 79 takes place Dec. 29 in Las Vegas, and the light-heavyweight clash was rumored to be a part of it. And where there’s smoke, there’s apparently some fire.
According to Meltzer:
Regarding rumors of Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou fighting in UFC, there is no contract signed, but his deal with Hero’s did fall apart and UFC is interested in him and talks have begun. There are talks of a potential fight with Lyoto Machida on 12/29, but it’s nothing more than talk at this point.
MMAjunkie.com has been busy working on this story all day but was only able to confirm that Sokoudjou is in talks with the UFC.


Sokoudjou, a 2001 U.S. Open Judo champion, defeated the heavily favored Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at PRIDE 33. The 23-second knockout was followed up with a two-minute KO of Ricardo Arona at PRIDE 34.


The 23-year-old Team Quest fighter had verbally agreed to a contract with Elite Xtreme Combat this summer but backed out of the deal in July. He then appeared to be headed to the Tokyo-based K-1 Hero’s organization, but that deal also fell apart soon after.


Machida, who signed on with the UFC earlier this year, has gone 3-0 in the organization in 2007. He most recently defeated Kazuhiro Nakamura via unanimous decision at UFC 76 in September.


For the latest rumored UFC 79 news, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.


(Note: The whole Sokoudjou rumor seems to have started with Luis Cruz’s interview at HACnews.com. Be sure to check it out. It’s a great primer on the fighter.)
I really hope they get this done.


Posted by: ReproMan

MMA WEEKLY - Your #1 Source for Daily MMA News, Interviews, Multimedia, and More

Quote:

- IFL SHUFFLES GRAND PRIX LINE-UP
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - by Damon Martin - MMAWeekly.com



The International Fight League on Tuesday officially announced the match-ups for its inaugural World Grand Prix finals set to take place on Dec. 29.

One of the biggest changes noted is that undefeated lightweight Chris Horodecki is now facing Shad Lierley for the 155-pound title, while the fighter who earned his shot at the lightweight title, Wagnney Fabiano, will now drop to featherweight and fight L.C. Davis for a new 145-pound championship instead.

The move was unexpected considering Fabiano’s undefeated run through the IFL team match-ups at lightweight during season play and his win in the semifinals over John Gunderson.

Horodecki defeated Lierley in an exciting fight earlier this year. This time the bout will be for the first ever IFL lightweight championship.

The promotion announced that Fabiano’s move to featherweight is permanent for a division that will continue in the 2008 season.

“Moving Wagnney to his natural featherweight, and having a worthy opponent such as L.C. already in the league, shows our depth of talent and also sets up a great rematch between Chris and Shad for their natural lightweight title,” said IFL commissioner Kurt Otto.

The remainder of the preliminary and finals match-ups were also announced with no other changes being made to the championship bouts in the remaining weight classes.

The IFL Grand Prix finals will take place in Uncasville, Conn. at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Championship Bouts:
Wagnney Fabiano vs. L.C. Davis – IFL Featherweight Championship
Chris Horodecki vs. Shad Lierley – IFL Lightweight Championship
Jay Hieron vs. Delson Heleno – IFL Welterweight Championship
Benji Radach vs. Matt Horwich – IFL Middleweight Championship
Antoine Jaoude vs. Roy Nelson – IFL Heavyweight Championship

Preliminary Bouts:
Rory Markham vs. Dan Miller
Marcello Salazar vs. Alex Cook
Elias Rivera vs. Tim Kennedy



Posted by: BoneCrusher

MAIN CARDPRELIMINARY CARDDepends on which Alves shows up here. The high energy Thiago will overwhelm and KO Lytle IMHO. I'm looking for another flying knee as Lytle shoots for the ko.

The UFC noob curse will doom Gono.

Luke Caudillo is just getting in the wrong match. Aurelio is coming off of a three fight losing streak and needs to win to stay in the UFC. He's going to be on a mission.

Thiago Silva is just a bad assed little dude. If he gets inside on Alexander ... and he will ... then Houston will be in the highlight reels.

The Heat will get an easy win here.


Posted by: ReproMan

Friday’s Strikeforce Event Will Air Live on Yahoo! Sports -- MMAjunkie.com



Quote:

Friday’s Strikeforce Event Will Air Live on Yahoo! Sports

Posted by MMA Junkie on November 13, 2007 at 11:25 pm ET



Strikeforce’s upcoming event will have a broadcast partner after all.
Company executives today announced that Friday’s “Strikeforce: Four Men Enter, One Man Survives” event will be streamed live on MMAjunkie.com’s content-partner site, Yahoo! Sports.

The broadcast is free of charge — but it’s only available to viewers who live beyond a 150-mile radius of San Jose, Calif. (Friday’s event takes place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.)

The televised portion of the event, which is presented by Bodog FIGHT, begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. MMAjunkie.com (UFC News & Rumors - MMA News - UFC Fighters - UFC Event Recaps and Previews - MMAjunkie.com) will be covering Friday’s event and will have live, round-by-round updates of the main card and preliminary fights beginning at approximately 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The Yahoo! Sports broadcast will include every fight of the night’s four-man middleweight tournament, which includes Trevor Prangley (16-4), Falaniko Vitale (24-7), Yuki Sasaki (21-13-1) and Jorge Santiago (14-7).
Tournament pairings will be announced during Thursday’s weigh-in event.
Other fights that will be televised include:
  • Paul Buentello (23-9) vs. Alistair Overeem (25-11) — for vacant world heavyweight title
  • Cung Le (4-0) vs. Sam Morgan (19-8)
  • Brian Schwartz (18-0) vs. Lemont Davis (8-4)
Tickets for the Strikeforce event are on sale at Ticketmaster, as well as at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070). Ticket prices range from $30 to $200.

* * * *

In our earlier story about Thursday’s Strikeforce weigh-ins, we didn’t have a time for the event.

However, Strikeforce Vice President Mike Afromowitz tells us the weigh-ins will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at The Grill in the HP Pavilion. The event is free and open to the public.



Posted by: AKIRA

If anyone watched tonights TUF....then you know how much Matt Hughes is a prick. Not that it was a secret.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

He was a total tool tonight. "Do you want me to pick?" was line one ... and the part where to the dude were forced to switch teams and wanted to get some kind of bonding going ... he shut them down. Total asshole.


Posted by: Richie1888

Quote:
Originally Posted by AKIRA View Post
If anyone watched tonights TUF....then you know how much Matt Hughes is a prick. Not that it was a secret.

what did he do it hasnt aired over here yet ?


Posted by: A Black Guy

All I know is that I can't watch Mac Danzig and not think of David Lowery from the band Cracker.




Posted by: AKIRA

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
He was a total tool tonight. "Do you want me to pick?" was line one ... and the part where to the dude were forced to switch teams and wanted to get some kind of bonding going ... he shut them down. Total asshole.
Bingo is his name.

I thought the very same thing at both parts. I love his jusifications on both counts.

1. "He wanted to choose his weakest fighters vs. his strongest."

2. "I am here to coach. Not make friends."

What a fucking jerk off. Now we know why it WAS 6-2. (I thought Danzig was going to win too)

About his justifications, I may see a point on the first one about Serra choosing the shittier fighters, but so what.

I was so fucking surprised he said what he said in the warm up room. I thought they had a legitamate reason to talk to him. Jesus, he didnt even shake their hands. If the guy in your corner doesnt care whether you win the fight or not (other than his own stats), how much are you going to care about his instructions?


Posted by: AKIRA

Quote:
Originally Posted by A Black Guy View Post
All I know is that I can't watch Mac Danzig and not think of David Lowery from the band Cracker.
I cant see the pic cuz I am at work, but I knew sooner or later someone was going to make fun of the "clear eyes" voiced moron. Good fighter though.


Posted by: AKIRA

Quote:
Originally Posted by Richie1888 View Post
what did he do it hasnt aired over here yet ?
Quote:
Bingo is his name.

I thought the very same thing at both parts. I love his jusifications on both counts.

1. "He wanted to choose his weakest fighters vs. his strongest."

2. "I am here to coach. Not make friends."

What a fucking jerk off. Now we know why it WAS 6-2. (I thought Danzig was going to win too)

About his justifications, I may see a point on the first one about Serra choosing the shittier fighters, but so what.

I was so fucking surprised he said what he said in the warm up room. I thought they had a legitamate reason to talk to him. Jesus, he didnt even shake their hands. If the guy in your corner doesnt care whether you win the fight or not (other than his own stats), how much are you going to care about his instructions?



Posted by: A Black Guy

I'm thinking about the Ryo-Karo fight too much.

It's obvious that Karo doesn't have the hands to put him down and Ryo has a good chin, so it's going to push the distance, but fuck, Ryo has shown he doesn't give up and is willing to take chances late in a fight, which is usually when Karo puts the icing on his decisions.


Posted by: A Black Guy

Tim Sylvia talks shit on Reggie Warren and pays the price.

YouTube Video



Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by A Black Guy View Post
I'm thinking about the Ryo-Karo fight too much.

It's obvious that Karo doesn't have the hands to put him down and Ryo has a good chin, so it's going to push the distance, but fuck, Ryo has shown he doesn't give up and is willing to take chances late in a fight, which is usually when Karo puts the icing on his decisions.

I'm thinking about this card too much man. It looked horrible on paper, but this has potential to be one of the best of the year. What are your plans?


Posted by: PreMier

im not going to watch it.


Posted by: ReproMan

Don't forget the live stream @ Yahoo for tonights Strikeforce card guys. Oh and Sasaki dropped out and Sean Salmon took his place in the tourney.

Here is the direct link : Strikeforce Tournament Series

Starts @ 11PM EST

Quote:
Strikeforce Weigh-In Results and Tournament Pairings (Updated)

Posted by MMA Junkie on November 15, 2007 at 10:54 pm ET


SAN JOSE, Calif. — All fighters have weighed in for Friday’s “Strikeforce: Four Men Enter, One Man Survives” event. Tomorrow’s show, which takes place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., airs live on Yahoo! Sports beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.


Today’s weigh-ins were held at The Grill at the HP Pavilion. The casual affair drew fighters, friends, family, fans and a flock of media members.


To kick off the event, Strikeforce officials announced the pairings for the event’s four-man middleweight tournament — the first-ever tournament sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission.


After drawing lottery cards, it was announced that Trevor Prangley (16-4) will meet Falaniko Vitale (24-7), and Yuki Sasaki (21-13-1) will meet Jorge Santiago (14-7). However, although all four fighters made weight, one unidentified fighter is still awaiting medical clearance. In the event the fighter isn’t cleared, reserve Jeremiah Metcalf (5-3) is on hand. He weighed in at 182.5 pounds.


Additionally, former UFC fighters Dennis Hallman (37-12-2) and Sean Salmon (14-4) compete in the night’s first fight, which serves as an alternate bout for the tournament. If one of the tournament winners is unable to continue, the winner of the Hallman-Salmon bout will get a spot in the tournament finals.


(UPDATE: According to Salmon, Sasaki is the fighter who hasn’t been cleared to compete, and additionally, Metcalf may not be cleared to fight in time, as well. Salmon and Hallman are both preparing for a possible entry into the tournament and expect a final decision in the morning. Salmon also didn’t learn until today that the tournament bouts, including alternate fights, cannot include elbows to the head of a downed opponent.)
The tournament finale will precede the night’s main event.


In addition to the four-man tournament, tomorrow’s Strikeforce event features a main event of world champion kickboxer-turned MMA-fighter Cung Le (4-0) vs. “The Ultimate Fighter 2” cast member Sam Morgan (18-8).


Additionally, former UFC heavyweight contender Paul Buentello (23-9) takes on PRIDE veteran Alistair Overeem (25-11). The winner becomes Strikeforce’s first-ever world heavyweight champion.


Also on the main card is a title bout between world light heavyweight champion Bobby Southworth (8-4) and Anthony Ruiz (17-10).


MMAjunkie.com (UFC News & Rumors - MMA News - UFC Fighters - UFC Event Recaps and Previews - MMAjunkie.com) is on site for the event and will have live, round-by-round updates and commentary posted throughout tomorrow evening.

Today’s full weigh-in results included:


MAIN CARD
  • Cung Le (181) vs. Sam Morgan (177.8)
  • Paul Buentello (250) vs. Alistair Overeem (224) — for vacant world heavyweight title
  • Lemont Davis (171.8) vs. Brian Schwartz (167)
  • Champ Bobby Southworth (204) vs. Anthony Ruiz (204) — for world light heavyweight title
  • Bryson Kamaka (169) vs. Luke Stewart (171)
MAIN CARD (TOURNAMENT)
  • Trevor Prangley (185) vs. Falaniko Vitale (185)
  • Yuki Sasaki (183.3) vs. Jorge Santiago (184)
  • Jeremiah Metcalf (182.5) — tournament reserve
UNDERCARD
  • Josh Neal (186) vs. Eric Lawson (184)
  • Pete Sabala (137) vs. Anthony Figueroa (132)
  • Clint Coronel (154.8) vs. Alex Crispin (155.5)
  • Chris Drumm (145) vs. Evan Esguerra (145.5)
  • Sean Salmon (185) vs. Dennis Hallman (183) — alternate tournament bout



Posted by: ReproMan

ROFL!! Follow the live fight link above and go to the Belfort vs. Overeem fight. Overeem comes out to the song "America, Fuck Yeah" from the movie Team America World Police.


Posted by: fufu

when does strikeforce start?


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Overeem put some serious upper body muscle on.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Who is the most under rated in the odds for ufc 78?

I'm thinking it's Edgar.


Posted by: AKIRA

Id bet on him.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

I went for broke on him. Fisher has a good chance just because the dude is soooo high energy with well developed talent, but so is Edgar. I'm going to be freaking out on that fight.


Posted by: AKIRA

I never even knew who the fuck he was until last wednesday when i watched Unleashed. The transitions between him and Griffin were astounding, plus the lil bastard can take a hit!


Posted by: A Black Guy

Repro, where you at? Your phone isn't working.


Posted by: Goodfella9783

This event gonna be on MMA-TV or are there any other links to it?


Posted by: BoneCrusher

I'm sure it'll be on MMA-TV.


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
Who is the most under rated in the odds for ufc 78?

I'm thinking it's Edgar.
So funny, I went for broke on Edgar too. I bet every penny on him over @ MMA Playground, he's like +200.


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by A Black Guy View Post
Repro, where you at? Your phone isn't working.
Lol, I guess I forgot to pay the bill. I just called you.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReproMan View Post
So funny, I went for broke on Edgar too. I bet every penny on him over @ MMA Playground, he's like +200.
Yup ... at mmapg. Do they replace your money sometime at the start of the year? I figure I'm gone so if I loose it all nbfd.

Quote:
If you win: +$1306 to bankroll
If you lose: -$622 to bankroll



Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
Yup ... at mmapg. Do they replace your money sometime at the start of the year? I figure I'm gone so if I loose it all nbfd.
Yeah, you start with 1K at the beginning of each season. I think 79 is the last one of this season so like you, I'm going for broke.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Where you watching the fight at?


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
Where you watching the fight at?
ABG and I are going to a friend's house. I can't stand watching it @ the bar, I never remember what happened, I'm bound to miss something, and I spend more than $40 anyway. Torrents this time around for you?


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReproMan View Post
ABG and I are going to a friend's house. I can't stand watching it @ the bar, I never remember what happened, I'm bound to miss something, and I spend more than $40 anyway. Torrents this time around for you?
MMA-TV will be most likely how I watch it. I'm not paying White a dime if I can.


Posted by: ReproMan

Is that a pay site?


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Me? Pay?

MMA-TV - Login


Posted by: Doublebase

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
I'm to tired to drive all the way to my buddies house to watch. Anyway I can watch for free on my laptop? I can't get off the couch.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublebase View Post
I'm to tired to drive all the way to my buddies house to watch. Anyway I can watch for free on my laptop? I can't get off the couch.
Yes. I'm a premium member from a $5 donation and get to watch the fight free. Dunno if they still stream the events live for non-premium members now but it won't hurt to try.


Posted by: Doublebase

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
Yes. I'm a premium member from a $5 donation and get to watch the fight free. Dunno if they still stream the events live for non-premium members now but it won't hurt to try.
Thats cool. Can you give me updates?


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublebase View Post
Thats cool. Can you give me updates?
DB why not just sign up and watch it?


Posted by: Doublebase

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
DB why not just sign up and watch it?
I did but it take time to activate your account.


Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublebase View Post
I did but it take time to activate your account.
TVU networks | Downloads

It literally takes less than 30 seconds to download and it's free dude. And it just started.


Posted by: Doublebase

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
TVU networks | Downloads

It literally takes less than 30 seconds to download and it's free dude. And it just started.
Thanks man. I'm watching.


Posted by: Doublebase

I wonder if the Lee Hotti crew showed up at this one.


Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublebase View Post
I wonder if the Lee Hotti crew showed up at this one.



Posted by: BoneCrusher

Fuck yeah ... go Edgars.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Ca-ching.


Posted by: Doublebase

I'm getting bored with this Karo fight.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

MMA does get that way sometimes. This was a yawner ...


Posted by: Doublebase

Has Houstans fire been smothered? Think we'll see him again anytime soon? I would like to see him against a Bonnar or Griffen.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

poor stopage imho.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

I had Silva on this one anyway. I think Houstan would KO Bonner pretty fast. Griffen maybe too ...


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Now we have in this corner the boring do just enough to win Evans vs the Dana White manufactured Missthing.


Posted by: Goodfella9783

Yeah this is a pretty shitty main event. Can't wait for Dec. 29th.


Posted by: BoneCrusher




Posted by: BoneCrusher

29-29


Posted by: Doublebase

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
Now we have in this corner the boring do just enough to win Evans vs the Dana White manufactured Missthing.
Yeah really. I mean go for a take down in the last 10 seconds. WTF!


Posted by: BoneCrusher

29-28 Evans


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Free was just the right price for this event


Posted by: AKIRA

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReproMan View Post
ABG and I are going to a friend's house. I can't stand watching it @ the bar, I never remember what happened, I'm bound to miss something, and I spend more than $40 anyway. Torrents this time around for you?
Man, I am a shot guy and I paid $32 for this fight. Burger + 7 michelobe lights!


Edgar was the fight of the night...as I anticipated! I swear, this lil bastard is one of my favorites now.

Ed Herman didnt really surprise me.

Karo... I wanted him to lose from the get go, but I didnt know why. However......after the 2nd round I remembered why. HES A FUCKING SNORE FEST!!!!!!!

Houston's stoppage, sorry Bone, was legitamate Id say. How many punches/elbows were thrown without good defense? Trust me...I almost always route for USA, but I couldnt deny this.

Evans... jesus. Another boring fight. Evans still deserved the win, but what a fucking bore job.

The undercard had that freak looking motherfucker from the BJ Penn TUF. That was pretty short and sweet. Not bad!


Posted by: AKIRA

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
Free was just the right price for this event
Which shoulda been the price. Seriously, Spike shouldve picked this up.

Then again, I still wouldve been at Hooters.

I met "Gina" tonight. :drool: Oh my god was this girls body hot. Then..umm, "Blaze" showed up and spoke to me. Nice guy, really! But a frat guy, all the way.

Anyone else think this new ref took the words "BIG" from ~Big John Mcarthy~? That new ref was huge vs. that fatfucked pioneer Mcarthy.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Quote:
Originally Posted by AKIRA View Post
Which shoulda been the price. Seriously, Spike shouldve picked this up.

Then again, I still wouldve been at Hooters.

I met "Gina" tonight. :drool: Oh my god was this girls body hot. Then..umm, "Blaze" showed up and spoke to me. Nice guy, really! But a frat guy, all the way.

Anyone else think this new ref took the words "BIG" from ~Big John Mcarthy~? That new ref was huge vs. that fatfucked pioneer Mcarthy.
Whoa there big guy ... you're stomping on hallowed ground there. Big John is the man. That dude was frickin huge though.

Gina ... what Gina. Not the Gina ...



Posted by: AKIRA

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
Whoa there big guy ... you're stomping on hallowed ground there. Big John is the man. That dude was frickin huge though.

Gina ... what Gina. Not the Gina ...
I think this girl was hotter.

"Blaze" told me her tits were fake. I CARE. I dont give a shit!

I never thought Big John Mcarthy was anything special. Hes a large ref, tops.

However, now the UFC has grown into an actual sport, Id like to have him reffing than mazagatti or yamasaki.


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by AKIRA View Post
Man, I am a shot guy and I paid $32 for this fight. Burger + 7 michelobe lights!


Edgar was the fight of the night...as I anticipated! I swear, this lil bastard is one of my favorites now.

Ed Herman didnt really surprise me.

Karo... I wanted him to lose from the get go, but I didnt know why. However......after the 2nd round I remembered why. HES A FUCKING SNORE FEST!!!!!!!

Houston's stoppage, sorry Bone, was legitamate Id say. How many punches/elbows were thrown without good defense? Trust me...I almost always route for USA, but I couldnt deny this.

Evans... jesus. Another boring fight. Evans still deserved the win, but what a fucking bore job.

The undercard had that freak looking motherfucker from the BJ Penn TUF. That was pretty short and sweet. Not bad!
Yet I end up spending $50 last week when we went to Duffy's on 3 miller lights and a patty melt.

Anyway, pretty boring event. Edgar won exactly the way I figured he would. On the way to see the fights I told ABG that I changed my mind about Alexander and it turned out as expected, I thought it was a legitimate stoppage too, he was out for a second.

Karo was out of shape as usual, and Lauzon looked pretty awesome, although he was fighting Willow so that was no surprise. Stoked on Edgar though, I made a boatload of fake money on him.


Posted by: A Black Guy

How come when you talk about meeting a guy named Blaze can I only think of a guy in an American Gladiators costume standing at the bar with a giant q-tip?


Posted by: ReproMan

^


Yup, looks like the union guys put the squeeze on Dana and had their guys reffing the fights. They did fine IMO.


Posted by: fufu

Glad I could split the ppv cost 4 ways on tonight's card.


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by fufu View Post
Glad I could split the ppv cost 4 ways on tonight's card.
Yeah, we did too. Not only that, but my buddies' girlfriend had a snack buffet laid out for us too. I'm gonna be shitting artichoke dip for 2 the next days.


Posted by: A Black Guy

I just have to add the fact that Wheat Thins are fucking amazing.

That is all.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Ohhhhh no fufucious bet the bank on Chonan. Bzzzzzzt. Bust out that work for food sign there brotha

Meanstwhile ... way to go ReproBro

UFC 78: Validation •
Edgar vs Fisher $1,442
Frank Edgar +$3,028
[prediction bonuses] + $120


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
Ohhhhh no fufucious bet the bank on Chonan. Bzzzzzzt. Bust out that work for food sign there brotha

Meanstwhile ... way to go ReproBro

UFC 78: Validation •
Edgar vs Fisher $1,442
Frank Edgar +$3,028
[prediction bonuses] + $120


Edgar is a scrappy little bastard eh?


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReproMan View Post


Edgar is a scrappy little bastard eh?
... I couldn't believe it when I looked at the odds. They musta thought he was some kinda MMA rainman. At least I'm not a broke ass bitch no more


Posted by: ReproMan

Goldberg quote of the night:

"Gono has to be careful Joe. McCrory is so tall, it's just one quick flick and it's on the chin."


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson Set for March

Posted by MMA Junkie on November 18, 2007 at 6:10 am ET


Light heavyweight Dan Henderson will move down to 185 pounds to challenge UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva (20-4 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in March.


The announcement was made during the post-event press conference for UFC 78, which took place Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

The championship bout will likely take place at UFC 82. As MMAjunkie.com (UFC News & Rumors - MMA News - UFC Fighters - UFC Event Recaps and Previews - MMAjunkie.com) first reported, UFC 82 will take place March 1 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.


Silva, one of the world’s top strikers and pound-for-pound fighters, has cruised through the UFC’s middleweight division, posting TKO victories over Chris Leben, Travis Lutter, Nate Marquardt and Rich Franklin (twice). His latest victory came at October’s UFC 77 event in Cincinnati, where he wore down local favorite Franklin with a series of brutal knee strikes — much like he did a year prior at UFC 64 to win the title.


Henderson, who most recently lost a unanimous decision to UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson in September, was acquired when the UFC’s owners purchased the Japan-based PRIDE Fighting Championships earlier this year. The title fight marked Henderson’s first bout in the UFC in nine years.


Although the former PRIDE champion recently stated he was unhappy with the UFC’s initial offer for a contract extension (he only has one fight remaining on his current deal), he said he was optimistic a new deal would be reached. The fact that the UFC has unofficially announced his next fight likely means a deal is close to being finalized.
Now THIS is a fight.


Posted by: AKIRA

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReproMan View Post
Yet I end up spending $50 last week when we went to Duffy's on 3 miller lights and a patty melt.

Anyway, pretty boring event. Edgar won exactly the way I figured he would. On the way to see the fights I told ABG that I changed my mind about Alexander and it turned out as expected, I thought it was a legitimate stoppage too, he was out for a second.

Karo was out of shape as usual, and Lauzon looked pretty awesome, although he was fighting Willow so that was no surprise. Stoked on Edgar though, I made a boatload of fake money on him.
Its weird how Duffys always manages to fuck ya on the bill. But when I go alone or with 1 other person, its better..? Maybe you got a shot or two on your tab that night. I usually dont buy shots at UFCs though.

That lil Edgar...man, that is one talented dwarf. I am going to be excited every time that Keebler elf enters the ring!

I guess I am really anticipating the next fight. You finally got Serra vs. Hughes and the ever-predicted fight between Liddel and Silva, how long have we all talked about them two fighting?

I think I am looking forward to the Serra/Hughes fight more than anything. I never liked that asshole Hughes and hearing Serra talk so much shit that I AGREE with, makes it that much more desirable to see.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

My predictions for what's coming:

Serra destroys Hughes
Hendo GnP's Anderson Silva
Horodecki vs Lierley rematch will be the sleeper for Dec
Liddel gets retired by Silva
Penn beats Stevenson
Guida takes Huerta
Faber KO's Curran


Posted by: Doublebase

For some reason I think Liddell is gonna KO Silva.


Posted by: fufu

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReproMan View Post
Yeah, we did too. Not only that, but my buddies' girlfriend had a snack buffet laid out for us too. I'm gonna be shitting artichoke dip for 2 the next days.



Posted by: fufu

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoneCrusher View Post
Ohhhhh no fufucious bet the bank on Chonan. Bzzzzzzt. Bust out that work for food sign there brotha

Meanstwhile ... way to go ReproBro

UFC 78: Validation •
Edgar vs Fisher $1,442
Frank Edgar +$3,028
[prediction bonuses] + $120

hahaha, yeah. My friend and I both put all out money on underdog fighters. My friend bet on Edgar, lucky him. I actually had Karo ftw but changed my mind at the last minute.


Posted by: goandykid

I still don't understand what Hughes did in the last TUF episode


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Fedor Emelianenko Confirmed for New Year’s Event in Japan

Posted by MMA Junkie on November 21, 2007 at 12:42 pm ET


Longtime PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko (26-1) has been confirmed as a participant in an upcoming New Year’s Eve show that will take place in Japan.


Emelianenko received permission from M-1 Global to compete in the event; the Russian recently signed a non-exclusive, long-term deal with the restructured organization. His opponent hasn’t yet officially been announced, though K-1 kickboxer veteran Hong Man Choi’s continually surfaces. The 7-foot-2, 350-pounder his just one professional MMA fight.

The event will take place at the Saitama Super Arena, a 22,000-capacity multi-purpose venue in Saitama City, Saitama, Japan.


We’ve covered the series of events leading up to today’s announcement, and all of the coverage can be found in the Fedor Emelianenko archives here on MMAjunkie.com.


Former employees of Dream Stage Entertainment and PRIDE are organizing the event. Zuffa LLC (the UFC’s parent company) purchased PRIDE earlier this year, eventually disbanded the organization, and in October, fired all of the former staffers.


According to the Mixfight.ru website (which is not the official M-1 Global website), other fighters competing in the event include Shinya Aoki, Ricardo Arona, Luis Azeredo, Joachim Hansen, Hidehiko Hasegawa, Mitsuhiro Ishida, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Gilbert Melendez, Kazuo Misaki and Hayato Mach Sakurai. The list originated at FightOpinion.com, though, and Zack Arnold reported that they’re just rumored names at this point.


Other former PRIDE fighters are expected to be added to the card over the next couple of weeks.


The event, which is being “supported” by M-1 Global, will be available on pay-per-view via SkyPerfecTV.


Soon after signing with M-1 Global last month, Emelianenko penned an open letter to fans in Japan saying he wanted to fight for them on New Year’s Eve, which had become an annual tradition for the fighter.


That wish eventually led to today’s announcement.
Some pretty big names on that list. I don't expect any of them to fight each other.


Posted by: ReproMan

Larkin Named IFL CEO as League Losses Down


Quote:
Larkin Named IFL CEO as League Losses Down


 Wednesday, November 21, 2007
by Adam Swift

The International Fight League announced a major shakeup in its senior management on Tuesday when Jay Larkin was named acting chief executive officer. Larkin joined the company on Sept. 21 as president and chief operating officer. He replaces IFL co-founder Gareb Shamus as CEO.

Larkin made his name at Showtime, where he spent 20 years working his way up from junior publicist to become one of the most important power brokers in boxing. He is perhaps best known for his role as one of the key negotiators in the 2002 heavyweight title fight between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson. Co-promoted between Showtime and HBO, the fight was the biggest pay-per-view in history until De La Hoya-Mayweather unseated it earlier this year.

Additionally, Larkin was responsible for countless entertainment specials, including Dave Chappelle, Britney Spears and the Rolling Stones.

Read more..
I hope he can keep it afloat, I like the IFL.


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
“The Ultimate Fighter” Marathon Underway

Posted by MMA Junkie on November 21, 2007 at 2:22 pm ET


For those of you who got an extra day off work, a marathon of “The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra” is now underway on Spike TV (for the Eastern Time zone folks, anyway).


The sixth installment of Spike TV’s UFC reality series features a cast of welterweight fighters, and current UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra and former champ Matt Hughes serve as coaches. The show usually airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.


The nine-hour marathon leads right into tonight’s new episode, which features two quarterfinal matches. As always MMAjunkie.com will have a full recap available tonight at 11 p.m. ET.


However, because of the holiday, our weekly “Ten TUF Questions” feature is in hold. However, go ahead and leave your questions for the eliminated cast members as usual, and we’ll post the interviews once the fighters are available to chat with us. As a reminder, you can find all of our previous Ten TUF Questions features — which include dozens of questions submitted by you, our readers — in the MMAjunkie.com archives.


The current season of “The Ultimate Fighter” ends in two weeks (on Dec. 5).


The show’s live finale, which will feature a fight between the season’s two finalists, takes place Saturday, Dec. 8. The event takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and airs live on Spike TV.


A full marathon of this season will precede the finale beginning at 9 a.m. ET/PT on Spike TV.



Posted by: BoneCrusher

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReproMan View Post
Larkin Named IFL CEO as League Losses Down


I hope he can keep it afloat, I like the IFL.
Same here. Great place for the new guys to come up free and clear of Dana White as they face some has beens and coulda wouldas for a little seasoning.


Posted by: ReproMan

UFC® : Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Quote:
11/23/2007
Serra Injured, Withdraws From UFC 79 Card

UFC President Dana White announced Thursday that Matt Serra will have to withdraw from the UFC 79 card due to an injury he suffered after his training earlier this week.

The current UFC welterweight champion, who was scheduled to fight Matt Hughes at UFC 79, suffered a herniated disc in his lower back on Monday following a routine training session in his Long Island gym.


“This is devastating news because they were so looking forward to fighting each other, said White.


“Unfortunately injuries happen and I look forward to Serra recovering quickly, and to getting him back into the Octagon.”


Serra had just finished a Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling training session and was demonstrating a move when he became gripped with pain and fell to the floor. Serra went to the hospital and underwent an MRI, which revealed the herniated discs in his lower back.


“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” said Serra. “I’ve never had a back injury before; I could hardly get off of the MRI table. There is no way I can train through this, and I’m devastated, especially because this was such an important fight. I was looking forward to fighting Matt Hughes. All my training was going phenomenally until Monday – All I can do now is to get better and to fight again as soon as possible.”


Godfuckingdamnit!!!!! This is worst case scenario for the UFC and the WW division. We've been waiting for 8 months for this fight and now who knows how long we'll have to wait for Serra to recover. Fuck.


Posted by: fufu

What the fuck!!! That sucks!!!


Posted by: ReproMan

I just can't believe it. Actually I kinda can, it just seemed surreal that those 2 were gonna lock up. Whatever, this sucks.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Might be 4 to 6 months before this one happens ... if it ever does. Means that if it happens I'll get to see it live . Well, live on TV that is.

It sucks that Serra has blown out his fricken spine though. I like the dude ... despite that fucking voice of his ... from the way he generally carried himself in the show. This is potentially a career ending injury.


Posted by: ReproMan

Yeah, I have a feeling this fight will never happen.


Posted by: fufu

So, seeing as the main event of 79 is kaput...what are they gonna replace it with? They better not bump up wand and chuck to the main event and throw in another shit fight.


Posted by: bigss75

Congo vs Arlovski would be a good replacement both should be fresh, if Arlovski can get over his contract dispute


Posted by: A Black Guy

Fitch should be due for a fight.


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Report: Jon Fitch or Thiago Alves Could Replace Matt Serra at UFC 79

Posted by MMA Junkie on November 23, 2007 at 9:00 pm ET
Matt Hughes might have a UFC 79 opponent, after all.


Earlier today the UFC officially announced that current welterweight champion and “The Ultimate Fighter” coach Matt Serra had suffered a back injury that forced him out of a UFC 79 main event with former champ (and rival coach) Hughes.


It’s far too early to know exactly how long Serra will be sidelined, but if it’s for an extended period of time — and if Hughes is willing to still fight at the Dec. 29 event — top welterweight Jon Fitch (15-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) or rising contender Thiago Alves (13-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) could fill in for the champ in a non-title fight.


The news comes from MMAjunkie.com (UFC News & Rumors - MMA News - UFC Fighters - UFC Event Recaps and Previews - MMAjunkie.com) content-partner site, Yahoo! Sports.


In a statement posted on his official website earlier today, Hughes stated that he hadn’t initially been told if (and when) he’d fight next. However, the former longtime welterweight champ defeated Chris Lytle at UFC 68 in March, and with the victory, he was promised an immediate title shot.
Given Serra’s injury, should Hughes have to fight anyway? Does he want to fight? And, could he lose his top-contender status if he’s beaten?


Unfortunately, we won’t have those answers until Serra has more time to evaluate his situation and to meet with doctors.


Hughes, though, stated that he would continue training as normal and prepare for any scenario.


Fitch, an American Kickboxing Academy fighter and former captain of the Purdue University wrestling team, is 7-0 in the UFC. He’s currently riding a 14-fight win streak and most recently defeated Diego Sanchez at UFC 76 in September.


Alves, a welterweight contender who’s somewhat flown under the radar, has won his past four fights, including a “Fight of the Night” performance over Chris Lytle this past weekend at UFC 78. His only UFC losses have come to Fitch and veteran Spencer Fisher.


With UF7 79 just five weeks away — and with Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva as the only other major fight booked for the event — the pay-per-view broadcast could surely use some starpower for the televised main card.


A Hughes-Fitch or Hughes-Alves could provide that, but with an extremely messy title picture in the UFC’s welterweight division, the potential fights could actually create more problems than it solves.




Quote:
UFC 79

Date: Dec. 29, 2007
Location: Las Vegas, Nev.
Venue: Mandalay Bay Events Center
Broadcast: Pay-Per-View
  • Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva
  • Lyoto Machida vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
  • Rich Clementi vs. Melvin Guillard
  • Manny Gamburyan vs. Nate Mohr
  • Soa Palalei vs. Eddie Sanchez
  • Dean Lister vs. Jordan Radev
  • Roan Carneiro vs. Tony DeSouza
  • Mark Bocek vs. Doug Evans



Posted by: fufu

yes yes, let's keep the title fight! Let's see Fitch v Hughes!


Posted by: BoneCrusher

That doesn't look good for Hughes. Either he beats a middle contender and looks like "Wow I beat someone from the middle of the heap " ... or ... "In an upset Hughes was beaten by someone not top ranked ". Loose/loose for Hughes.


Posted by: bigss75

I don't see they would find a replacement, hughes loses, does he lose his title shot?

Im just hoping to see Sokoudjou KO Lyoto. Its crazy that he is only 23


Posted by: AKIRA

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReproMan View Post
UFC® : Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Godfuckingdamnit!!!!! This is worst case scenario for the UFC and the WW division. We've been waiting for 8 months for this fight and now who knows how long we'll have to wait for Serra to recover. Fuck.
This is unbelievable. I have been talkign so much shit about this and now, NOW I have nothing.


Posted by: bigss75

Quote:
’m going to fight Georges St. Pierre on December 29th. I’ve got a couple reasons why I’ve made this decision and I will share those at a later time. I’ve asked for this to be for an interim title and if Matt Serra can’t fight in a year, then this would just be the title fight; but I don’t know if that is going to happen right now. I will keep you all posted.
-Matt EDIT: This WILL BE for the interim title, so it will be a 5-round fight. -Matt
Matt Hughes - 9-Time UFC Welterweight Champion


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
UFC 79: Matt Hughes vs. Georges St. Pierre III for Interim Title (Updated)

Posted by MMA Junkie on November 24, 2007 at 9:47 pm ET


Georges St. Pierre (14-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) will fill in for injured UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra and fight Matt Hughes (41-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC) for the interim title at UFC 79.


The five-round title fight will headline the Dec. 29 pay-per-view event, which takes place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.


The stunning announcement came Saturday evening from UFC.com. Hughes confirmed the fight on his official website, Matt Hughes - 9-Time UFC Welterweight Champion.


Additionally, a source close to the UFC today told MMAjunkie.com (UFC News & Rumors - MMA News - UFC Fighters - UFC Event Recaps and Previews - MMAjunkie.com) that St. Pierre showed no hesitation in taking the fight on short notice.


We passed along the news from early Friday morning that Serra had suffered a herniated disc. The injury occurred during a workout session earlier this week, prompting an announcement that the fighter would be unavailable to compete at UFC 79. Serra, who won the title by upsetting St. Pierre at UFC 69 in April, coached opposite Hughes on the current sixth season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” The show was supposed to build up to their title fight.


Serra doesn’t know how long the injury will keep him sidelined.
However, possibly fearing the worst, UFC President Dana White decided to book the interim title fight. Apparently, though, it didn’t come without a few stipulations from Hughes.


“I’ve asked for this to be for an interim title, and if Matt Serra can’t fight in a year, then this would just be the title fight,” Hughes stated on his site.


“But I don’t know if that is going to happen right now. I will keep you all posted.“


Hughes and St. Pierre have fought twice before. Hughes won the first match-up at UFC 50 in 2004. Facing an undefeated French-Canadian who has just begun to garner some international fame, Hughes submitted his opponent in the final seconds of the first round with an arm-bar.


After reclaiming top-contender’s status, St. Pierre again took on Hughes at UFC 65 in November 2006, where he picked apart the longtime MMA veteran to score a second-round TKO.


However, St. Pierre would lose his belt to Serra in his very next fight. Serra had earned the title shot by winning the welterweight division of a special comeback season of “The Ultimate Fighter.“



Hughes rebounded from his loss to St. Pierre with a victory over Chris Lytle at UFC 68. The win guaranteed him a title fight. And while he and Serra filmed “The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra,” St. Pierre got back into the title picture by scoring a unanimous-decision victory over Josh Koscheck at UFC 74, which earned him a title shot. His title shot was expected to come in March or April of 2008, when he’d face the winner of Hughes vs. Serra.

“Obviously, the loss of Matt Serra was brutal, but the great thing about the UFC is that we can put together great fights like Hughes-St-Pierre at a moment’s notice and bounce right back,” White stated. “I have the utmost respect for both Hughes and St-Pierre for stepping up for this fight, and not only are the fans going to see two of the greatest welterweights of all-time settle their score in a rubber match, but (they’re) going to do it in a five-round interim title fight, and the winner is going to face off next year against Matt Serra for the undisputed title.“

This is actually the second “interim” title White has created in the past two months. Sean Sherk, who’s currently awaiting an appeal of a failed UFC 73 drug test, will face the winner of an interim fight between Joe Stevenson and B.J. Penn when his suspension ends. White, saying he was fed up with the California State Athletic Commission’s handling of the appeal, recently decided to book the Stevenson vs. Penn bout for UFC 80, which takes place Jan. 19 in Newcastle, England.
This makes up for it. Awesome.


Posted by: AKIRA

Quote:
Originally Posted by ReproMan View Post
UFC® : Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Godfuckingdamnit!!!!! This is worst case scenario for the UFC and the WW division. We've been waiting for 8 months for this fight and now who knows how long we'll have to wait for Serra to recover. Fuck.
I just cant let this shit go.

Serra has been fighting and lifting for years, what did he do exactly that herniated his disk?

Ever since I herniated mine, I have felt kinda scared about certain movements, but I am sure Serra is more flexible than I am, so I am very interested in how it happened.


Posted by: ReproMan

Quote:
Originally Posted by AKIRA View Post
I just cant let this shit go.

Serra has been fighting and lifting for years, what did he do exactly that herniated his disk?

Ever since I herniated mine, I have felt kinda scared about certain movements, but I am sure Serra is more flexible than I am, so I am very interested in how it happened.
From the sound of it, it was a very light rolling session. He was just demonstrating a technique and it went. Crazy.


Posted by: AKIRA

Mine went out doing a light stretch. Ill bet he really feels shitty. (emotionally)


Posted by: fUnc17

That's bullshit man. How the fuck do you herniate a disc when your spine is not under load?

I bet hughes jumped in bed with dana white and begged for a GSP rematch


Posted by: Yanick

Quote:
Originally Posted by fUnc17 View Post
That's bullshit man. How the fuck do you herniate a disc when your spine is not under load?

I bet hughes jumped in bed with dana white and begged for a GSP rematch
Load is not necessary to herniate a disc. Chronic improper posture or in the case of grapplers chronic twisting and turning and tossing can lead to wear and tear that will ultimately manifest itself in a sever herniation while doing normal activities of daily living. Last time i hurt my back (wasn't a herniation but a parallel may still be made) i had done a very serious leg workout, then i worked with a glazier for two days heaving and holding 200 lb pieces of glass then i bent down to get my bro a socket and felt a 'pop' and couldn't get off the floor for ten minutes. I was then immobilized for a good 36 hours.


Posted by: AKIRA

YEP.

I knew someone at work that had a husband bend over to pick something up. He sneezed when he went down. POP. There went a disk.

We are very fragile beings compared in the animal world.


Posted by: AKIRA

Oh yeah..this is what I posted last night:


Anyone watch the show tonight? I wouldnt be able to stop laughing if I was there for the destruction of the house and especially the upper decker.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

Danzik is a primadonna. That being said he should have kicked that little dweeb's ass. "There's nothing but you, me ... and space".

On the upper decker I'd have been grossed out if it happened to me? But I'd have laughed like hell too not gotten all pissy about it. SOMEONE else WOULD DAMN well have cleaned that shit up ... not me, but I'd have been laughing like hell then even more.


Posted by: BoneCrusher

ReproBro ... I'm watching youooo