“I’m very happy that I’m being given the opportunity to fight him again and I’m looking forward to beating him,” said the 29-year-old Overeem who, at 6-feet-5 inches tall and a chiseled 250 pounds, is considered one of the sport’s most impressive physical specimens. Overeem hails from The Netherlands and is a longtime member of the country’s Team Golden Glory, the fight squad that boasts a host of the world’s top martial arts fighters. “This is the one rematch I’ve wanted. I’m going to punish this guy.”

The 31-year-old Werdum, a native of Porto Alegre, Brazil, is similarly confident about his chances of conquering Overeem a second time. Werdum, who relocated to Huntington Beach, Calif., earlier this year to train with The United States affiliate of Brazil’s Chute Boxe fight camp, submitted Overeem with a kimura in the second round (3:43) of their first encounter, which took place at Pride: “Total Elimination Absolute” in Osaka, Japan, on May 5, 2006. The matchup was Werdum’s fifth of a six-fight stint under the defunct Pride organization.

“I am very confident. I have trained my whole life for this moment,” said the 6-foot-4 inch, 235- pound Werdum regarding the rematch with Overeem. “Coming in as the challenger in a title match is a huge motivating factor for me. Whether the fight is against Alistair or another fighter doesn’t necessarily matter to me. What matters is that I am fighting the champion.

“STRIKEFORCE is one of the biggest and most prestigious organizations in the world. To become the heavyweight champion for such a respected organization would be an honor that is beyond words.”

Last October, Werdum completed a four-fight stretch with UFC during which he toppled both former heavyweight championship challenger Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon “The Truth” Vera. Prior to his debut in The Octagon, Werdum pulled off an impressive first round (3:24) submission (arm triangle choke) over two-time Russian National Sambo champion, Aleksander Emelianenko, brother of the world’s top heavyweight MMA fighter, Fedor Emelianenko.

Overeem was crowned the first STRIKEFORCE World Heavyweight Champion in history on Nov. 16, 2007, after he brutalized fellow heavy hitter Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello with a relentless offensive attack, finally stopping Buentello with a series of hard knee strikes to the midsection in the second round (3:42) of action at HP Pavilion.

Overeem made his debut with STRIKEFORCE at HP Pavilion on June 9, 2006, earning a one-sided, unanimous decision over Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort in the main event of the second STRIKEFORCE MMA card in history. The outcome marked Overeem’s second career win over Belfort.

The possibility of a rematch between Overeem and Werdum moved one step closer to becoming a reality on April 11 of this year when both fighters were guests at the STRIKEFORCE: “Shamrock vs. Diaz” mega-card at HP Pavilion. While Overeem was addressing the media at the post-fight press conference, Werdum stood up from the audience and issued a challenge to Overeem.

In the main event on Aug. 15, mixed martial arts’ (MMA) leading lady, the undefeated and extremely popular Gina “Conviction” Carano (7-0) will square off with rival powerhouse Cris “Cyborg” (7-1) in what is one of the most eagerly anticipated women’s battles of all time.

Carano and Cyborg, the consensus two best female fighters in the world, will be the first women in MMA history to headline a major MMA fight card. In addition, they will fight a scheduled five-minute, five-round fight for the first STRIKEFORCE 145-pound Female Championship.

In a third world title fight, STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2) will put his title on the line against Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (15-2), the man whom Thomson dethroned by way of unanimous decision at HP Pavilion on June 27, 2008.

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE: “Carano vs. Cyborg,” priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and the official STRIKEFORCE website (www.strikeforce.com).

The live SHOWTIME telecast of STRIKEFORCE: “Carano vs. Cyborg” will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (tape delayed on the west coast).

It would seem that Zuffa, owner of the UFC, is in the middle of operation clampdown. I’m referring to the banning of numerous apparel companies (or charging them a fee of $100,000) and now the alleged threat regarding the Electronic Arts (EA) MMA game.

In most cases I’m a supporter of the UFC when it comes to business decisions. Even if I think they are harsh or delivered in a not so couth manner, they still seem to work and whether we like it or not, the running of a promotion is a business. It doesn’t take a genius to see that the UFC has done a great deal for the sport and continues to do so.

Every now and then however, an issue arises that I just can’t comprehend. The threat of banning fighters from the UFC for life if they sign on with EA’s MMA game (a game that would compete against THQ’s UFC Undisputed), even if they don’t currently fight for the promotion, is simply outrageous and bordering on tyrannical. This is why I’m not completely convinced that we’ve heard both sides of the story, but just in case we have, here are my thoughts on how such a ban could actually damage the integrity of the sport, that is as long as the UFC continues with one of its other policies.

By following through with this alleged threat regarding EA, the UFC in effect decreases its talent pool. We all know there are so many fighters training hard each and every day, so many getting better and better with each fight. Some may not be stars now, but will be in the future. If EA comes knocking on their door, who could blame them for welcoming them with open arms? They sign with EA, dominate fight after fight until they are a star, and yet they can never fight the UFC’s best! There is something wrong with this picture.

The UFC walks a fine line between business and sport. It has to. With the relative newness of MMA and its huge and growing popularity, the promotion must protect what it has. It also has to ensure that the fights feature the best fighters they can get and often the best in the world.

Of course this wouldn’t be such a big issue if the UFC allowed for cross-promotion. Many fans champion this idea, but it makes no sense for the UFC. Why give other promotions the opportunity to piggy back on what you have built? So this isn’t an option and it probably won’t be for a long time.

We are left with a situation where some of the soon to be best fighters in the world may have to decide: a deal with EA, or screw it because they might one day fight in the UFC. This is unfair and if the best fighters can’t square off in the Octagon because of a deal with a competing video game, then it does absolutely damage the integrity of the sport.

Let’s hope this is nothing more than something to get us worked up about that never comes to fruition. Because if it does EA Sports, and the fans, is gonna be pissed!

Zac Robinson is author of the upcoming MMA IQ Trivia book, Sports By The Numbers MMA book and blog, as well as the author of the upcoming cutman Stitch Duran book. He can be reached at zacrr6@yahoo.com

By Rhett Butler

As one of the pioneers of MMA, Matt “The Law” Lindland knows this business and when he speaks you should listen. So when he allows one of his prized pupils to be a part of the newest organization producing real world-class cards it’s a silent statement. With Ryan Healy of the famed Team Quest agreeing to fight Brazilian Top Team’s Fabiano Capoani, Lindland looks forward to the business possibilities with Shine Fights.

“Shine’s certainly been able to get great fighters and put together great fights. Their matchmaking is phenomenal for the level of show it is,” says Lindland. “These guys are all quality athletes that they’ve got and I don’t really see anybody else that’s a grassroots kind of promotion putting together these kind of cards. I’m actually a little surprised that at the quality of each one of these fighters on this card.”

As co-owner of Team Quest (along with for PRIDE Middleweight Champion Dan Henderson), Lindand began working with Shine Fights when his fighter, Ryan Healy was added to the Shine 2: American Top Team vs. The World card. As one half of the Healy fighting brother duo along with Pat Healy (20-13-0), Ryan Healy is coming off three recent losses looking for redemption.

“Ryan is a very tough guy and he’s a great fighter. He took a couple fights on short notice at 170lbs and he’s coming off a couple losses just because he wasn’t able to peak and prepare, he took fights on two days notice kind of thing; up a weight class. He’s not a welterweight he’s a lightweight fighter and I think this is an opportunity where he’s had ample time to prepare for the fight and its in his weight class.”

With three straight losses, all via unanimous decision, Healy shows he has what it takes to go the distance in a fight. The last loss against now WEC fighter, Jameel Massouh in October 2008 was Healy’s last appearance in the cage. After a 9-month layoff the bout against Luiz Firmino marks Healy’s return. Lindland explains the lengthy layoff.

“There was an injury where he hurt his knee and then basically his fights fell apart. Promoters were getting ready to do shows and they didn’t sell enough tickets and so they cancelled events and we just had some bad luck with promotions.”

COMPETITION LIVES

Luiz Firmino (12-4-0) is a submission specialist with 6 of his 12 wins coming by the sweet art. With another 5 wins, mostly coming by unanimous decision, and 1 TKO, Firmino is the real deal. As with Healy, Firmino’s last professional appearance in MMA also resulted in a loss back in May 2008 at a DREAM event in Japan. With an even longer layoff after a loss than Healy, Firmino is also in a state of redemption. A sure fire way to insure a blockbuster battle? Or is this a day of reckoning for one of these two fighters? Lindland advocates Healy and says that one merely needs to look at his conditioning and heart to see why.

“He works a full-time job and comes in, never misses a team practice and then he give some extra workouts after that. Right now where he’s at with his career he’s not making a ton of money with these fights so you got to make some sacrifices,” says Lindland. If he’s willing to do that, whatever it takes to get in the gym, whether its working nights or working the weekends he’s more concerned about getting to the gym no matter what. You’ve got to respect a guy like that.”

Looking back, Lindland also points to strengths recognized and weaknesses realized through Healy’s past.

“He was a national NCAA champion in boxing so obviously his hands are great. He’s working out with quality wrestlers day in and day out. I think maybe that was one of his weaknesses the wrestling aspect, taking the guys down; he doesn’t want to really take those guys down. But the biggest problem he had was getting taken down and I think he solved a lot of those problems just being with us at Team Quest. The guys got incredible work ethic.”

Going further, Lindland spoke about his team’s outlook and himself alluding to a very bright future.

“Well of course we’ve got some of the bigger names. You see Dan Henderson he was on The Ultimate Fighter as a coach and he’s got a big fight coming up at UFC 100. We’ve got other guys like Chael Sonnen and Ed Herman that are fighting in the UFC as well but we’ve also got a lot of up and coming talent. As far as me I can’t really discuss that right at the moment because nothings signed but you’ll certainly see me back in the cage soon. I will be competing on the stage as I should be, fighting some of the top guys in the world.”

The weekend begins at TRYST Nightclub located inside the Wynn for a pre-fight party on Friday. In conjunction with Six Star Muscle, CagePotato and Denaro Sports, FIGHT! opens the doors at 10:00p.m. for a night of pre-fight action. Several fighters and celebrities are already confirmed. Reservations are available by calling 702-770-3352.

Didn’t get tickets? Watch the weekend’s main event, UFC 100, with FIGHT! at the Hawaiian Tropic Zone on Saturday night at 7p.m. FIGHT! personalities such as Ryan Loco and FIGHT! Mag Johnny will be on hand to give out MMA collectibles and magazine subscriptions. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling 702-731-4858.

If that wasn’t enough, FIGHT! keeps the party going on Sunday with a post-fight party at the Green Valley Ranch pool. Fun in the Las Vegas sun starts up again on at 11a.m.

Mixed with all the mingling, FIGHT! Magazine will exhibit at the UFC Fan Expo, booth 513, July 10-11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. UFC middleweight contender Nate Marquardt will be signing autographs along with several other MMA stars. FIGHT! subscriptions will be available at a special reduced rate and all subscribers will receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last). Finally, all visitors to the FIGHT! booth can enter to win one of the dozens of prizes that will be given away over the course of the weekend, no purchase necessary.

Friday:
10-12: Dustin Hazelett
12-2: Miguel Torres
2-5: Jake Rosholt and Shane Roller
5-7: Dustin Hazelett and Michael Bisping (available pending no weigh-in issues)

Saturday:
10-12: Dustin Hazelett
12-3: Jake Rosholt and Shane Roller
130-3: Miguel Torres
2-4: Dustin Hazelett

The most recent controversy came to light when managers were reportedly warned that if their fighters appeared in EA Sports’ upcoming MMA video game, they would never fight in the UFC again. The UFC and game developer THQ recently released UFC: Undisputed for the PS3 and Xbox, which has since gone platinum.

In the leadup to Undisputed’s release, the UFC threatened to cut rising star Jon Fitch, and his teammates, when he refused to sign over lifetime video game portrayal rights, for free, to the UFC. Fitch and the Fertitta’s eventually came to an agreement and the fighter returned to the roster, appearing on the untelevised undercard on his next scheduled fight.

The rumor was first reported on the Underground and later confirmed by MMA Agent Ken Pavia.

The move is one that shifts the general opinion of the UFC from that of “That is a gangster move” (in a fawning “I Love Dana White’s Ruthlessness” mindset that some adhere to) to a “That is a gangster move, hmmm…let me refresh myself on what those RICO statutes cover” mindset. But I digress….

While this move is seemingly par for the Zuffa course, it isn’t exactly fresh material. The same threats were made when the IFL were enlisting fighters for their inaugural season. If fighter that appeared in the EA MMA game becomes available , White (much like Jon Fitch during the THQ debacle) will likely lack the courage of of his convictions and follow the money in making his decision to sign a fighter or not. In the meantime it adds to a general pall of animus and retribution in the air towards and coming from the UFC brass.

Cage Fashion 2 just Added Bioworld/Junk food who will be featuring UFC apparel
Ecko MMA
Tokyo 5

Here is a list of confirmed fighters who will be walking the runway:

Lyoto Machida
Minotauro and Lil’ Nog
Shogun Rua
Diego Sanchez
Pete Sell
Gabriel Gonzaga
Philip Nover
Luis Cane
Roger Huerta
Eddie Alvarez
Frank Trigg
Rashad Evans* waiting to confirm but most likely in the show
Clay Guida
Renzo Gracie

You can get more info at CageFashion.com

“THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: HEAVYWEIGHTS”®

AT UFC FAN EXPO

WHO: The cast of “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights”

WHAT: The cast and coaches from the 10th season of Spike TV’s hit series will be made available for media interviews from 10-11am and fan autographs from 11am-Noon

WHEN: Friday, July 10 at 10:00am PT

WHERE: UFC Fan Expo Booth #149

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Las Vegas

WHY: “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights” premieres on Spike TV Wednesday, September 16 at 10:00pm ET/PT

The official energy drink of the UFC offers fans a chance to win two tickets to a future UFC event and to meet Wanderlei Silva

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (June 30, 2009) XYIENCE, the official energy drink of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), will celebrate UFC 100, a significant milestone for the professional mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, during the UFC Fan Expo, to be held Friday, July 10 (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.) through Saturday, July 11 (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Event organizers anticipate the largest turnout of MMA fans in the organization’s 16-year history. XYIENCE’s booth (#319) will be a hot spot for fans where they will meet famed UFC fighter Wanderlei Silva, UFC cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran, and former UFC octagon girl turned host of the XYIENCE webisode Tap Into MMA, Amber Nichole. Also at the XYIENCE booth, fans will go head-to-head with one another during the Xtreme Push-up Contest as they battle it out for a chance to win two tickets to an upcoming UFC fight.

XYIENCE will debut its latest energy drink, Xtreme Xenergy, a high-charged version of its Premium Xenergy that contains more B12 vitamins and slightly more caffeine. The new drink is available in four flavors: Lemon Blast, Citrus Slam, Cherry Rush and Apple Jak’d.

The schedule of event at the XYIENCE booth is:
Friday, July 10
10:00 a.m. – Noon Amber Nichole poster signing
Noon – 2:00 p.m. Wanderlei Silva and Stitch autograph signing
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Xtreme Push-up Contest, hosted by Amber Nichole
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Amber Nichole poster signing

Saturday, July 11
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Amber Nichole poster signing
Noon – 2:00 p.m. Wanderlei Silva and Stitch autograph signing
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Xtreme Push-up Contest, hosted by Amber Nichole

“The UFC fan has been a loyal XYIENCE consumer since the brand’s inception. Their unwavering support for the UFC, its fighters and sponsors has enabled the sport to escalate in popularity around the globe. Our goal for the UFC Fan Expo is to enhance the fans’ experience with giveaways and signings as a way to express XYIENCE’S gratitude,” says Csaba Reider, XYIENCE president and CEO. “The fans’ enthusiasm is not only infectious, it’s a core element of any brand that’s devoted to MMA. At XYIENCE, we are committed to enhancing the MMA lifestyle and the experience of the sport’s fans.”

Through its sponsorship of the UFC, the XYIENCE brand reaches 420 million households worldwide. The UFC’s current television distribution allows sponsors like XYIENCE to reach 50 million U.S. households and 380 million households outside the U.S. in over 100 countries and territories, with programming delivered in 20 languages.

But if you are willing to crack open the new issue of Rolling Stone ….you might be pleased to see a two-page spread for Gatorade’s “G” campaign featuring St-Pierre decked out in green trunks. He’s not identified by name, but it’s an obvious signal that blue-chip companies are willing to acknowledge the sport’s sizable influence and its ability to arrest the attention of key demographics.

“Georges’ relationship with Gatorade has recently expanded into the U.S., where he will be featured in a national print campaign launching July 1 that includes Rolling Stone and outdoor advertising in the New York City and Los Angeles markets,” St-Pierre’s manager, Shari L. Spencer, told ESPN.com. “We’re excited that this relationship now reaches his fans in the U.S. as well as in Canada, and we’re proud to be part of the Gatorade team.”

Kudos to Shari and GSP. GSP has put in the work in the Octagon and Shari has done hers in the boardroom, but as a team they have made their own opportunity in getting such a major sponsorship deal. Making your own opportunity is key in the current UFC landscape, in that the UFC is seemingly only pushing one person based on the UFC magazine cover. Like GSP, he is bald….but he’s not a fighter, just un-ironically said to be built like one.

MMAPAYOUT.COM

When Grammy award winning recording artist group, Outkast released their double EP, Speakerboxx/The Love Below the latter record attested to eternal love. The entire album consisted of a song cycle about inanimate love’s battle against fear and self-deception that’s frequently profound and at times scary. This tumultuous relationship exists for every MMA fighter but definitely for Brazilian transplant and Atlanta native, Junior Assuncao.

As a native of coastal city, Recife, Brazil, Assuncao first came to the States in 1994 to learn a different culture and the English language. What later ensued was a

flirtation with the martial arts that ballooned into full-blown ardor as time grew.

“I started training Capoeira when I was 13 years old and I got my black belt when I was 19 years old. Then when I was 17 years old I started training jiu- jitsu with master Jacare (Alliance) and here I am now. I love training in all styles of fighting!”

Once Assuncao began training he quickly developed into a well-rounded competitor. Having competed in various art form specific challenges and tournaments, his medal count rose and so did his reputation.

“In Capoeira we did a state championship and I got first place. In jiu-jitsu I competed in the Pan-Am Games, I was the NAGA (North American Grappling Association) Florida and Georgia champ and I earned second place in the no-gi world championships (losing in the finals to Marcelo Garcia) and I also earned a few other titles.”

The decision to made a professional career in mixed martial arts came quickly for Assuncao. Without much trepidation he had an extremely brief amateur career before turning to MMA full-time.

“I did two amateur fights and jumped right to pro. At the time I wanted to challenge and test myself.”

That test started out shaky but soon the pupil within began to impress. After losing a decision to Andrew Chappelle, Assuncao went on an impressive four fight win streak which offered both submission clinics as well as a knockout. What makes this streak more interesting is that all these wins were in the first round. With three submission victories and one first round TKO over UFC Welterweight, Dustin Hazelett, Assuncao was proving to be true to his quest for love.

Capping off his four-fight win streak was entrance into the UFC for Assuncao’s next bout. The yin and the yang of love surfaced here and times became bumpy. A first round submission loss to Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 64: Unstoppable started his journey within the organization. After a second round victory by rear naked choke over Brit David Lee, Assuncao lost in the first round to Nate Diaz by guillotine choke at UFC Fight Night 11. That loss signaled his exit from the organization but since is on a two-fight win streak. Now facing Jadyson Costa at Shine 2: American Top Team vs. The World he looks forward to continuing his rise to the top.

“I’m getting ready to perform at my best! He is good and fast so I have to be ready for a war. The fans can expect a fast-paced fight with a lot of kicks – wait and see! I’m with my training partners and my brothers, that’s all I need! My family is everything to me - my kids, my brothers they all help me a lot. I couldn’t do it without them!”

Known for his diverse training and dedication, Assuncao has built an impressive resume of training partners and teams aligned with.

“I’ve done different camps. In 2007 I went to Black House in Rio de Janeiro and there I got to train with many good fighters, including UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Lyoto Machida, former UFC light heavyweight Champion, Vitor Belfort and many others. I have a gym in Atlanta and there I have solid training also. All Georgia boys help each other a lot, and we have a good group: Roan Carneiro, Roberto Traven, my brother Rafael, Rory Singer, Brian Stann, Brian Bowles, Diego Saraiva and many other newcomers.”

Marching along the path to whatever inevitable destiny is Assuncao, riding the win streak wave and still exploring ‘the love below.’ It’s the gift and the curse of sports where wins and losses both provide ironic truisms. Perhaps this search only served to lead him back home where it all began.

“I’m from Recife, Brazil. It’s on the cost, and it’s a very nice place to live. We moved to the U.S. in 1994 and the idea was for us to learn a different culture and to learn English. I have a hero, our mother. She worked very hard to raise us to be what we are today! She is our number one fan. I LOVE YOU MOM! After fighting I just want to live at the beach in Brazil and just train for fun. I MISS HOME!!!”