Sanchoplata

TUF 10 Finale Results

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:53:00 +0000

MAIN CARD:

MAIN EVENT: Roy Nelson def. Brendan Schaub via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 3:45.
Matt Hamill def. Jon Jones via disqualification (illegal strike – downward elbow) – Round 1, 4:14.
Kimbo Slice def. Houston Alexander via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Frank Edgar def. Matt Veach via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:22.
Matt Mitrione def. Marcus Jones via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 0:10

PRELIMS:

James McSweeney def. Darrill Schoonover via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 3:20.
Jon Madsen def. Justin Wren via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28).
Brian Stann def. Rodney Wallace via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
John Howard def. Dennis Hallman via knockout (punches) – Round 3, 4:55.
Mark Bocek def. Joe Brammer via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:36.

Fighter Spotlight: Mark Matthews

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:45:00 +0000

A goal here at Sanchoplata.com is to cover the latest news in mixed martial arts, but also to highlight some of the most interesting and competitive fighters in the game. Mixed martial arts is continuously growing, and you will find men and women from all over the world testing their skills in a ring or cage. However, it would be hard to find a fighter who tests themselves as hard and as often as Mark Matthews.

Matthews is in his first year as a professional and after his fight on December 12^th at Gladiator Challenge: Chain Reaction, he will have already had six pro fights.

What makes this even more impressive is that Matthews has fought those six fights in three different weigh-classes.

“I've been fortunate to not take a whole lot of damage in that time,” Matthews said. “However, I have learned a lot about my body and what it takes for me to operate at an optimal level. I used to overtrain more than I wouldn't and that would be the area that would have me feeling a toll. I'd wake up some days completely physically and mentally drained because I was doing everything as fast and hard as I could, for hours at a time for consecutive weeks. There was a time that in a training month, I only took two days off.”

Staying healthy is very important to any fight, but even more so when you are competing at such a frequent level. The ability to push through those injuries is also key. “I haven't had an injury that forced me out of the gym.” Matthews added, “When something is hurt or injured, I just find a way to work around it or through it. I fought my last fight with an ankle injury that had me unable to even walk for a few days, as well as unable to grapple or spar at all for that fight.” Pushing through that injury and not letting up, Matthews ended up with a very welcomed result. “I found a way to still work, still fought, and came away with a very fortunate outcome. I KO'd an undefeated, game opponent with the first punch I landed of the fight. My training takes a greater toll than the actual fights themselves. “

Not many people can fathom waking up every day with the pain. The constant battle to push forward and always be willing to step up to a challenge. Fighting as much of a mental game as it is physical and Matthews has a great mindset and unbelievable heart. “I'm never one to quit. I'm always willing to test myself, no matter how much the odds are stacked against me… to me, that's all these fights are, personal tests. How much can I endure? How hard can I push? What have I learned that I can utilize? You can gain a victory for yourself no matter what the outcome of the fight may be just through what you discovered about yourself during that fight. So, my outlook is pretty simple. It's not about whether you win or lose, instead it's all about the fight.”

The three weight-classes Matthews has fought in have been light-heavyweight, middleweight, and now welterweight for his upcoming bout. “I knew that mentally I was tough enough to handle 205ers, but reality set in when Im giving up 20+ lbs to my opponents who train to do the same things I do.

“At 185, I felt stronger and faster than any of the 3 opponents I've faced. Even if they were more skilled than I in any particular area of the fight, my strength trumped it. This upcoming fight will be my first as a welterweight. So far, I feel good through the weight drop. I've lost a bit of strength, but gained speed and endurance. I am looking forward to gauging it during this fight.”

I asked Mark if he would be willing to fight in multiple weight classes after this fight or if he thinks he could possibly have a home in the welterweight division. “I have fought at 205 to guys weighing much more than I, and I won't be fighting at that weight ever again. Depending on the opponent and amount of notice I am given, I am not ruling out fighting at middleweight in the future. But, my body seems to be at its all around best right now.”

Matthews realizes that at 6’3 and walking around at 190 that fighting at welterweight gives him some advantages. “It makes the most sense to make 170 my home as it appears that would be the best chance I have to succeed. I feel that if I can do well against larger guys in the gym and in the cage, I'll do very well facing guys my weight that I have physical advantages over. Especially with the skill set that I am acquiring by training with the guys that I do.”

A huge part of motivation for Matthews is his family. He recalls the day of his daughters birth, “I'm in my front yard, punching on a heavy bag hanging from a tree in my front yard. I'm thinking to myself , ‘How can I bring my daughter into this world and have her grow and develop with a great sense of security and protect her from the world? Without sheltering her too much?’ I started to think that maybe if she were to grow up through a childhood that saw me fighting and winning, it would give her a great sense of confidence and allow her to feel as if her Daddy could protect her from anyone or anything in the world.

“ I made my decision right then and there to get my ass into a fitness gym and begin conditioning myself. I did exactly that, and about a year later, I found the MMA gym that was a perfect fit for me at the time, UnderGround MMA in Jackson, CA. I began training there as well as at Ultimate Fitness in Sacramento simultaneously.

“I fell in love with the physical and mental challenges presented to me during my training immediately. These challenges motivated me and I've been in the gym ever since. Eventually, I moved into training exclusively at Ultimate Fitness due to the skill level of the other fighters there, as well as the elevated level of instruction there.”

Matthews stays busy even when not training. Apart from being a father and a fighter, he is a tattoo artist. He is working on MMAInked.com which as he states, “It will serve as an internet portfolio for myself, and I am also looking to make it an internet magazine that brings the worlds of tattooing and MMA together in as far as educating MMA fans and tattoo enthusiasts can go. I will do features on MMA fighters who have exceptional tattoos and the tattooers who tattooed them as well. I will also be doing features on the rare breed of tattooers who are MMA fighters also. Anything that I can do to bring these two worlds together through the medium of media will be done, while also educating fight fans on tattoos and artists, as well as educating tattoo enthusiasts on the world of MMA.”

You can currently check out some of his artwork on http://www.myspace.com/mmainked.

Mark plans on being a tattoo artist for the rest of his life and if he applies the same attitude towards that art as he does to his fighting art it is within his grasp. He even shared some similarities between fighting and tattooing, “One would be attention to detail. In tattooing, paying attention to technical detail goes a long way when applying a solid tattoo. Same can be said for technique in fighting. If you're not paying attention to detail, you're going to get a result that is less than your best when it is time to apply what you've learned. Another similarity is self-discipline. You have to take it upon yourself to do the things that make you a better tattooer or fighter. No one else can do it for you… No matter how much you master in either area, there is ALWAYS more to learn. To me, that is the most beautiful aspect of it all.

“I will be tattooing for the rest of my life. Just as I will be doing various mediums of art. I know that my body will only allow me to fight for so long, and I have a whole lifetime to focus completely on art after that. It is my plan to eventually be the most recognized and marketed tattooer in MMA. But, I have to earn that hype first,” Matthews said. “ I want to be the guy that fighters as well as fight fans WANT to get tattooed by based on my talent level in the tattoo industry and involvement in the sport of MMA. I plan to do paintings, sell them as well as their prints, sell sketch books, and eventually launch a clothing line that appeals to both MMA and tattoo fans.”

Matthews is a great guy, a loving father, a determined athlete, and an exceptional artist. There isn’t much to not like about him. His story is unique and inspiring. The ability to constantly push ones self is not something that comes easy to everyone.

Matthews continues to show that he is a modern day warrior both in the cage and in life. He won’t ever stop trying and his love and passion drives him to success.

In closing, this is what Mark wanted to share:

“I would want everyone to know that I am just an average guy who isn't afraid to challenge myself on any level. That no matter what the result is, you can be assured I gave my best and my all in any fight. That I am appreciative of any support or encouragement that I have ever been given. I would want everyone to know that I do the things that I do so that I can help make my world a better place. That I am a continually growing work-in-progress and that you will always see a better me than the last "me" you saw. And last but not least, I would want everyone to know that I love my wife, Christina, and my beautiful children Sevena and Marcos.....

In closing I'd like to thank my sponsors; WAR (www.warwrap.com), OTM Sacramento (www.otmfightshops.com), West Coast Nutrition (www.exnutrition.com), New York Fitness (www.nyftyfitness.com), Gunz Up Urban Fight Wear, and Striker Battle Gear.

Be sure to follow Mark Matthews and check out his next fight on December 12^th at the Red Hawk Casino. The event is Gladiator Challenge: Chain Reaction and his opponent is Robert Ballard. The fights start at 6pm and it is a 24 fight card.

For more on Mark Matthews, follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MMAInked

Nick Diaz to fight at January 30 Strikeforce event in Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:43:00 +0000

MMAjunkie.com is reporting that Nick Diaz will return to the organization to fight at the January 30th event in Sunrise, Florida. It appears that the two possible opponents for Diaz are Jay Heiron and recent Strikeforce signing, KJ Noons:

Veteran Nick Diaz (20-7) has been added to the fight card for the Jan. 30 Strikeforce event at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., the organization today announced.

No opponent was announced for Diaz, who could compete for the vacant Strikeforce welterweight title at the upcoming show.

Strikeforce also previously announced 145-pound women's champion Cris "Cyborg" Santos (8-1) and former NFL great Herschel Walker (0-0) for the Showtime-televised main card of "Strikeforce in Miami."

Opponents also were not revealed for those fighters.

Diaz, a former UFC and EliteXC fighter, makes his third appearance in Strikeforce, where he defeated Frank Shamrock (at a catch-weight of 179 pounds) via TKO and Scott Smith (at a catch-weight of 180 pounds) via submission. The lightweight/welterweight is now 9-1 since mid-2006, and the lone loss came to recent Strikeforce acquisition K.J. Noons.

Diaz was expected to fight Joe Riggs (and then replacement Jay Hieron) in August for the Strikeforce welterweight title. Diaz, though, wasn't licensed for the fight because he skipped a pre-bout drug test.

Hieron (18-4) is still a potential opponent. In fact, he recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) he was "about 90 percent" sure he'd fight on the Jan. 30 card, and he welcomes a bout with Diaz.

Rampage Jackson returning to the UFC to "shut Dana's mouth up"

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A lot of the build up to season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter was promoted around the feud between coaches Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson. The two were expected to fight at the conclusion of the season, but Rampage inexplicably decided to bolt the UFC and do the A-Team movie.

Rampage received a lot of criticism for his decision and he had announced on his blog that he was going to retire from the UFC.

Rampage has released another blog, and this time he has come around. He states that he is going to return to the UFC and shut the mouth's of Rashad and Dana White, who had some harsh criticism for Rampage.

Here is the blog:

I've noticed that the UFC & TUF have some fans brainwashed or something. They still haven't realized yet that the TV show is just a TV show. I did my job by entertaining people and if you ever paid any attention to me, that's what I'm known for doing.

Now, I wanted to let my fans know that I'm going to come back to the UFC & finish my contract. Not because the haters are talking (expletive) about me being scared of Rashad. I'm coming back for my fans & to shut Rashad's mouth up & shut Dana's mouth up. Then after that I'm going back to doing movies & I might do a boxing match once a year just to stay in shape. Hate on dis!

Gilbert Yvel vs. Junior dos Santos at UFC 108

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Tatame.com is reporting:

Junior dos Santos, boxing coach, Luis Dorea said the Brazilian heavyweight faces former Pride fighter Gilbert Yvel, who comes from an devastating knockout victory over Pedro Rizzo.

"’Cigano’ is a young guy, a great talent", Dorea said. "We know Gilbert is a very strong guy, he like to fight standing, but ‘Cigano’ is better in striking now, we’re doing our job and I know we’re gonna get the victory".

Here is the updated UFC 108 fight card:

MAIN CARD

Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva
Gilbert Yvel vs. Junior dos Santos
Carlos Condit vs. Paul Daley
Tyson Griffin vs. Jim Miller

PRELIMINARY CARD

Joe Lauzon vs. Sam Stout
Dan Lauzon vs. Cole Miller
Martin Kampmann vs. Rory Markham
Rafaello Oliveira vs. Sean Sherk
Jake Ellenberger vs. Mike Pyle
Ryan Jensen vs. Mark Munoz

The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale fight card set

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

The fight card for the TUF 10 Finale has finally been announced. Nine fighters from the reality series will make their UFC debuts on the card. The event will take place this Saturday, December 5th, LIVE on Spike TV at the Palms Resort in Las Vegas.

Here is the full fight card:

Main Card
Roy Nelson vs. Brendan Schaub ("TUF 10" tournament final)
Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones
Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson vs Houston Alexander
Frankie Edgar vs. Matt Veach
Marcus Jones vs. Matt Mitrione

Prelim Card, may not be broadcast
Darrill Schoonover vs. James McSweeney
Justin Wren vs. Jon Madsen
Brian Stann vs. Rodney Wallace
Dennis Hallman vs. John Howard
Mark Bocek vs. Joe Brammer

Renzo Gracie signs six-fight deal with UFC

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:47:00 +0000

Renzo Gracie recently had an interview in which he discussed his new contract with the UFC. The interview was not in English, but here are some key points from the video that were translated thanks to BloodyElbow.com.

-He says he signed for 6 fights

-When asked about his age, he said "age is in the eyes of the beholder, 42 is the new 30!"

-He insists that Matt Hughes will be his first opponent and the score will be 1-1 for Hughes vs Gracies

-He says this will be the first time he’ll fight at his true weight class.

-They said they aren’t supposed to say it but they say its gonna be Matt Hughes (its not 100% established at 1:53) because he wants to settle the score

-The rest are jokes about how this female reporter, who is the best one in Brazil for MMA, chased him down to get the info.

UFC show in Boston likely in July or August

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:42:00 +0000

The UFC has long been rumored to be heading to Boston, Massachusetts. Late last night it was reported by Sherdog.com that the even would likely take place in July or August at the TD Garden.

Here is the report:

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s maiden voyage to Boston is now more than just a hope, as the Massachusetts governor has signed legislation regulating the sport on Dana White’s former stomping rounds.

The UFC is planning to stage a pay-per-view card at the TD Garden -- formerly The Boston Garden -- in July or August, said Marc Ratner, the UFC’s vice president of regulatory affairs.

“We have a call already into the Garden and we’ve been looking at a couple of different dates,” Ratner said. “Now we’ll narrow it down and see what’s best for them and the company. (Massachusetts) was one of the premier destination states that we’ve been looking at for the last three years. It’s been a long pregnancy, is what I call it.”

Ratner said the UFC is looking at smaller venues like the DCU Center in Worcester for “Fight Night” or World Extreme Cagefighting events, as well as Fenway Park. White sparked a lot of buzz earlier this year when he suggested the venerable home of the Red Sox was a possibility for a UFC card.

Ratner said there have been conversations about holding a UFC event at Fenway, but no plans to do so in the next year.

“Fenway is certainly a possibility, but the first show will be in the Garden,” Ratner said.

read full article here...

Ryan Bader vs. Keith Jardine at UFC 110 in Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:39:00 +0000

Keith Jardine announced on his Twitter account today that he has received an announcement on his next fight. Jardine stated, "I finally got a fight! Thank you Joe Silva. I'm not saying who yet..." There was speculation earlier in the day that Jardine's possible opponents could be either Rich Franklin or Luis Cane, but MMAWeekly.com is reporting that Jardine's opponent for the UFC 110 bout will actually be for Ultimate Fighter winner, Ryan Bader.

Per the report:

A light heavyweight bout has been added to the UFC's first trip to the land down under as former "Ultimate Fighter" winner, Ryan "Darth" Bader, looks to keep his undefeated record in tact as he faces "The Dean of Mean" Keith Jardine.

The bout was confirmed to MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday by multiple sources close to the fight who indicated bout agreements have been issued for the upcoming fight.

Ryan Bader has looked strong in both of his fights since winning the "Ultimate Fighter" competition, most recently a unanimous decision victory over Eric "Red" Schafer. The former All-American from Arizona State showed some dangerous stand-up to compliment his impressive wrestling background to batter Schafer for the better part of the fight to get the win.

Now taking a step forward in competition, Bader sets his sights on Keith Jardine, who has been a perennially tough fighter always in or hovering around the top ten of the 205lb division.

A win for Bader would help catipult him in the division. This is a big step up in competition for the former reality show star. He has continued to improve and impress during his time in the organization. Bader's last two fights have gone the distance and he could be looking to make a statement against Jardine.

For Jardine, a loss could prove to be devastating. "The Dean of Mean" has lost three of his last four fights and he has currently lost his last two fights. If he drops three consecutive matches he may find himself cut from the UFC. Jardine has gone 6-5 in his time with the organization.

UFC 110 is set to take place in Sydney, Australia and the headline at this time is Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez. Here is the current rumored fight card:

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez
Michael Bisping vs. Wanderlei Silva
Ryan Bader vs. Keith Jardine
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Ben Rothwell
Stephan Bonnar vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Chris Lytle
Chris Haseman vs. Elvis Sinosic
James Te Huna vs. Igor Pokrajac

Josh Koscheck vs. Paulo Thiago II targeted for UFC 109

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:50:00 +0000

MMA Fanhouse reports:

The UFC is targeting a welterweight rematch between Josh Koscheck and Paulo Thiago at UFC 109 on Feb. 6. FanHouse learned of the potential fight on Tuesday, but the bout has yet to be made official by the organization.

Thiago defeated Koscheck in a stunning upset at UFC 95 last February via first round TKO in the Brazilian's Octagon debut. Since then, Thiago has gone 1-1 in the UFC, losing to Koscheck's teammate, Jon Fitch, at UFC 100 and beating Jacob Volkmann UFC 106 in November.

Meanwhile, Koscheck was also victorious at UFC 106 against Anthony Johnson. The American Kickboxing Academy product also picked up a win over Frank Trigg at UFC 103 since the loss to Thiago.

Read full article here

Vitor Belfort vs. Nate Marquardt in the works

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Vitor Belfort was originally scheduled to fight Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 108. Unfortunately, Silva had elbow surgery and he is recovering slowly. Fighters Only Magazine is reporting that Belfort is now in talks to have a new opponent, Nate Marquardt.

According to the report:

Vitor Belfort has been told that Anderson Silva will not be recovered from his elbow surgery in time for a February and has been offered a contenders elimination bout with Nate Marquardt, a source close to the Brazilian tells Fighters Only.

There is no rumored date for the contest, but it is a good fight for Belfort as he returns to the 185 lb. division to prove that he is the undisputed number one contender.

UPDATE: Belfort vs. Marquardt is targeted for UFC 109

Current rumored UFC 109 card:

Vitor Belfort vs. Nate Marquardt
Mark Coleman vs. Randy Couture
Demian Maia vs. Dan Miller
Matt Serra vs. Frank Trigg
Josh Koscheck vs. Paulo Thiago
Rob Emerson vs. Phillipe Nover
Rolles Gracie vs. Mostapha Al Turk
Melvin Guillard vs. Ronnys Torres

Matt Hughes: Next fight is April 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:07:00 +0000

Matt Hughes said today on his blog:

I have a possible date for my next fight, they tell me that it is April 10th. I’ll tell you later who and where when I find out for sure if it is confirmed.

Got a buddy who’s got some good news. I don’t think it’s quite public, but I’ve never been that guy to keep my mouth shut. Robbie and Marcie Lawler are having a baby boy in the first part of February. If you see him around, tell him congratulations.

Next week, I’ve got some pictures to post and some other things concerning deer hunting. I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving and I will talk to you later.

You can read his full blog here

Amir Sadollah to face Brad Blackburn at UFC Fight Night 20

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0000

From Examiner.com:

"As if the UFC's initial foray into Virginia for UFC Fight Night 20 was not stacked enough, it appears The Ultimate Fighter Season 7 champion Amir Sadollah will be taking on Brad Blackburn in a welterweight match.

A source close to the negotiations told me the bout has been agreed to and should be signed by early next week.

The Jan. 11 card, to be held at the Patriot Center on George Mason University's campus, is loaded with TUF alums, and headlined by the lightweight battle between Gray Maynard and Nate Diaz. Efrain Escudero takes on Evan Dunham at 155 pounds, while the colorful Tom Lawlor and Aaron Simpson meet at middleweight.

There is space for another fight to be televised live on the Spike TV portion of the card, and it would seem that the popular Sadollah, whose pounding of Phil Baroni at UFC 106 was on the pay-per-view portion of the card, would be slotted in. Sadollah improved to 2-1 -- all in the UFC -- with the impressive win over Baroni.

Sadollah has been involved with Spike TV, this season hosting "The Aftermath" web video series. Sadollah has sat down with members of TUF 10 this season to review each episode of the most popular campaign of the UFC's hit reality show."

Read full article here

Dana White has more harsh words for M-1 Global

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Any serious combat sports fan wants to see Fedor Emelianenko take on UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. It wasn't too long ago that UFC commissioner Dana White was trying to strike a deal to bring Fedor to the organization and make that fight happen. However, Fedor's management M-1 Global made things difficult.

White then launched a series of attacks on M-1, and a M-1 Global exec responded by saying that Fedor would fight Brock Lesnar for free.

Dana White had some remarks about that and he shared them with MMAjunkie.com:

"They'll do the fight for free? That's [expletive] weird because I offered them millions of dollars to take the fight and he didn't take it. Now [Emelianenko] wants to fight for free? When and where? I'd love him to fight for free.

"I'll make that [expletive] fight right now for free. Let's do it."

White also claims that M-1 Global was trying to take a large portion of the UFC's business in exchange for sending their fighter to the organization. White again did not hold back and he even shared his thoughts on M-1 Global exec, Jerry Millen.

"That's funny that they say they'll do it for free now when they were dealing with us and negotiating with us they wanted 50 percent of our business," White said. "They wanted 50 percent of our business to do that fight, but now they'll do it for free?

"[Millen] is a [expletive] clown that talks out of his ass and has no business (discussing the negotiations)," White said. "That guy is a nobody. When we did the big Fedor negotiations, you think he was in it? He wasn't even in it. That guy's full of [expletive]. Tell him to go frost his [expletive] hair again and beat it.

"You don't think I want to make that fight? Of course I want to make that fight. But it takes two people to make a deal, not one guy."

It will be interesting to see if this fight ever happens. Fedor vs. Lesnar would be a huge hit and a very big fight for mixed martial arts, but it doesn't seem like there is a resolution in the near future. Until then, enjoy the verbal boxing match between the two sides.

Justin Wren vs. John Madsen added to TUF 10 Finale

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Around The Octagon is reporting that TUF 10 cast members Justin "The Viking" Wren and John Madsen will face off on December 5th as part of the undercard on the TUF 10 Finale.

Wren was one of the most promising fighters on the show and he appears to have the most potential to be a future star. At only 22 years of age, Wren has a lot of room to grow. He has a record of 8-1 and has disposed of 5 of his opponents in the first round. Wren made a serious splash when he choked out UFC veteran Wes Sims via arm triangle in the tournaments first-round. Wren's second fight was against another seasoned vet, Roy "Big Country" Nelson. Wren dominated the first round of the fight, but slowed in the second. Many believed the fight should have gone to a third round, however, Big Country won a controversial decision.

Wren's opponent, John Madsen, was part of the bloodiest fight in TUF history, when he dismantled Team Rampage's Abe Wagner. In his second fight, Madsen suffered a KO loss to one of the season's early favorites, Brendan Schaub. Madsen trains at H.I.T Squad and has a very strong wrestling background.

Here is the current card for the TUF 10 Finale:

MAIN CARD

Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones
Frankie Edgar vs. Matt Veach
Finalist No. 1 vs. Finalist No. 2
Houston Alexander vs. Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson

PRELIMINARY CARD

Justin Wren vs. John Madsen
Dennis Hallman vs. John Howard
Brian Stann vs. Rodney Wallace
Mark Bocek vs. Joe Brammer

The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights, Episode 11 Sneak Peak

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:10:00 +0000

In the two hour episode before the TUF 10 Finale, it looks like a lot goes on. Scott Junk may never fight again, the stage is set for a Kimbo return, an intense confrontation between Matt Mitrione and Marcus Jones, and we will be treated to four fights. This is a must see episode!

Sneak Peek: The Best for Last

Shogun hasn't signed contract for Machida rematch

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:54:00 +0000

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has sain in an interview with Terra Magazine that he has not yet signed a contract for the Machida rematch that is currently rumored for UFC 113 in Montreal, Canada.

Shogun did say that the UFC has confirmed with his manager that he will be fighting Machida again. Shogun also said that he has verbally agreed to the bout, he just hasn't put the contract in ink.

Here is a very rough translation of Shogun's statements that were translated by MMAmania.com:

"I'm just going to start the preparation and let’s go there. The UFC has already confirmed with my manager that I will fight Lyoto again. It’s just missing to sign the contract but the verbal agreement is done. I still don’t think whether I will follow the same strategy rather than the formerly one. I’m going to sit down with the team to map it out. This rematch is much wished because it’s a title shot for the world championship. It’s my biggest interest. I’m sure worried to achieve my dream and the revenge comes on the second plan. I was choked for that loss against him, but Machida has no blame. The judges are the guilty who were the only three people in the world that understood he won the fight."

Big Nog vs. Cain Velasquez back on for UFC 110

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:11:00 +0000

MMAWeekly.com is reporting:

“In February I’ll be ready to fight when they ask me to fight. In February I think I’ll be in shape. I’d love to fight in Australia. If they put me on the card, I would love to fight there,” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira told MMAWeekly.com recently, addressing his return from a fourth staph infection in the past year.

He was initially slated to face fellow heavyweight contender Cain Velasquez on Jan. 2 at UFC 108, but the infection derailed those plans.

Despite several reports that UFC 109 on Feb. 6 was under consideration, MMAWeekly.com has confirmed an MMAJunkie.com report that UFC 109 is not likely. Sources close to the bout informed MMAWeekly.com that UFC 110 in Sydney, Australia, is expected to host the bout.

It looks like Nogueira gets his wish.

The addition of Nogueira vs. Velasquez would give the UFC a strong twin bill headlining its down under debut. Wanderlei Silva on Wednesday confirmed plans to “kick the Michael Bisping ass” in Sydney

.

The winner of this bout will earn a title shot.

Here is a look at the current UFC 110 fight card:

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez
Michael Bisping vs. Wanderlei Silva
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Ben Rothwell
Stephan Bonnar vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Chris Lytle
Chris Haseman vs. Elvis Sinosic
James Te Huna vs. Igor Pokrajac

Wanderlei Silva: I am going to kick Bispings ass

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:18:00 +0000

This is a video blog by Wanderlei Silva courtesy of WandFightTeam.com. In this video, Wanderlei says he will sign the fight against Bisping this week. He also says, on more than one occasion, "I am going to kick Bispings ass."

You also get to see some of Wanderlei's training in this blog, so enjoy!

REPORT: Gabriel Gonzaga forced to withdraw with UFC 108 fight vs. Junior Dos Santos

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Steve Cofield of Yahoo! Sports Cagewriter blog reports:

"The hits keep coming for the UFC, Dana White and matchmaker Joe Silva. The fellas have to scrounge up a quality heavyweight to fight Junior Dos Santos Jan. 2 in Las Vegas at UFC 108. White confirmed that Gabriel Gonzaga is off the card because of staph infection.
Gonzaga (15-4, 7-3 UFC) last fought Chris Tuchsherer at UFC 102 in August. He's won 3-of-4 fights. Dos Santos, 25, is unbeaten in the UFC. The promotion will wait until after Thanksgiving to come up with a list of candidates to replace Gonzaga. It's slim pickings at the top of the UFC heavyweight food chain right now. The most logical choice would be Cain Velasquez, who just lost his opportunity to fight on the card against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Big Nog is also out with staph."

Let's hope that next year brings better luck to the organization.

Brock Larson gets cut from the UFC

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:33:00 +0000

MMAjunkie.com is reporting that the UFC has decided to part ways with welterweight Brock Larson following his loss at UFC 106.

MMAjunkie writes:

With a TKO loss to Brian Foster at this past weekend's UFC 106 event, UFC welterweight Brock Larson will now look for work outside the organization.

The veteran fighter today confirmed with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) he was cut from the UFC's roster following the Nov. 21 defeat.

Larson leaves the organization with a 26-4 record, which included a 3-3 mark in the UFC and a 4-1 record in the WEC.

"It's probably a good thing," Larson stated via text message. "I was having a hard time getting motivated for my last two fights. I needed a change. The undercards just didn't do it for me."

Larson went 1-1 during separate UFC stints in 2005 and 2006. After a 4-1 run in the WEC from 2006 to 2008, he joined the UFC earlier this year. He submitted Jesse Sanders and Mike Pyle (in a "Submission of the Night" performance) but then dropped a decision to Mike Pierce and a TKO to Brian Foster at UFC 106. All four of this year's UFC fights were on un-aired preliminary cards.

Larson mentioned Strikeforce and Japanese organizations such as DREAM or World Victory Road as a possible next home.

You can read the full article here.

UFC Ring Girls Logan Stanton and Natasha Wicks think Koscheck is a faker

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:47:00 +0000

On the latest edition of MMA Fix, Ben Fowlkes of CagePotato.com talks with UFC ring girls Logan Stanton and Natasha Wicks following this past weekends event in Las Vegas. The two discuss UFC 106 and a few of the highlights from the event. One talking point is the Josh Koscheck eye poke. Both Logan and Natasha say that they believe Koscheck faked it.

I have said that I believe Kos faked it as well, but there has been a picture (a very blurry one) where it looks like a finger may graze Koscheck's eye. Even if he was poked in the eye, Koscheck was overly dramatic about it. It wasn't bad enough to lay on his back and roll around like he was shot for five minutes. His eye had no swelling and it wasn't red (good observation, Natasha)... which often happens after eye pokes. Regardless, enjoy the video!

RUMOR: Michael Bisping vs. Wanderlei Silva could face off at UFC 110 in Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:29:00 +0000

MMAmania.com is reporting:

Wanderlei Silva has apparently recovered from his recent facial surgery. Michael Bisping has apparently recovered from his devastating knockout loss at the hands of Dan Henderson. "The Axe Murderer" just needed a little time. "The Count" just needed a beatdown of Denis Kang at UFC 105.

What does all that mean?

Well for starters, it means that Wandy and the Brit are once again in talks to hook 'em up in a 185-pound brawl for the upcoming UFC 110 fight card, tentatively scheduled for the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 21 according to Fighters Only.

Silva was originally being paired up with Yoshihiro Akiyama, but UFC President Dana White became increasingly disinterested in the sexiness of his main event, even talking about a change in headliners for the promotion's debut "down under" as recently as last Saturday.

The bout was originally rumored for UFC 105 before Wanderlei pulled out with his facial surgery. Michael Bisping instead faced off against Denis Kang where he had a dominant performance.

Fighters Only Magazine writes:

Wanderlei Silva’s next fight will be with Michael Bisping, a well-placed Las Vegas source has told Fighters Only. The fight may headline the UFC’s first event in Australia, which takes place in February 2010.

Verbal agreements for the clash have been given, although Fighters Only understands that bout agreements are not yet drawn up. The fight will not be official until these are signed and returned by both men.

Here is the current rumored UFC 110 card:

Michael Bisping vs. Wanderlei Silva
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Ben Rothwell
Stephan Bonnar vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Chris Lytle
James Te Huna vs. Igor Pokrajac

Strikeforce: Evolution Promo Poster

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:25:00 +0000

It was recently reported that Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Melendez II will headline the December 19th Strikeforce event in San Jose, California. Strikeforce has made the bout official and they have released the promo poster for the event. Enjoy!

Here is the up to date fight card for Strikeforce: Evolution:

Champ Josh Thomson vs. interim champ Gilbert Melendez (lightweight title-unification bout)
Cung Le vs. Scott Smith
Matt Lindland vs. Ronald "Jacare" Souza
Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal vs. Mike Whitehead
Robbie Lawler vs. Benji Radach - RUMOR
Antwain Britt vs. Scott Lighty

Houston Alexander confirms fight with Kimbo Slice at TUF Finale

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Sanchez) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:59:00 +0000

There has been a rumored Houston Alexander vs. Kimbo Slice fight for The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale for quite some time now. The bout was even confirmed by multiple sources about a month ago. The "mainstream" media has finally jumped on board when they announced yesterday that Kimbo would make his UFC debut at the TUF 10 Finale. Dana White had even confirmed back at UFC 102 that Kimbo would be making an appearance in the octagon sometime in December.

His opponent, Houston Alexander, has just gone on his radio show and confirmed that he accepted a fight with Kimbo. Alexander says he isn't supposed to talk about the fight, but he did say he didn't waste any time signing on.

The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale is scheduled for December 5th in Las Vegas at The Palms Casino Resort. Here is the up to date card for the TUF 10 Finale:

MAIN CARD

* Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones
* Frankie Edgar vs. Matt Veach
* Finalist No. 1 vs. Finalist No. 2
* Houston Alexander vs. Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson

PRELIMINARY CARD

* Dennis Hallman vs. John Howard
* Brian Stann vs. Rodney Wallace
* Mark Bocek vs. Joe Brammer