TKO - Mirror.co.uk's MMA Blog

Get ready for a brand new TKO!

2011-04-07T19:21:58Z

TKO, the Daily Mirror's mixed martial arts blog, is set for a major facelift.

We've been working hard behind the scenes to bring you a site that's bigger and better than the current incarnation of TKO, so keep your eyes open for the new site.

Please make sure your bookmarks are pointing to http://www.mirror.co.uk/tko so you get the new site when we make the change.

With an expanded team of MMA experts and fans, an improved video channel and much more opportunity for YOU to get involved with what we're doing, the new and improved TKO will be the perfect way to follow the fastest growing sport in the world.

Remember the URL: http://www.mirror.co.uk/tko

The Ultimate Fighter set for ESPN in UK

2011-04-06T19:06:07Z

The news all British-based MMA fans were waiting for is now here. The new series of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar v Team Dos Santos will premier in the UK tomorrow night (Thursday April 7) at 10pm on ESPN and ESPN HD.

The second episode will air immediately afterwards, meaning UK fans will be fully up to date with the series, alongside their American counterparts.

The series will then continue the follow Thursday, meaning British fans will get to see the new TUF series as soon as possible following the US screening.

Set your reminders for Thursdays and get your fix of the best reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter.

UFC's Marshall Zelaznik responds to UK fans' TUF turmoil

2011-04-04T16:21:50Z

UFC UK President, Marshall Zelaznik, took to his Facebook page this weekend to reassure UK fans who have been concerned at a lack of a television deal for the current season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Season 13 of the hugely popular reality show pits heavyweight contenders Brock Lesnar and Junior Dos Santos against each other as rival coaches, with the season culminating in their UFC Heavyweight Title Eliminator.

The two heavyweights will coach teams of welterweight hopefuls, who will battle it out in an elimination tournament in an attempt to earn a six-figure contract with the UFC.

But with the season already underway in the States, no news has been forthcoming regarding broadcast rights over here in the UK. Previously the show has been screened on Bravo TV, and last season was shown by Sky Sports.

And in response to the plethora of messages posted online and emailed to the UFC direct, Zelaznik told his followers on Facebook: "Sorry all of you UK fans. We are trying to work out a good result for TUF - I am hoping this week we will have news.

"I wish I had a good excuse but sometimes these TV deals aren't as easy as they seem. All your complaints have been heard-this is priority number 1. Thanks for your patience."

We'll let you know the news as soon as we have it.

GSP: "I'm more like an intellectual guy" Exclusive interview with UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre - Part 4

2011-03-29T09:27:15Z

In the final part of our exclusive video interview with UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre we find out what the Canadian superstar enjoys when he isn't fighting.

Georges spoke to us at the Roger Gracie Academy in London during his preparations for his upcoming UFC 129 clash with Jake Shields.

You can catch the previous three parts of this exclusive interview using the links below.

WATCH MORE GSP: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Jones v Evans: the fighters' training camp conundrum

2011-03-29T09:00:01Z

In the aftermath of UFC 128, Dana White officially announced the fight between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans for the Light-Heavyweight title. Usually this would just be another announcement, but the drama that has unfolded days after the fight has been quite amazing.

These men were sparring partners, team-mates and, in some shape or form, friends, Their head coach Greg Jackson has firmly stated that he wants nothing to do with the situation, leaving both men looking for a camp. Where do they go? Aundre Jacobs looks at the options for both fighters.

Option 1 - Form own camp

From what I can tell, forming your own camp has a negative and positive. For Rashad, I think it's more of a positive. He's built up healthy relationships with some quality fighters over the years, including Keith Jardine, Nate Marquardt, Shane Carwin, Brendan Schaub etc. As a man who has sparred with Jones, he must know his "weaknesses", so building a camp around trying to exploit those weaknesses would be to his advantage.

Personally, I don't think Jones creating his own camp is the best idea. He's still incredibly young in the world of MMA and many of his coaches have stated that he is still "at beginner level" in some of his disciplines. Jones joining an actual gym would probably be the best move for him.

Option 2 - Xtreme Couture

I personally think that this would be great move for Jones. Being under the tutelage of someone like Randy would help him in the sense that he has a wealth of knowledge at his disposal from one of MMA's greatest fighters and tacticians. Randy will not let him slack off and neither will the fighters in his camp. With Forrest Griffin injured with a broken foot, he wouldn't have to spar with someone who could be considered a contender in the future. Plus, he'd be pushed significantly by the fighters there such as Gray Maynard, Martin Kampmann, and Vitor Belfort etc.

Also, with striking coaches like Gil Martinez and Ron Frazier there to help him fine tune his boxing, Xtreme Couture is a gym that could certainly help improve Jones as a fighter in preparation for his upcoming fight.

Option 3 - Renzo Gracie BJJ

I think this camp would work best for Rashad. The likelihood of Jones taking down Rashad is strong. Yes, Rashad is a great wrestler, but is he stronger than Jones? I'm not sure. If it comes to Rashad being on his back and trying to commit to a submission or a sweep (something that Shogun attempted to do, but was unable to) then why not train at Renzo Gracie's gym? It makes sense as he has ties there (Brendan Schaub and Georges St Pierre have trained there before and can vouch for the experience). Plus, Daniel Gracie also trains there. Who better to train with than a fellow Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, who has been learning the Jiu-Jitsu trade for many years, plus the fact that they're in the same weight category.

Option 4 - Roufusport Martial Arts Academy

This gym would be PERFECT for Jon Jones. Everyone talks about Jones creativity and his awkward style. You've got to ask yourself, why not have someone like Duke Roufus make your kicks better or have that much more flair? Some of Roufus' people such as Anthony Pettis, Matt Mitrione and Pat Barry have become some of the sport's most exciting, but most importantly, unorthodox strikers under the tutelage of Roufus. If he keeps Phil Nurse in his camp, then Jones already has a fantastic Muay Thai coach, but why not add a bit of "Je ne sais quoi" to his already imaginative striking.

Option 5 - Grudge Training Center

This would be the easiest choice for Rashad Evans. A place that he has become accustomed to over his last couple of fights, the popular gym in Denver houses the majority of fighters that one would assume that Rashad would likely call in if he made his own camp. The real deciding factor here is something that Rashad said in an interview with Bloody Elbows feature writer, Duane Finley, in which he praised Grudge coach Mike Van Arsdale specifically. Van Arsdale could truly be the deciding factor in what Rashad does.

Option 6 - American Kickboxing Academy

The American Kickboxing Academy have really taken apart some of MMA's top stars and moulded them into something more. They like fighters with a strong wrestling background and they like to sharpen your striking and your jiu-jitsu to the point that you're in some ways unbeatable. This is the sort of gym that would work fantastically well for Jones. Let's be honest, we've not seen Jones' Jiu Jitsu and he tends to make certain mistakes (keep your hand off your opponents chest when you're in his guard) that a coach like Dave Camarillo would drill out of him. Camarillo's "Guerilla Jiu Jitsu" is aggressive and specializes in making a fighter get back up on to his feet. (Note - Look at the Brock Lesnar vs Cain Velasquez fight. Rashad certainly has the takedown ability to put Jones on his back).

If you look at the people that he has the chance to spar with in the gym, it would be perfect for the style that Rashad could potentially bring to the fight. Fighters like Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck and Cain Velasquez have no problems taking their opponents down, and if worse comes to worse, Rashad will not want to stand with Jones. The only option is to try and take him down. Why not train with elite wrestlers that can sure up an already fantastic takedown defence?

Cage Warriors announce new TV deal

2011-03-29T08:45:02Z

The Cage Warriors Fighting Championship have announced the continued expansion of their broadcast footprint with the signing of an agreement with the UK based sports channel Premier Sports TV.

The deal will mean Cage Warriors will be available on a free-to-view and delayed basis on the channel following each of the eight events planned for the rest of 2011.

Cage Warriors 41, which will be held on Easter Sunday, will become the first event to be broadcast free-to-view on Premier Sports, which operates on the Sky platform on channel 433.

Live streaming will continue to be available free through the Cage Warriors website.

This announcement follows the successful broadcast and worldwide live streaming of the Cage Warriors 40 show. That event comprised of six televised CWFC bouts which included a successful CWFC Bantamweight Title defence by Paul "Metabolic" McVeigh.

The show was headlined by a Women's Super-Flyweight showdown between the Bellator, Elite XC and BodogFIGHT veteran Rosi "The Surgeon" Sexton and the Japanese based American Strikeforce veteran Roxanne "The Happy Warrior" Modafferi

Cage Warriors Director Graham Boylan said "This is a great partnership for Cage Warriors Fighting Championship and a great opportunity for fighters worldwide to get the exposure they deserve as professional athletes. The fighters put so much time and effort into this sport they deserve this exposure. I'm very excited for them".

Richard Webb from Premier Sports commented 'We are delighted to be able to offer Cage Warriors the platform and coverage that matches with their ambitions to consolidate and grow as Britain's number 1 MMA championship. By making each event available to 10 million Sky platform homes for free, we believe the popularity of the event will only be enhanced. No subscription to our channel will be required to view this event."

Premier Sports operates on the Sky platform on channel 433 and features NRL, NASCAR, South American Football and regular boxing from around the world. Visit them online at http://www.premiersports.tv

Fight Night Review: UFC Ultimate Fight Night - Seattle

2011-03-28T19:07:11Z

Seven days on from Jon Jones' emphatic championship victory, the UFC light-heavyweight division has another star in the weight class, Phil 'Mr Wonderful' Davis. Replacing Tito Ortiz in the main event against veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Davis produced a solid performance to pick up the unanimous decision victory in Seattle. Heading into this 'Fight Night' event, Davis was highly touted by journalists and fans as a star of the future but circumstances have conspired so that his rise to the top may happen sooner than he expected. Much like Jones, who was a late replacement for Rashad Evans last weekend, Davis was preparing for a fight against Jason Brilz at UFC 129 in Toronto but he took this fight, against a tougher opponent and won convincingly.

The story of the first round was Davis' inability to take 'Lil Nog' down, like he has done his past opponents. Davis, a NCAA Div 1. Wrestling Champion used strikes to set up his takedowns but Nogueira managed to stuff every attempt. 'Mr Wonderful' threw kicks but also took constant punches from Nogueira and the round ended with not much in the way of significant action.

The second round was where Davis gained control of the fight. He switched his attack from a double leg takedown to a single leg and he immediately reaped the benefits from the change. Davis was on top but he was weary and extremely cautious of getting tied up by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Nogueira. 'Lil Nog' was not active off his back and instead of looking for submissions; he looked to gain wrist control for the entirety of the time on his back. Eventually, he kicked off Davis and attempted to get back to his feet but Davis didn't let him get away and controlled Nogueira on the ground, landing some useful punches and then knees to the body.

The third round saw Davis use his reach advantage and stay out of range of Nogueira's punches and he was successful again with a single leg takedown. Davis did minimal damage on the ground and despite him taking 'Lil Nog' down one more time in the fight, the crowd greeted the action with boos.

It was a solid and impressive performance from Davis. At 26 years old and fighting in his ninth professional fight, it's hard to expect more. He defeated a dangerous veteran in Nogueira and he was never in danger for any of the fifteen minutes of the fight. 'Lil Nog' may just be a gatekeeper in the light-heavyweight division; he looked too sluggish and didn't take advantage of his superior stand up skills. Davis played to his strengths and showed he can keep to a game plan. 'Mr Wonderful' is making steps towards the top of the 205lbs division and the boos from the crowd seem harsh, as not every athlete can produce what Jon Jones did last week. However, Davis made a statement and it is going to be tough to hand him his first career loss.

---------

Unfortunately for the Seattle fans, the much hyped and promised stand up 'war' between Dan 'The Outlaw' Hardy and Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson never materialised. Johnson, fighting for the first time since November 2009 was intelligent in his approach as he used his wrestling to keep Hardy on the ground for almost the entirety of the fight amid boos from the live crowd. Both men had promised a knockout and in the pre fight talk Johnson was quoted in saying, "We are two guys that love to bang, plain and simple, we want to give everybody what they want and what they've paid their money for," but Johnson, neglecting his promises, was the better man on the night.

Early on, Johnson had landed a left head kick which sent Hardy flying to the mat but the Brit regained his composure and managed to survive the first round without taking too much damage.

The second round saw Johnson shoot successfully for a takedown and he was able to stay in top position for the majority of the round until referee Josh Rosenthal stood the fighters up. 'Rumble' went straight for the takedown again and Hardy was unable to shake him off.

The third was much similar to the previous two rounds. Johnson looked a different weight class to Hardy, like he does to most welterweights and his wrestling was too strong for 'The Outlaw'. Hardy tried in vain countless times to secure a kimura but the fight was Johnson's and he picked up the unanimous decision victory.

-------

In a battle of former 'Ultimate Fighter' contestants, TUF 7 winner Amir Sadollah defeated TUF 8 runner up Damarques 'Darkness' Johnson via submission due to strikes in the second round. This welterweight fight was a relentless battle that showcased all aspects of Mixed Martial Arts.

Sadollah was originally slated to face Duane Ludwig and then James Wilkes but after both pulled out due to injuries, it was Johnson, who admirably took the fight on two weeks notice.

Round one saw Johnson perform strongly. In an exciting back and forth five minutes, Johnson was on top of Sadollah three times but he was unable to hold him down and land any significant blows. Sadollah then secured a takedown himself towards the end of the round and remained on top until the bell tolled.

Round two was Sadollah's. Both men came out swinging but it was Sadollah who landed the first meaningful strikes as he hit Johnson with two knees and a flurry of punches against the cage. Never one to shirk an exchange, Johnson fought back with left hooks to the head and the body. Johnson looked to secure a takedown but Sadollah sprawled and landed more knees, this time to the body of his downed opponent. Sadollah postured up and unleashed an unrelenting attack of repeated strikes and the fight could have been stopped but Johnson was game and survived long enough to get back to his feet. However, the two weeks notice looked to be catching up on an exhausted Johnson who was taken down easily by Sadollah. His arm was then tied up and more strikes to the head caused Johnson to tapout with one minute, thirty three seconds of the round remaining.

-----

In a rematch of one of the most exciting fights in MMA history, 'The Korean Zombie' Chan Sung Jung avenged his defeat to Leonard 'Bad Boy' Garcia with an impressive Twister submission with one second remaining in the second round of their Featherweight fight. Jung, only 24 years old was a late replacement for Nam Phan but 'The Korean Zombie' looked fresh after his recent training stint with Urijah Faber. Both fighters adopted a more technical approach in their attacks but the contest was as equally as enthralling as the first battle.

Garcia, up on his toes, was more cautious than we have seen previously and he was winning on the feet until Jung was able to take the fight to the ground towards the end of round one. Jung kept hold of Garcia and when 'Bad Boy' got back to his feet, Jung landed two knees which saw Garcia drop to the mat and the round ended with Jung securing full mount and then back mount.

Round two played out similar to the first round. The Texan, Garcia, was effectively landing strikes on the feet but he almost looked uncomfortable in his style and game plan. Towards the end of the round, both men fell into their natural rhythm and were exchanging flying knees and kicks, much like the first fight. Both men went for a head kick which saw Garcia end up on the mat. Jung was able to land some strong ground and pound, a mixture of elbows and punches and Garcia rolled onto his back. Jung secured the hooks but as Garcia rolled, Jung isolated his right arm, twisted Garcia's body and he was forced to tap out with one second remaining in the round. Jung, rightfully so, picked up the 'submission of the night' honours for his efforts, a fantastic move.

Johny Hendricks rebounded from his first career loss to pick up the 'knockout of the night' award after defeating TJ Waldburger and 'fight of the night' went to Michael McDonald and Edwin Figueroa, who fought to a decision with McDonald picking up the win.

Thompson crowned new HW champ at UCMMA 19

2011-03-28T16:16:18Z

UCMMA 19: Lights Out certainly lived up to its name as 11 of the 13 fights ended in the first round. "UFC 76: Knockout" famously produced no knockouts, so when UCMMA announced that their March offering would be titled "Lights Out" it was met with a degree of nervous apprehension.

It proved to be a well calculated gamble, however, and the fans were treated to a selection of huge knockouts and slick submissions.

Former Britain strongest man Oli Thompson was crowned the new UCMMA Heavyweight champion after he defeated Big Ben Smith via rear naked choke in the second round.

Giorgio Andrews extended his impressive record, winning all of his eight fights in the first round; defeating James Lutman by TKO for the Bantamweight title.

There were also impressive displays from Iain Martell and Dyson Roberts. Martell, making his UCMMA debut, defeated Chris Harman via TKO in the first round, while Roberts inflicted the first defeat of Colin French's MMA career via submission in the first round.

Away from the cage, American MMA band "Coalition Fight Music" performed the entrance music for four fighters. The band also announced UCMMA's Nick 'HeadHunter' Chapman and Jamaine Facey as the UK spokesmen for their International 'Man Up' Campaign in conjunction with Kung Fu Factory, the developers of upcoming video game Supremacy MMA.

The premise of the "Man Up" campaign is showcasing well known Mixed Martial Artists battling the epidemic of child trafficking for sexual exploitation.

UCMMA 19: LIGHTS OUT - RESULTS

Dan Movahedi def Joe Stevenson via Submission (RNC) Round 1
Wendle Lewis def Mehmet Adnan via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Huseyin Garabet def Khalid Raja via KO (Punch) Round 1
Ben Craggy def Johnny Donoghue via KO (GnP) Round 1
Corey Tait def Danny Pearson via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Rafik Benziada def Tomas Siaucila via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Colin Wilby def Harry Shoebridge via KO (Punch) Round 1
Dyson Roberts def Colin French via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Djo Lema def Joe Holder via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Iain Martell def Chris Harman via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Georgio Andrews def James Lutman via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Marcin Bartkiewicz def Ian Hawkins via TKO (Strikes) Round 2
Oli Thompson def Ben Smith via Submission (RNC) Round 2

Johnson and Hardy: Friends set to do battle inside the Octagon

2011-03-26T22:04:45Z

Simon Head

VIDEO: Jon "Bones" Jones on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

2011-03-25T12:41:33Z

Following his incredible performance at UFC 128, where he destroyed Mauricio "Shogun" Rua to claim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, Jon "Bones" Jones appeared on the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Check out the video clips of him on the show, courtesy of NBC.

JON JONES ON THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO: PART 1

JON JONES ON THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO: PART 2

Twit-Picks: MMA's big names break down Dan Hardy v Anthony Johnson

2011-03-25T09:53:12Z

The co-main event at this weekend's UFC Fight Night in Seattle sees the return of British welterweight contender Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy as he looks to bounce back from his knockout defeat to Carlos Condit at UFC 120 in London. Hardy takes on another knockout artist, Anthony "Rumble" Johnson.

We consulted the great and the good of the MMA world to get their take on the matchup and find out who the pros themselves are picking for what promises to be an explosive encounter.

UFC Welterweight contender Carlos Condit (@CarlosCondit)
"Johnson by decision."

UCMMA Lightweight Champion Tim Radcliffe (@fightingmulambo)
"Hardy by TKO in the second. Gut feeling."

BAMMA Light Heavyweight James McSweeney (@mcsweeneymmma)
"Dan Hardy win by TKO."

Cage Warriors Matchmaker Ian Dean (@iandean)
"Depending on Johnson's weight cut I see Hardy TKOing him late in the third by wearing him down from the outside, or a decision win."

BAMMA Middleweight Champion Tom "Kong" Watson (@TomKongWatson)
"Hardy decision."

UFC Lightweight contender and Ultimate Fighter Champion Ross Pearson (@RossTheRealDeal)
"Dan Hardy all the way. 3rd round TKO stoppage!!"

Legendary former PRIDE and current Strikeforce commentator Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo)
"Johnson via TKO (ground and pound)"

UCMMA Light Heavyweight Champion Jimi Manuwa (@POSTERBOYJM)
"Someone's getting KOed. They're both explosive fighters. I like Rumble Johnson but I think Dan Hardy (has) too much for him. TKO Hardy."

Bellator Welterweight Jimmy Wallhead (@JudoJimmy)
"Gotta say Hardy of course by KO late in the 2nd! Or maybe even a sub? He's been working hard! WAR!"

UCMMA Light Heavyweight contender Nick "Headhunter" Chapman (@NickHeadHunter)
"Hardy dude!"

ESPN MMA Live Anchorman Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik)
"Dan Hardy by TKO."

THE MIRRORTKO TEAM VERDICT

Simon Head (@simonhead)
"I'm taking Hardy by KO. I think he'll be stronger at the weight. Johnson may be a bit too lean."

Courtney Rawle (@chokewho)
"Hardy via submission."

Dan Ferdinand (@danferdinand)
"Hardy TKO. He's too fast and slick."

Toby Smith (@MrTobySmith)
"Johnson by decision, but I'm cheering for Dan obviously."

Jay Dann (@jay_dann)
"Hardy TKO in the third round."

Aundre Jacobs (@mmaukblog)
"Majority draw... only playing. Unanimous decision Johnson."

Who are YOU picking for this fight? Leave your comments below, telling us who'll win, and how they'll win.

Are you ready? TUF 13 is on its way...

2011-03-24T22:25:21Z

Coming soon to our screens is the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter, the reality show that has helped produce some of the UFC's best-loved superstar fighters.

This series is number 13, and features two of the UFC's big guns as coaches, with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar and heavyweight knockout artist and top contender Junior Dos Santos.

Semtex looks to explode on Diaz and claim Strikeforce gold

2011-03-24T21:44:31Z

British welterweight Paul "Semtex" Daley gets his shot at Strikeforce World Championship gold when he takes on current Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz at the Valley View Casino Centre in San Diego on April 9th.

Daley (26-9-2) sharpened his striking skills in his recent destruction of DEEP Welterweight Champion Yuya Shirai at BAMMA 5 in February and is looking to continue his winning ways with victory against the durable and unorthodox Diaz (24-7-1).

Also on the card Gilbert Melendez (18-2) defends his Strikeforce Lightweight Title against Japanese challenger Tatsuya "Crusher" Kawajiri (27-6-2).

Tom "Kong" Watson signs three-fight deal with BAMMA

2011-03-24T16:55:34Z

Europe's leading MMA promotion BAMMA are proud to announce current BAMMA Middleweight Champion Tom "Kong" Watson has signed a new three fight deal.

Arguably the best middleweight outside ZUFFA, Watson says, "I am really pleased to confirm I have signed a three fight deal with BAMMA. They are a great organisation, putting on some great fights and really striving to be one of the best promotions in the world."

Watson won the BAMMA Middleweight Title at BAMMA 3 and successfully defended it against Alex Reid at BAMMA 4 in not only the most talked about MMA event of 2010 but also the most viewed UK MMA event ever.

Fighting out of the world famous Jackson's Gym in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Watson is widely recognised as one of the most exciting middleweights in the world.

Tom's trainer, Greg Jackson, said, "I have been hearing great things about BAMMA and I can't wait to come over to the UK in May for Kong vs Ninja. It is a great fight for the fans as Kong always brings it and puts on a show. Hopefully I will be there much more in the future, not only just for Tom but other guys from Jackson's MMA."

Watson is due to headline at BAMMA 6 in a middleweight title clash with Murilo "Ninja" Rua that has created excitement among MMA fans across the world. The bout will take place on Saturday 21st May at Wembley Arena.

Watson said: "My next fight against Ninja proves the type of fighters BAMMA are looking to bring over and I cant wait to fight in the UK for the amazing BAMMA fans once again. I would like to thank Ashley, David, Jude and all the guys at BAMMA for giving me the opportunity to fight the best in the world and I wont let you down."

"Ninja" Rua commented, "I'm very excited about fighting in the UK again. I have great memories from the past, and it's one place that I feel happy to be fighting at. BAMMA has been growing a lot and I feel it's truly became the number 1 European promotion, with great fighters, exciting fights and great production value. I'm also very excited about challenging Tom Watson for his belt, as Tom always brings a lot of heart into his fights, and everybody knows what type of fighter I am, so this fight has all the tools to be a crowd pleaser, and I wouldn't miss it as an MMA fan!"

On Tom Watson's fight deal, David Green, BAMMAs CEO, said: "Tom is a great fighter and we're incredibly happy to have him on the roster. Tom has fought 3 fantastic fights for us so far and I have no doubt he will continue to raise the bar with his next 3. Kong vs Ninja is going to be out of this world - there's nothing more exciting and explosive as watching a fight where both guys are looking for the finish. No lay and pray, no playing for the judges, just war!

Tickets are priced from £45 and are available via www.ticketmaster.co.uk

UCMMA's Amasinger and Young to fight in landmark Canadian event

2011-03-24T16:47:32Z

Following hot debate which resulted in provincial legalization, mixed martial arts is to make its much anticipated debut in Canada's Ontario on 2nd April 2011, at Orilla town's Casino Rama.

In a turnaround last year that promised the MMA world to its largest untapped market for 2011, Ontario's government placed the sport under the same rules that are widely in use across North America with bouts falling under Ontario's Athletics Control Act.

The headline bout for Canada's official MMA debut sees Jordan "Young Guns" Mein going head to head with Josh "The People's Warrior" Burkman. While the fiercely adept Mein is a touted to be Canada's next UFC champ, Burkman is a former UFC fighter and a popular favourite.

The two British fighters come courtesy of the UK's renowned Ultimate Challenge (UCMMA) promotion.

Dean "The Renegade" Amasinger came to fame as a member of the The Ultimate Fighter TV series and trains at the UK's celebrated Rough House gym, home to elite British fighters Paul "Semtex" Daley, Dan Hardy and Ross Pearson. Dean is up against Nova Scotia's Matt MacGrath.

Fellow Brit, Team Titan's Jason "Shotgun" Young, is set for war against Toronto's 2nd degree BJJ black belt Jorge Brito who is also set to compete at the 2011 ADCC's after winning his European division.

UK fight fans will have the opportunity to watch Amasinger and Young in battle on Sky Sports' Cage Fighter show later in the year

Ultimate Challenge's promoter, Dave ODonnell, says: "It's great to get guys back out on to international soil. Any fight in America or Canada is good for an English fighter's profile."

Amasinger's publicist, Halo PR's Izzy Carnwath, says: "Dean is a fiercely talented fighter and it's fantastic to see him stepping up to fight internationally. It's also an amazing opportunity for him to be part of the groundbreaking, historical event which sees MMA christened in Ontario. You could find no better ambassador for the sport than Dean."

Rob Waterman of Knock Out Entertainment says: "I am bringing together a mix of talent from the UK, USA and of course Canada to make the first ever MMA tournament in Ontario a night to remember. It's been a long time coming and, to quote the head referee for the tournament John McCarthy, lets get it on!"