MMAjunkie.com Articles

MMAjunkie.com Radio tonight: UFC president Dana White, Shields, Dos Santos, Joey Karate

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:55:00 GMT

Another star-studded week of MMAjunkie.com Radio continues with a special evening show, and Strikeforce's newly crowned middleweight champion is our in-studio guest.

The veteran fighter, winner of 13 straight fights going back to 2005, discusses his new belt, his future in the welterweight and middleweight divisions, why he says Cung Le won't fight him, and his thoughts on his this weekend's UFC 106 card.

Tonight's show begins at a special time of 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

WEC and Versus could be nearing new contract, though deal not official

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:45:00 GMT

A contract extension between World Extreme Cagefighting and its longtime broadcast partner, Versus, is apparently close to finalized.

UFC president Dana White suggested it was a done deal during today's UFC Fight Club Q&A session at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

However, when contacted by MMAjunkie.com, WEC officials could not comment on the matter, which suggests a deal is not official but likely closely to finalized.

UFC 106 official weigh-in results: Ortiz (204) and Griffin (205) lead the way

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:15:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - MMAjunkie.com was on scene for today's "UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin II" official fighter weigh-ins, where all 20 competitors successfully made weight.

The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas was home to the day's ceremonies, and the same venue hosts Saturday's Spike TV- and PPV-broadcast event.

Headliners Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin made the 206-pound limit with weight to spare; Ortiz weighed 204 pounds, and Griffin tipped the scale at 205 pounds. Co-headliners Anthony Johnson (170) and Josh Koscheck (171) also made their 171-pound limit.

Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen middleweight bout set for UFC 109 (not UFC 110)

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:50:07 GMT

A bout between middleweight contenders Nate Marquardt (29-8-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) and Chael Sonnen (24-10-1 MMA, 3-3 UFC) originally believed to be part of the UFC 110 card in Australia instead takes place in Las Vegas at UFC 109.

MMAjunkie.com learned of the booking from sources close to the fight, though it's unclear if bout agreements have been finalized.

UFC 109 takes place Feb. 6 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and airs on pay-per-view.

UFC 106's Phil Baroni striving to be "a poor man's Josh Koscheck"

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:10:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - Welterweight Phil Baroni (13-11 MMA, 3-5 UFC) has been on the big stage before.

Whether it was Baroni's previous eight-fight run in the UFC or his sequin-robed waltz down the EliteXC entrance ramps on CBS, the "New York Bad Ass" is no stranger to public attention.

But as Baroni prepares for a return trip the world-famous octagon, the 33-year-old is shedding some of his previous antics in favor of a new title: a poor man's Josh Koscheck.

Matt Serra and Frank Trigg set for February's UFC 109 in Las Vegas

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:20:00 GMT

A welterweight bout between former champion Matt Serra (9-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC) and one-time top contender Frank Trigg (19-7 MMA, 2-4 UFC) is expected to take place in February at UFC 109.

Official word of the the long-rumored contest came today from The Fight Network, and MMAjunkie.com has confirmed with sources close to the event that bout agreements are expected to be finalized shortly.

Although not officially announced by the organization, UFC 109 is expected to take place Feb. 6 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Scheduling problems could halt Shane Carwin vs. Cain Vealsquez interim title fight

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:05:00 GMT

A potential interim heavyweight title fight between Shane Carwin (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and Cain Velasquez (7-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) could be in jeopardy due to a scheduling conflict.

With current champion Brock Lesnar's recent bacterial infection and hospitalization expected to keep him out of action until mid-2010, his fight with Carwin - first planned for UFC 106 and then scrapped again from January's UFC 108 card - is on hold.

Earlier this week, Carwin confirmed he and Velasquez "are in talks" for a potential interim title fight, but a source close to the fighter told MMAjunkie.com the target date, UFC 110 in Australia, could be a problem.

WEC 44 medical suspensions: Nunes, Swanson, Banuelos suspended six months

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:25:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - The Nevada State Athletic Commission has issued medical suspensions to seven fighters, including headliner Mike Brown, from this past Wednesday's "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" event, and three of the competitors could be out of action for up to six month.

Diego Nunes, Cub Swanson and Antonio Banuelos were issued the lengthy suspensions for injuries ranging from an orbital blowout fracture to a broken hand.

MMAjunkie.com recently requested and today received the full list of suspensions from the NSAC.

MMAjunkie.com Radio: MMA legend Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo (1 p.m. ET)

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:00 GMT

MMAjunkie.com Radio again hosts two shows today, and our regular daytime program welcomes a true MMA legend.

Former top UFC heavyweight contender and MMA trailblazer Pedro Rizzo stops by the studio to discuss his 13-year professional career. "The Rock" also discusses cornering new WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo and helps us break down Saturday's UFC 106 event, among other topics.

MMAjunkie.com Radio begins at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Performify's Picks for UFC 106: Recommended plays aplenty on Saturday's card

Eric Foster [performify] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Eric "Performify" Foster, MMAjunkie.com's resident handicapper, returns for a breakdown and recommended picks for the full card of Saturday's UFC 106 event.

Foster shares his thoughts on the entire card and recommends placing a few bets, including a pair of longshot underdog predictions.

Read on for his thoughts on every UFC 106 matchup, and then jump into the comments section to share your own predictions for the pay-per-view event.

UFC 106 preview: Role reversal for Forrest Griffin and Tito Ortiz

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:15:00 GMT

Ordinarily, a bout between two fighters who are winless in their past five combined bouts would have no business headlining a UFC pay-per-view telecast. However, these two mixed martial artists happen to be two of the sport's marquee names.

Forrest Griffin and Tito Ortiz square off Saturday night in the main event of UFC 106 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Griffin comes into the contest on a two-fight skid, including a lopsided loss to Anderson Silva in August. Ortiz hasn't tasted victory since stopping Ken Shamrock three years ago.

Yet, as MMAjunkie.com's Steve Sievert explains in our official UFC 106 preview, this match-up is worthy of its top-of-the-card status.

"The Sunday Junkie" deadline reminder, win a free Fighters Only subscription!

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:15:00 GMT

As a reminder, submissions for the upcoming edition of "The Sunday Junkie" are due Sunday at 10 a.m. ET.

As always, all topics (including this this week's WEC 44 and UFC 106 events) are open for discussion. The person who sends in the submission we deem the best - based on timeliness of subject, clarity and overall persuasiveness - will be invited onto MMAjunkie.com Radio to discuss the topic.

Each winner will also receive a free year's subscription to Fighters Only, the world's leading MMA and lifestyle magazine!

Watch today's UFC 106 fighter weigh-ins live on MMAjunkie.com at 7 p.m. ET

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - MMAjunkie.com is on scene for today's "UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin II" fighters weigh-ins, and readers are invited to watch today's proceedings, which we carry live at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT local time).

Today's media event takes place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Doors open at 3 p.m. PT, and the event is free and open to the public.

The event serves as a lead-in for Saturday's UFC 106 event, which airs on both pay-per-view (main card) and Spike TV (two-fight preliminary card) live from the same venue.

Jose Aldo's first defense uncertain; Mike Brown "most likely" not an option

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - New WEC champ Jose Aldo had no sooner tried on his featherweight title belt than the inevitable question was asked.

"Who's next?"

At Wednesday's "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" post-fight press conference, WEC general manager Reed Harris said that decision would be made in the coming weeks, but one name could probably be crossed off the list: former champ Mike Brown.

"Strikeforce Challengers V: Woodley vs. Bears" weigh-in results

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:20:00 GMT

All 22 fighters competing at Friday's "Strikeforce Challengers V: Woodley vs. Bears" event have hit the scales and officially made weight for the show.

The weigh-ins took place at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. The same venue plays host to Friday's event.

Featuring a main event between welterweight prospects Tyron Woodley (5-0) and Rudy Bears (10-3) and a female co-headliner between Kim Couture (1-1) and Kerry Vera (1-0), "Strikeforce Challengers V: Woodley vs. Bears" airs on Showtime.

Strikeforce to Florida in 2010 with Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos and Herschel Walker

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:10:00 GMT

The California-based Strikeforce promotion makes its first trip to Florida in January.

The organization today officially announced the first Showtime-broadcast event of 2010 will take place on Jan. 30 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.

The card will feature female champion Cris "Cyborg" Santos and the MMA debut of former NCAA and NFL great Herschel Walker, though opponents for the duo were not announced.

MMAjunkie.com Radio tonight: New champ Aldo, Hazelett, Grove, Swanson, Soares

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:20:00 GMT

Be sure to catch a special evening edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio today as we welcome to the show newly crowned WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo and his MMA super-agent, Ed Soares.

Also joining them in studio are Dustin Hazelett, whose UFC 106 fight with Karo Parisyan was canceled today, UFC 106 fighter Kendall Grove, and WEC 44 winner Cub Swanson also stop by the studio.

Today's show begins at a special time of 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

"TUF 10" episode No. 10 again draws season-low 2.4 million viewers

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:50:00 GMT

After ratings dipped to a season low last week, the numbers held steady this week for the 10th episode of "The Ultimate Fighter 10," which again drew 2.4 million viewers.

Despite the season's gradual decline in ratings, the Nov. 18 episode, which went head-to-head with "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" on Versus, was the No. 1 rated program in its timeslot among men ages 18-34, according to Spike TV.

After a remarkable season debut (4.1 million) and record-setting third episode (5.3 million), the heavyweights-only season of the UFC's competition reality series has drawn between just 2.4 and 2.8 million viewers for the past seven episodes.

Thiago vs. Volkmann replaces Hazelett vs. Parisyan on UFC 106 main card

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:20:00 GMT

A welterweight bout between Paulo Thiago (11-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) and Jacob Volkmann (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) originally slated for Saturday's "UFC 106: Griffin vs. Ortiz II" un-aired preliminary card today was promoted to the pay-per-view main card.

The fight takes the spot vacated by Karo Parisyan vs. Dustin Hazelett, which was canceled today following Parisyan's decision to pull out of the fight for undisclosed reasons.

With the change, Spike TV's special one-hour preliminary card broadcast will remain intact with Marcus Davis vs. Ben Saunders and Kendall Grove vs. Jake Rosholt.

Dustin Hazelett "disappointed" by UFC 106 cancellation but ready for quick return

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:50:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - First came the phone call from training partner and friend Jorge Gurgel. Then the reporters started calling about the same rumor. And after a quick call to UFC Vice President of Talent Relations Joe Silva, Dustin Hazelett got the official word.

Opponent Karo Parisyan had pulled out of their UFC 106 main card bout.

Hazelett spoke to MMAjunkie.com today about the situation and why he specifically wanted to fight Parisyan.

Dana White: Karo Parisyan pulled out of UFC 106, not fighting Saturday

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:20:00 GMT

UFC 106 main-card fighter Karo Parisyan, who was scheduled to fight fellow welterweight prospect Dustin Hazelett on Saturday, is no longer part of the card and will never fight again in the organization, according to UFC president Dana White.

White posted a scathing message about the veteran fighter on his Twitter account this afternoon.

Fans can learn more when MMAjunkie.com streams today's UFC 106 pre-event press conference at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT).

WEC 44 official fighters salaries: Gamburyan ($36K) and Aldo ($26K) top earners

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:35:00 GMT

Newly crowned WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo and co-main-event winner Manny Gaburyan, who earned $26,000 and $36,000 respectively, were the top earners at Wednesday's "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" event.

MMAjunkie.com today requested and obtained the official disclosed salaries from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The total disclosed payroll for the Nov. 18 event, which took place at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, was $236,500.

UFC targeting Newark, N.J. for March 2010 event, presumably UFC 111

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:10:00 GMT

The Ultimate Fighting Championship could return to Newark, N.J., for a March 2010 event, a source close to the organization today told MMAjunkie.com.

The event is expected to take place at the Prudential Center, which was home to UFC 78 in November 2007, and presumably would be dubbed UFC 111.

However, the UFC has made no official announcement regarding the show. Additionally, though "there have been discussions about a date and location," Nick Lembo of the New Jersey Athletic Control Board told MMAjunkie.com no event has been finalized.

WEC 46 main card set with Semerzier vs. Taurosevicius, Valencia vs. Tamura

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:45:00 GMT

The fight card for the Jan. 10 "WEC 46: Varner vs. Henderson" event is taking shape, and a four-fight main card is now set.

As the organization previously announced, the event features a headliner and title-unfication bout between lightweight champion Jamie Varner and interim title-holder Benson Henderson, as well as a co-headliner of Urijah Faber vs. Raphael Assuncao.

Also on the Versus-televised main card are featherweights Mackens Semerzier vs. Deividas Taurosevicius and bantamweights Charlie Valencia vs. Akitoshi Tamura.

UFC 110 in Australia to air on pay-per-view

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:20:00 GMT

Since the initial news of the UFC's upcoming Australian debut and a possible headliner between Wanderlei Silva and Yoshihiro Akiyama, many fans have wondered why the event will be held on a Sunday rather than a traditional Saturday.

As expected, the show, UFC 110, takes place live at Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, Feb. 21, to accommodate a live Saturday broadcast in the U.S. on Feb. 20.

A source close to the organization today told MMAjunkie.com UFC 110 will air on pay-per-view rather than Spike TV.

UFC 105 medical suspensions: Mike Swick and Matt Brown suspended up to 180 days

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:45:00 GMT

A total of 13 fighters will serve mandatory medical suspensions following the Nov. 14 "UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera" event. And four fighters could be shut down for up to 180 days.

Main-card fighters Mike Swick, Matt Brown and James Wilks and preliminary-card fighter Paul Kelly were all issued 180-day suspensions and must receive doctor's clearance to fight any earlier.

UFC 105 took place at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England, and aired via same-day delay in the U.S. on Spike TV.

Brendan Schaub's blog for "The Ultimate Fighter 10," episode No. 10

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:30:00 GMT

"The Ultimate Fighter 10" cast member Brendan Schaub, who blogs about this season of the reality show exclusively for MMAjunkie.com, has returned with his thoughts on episode No. 10.

The undefeated heavyweight fighter writes new blog entries each Thursday morning, and today's entry talks about the Matt Mitrione situation, the coaches challenge, Kimbo Slice's first ice bath, and of course, his quarterfinal fight with Jon Madsen.

Check out today's entry as Schaub takes readers behind the scenes of Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights."

Watch today's pre-UFC 106 press conference on MMAjunkie.com at 4 p.m. ET

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - MMAjunkie.com readers are invited to watch today's "UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin II" pre-fight press conference, which airs live on MMAjunkie.com at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT).

The press conference features headliners Forrest Griffin and Tito Ortiz, co-headliners Anthony Johnson and Josh Koscheck, UFC president Dana White, and others.

The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas (home to MMAjunkie.com Radio) plays hosts to today's presser.

Former WEC champ Mike Brown: "I've got to figure out what's next"

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:20:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - Nearly an hour after dropping his WEC featherweight title to new champion Jose Aldo, Mike Brown still seemed to be processing what had happened.

Nevertheless, Brown took his turn in front of the media at Saturday night's WEC 44 post-event press conference and tried to figure out what went wrong.

"I should have opened up more," Brown told MMAjunkie.com. "I think I was too conservative. Maybe more takedown attempts. I really have to see the tape."

New WEC champ Jose Aldo says fulfilling life's dream just the beginning

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:30:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - The main event of "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" was billed as speed vs. power.

Former WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown (22-5 MMA, 4-1 UFC) was supposed to outmuscle, outwork and outgrit the explosive challenger Jose Aldo (16-1 MMA, 6-0 WEC).

Only someone forgot to tell the 23-year-old Brazilian phenom.

WEC 44 bonuses: Aldo, Roller, Swanson and Franchi earn $10,000 awards

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:55:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - In addition to a featherweight championship belt, newly crowned WEC title-holder Jose Aldo will return home to Brazil with a $10,000 bonus check.

Aldo earned the "Knockout of the Night" award, Shane Roller picked up the "Submission of the Night" bonus, and Cub Swanson and John Franchi each nabbed a "Fight of the Night" check for their performances at Wednesday's "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" event. Each bonus was worth $10,000.

MMAjunkie.com learned of the winners and award amounts in the post-fight press conference for WEC 44, which took place at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and aired on Versus.

WEC 44 main card recap: Aldo crowned new champ, Gamburyan tops Garcia

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:20:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - Jose Aldo's thrashing of World Extreme Cagefighting's featherweight division continued on Wednesday and netted the Brazilian his first major title.

Aldo topped former champ Mike Brown with a dominant second-round TKO due to ground and pound to force a stoppage and the crowning of a new champ.

The fight capped off "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo," which took place at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The night's main card aired on Versus.

WEC 44 preliminary card recap: Davis and Swanson victorious in action-packed prelims

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:15:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - Only in World Extreme Cagefighting could a preliminary card go 24 minutes and 50 seconds of a scheduled 25 and still leave fans hungry for more.

Four of the five bouts from the "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" preliminary card went the distance, including L.C. Davis' unanimous-decision win over the previously unbeaten Diego Nunes in the card's featured bout.

The event preceded the night's Versus-televised main card and took place at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Watch tonight's WEC 44 post-fight presser live on MMAjunkie.com

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT

World Extreme Cagefighting hosts a press conference following tonight's "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" event, and you can watch the proceedings live right here on MMAjunkie.com.

The traditional post-fight presser includes the night's headliners, main-card winners, WEC officials and other key personnel from tonight's Versus-televised event.

A live stream of the press conference is available at approximately midnight ET (9 p.m. PT).

WEC 44 play by play and live results

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:52:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS - MMAjunkie.com is on scene and reporting live from tonight's "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo" event at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Tonight's VERSUS-televised event features a WEC featherweight championship bout between title-holder Mike Brown and undefeated Jose Aldo, and featherweights Leonard Garcia and Manny Gamburyan meet in a No. 1 contenders bout that serves as the night's co-headliner.

Preliminary-card action begins at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT), and the main card commences at 9 p.m. ET.