MMAjunkie.com Articles

EliteXC pleased with performances of Shlemenko, Khalidov, Herman

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:20:08 GMT

While Saturday night's "ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series" event may be most immediately memorable for a few odd stoppages and the bizarre incidents surrounding Jason Guida, the organization felt that several bright prospects took a step forward with their performances.

As EliteXC Head of Fight Operations Jeremy Lappen told MMAjunkie.com after the card, debuting Europeans Alexander Shlemenko and Mamed Khalidov, as well as rising star Dave "Pee Wee" Herman all made an impact in their divisions.

"Every fight that we do, I'm very, very proud of," Lappen said. "We take a lot of time in the matchmaking process and who we want to bring in. We try to get exciting fighters and people that the fans want to see."

UFC 91 televised main card finalized

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:10:00 GMT

The UFC has confirmed a total of five televised fights for the Nov. 15 "UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar" event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view event is headlined by a UFC heavyweight championship fight between current title-holder Randy Couture, who returns from a one-year layoff following a contract dispute with the UFC, and former WWE superstar and UFC rookie Brock Lesnar.

Four other bouts, including a key lightweight bout between contenders Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson, will also be on the televised card.

No RITC fight for Joe Riggs, Nov. 21 Strikeforce bout definite

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:25:01 GMT

Despite Rage in the Cage's announcement that Joe Riggs (28-11) would headline its Nov. 8 event in a fight with middleweight JR Schumacher (4-1), an official from Strikeforce today told MMAjunkie.com that the fight isn't happening.

Instead, as Strikeforce announced on Friday, Riggs will meet welterweight prospect Luke Stewart (6-1) at "Strikeforce: Destruction," which takes place Nov. 21 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Strikeforce executive Mike Afromowitz isn't sure why RITC announced that Riggs would be fighting just two weeks before his organization's event, but he made it very clear that it's Strikeforce's decision to make.

EliteXC executive welcomes Florida probe, insists it's a "non-story"

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:15:00 GMT

While the thought of a government investigation may concern company executives in a variety of industries, EliteXC Head of Fight Operations Jeremy Lappen welcomes the probe with open arms.

After all, as Lappen recently told MMAjunkie.com, he's got nothing to hide.

"It's not a concern at all," Lappen said of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's impending investigation. "In fact we're glad that they're doing that.

"The Sunday Junkie" deadline reminder

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:10:00 GMT

Submissions for the upcoming edition of "The Sunday Junkie" are due Sunday.

Whether it's last night's "ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series," tonight's "Night of Combat II," continued fall-out from Seth Petruzelli's surprise win over Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson at "EliteXC: Heat" -- and EliteXC's alleged attempt to manipulate the course of the bout, K.J. Noon's claim of free agency or any other topic, this is your chance to share your thoughts with fellow fight fans.

Send your submission of no more than 150 words with your full name (or MMAjunkie.com screen name) and hometown to sundayjunkie AT mmajunkie.com by Sunday at 10 a.m. ET. The best ones will be published in the upcoming edition of "The Sunday Junkie." For sample entries, check out our Oct. 5 edition.

Robbie Lawler not relying on past success against Joe Villasenor

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:55:00 GMT

HAMMOND, Ind. -- EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler has been down this road before.

Four weeks from now, Lawler will face a familiar foe in New Mexico's Joe Villasenor in Reno, Nev. And while the first meeting ended with Lawler's hand raised after just 22 seconds of work, the HIT Squad fighter recently told MMAjunkie.com he's preparing for a brand new opponent.

"The last fight was the last fight," Lawler said. "I caught him early and I ended up taking him out. I don't really look at it as we've fought. I look at it as it's a new guy."

Cyrille Diabate declines Nov. 8 EliteXC bout with Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:05:00 GMT

HAMMOND, Ind. -- With a brutal stretch of three cards in 15 days behind the organization, EliteXC can now shift its full attention to the upcoming Nov. 8 card in Reno, Nev.

With two title fights already on the slate for that evening, EliteXC officials had hoped to book a third. But as EliteXC Head of Fight Operations Jeremy Lappen recently told MMAjunkie.com, the debut of the light-heavyweight title is still uncertain.

"Cyrille Diabate is not going to fight (Rafael) 'Feijao' for the title," Lappen said. "We offered him the fight, but he felt like he didn't have enough time to get ready."

All fighters make weight for "Night of Combat II"

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:30:00 GMT

All participants for tonight's "Night of Combat II" have made weight for the event, including main event competitors Hector "Sick Dog" Ramirez and kickboxing legend Rick Roufus.

In addition to the main event, the card is full of several UFC and IFL veterans, including John Alessio, Gideon Ray, Josh Haynes, Sean Salmon and John Halverson.

MMAjunkie.com will be on the scene tonight to provide live round-by-round results and a full event recap.

Dave Herman's record unblemished after night of ShoXC imperfections

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:15:00 GMT

HAMMOND, Ind. -- In an evening packed full of strange happenings and odd occurrences, it seems only fitting that a man who once referred to himself as "Blueberry Muffin" would turn in one of the most impressive performances.

Such was the case at this evening's "ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series" event from the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind., as undefeated prospect Dave "Pee Wee" Herman kept his perfect record intact with a first-round dismantling of Kerry Schall.

Earlier action saw two fights end between rounds, a rarely seen 29-29 judge's scorecard and a significant delay in action due to a lost mouthpiece.

Oct. 10 ShoXC round-by-round updates and official results

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:30:00 GMT

HAMMOND, Ind. -- MMAjunkie.com is on scene and reporting live from tonight's ShowXC event at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind.

Live round-by-round updates and official results of the night's preliminary and main cards begin at approximately 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). The Showime broadcast begins at 11 p.m. ET.

The night's main event features a heavyweight contest between undefeated heavyweight prospect Dave "Pee Wee" Herman and "The Ultimate Fighter 2" veteran Kerry Schall. Also featured on the Showtime broadcast will be "The Ultimate Fighter 8" cast member Jason Guida against Polish import Mamed Khalidov, and Indiana native Anthony Lapsley vs. Mike Stumpf.

Report: Andrei Arlovski vs. Fedor Emelianenko official for Affliction

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:50:00 GMT

Andrei Arlovski will return to Affliction to battle current WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko at the organization's second event, "Day of Reckoning," according to Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio.

MMARated.com was the first to report the news.

In contrast to previous reports, Atencio also said the event would not feature any boxing -- despite the involvement of Golden Boy Promotions.

Sick Dog Blog: Headliner Hector Ramirez on "A Night of Combat II"

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:15:00 GMT

Last month MMAjunkie.com announced the launch of es.mmajunkie.com, our Spanish-language version of the site.

The site now has its first guest columnist: Mexican-American Hector "Sick Dog" Ramirez, a former UFC fighter who headlines Saturday's "A Night of Combat II" event in Las Vegas, where he meets former K-1 champ Rick "The Jet" Rufus. Ramirez discusses why he first got into MMA, how the death of his friend pulled him out of semi-retirement, how he's prepared for his latest comeback, and why he has so much pride as a Mexican-American fighter.

Although this story originally appeared on es.mmajunkie.com, we present it here for our English-speaking audience.

Ken Shamrock issues open letter of apology

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:05:00 GMT

MMA legend Ken Shamrock was prepared for one final shot at glory.

After winning just one bout since 2002, Shamrock's heavily publicized return against street-fighting legend Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson was to be the main event of this past weekend's "EliteXC: Heat." Instead, a laceration suffered on the day of the event forced Shamrock off of the card.

Shamrock has not been available to MMAjunkie.com for comment since his medical disqualification, but the 44-year-old yesterday released an open letter on his official website, Ken Shamrock.com, in which he apologized for his unfortunate injury -- but also expressed his desire for EliteXC to schedule the bout with Slice again.

KJ Noons: I offered to give my belt back to EliteXC

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:40:00 GMT

Mired in the center of controversy for several months, former EliteXC lightweight champion recently told MMAjunkie.com he could have saved the organization substantial time and trouble.

After all, Noons offered to give his title back.

"I gave (EliteXC) five days notice, before I was stripped, that I wanted to give the belt back and be released from my contract," Noons said. "Then they stripped me without even (telling me) -- I found out on the internet. That was I guess (EliteXC) trying to prove a point, I guess you could say."

Up next for Josh Thomson? Chris Horodecki and Caul Uno possible

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:20:00 GMT

After an outmatched Ashe Bowman gave Josh Thomson (16-2) little more than a 74-second tune-up fight back in September, the Strikeforce world lightweight champion could get a major step up in competition come November.

After that non-title fight, Thomson will defend his belt for the first time at the organization's Nov. 21 "Destruction" event in San Jose, Calif.

Although no official opponent has been announced, Strikeforce executive Mike Afromowitz today confirmed with MMAjunkie.com that former IFL stand-out Chris Horodecki (12-1) and DREAM/UFC veteran Caol Uno (25-11-4) are under consideration for the fight.

Strikeforce adds Joe Riggs vs. Luke Stewart at 170 pounds

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:10:00 GMT

After a disappointing loss to Kazuo Misaki in September's "Strikeforce at the Mansion II" event, Joe Riggs will make his long-rumored return to welterweight in November.

The organization announced in a press release overnight that Riggs will meet seven-time Strikeforce veteran Luke Stewart in its Nov. 21 return to San Jose, Calif.

The bout is Riggs' last in his current Strikeforce contract. As the 28-year-old told MMAjunkie.com, Riggs has had plans of returning to 170 pounds -- and the UFC -- for several months.

ShoXC preview: Controversial week ends back in cage for EliteXC

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:45:00 GMT

An eventful seven-day stretch for EliteXC concludes Friday night with the latest edition of the promotion's "ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series" and a heavyweight main event between Dave "Pee Wee" Herman (11-0) and "TUF" veteran Kerry Schall (21-10).

The show comes after a wild night last Saturday in South Florida when one Shamrock (Ken) bailed out of his bout with Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson. Another Shamrock (Frank) offered to move from the broadcast team to the cage as a replacement, while the eventual sub, Seth Petruzelli, handed Slice his first taste of the canvas.

A potentially damaging exchange between fighter and promotion ensued, as Petruzelli insinuated during a radio interview that EliteXC encouraged him to make the fight against Slice a stand-up battle. EliteXC has denied any impropriety.

With win at ShoXC, "Pee Wee" Herman seeks bout with Brett Rogers

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:45:00 GMT

Dave "Pee Wee" Herman is not your typical undefeated heavyweight prospect. But as Herman told the media at Thursday's official "ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series" weigh-ins, don't expect him to change anytime soon.

"Yes, I am still training alone and, no, I'm not really worried about joining a camp or team," Herman said.

A win tonight would put Herman at the top of ProElite's thin heavyweight division, and the Indiana native would like a shot at fellow undefeated prospect Brett Rogers.

Ten "TUF" Questions: Shane Nelson on week No. 4

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:30:00 GMT

This week's episode of "The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir" featured a drunken tirade involving two of this season's top lightweights.

Rather than being sent home for his role in the drama, lightweight Shane Nelson was instead pegged to fight. Unfortunately for Nelson, the results of the bout would still lead to his elimination.

Find out Nelson's thoughts on the drama that surrounded this episode, his fight performance, and the enigma that is Junie Browning.

Josh Koscheck vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida headlines UFC Fight Night 16 card

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:55:00 GMT

As expected top UFC welterweight contender Josh Koscheck (11-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) will headline December's "UFC Fight Night 16: UFC Fights for the Troops" event against Japanese fighter and UFC rookie Yoshiyuki Yoshida (10-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC).

The UFC today announced the event details.

The event, which features notables such as Mike Swick, Frankie Edgar, Matt Wiman and Luigi Fioravanti, takes place at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, N.C., near the Fort Bragg military installation.

"Inside MMA" preview: Rutten says Petruzelli's TKO was no lucky punch

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:35:00 GMT

That off-balance, one-punch right jab that Seth Petruzelli used to drop Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and set up a TKO victory at "EliteXC: Heat" was no lucky punch, Bas Rutten claims.

Rutten, Kimbo's trainer, defended his opponent's punch and said it would be wrong to assume Petruzelli simply got lucky -- for a very simple reason.

Rutten stated his case while hosting a recent taping of "Inside MMA," which debuts Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET on HDNet.

Fully healed and training, "Babalu" ready for Southworth on Nov. 21

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:15:00 GMT

After suffering a knee injury in mid-August and undergoing surgery in early September, Renato "Babalu" Sobral is healed and again training full-time in preparation of a Nov. 21 title fight with Strikeforce world light heavyweight champion Bobby Southworth (9-5).

Richard Wilner, Sobral's laywer and manager, today alerted MMAjunkie.com of the upcoming fight -- one of two title fights planned for the event.

The Nov. 21 Strikeforce event takes place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., and features the first title defense of recently crowned Strikeforce world lightweight champion Josh Thomson.

Advertiser Spotlight: "Human Wrecking Balls"

Eric Foster [performify] — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:10:00 GMT

Craig Pumphrey won National Pancrase championships in 2003 and in 2005 and was inducted in to the USAFPA Pankraction Hall of Fame and the International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame.

Younger brother Paul is also a member of the International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame and was featured on the television show "Fight Science."

Together, the Pumphrey brothers demolish everything from boats and cars to houses and bars using only their bare hands. Their new half-hour series, "Human Wrecking Balls," premieres Nov. 12 on G4 TV. In our latest Advertiser Spotlight, we preview the show, which includes a video preview.

Benji Radach on today's TAGG Radio

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:55:00 GMT

Veteran fighter Benji Radach (19-4), who scored a stunning knockout of Murilo "Ninja" Rua at this past weekend's "EliteXC: Heat" event, will be a guest on today's edition of TAGG Radio.

Have a question for the UFC/IFL veteran, who's won six of his past seven fights? Leave it in the comments section below and then tune in to TAGG Radio.

Check out a stream and live in-studio webcam of TAGG Radio today, and every Monday-Friday, at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) on www.taggradio.com.

Team Nogueira blog: Ryan Bader on episode No. 4, Junie's meltdown

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:15:00 GMT

"The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir" cast member and MMAjunkie.com blogger Ryan Bader returns with his inside look at episode No. 4 of the reality series.

Just one week after winning a fight to advance to the quarterfinals, Bader again plays a prominent role in the episode -- thanks entirely to Junie Browning.

Find out how the drunken housemate's epic meltdown had the house on edge, why Bader's dip in the pool nearly cost him $3,000, how Dana White's decision shocked (and upset) the entire cast, and why even coach Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was threatening Junie.

Team Mir blog: Assistant coach Ken Hahn's training insight for episode No. 4

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:30:00 GMT

Team Mir assistant coach and MMAjunkie.com blogger Ken Hahn returns with a look back at episode No. 4 of "The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir."

Obviously, Junie Browning's meltdown was the key focus on the latest "TUF" episode. Hahn explains how Junie's reluctance to learn from his mistakes with a positive attitude cost him in the training room.

Hahn also describes specific fight preparations for Shane Nelson, who met Efrain Escudero in a preliminary-round fight.

Episode No. 4 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir"

John Morgan [kingofabuelos] — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:55:00 GMT

With one fight in the books, the process of determining two new winners is well underway on "The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir."

In tonight's episode No. 4 of "TUF," Junie Browning continues his exploration of how far Chris Leben could have gone. An alcohol-fueled binge, multiple confrontations with other member of the house and a visit from Dana White are all on Junie's agenda. Will another week in the house be on his plate as well?

Check out our full episode recap inside.

Four-time NCAA All-American Phil Davis makes pro MMA debut Saturday

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:55:00 GMT

Four-time NCAA All-American and 2008 NCAA national champion Phil Davis (0-0), who finished his Penn State wrestling career with a 26-1 record his senior year, will make his professional MMA debut this weekend at "The Awakening."

The event, produced by Frederic Belleton's NoBoundary Mixed Martial Arts, takes place Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Jungleplex in Plymouth, Mass.

Davis, who finished his collegiate career just this year, replaces Karn Gregorian (illness) and will fight Brett Chism (8-2) in the night's main event.

"TUF6" runner-up Tommy Speer wins in return in Minnesota

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:59:55 GMT

For the first time since back-to-back losses in the UFC, which included a first-round submission loss to Mac Danzig in the show's live finale, "The Ultimate Fighter 6" runner-up Tommy Speer (10-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC) picked up an MMA victory.

Speer, who left the UFC after a 51-second knockout loss to Anthony Johnson in April, defeated MMA newcomer and former Marines Combatives veteran Joe Julianelle (0-1) this past Saturday.

The MMA/boxing event, dubbed "10-4 Thunder," took place at Graham Arena at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester, Minn.

Ask the Doc: The dangers of shin conditioning and MRSA skin infections

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:25:00 GMT

In this week's installment of "Ask the Doc," MMAjunkie.com medical columnist and consultant Dr. Johnny Benjamin takes a look at two issues - and potential problems - in MMA.

In his most recent "TUF" blog for MMAjunkie.com, Team Mir assistant Ken Hahn introduced many readers to the concept of shin conditioning - the strengthening of legs via repetitive stress. However, a reader wants to know what the dangers of this process are.

Additionally, Dr. Benjamin discusses why MRSA infections are so dangerous and what can be done to avoid the sometimes-distgusting consequences.

Eddie Alvarez and Michelle Waterson on today's TAGG Radio

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:10:21 GMT

Top-ranked lightweight Eddie Alvarez will look to continue his breakout year next month when he meets Nick Diaz on Nov. 8 for the vacant EliteXC lightweight title.

Alvarez will join Michelle "The Karate Hottie" Waterson, who posted a quick submission victory at this past weekend's "Strikeforce: Payback" event, on today's edition of TAGG Radio, the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com.

Catch a live stream of the show, as well as the in-studio webcam, at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) at www.taggradio.com.

"A Night of Combat II" with Couture, Arlovski, Carano, Tyson and others

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:43:24 GMT

In addition to a solid fight card and inexpensive ticket prices, Saturday's "A Night of Combat II" event in Las Vegas will feature a star-studded autograph signing with some of MMA's most popular fighters.

In the hour prior to the start of the event, from 5-6 p.m. PT, Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Andrei Arloski, Gina Carano, Gray Maynard, Tyson Griffin, Karo Parisyan, Josh Burkman, Mike Whitehead, Sam Stout, Martin Kampmann, Frank Trigg and Clay Guida will be signing autographs.

Boxing great Mike Tyson will also be on hand.

After "depressing" July loss, Jorge Gurgel next meets Aaron Riley at UFC 91

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:30:00 GMT

After dealing with the first bout of depression in his entire life, submission specialist Jorge Gurgel (12-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) will next fight at UFC 91 against Aaron Riley (26-10-1 MMA, 0-2 UFC).

Gurgel today told MMAjunkie.com that bout agreements have been signed for the Nov. 15 fight, which Gurgel hopes will erase the memory of a loss to Cole Miller earlier this year.

"I never in my life -- never in any circumstance -- I've never been depressed," Gurgel said of the Miller fight. "Depression can't get to me. I'm always happy. I don't get depressed. But, I got to the point where I couldn't sleep."

Sources: UFC signs U.K. fighter Abdul Mohamed for UFC 93

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:30:00 GMT

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has further added to its growing roster of European talent by inking a deal with top U.K. lightweight Abdul Mohamed (16-6-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC).

Sources close to Mohamed told MMAjunkie.com of the signing on Monday, though terms of the contract were not undisclosed.

Mohamed is expected to make his debut at UFC 93, which takes place Jan. 17 in Dublin, Ireland.

Rich Franklin's "Cyborg Soldier" released on DVD today

MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:59:00 GMT

"Cyborg Soldier," former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin's first professional movie gig, was released today on DVD.

The movie, a First Look Pictures sci-fi flick, also features TV star Tiffani Thiessen ("Saved by the Bell" and "Beverly Hill 90210") and Bruce Greenwood ("I, Robot" and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets").

The movie focuses on I.S.A.A.C. (Intuitive Synthetic Autonomous Assault Commando), played by Franklin, who is the first prototype of a confidential "human weapon" program who goes on the run from secret military agents. Check out the trailer inside.