The UFC really out did themselves this time. 

Above, check out the first episode of UFC Primetime: Rousey vs. Carmouche, which premiered last night. In my opinion, probably the best episode that the UFC has ever put out. It's a must watch.

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Alexander Shlemenko used a mix of punishing shots to the head and body to finish off Maiquel Falcao and claim the Bellator middleweight title in the featured attraction at Bellator 88 on Thursday night.

The event, which emanated from The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, also saw the completion of the quarterfinals of Bellator's season eight featherweight tournament. Marlon Sandro, Mike Richman, Alexandre Bezerra and Magomedrasul Khasbulaev all moved on to the semifinals with victories.

Complete results from the event are after the jump.

Continue reading "Alexander Shlemenko KOs Maiquel Falcao to claim Bellator middleweight belt"

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Be sure to check back here at 8 PM ET to watch the live preliminary bouts for tonight's Bellator 88 event. The undercard is headlined by a featherweight tournament quarterfinal bout between Alexandre Bezerra and Genair da Silva. The show's main card will air on Spike starting at 10 PM ET.

Predictions are here. Three things to watch for here.

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The UFC continues to finalize fights in preparation for their April shows.

A quartet of fights has been added to the list of UFC on FOX 7 preliminary bouts, all in the lightweight division. Recent Strikeforce signees Jorge Masvidal and Roger Bowling will make their UFC debuts against Tim Means and Anthony Njokuani respectively. TUF Smashes lightweight winner Norman Parke will face Jon Tuck in his first real UFC test. Undefeated prospect Myles Jury will also meet Ramsey Nijem.

In addition, a pivotal featherweight matchup between Brad Pickett and Mike Easton has been signed as well as a 145 pound meeting between Marcus Brimage, who remains undefeated in the UFC, and newcomer Conor McGregor, who currently holds titles in the featherweight and lightweight division in the Cage Warriors promotion.

Continue reading "Four bouts added to UFC on FOX 7; Two matchups official for UFC on Fuel TV 9"

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Bellator will crown a new middleweight champion and kick off the start of its season eight featherweight tournament during Bellator 88 this evening from Duluth, Georgia.

Alexander Shlemenko and Maiquel Falcao meet for the vacant Bellator 185 pound title and Marlon Sandro and Mike Richman will headline an eight-man field vying for a shot at the belt at 145 pounds. The show's main card will air live on Spike starting at 10 PM. You can also catch the preliminary bouts right here on MMA on Tap starting at 8 PM ET.

My predictions are after the jump.

Continue reading "Bellator 88 predictions"

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All 18 fighters made weight for tomorrow night's Bellator 88 event, which takes place at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia.

Maiquel Falcao and Alexander Shlemenko, the last two fighters to win a middleweight tournament, will clash for the vacant Bellator middleweight title, left behind by Hector Lombard after signing with the UFC. In addition, Marlon Sandro and Mike Richman will headline an eight-man field vying for a shot at the belt at 145 pounds.

Complete weigh-in results are after the jump.

Continue reading "Shlemenko, Falcao on weight for Bellator middleweight title fight"

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UFC lightweight Thiago Tavares has tested positive for the anabolic steroid Drostanolone following his first-round TKO loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC on FX 7 on January 19 in Brazil.

The UFC announced the result this afternoon. Tatame was the first to report the news. Tavares will receive a nine-month suspension and will also have to pass a drug test following the suspension in order to be cleared to fight again.

An official statement from the UFC regarding the matter is after the jump. The most interesting tidbit includes clarification about rumors circulating that Vitor Belfort had tested positive for a banned substance. It also mentions that Belfort has been approved for testosterone replacement therapy.

Continue reading "Thiago Tavares tests positive for steroids; UFC announces Vitor Belfort medically approved for TRT"

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In the above video from last night's "UFC Tonight" broadcast, UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez talks to Ariel Helwani about a host of topics including when he would like to return to action, fighting training partner Daniel Cormier, and rematches with Antonio Silva and Junior dos Santos among other things.

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Another week gone by and another offering from Bellator is on the docket for this Thursday night as the promotion will feature a middleweight championship bout as well as the start of the season eight featherweight tournament.

Maiquel Falcao and Alexander Shlemenko, the last two fighters to win a middleweight tournament, will clash for the vacant Bellator middleweight title, left behind by Hector Lombard after signing with the UFC. In addition, Marlon Sandro and Mike Richman will headline an eight-man field vying for a shot at the belt at 145 pounds.

After the jump, check out three things that you should watch for during tomorrow night's telecast.

Continue reading "Three things to watch for: Bellator 88"

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UFC lightweight and now featherweight contender Anthony Pettis discusses his decision to drop down to 145 pounds and challenge Jose Aldo for the UFC featherweight title this summer with Chael Sonnen and Kenny Florian on last night's episode of "UFC Tonight". 

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