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Dana White: Mark Hunt title shot ?ain?t gonna happen?

Monday, April 23, 2012

Despite a groundswell of support from fans, UFC president Dana White said Mark Hunt is not a candidate to replace Alistair Overeem in the title bout with Junior dos Santos at UFC 146 if Overeem can’t get a license.

“They can keep rallying,” White said on Saturday following UFC on FUEL TV 2 at Stockholm’s Ericsson Globe Arena. “That ain’t going to happen. Listen, Mark Hunt is going to have to fight one of the top guys. You don’t just jump right into the title shot.”

White mentioned Hunt needs to win against Stefan Struve, his current match-up at UFC 146, plus get past one of the heavyweight division’s best to be considered for a title shot. Hunt is currently riding a three-fight win streak, but had lost six fights before that.

After Overeem’s chances of getting a license for the May 26 event were called into question by the Nevada Athletic Commission, Hunt’s fans took to Twitter and Facebook to lobby White for a spot for the slugger. However, their arguments that Hunt would provide an exciting fight against dos Santos did not sway White.

Now, the UFC has to wait for Overeem to have a hearing with the NAC. White said Overeem deserves to go through due process.

“Everybody gets due process,” White said. “Alistair Overeem will have his due process with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. We’ll see what happens and we’ll go from there. When it all goes down, somebody else will speak about this. Not me.”

And much to his fans’ dismay, it won’t be Hunt fighting dos Santos.

—

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Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/dana-white-mark-hunt-title-shot-ain-t-124856206.html

Gerard Gordeau Jonathan Goulet Wilson Gouveia Jason Grace Crosley Gracie

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WRECK MMA Road to Glory Play-by-Play ? Turner, Holst, Dewsbery Win

Monday, April 23, 2012

Don Wilson is ringside at WRECK MMA. Here is his play-by-play from the Gatineau, Quebec event:

Top MMA News Awards:

  • Fight of the Night: Bojan Kladnjakovic vs. Brandon Hachey
  • Submission of the Night: Andrew Walters
  • Knockout of the Night: Felipe Olivieri

Eric Perez vs Randy Turner
Rd1: fighters exchange and Turner lands the double leg winding up in half guard. Perez with a smart move hooking Turners leg and powering through to take over top position. Turner using a half butterfly guard making it hard on Perez to get leverage for punches. Turner unloading with hammerfists and elbows off his back. Turner continuing to pepper Perez off his back. The fight is restarted in the feet just as the round comes to an end.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Turner

Rd2: Turner ducks under a Perez barrage and attempts the takedown but Perez defends well. Turner back to the body lock and this time he?s able to muscle Perez to the canvas landing in half guard. Turner lands a few shots to Perez?s ribs. Perez almost makes it back to feet but Turner flattens him back down. Turner staying tight and close to Perez work short shots to the ribs and head. Perez coming back with a few deadly elbows off his back but Turner is staying a lot busier.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Turner

Rd3: Both men exchange leg kicks then Perez retaliates with a nice overhand right. Turner gets the Thai plum and delivers some vicious knees but Perez fires back with a big flurry only to have Turner land the takedown. Again Perez hooks Randy?s leg with his own but this time Turner sees it coming and flattens back down but Perez still is able to nail the reversal and take over top position. Perez working some solid ground and pound. Turner is landing a few elbows off his back on Perez?s cut on his eye. Turner explodes and almost gets up but Perez lands a big right on the top of his head just as the round ends.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Turner

Rd4: Perez lands a big body kick buts eats a Turner jab. Turner shoots in and lands the trip takedown winding up in side control. Perez working some nice short elbows off his back. Turner explodes again and transitions to mount, Perez turns gives his back and Turner looks for the hooks but can?t get them in. Turner pulls Perez back looking for the choke but Perez is able to turn and wind up in top position. Turner is staying busier off his back than Perez is on top. The fight is stood up due to lack of action. Perez lands some hands and Turner comes back with 2 big teeps. Off a Perez punch, Turner locks up and drops Perez back to the canvas as the horn sounds.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Turner

Rd5: Turner lands a huge teep right to Perez?s grill busting Perez open even worse but when Turner goes for the takedown Perez shifts his weight and takes top control. A leg lock battle ensues with Perez looking to have Turner in a bad spot but Turner is able to kick out the leg lock and regain his guard. Perez on top working the ground and pound. Turner is holding on with all his might looking for the stand up which the ref gladly gives him. Another teep by Turner then a flying knee that misses its mark. Turner dancing in the last 30 seconds, Turner attempts a single leg just as the round finishes off.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Perez
Randy Turner defeats Eric Perez via Unanimous Decision (48-47,48-47,48-47)
Randy Turner is the new WRECK Bantamweight champion

Nabil Khatib vs Brandt Dewsbery
Rd1: Dewsbery showing some quick hands to start things off. Khatib forces Dewsbery into the corner and catches a Dewsbery and slams him to the canvas landing in side control. Dewsberry is able to make it back to his feet and jump on Khatib?s back. Dewsbery has the body triangle locked in Dewsbery fighting like hell for the choke and Khatib defending with everything he has. Dewsbery looks to have and switch his grip but somehow Khatib fights it off, hearing the 10 second marker Dewsberry switches to the arm bar but Khatib slams out of ot at the buzzer
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Dewsbery

Rd2: Dewsbery using his range landing some vicious jabs, crosses and body kicks, Khatib eats a kick to the gut only to grab the leg and land the takedown landing in side control then transitioning to mount to side choke, Dewsbery defends by ?answering the phone? and escapes WOW. Back on their feet Dewsbery landing at will but Khatib keeps coming forward. In the clinch Khatib again wrestles Dewsbery to the mat. Dewsberry looking for the triangle but Khatib stacks him. Dewsbery attempts a lazy omoplata but Khatib defends and escapes. Khatib finishes off the round in Dewsbery?s rubber guard.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Khatib

Rd3: nice head kick spinning back fist combo from Dewsbery only to be body locked and taken down by Khatib. That back fist made Khatib?s face a bloody mess. Dewsbery working some high hips but Khatib is doing little damage on top but continues to escape Dewsbery?s subs. Dewsbery uses his rubber guard to reverse Khatib and winds up in mount. Khatib gives his backhand Dewsbery locks in the hooks but Dewsberry is against the ropes and can?t straighten out. Dewsbery traps the arm with his leg for one last attempt at 10 second mark but can?t finish the choke.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Dewsbery
Brandt Dewsbery defeats Nabil Khatib via Unanimous Decision (30-27,30-27,29-28)

Mark Holst vs Stephane Lamarche
Rd1: Both men establish their leg kicks and Lamarche rushes in for the body lock. Holst turns and Lamarche looks for the guillotine but has to give it up. Holst uses the clinch to take Lamarche to the mat and locks up the standing guillotine as Lamarche gets up but Lamarche escapes. Lamarche charges in off the separation but Holst catches him slams him to the canvas. Holst passes to half guard and works some short punches. Holst attempts a Kimura but cannot get his legs free to finish.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Holst

Rd2: Holst lets loose to head kicks but Lamarche blocks them. Holst takes him to the ground and Lamarche gives his back, Holst sinks in the hooks. Lamarche fights out and turns taking over top position, Holst aims for a triangle then transitions into an omoplata which Holst uses to re gain top position with Lamarche head in between his legs he locks on the Kimura as twists until Holst gets the tap out finish
Mark Holst submits Stephane Lamarche by Kimura in Round 2, 2:29

Valerie Letourneau vs. Claudia Gadelha
Rd1: Big head kick from Letourneau starts us off. Gadelha works hard and muscles Letourneau to the mat but can?t keep her down as Letourneau makes her way back to the feet albeit for only a few seconds until Gadelha brings her back down. Letourneau sets up the omoplata but Gadelha escapes and Letourneau makes it back to her feet. In the corner Letourneau lands a few knees to the midsection but Gadelha flurries and rocks Letourneau. Gadelha rocks Letourneau again causing Letourneau?s mouth piece to fall out as the round caps off.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Gadelha
Claudia Gadelha defeats Valerie Letourneau via Split Decision (30-27,29-28,28-29)

Rd2: Gadelha bull rushes Letourneau into the corner and takes her to the canvas, fight is restarted due to lack of action. Gadelha lands a right overhand. Letourneau keeps looking for a teep or head kick but keeps missing the mark. Gadelha shoots in and lands another takedown. Letourneau using mission control to set up the omoplate but Gadelha sees it coming. A cut seems to have opened up over Gadelha eye. Letourneau tries to work the kicks but again Gadelha forces her into the corner and drags out her hips and slams her to the canvas just as the round closes out.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Gadelha

Rd3: Letourneau comes out and rips a big kick to Gadelha?s mid section only to have Gadelha take her back to the mat. Letourneau showing great leg strength able to send Gadelha flying when she kicks her off. Letourneau starting to land her combos as Gadelha tires. Another vicious body kick from Letourneau. Yet again Gadelha uses the body lock to muscle Letourneau to the mat. Letourneau working Gadelha?s cut with some nice elbows off her back. More high guard from Letourneau again looking for the omoplata but Gadelha blocks it. Gadelha is showing no offense while on top. The round ends with Gadelha in top control doing absolutely nothing.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Letourneau

Jeff Harrison vs Kit Cope
Rd1: Harrison comes out sneaks around Cope?s back and slams him to the mat. Cope back to his feet and Harrison flops back bringing Cope with him. Cope stays high and is able to grab a hold of Harrison?s arm and rolls into a text book arm bar forcing Harrison to tap.
Kit Cope submits Jeff Harrison by Armbar in Round 1, 2:12

Manny Alfaro vs. Pablo Santos
Rd1: First kick to start off the fight is a ferocious kick straight to Alfaro?s twig and berries, fight is halted as Alfaro considers the fact he may not have any kids. Santos lands a beauty head kicks that brings Alfaro down to a knee. Alfaro tries to escape Santos take down and turns and causes Santos to slam his head on the canvas but Santos rolls through and passes to half guard. Santos passes to side control and traps the near arm. Santos starts to use some short elbows. Santos traps both arms for the crucifix but can?t hold it. Santos tries for the Kimura, steps over the head and extends, the ref calls the fight as Alfaro?s arm was is a horrible position. Great stoppage for fighter safety.
Pablo Santos submits Manny Alfaro via Kimura in Round 1, 4:07

David Douglas vs. Felipe Olivieri
Rd1: A lot of testing the water to start off this fight not a noteworthy strike thrown in first 90 seconds. And the first one is a thunderous leg kick from Olivieri. Olivieri Rag dolls Douglas in the plum then lands a vicious knee to the jaw that crumpled Douglas, Olivieri continues the assault on the ground until the ref jumps in to halt Olivieri destruction.
Felipe Olivieri defeats David Douglas via TKO in Round 1, 2:54

Robert Seres vs. Andrew Walters
Rd1: Seres rushes in and floors Walters with a big overhand and dives into his guard with hammerfists. Walters locks in the triangle, Seres tries twice to slam his way out of hit but Walters keeps it tight but finally on the third slam Seres escapes. Seres gets Walters in a crucifix and lands some shots but Walters manages to escape. Seres big punches have Walters on wobbly legs and Seres keeps coming. Walters grabs a guillotine jumps guard and rolls to mount, Walters lands a few, Seres rolls and Walters cinches in the RNC and hold until Seres goes to sleep.
Andrew Walters submits Robert Seres by RNC in Round 1, 4:15

James Haourt vs. Andrew Cseh
Rd1: Big combo by Haourt starts things off.they along the ropes for position as Cseh looks for the single but Haourt counters and rolls with a Kimura, Haourt?s leg is trapped but he avoids the takedown. Haourt tries to make it back to his feet but Cseh jumps his back but only manages 1 hook. Cseh finally works in the second hook and is looking for the neck. Cseh looks to soften Haourt up with a few shots to the face while he holds the back. Cseh finishes off the round riding Haourt?s back.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Cseh

Rd2: big mid kick by Cesh starts us off. Cseh unloads a few more kicks to the legs and a few big jabs. Haourt?s rips an over and mid kick that just sounds painful. Cseh digs another kick on Haourt?s legs then another big leg kick that has Haourt spinning. Haourt again retaliates with a vicious body kick. Cseh working the legs while Haourt works the gut. Cseh looking for the big shot but Haourt keeps finding an opening for those kicks to the gut. Cseh back to the leg kicks really working over Haourt?s left leg. Cseh lands a vicious uppercut. Cseh traps Haourt in the corner and lands a big flurry of punches mixed with solid leg kicks, will be surprised if Haourt?s legs hold up all fight, vicious leg kicks by Cseh all round.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Cseh

Rd3: Haourt lands a big cross and body kick combo. Cseh comes forawrd but hits nothing but arm. Another big overhand and kick combo from Haourt and another. Cseh not as quick this round. Cseh finally lands a big leg kick. Haourt again with a big combo but Cseh retaliates with 2 brutal leg kicks. Cseh throwing for the finish but Haourt seems content to just take the big shots and counter off them. Cseh lands a left leg kick that hurts Haourt then drops him with a right leg kick. I think Cseh just tried a crane kick but to no avail, would have been cool had it landed. Haourt impressively still has enough left him in him to land a takedown right at the end of the round.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Haourt
Cseh defeats Haourt via Unanimous Decision (30-27,30-27,29-28)

Sam Alvey vs. Daniel Almeida
Rd1: Almeida moves in for a jab and slips and seems to tweak his left knee, but mans up and shoots in for a single that Alvey easily defends. Alvey muscles him down and Almeida slides out of the ring wincing in pain and the fight is called off.
Alvey defeats Almeida via TKO (injury) @ 1:41 of Rd1

Bojan Kladnjakovic vs. Brandon Hachey
Rd1: Bojan lands a big right that wobbles Hachey but Hachey flurries and knocks Bojan into the ropes and crashing to the mat. Hachey looks to capitalize but Bojan is out of the ropes and the fight is restarted standing. Hachey grabs the Thai plum but Bojan escapes with no damage. Hachey gets Bojan to the mat but Bojan throws up the legs and cinches in the arm bar. Hachey rolls and fights out and winds up in top position only to be kicked off by Bojan. Bojan lands some knees from the plum but Hachey breaks free and drops Bojan with a huge right and left uppercut. Bojan barely awake dives in a drives through for the takedown and slams Hachey to the mat. Bojan finishes off the round in mount landing short punches and elbows.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-10

Rd2: nice exchange at center ring with Bojan coming out worse for again but just like before Bojan lands a solid double leg and takes the fight to the mat. Hachey lands a big elbow off his back. Bojan tries to jump the back but Hachey throws him down but gets caught in an arm bar, Hachey escapes by easily throwing him off. Bojan lands a weak right but again nails the double leg and lands in half guard. Hachey escapes to his feet and looks for the guillotine by jumping guard but Bojan fights it off and is now in top control.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Bojan

Rd3: Bojan clips Hachey with a right jab but eats a Hachey right overhand and again Bojan dives in and nails the double leg. The fight is stood up both men exchanges jabs and Bojan shoots in for takedown after a bit of trying Bojan muscles him to the mat but Hachey slides under the ropes and the fight is once again restarted standing. Bojan again takes Hachey to the mat but gets caught in a guillotine, Hachey is screaming trying to finish but Bojan escapes ad the fight his restarted after a period of no action. Hachey snaps Bojan?s head back with a powerful jab, Hachey pushes Bojan inti the corner and unloads with over ten huge punches from overhands to uppercuts landing at will, Bojan has enough to muster up a double leg which he lands and finishes the round on top.
Top MMA News scores the round 10-9 Hachey
Brandon Hachey defeats Bojan Kladnjakovic by Split Decision (30-28,30-28,28-29)

Source: http://topmmanews.com/2012/04/20/wreck-mma-road-to-glory-play-by-play/

Tank Abbott Hiroyuki Abe Cyril Abidi  Daniel Acacio Bernard Ackah 

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Dana White and the UFC Continue “Make It Rain” Approach to New York Legalization

Monday, April 23, 2012
Fat Joe (Silva) and Lil' Whiteezy making it rain in New York.

New York State is one of the few states that still bars Mixed Martial Arts competition left in the United States. Over the past few years it has become a battleground between Zuffa (the UFC) and State Assemblymen Bob Reilly and Sheldon Silver. Both men are opposed to MMA (for a variety of reasons) and have worked to keep it prohibited in the state. Zuffa, on the other hand, has tried one basic strategy — throw money at the situation. Bill King of the Sports Business Journal describes some of the aspects of their fiduciary fisticuffs

.So begins the latest installment in a push that began late in 2007, when UFC parent company Zuffa paid a well-connected upstate New York firm a $10,000 retainer to lobby on its behalf. Since then it has spent more than $1.5 million on lobbying and public relations campaigns in the state. It also has contributed $165,000 to election campaigns.

The tab for lobbying in New York last year eclipsed $500,000, based on public filings and interviews with UFC executives. Zuffa also contributed $130,000 to political campaigns, including $36,800 to incoming Gov. Andrew Cuomo, $34,000 to Democratic campaign committees, $10,000 to Republican campaign committees and $1,000 to $3,800 to a dozen different influential state senators and assembly members. Zuffa spent $530,000 lobbying in New York in 2009 and $595,000 there in 2008.

 Zuffa has been lining the pockets of various politicians as well as paying a lobbying firm to assist them. That isn’t the only financial incentive they have been using. Part of their argument stems their belief that the legalization of MMA will bring extra dollars into the New York economy. It has been shown that when Zuffa comes to town, there is an increased in revenue for that city.

Star-divide

However, as I have stated many times in the past, this is the wrong approach. Assemblyman Reilly appeared on Inside MMA and rebuffed this argument in a segment that sent many MMA fans into a tizzy. He rightfully explained that using money as a reason for legalizing something opens you up to a slippery slope. One could make similar arguments for prostitution and dog-fighting. Instead of focusing on his point (which was valid), people went apoplectic over Reilly comparing MMA to prostitution (which he wasn’t). 

UFC spent about $75,000 lobbying in Indiana in the 18 months leading up to the passage of legislation there in 2009, according to filings in that state. It spent $216,736 in Wisconsin, where lobbyists logged 366 hours with government officials on its behalf leading up to the law’s passage last year. To get a bill passed in South Carolina in 2009, UFC spent $46,550 on lobbyists and contributed $4,250 to campaigns, giving $1,000 each to the chair of the committee where the bill originated, the chair of the subcommittee that reported favorably on it, the senate president and the senate majority leader.

While getting your “Pacman” Jones in a strip club on maybe have worked in smaller states, it’s not the ideal strategy for a state like New York. I’ve always been a champion of Education and Public Relation (I’ve also suggested altering the presentation slightly in the UFC, but I’m extremely doubtful that will happen). Educate the population about the sport, let them know that it is no more dangerous than football or boxing. Throw money at research centers to fund studies on the “dangers” of MMA and use these findings to counteract the preconceived notions held by a majority of the uneducated public. Educate them on history and how MMA has been going on, in one form or another, since pankration.

There was an MMA Expo in NYC that most MMA fans didn’t hear about. If the UFC had participated in that and helped promote it, it could’ve done bigger numbers than it did. Or, since the UFC doesn’t like to share the headline, I’ve suggested in the past that they have their own event. A UFC Expo in New York City with grappling exhibitions and basically the same thing they had in Vegas and Boston, but just in NYC and not tied to a PPV. And while people are packed in, hand out some material with the names of the local politicians and tell the fans to contact them. 

Now, that’s not to say that the UFC hasn’t been trying to get the fans involved. 

Lobbying is the top-down piece of the UFC’s legislative equation. There’s also a piece that works from the bottom up. Since 2008, Zuffa has employed Global Strategy Group to design and manage a campaign to mobilize MMA fans to push for legislation. Zuffa paid Global $35,000 a month in 2008 and the first half of 2009, and $22,500 a month since then to build a grassroots campaign and drum up conversation online and in the media. The website it created and manages is packed with information that argues for sanctioning. It also offers easy ways for fans to e-mail legislators and craft letters to their local newspapers.

Now, I don’t know exactly what that means by grassroots and “drum up conversation online and in the media” (I have my theories), but has anyone seen this website “packed with information”? If it exists, why isn’t it promoted on UFC broadcasts?

So why the history and lesson on political machinations? Because the UFC has set up a press conference for Thursday, January 13 in New York City to announce their plan to bring MMA to Madison Square Garden and to also “release a new economic impact study” detailing “the economic benefits of regulating MMA in New York State”. Yes, you guessed it, the “we bring money” argument. Also coincidentally, UFC 128 tickets go on sale in Newark, NJ just miles away. Well, you know that is no coincidence. Expect the rhetoric “look at the money Jersey is making” or “you don’t want to have to go to Jersey to see MMA, do ya?” as well as Frankie Edgar talking about how as a Jersey boy, he always dreamed of fighting in Madison Square Garden. 

While this is a new twist, it still essentially boils down to the same strategy of money which hasn’t worked in the past few years. Perhaps the UFC should consult with Greg Jackson and see if he can cook up a better gameplan. 

Source: http://www.watchkalibrun.com/2011/1/11/1928962/dana-white-and-the-ufc-continue-make-it-rain-approach-to-new-york

Patrick The Predator Côté  Randy The Natural Couture  Dan Cramer Alberto Crane Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz

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UFC 145 Weigh-in Results Video ? Jones and Evans on target for title bout

Monday, April 23, 2012

The UFC 145 light heavyweight title clash between champion Jon ?Bones? Jones and ?Suga? Rashad Evans is official as both both fighters successfully made weight with Jones checking in at 205 pounds and Evans at 204 pounds.

Jones and Evans each entered to their share of boos. Evans appeared calm while Jones was smiling and animated as they hit the scales. The staredown between Jones and Evans got a little tense as the fighters went forehead-to-forehead before they were separated. Jones? brother Arthur appeared to be talking trash to Evans and his crew.

Evans says that there is a lot of emotion involved but is looking forward to stepping into the cage and fighting. Jones called it a gigantic fight and says that he is ready to tear some heart out.

UFC 145 Preliminary Card ? Weigh-in Results

Maximo Blanco (146) vs. Marcus Brimage (145)
Keith Wisniewski (170.5) vs. Chris Clements (169)
Mac Danzig (155) vs. Efrain Escudero (156)
Anthony Njokuani (156) vs. John Makdessi (158)
Stephen Thompson (171) vs. Matt Brown (171)
Travis Browne (250) vs. Chad Griggs (248)

UFC 145 Main Card ? Weigh-in Results

Mark Bocek (155) vs. John Alessio (155.5)
Miguel Torres (135.5) vs. Michael McDonald (135)
Mark Hominick (145.5) vs. Eddie Yagin (144.5)
Ben Rothwell (263) vs. Brendan Schaub (237)
Rory MacDonald (169.5) vs. Che Mills (170)
Jon Jones (205) vs. Rashad Evans (204)

Jones and Evans Weigh-in Highlight Video

Full UFC 145 Highlight Video

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Source: http://www.mmainterplay.com/ufc-news/ufc-145-weigh-in-results-video-jones-and-evans-on-target-for-title-bout-57879/

Crosley Gracie Gregor Gracie Ralek Gracie Renzo Gracie Rickson Gracie

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UFC on Fuel 2 Cagewriter chat

Monday, April 23, 2012

The UFC is in Sweden today for a slate of bouts on Fuel, a station available in only about 38 million American homes. Here is a place for the majority of us who don’t get the station. Join us for a chat, and if you’re one of the lucky ones, feel free to chime in and tell us what the heck is going on.

We’ll get going a few minutes before the 3 p.m. ET start time.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-fuel-2-cagewriter-chat-173726070.html

Lorenzo Borgomeo  Kyle Bradley  Jai Bradney  Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan

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Dana White says Greg Jackson camp is not a “family”, UFC 145′s Jon Jones-Rashad Evans bout proves it

Monday, April 23, 2012

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief


WhiteDana_WK150_50.jpg

UFC President Dana White has always been outspoken on the subject of teammates in fight camps being unwilling to fight one another. As a fight promoter, fighters refusing to fight one another because of friendships or camp affiliations leaves money on the table, not just for the UFC but for the fighters themselves.

The issue has been discussed a lot this week as former teammates Rashad Evans and Jon Jones square off at UFC 145 for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The two were both part of Greg Jackson’s team in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Evans left the camp after Jones broke the pact the “family” at the camp had not to fight one another.

Evans felt betrayed by that after Jackson swore to him he and Jones wouldn’t fight when Jones was brought into the camp, and White says Jackson’s entire “family” philosophy is simply a way to make more money from fighters.

“There is one thing that is an absolute fact, and no matter how often Greg Jackson pumps that family [expletive], Greg Jackson is a [expletive] businessman,” White said in an interview with Yahoo!’s Cagewriter Blog. “The more top guys he brings in, the more money he makes. There’s nothing wrong with Greg Jackson, but he’s a [expletive] businessman.”

White contends that fighters shouldn’t be worried about fighting teammates, and need to be looking out for themselves and their own careers in what is essentially an individual sport.

“Some of these fighters, who ought to know better but don’t listen to that [expletive] and don’t take it for the crock of [expletive] that it is,” White said. “These guys need to make the decision where they train based on where they think they’ll get the best work and develop the best, and not on this [expletive] crazy idea that you’re becoming a part of a family.”

“Greg Jackson [expletive] told Rashad this wouldn’t happen, that they’re family and all that other [expletive], but look what is going on now. Look and see who is at Jackson’s and who is not. Train where you think it’s going to be best for you and if that’s Jackson’s, that’s fine. Just don’t buy into this family [expletive] because there’s nothing to it. This is the fight business, not the friend business.”

Penick’s Analysis: This is one area of the sport where I’ve always understood both sides. It’s a professional competition, and to climb up the ladder you may need to face off against someone that you’re familiar with or close with, that’s the nature of progressing. However, the inherently violent nature of the sport is also harder to get over for fighters who truly are close as kin. It would be really hard to have to inflict violence on someone you were really good friends with, and that’s what a lot of fighters struggle with. At the same time, that costs a lot of potentially fantastic matchups from happening because of that “team” mentality. When it comes down to it, though, in order for fighters to make the most money and become bigger stars, they’ll have to face off against anyone once they’re in the high end of the division.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13068.shtml

Rolles Gracie Royce Gracie Royler Gracie Ryan Gracie Peter Graham

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Jon Jones has a new respect for Rashad Evans; why you should, too

Sunday, April 22, 2012

After defending the UFC light heavyweight belt on Saturday over Rashad Evans, Jon Jones said he had a new respect for his former training partner and friend.

“I would say Rashad is my toughest fight to date, and a lot of it is because of how talented and awesome of a fighter he is,” Jones said after beating Evans in a five-round decision.

Since winning and defending the title, Jones has finished former champs Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and Lyoto Machida. Evans is the first fighter ever to force Jones into the fifth round, and the first fighter to require judges’ cards since Stephan Bonnar in 2009. Evans was wobbled several times throughout the fight, but was still standing for the final horn.

Somehow, there were still fans who were unsatisfied with Saturday’s main event. On Cagewriter’s Facebook page, one reader said Evans had no heart. Another called the fight boring, while another claimed Evans didn’t want the fight.

Seriously?

Evans trained for months and months to face a man he once called his friend. He cut down his weight, went through countless interviews, had cameras follow him around incessantly for “Primetime,” then traveled to Atlanta and got in a cage with someone who is considered one of the world’s best fighters. He withstood elbows, punches and kicks for 25 minutes. At the end of it all, he lost, but was still standing.

And there are actually fans who think Evans did not want to be in there? For the final word on the subject, let’s hear from the great Baltimore boxer (and fictional character), Dennis “Cutty” Wise.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/jon-jones-respect-rashad-evans-why-too-175611137.html

Arman Gambaryan Manvel Gamburyan Sean Gannon Edgar Garcia Leonard Garcia

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Lorenzo Fertitta says Rashad Evans believed Dana White had placed bet against him after satirical quote

Sunday, April 22, 2012

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief


EvansRashad_GG180_12.jpg

Though CagePotato.com has already issued a retraction of a satirical quote attributed to UFC President Dana White, the fallout continues. The reaction from the UFC seemed excessive this week, but UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta said on Thursday that it was more serious than some may think.

“These guys flatout lied,” Fertitta said in an interview with USAToday.com. “They just made up a story and lied. Somebody who doesn’t know what our policies are and what we do, they could look at it in a very negative light… The other thing too that you’ve got to understand is the fallout that you have. These fighters are already paranoid enough. Dana had to talk to Rashad on the phone for 30 minutes to calm him down, to tell him, ‘Are you crazy? There’s no way I would ever bet on a fight or bet against you.’

“These guys go out and do this reckless reporting — it’s not even reporting — make these reckless statements and they end up causing us fallout and having to deal with issues. Why should we even have to deal with this stuff? They made this up and lied and put it online.”

For those that missed it this week, CagePotato posted an article regarding Jon Jones wearing UFC gear at UFC 145, and they added a caption to a screen capture of White and Jones together in a commercial with quote marks around it. Their mistake was in failing to clearly mark it as satire, as a segment of the UFC’s fanbase took it as a legitimate quote.

“[Claiming satire isn't enough] because we know what the outcome was,” Fertitta said. “We had a flurry of people contacting us through e-mail, Twitter. Rashad throwing a complete fit and talking to Caren Bell, and then Dana having to call him to calm him down. If (people) thought it was just satire, we wouldn’t have had that reaction…”

“It didn’t even read like a joke. It didn’t read like a joke at all. If you look at the article, when you first read that, it sounds like that they were in a room with Dana, talking to him, and he says, “Oh,” and he kind of made a mistake and said something, and said ‘Don’t print that.’ If I read an article like that, I would seriously believe that that actually happened and that went down. It wasn’t like it was a cartoon of Dana, with him blurbing something out in his head, with a bubble. It was put in print like a regular article.”

Though they haven’t decided if the retraction from CagePotato is sufficient enough for them, Fertitta wanted to make it clear why they took it so seriously.

“You’ve got to understand, Rashad’s entire team – his entire camp – was in his ear telling him they read this online and that Dana bet half a million dollars against him,” Fertitta said. “This was a real issue. This isn’t just some kind of slap on the back, funny little joke. This was reckless reporting on their part.”

Penick’s Analysis: Fertitta’s comments make it seem like he didn’t actually read the article, but is reacting to the reaction that they received. Still, what likely happened here is that the comment went over the heads of some, who then started passing it off as “Dana said he’s betting on Jones!” Those reactions then likely reached Evans and his camp, who then took it as fact and reacted from there. It’s unfortunate that it was taken like that, but even though the quote wasn’t labeled as satire and CagePotato didn’t attribute it to being a joke explicitly, for most it didn’t come off as something that was actually said by White. It was an attempt to be a bit quippy in response to the subject they were writing about, and it’s been taken far too seriously. The UFC have gotten their retraction, hopefully it can end there.

[Rashad Evans art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13069.shtml

Randy The Natural Couture  Dan Cramer Alberto Crane Marcio Pe de Pano Cruz Luke Cummo 

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Despite previous reports, UFC boss says B.J. Penn looking to fight again

Sunday, April 22, 2012

by John Morgan on Apr 22, 2012 at 6:15 am ET

ATLANTA ? Fear not, B.J. Penn fans: “The Prodigy” may return, after all.

UFC president Dana White on Saturday night revealed he and Penn spoke at this past weekend’s UFC on FUEL TV 2 event in Sweden, and the future UFC Hall of Famer said he wants another go in the octagon.

“I heard some [expletive] that he said he was going to retire and all this stuff,” White said following Saturday’s UFC 145 post-event presser in Atlanta. “I talked to him, and he’s like, ‘I want to fight again.’”

In October, former UFC champion Penn (16-8-2 MMA, 12-7-2 UFC) suffered a one-sided loss to Nick Diaz, prompting “The Prodigy” to call it quits at the conclusion of the fight.

In the time since, many MMA fans and pundits have speculated on Penn’s future, wondering aloud if the fiery competitor is truly ready to walk away at just 33 years old. Penn, who was a guest fighter at UFC on FUEL TV 2, told several media outlets he was still retired and remained happy with his decision. However, it appears he was singing a different tune behind closed doors.

White declined to offer further speculation as to when or where Penn may turn up next. He was briefly linked to a May fight with Strikeforce champ Gilbert Melendez, but Josh Thomson ultimately took that booking.

Penn has fought at both 155 and 170 pounds during his illustrious 11-year career, though lightweight seems to be the best fit for him in today’s game. However, with Penn’s public comments differening from his conversation with White, it’s difficult to tell what the future may hold for the Hawaiian.

White refrained from casting any more light on the possibilities, revealing only that Penn is considering another go.

“We’re talking,” White said.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: B.J. Penn)

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/b8DHEtgVit4/despite-previous-reports-ufc-boss-says-b-j-penn-looking-to-fight-again.mma

Jaime Gutierrez Dave Gomez Keith Hackney Matt Hamill Volk Han

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Chicago UFC on FOX

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Been getting a lot of questions about my predictions for the fights coming up this weekend, so here they are:

Bisping/Sonnen:
I actually think this is going to be a pretty close fight. Bisping is one of those guys that you can never bet against. He just always seems to find a way to win. I definitely believe Chael has the ability to win, but he never seems to win the matches that he should. So, all in all, the fight is too close for me to call.

Evans/Davis:
This is actually another close fight to me. I do think Rashad will be a slight favorite. He?s been in a lot more big fights than Davis and I think Rashad will also have a slight stand up advantage. This will be an interesting fight. Davis and I get along well and I enjoy his company and I do give him the advantage with the wrestling. But I still have to give Rashad a slight advantage in the fight.

Sorry about the predictions, since they are both close calls; but it should be an interesting night of fights.

Here are the airtimes for this seasons? episodes of Trophy Hunters TV, which I?m hosting on the Outdoor Channel:

Tuesday at 6pm EST / 5pm CST
Wednesday at 8am EST / 7am CST
Saturday at 8pm EST / 7pm CST

The show description for this week:

BEAR ALONG THE BERING?S EDGE
(Airs the week of January 23, 2011)
A double brown bear hunt in Alaska. Trophy Hunters TV spends 12 days in the Alaskan bush hunting brown bear.

The Bible verse for this week:

The Godly are directed by honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin. (Proverbs 11:5)

-matt

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 26th, 2012 at 9:30 pm and is filed under Matt’s Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Source: http://matt-hughes.com/blog1/2012/01/26/chicago-ufc-on-fox/

Ricardo Arona  Noboru Asahi Marcus Aurelio  Mikhail Avetisyan Luiz Azeredo 

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Bellator 66 ? Video Highlights

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmahq/main/~3/KZq-offXgIU/

Efrain Escudero Rashad Evans Urijah Faber Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson

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Breaking It Down: UFC 145 (MAIN CARD)

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Posted by Joe LeBeau on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 1:30 pm· 14 Comments 

Now that we?ve had a few moments to go over the preliminary card, it?s time to look at the six fight main card. With Jon Jones-Rashad Evans headlining, as well as some pivotal bantamweight and welterweight bouts, fight fans are sure to be treated to one hell of an awesome night of fights, so call your cable providers or go to your local watering hole ASAP and get ready for some ?LA VIOLENCIA!!!!!?

Mark Bocek (10-4) vs. John Alessio (34-14)

Bocek is a damn good lightweight. Say what you will about his inconsistencies, but Bocek has only lost to some of the top lightweights in the world. No big deal. His grappling prowess is guaranteed to give fits to anyone in the division. His opponent, the returning Alessio, enters on short notice but should be more than prepared. The Canadian fighter is ready for action and looking to make a big statement upon his return. Unfortunately for Alessio, I don?t think he?ll fare quite as well as he hopes. Bocek is legit, Alessio has trouble with serious grapplers, and he?s going to end up tapping out to something.

Winner ? Mark Bocek defeats John Alessio via Submission Round 2

Mark Hominick (20-10) vs. Eddie Yagin (15-5-1)

Hominick needs to get back on track following a devastating knockout loss back at UFC 140 in Toronto. The Canadian featherweight contender is on the long road back to the top, and in an ever-improving division such as the featherweight class, he needs to make some definitive statements. With guts, heart, and determination, Yagin is a hard guy to be matched up against. He?s absolutely tenacious, very skilled, and won?t lay down for anyone. However, I think ?The Machine? has his number, and although I don?t expect a stoppage, I certainly expect the ?Team Tompkins? fighter to beat up Yagin, probably badly.

Winner ? Mark Hominick defeats Eddie Yagin via Unanimous Decision

Miguel Torres (40-4) vs. Michael McDonald (14-1)

Torres makes his return to the octagon after being briefly fired for his rape surprise-van joke. The one time pound-for-pound contender, who has embraced a bit of a more safe fighting style as of late, still has the skills required to cause problems for anyone and his only loss in recent memory, to Demetrious Johnson, is a fight he very well could have won. McDonald is often overlooked in the bantamweight division. Still incredibly young, the powerful and well-rounded fighter, who is always improving, looks for a key win here to propel himself to a potential title shot later in the year. While the sky is the limit for McDonald, I think Torres will use his experience and incredible gameplanning to give McDonald a scrap and win a close decision.

Winner ? Miguel Torres defeats Michael McDonald via Split Decision

Ben Rothwell (31-8) vs. Brendan Schaub (8-2)

?Ben Rothwell, you absolutely suck.? Whoa, sorry, I think the ghost of Chael Sonnen overcame me for a second there. Rothwell is back to have a solid five minutes and suck air for another ten. While he used to be a highly-touted heavyweight, he doesn?t really offer too much to an already shallow division. Schaub may never be a champion in the UFC, but he?s an incredibly athletic and improving fighter. With almost all of his fights, win or lose, ending by knockout, it?s no doubt that Schaub puts on exciting fights. I expect this fight doesn?t fit that criteria though. Rothwell will gas, Schaub won?t be able to finish, and this is going to get UGLY.

Winner ? Brendan Schaub defeats Ben Rothwell via Unanimous Decision

Rory MacDonald (12-1) vs. Che Mills (14-4)

MacDonald makes his long awaited return after eight months away from the cage. The Tri-Star prospect and training partner of welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre is definitely just a short time away from being a champion in whatever division he chooses to fight in. I am more confident in his abilities than I am of even someone like ?Bones? Jones. His opponent, Mills, probably shouldn?t be in this fight. Everyone, including Rory, has underestimated the Brit and honestly it?s a fair assessment. It kind of feels like Mills is being thrown to the wolves. I can?t say too much else about that.

Winner ? Rory MacDonald defeats Che Mills via Submission Round 1

Jon Jones (15-1) vs. Rashad Evans (17-1-1)

Here is where I get weird. Jones comes into this bout on a hot streak. The light heavyweight champion has made relatively short work of everyone who has stood before him, and the hype is definitely justified. Evans finally gets his shot at the belt after so many false starts, but I think the wait has done him well. While the feud has cooled off, he and Jones have been constantly improving, and we will see them at their best tonight.

Call me crazy, but I?m confident ?Suga? ?Shad is going to beat Jones. Jon is better ? way better even ? on his feet. However, he is distracted mentally, incredibly cocky, and likely not fully prepared for what Evans brings to this fight. Rashad dominated Phil Davis with ease, including outwrestling arguably the best 205-pound wrestler in MMA. He can go 25 full minutes, he can dominate on the ground, and his hand speed is insane when he lets loose. I think Rashad is going to mix limited striking with takedown after takedown, and from there he will hold the lanky Jones down and go to work on him. As the fight goes on, a frustrated and gassed Jones will get taken down with more ease, end up more humbled, and come back stronger than ever. This will not be his special night.

Winner ? Rashad Evans defeats Jon Jones via Unanimous Decision

I?ve done enough talking and writing, you?ve done enough reading, so go get some fresh air and get back in time for those darned fights. Tune in to see the main card at 10:00 PM EST on PPV.

PHOTO CREDIT ? UFC

Source: http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/04/21/breaking-it-down-ufc-145-main-card/

Ebenezer Fontes Braga Chris Brennan Marcelo Brito  Rob Broughton  Mike Brown 

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