Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Miesha Tate Meets Julie Kedzie at Strikeforce’s August 18th Event
On Monday evening, Strikeforce added a bantamweight scrap between former women’s champion Miesha Tate (Pictured) and Julie Kedzie to their August 18th event.
This marks the first time Tate has stepped inside the cage since losing her title to Ronda Rousey. Not only did the reigning 135-pound champ snap Tate’s six-fight winning streak in March, but she nearly (or did, depending upon who you ask) snapped “Takedown’s” left arm in two.
Kedzie is also looking to rebound from a loss. “Fireball” had won four straight before dropping a unanimous decision defeat to Alexis Davis last July.
“Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman” takes place inside Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California.
Showtime will broadcast the main card at 10PM ET/PT.
Here is the card’s current roster:
Miesha Tate vs. Julie Kedzie
Ovince St. Preux vs. TJ Cook
Tarec Saffiedine vs. Roger Bowling
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Derek Brunson
Sarah Kaufman vs. Ronda Rousey (Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion)
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/121258/miesha-tate-meets-julie-kedzie-at-strikeforces-august-18th-event/
The Spider Speaks - Quotables from The Pound for Pound King
Despite his recent outburst on the UFC 148 media conference call earlier this week, in a war of words, soft-spoken middleweight champion Anderson Silva would likely be on the losing end to his July 7th challenger, the always loquacious Chael Sonnen. But fights are won and lost in the Octagon, and not in the press, and that’s where Silva has reigned over the 185-pound division since late-2006. Despite this, “The Spider” has had plenty to say over the years about his style, his upbringing, and his place in the MMA history books, and here’s a sampling from the pound for pound king.
On entering the UFC (2006)
“I have fought in Japan, England, and all over Brazil, and I’ve always wanted to fight in the US. I felt the UFC was the most well-known organization in the world and has some of the best middleweights. So I want to fight the best.”
On the secret of his striking - post-Chris Leben (2006)
“It’s training. Everyone has their own talents and their own skills, and this just comes with hard work and training.”
(Seconds Later)
“I’m one of the X-Men (Laughs).”
On the first fight with Rich Franklin (2006)
“That fight was a huge turning point in my career. It fulfilled a lifetime dream of mine and has changed my life in many ways. It has also given me a lot more responsibility having the belt.”
On the Finish of the first Franklin Fight (2007)
“I wasn’t really surprised by anything. I try to be prepared for anything, and I was able to take advantage of some of his mistakes. Like I have said before, it's like a chess game - you move the wrong piece, and it's over.”
On Pre-Fight Jitters (2007)
“No nerves. At that moment there’s nowhere to run. If you trained, you trained; if you didn’t, you’re screwed.”
A Moment in Time (2007)
“Basically, having the belt right now is just a moment in time, and you’ve got to stay hungry, stay motivated, and stay humble. I take every fight as just another fight because a lot of times, when you stop fighting, people forget about you. So I know that this is just a moment in time and I’m staying focused on keeping the belt as long as I can.”
On Bruce Lee (2007)
“He (Lee) made you believe in what he was able to do.”
On Family (2007)
“I came from very humble beginnings, but I received a lot of love and support from my family. At first they didn’t want me to become a fighter, but eventually they realized that it was something that I loved to do, and that I was actually pretty good. My upbringing has made me appreciate, and not take for granted, everything that is happening to me.”
On Spider Man (2007)
“I love comic books and I have every Spider Man comic book series since 1984. I listed him as my hero because he was the only Superhero that had bills to pay. Batman was rich, and Superman was from another planet.”
On Practical Jokes (2007)
“The best joke I pulled on someone was when I hid my cousin’s tuxedo on his wedding day and made him stress out and show up late. It’s just the way that I am. I enjoy making people laugh.”
His Biggest Influence (2007)
“Nosredna was the biggest influence in my life (Nosredna is Anderson spelled backwards). He always believed in me.”
On fighting in the UFC (2007)
“Ever since I watched Royce fight in UFC 1, it was a dream of mine to compete in the UFC.”
His Toughest Loss (2007)
“My loss to Okami was the toughest to deal with, because they really didn’t explain to me the rules of the event. I guess it was lost in translation.”
On his unorthodox striking (2007)
“That’s what makes a difference. I don’t think I’m better than anyone; I just like to prove to myself that things I imagine can be done. Expect the unexpected.”
The Ultimate Goal (2007)
“My ultimate goal is to go down in history as the most efficient and technical fighter that has ever fought.”
Don’t Mess with The Spider (2007)
“To be honest with you, I really don’t like to hurt my opponents; this just happens to be our job. But if somebody disrespects me they will pay for it. I promise.”
On Who Wins a Fight between Silva and His Clone (2008)
“That’s a very difficult question and I can’t even imagine the outcome of the fight. It’s better just to imagine it in my head since it’s not reality and I wouldn’t know how to beat myself.”
On being the best (2008)
“I don’t think I am the best. I’m far from being the best in the world. People can say what they want, but I don’t believe I am yet. I can only say that when I stop fighting, I still have a lot to go through, and there are still many great fighters out there. There is no world-best. And no one is unbeatable. We all want perfection but it’s almost impossible and I am after it at every moment. I always try to improve but it’s very difficult. I think that there is still a lot to be done, a lot to be lived and improvements to make. It’s a big responsibility and I try not to think of it.”
His Personal Highlight (2008)
“I don’t think I’ve had my highlight yet. I am still a small star in the constellation, and I think I’m still far from the UFC hall of stars. But I am getting there slowly.”
On the Cote and Leites Fights (2009)
“I went up there to do my job to defend the title, and I can’t really control what the other fighter’s going to do. I have to be prepared for every situation, and it’s just unfortunate that those guys came in with that strategy.”
On Booing (2009)
“Sometimes when you’re standing outside of the Octagon it’s a lot different than when you're inside the Octagon. You know what I went in there to do – to do my job, and I’ve got my strategy. At the end of the day, yes, I’m there for the fans, but I’m the one that’s putting my body and my life in danger every time I step into the Octagon. So a lot of times, when people aren’t as educated in this sport, it’s really hard for them to understand. But I feel I went in there and did my job, and if people are booing, it’s from a lack of understanding of the sport because I went out there and executed a good game plan. It was just unfortunate that my opponents didn’t fight back.”
His Motivation (2010)
“My motivation is to be one of the best mixed martial arts fighters of all-time. Everyone is always mentioning that I’m the best pound for pound here or there, and having that type of label on me makes me very motivated. So I plan to come out here and show to my coaches and to the world everything that I’ve trained to do in the fight.”
On the Sonnen fight (2011)
“I was thinking of what I had to do to finish the fight, defend my title and go home healthy.”
On MMA in Brazil (2011)
“The sport has grown and matured a lot. A lot of things that needed to change have changed and it created a true sport that has a huge fanbase all over the world and has grown immensely in Brazil in the past few years. I am grateful to make a living from what I love to do.”
On the future (2011)
“I want to keep defending my belt and writing my history in MMA.”
Special thanks to Ed Soares and Derek Kronig Lee for their translation help.
Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/The-Spider-Speaks-Quotables-from-The-Pound-for-Pound-King
Martinsh Egle Eric Butterbean Esch Efrain Escudero Rashad Evans
John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Triple H, and more talk favorite RAW moments
With less than a month remaining before RAW hits a historic landmark with 1,000 episodes a number of WWE Superstars have spoken about their favorite memories from the groundbreaking show. From Vince McMahon’s medical-related mishaps to the program’s debut in New York City to so much more, the number of highlights from past years are countless but certainly worth recalling as people like John Cena, Sheamus, Daniel Bryan, Triple H, Dolph Ziggler, and others made clear.
Check out a number of your favorite wrestlers’ favorite RAW moments after the jump!
Daniel Bryan
Sheamus
Triple H
John Cena
Dolph Ziggler
Mick Foley
PHOTO CREDIT – WWE
TweetSource: http://www.fighters.com/06/26/john-cena-daniel-bryan-triple-h-and-more-talk-favorite-raw-moments
Ultimate Fighting Champion
After watching a UFC fight, you might be interested in working your way to become a fighter in the ring. What preparations can you do in order to make it in Mixed Martial Arts training? Are you interested in becoming the next ultimate fighting champion? What are the essential elements that you need to know and understand to become successful in this sport? Where do I get those cool mma clothing and gear used by fighters? These are just some of the questions you might be asking. But aside from this, you also need to ask yourself a few questions before plunging in. Are you up to the challenge of undergoing gruelling training for MMA? Are you psychologically and physically fit to do the exercises involved in the training? Do you want to train to stay physically fit or you want to know the techniques because you want to be a fighter? Knowing your goals will eventually help you in deciding the kind of training you wish to get. This also makes it easy for you to choose the gym you want to join.
Source: http://www.ufcrundown.com/blog/ultimate-fighting-champion/
Roan Jucao Carneiro Shane The Engineer Carwin Jason Hollywood Chambers Ryo Piranha Chonan
UFC 148's Tito Ortiz: "I did everything I wanted to do in the UFC and mixed martial arts"
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"I'm settled in it," Ortiz said of his impending retirement in an interview with MMAWeekly.com. "Training's not as fun as it used to be. The training is tough. Tough on my body, tough on my mind and I've been doing it for 15 years. I've been doing this over and over and over again and I miss a normal life. Where I put my time in, 15 years, almost two decades and I put my time in. I did everything I wanted to do in the UFC and mixed martial arts, and I think I made a difference."
Ortiz is most looking forward to turning his attention towards fatherhood and spending more time with his children, and he's thankful for the opportunities he's been given that allows him to walk away in a comfortable spot.
"Being a father to my children is something I've always wanted, to be there for them," Ortiz said. "I always wanted to make sure I had their futures taken care of. Now their future's taken care of, they can pick whichever college they want to go to, now it's time to be a loving father and be there for them and do what my father never did."
"Now that I don't have to be in training camp three months at time, three times a year, it's a blessing in disguise. I'm very thankful of what I was able to compete in the UFC and what Dana (White) and Lorenzo (Fertitta) have given me and I was able to be a father than my father never was."
While he's walking away from in-cage competition, this won't be the last you'll see of Ortiz, he assures. Indeed, he sees this retirement as the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another.
"Of course I'll always have something to do with mixed martial arts, I'll always thank that for getting me to where I am today," Ortiz said. "It's not that I'm retiring, I'm graduating. I'm graduating with a Masters in promotion and a Masters in marketing. That's what it comes down to pretty much, with everything I've done over the last 15 years."
"I'm 37 years old and I've still got a bright future, I'm going to do some big things."
Penick's Analysis: Ortiz hasn't always made himself the most endearing person or character, but he's put in tons of years in the sport and has gotten himself to the point where he can walk away with one final payday. Whether he wins or loses at this point is irrelevant, and for him the important thing is that he's walking away on his own, with a chance to be there for his kids. That's an immensely important part of life that his career will have allowed to come to pass, and he's in great spirits this week because of it.
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_13729.shtml
Urijah Faber Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson Paulo Filho
Greg Valentine Posts Explanation For No-Showing Event
WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine offered an explanation on his Facebook page for no-showing Great North Wrestling’s Randy Savage tribute show on Sept. 3 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada after the organization paid $2,000 for his services.
Here is my Official Statement on my Canada Booking. I hope this clears things up.
I was booked for the Macho Man Memorial Show in Canada. That’s true. I told the promoter I was coming. That’s true. I received my deposit from the promoter. That’s true. Now let me clear some things up…
A few days before the scheduled booking, my mother-n-law had to go into the hospital for an emergency surgery. I sent my wife, Julie, to Nashville to be by her side. I stayed back in Tampa to continue with my weekend booking schedule. I called the promoter when I saw my flight itinerary. He had me on a 715 flight to Miami from Tampa, then Miami to Chicago, then Chicago to Ottawa, then a couple hour drive to the show, plus going thru customs when I land…which can take an hour for me to get thru.
When I saw this, I called the promoter and left the message that many of you heard. I asked for the remainder of the money if I was going to be jumping on THREE different airplanes to get to this event. And yes, I promised him I would be there. Now what you need to understand is this… My message to him was stern. I was angry. My wife was a bundle of nerves because she is seeing her mother suffer. I was not with her, and I now have a flight schedule that is beyond crazy. Last time I went there I didn’t need to go on THREE planes to get there. So, with all that being said, I was stressed out, and I do apologize to the fans who heard the voice mail that I left. The pressure got the best of me and I used language I shouldn’t have. We all make mistakes.
This is what then unfolded as the reason I did not show up… The promoter sent me the remainder of the money as I asked. I was going to his booking as I promised him…even though I was under a lot of pressure with what has been going on with my mother-n-law (something that the promoter knew about). The morning of the booking came, I was still going. I then got a call from my wife in Nashville that her mom was given 2 days to live. That did it for me. How can I, as a husband, NOT be with my wife and mother-n-law, and the rest of the family? What would you do? If you were a son or daughter of adult age, and had a vacation scheduled, but your Mom or Dad was given two days to live…would you still go away on your vacation, or put things in priority order, and be with your family?
As I write this to you, I am with the family in Nashville, filling my days with my wife and the rest of the family at my mother-n-law’s bedside. It’s been 2 days already and she is still with us, but I attribute that to the many fans and friends who have been praying for her. I have received numerous emails expressing your concern and support in my situation.
If the promoter is angry, and out to try and hurt my reputation, shame on him. I called him and apologized for not being able to come, and TOLD HIM I was not going to make it because of the news we got from the hospital the morning of the show… that her death was expected. I even went as far to tell him that I would return the money he sent…all of it, and I STILL stand by it. When I return to Tampa, I will be heading to my bank and mailing him the money. This was never the issue, so why he had to go off and try to hurt me at a time where we are having a tragedy in our family, I don’t know.
What tends to hurt me the most, is that I asked him to please tell the fans that I was sorry and that i was not going to be able to make it to the event. I purposely made sure that he would express that to the fans who came out to see me, and to celebrate the life of Randy Savage. Instead, he tells everyone that I pulled a “No show”. He didn’t give any reason for my absence, just told people I didn’t show up. This is not how I operate. However, when push comes to shove with family, family will always win out.
That is the truth. This is what happened. Yes, I did not like the flight itinerary, and I did ask him for the balance of my payoff, but that had nothing to do with me not being there. It was getting the news that my mother-n-law was about to die that caused me to decide not to go the day of. As stated earlier, my mother-n-law seems to be doing better, and I thank you all for praying. I believe that is the only reason why. For those that got offended, I do apologize, and I do hope to see you again one day soon. Thank you for your support throughout this time, and for being such dedicated fans and friends.
-Greg “The Hammer” Valentine
Source: http://www.ifight365.com/2011/09/greg-valentine-posts-explanation-for-no-showing-event/
Strikeforce: Luke Rockhold vs. Tim Kennedy – Promo Video
Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is set to defend his title against Tim Kennedy on July 14th. Rockhold (9-1) captured the title when he defeated Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza in a five round battle in September 2011. He would successfully defend the title for the first time in January when he recorded a first round technical knockout of UFC veteran Keith Jardine. Kennedy (14-3) has won five of his last six bouts to establish himself as a top middleweight contender. He has recorded notable wins over Robbie Lawler, Melvin Manhoef and Trevor Prangley.
Also on tap for the event is the return of Nate Marquardt who takes on undefeated Tyron Woodley for the vacant welterweight title.
Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy takes place from the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. The action will be televised live on Showtime beginning at 10:00pm ET.
Strikeforce: Luke Rockhold vs. Tim Kennedy – Promo Video is a post from: MMA Interplay UFC News
Hockey Fight of the Day: Eric Tangradi vs. Stu Bickel
When the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins get together on the ice it’s almost a guarantee the two teams will turn in a competitive, entertaining game (not to mention one with more than a few players mixing it up).
In this clip from January, the Rangers’ Stu Bickel blasts the Penguins’ Eric Tangradi who doesn’t take too kindly to the assault and fires back a few shots of his own as well!
TweetSource: http://www.fighters.com/06/28/hockey-fight-of-the-day-eric-tangradi-vs-stu-bickel
Rashad Evans Urijah Faber Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson
UFC Canada Operations Manager On Injury-Filled UFC 149: ‘It Happens’
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/bEXJ4a0C_to/
Ray Cooper Kit Cope Wesley Cabbage Correira Patrick The Predator Côté
Strikeforce bantamweight Miesha Tate set for return to action on August 18 card
Strikeforce officials confirmed the bout on Monday night.
Earlier this year, Tate (12-3) was handed a submission defeat at the hands of Rousey when the former Olympian latched on an Armbar and earned the title. “Takedown” is 5-2 in her Strikeforce career.
Meanwhile, Kedzie (16-9) will be fighting for the first time in over a year. She last faced Alexis Davis, falling by way of decision.
PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE
Ultimate Fighting Champion
After watching a UFC fight, you might be interested in working your way to become a fighter in the ring. What preparations can you do in order to make it in Mixed Martial Arts training? Are you interested in becoming the next ultimate fighting champion? What are the essential elements that you need to know and understand to become successful in this sport? Where do I get those cool mma clothing and gear used by fighters? These are just some of the questions you might be asking. But aside from this, you also need to ask yourself a few questions before plunging in. Are you up to the challenge of undergoing gruelling training for MMA? Are you psychologically and physically fit to do the exercises involved in the training? Do you want to train to stay physically fit or you want to know the techniques because you want to be a fighter? Knowing your goals will eventually help you in deciding the kind of training you wish to get. This also makes it easy for you to choose the gym you want to join.
Source: http://www.ufcrundown.com/blog/ultimate-fighting-champion/
Hockey Fight of the Day: Matt Beleskey vs. Colin Fraser
The Stanley Cup Champions make an appearance in today’s feature, as the Los Angeles Kings’ Colin Fraser mixes it up with the Anaheim Ducks’ Matt Beleskey in a bout from earlier this season. It may not be the longest tilt but it definitely packs entertainment into the 30 seconds of scrapping!
TweetSource: http://www.fighters.com/06/29/hockey-fight-of-the-day-matt-beleskey-vs-colin-fraser
Alert for iPhone MMATorch Users: Upcoming Events section update
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/mmatorchappalert/article_13406.shtml
Future Remains Uncertain For Bellator’s Eddie Alvarez
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmaconvert/~3/UHdf7IiK2-o/
ASK THE TORCH: Amadi answers reader questions on Chael Sonnen in Anderson Silva's head, TUF, and capoeira
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A: I feel like people are looking way too deeply into Anderson Silva's conference call blow up. The truth is that Anderson Silva doesn't like Chael Sonnen; but so what? What does that really change? He didn't like him in their first meeting and he still fought like professional. He didn't like Vitor Belfort or Yushin Okami either, but he didn't fight with anymore emotion in those fights than he usually does.
As far as huge paydays for Anderson Silva go, he's making tons of money regardless of who he fights at this point. Silva isn't the kind of draw in North America where his presence alone means a ton of pay-per-view buys, but with the right opponent he can draw with the best of them.
Sure, if Anderson Silva gets matched up with a guy like Mark Munoz, yeah, it's probably not going to draw a ton of interest. But if he were to square off against a guy people care more about like Michael Bisping or someone who people might perceive to be his striking equal like Hector Lombard or Vitor Belfort (again), we're probably looking at big numbers.
Joel writes: My question is about something that will probably never happen, but bare with me for the sake of the question. Since no one watches or cares about TUF anymore I would love to see them do another come back season, with maybe heavyweights ( since causal fans love the big boys) and then get maybe Tim Sylvia, Arlovski, perhaps Todd Duffee. Anyway my question is who else would you put in that season and finally who would win?
A: For reasons I stated in my column earlier this week, I don't necessarily buy into the idea that interest in the Ultimate Fighter has just bottomed out all of a sudden. If you look at the UFC's numbers on FX, all of the Friday programming is significantly down from where it was on Spike last year, but the Saturday night prelims are on still on par.
But assuming that the season of TUF you hypothesized was actually put together, I'm not sure who else you could put in. There is a reason that you don't see a lot of heavyweight or light heavyweight seasons of the Ultimate Fighter; there really aren't many good fighters at those weights who aren't already signed to exclusive deals.
Really, outside of a guy like Bobby Lashley, who's seriously fallen off at this point, there aren't too many other name heavyweights to bring in. I think a season with Sylvia, Arlovski, Todd Duffee and Bobby Lashley would drum up a lot of interest and perhaps it could be a step up from some of the sloppy C-level action we've seen on recent seasons of TUF. Then again, considering the guys we're talking about, probably not.
Oliver writes: In light of the recent signing of Marcus Aurelio by Bellator, what is your opinion on how well the capoeira style he uses fits with MMA and how successful can a capoeira fighter be in this sport?
A: Capoeira, much like every other martial art, has its place in MMA. People get it into their minds that practitioners of "non-traditional" MMA styles like taekwondo, capoeira or even karate are just going to enter the ring or cage and fight like it's 1993, but that usually isn't the case. Everyone has to train boxing, muay thai, wrestling and jiu jitsu to be successful in MMA, but other disciplines like capoeira definitely have their place as well.
Capoeiristas have fast, unorthodox kicks. We saw Edson Barboza score what's probably going to go down as the year's best knockout with a spinning wheel kick; that's a bread and butter technique of capoeiristas all over the world.
In addition to a lethal kicking game, capoeristas also have really tricky footwork. If fighters supplement their capoeira game with the other disciplines like boxing, muay thai and wrestling there's no reason they can't be successful in MMA.
From what I've seen of him, Marcus Aurelio is a really talented fighter and probably shouldn't have much trouble finding success in Bellator. He's a dynamic striker with serious knockout power in his kicks and can keep more conventional fighters off balance with his footwork.
The only problem is that he's knocked out so many of his opponents early that we really haven't seen what his cardio looks like later on in a fight against a really good opponent. He went three rounds with Ken Tran before submitting him (which is a good sign) but in Bellator he'll be up against a much higher caliber of competition. If he has the conditioning to work his style in the third round of a tough fight, then he may be a forced to be reckoned with for years to come.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter @Jason Amadi and direct your "Ask the Torch" questions to mmatorch@gmail.com
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Ask_the_Torch_41/article_13708.shtml
Chael Sonnen Endorses Fan-Made UFC 148 Event Poster
After swapping out UFC 148‘s co-featured attraction in favor of the trilogy between Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin, the Ultimate Fighting Championship hasn’t had the opportunity to officially release the new event poster for this Saturday’s extravaganza. No worries, because The People’s Cecil has conjured up a new billboard on the UFC’s behalf, and Chael P. Sonnen has wholeheartedly endorsed it.
The self-proclaimed UFC middleweight champ has the fan-made ad plastered across his Twitter page.
With truthful taglines like “The rematch Anderson Silva has been running from” and ” The true middleweight champion makes his third title defense” written across the picture, why wouldn’t Uncle Chael accredit it?
In the spirit of accuracy, Silva is actually the UFC’s reigning 185-pound king and will be granting Sonnen a rematch this Saturday.
MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada hosts the highly-anticipated sequel.
Here is the lineup for this weekend’s show:
Preliminary Card:
(Facebook 7:25PM ET/4:25PM PT)
Yoislandy Izquierdo vs. Rafaello Oliveira
(FX 8PM ET/5PM PT)
Shane Roller vs. John Alessio
Riki Fukuda vs. Constantinos Philippou
Melvin Guillard vs. Fabricio Camoes
Gleison Tibau vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Main Card:
(Pay-Per-View 10PM ET/7PM PT)
Ivan Menjivar vs. Mike Easton
Chad Mendes vs. Cody McKenzie
Demian Maia vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Cung Le vs. Patrick Cote
Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin
Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva (UFC middleweight champion)
Source: http://www.5thRound.com/121218/chael-sonnen-endorses-fan-made-ufc-148-event-poster/
Dos Caras Jr Phil Cardella Roan Jucao Carneiro Shane The Engineer Carwin
Hockey Fight of the Day: Matt Beleskey vs. Colin Fraser
The Stanley Cup Champions make an appearance in today’s feature, as the Los Angeles Kings’ Colin Fraser mixes it up with the Anaheim Ducks’ Matt Beleskey in a bout from earlier this season. It may not be the longest tilt but it definitely packs entertainment into the 30 seconds of scrapping!
TweetSource: http://www.fighters.com/06/29/hockey-fight-of-the-day-matt-beleskey-vs-colin-fraser
Chad Mendes - The Hardest Lessons are The Best Ones
The answer was so honest that it came off as shocking. In speaking of his January loss to UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes didn’t go searching for an excuse – real or imagined – for the first defeat of his professional career. He chalked it up to a tactical mistake and moved on. Simple as that. “It (the loss) sucks, just because I trained so hard for that fight and went through such a gruesome camp and I felt so great,” said the classy Mendes. “Honestly, that was the best I’ve felt for any of my fights and it sucks that I didn’t get to finish the first round even. At least if I was gonna get knocked out, I would have rather it been in the later rounds, so at least I could have fought more.”
What a novel concept, taking responsibility for a defeat without taking credit away from your opponent. It’s so rare that you have to make a point of acknowledging it, but at the same time, don’t think for a minute that the 27-year old contender brushed the Aldo fight off.
“I was real down on myself,” he said of the aftermath. “I was trying to stay as positive as I could, but there’s definitely that kind of a little bit of doubt almost, whether or not this was something that I really should have done or whether I want to keep doing it. Obviously that’s gone and out of my head now, because this is what I love and I want to do, but it’s definitely something that crosses your mind. This is my passion though, and it’s awesome to be able to just train and work out with all your buddies and be in good shape for a living. So getting in there and putting your skills that you’ve practiced throughout a whole training camp and your entire life up against another person is just something that you’re never really going to be able to do anywhere else. It’s basically the rawest form of any kind of competition in martial arts, so it’s cool.”
This Saturday night on the UFC 148 card in Las Vegas, Mendes returns to the Octagon to face Cody McKenzie. He’s confident and eager to get back to work, and you can hear it in his voice. But as he alluded to earlier, coming back from a loss isn’t the easiest task to undertake. Some fighters are never the same, while others use it as fuel for future greatness. Mendes, a standout wrestler at Cal-Poly who isn’t used to being the one without his hand raised, has opted for the latter route, taking the lessons he picked up in Brazil to make him a better fighter. And considering that he’s only been fighting professionally since 2008, there’s plenty of room for him to grow.
“It’s a tough thing to deal with at first, but I understand that it’s a part of the sport, and something that happens in every sport,” he said. “You’re gonna lose sometime, and for me, I haven’t lost at anything for a long time and I hate losing, but I looked at my mistake, and I saw what I did wrong. I had the back for a very, very short time, I should have kept the pressure going forward instead of backing up and trying to shoot. But what can you do now? You just look back, learn from it, and try not to make that same mistake ever again.”
And let’s face it, Mendes got caught late in the first round with a perfect knee to the head that he didn’t see coming, and was finished with one second remaining on the clock. He didn’t take a five round thrashing or get outclassed by one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. It’s little things like that which he can take as positives into the McKenzie fight and beyond.
“Aldo is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and in my mind, I was winning that fight all the way up until those last few seconds,” said Mendes. “In the first round, that’s when he’s gonna be the strongest anyways. We were seeing fights in the past where his cardio was starting to go downhill after the first two rounds, and that was the gameplan – win those early rounds because it’s gonna be a lot easier to win the later rounds, and I just got caught. But it’s a confidence booster just going in there and knowing that I was hanging with or beating one of the best pound-for-pound fighters.”
He also did it in Brazil, Aldo’s home country, yet despite being the “black hat” against the local hero, Mendes came away with a positive impression from his first bout outside of the United States.
“It was pretty tough going to Brazil, his backyard, and fighting, but the hardest part was the traveling,” he said. “Honestly, the fans were great. I had a lot more fans than I thought I was going to have, people coming up to me and asking for pictures and autographs. There were a couple of times, like at the weigh ins, where they were chanting ‘you’re gonna die’ in Portuguese, but other than that, it was pretty cool. (Laughs) The overall experience was great. The open workout was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. It was on the beach, there were airplanes with banners with the UFC logo and our names pulling behind it, they had some DJs, and there were all these people on the beach and this nice weather, and it was pretty awesome.”
Six months later, Mendes meets McKenzie, who spent some time working with “Money” and his Team Alpha Male squadmates a while back, though the Hanford, California native never had the opportunity to get a test run in the former Ultimate Fighter competitor’s trademark McKenzietine.
“Some of the other guys have rolled with him and trained with him doing MMA stuff and jiu-jitsu, but I only got to do boxing sparring,” said Mendes. “I think the best way to describe Cody is, he’s funky. He’s just awkward. He’s one of those guys where you’re sparring him and you’re getting hurt because he’ll throw a punch and hit an elbow, you come in to throw a punch and you stub your toe on his toe. (Laughs) Body parts are everywhere at all times and he’s southpaw and tall too, so it makes it even more awkward. So I’m definitely not taking this fight lightly. I’ve been training just as hard as I was for Aldo, and I want to get in there and finish him. Coming off that loss, I want to prove a point, and I think finishing Cody will make that point. That’s the plan, I’m gonna get in there and go after it.”
And with the Alpha Male boys also getting a subtitle as “Team Guillotine,” Mendes has had his neck in a vice more than a few times over the years.
“From the beginning I’ve been training with guys like Joseph Benavidez and Urijah Faber, who have the best guillotines in the world, I’d say,” he said. “They can catch anybody at anytime with them, and it’s something I’ve had to deal with since Day One. I can’t count how many guillotines I got caught in the first week I was here training, and it’s definitely something that we’re focused on because we know it’s Cody’s go to move. It’s his power move and it’s probably what he’s banking on to win this fight.”
Mendes is planning on taking that guillotine and everything else away from McKenzie though, making a statement in the process. And with the ranks of contenders getting more and more jumbled every day, as Chan Sung Jung and Ricardo Lamas emerged with their upset wins over Dustin Poirier and Hatsu Hioki, respectively, and Erik Koch’s challenge of Aldo at UFC 149 got put on hold due to an injury to the champ, Mendes is in the perfect position to get back in the mix with a couple big wins. Add in the fact that three of his former victims - Koch, Cub Swanson, and Steven Siler – are putting together solid UFC win streaks, and he is looking better and better by the minute. So don’t weep for Chad Mendes. He hopes to be knocking on Aldo’s door again sooner rather than later.
“That’s what I’m seeing and that’s why I want to go out there and finish this fight,” he said. “I think maybe one or two after that, if I’m winning them, I should be right there back in line. Ultimately, that’s up to the matchmakers, but hopefully, that’s where it will put me and that’s what I’m hoping for.”
Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/Chad-Mendes-The-Hardest-Lessons-are-The-Best-Ones
Marvin Eastman Stav Crazy Bear Economou Yves Edwards Justin Eilers
Monday, July 2, 2012
“Minotauro” Nogueira pleased to see Anderson Silva fired up for Chael Sonnen fight
UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen’s attacks on Anderson Silva haven’t always been relegated to the fighter himself but also the company he keeps including countrymen, training partners, and even his wife. One of the many Brazilians rubbed the wrong way by Sonnen’s antics also happens to be a fairly accomplished competitor inside the cage as well – heavyweight legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
Nogueira recently spoke about Sonnen regarding Silva’s decision to blast his adversary during a recent conference call with media instead of playing it cool and respectful as “The Spider” typically does.
Nogueira Still Sidelined for Undetermined Period with Arm Issues
“He’s a tough fighter, a super athlete, but his kind of fight doesn’t sell, doesn’t convince. He’s not a dangerous striker nor a submitter. Where he gets his popularity from? Talking,” said Nogueira of Sonnen to TATAME. “He’s a guy who says bad things about countries, the athlete, Anderson’s wife, the way he dresses. He gets into things that doesn’t matter.”
“If he said he was going to beat Anderson and explained how I guess it was okay, but he gets into personal stuff and that’s a mistake. Anderson did good on responding to him,” concluded Nogueira on the topic, joking he hopes to catch one of the teeth Silva has promised to knock out of Sonnen’s mouth.
Silva-Sonnen are set to face off this Saturday night in the main event of UFC 148 with Silva’s divisional gold on the line. The bout marks the second scrap for the two rivals with Silva eking out a submission victory in 2010 the first time around.
PHOTO CREDIT – UFC
TweetWWE Smackdown News and Notes: In AJ We Trust
Sometimes before Kane takes to the ring I think to myself, “Oh no! This is a Kane match.” But this week’s Kane match was also a Daniel Bryan match and will I always watch those? Do I want to elect AJ queen of the universe? Do I crib Bryan’s catchphrases way too often? YES! YES! YES!
How good is AJ right now? Even in a thirty-second role as “special guest timekeeper” (LOL), she’s complex and interesting and seductive and funny, and still hot even in Kane’s ridiculous mask. Credit to Kane too. He kept up with Bryan athletically, and watching AJ manipulate him is the best love triangle involving an arsonist since Desperate Housewives.
Two more jobbers got a good Rybacking. As long as they keep him off of live TV the sound editors can make some headway against the “Goldberg” chants.
Alberto Del Rio went over Christian after great effort from both. Del Rio winning via jumping kick of awesomeness and a Cross Armbreaker and just a bit of Ricardo Rodriguez interference. How cool is Del Rio’s leaping springboard top-rope enzuigiri move? “It’s really cool,” you should be answering.
Today in #millionsofdollars: It’s only been a couple days but AW already seems to be clicking with the Prime Time Players, Darren Young and Titus O’Neil, who are. Their opponents were The Usos, a chronically underutilized tag team almost as awesome to watch as their seriously wicked crazy cool entrance is. After winning the matchup with some AW interference, the Players took a few hits backstage from Primo and Epico along with a very noisy Rosa Mendes, who are ballsier and cooler now as suddenly turned babyfaces out for revenge than they’ve been for months. I almost don’t want to mention my cautious optimism over a segment that featured three real-life serious tag teams, because Vince does not want us to have nice things and now, because I’ve jinxed it, the whole tag division is going to end up as Ryback chow.
Be sure to also check out the main event of Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler part 6 or 7, but however many times they go at it, the matches always seem to get better. Pro-Ziggler chants are becoming a regular occurrence, which means that if WWE is serious about keeping him a top heel he is going to be tongue wrestling Vickie Guerrero a lot.
The eternal Ziggler match dilemma: I’d love to see Dolphie Z win every match and championship in WWE, but there is no one who can take a kick like him. I don’t know if Dolph’s official action figure has an easy-off kickable face but it should.
PHOTO CREDIT – WWE
TweetSource: http://www.fighters.com/06/25/wwe-smackdown-news-and-notes-6-21-12-in-aj-we-trust
Marcus Aurelio Mikhail Avetisyan Luiz Azeredo Luciano Azevedo
The Blueprint - Silva vs. Sonnen II
Anderson Silva is the most accomplished fighter in the UFC. Fourteen bouts in the Octagon. Fourteen wins.
Ten of those bouts were championship fights.
Nine consecutive successful title defenses.
All of those are UFC records.
Yep, this guy is also the very best fighter in the world, pound for pound. There is no intelligent argument to the contrary. When it is all said and done, he may go down in the annals of history as the best to ever compete in the sport. If he wins on Saturday night in the main event of UFC 148 and happens to walk away, it will be extremely difficult to argue that anyone in history has enjoyed a better career in the sport.
But he first has to win on Saturday night, and that is far easier said than done. Why? Because Silva will rematch the only man who has come even remotely close to defeating him inside the Octagon—Chael Sonnen.
On August 7, 2010, Sonnen came within two minutes of handing Silva his first UFC loss. He beat the champion from pillar to post for 22 minutes, winning each and every round on my scorecard. Then, he made a mistake. It was the sort of mistake that rewrites history.
Actually, it did rewrite history. What looked like certain defeat for the champion as the fifth and final round got underway suddenly turned into a stunning submission victory. It was the most shocking come-from-behind victory that I’ve ever seen, when one takes into account what was at stake.
The fight raised several questions. Sonnen is a great fighter, make no mistake about it. But his UFC record heading into that fight was a so-so 4-3. Did Silva take him lightly? Did he really compete with an injured rib? Or is that old truism popping back up again—styles make fights? Does Sonnen have the perfect style to end the longest championship reign in the history of the UFC?
We will find out on Saturday night when the pair dances one more time in the main event of UFC 148.
On paper, this is an amazing matchup. Silva is at his best when he is fighting against aggressive opponents. Yet, the best way to beat him, as Sonnen proved, is to get in his face and take the fight to the champion with no respect or fear, forcing him to fight against the cage or from his back.
I think it is safe to assume that Sonnen will try to execute the exact same game plan that he used in the last bout. It is the same game plan he uses in every fight. Sonnen is aggressive to a fault, coming forward with reckless abandon in the never-ending quest for a takedown.
In the first fight, Silva sat back and tried to counter Sonnen’s aggressiveness with a single big shot. It was a massive mistake because Silva wasn’t able to land that single counter, so he ended up on his back in each and every round.
Silva may have tremendous takedown defense—to the tune of an 80% success rate. But Sonnen isn’t just another fighter trying to take him down. This guy is one of the best wrestlers in the sport. He twice earned Division I All-American honors at the University of Oregon and scored a spot as an alternate on the U.S. Olympic team for the Sydney Games in 2000.
He used those skills to slice through Silva’s takedown defense like a knife through warm butter. And once he put Silva on his back, the champion was basically stuck there, forced to endure the relentless ground-and-pound attack that has become Sonnen’s trademark over the years.
It bears mentioning that, while Sonnen’s strength is his wrestling and ground-and-pound game, his Achilles’ heel is his submission defense. All four of his UFC losses, including his loss to Silva, came by submission. There are three logical explanations for that hole in Sonnen’s game. Either he gets overly aggressive on the ground, lacks the knowledge to recognize a submission in time to properly defend the hold, or, what I think is the most likely reason, he simply has concentration lapses when attacking.
On the feet, these guys are night and day different. Silva is a standup maestro. He is both a legitimate homerun hitter and a technical savant. That is an unbelievably rare combination. Think about it for a moment. Silva can turn out the lights with a single punch, kick or knee thrown with any of his four limbs. Yet, he is also skilled enough to pick apart an opponent with quick, precise shots designed to damage, not destroy.
Sonnen, on the other hand, remains a work in progress in the standup arena. I won’t go so far as to call his striking novice, but is certainly run of the mill, particularly compared to what Silva brings to the table.
It suffices to say that Sonnen can’t win unless he gets the fight to the ground. Sure, I know that anyone can win a fight with a lottery-winning strike. That won’t happen on Saturday. I guarantee it.
The keys to victory, therefore, are very straightforward for each man. Silva must tactfully counter on the feet and use good lateral movement to try and keep Sonnen from cutting off the cage and tying him up. If he finds himself nearing a clinch, go ahead and attack in traditional Muay Thai fashion by grabbing the back of Sonnen’s neck and bombing knees to the body and chin. Even the best wrestlers have a terribly difficult time trying to deal with experts in the Thai clinch.
If he finds himself on the ground, Silva should remain active with his transitions because Sonnen is very susceptible to being submitted. There is no doubt that Silva has the game to take an over-extended arm and roll into an arm bar or slide up his hips for a triangle. He did just that in their last fight.
If a submission doesn’t present itself quickly, Silva should abandon that game plan, open his guard and stand up. Sonnen has never submitted an A-level fighter in his career. Silva won’t be the first. There is no real risk for Silva opening his guard and working feverishly to get back to his feet in order to avoid losing round after round on the cards by fighting from his back.
As mentioned, Sonnen has but two keys to victory: takedowns and submission defense. It’s that simple.
In order to maximize the odds of getting a takedown, Sonnen should charge forward like he does in every fight, but he should not wildly throw punches while closing the distance. Silva will destroy him in that scenario. The better approach is to feint while rushing in. Silva will continually reload his counter and circle in the face of feints or retreat, just like he did in their first fight.
When he is not closing the distance for a takedown, Sonnen needs to stay well outside of Silva’s range. He has to be far enough away so that Silva cannot strike him. When he wants to take the fight to the ground, he has to head into the eye of the storm, but do it quickly so that he gets all the way in before Silva has a chance to uncork more than a strike or two.
All the way in or all the way out. That is Sonnen’s motto.
Will Sonnen repeat his amazing effort from 2010? Will Silva prove that the first fight was a fluke? Are both men healthy this time? Is Silva fully recovered from his injured shoulder and knee? Is he getting a bit long in the tooth at 37 years old? Is Sonnen Silva’s kryptonite just due to the ‘styles make fights’ adage?
All those questions will be answered on Saturday night.
What is my prediction? My brain is telling me that Silva will put on a career-defining performance and obliterate Sonnen in a round or two. But there is this little voice that is yelling, “Hey, don’t forget the first fight. Sonnen won’t lose focus in the last round this time around.”
QUICK FACTS
Anderson Silva
• 37 years old
• 6’2, 185 lbs
• 29-4 overall (14-0 UFC)
• 14 consecutive UFC wins is most in history
• 11 UFC wins inside the distance (9 by KO/TKO and 2 by submission)
• 6 of those 11 wins were in the first round
• Hasn’t lost since January 20, 2006 (DQ loss to Yushin Okami outside of UFC)
• 10-0 in championship fights
• 10 championship wins is the most all-time
• 9 successful consecutive defenses is the most in UFC history
• Submission of the Night twice (SUB2 over Dan Henderson by rear naked choke, SUB2 over Chael Sonnen by rear naked choke)
• Knockout of the Night three times (TKO2 over Rich Franklin at UFC 77, KO1 over Forrest Griffin, KO1 over Vitor Belfort)
• Fight of the Night three times (SUB2 over Dan Henderson, KO1 over Forrest Griffin, SUB5 over Sonnen)
• Current layoff of 315 days is the longest of his career
Chael Sonnen
• 35 years old
• 6’1, 185 lbs
• 74-inch reach
• 28-11-1 overall (6-4 UFC)
• 5 of 6 UFC wins have come by unanimous decision
• All 4 UFC losses have come by submission
• 0-2 against current or former UFC champions
• Fight of the Night twice (UD3 over Nate Marquardt, SUB5 loss to Anderson Silva)
• Current layoff is 161 days
• Longest layoff of his career is 181 days
Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/The-Blueprint-Silva-vs-Sonnen-II
Tony Fryklund Kazuyuki Fujita Masakatsu Funaki Zelg Benkei Galesić
Grapplers Quest Superfights Set for UFC Fan Expo
The two-day tournament will feature adult No-Gi submission grappling divisions on Friday, July 6. The 2-Day Grapplers Quest event will showcase two separate 4-Man Tournaments and some mega-superfights. All featured matches will showcase the new “Grapplers Quest Professional Rules” which include a 10-minute Submission Only Round, Followed by a 5-Minute Overtime with Grapplers Quest rules, only if necessary.
“It’s the evolution of the sport of grappling – Eddie Bravo inspired me to open my mind towards Submission Only and I’ve never been more excited. Everything for television and more than 10 million fans on YouTube want more submissions – this event nearly guarantees it and it’s going to be the best superfight tournaments and feature the highest level of exciting talent to date,” commented Grapplers Quest owner, Brian Cimins.
4-Man Tournament (under 165 lbs.):
Marcelo "Lapela" Mafra (Cobra Kai/CheckMat)
vs.
Kyle Watson (UFC Veteran & TUF Finalist)
Enrico Cocco (2-Time UFC Fan Expo Advanced Champion, #1 Lightweight in Southeast)
vs.
Jerry Shapiro (Cobra Kai Jiu Jitsu under Sim Go)
Alternate: Younes Jemni (Amilcar Cipilli “Mica” - Gracie Humaita)
4-Man Tournament (under 165 lbs.):
Bill Cooper (Strikeforce & 2-Time UFC Fan Expo Superfight Champion)
vs.
Andre Vaughan (Mica - Gracie Humaita)
Fredson Paxiao (UFC and WEC Veteran)
vs.
Justin Milos (10th Planet, Eddie Bravo, Undefeated in MMA)
Alternate: Daniel Aguilar (Multiple Time Grapplers Quest U.S. National and Brazilian Champion)
On Saturday, July 7, the tournament will feature all-youth No-Gi grappling and all-adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo Divisions. The two four-man superfight tournaments will be prequel to the grappling superfight 12 years in the making. Current reigning Abu Dhabi World Champion, Dean Lister will battle 27-Time Grapplers Quest Champion, Sean Spangler, in the All-Time Rubber Superfight of Grappling.
On October 7, 2000, Lister was invited to fight in the first Professional Superfight Tournament. Entering in the Advanced Division, he thought he would cruise to victory until to met Sean Spangler who defeated him. Lister and fans were shocked. He then entered the first Superfight Absolute in 2002 and defeated Spangler in the first round. Now, it’s been twelve years and this third epic battle will determine the winner, once and for all, in Lister vs. Spangler III on Saturday, July 7 starting at 1:00 p.m. PST.
Superfight (10 minute Submission Only with 5 minute Overtime):
Dean Lister (Reigning ADCC Absolute Champion)
vs.
Sean Spangler (27-TIme Grapplers Quest Champion)
They are 1-1 against each other at Grapplers Quest from October 7, 2000 and haven’t competed against each other since. Since last meeting, Lister won the Abu Dhabi World Championships and Spangler has remained active on the local tournament scene in America winning nearly every tournament he has entered. Find out THE ULTIMATE Rubber match in grappling, 12 years in the making live at UFC Fan Expo, Saturday, July 7 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
BONUS SUPERFIGHT: If time permits and injuries barred, winners of each 4-Man Tournament will compete for a $1,000 impromptu Superfight Bonus match!
$17,300 in Cash and Prize Packages for UFC Fan Expo® Las Vegas:
$1,500 Men’s No-Gi Submission Grappling Advanced Absolute ($500 cash plus 2012 sponsorship)
$1,500 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Absolute ($500 cash plus 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Men’s No-Gi Intermediate Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Men’s No-Gi Beginner Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Men’s No-Gi Novice Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Men’s Brown Belt Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Men’s Purple Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Men's Blue Belt Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Men's White Belt Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Women’s Purple/Brown/Black Absolute ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Women’s Blue Belt Absolute ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Women’s BJJ White Belt Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Women’s No-Gi Advanced Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Women's No-Gi Intermediate ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
$1,100 Women’s No-Gi Beginner Absolute Package ($100 cash + 2012 sponsorship)
The grappling tournament is limited to 1,500 competitor slots.
Competitor registration starting at just $99 includes:
• Full Access to the UFC Fan Expo both days ($50 value)
• Free Grapplers Quest at UFC Fan Expo Fighter T-Shirt by TapouT ($30)
• Includes $20 off at-the-door pricing
• Includes Free Entry into UFC Fan Expo Judo Throwdown Tournament ($60 value)
Registration savings end on Wednesday, July 4th at 11:59 p.m. PST – space is limited, so register today at http://www.grapplersquest.com/products/competitor-registration-grapplers-quest-ufc-fan-expo-july-6-7-las-vegas.
Tickets for the UFC Fan Expo® are on sale now at http://ufcexpo-GQ.eventbrite.com. Tickets for Friday, July 6 are priced at $40, while tickets for Saturday, July 7 are priced at $45. A two-day pass is also available and is priced at $60.
The UFC Fan Expo® will feature more than 300,000 gross square feet of activities for UFC fans, including meet and greets and autograph sessions with top UFC and STRIKEFORCE® fighters, Q&A sessions with top UFC personalities, as well as grappling tournaments and other special events. More than 100 exhibitors will also be on hand, giving fans the opportunity to purchase and experience some of the best sports and lifestyle products on the market today. This marks the third UFC Fan Expo® held in Las Vegas since its inception in 2009, with additional expos being held in Boston, London, Toronto and Houston.
Source: http://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-fan-expo-2012-super-fight-info
Heated backstage exchange between Gray Maynard-Clay Guida caught on video
Typically there are two avenues fighters take after the conclusion of a bout – absolute respect or complete indifference. However, a rarely seen third option came into play this past Friday night once UFC lightweights Clay Guida and Gray Maynard made their way backstage to receive medical treatment for damage sustained in their five-round rumble at UFC on FX 4.
Still fuming from a frustrating effort, the two men got into a verbal altercation while UFC cameras were rolling and ultimately had to be separated before things got out of hand.
Guida’s anger was the result of losing a hard-fought decision he felt he’d won based on damage and precision, while Maynard’s ire stemmed from Guida’s constant movement and lack of engagement inside the Octagon.
Maynard Says Victory Was Important but he Came to Fight
Check out the complete UFC video blog below featuring backstage action from UFC on FX 4 with Guida-Maynard mixing it up in the final minute of footage:
PHOTO CREDIT – UFC
TweetTakanori The Fireball Kid Gomi Akihiro Gono Gabriel Gonzaga Lyman Good