Re: Official MMA Thread
 

What do you think about a Diego Sanchez vrs. BJ Penn fight? I really like Sanchez, but I dont think he is as good of an all around fighter as BJ. In Diegos last fight against Guida, Guida took him down and kept him down in the 2nd and 3rd. Diego was able to deal some damage from the bottom but I think in that situation BJ would have finished him.

Would like to see Hendo and Sylvia again too.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Forrest Griffin gets $60,000 bonus for fight of the night?

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

I don't know about getting outclassed, I found Anderson's antics to be less than classy. Forest got dominated, no doubt, he was likely embarassed and hurt at the end of that fight and wanted to get out of there ASAP. He should have probably stayed for the official announcement, barring a dislocated jaw ofcourse. Anyone who has played a sport and gets beaten (quite handedly) doesn't usually want to stick around to watch the other guy get their trophy. :2

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Outclassed as in Forrest Gump is not in Silva's class. Nowhere near as skilled.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Then we agree on that, frankly I am not sure there is another UFC fighter in Silva's class right now. :hm

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

:tpd: I was thinking about this and I have to agree. There is no one that I would put on the same level as Silva at the moment.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

I would say GSP is on the same level. He isn't cocky and doesn't show boat tho. I'd love to see what happens if they fought. My prediction would be gsp takes him down and messes him up.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

The GSP vs ASilva fight could be very interesting. GSP could give him a lot of trouble if he could get the take downs but I think Silva would win. This fight may never happen now unless GSP wants to jump 2 weight classes:

http://insidefights.com/2009/08/09/s...vyweight-move/

Also, here's an update on Forrest. Turns out the injury report was false:

http://insidefights.com/2009/08/09/g...ult-of-injury/

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

GSP fights at welterweight (170) - Silva's champ at Middleweight (185) Only 1 weight class diff, silva's 205 fight was his 2nd as light heavyweight, he moved up for the fight

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Read the link Myles.:rolleyes:

:D

Anderson wants to move to 205 permanently.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

BJ has always wanted to be the first to hold a title at two different weight classes, but I think Silva has the most realistic chance. Even if he refuses to fight Machida, the light heavy weight division has a lot of good fighters to chances are in the near future the title will change hands and he will get that chance. I like Machida, but he is not as dominant in LHW as Silva at MW or GSP and WW.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Still stunned after watching the WEC event last night. Didn't see Torres getting beat so badly and so quickly. WOW! This was a much better card than what the UFC put on Saturday. All the fights were very entertaining and action packed.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

oh sorry ;P - reading is overrated!

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

WEC Fight Night bonuses!

LAS VEGAS - Dominick Cruz, Joseph Benavidez, Brian Bowles and Ranui Yahya each earned $10,000 "fight night" bonuses for their performances at "WEC 42: Torres vs. Bowles."

WEC 42 took place Sunday night at The Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and aired live on VERSUS. The bonus amounts were on par with the $10,000 bonuses that were given out at WEC 41 in June.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) confirmed the amounts and winners following the event.

In what was billed as a bantamweight No. 1 contenders' bout prior to the contest, Cruz and Benavidez put on an action-packed 15-minute affair. The two never stopped and rarely slowed throughout the affair, though Cruz got the better of the action with his extended reach and multiple takedowns. Cruz earned the unanimous decision, handing Benavidez the first loss of his career, but both fighters enjoyed a bit of extra income as the card's "Fight of the Night."

While Bowles earned the evening's only true knockout, his award for the evening's "Knockout of the Night" was hardly issued by default. Beyond simply shocking the world with his destruction of former champ Miguel Torres, the WEC's bantamweight champion showed why his heavy right hand is feared. Torres was out cold, and Bowles cashed an extra check in addition to earning a belt.

Picking the evening's "Submission of the Night" was simple, as Yahya was the only fighter to pull off a finishing move. However, the award was well-deserved as Yahya sliced through opponent John Hosman's defenses en route to securing a first-round submission win via north-south choke.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

SPIKE TV TO START AIRING "BEST OF PRICE FC"
Monday, August 10, 2009 - by MMAWeekly.com Staff

Spike TV on Monday announced a new weekly mixed martial arts series. Best of Pride Fighting Championships will premier on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 11 p.m. ET/PT, featuring bouts from the now defunct fighting organization owned by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Word of the series first came to light when UFC President Dana White mentioned it at his Fight Club Q&A session at UFC 101 on Friday.

Hosted by Kenda Perez, the series features past and present UFC champions among the legendary MMA combatants that includes Chuck Liddell, Anderson Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Dan Henderson, Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic, Wanderlei Silva, Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, Mauricio Shogun Rua, Mark Coleman, Frank Trigg, Hidehiko Yoshida, Akihro Gono, and Takanoro Gomi.

As the destination for the best mixed martial arts on television, Spike TV is always looking for ways to give fight fans more of the incredible action and competition they crave, said Kevin Kay, president, Spike TV.

Pride held more than 60 mixed martial arts events during a decade of operation including the largest live MMA event audience record of over 70,000 people in August 2002. Zuffa, LLC purchased Pride in March 2007.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIAZ OFFICIALLY OFF THE CARD ACCORDING TO CSAC

It's Nick being Nick. The elder Diaz brother is one of the top 20 fighters in the world but the kid is a handful for any promoter. Diaz, who has boasted many times in the past that he's a marijuana smoker, no showed his mandatory test with the California State Athletic Commission on Friday. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told the gathered media during a conference call today that the deadline is 3 p.m. PT. With all the uncertainty, the backup plan is now Jesse Taylor, of Ultimate Fighter 7 fame, squaring off against Jay Hieron. This fight has become a disaster. Remember Hieron was a late replacement for Joe Riggs.

Coker is taking the Diaz drama in stride:

"We've been in the business for 25 years -- in the martial arts fight business," he said. "And you know, when I was in my early 20's, and something like this happened, I would freak out, and get upset. But over the years, you know, you learn that it's part of the game. And you don't even try to create logic behind it because sometimes there's no logic behind the thought-process of, you know, what has happened or a fighter's decision or a manager's decision or just the circumstances that unfold because of circumstances."

UPDATE: DIAZ OFFICIALLY OFF THE CARD ACCORDING TO CSAC:
According to MMAWeekly, Bill Douglas, Assistant Executive Officer of the CSAC, said there would be no Monday test:
If Mr. Diaz is in fact in route to Los Angeles, then it is news to us because he has not notified us and considering that we are administering the test, wrote Douglas, I suggest that he or someone from his camp lets their fingers do the walking, reaches out to touch someone, or any other colorful catch phrase that you can think of stemming from an old telephone commercial."
Hieron said on the conference call that he wasn't going to freak out, after having several fights canceled or delayed over the last 18 months:

"I think I've been through everything bad a fighter could be through in his career. So I just chalk it up and keep going forward. Really, I can't control that situation with them, so I try to put it out of my mind. You know, everything will turn out the way it's supposed to, and I can't really stress about the situation. The good thing about it is that I've been through all this stuff before, and it helps me get through this."
Coker said that he had spoken with Diaz's trainer Cesar Gracie. He also mention the promotion had booked a flight for Diaz to get down to Los Angeles from Stockton this afternoon. This is a huge blow to the card and another slap in the face of Hieron, who loses out on a chance at a victory over a major name.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Hey guys I was just watching some old Antonio Silva fights, this guy looks pretty impressive. I was also looking up Aleksander Emelianenko because he KO'd the only guy that beat Silva. Aleksander is still a young guy (28) and has been finishing fights easily, most in the 1st round (just like his bro). I thought it was interesting for Aleksander's bio it says he once killed a bear by trapping its head with a fork like staff then stabbed it in the heart with a knife. That takes alot balls. He is also bigger than Fedor at 6-6 255lbs. To bad he cant fight in the USA. His next fight is against Blagoi Ivanov (the guy that beat his bro in combat Sambo) in September. I am looking forward to that one.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Every time I watch a Matt Riddle fight I like him even more. Let's go Mr. Heatmeiser! :tu

I'll agree that UFC 102 doesn't look great though there are a few fights I think are going to be good. Not sure why Leben's fight is on the main card. I have to say I really want to see Tuchscherer destroy Gonzaga.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

NO WHERE BUT UP FOR ANDERSON SILVA?
by Ken Pishna - MMAWeekly.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whats next for Anderson Silva? That is the million dollar or perhaps multi-million dollar question.

After moving up in weight and dismantling No. 3 ranked light heavyweight Forrest Griffin at UFC 101 on Saturday night, it was all but a foregone conclusion that he would drop back down to 185 pounds to defend his middleweight belt.

I think his next fight is at 185 pounds, probably against Dan Henderson, said UFC President Dana White at the post-fight press conference. I think we're gonna do him and Dan again. And then, I don't know. He goes back to 205. He could do anything.

And do anything could be coming a lot sooner than even White had anticipated.

Yahoo! Sports Dan Wetzel reported that following the fight, in the wee hours of morning, Silvas manager, Ed Soares, approached White with an unexpected proposition. That proposition being Anderson Silva forego defending his middleweight title to make a permanent move up to light heavyweight.

Id let him, White later told Wetzel. Wed put (the middleweight title) up for grabs.

No word yet out of Octagon Central, but its an interesting proposition with blockbuster fights written all over it. While Silva is running out of options at middleweight, Rashad Evans, Quinton Jackson, Mauricio Shogun Rua, or the returning Tito Ortiz await at 205. And though Silva discounts ever fighting him, there is also current champion and Silva teammate Lyoto Machida.

With his win over Griffin, Silva took one more step in proving White correct. He's the most talented fighter in the world. He's pound-for-pound the best in the world. He proved tonight, not only that he's that, but he can dominate in two different weight divisions.

It now sounds as if he wants to be done in one of those two weight classes, perhaps enjoying the added power that accompanies the added bulk at 205.

If Silva and the UFC brass do decide to put the middleweight title up for grabs, Silva will likely have to let his words of solidarity fall by the wayside.

Lyoto's my friend, he's my brother, and there is no way that fight will happen, he declared at the press conference.

But if he moves up and both keep winning, an eventual collision would be inevitable.

If Anderson gets to that point where he starts taking out 205-pounders, I'll make that fight, White stated just as emphatically. I promise you, I'll make that fight.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dana White still uncertain whether Chuck Liddell's retirement is permanent
by Dann Stupp

Is Chuck Liddell really retired?

It seems the man who first announced the former champion's career conclusion isn't even sure these days.

After a knockout loss to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 97 in April, UFC president Dana White announced in a post-fight press conference that Liddell had entered the octagon for the final time. Now, though, he hasn't completely shut the door on his longtime friend and former manager fighting once more.

"He's a huge superstar, and we could still sell lots of tickets (with Liddell)," White said in April. "But I don't care about that. I care about him. I care about his health, and it's over, man. It's over."

A few weeks later John Hackleman, the trainer of the recent UFC Hall of Fame inductee, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) Liddell could still compete with the best.

"I don't know what's going to happen," Hackleman said. "Just on his abilities, his skill and his power, and what he has left, I think he has more than one fight left in him. Maybe his game isn't what it was 10 years ago. I don't know. But he's definitely at the top of the food chain.

The episode has played out in the media since the spring with White, Hackleman, the media, fans - everyone but Liddell himself - giving definitive thoughts. Liddell recently said he'd take a year off and decide early next year to fight again.

And echoing comments first made in May, White hasn't ruled out the possibility.

"I don't want him to (fight)," White said after this past weekend's UFC 101 event. "He wants to, so we'll see what happens."

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Interesting. Would be cool to see him put the middleweight up in the air, and move on up. The door would be open for one hell of a PPV!

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

NOT SO FAST, ANDERSON STILL WANTS TO SWING

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/...=9352&zoneid=2

Hot on the heels of reports that Anderson Silva had acquired a permanent taste for the 205-pound division, it appears that the most dominant middleweight champion in UFC history isnt quite ready to relinquish his throne at 185.

A recent column by Yahoo! Sports writer Dan Wetzel stated that Silvas manager, Ed Soares, told UFC President Dana White that his client was willing to make the move to light heavyweight permanent, even if it meant dropping his middleweight belt in the process.

Not so Soares told MMAWeekly.com, saying hes not sure where that information was drawn from.

Its not true. I never said that to Dana, stated the Brazilians chief negotiator. I never said he would move up and relinquish the title. I have said to Dana that hed like to fight again at 205 (but not permanently).

After UFC 101, where Silva dismantled Forrest Griffin at 205, White indicated that Silvas next bout would likely be a drop back down to 185 to defend his belt against Dan Henderson. That would be a rematch of their first bout of a year-and-a-half ago, when Silva won with a decisive second round submission.

Soares isnt so sure that Henderson is the person that deserves the next middleweight title shot.

Since losing to Silva at UFC 82, Henderson has three straight victories: a unanimous decision over Rousimar Palhares at 185, a split decision win over Rich Franklin at light heavyweight, and a middleweight knockout victory over Michael Bisping.

Does that really make him a number one contender? I feel a true number one opponent (at 185) would be if Henderson fought the winner of Nate Marquardt and Damian Maia, Soares told MMAWeekly.com. That would produce a true number one contender... we could take another fight at 205 or a catchweight fight (in the meantime).

As for his clients future, nothing has changed.

Ive always said the same thing, he wants the biggest fights possible, whether its at 205 or 185.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A knee injury has forced UFC veteran Chris Lytle (27-17-5 MMA, 6-9 UFC) out of a scheduled UFC Fight Nigh 19 bout with Carlos Condit.

Ken Pavia of MMAAgents.com, which reps Lytle, today told MMAjunkie.com (http://www.mmajunkie.com) the longtime UFC fighter and runner up on "The Ultimate Fighter 4" tore his meniscus and now has a "blown ACL."

The UFC has not officially announced Lytle's departure from the card, though the organization has ample to find a replacement for the Sept. 16 fight, which was part of the night's Spike TV-televised main card.

UFC Fight Night 19 takes place at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., and serves as a lead-in for the debut episode of "The Ultimate Fighter 10."

Lytle, fresh off a "Fight of the Night" victory over Kevin Burns at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale in June, has won two of his past three fights, the lone loss coming to Marcus Davis via split decision. Lytle continued his recent windfall by picking up his third straight "Fight of the Night" bonus and fourth overall. In fact, including fight-night bonuses for submissions and knockouts, he's won six bonuses in his past eight fights.

A timetable for the veteran's return is not immediately known.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The UFC set to counter Strikeforce this Saturday with UFC 100 replay

The UFC are at it again with their counter programming policy, this time targeting Saturdays Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg event with the historic UFC 100 show from last month.

It has been revealed that the UFC will counter with several bouts from the night in question free on SPIKE TV, although the order has not been confirmed. Past experiences would expect them to run the majority of the main card which featured championship bouts between Brock Lesnar, Frank Mir, Georges St. Pierre and Thiago Alves.

The UFC have used this tactic in the past to great effect with Affliction and have made it public that they are not on good terms with Strikeforce, especially since the California based promotion snapped up WAMMA heavyweight champion, Fedor Emelianenko.

By Michael Pepper.

Original source: FoxSports.com

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Too bad about Lytle, he is always good for an exciting fight.

:(

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Jon Fitch vs Ricardo Almeida in the works for UFC 106

Fresh off his unanimous decision victory over Kendall Grove at UFC 101, MMAmania.com has learned that Ricardo Almeida (11-3) will finally get to make his welterweight debut when he tangles with 170-pound stalwart Jon Fitch (19-3) at UFC 106 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 21.

Since returning to the sport of mixed martial arts after a self-imposed three-year layoff to open the Ricardo Almeida Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Hamilton, N.J., Cachorrao has posted a 3-1 record, which includes wins over Grove, as well as the previously unbeaten Rob Yundt at UFC 81 and Matt Horwich at UFC Fight Night 18.

The lone loss came via split decision to the hard-hitting Patrick Cote at UFC 86 a fight that earned The Predator a title shot against middleweight kingpin, Anderson Silva.

Almeida was expected to make the drop in weight prior to UFC 101; however, Joe Silva offered him a chance to fight in front of his hometown crowd if he remained at 185-pounds to mix it up with Da Spyder during the televised portion of the Philadelphia event.

It was an offer he couldnt, and didnt, refuse.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Thales Leites has been cut from the UFC. Went from #1 contender 3 months ago to jobless. WTF

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Lots of stuff going on in this thread with last weekends cards. I was in New Orleans for the IPCPR show and was able to get away from the show and Bourbon St. Saturday night to stream UFC 101 in the hotel room. All I can say about the Forrest/Anderson fights was WOW. Anderson continues to make things look so easy. BJ looked great as well. I always enjoy seeing him fight.

I missed the WEC card though, but when I looked up MMA Mania and saw that Torres lost in such a brutal fashion in the first round I was shocked. Too bad we won't see Bowlds in action again for some time with that broken hand.

I was really excited to see the Strikeforce card tonight due to Nick Diaz being on it. Not anymore. Guess he likes smoking weed more than being a fighter and making a ton of money. What a fool. I think the card will still be good, but with Diaz on it, it would have been that much better.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

So the UFC dropped Tamdan McCrory and signed Phil Baroni; WTF!

Strikeforce working on Fedor Emelianenko vs. Ricco Rodriguez; HAHAHAHA WTF! You have got to be kidding me.:r Might as fight in side-shows. There is nothing at all for Fedor to gain out of this fight. He should destroy Ricco as quick as he disposed of Timmy. I think I'll root for an upset.:D Let's wait to see if this deal gets inked.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

I went to the same college as Tamdan. Never talked to him but he did go to the same bar quite often. Kinda bummed to see him out, hopefully he finds a way to get resigned.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Too bad nick diaz isn't on the card tomorrow I was looking forward to it. But I just realized Melendez is fighting Ishida. I saw their fight at Yarenoka and Melendez clearly won that fight. Japanese homecooking gave him his 1st loss. I imagine Melendez is going to come out on fire. The American fans get to see Gregard Mousasi for the first time. I think this guy was fighter of the year last year. In 2008 he was 6-0 in mma 1-0 in kickboxing, won a stacked middleweight tournament, moved up to heavyweight and subed Mark Hunt, and he finished all his opponents except one (a olympic medal winner in Judo). It probably doesn't hurt that he trains at team red devil either. And the kid is only 24. Look forward to seeing Werdum as well. Even though he was KO'd by Santos, Werdum took a chance and got caught, that happens. He would still be a contender in the UFC. And I never watched a female mma fight before but cyborg sounds like a female Wandy and Santos is hot. I would like to see that Gracie girl too

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Fire up Chips! :tu

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Seems like a pretty good guy and he puts on good fights. He went into the UFC 8-0 and has been 3-3 while there. There's a big difference in how losses are looked at in the UFC compared to Pride. If you are fighting tough opponents you are going to pickup a loss here or here. But the guy comes to fight.

It is a shame Diaz is off the card. That guy has been putting up good wins. - Mousasi is tough and this is going to be a good fight. - Do you mean "Carano is hot". Cyborg is Santos.

D. White has stated that McCrory & Leites are back in the UFC, he's reversing who ever made that call.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

McCrory and Leites are back.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Hell yeah Cyborg is hot. Just kidding I meant Carano. Thats good that they brought back Thales. That guy is pretty good and trains with some top level fighters.
On another note I am not a fan of the California testing agency. They have been wrong in the past about positive test and I wouldn't be suprised if Barnett was clean for his fight. Royce Gracie tested positive for crying out loud. Athletes have higher levels than normal people. They need to test their DNA also to have an accurate result. For Diaz since when does THC make you a stronger fighter. And its banned by the California testing agency in a state where small possession is not a crime?

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Cyborg almost isn't fair, lol. Werdum looked slick, Melendez had an amazing game plan and utilized it to take the win. Melendez look great. Then there's Mousasi, who not many in the states know about, but I for one was pumped to finally see him over here. Making quick work of Babalu like that is no easy task. Mousasi is going to be a serious threat for many years to come.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

It was kind of tough watching hot carano get beat up. I would like to see Cyborg fight Faber. Werdum made it look easy. One of the coolest things about Mousasi is that he is so calm in the ring, even after he exploded on Babalu.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

I know sexism is out of style but I don't think any woman could actually hang with an experienced male fighter. I enjoyed the Carano Cyborg fight but the entire time I kept thinking wow, these are the two best female fighters? Am I out of line thinking it was just a sloppy fight? Cyborg was mounted with very little resistance...and then Carano just stood up out of it. Some very odd decisions got made in that fight...

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Lucia Rijker actually fought Somchai Jaidee (a former male champion) after Rijker had destroyed nearly every woman she fought (36-0, 25 KO). Jaidee ending up KOing her in the 2nd round though. You can find the vid on YouTube. When Rijker was being trained by legendary trainer Freddie Roach, Rjiker floored one of Roach's male champs in sparring...though Freddie would never say who it was. She also did a piece for Discovery Channel Fight Science. Lucia and a male boxer, both 140 lbs, left hooked a blind folded MMA fighter, and the fighter said Lucia's punch was harder. She is the toughest female fighter I've ever seen..and her style is the cleanest most "male like" I've ever seen. When she was in her prime against the right guy, I could definitely see her coming out on top.

As far as Carano..I never thought she was as much into MMA for fighting as she was to advance her career into acting/TV/modelling/whatever. She's been over-weight for several weigh-ins, left MMA for awhile to be an American Gladiator and is reputed to have gotten a "boob job" and supposedly will be posing for Playboy. This doesn't sound like someone who's #1 focus is MMA. To me she looked gassed by 2 minutes of the round. From then I though it would only be a matter of time..and it was.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

The guy is badass. White seemed pissed they didn't land him in the UFC.

Nope! It was a bit sloppy with things went into the clinch & on the ground. I still liked the fight, though.

Carano has shot them down several times. damn!

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Good card. Good fights. Cyborg is awesome!

Penn Wants Bout With Sanchez Sooner Rather Than Later

UFC Lightweight Champ BJ Penn talks to The Hawaii Tribune Herald about his proposed match up with Diego Sanchez and when he'd like to see it happen:

Its gonna happen, hopefully within the next two, two-and-a-half months. Im 30 now and Im hoping to get a couple of more fights in. I know they say that in MMA, people peak later, but who knows? My whole career, fighting from age 20 to 30, Ive gotten into real good shape and gotten out of shape and started getting back into shape again. I dont want to do that anymore. Here I am. Im in shape. I want to have fun for a couple of days, take some time off, eat some good food, and then I want to get right back into all that stuff. Diego is" really good, he's really explosive. He's shown that he has some knockout power and hes a very good grappler. He's very hungry, he's shown that he wants to be a champion someday. This is an important fight. I'd like to get a fight with St. Pierre again, but now that Diego Sanchez is next, once we get the word from Dana White, thats what were gonna be thinkin about.

Cung Le Eyes Return To Strikeforce By The End Of The Year

While Strikeforce has made recent headlines with the impressive roster of new talent company officials have managed to bring to the organization, one familiar face has remained unseen for more than a year.

Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le (6-0) hasn't fought since earning the title with a TKO win over Frank Shamrock in March 2008, and many MMA fans are calling for the flashy striker to give up the belt.

But as Le recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (http://www.mmajunkie.com/radio), Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker isn't of the same opinion.

"I had that conversation with Scott Coker," Le said. "I think we talked maybe a week ago, and he said he's trying to figure out when the next CBS date will be. He said as soon as he squares away that deal, am I interested in fighting? I said, 'Of course.'

Coker said either the end of the year or early next year he should get that CBS deal going and I should be back in there throwing kicks."

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

I like Cung Le, but for crying out loud! How do you get a belt and not fight for almost a year and a half?!? And now it might be early next year? Not good, and doesn't make Strikeforce look like it has it's ducks in a row either.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Thanks I'll go check for those clips! And yeah, Carano was definitely gassed.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Gotta agree. He should have been stripped. I just found this recent article.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...w-with-cung-le

Seems he has been filming movies, including Tekken and resting his elbow injury.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

chuck lidell to be on dancing with the stars

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

'Jacare' Signs With Strikeforce

Fresh on the heels of todays announcement that Jake Shields will fight this fall for the Strikeforce interim middleweight championship, the promotion announced that Ronaldo Souza has been added to the 185-pound roster with a you guessed it fall 2009 debut.

Heres a snip from Jacare on the signing:

I am very excited that I will have the opportunity to fight in STRIKEFORCE amongst many of the worlds best middleweight fighters. STRIKEFORCE has an extremely deep roster of top middleweight fighters. I am looking forward to the challenge and to taking my career to the next level.

Jacare is perhaps best known (outside of his ridiculous jits) for his battles with Jason Miller over in DREAM. He outpointed Mayhem back in 2008 and their rematch was ruled a no contest after Souza was split open with a kick that officials deemed illegal.

No word yet on what will happen to their planned third tilt scheduled for DREAM 11 in September in light of this recent news.

The Alligator (Jacare translated) is a two-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion who placed second in the absolute division of the 2005 Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) world championships, losing to Roger Gracie by submission (rear naked choke).

He also competed against UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture in a Professional Submission League grappling match in 2006, taking The Natural to a scoreless draw.

After getting knocked out in his mixed martial arts debut back in 2003, Souza put together a torrid 10-fight win streak, finishing nine of his victims by way of submission.

That streak came to a crashing halt courtesy of a perfectly timed upkick from Gegard Mousasi in the finals of the DREAM 2008 middleweight grand prix last September.

At 10-2, the Brazilian is a dangerous addition to any promotion, and should further bolster the Strikeforce middleweight roster.

In fact, with Shields and now Jacare, Cung Le might want to think twice about rushing back from his hoedown in Hollywood to unify the belts.

http://mmamania.com/2009/08/04/ronal...h-strikeforce/

This is freaking hilarious!

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/153284/runforrest.gif

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

:r:r:r:r

Carano got paid $125k for that fight , holy crap!

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/...=9399&zoneid=2

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

And for 125k you think she'd have bothered putting gas in the tank. She looked pathetic.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Agreed, Andy. She struggled to make weight for this fight too. I'm sure you heard about the whole nude weigh in thing...

She's just never really been focused in MMA IMO...

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

A couple of mma news bits:


Former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz is set to make his return to the Octagon opposite the first-ever heavyweight champion for the promotion, Mark Coleman, at UFC 106 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 21.

Mike Disabato, founder of MMA Authentics and long-time friend/training partner of Coleman, today confirmed the rumored 205-pound match up via Twitter.com.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lil Nog to joins the UFC.

The UFC will soon have a notable addition to its light-heavyweight division, according to former UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

During a media conference call to promote his upcoming UFC 102 main-event fight with Randy Couture, "Minotauro" Nogueira said his twin brother, Antonio Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira, will soon be announced as a UFC fighter.

Additionally, a source close to the fighter today told MMAjunkie.com (http://www.mmajunkie.com) "Little Nog" has been scratched from a Sept. 12 Bitetti Combat show, where he was slated to fight Alex Stiebling.

The UFC has yet to make an official announcement, and Tom Huggins of Bitetti Combat informed MMAjunkie.com that he was unaware of Nogueira's intentions to withdraw from the contest. Huggins also said that the Sept. 12 event will go on as planned regardless of the light heavyweight's ultimate decision.

"Minotoro" Nogueira, a former PRIDE and Affliction fighter, owns a 17-3 career record and current five-fight win streak.

"He's coming to the UFC very soon," "Minotauro" said of his brother. "They (UFC officials) are going to announce that. I don't know when. They've already talked to him, so for sure he's coming to the UFC.

"You're going to hear that."

Nogueira, who submitted Dion Staring at a May Jungle Fight event in Brazil, was recently announced as a participant in next month's Bitetti Combat show. However, it's not known if his departure from the card is directly related to the UFC deal.

"Minotoro," 33, turned pro in 2002 and is widely regarded as one of the top 10 or 15 fighters in the light-heavyweight division. His career includes victories over notables such as Alistair Overeem (twice), Dan Henderson, Guy Mezger and Kazushi Sakuraba.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wanderlei Silva has facial surgery, ruled out of UFC 105

MMABay can EXCLUSIVELY reveal that former PRIDE FC middleweight champion, Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva has undergone extensive facial surgery in Brazil ruling him out of his proposed fight with Michael Bisping in the UK.

After seeing pictures posted on a popular internet forum of the star, MMABay contacted a source in Las Vegas that shed light on the situation. Surgery of this type normally takes 3-4 weeks to recover from but due to circumstances beyond control, the Brazilian will have to sit out the rest of the year.

Wanderlei was all set to square off with UK star, Michael Bisping at UFC 105 on November 14th in Manchester, England but when MMABay contacted management at the Widnes based gym tonight we were told “The Count” had no opponent at this time, backing up what our source had told us in Brazil.

http://mmabay.co.uk/Story%2002334.html

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Dana had said that this is the match-up fans want to see most. Is it?? I don't recall hearing ANY of my friends or other hard-core MMA fans say "I wish Tito would fight Coleman". This will be a crap fight IMO. Coleman is damn near what...50 years old? The UFC is well on it's way to becoming WWE......:td

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

I had some friends ask me about her fight and I said the same thing. I'm not an expert, but I think she can use some boxing work. She might have been able to go a bit longer if her puncher better placed with a little more power.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

Totally agree. Who wants to see this fight??? Though can we refrain from using suck terms as highlighted. And the UFC isn't the WWE.

Gina just didn't train enough like you'd expect someone to do walking into a title fight. I think both of these women should think about fighting a little heavier.

Re: Official MMA Thread
 

He's giving Tito a tomato can on his first fight back. Frankly, I don't think the majority of people wants to see the master of lay and pray, Tito, either. These guys are both yesterday's news.