Boxing With J

UFC on Versus 5: Dan Hardy won?t get punked again

2011-08-25T12:00:00.001-07:00

MILWAUKEE -- Dan Hardy was in his happy place: a room full of fight fans who all had their eyes on him. At the UFC on Versus 5 open workouts Friday, the British, orange-mohawked fighter bantered with the crowd, taking requests for fighting styles.

"If Chris agrees to do the fight in slow motion, we can do Tai Chi!"

But he has learned his lesson on making fight agreements with opponents. Before his March loss to Anthony Johnson, Hardy and Johnson spoke often about the type of fight they wanted. Even before weigh-ins, as they watched a replay of the exciting bout between Leonard Garcia and the Korean Zombie, Johnson told Hardy, "That's going to be us."

Johnson then wrestled his way to a decision win. Afterwards, Hardy said that he was punked.

"I was annoyed, but I was annoyed with myself. The reason is a few years ago, when I fought on the Cage Warriors show, I did the same thing to someone else. So I guess it's karma. If he had been saying it to the media, and constantly said, "It's gonna be a war," but hadn't said anything to me, I wouldn't have bought into it. But, it was the private messages between us. It was a smart gameplan, and he outsmarted me. I only have myself to blame for that," Hardy said.

With that loss, Hardy fell to 0-3 in his last three fights. Getting the chance for a fourth loss doesn't happen for many fighters, so he knows that it is important to deliver on Sunday night against Chris Lytle.

"It's concerning, because I love my job and I love being part of the UFC. I love seeing the fans and stuff. I like that interaction, and seeing them have such an interest in the UFC and my career. On another note, there's not much I can do about it. I'm three losses down. I can't take those back. I only can learn from them. I'm going into this fight, remembering the mistakes that I've made in my last three fights and training camps, and give it everything I've got. I'm of the mindset now that as long as I give it everything I've got, what else can I do? For right now, I'm comfortable that Sunday is going to be a great day."

Hardy worked both in Las Vegas with Roy Nelson and with his home camp in England to prepare for the bout. He thinks his game will be better integrated because the training of the different MMA disciplines was more integrated. He complimented his opponent's style, but did say that he has more weapons.

"He's got experience, which is gonna make it harder to me to set him up for the easier techniques that will knock him out. Having said that, coming from a Muay Thai background, I feel like I have an extra three weapons that he doesn't have. Boxing is a huge thing, and I use my hands a lot and I like boxing, but when I use it with my hands and kicks and knees, and elbows, that's going to be the deciding factor of the fight."

Hardy asked for a bout with Lytle because he knew he was going to bring a fight. Lytle has six Fight of the Night bonuses under his belt, and knows he can count on Lytle to bring a fight.

"Just the vibe I get off of him, I know he's coming for a fight, and that's all I really want. A fight. A good fight."

He was in a jovial mood for most of the interview, but turned serious when discussing the rioting that has swept over his home country.

"I think it's opportunistic crime. There's some discrepancy over what happened with Mark Duggan, who was shot by the police. People are saying it was unfair that he got shot, other people are saying that he was a drug dealer with a gun. The protests that followed that turned a little bit violent, then it swept across the country, people started thinking, 'I want a new TV and a pair of Nikes.' "

Floyd Mayweather Jr Raul Castillo

Overeem vs. Werdum II Official FightMetric Statistics

2011-08-25T09:00:00.001-07:00

Strikeforce - Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum

Note: Overeem is not credited with successful takedowns because a takedown requires that the attempting fighter establish a ground-based advantageous position.

Straight Right Thomas & Mack Center

Munoz vs. Maia Official UFC Statistics

2011-08-25T06:00:00.001-07:00

UFC 131 - Mark Munoz vs. Demian Maia

A Good Hard Punch In Fight

UFC 134: Predictions for Knockout, Submission and Fight of the Night

2011-08-25T03:00:00.001-07:00

The UFC hits Rio for the first time since 1998 this Saturday, and they are bringing a stacked card headlined by pound-for-pound star and current UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.

He takes on Yushin Okami in a rematch of a fight they had five years ago. Okami won the fight by disqualification after Silva used an illegal kick that knocked him out.

The co-main event will also be a rematch featuring former UFC light heavyweight champions Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Forrest Griffin.

Griffin defeated Rua at UFC 76 when he submitted the Brazilian fighter in the third round.

Other main card bouts include Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Brendan Schaub, Edson Barboza vs. Ross Pearson and Stanislav Nedkov vs. Luiz Cane.

Preliminary fights can be seen on Facebook and Spike TV.

The following are my predictions for knockout, submission and fight of the night.

Fight of the Night: Brendan Schaub vs. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira

The lone heavyweight bout on the card brings a legend and an up-and-comer together to determine which one is worthy of being a top 10 heavyweight.

Former UFC interim heavyweight champion Nogueira hasn't fought in over 15 months since losing to Cain Velasquez at UFC 110.

Schaub is coming off four wins in a row, including victories over Mirko "Cro Cop" Flipovic and Gabriel Gonzaga.

Both like to finish their opponents and that often makes for a great fight if it goes the distance, which I think it will. Nogueira is susceptible to being knocked down and recovering fast enough to lock on a submission at any point in the fight.

Schaub could find himself on the receiving end of some exciting scrambles on the ground if he gets a little too over zealous for the finish.

Even if this fight doesn't go the distance, I think it goes long enough to win the fight of the night bonus.

Submission of the Night: Raphael Assuncao

Former WEC and UFC featherweight fighter Raphael Assuncao makes the move down to bantamweight to take on Johnny Eduardo in a preliminary bout.

Eduardo is a 15-year veteran of the sport and brings a 25-8 record to the Octagon. He has 13 submission victories to his credit, but he also has seven submission losses as well.

Assuncao is 16-4 with a 0-1 record inside the UFC. He was blasted away inside the first round of his UFC debut in March. It was his third loss out of his last four fights and warranted a move down to the 135 pound division.

As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, Assuncao has claimed nine victories by submission, most of which came earlier in his career. He holds a win over Joe Lauzon by submission.

Assuncao knows he needs an impressive victory in this fight. If he comes out strong and gets his opponent to the mat, he should be able to wear him down for a submission victory in the second or third round.

Knockout of the Night: Anderson Silva

Most people know the story of the first fight. Okami won by disqualification after Silva used an illegal up-kick to knock him out. It happened quickly in the bout so it's hard to draw any conclusion as to how this fight will go down.

Okami is one of the more successful middleweights in the division and has been for a long time. He likes to counter-punch and use his wrestling to control the fight and win a decision.

Okami is probably one of the harder fighters to finish, but Vitor Belfort is also a very hard fighter to finish, and Silva put him away with one front-kick to the face.

It's that kind of unexpected ending that makes it hard to pick against Silva in a fight where all the breakdown in the world essentially cannot predict what is going to actually take place.

With Silva being in front of his hometown crowd, there shouldn't be any playing around this time. Sometimes, it's a worst case scenario for fans when Silva meets a counter-puncher, but "The Spider" knows what he has to do to get his opponent out of there.

It probably won't come early, but expect to see Silva get the knockout sometime within the five-round distance to successfully defend his title and continue to build his legacy.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Mohegan Sun Casino Bernard Hopkins

Video: ?Shogun? UFC 134 Open Workout

2011-08-25T00:00:00.001-07:00

Mauricio ?Shogun? Rua took part in Wednesday?s UFC 134 open workout.

Latest Boxing Schedules Left Hook

British kick-boxer Mark Fowler warms up in the ring in 2010

2011-08-24T21:00:00.001-07:00

Mark Fowler is seen preparing for a fight in November 2010. The Muay Thai fighter died after collapsing in front of spectators on Saturday night during a fight in Sydney.

Barney Ross Marvin Hagler

FOX and UFC announce official partnership; Four UFC fight cards on FOX and 32 live fight nights on FX each year

2011-08-24T18:00:00.001-07:00

This was the day Dana White dreamed about from the beginning. The UFC president's brainchild has finally reached a big deal with network television.

Joined by FOX Sports Media Group Chairman David Hill and FOX Sports President Eric Shanks, White along with UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta announced a seven-year agreement between the fight promotion and the television network during a Los Angeles press conference.

Beginning on Nov. 12, FOX will air four major UFC fight cards each year. The UFC's reality show "The Ultimate Fighter" will be moving from Spike to FX. The format will change from a taped show to airing live fights each Friday night.

During the two seasons each year, FX will air every "Ultimate Fighter" fight live. There will also be six UFC Fight Nights each year on FX.

"We will own Friday nights," said Shanks. "There will be 32 total fight nights each year on FX.

Hill credited super agent Ari Emmanuel (the real life Ari Gold from HBO's "Entourage") with pushing the for the UFC on FOX behind the scenes and Fertitta/White convinced him over the years.

"There's no yesterday in TV. TV is about the next big thing. We first started talking 10 years ago. Lorenzo said something then. He said what boxing was to my generation is what UFC will be and is to the next generation," said Hill. "TV can't make a sport. The people have to speak. What Dana, Frank and Lorenzo have done is taken a little niche sport, and in 10 years have made it into a mainstream sport. The key was recognizing what the people wanted. It's the ultimate democratic thing."

Before the press conference, Spike, the home of the first 13 TUFs and the final season this fall, made this statement:

"'The Ultimate Fighter' Season 14 in September will be our last. We are increasing our commitment to distinctive, original series that we own such as "Auction Hunters" and "Bar Rescue" which are delivering on our goal to reach a broader audience,"� said Spike's VP of Communications David Schwarz. "Our 6-year partnership with the UFC has been incredibly beneficial in building both our brands, and we wish them all the best in the future."

The UFC will also have programming on FUEL. When asked about discussion for a UFC channel Fertitta it might be a little too soon for the fight promotion to run a network.

Fertitta, along with his brother Frank, bought the struggling promotion back in 2001 for just two million dollars. The company struggled through 2005 and was nearly put on the block for sale. Multiple reports claim the new deal with FOX is worth $90 million a year.

Landing A Clean Punch Roy Jones Jr

Light Heavyweight Wars Scheduled for November

2011-08-24T15:00:00.001-07:00

Sugar Ray Leonard Roberto Duran

Video: First Look at HBO 24/7 with Floyd Mayweather Jr

2011-08-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

Thomas Hearns House Of Blues Atlantic City

Poll results: Who wins UFC Fight Night 25 headliner between Shields and Ellenberger?

2011-08-24T09:00:00.001-07:00

The UFC returns to Louisiana in September for UFC Fight Night 25, and a key welterweight matchup between Jake Shields and Jake Ellenberger headlines the card.

Shields is hoping to earn a second crack at the UFC welterweight title, while Ellenberger is hoping to prove his legitimacy as a contender with a signature win.

In our latest MMAjunkie.com/"Inside MMA" poll, and the results were revealed on Friday's new episode of HDNet's weekly MMA news show, and it was fairly one-sided.

Roseland Ballroom Jack Dempsey

Victor Ortiz isn't intimidated by the moment

2011-08-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

When Victor Ortiz might have been forgiven for feeling at his lowest ebb, not long after his stoppage defeat to Marcos Maidana, he found himself being consoled and encouraged by one of his fellow fighters: Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"That was the first time I encountered him," Ortiz told ESPN.com on Monday as he prepared for a two-city press tour to officially announce his Sept. 17 contest against that same Floyd Mayweather. "I didn't think he knew who I was. But he said some very nice things to me. He...

Staples Center Cristobal Arreola

XFC 14 heads to HDNet with Scott Barrett vs. Chase Gormley headliner

2011-08-24T03:00:00.001-07:00

The popular Florida-based XFC promotion returns to HDNet on Oct. 21 for a live broadcast of XFC 14.

The event features a heavyweight headliner between fast-rising Scott Barrett and former UFC fighter Chase Gormley.

XFC 14 takes place at UCF Arena in Orlando, Fla., on the campus of University of Central Florida.

Muhammad Ali Mgm Grand Hotel & Casino

Photo: 19 August 2011

2011-08-24T00:00:00.001-07:00

Robert Waterman Promoted Fightnight at Blackpool Tower Circus.
Keywords: blackpool tower

Middleweight Upcoming Fights

With Joe Rogan out, Kenny Florian joins Saturday's UFC 134 broadcast team

2011-08-23T21:00:00.001-07:00

UFC featherweight contender Kenny Florian has joined the broadcast team for Saturday's UFC 134 pay-per-view event.

He's filling in for color commentator Joe Rogan, who's taping NBC's soon-to-release "Fear Factor" reboot as the show's host.

Florian, who's previously handled such duties, joins play-by-play man Mike Goldberg at UFC 134.

Erik Morales Holding

Phil Baroni Insists He Has More Left in Tank

2011-08-23T17:00:00.001-07:00

Filed under: News

Heading into his 28th pro fight, and just one win over the .500 mark, Phil Baroni admits he's given serious thought to hanging up the gloves.

But the famed "New York Bad Ass" said just when he thinks he's ready to be out of the sport, it pulls him back in.

Baroni told host Ariel Helwani on Monday's edition of "The MMA Hour" that ahead of his fight against Yoshiyuki Yoshida at One FC next month in Singapore, he's excited again.

"Every time I start camp and I'm out of shape, I think I'm done," Baroni said. "I want to get the hell out of here. Once I start getting in shape and my body starts feeling good, I want to do it as long as I can. When you see guys like (Dan) Henderson - it's motivating to see guys at 40 looking as good as he looks."

Baroni (14-13) returned to the UFC in late 2009 for the first time since UFC 51 in February 2005. He lost to Amir Sadollah in his first fight back. And after some time at Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand, and a decision to return to middleweight, he booked a fight with Brad Tavares at UFC 125 in January. But Taveres landed a big knee in the first round and finished Baroni with strikes, giving the New Yorker a three-fight skid and an exit from the UFC with a 13-13 career record.

It didn't take Baroni long to get back on the horse, though. At a March Titan FC show in Kansas City, Baroni grinded out a decision win over Nick Nolte - a fight he said was hard on him because of injuries.

"Going into that fight, I was a little beat up," Baroni said. "The fight was rough. I had some broken ribs, and I just had to get through that fight. it wasn't so much a great win. It was a relief to get a W. I didn't win that fight with an exclamation point. It wasn't a good fight. No one said, 'Let's sign this guy up.'"

But though Baroni said he had considered retirement, it might have been an easier choice had he lost to Nolte - especially because no major promotion would have been clamoring to put him on a card.

"You're done when you give up," Baroni said. "I would've been a really bad position for me (if I lost). I was really hurting in there, but I did what I had to do to get the win."

Baroni has never put together an MMA winning streak longer than three fights, but he's had three losing streaks of three fights or more. He won his UFC debut at UFC 30 against Curtis Stout, then lost to Matt Lindland at UFC 34. But after consecutive UFC wins over Amar Suloev and Dave Menne, he dropped four straight in the promotion to Lindland, Evan Tanner twice and Pete Sell, Baroni was cut from the promotion.

Baroni regrouped in Pride, going 4-2 in Japan before returning to the United States to fight Frank Shamrock for the Strikeforce middleweight belt. But a he was choked out by Shamrock, setting off a three-fight skid.

With a return to Asia for the Yoshida fight, Baroni said his first fight outside the U.S. in more than three years, as well as One FC's use of a combination of unified MMA and Pride rules, bodes well for him.

"I'm a road warrior - I'm excited to go overseas and fight," Baroni said. "There's a big diff between Singapore and Japan, but I wanted to fight in the show. I'm in no man's land right now (in my career). Pride rules ... knees on the ground ... (no holds barred) - I think it's good. It's my style."

Baroni has regrouped with the American Kickboxing Academy team in San Jose, Calif., for the bulk of his training for Yoshida. He said AKA's style of hard sparring three times a week helps him be prepared for a fighter the likes of Yoshida (12-6), who also recently snapped a three-fight skid with a win in France after going a combined 2-4 in the UFC and Bellator between 2008-2010.

"His deal in UFC, he choked out War Machine (Jon Koppenhaver), which is no easy task," Baroni said. "He got knocked out by (Josh) Koscheck, and Koscheck is top five in the world. He's going to come to fight and try to prove everyone wrong, and that's going to be his demise - I'm going to knock him out."

Baroni and Yoshida fight at One FC: Champion vs. Champion on Sept. 3.

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Lucius Palmer Palms Casino

Antonio Nogueira's Homophobic Remarks Are Disappointing to Hear

2011-08-23T14:00:00.001-07:00

Noggy. Nogs. Nogster. What’s going on buddy?

I am not going to come down on Antonio Nogueira for his silly homophobic remarks. I am sure the politically correct internet thugs have already taken him to task for saying he wouldn’t want to grapple with a gay fighter in a recent interview for UOL Esporte.

I’ll just say that I am disappointed in the lovable Gargoyle. I don’t think there was any malice behind what he said, so ultimately who cares. But it brings up some interesting issues regarding homosexuals in the UFC. I’ll get back to that in a minute.

A few years ago I was a groomsman in the wedding of two of my best friends. Standing up for the bride was one of her closest friends, who happens to be a gay man. I am not sure what the correct term would be; I guess maybe Bridesman.

Anyway, being the only one on the groom’s side, who wasn’t a raging homophobe, I was asked to walk with the "Bridesman" down the aisle. It was no big deal. He’s a friend too, and it’s not like we were going to have to slow dance afterward (although we might have, I had a lot of tequila that night).

The jokes came, and I took them. I even laughed at most of them. It really wasn’t that bad. I felt worse for the "Bridesman," who had to forever be immortalized walking next to my chubby ass in matching khaki pants and ruffled white pirate shirts (it was a beach wedding).

So we did the "Man-March," and everything was fine. No one laughed and it wasn't at all humiliating.

It is absolutely ridiculous to think that in the modern world it would go any other way.

This brings me back to Nogueira. He was quoted as saying to UOL Sports (translated from Portuguese): "I have no prejudice against the gays, but I wouldn't train with someone who's gay. I have no malice, I don't take our physical contact as (something) sexual. But what if the gay person has that malice of having physical contact with me, of staying there grappling?”

I have to say, this made me giggle.

First of all, whenever someone puts “the” in front of the group they are talking about it is a bad sign. Try doing it without sounding homophobic or racist, it can’t be done. I’ll give him a break on that one though, since it is a translation.

Second, the idea that some gay student is lurking in the shadows of Noggy’s gym, just waiting for a chance to rub up against Noguiera is pretty funny. Nogs, not to be cruel, but there are no worries, none at all.

No one is going to try to “stay there grappling,” although god knows there is probably a website out there as we speak dedicated to all things Nog. (Resisting urge to Google “Nog Porn”)…

Third, what makes you think you haven’t grappled with a gay fighter already? How would you know? It is not like the guy is going to enter the gym to “It’s Raining Men” while wearing a pink singlet and feathered boa.

Dana White already addressed this issue two years ago, according to MMA Fighting, and said the right thing, that it would be no big deal for there to be an openly gay fighter in the UFC.

I tend to agree with him. Having played sports in a very racist city, I can say that all of that stuff vanishes when you are competing against someone in athletics.

I saw profound and idiotic off-the-field racists grow to respect the guys they were playing against, and this seemed to carry over into their lives. Having close contact with another group of people makes you realize the one truth that goes beyond everything else, which is that we are all just humans.

So maybe it is time for Nogueira to grapple with a gay fighter. Maybe he should grapple the remaining living members of the Village People in a vat of Jell-O while John Waters films the whole thing and releases it as a campy romantic comedy.

Maybe if he did Nogs would come to the same simple realization as the knucklehead racists on my high school football team.

If not, at least learn not to make these kinds of bonehead remarks in the press, otherwise you open yourself up for smart-asses like me to talk about your steely glare. The way you look deep into your opponent's eyes during a full mount. Your strong, yet yielding rear naked choke.

So ciao for now Antonio “Stay there grappling” Nogueira, I hope none of your opponents whisper sweet nothings in your cauliflower ear.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Head-Butts Antonio Chavez

UFC 134: Anderson Silva vs. Yushin Okami and the Chael Sonnen Factor

2011-08-23T11:00:00.001-07:00

UFC 134 is headlined by middleweight champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva (28-4 MMA, 13-0 UFC) defending against Yushin "Okami" Thunder (26-5 MMA, 10-2 UFC), who previously fought in January 2006.

Okami picked up the victory courtesy of a Silva upkick which landed while both men were fighting for position on the ground.

Nonetheless, the kick is illegal and it ultimately cost Silva the fight at Rumble on the Rock 8.

Since that fight took place, Silva has had his hand raised 14 consecutive times, 13 of which have taken place in the UFC.

Silva's undefeated since entering the UFC, but his toughest test came against Chael Sonnen, who landed 320 total strikes in dominating Silva for 23 minutes of action.

With the fight coming to a completion with Sonnen clearly ahead on the scorecards, Silva pulled off a "hail mary" submission to retain the title.

Okami has been victorious in 10 of 12 fights inside the Octagon with losses coming at the hands of current light-heavyweight Rich Franklin and middleweight contender Chael Sonnen.

While Okami was able to find some success in his fight with Franklin, he was completely unable to do so against Sonnen at UFC 104.

Sonnen's elite wrestling proved far superior and Okami was forced to return to the drawing board, which soon included his former foe.

With that being said, both Silva and Okami have faced Sonnen with each fighter taking different paths after the fights.

Anderson clearly isn't fan of Sonnen and the feeling's mutual, but Okami on the other hand decided to seek out the former U.S. Olympic wrestling team alternate in hopes of taking his game to the next level.

Since joining Sonnen at Team Quest, Okami is 3-0 with notable victories over Mark Munoz and Nate Marquardt.

Begin Slideshow

Miguel Cotto South Point

Photo: Derry Mathews v Stephen Jennings - 30 July 2011

2011-08-23T07:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Derry Mathews Stephen Jennings

Silver Nugget

Winner of Hardy vs. Lytle to Get New Harley

2011-08-23T01:00:00.001-07:00

Left Hook

London 2012 Olympics: king-size McDonald's in the Games park sends out wrong message, insists Amir Khan

2011-08-22T19:00:00.001-07:00

Boxer criticises London 2012 organisers for allowing McDonald's to open huge outlet in the Olympic Park.

Erislandy Lara

Miller vs. Palhares to UFC 134's Spike TV card, Thiago vs. Mitchell to Facebook

2011-08-22T13:00:00.001-07:00

One fight has been promoted to the Spike TV card for Saturday's UFC 134 card, and one bout has been demoted to the night's Facebook stream.

The preliminary-card switch puts middleweights Dan Miller and Rousimar Palhares on Spike TV's "UFC Prelims" special, and welterweights Paulo Thiago vs. David Mitchell now head to the web stream.

UFC officials recently swapped their spots on the Brazilian card.

Wilfred Rosario

Photo: 19 August 2011

2011-08-22T07:00:00.001-07:00

Robert Waterman promoted fightnight at the Tower Blackpool.
Keywords: blackpool tower

Marcel Cerdan

He may have lost, but @titoortiz now holds the all-time UFC record for fight time

2011-08-22T01:00:00.001-07:00

Tito Ortiz lost his fight against Rashad Evans at UFC 133, but he managed to set an important record in the process. Ortiz has now fought four hours, 42 minutes, 38 seconds, which sets the all-time UFC record for most time spent in the Octagon. Ortiz surpasses Randy Couture and BJ Penn to jump into the #1 slot. The top five in all-time UFC fight time are now:

1. Tito Ortiz - 4:42:38

2. Randy Couture - 4:41:50

3. BJ Penn - 4:33:51

4. Georges St-Pierre - 4:13:12

5. Matt Hughes - 3:38:13

Miguel Cotto

Ricky Burns retained his WBO super-featherweight title with a bizarre first-round stoppage victory over Nicky Cook

2011-08-21T19:00:00.001-07:00

Ricky Burns retained his WBO super-featherweight title with a bizarre first-round stoppage victory against Nicky Cook.

Emanuel Augustus

Miller Back on the Sidelines with Broken Hand

2011-08-21T13:00:00.001-07:00

Cole Miller got a win at UFC Live 5, but he?s headed for another stint of rest and recovery after breaking his hand during his bout against T.J. O'Brien.

Reno Ballroom

Munoz vs. Maia Official UFC Statistics

2011-08-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

UFC 131 - Mark Munoz vs. Demian Maia

Joe Frazier

Photo: Kevin Satchell v Delroy Spencer - 30 July 2011

2011-08-21T01:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Kevin Satchell Satch Delroy Spencer

Roberto Duran

Brazil's Greatest UFC Moments

2011-08-20T19:00:00.001-07:00

Lightweight

UFC on Fox: You want cross-promotion? We?ve got cross-promotion

2011-08-20T13:00:00.001-07:00

The UFC announced its seven-year deal with FOX on Thursday, promising plenty of cross-promotion between existing FOX entities and the UFC. To help out the network and the promotion, Cagewriter has a few ideas:

A "Glee"/"The Ultimate Fighter" crossover episode -- The fighters have to put together a song and dance to get New Directions to regionals. Rachel Berry and Quinn Fabray finally solve their difference in the Octagon. Dana White and Mr. Schu smile and nod a ton. How could this go wrong?

Put the "American Idol" spin on "The Ultimate Fighter" -- Televise the tryouts, and have a panel either over-praise or break the hearts of every contestant.

"The Family Guy" goes to a UFC show -- Peter Griffin and his buddies head to catch some fights with some buddies in Quahog, only to find out that Brian has his UFC debut, with Stewie as his cornerman. Roy Nelson has a cameo.

Feed a fighter challenge on "Hell's Kitchen" -- The chefs have to create a post weigh-in dinner for Anderson Silva. It has to take into account his nutritional needs and love for fast food. Can they handle it, or will the chefs turn on each other? (Hint: It's reality TV. They're going to turn on each other.)

"So You Think You Can Dance: UFC edition" -- Fighters sure like to show off their moves on their way to the Octagon or after fights. Is it too much to ask for a UFC dance-off? No. No, it is not.

Opponents Punch

Ricky Burns could abandon WBO super-featherweight to step up division, says trainer Billy Nelson

2011-08-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

Ricky Burns could make the final defence of his belt against Nicky Cook on Saturday evening, irrespective of the outcome.

Aviator Sports

Report: John Cholish vs. Mitch Clarke Planned for UFC 140 in Toronto

2011-08-20T01:00:00.001-07:00

Ricky Hatton

Photo: Joe Tonks v Robin Deakin - 30 July 2011

2011-08-19T19:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Joe Tonks Robin Deakin

Victor Ortiz

UFC 134 Preview: Why You Should Feel Very Sorry for Forrest Griffin

2011-08-19T13:00:00.001-07:00

It is a rematch four years in the making.

At UFC 134, Forrest Griffin will be facing Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in a rematch of their 2007 bout, which Griffin won by rear-naked choke.

This time, however, the outcome will be much different.

Although Rua is coming off a devastating loss to Jon “Bones” Jones back in March, expect to see quite possibly the hungriest Shogun that has ever stepped inside the octagon. In addition to being motivated to even the score of what is arguably his most embarrassing loss, Rua will be fighting in his home country for the first time since 2003.

Perhaps most important to note is the fact that Rua has not had a post-fight knee surgery since his last fight.

Historically, Rua’s surgeries have been a reoccurring problem in his career. After injuring his knee after the first Griffin fight, Shogun returned with a sluggish performance over Mark Coleman at UFC 93, a match which he won by a third-round knockout.

A few months later, however, Shogun defeated former champion Chuck Liddell with a tremendous display of striking and movement.

He went on to fight the undefeated champion Lyoto Machida with a pair a strong performances. Although Rua controversially lost the first fight, he was granted an immediate rematch and knocked out Machida in the first round.

As luck would have it, Rua required yet another knee surgery after defeating Machida, which turned into another sluggish performance against Jon Jones.

Griffin is not a slouch, though. After submitting Shogun, he went on to defeat Rampage Jackson and win the title. His record since then has been a bit spotty, however. He was knocked out consecutively by Rashad Evans and Anderson Silva, and won a controversial split decision over Tito Ortiz. His last convincing win was over Rich Franklin back in UFC 126.

If we were to compare highlights between the two fighters, one would be hard pressed to find a Griffin highlight reel that could match Rua’s. As it stands, the very best Forrest Griffin is not as good as the very best Mauricio Rua.

At UFC 134, we will see the very best Shogun. Both fighters are hungry and want the belt back, but I’m feeling more than a bit sorry for Forrest Griffin.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Lennox Lewis

Photo: Derry Mathews v Stephen Jennings - 30 July 2011

2011-08-19T07:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Derry Mathews Stephen Jennings

Emanuel Augustus

UFC on Versus 5: Miller finishes with nifty one-arm guillotine, Markes and Hettes also win

2011-08-19T01:00:00.001-07:00

Cole Miller is a promoter's dream. The kid has the verbal skills, a nasty streak in the cage and killer instinct. He just needs to be a little more consistent to move into the top 10 at lightweight.

Consistency wasn't an issue tonight as he wore down T.J. O'Brien and patiently stalked him before landing a big left hook. The dazed O'Brien eventually found himself stuck in a guillotine choke and tapped at 2:38 of the second round at UFC on Versus 5 in Milwaukee, Wi.

"I'm glad I dropped him with the left. I think I might have broke my right in the first round. I'm just glad to get rid of him one way or the other. I get that [submission] a lot from that position [in practice]."

Miller (18-5, 7-3 UFC) showed a well-rounded game by using his boxing to set up the finish. O'Brien got off to a quick start with leg kicks and had Miller backing up for most of the first round. The 6-foot-1 Miller usually possesses a huge height and reach advantage at 155, but O'Brien's 6-2 frame gave him a little trouble. Things changed when Miller landed a big shot with 1:20 left in the first. O'Brien stopped coming forward.

In the second, Miller pushed the pace and landed the nasty left hook with 3:22 left. O'Brien slowly fell to his back where Miller refused to jump into his guard and unloaded 20-plus kicks to his legs and rear-end. When O'Brien (16-5, 0-2 UFC) sat up and shot forward to grab Miller's legs. Miller thwarted the takedown attempt and O'Brien stayed there too long. O'Brien's neck was there for the taking.

Miller locked on a guillotine choke in combination with a body lock. He only had his left arm under the chin of O'Brien, but the torque of his legs was too much for O'Brien to hold out any longer.

"All and all, I'm pretty happy with the victory. I've been working hard on my striking for several years. I was surprised that my hook dropped him like it did. I caught him on the chin just right," said Miller.

"Bruce Leroy" loses again, Hettes shows off dynamic ground game in UFC debut

Alex Cacares still hasn't been able to back up all that talk from Season 12 of "The Ultimate Fighter."

The fighter who nicknamed himself "Bruce Leroy" showed off some solid defensive skills, but Jimy Hettes wouldn't stop for a second and eventually used his slick grappling to win via guillotine choke at 3:12 of the second round.

Cacares (5-4, 0-2 UFC) came out to the cage dancing and sporting a big afro equipped nicely with a pick. He was smooth, but once the fight started the 24-year-old Hettes was the king of smooth.

The kid was non-stop with his submission attempts, scrambling and transitions. He was waiting for one mistake and Cacares finally made it in the middle of the second round.

Hettes (9-0, 1-0 UFC) was working hip control and when the fight got back to the feet, Cacares allowed the Pennsylvanian to get his arm right under his chin. Hettes jumped on his back and dumped him to the ground. Cacares was helpless and gave little resistance before tapping.

"I know I signed with the UFC, but I didn't know when I was going to fight, so I kept training and got a call from Sean Shelby and took the opportunity," said Hettes.

Hettes was called 11 days ago to fill in for the injured Leonard Garcia.

"When I was out there I got tired of listening to my coaches, corner-men and boxing coaches yell at me, so I just went forward and put all the of the chips on the table.� Now I'm going to train until I can't stand up anymore," said Hettes.

Hettes has won all nine of his fights by submission.

Markes manhandles Vemola

Karlos Vemola is a powerful light heavyweight. The massive Czech dropped down to 205 pounds after toiling as a heavyweight at 227. There's no way he expected to get overpowered by a kid making his first appearance in the UFC, but that's exactly what Ronny Markes did on his way to a unanimous decision victory, 30-27 on all three scorecards.

Possessing powerful shoulders and a huge back, Markes decided to go right at Vemola's strength with the clinch game. It worked. He outwrestled a six-time Czech national champ and scored eight takedowns in all. In the first, Vemola got himself back to his feet on four occasions and on each occasion was dropped back down just seconds later.

Markes (12-1, 1-0 UFC) has now won five straight, including a recent win over former WEC middleweight champ Paulo Filho. It was just the third time Markes gone the distance.

After missing with some huge shots on the feet and struggling so much to fend off Markes' shots on the ground, Vemola (8-2, 1-2 UFC) was gassed by the final round.

Bout

UFC Live 5 Prelim Results: The Messenger Delivers Excitement

2011-08-18T19:00:00.001-07:00

Cut Man

Escape from Starbucks

2011-08-18T13:00:00.001-07:00

Applying Cold Pressure

Congratulations to USA Today on Becoming the First Newspaper to Include MMA Box Scores

2011-08-18T07:00:00.001-07:00

A hearty congratulations to USA Today, whose sports section becomes the first to include box scores from the fastest growing sport in the world. Statistics from mixed martial arts will now take their rightful place alongside those from baseball, basketball, hockey, and other sports.

You can find the FightMetric box scores in the edition following UFC and Strikeforce events. Check out this morning's paper for box scores from UFC 129:

Orleans Hotel & Casino

Ronny Markes - The Payoff from a Tough Start

2011-08-18T01:00:00.001-07:00

Holding

UFC on Versus 5?s Three Stars: Henderson, Lytle and Cerrone

2011-08-17T19:00:00.001-07:00

The fighters delivered on the UFC's first trip to the Dairy State, giving exciting performances from the top to the bottom of the card. That made the task of picking out just three stars even tough. Cagewriter's picks are below. Tell us yours in the comments or on Facebook.

No. 1 star -- Ben Henderson: After losing the WEC belt to Anthony Pettis, the enduring image of "Smooth" was getting kicked in the face. He used that loss as fuel, first beating Mark Bocek at UFC 129, and then aggressively taking out Jim Miller on Sunday night. According to CompuStrike, Henderson outstruck Miller 148-26 and was 7-for-7 on takedown attempts.

No. 2 star -- Chris Lytle: Few athletes and even fewer fighters get to retire on a win. After 54 fights, 20 with the UFC, Lytle earned that honor with one last Fight of the Night performance, topped off with a Submission of the Night choke. Now, he'll have an extra $130,000 and a Harley-Davidson to help with his retirement.

No. 3 star -- Donald Cerrone: Before the UFC and WEC merger, "Cowboy" felt like the kid brother of the UFC's lightweight division, not quite getting the respect of his UFC brethren. After landing 24 power strikes to Charles Oliveira's four and TKOing the Brazilian in the first round, Cerrone joked that the little brothers had exacted their revenge.

Eddie Chambers

Dana White Calls Yushin Okami the Best Japanese Fighter Ever

2011-08-17T13:00:00.001-07:00

Filed under: UFC

UFC President Dana White is fond of saying that the only way to prove you're the best fighter in the world is to do it in the UFC. It's not that there aren't any good fighters in other promotions, White believes, it's just that the only fighters who consistently test themselves against the best in the world are the ones who do it inside the Octagon.

By that rationale, White says Yushin Okami -- who will fight Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 134 -- is the greatest Japanese fighter in MMA history.

"In my opinion, Yushin Okami is the best fighter ever to come out of Japan," White said. "This guy didn't fight cans and get this built-up, mythological record."

Fighters who fight "cans" and build up a "mythological record" are a constant thorn in the side of White, who regularly complains about fans and members of the media who proclaim Fedor Emelianenko -- whose best moments came in Japan, and who never fought in the UFC -- as the greatest fighter in history. White always insists that Silva is the best ever, and now that he's promoting Silva against Okami, he's talking up Okami as the best ever to come out of Japan.

A lot of longtime fans of Japanese MMA -- especially the fans from the Pride days -- would disagree. Kazushi Sakuraba, Takanori Gomi, Kid Yamamoto, Hayoto Sakurai, Caol Uno and Shinya Aoki could all make a case that they've accomplished more in mixed martial arts than Okami has.

White is right, however, that none of those fighters have proven it in the Octagon. Aoki has never fought in the UFC. Sakuraba and Sakurai each fought in the UFC just once, with Sakuraba fighting on the UFC's Japan card in 1997, and Sakurai losing to Matt Hughes in 2002. Gomi and Yamamoto are both currently under contract to the UFC, but both were past their prime before they ever appeared inside the Octagon. Uno had some success in the UFC and fought twice for the UFC lightweight title, but his overall record in the UFC was just 3-5-2.

And White is surely right that if Okami beats Silva -- a very big "if" -- he would have an excellent case that he's the best fighter ever to come out of Japan. Okami has already beaten Silva once, although that was a controversial disqualification. If Okami were to beat Silva convincingly, that would become the signature win of his career and completely transform his reputation, while simultaneously knocking Silva from the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.

"Anderson Silva is fighting for his legacy," White said. "Yushin Okami is fighting for respect."

For Okami, White believes, a win over Silva would make it impossible for anyone to deny that he's the greatest fighter ever to come out of Japan.

"If he wins this fight," White said, "he'll get the credit he finally deserves."

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Erislandy Lara

Possible Move to 125 Makes Benavidez Cringe

2011-08-17T07:00:00.001-07:00

At 5-foot-4, Joseph Benavidez is used to questions about how he?s going to handle his opponent?s reach.

Jack Dempsey

@chrislytlemma Joins the 100 Strike Club...for the 4th Time

2011-08-17T01:00:00.001-07:00

Chris Lytle went out in the way that only Chris Lytle could. In the history of the UFC, a fighter has landed 100 Significant Strikes in a fight only 22 times. In a record that may never be broken, Lytle has now accounted for four of those occasions after landing 127 against Dan Hardy. Only one other fighter, Georges St-Pierre, has even done it twice.

Check back later this week for more on the career of Chris Lytle.

Jack Dempsey

Amir Khan 'emulates' Manny Pacquiao qualities in fifth-round victory over Zab Judah for IBF title in Vegas

2011-08-16T19:00:00.001-07:00

Amir Khan's display against Zab Judah has hallmarks of Manny Paquiao, says Freddie Roach.

Muhammad Ali

A Brief, and Far Too Tardy, Update

2011-08-16T13:00:00.001-07:00

Marco Antonio Barrera

@chrislytlemma Joins the 100 Strike Club...for the 4th Time

2011-08-16T07:00:00.001-07:00

Deigo Corrales

Photo: Kevin Satchell v Delroy Spencer - 30 July 2011

2011-08-16T01:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Kevin Satchell Satch Delroy Spencer

Clinch

As tourney finale looms, Bellator 48's Pat Curran focused solely on winning title

2011-08-15T19:00:00.001-07:00

Pat Curran is already a Bellator tournament winner, but his ultimate goal has eluded him.

"I just want to be the champion and be considered one of the best featherweights in the world," he today told MMAjunkie.com Radio.

He's but one step away from another shot at a belt. On Saturday he meets Marlon Sandro in the finals of Bellator's "Summer Series" featherweight tournament, and he believes he has an edge that will put him in position for a fight with current champ Joe Warren.

Clinch

Photo: Adnan Amar v Matt Seawright - 30 July 2011

2011-08-15T13:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Adnan Amar Matt Seawright

Welterweight

UFC 133 weigh-in: Who are you picking?

2011-08-15T01:00:00.001-07:00

Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans weighed in for their big clash tomorrow at UFC 133. Evans was the villain for the Philly crowd. The fans in attendance booed lustily when Evans walked to the stage.

"I know they love me," Evans told UFC analyst Joe Rogan. "I know everyone one of them would want my autograph if I walked up into the stands."

A more muscular Evans checked in at 204.4 pounds. Ortiz made the weight at 205. 8, but it did appear to be a rough cut for the 36-year-old. His eyes were sunken and Ortiz sounded a bit hoarse when spoke.

Ivan Menjivar was the only fighter to officially miss weight. At 138 pounds, he missed the bantamweight limit by three pounds. The MMA veteran apologized profusely to his opponent Nick Pace and elected to give up a portion of his purse instead of dropping the additional two pounds.

Damon Martin from MMAWeekly.com and Larry Pepe from ProMMARadio.com join me on RawVegas.tv and NBCSports.com to break down the main event at UFC 133.

UFC 133 weigh-in (Courtesy MMAjunkie):

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view)

Rashad Evans (204.4) vs. Tito Ortiz (205.8)
Yoshihiro Akiyama (184.6) vs. Vitor Belfort (185.4)
Brian Ebersole (170.6) vs. Dennis Hallman (170.8)
Constantinos Philippou (185.2) vs. Jorge Rivera (184.6)
Rory MacDonald (170.6) vs. Mike Pyle (170.8)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)

Alexander Gustafsson (204.4) vs. Matt Hamill (206)
Chad Mendes (145.8) vs. Rani Yahya (145.2)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)

Ivan Menjivar (138) vs. Nick Pace (135.8)
Johny Hendricks (170.8) vs. Mike Pierce (171)
Mike Brown (146) vs. Nam Phan (145)
Paul Bradley (185.2) vs. Rafael "Sapo" Natal (185.4)

You can watch UFC 133 right here on Yahoo! Sports

Joe Louis

Amir Khan shuns Hollywood glitz in quest to reach summit of boxing - starting with Zab Judah

2011-08-14T19:00:00.001-07:00

Amir Khan, the WBA light-welterweight champion, revealed hat he will not be distracted by his growing fame in the US.

Landing A Clean Punch

Alexander, Al-Hassan Cleared for MMA Pit Fight: Genesis

2011-08-14T13:00:00.001-07:00

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Houston Alexander once made jaws drop by dropping Keith Jardine in 48 seconds at UFC 71.

Ray Robinson

Chris Lytle set to retire after UFC on Versus 5 main event

2011-08-14T07:00:00.001-07:00

MILWAUKEE - Perhaps there's a reason UFC welterweight Chris Lytle said he's willing to stand and trade with British slugger Dan Hardy.

Apparently, it doesn't really matter where a win or loss puts him in the UFC's 170-pound division.

Lytle on Saturday informed his employers that Sunday's UFC on Versus 5 contest would be his last in the octagon.

Deigo Corrales

Klitschko long ago conquered strongest foe

2011-08-14T01:00:00.001-07:00

When Wladimir Klitschko steps into the ring with David Haye on July 2, it will mark the culmination of a fight over two years in the making.

For many, it is the second-biggest fight the sport has to offer -- and the most important heavyweight bout since Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson in 2002. It's also an opportunity to finally see the long-reigning king of boxing's (fading) glamor division in his moment of truth against a dangerous opponent in his prime.

But don't buy too much into that last part.

Because...

Evander Holyfield

Ricky Burns's manager in rage over appointment of Terry O'Connor as judge for Nicky Cook fight

2011-08-13T19:00:00.001-07:00

The build-up to Ricky Burns' fight against Nicky Cook has been overshadowed by a row over judge Terry O'Connor.

Venues & Fight Towns

Official UFC 133 Weigh In Results

2011-08-13T13:00:00.001-07:00

Roseland Ballroom

Nick Diaz Extends His Lead as Strikeforce Record-Holder in Significant Strikes Landed

2011-08-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

Both Nick Diaz and Gilbert Melendez put in tremendous performances in their championship fights, but only one could sit at the top of the list for most significant strikes landed in Strikeforce history. Diaz landed 44 significant strikes in his fight against Paul Daley, while Melendez landed 33 significant strikes in his fight against Tatsuya Kawajiri.

Diaz remains at #1 with 587 landed in his Strikeforce career, while Melendez sits at #2 with 554.

Oscar De La Hoya

Gomez, McCall, Marshall Lead Tachi Palace Fights 10 Payroll

2011-08-13T01:00:00.001-07:00

Ian McCall made waves at Friday night?s Tachi Palace Fights 10, as ?Uncle Creepy? took home both the promotion?s flyweight title and the evening?s second-largest fight purse.

Muhammad Ali

The 25 Biggest Feuds in MMA History

2011-08-12T19:00:00.001-07:00

There is little more compelling than the instigation, build-up to a frenzy and then climactic conclusion to an ugly, bitter feud.

You want politics? How about Andrew Jackson vs. John Adams and murder and adultery accusations back and forth in the presidential election of 1828.

Mainstream sports will give you something like Shaq vs. Kobe, two teammates whose talents and egos could not get along in the sandbox for very long after going to the limits together.

Pop culture will give you Batman vs The Joker, and I'm still terrified of Heath Ledger's portrayal in The Dark Knight. How about the Hatfields vs the McCoys?

Here are The 25 Biggest Feuds in MMA History

Begin Slideshow

Latest Boxing Schedules

'Judo' Jim Wallhead to Face Frank Trigg at BAMMA 7

2011-08-12T13:00:00.001-07:00

Filed under: News

Coming off a quarterfinal exit in Bellator's most recent welterweight tournament, "Judo" Jim Wallhead will return to the U.K. circuit as a replacement to face Frank Trigg at BAMMA 7 on Sept. 10 in Birmingham.

Tom Watson, who had been scheduled to face Trigg, was forced to withdraw due to a back injury.

Wallhead (21-6), who trains out of Team Rough House with the likes of Dan Hardy, Paul Daley and Ross Pearson, won his Bellator debut in October, but earlier this year had an eight-fight win streak snapped by tournament runner-up Rick Hawn. Prior to Bellator, the judo black belt was a reserve on The Ultimate Fighter 9, but never received the call up.

Trigg (21-8) made his BAMMA debut in May, stopping John Phillips in the first round. Trigg, 39, has won back-to-back fights since his release from the UFC last year.

Also on the BAMMA 7 card are: Leonardo Santos vs. Rob Sinclair, Efrain Escudero vs. Tim Radcliffe and Matt Ewin vs. Valentino Petrescu.

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Floyd Patterson

Zab Judah warns Amir Khan that his lack of experience and maturity will be his downfall in world title fight

2011-08-12T07:00:00.001-07:00

Zab Judah tells Amir Khan his lack of experience and maturity could be his downfall in Saturday's world title fight.

Star Of The Desert Arena

Amir Khan 'emulates' Manny Pacquiao qualities in fifth-round victory over Zab Judah for IBF title in Vegas

2011-08-12T01:00:00.001-07:00

Amir Khan's display against Zab Judah has hallmarks of Manny Paquiao, says Freddie Roach.

Jake Lamotta

UFC Hits Houston Oct. 8 with Two World Title Fights

2011-08-11T19:00:00.001-07:00

Desert Diamond Casino

Pat Barry's new move

2011-08-11T13:00:00.001-07:00

If you were wondering how Pat Barry planned on taking care of the uber-giant Stefan Struve, he gives you a little preview in this short video.

Opponents Punch

Melvin Guillard is an American Hero

2011-08-11T07:00:00.001-07:00

I have no idea what the story is behind this picture ... I just found it over at the Fight Nerd's website. But any picture involving the death of Hitler, Osama, and some Klan member is okay by me. Melvin Guillard's inclusion in it all is just the icing on the cake.

Featherweight

(Almost) Spring Roadwork

2011-08-11T01:00:00.001-07:00

The Trainer

Strikeforce picks, Vegas-style: Fedor still a huge favorite over Hendo

2011-08-10T19:00:00.001-07:00

Fedor Emelianenko's lost two straight, the second one pretty badly against Antonio "Big Foot" Silva, but the betting public still trusts in the former heavyweight king. On the Las Vegas betting boards, Fedor is a sizable minus-250 favorite to win tonight's fight in Chicago (Showtime 10 p.m. ET/PT).

"The MMA Insiders" host Kevin Iole and myself talked about how Fedor needs to approach Hendo (3:35 mark). Strikeforce announcer Frank Shamrock also appeared on ESPNRadio1100/98.9 FM in Las Vegas to speak about his experience in dealing with Henderson's strengths (5:22 mark).

This is one of Strikeforce's five-fight slates in recent memory. The odds say so with nothing bigger than a minus-250 favorite. All the underdogs have a solid shot at pulling the upset. Who has the best shot? Cagewriter says Paul Daley. If Daley stays off the ground, and that's a big if, his striking is too crisp for the inexperienced Tyron Woodley.

Bloody Elbow's cast of writers made their selections on all the fights. BE also tabs Daley as its top choice to pull off the upset. Six prognosticators chose Woodley and five sided with Daley.

Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson betting odds (Courtesy Lagasse's Stadium Las Vegas):
Dan Henderson (+200) vs. Fedor Emelianenko (-250) - Heavweight

Robbie Lawler (+150) vs. Tim Kennedy (-180) - Middleweight

Paul Daley (+170) vs. Tyron Woodley (-200) - Welterweight

Miesha Tate (Even) vs. Marloes Coenen (-130) - 135 pound title fight

Scott Smith (+190) vs. Tarec Saffiedine (-240) - Welterweight

Upcoming Fights

Fans invited to Friday's UFC on Versus 5 open workouts in Milwaukee

2011-08-10T13:00:00.001-07:00

The UFC's first-ever trip to Milwaukee is quickly approaching, and fans are invited to attend Friday's open workout sessions.

UFC officials recently announced the pre-fight activity will take place Friday at the city's Harley-Davidson Museum, which also hosts the following day's weigh-ins.

UFC on Versus 5 fighters Donald Cerrone, Dan Hardy, Ben Henderson, Chris Lytle, Jim Miller and Charles Oliveira will all take part in the workouts, which begin at 1 p.m. ET (12 p.m. CT local time) and are free and open to the public.

Blocking

Natal, Brown open UFC 133 with wins

2011-08-10T07:00:00.001-07:00

Paul Bradley can't doing anything about his fireplug build, but 5-foot-9 middleweights have a tough time against certain fighters at 185 pounds. Rafael Natal used a five-inch reach advantage to land a boatload of leg kicks and avoid the wrestler's takedowns on his way to unanimous decision victory, 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 on all three cards, in the opener of UFC 133 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

Bradley usually fights down at 170 pounds, but he took this fight at 185 on just 12 days notice when Costa Philippou was moved up the card. The height difference was too much to overcome against the 6-foot Natal.

Natal's gameplan of staying at a distance and using an array of inside and outside leg kicks stymied Bradley's wrestling. The former wrestling All-American at Iowa had his lead leg (left) bruised inside and outside his thigh by the end of the fight.

Bradley (18-3, 0-1 UFC) was only good on 3-of-11 takedowns and did minimal damage on the ground. Give credit to Natal (13-3-1, 1-1-1 UFC) as he picks up his first UFC win. He did so with a broken left hand, that he suffered some time during the fight.

Brown survives tough boxing game from Phan

Mike Brown needed a win in the worst way and he set the tone early by scoring a key takedown and pounding away at Nam Phan in the first round. Phan fought even the rest of the way, but it wasn't enough to avoid losing a unanimous decision, 29-27, 29-28 and 29-28.

Back in 2008, Brown (25-8, 1-2 UFC) looked like an unbeatable force as the featherweight champ with the WEC. The division caught up to him and looked like it was passing the 35-year-old. Brown entered this one a loser of two straight and 3-of-4.

His takedown in the first with 3:58 left in the round, turned into a beatdown the rest of the way. Phan got flattened out and Brown pinned his right arm on the mat. Over the next 3:38, Brown got off 50-plus punches and landed most of them with a thud on Phan's face. In the final minute of the round, Brown unloaded with some back elbows as well. It very easily could've been a 10-8 on all three scorecards. Only one judge gave the 10-8 to Brown.

The second and third rounds were much more even. Phan (16-9, 0-2 UFC) did a phenomenal job avoiding the takedown. Brown was just 1-of-8 as he tried to get the fight to the mat. Phan landed some excellent combos in the second, but couldn't pushed the pace as much in the final round.

Carlos Monzon

Congratulations to USA Today on Becoming the First Newspaper to Include MMA Box Scores

2011-08-10T01:00:00.001-07:00

Jack Dempsey

Will Exciting Victory at UFC 133 Make a Difference to Rashad Evans' Haters?

2011-08-09T19:00:00.001-07:00

You can call Rashad Evans cocky. You can call him brash. But after Saturday night, at least for a little while, you can't call him boring.

In a fight that admittedly seemed like it was his to lose at UFC 133, Evans put on an impressive performance, demolishing Tito Ortiz for a second-round TKO win. The fight was everything that Evans' detractors (and there are many) would have us believe he's totally incapable of, which is to say it was exciting to watch and it didn't go the distance.

What I wonder now is, will any of that make a difference to the fans who despise him?

I realize I'm in the minority here, but I don't understand all the hate for Evans. Sure, some of his fights aren't so thrilling, but you could say the same about Georges St. Pierre and Randy Couture, yet they both have large, passionate followings. Against Ortiz, Evans finished a guy who hadn't been put away since 2006. Shouldn't that count for something?

As for the people who claim he's cocky, here's a nugget of info that will blow your mind: every fighter is cocky. To varying degrees, maybe, but if you get in the cage and fight for a living, you have to have at least a little bit of a swagger. Some guys hide it better than others, but they all have a fairly high opinion of themselves, as they should.

Evans is a guy who has been fighting the top light heavyweights for years, and he's only lost once in his entire career. Doesn't that warrant at least a little cockiness?

But for most of the Evans haters, I suspect it's not really about his fighting style or his attitude. They hate him because they hate him. Their minds are mind up, their opinions already formed, and there's not a lot he can do to change that at this point.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, either. Because of the nature of fight promotion, it helps to have villains as well as heroes. People love having someone to hate, and the most ardent Evans haters are probably least likely to ever miss one of his fights. Whether people are tuning in to see you win or to see you get beat up, all that matters is that they're watching.

Will some of those people eventually come around on Evans, the way some have on Ortiz lately? Maybe, but I wouldn't hold my breath. For now, Evans is a marked man. It doesn't seem to matter to people that, in person, he's actually a thoughtful, likable guy.

That's because they're not hating Rashad Evans -- they're hating a version of him. Maybe it's the version they know from snatches of TV sound bytes, or maybe it's a version they made up in their own heads. It hardly matters at this point, since they're not open to any new information on the subject.

There's really not much Evans can do about it, other than work with it and keep stacking up the wins. A few more performances like the one he put on against Ortiz, and even those who hate him will have to respect him.

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San Manuel Casino

Video: Tachi Palace Fights 10 Weigh-ins

2011-08-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

Thursday's Tachi Palace Fights 10 weigh-ins can be viewed here.

Bernard Hopkins

Six-figure Solopreneurs

2011-08-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

Larry Holmes

Phenom MacDonald smashes Pyle with quick first-round victory at UFC 133

2011-08-09T01:00:00.001-07:00

The kids keep coming and Rory MacDonald may be leading the way for the new breed. The 22-year-old destroyed Mike Pyle, a very capable veteran, in just 3:54 at UFC 133 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

MacDonald (12-1, 3-1 UFC) is a prime example of what's on the way in the world of mixed martial arts. He's trained in all aspects of the sport from a very young age. A native of British Columbia, he really has few holes in his game. Pyle tried to exploit his takedown defense early and got the fight to the ground two times, but MacDonald got up quickly. On the feet, it was no match. Pyle had trouble defending himself against MacDonald's jab.

[Related: MacDonald-Pyle highlights]

With 2:50 left in the first, a MacDonald combination stung Pyle and that's where his troubles began. Pyle (21-8-1, 4-3 UFC) charged forward, got caught in a quick standing guillotine, he rolled out and then fell to his back. MacDonald controlled things from there.

MacDonald jumped� Pyle's guard twice. The second time, he unleashed a vicious left hook that landed squarely on Pyle's chin. He was hurt and rolled to his side. MacDonald poured it on from the there. He landed two big elbows and then got off eight brutal right hands to the side of Pyle's head and face. Referee Kevin Mulhall had to save Pyle, who just laid facedown on the mat after the stoppage.

MacDonald's only loss in the UFC was at the hands of Carlos Condit. MacDonald was actually winning the fight heading to the third, but got nailed by a big punch that damage his eye and changed the fight. Since that win, Condit has moved into title contention with a string of spectacular finishes. Now MacDonald is hot on his heels after this big win.

Bernard Hopkins

UFC 133 Results: Why Rashad Evans Should Be Rooting for Rampage Jackson Now

2011-08-08T19:00:00.001-07:00

At UFC 133, Rashad Evans added another win to his record by beating Tito Ortiz. Evans proved once again that he should be next in line for a title shot.

The last time Evans was in this position, he waited nearly a year to have a bout with the injured champ, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, only to suffer a knee injury of his own while training.

To make matters worse, the man who replaced Evans in the fight was none other than his former training partner and friend, Jon Jones. Jones went on to win the light heavyweight title from Rua, and the now bitter rivalry between Jones and Evans was born.

Both Evans and Jones believe their paths will cross in the future. But while Evans knows what Jones’ strengths and weaknesses are, perhaps Quinton “Rampage” Jackson is the man he should hope to face for the title.

Evans knows Jones better than possibly any other fighter in the UFC, but Jones is one of the most unpredictable and hardest fighters to plan against.

Jones is a big light heavyweight who has yet to be dominated in a match. Jones' mix of unorthodox striking, wrestling and submissions have made the young fighter one of the most dominant in MMA today.

Jackson, on the other hand, has become predictable over the years. Rampage’s bread and butter is going for a knockout.

The only downside to this is Rampage has not been able to knock anyone out since 2008. Although he has only loss once since then, Rampage is not the same fighter he once was.

Evans was able to use his quickness and excellent wrestling to pull out a decision victory over Rampage when they fought last May. A second fight could have the same results.

While Jackson may seem like the easy out, Evans would be up for the challenge of Jones. In fact, it’s safe to say he’s looking forward to it.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Barney Ross

Pavlik takes control, for better or worse

2011-08-08T13:00:00.001-07:00

"I'm tired of being the puppet."

That was former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik's opening statement when he unexpectedly called into a boxing radio show on Tuesday night to clarify why he pulled out of a scheduled fight on just five days' notice. Whether you think he has been fed bad advice and bad information, whether you think he has a misguided perception of his turnstile-turning worth at this phase of his career, you can't excoriate Pavlik for feeling the emotions he's feeling.

He thinks...

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

Ricky Hatton retires from boxing

2011-08-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

Fans truly loved Ricky Hatton, for reasons including, but not limited to, his in-ring performances.

Oscar De La Hoya

Video analysis: Iole examines the future of Fedor

2011-08-08T04:00:00.001-07:00

Fedor Emelianenko lost his thirst straight fight on Saturday night. The former king of PRIDE is only 34, but his career is at a crossroads. Or is it over? Yahoo! Sports' lead MMA writer Kevin Iole checked in to talk about Fedor's future.

Emelianenko is even big news to casual sports fans. KSNV, the NBC television affiliate in Las Vegas, gave Cagewriter some TV time to preview UFC 133 and speak about the fall of "The Last Emporer."

Light Heavyweight

Pacquiao's training barely tested by Mosley

2011-08-08T01:00:00.001-07:00

On Saturday afternoon, deep in the recesses of the 60th floor of The Hotel at Mandalay, Manny Pacquiao relaxed on a bed inspecting a seating chart and counting out tickets to give away. It was seven hours before his one-sided unanimous decision over Shane Mosley. Pacquiao had just arrived from a fender bender involving two of his own vehicles en route back from Mass. His trainer, Freddie Roach, arrived to check on Pacquiao (who was fine) and warn him: "Tonight, Mosley's trainer is going to object...

Erik Morales

Pacquiao vs Marquez Publicity Tour Down to Four Cities

2011-08-07T22:00:00.001-07:00

Oscar De La Hoya

?Mayhem? Miller: ?TUF? Experience Best of My ?Meager Life?

2011-08-07T19:00:00.001-07:00

Jason ?Mayhem? Miller takes time out of his busy schedule to discuss his time spent coaching on the next season of ?The Ultimate Fighter? opposite Michael Bisping, which premiers in September on Spike TV.

Deigo Corrales

There's Only One Tito Ortiz

2011-08-07T16:00:00.001-07:00

Mgm Grand Hotel & Casino

Photo: Joe Tonks v Robin Deakin - 30 July 2011

2011-08-07T13:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Joe Tonks Robin Deakin

Foxwoods

Photo: James Dickens v Chuck Jones - 30 July 2011

2011-08-07T10:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool James Jazza Dickens Chuck Jones

Las Vegas Boxing

Eagles add Dominick Cruz and Frankie Edgar to ?Dream Team?

2011-08-07T07:00:00.001-07:00

Breaking news: The Philadelphia Eagles, who have made several big splashes in the NFL's shortened free agency signing period, have added UFC champs Dominick Cruz and Frankie Edgar to their roster. The two are expected to anchor the offensive line.

Just kidding, of course. Edgar and Cruz, the UFC lightweight and bantamweight champs, stopped by the Philadelphia Eagles training camp at Lehigh University. They met fight fans Asante Samuel and Michael Vick (above) and also Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie.

"I've been a football fan forever, and this was an incredible experience," Cruz told Cagewriter through a press rep. "To meet athletes like Michael Vick and Asante Samuel was unreal. Knowing that the Eagles players and Coach Reid are big UFC fans is really cool."

Vick has been to previous UFC events, and said in a Dana White video blog from June that he plans to attend UFC 133 this Saturday in Philly.

This isn't Edgar's first visit to an NFL practice, as he gave his favorite team, the New York Jets, a pep talk before a pivotal win in November. No word on if Edgar talked trash to Vick and Samuel about the Jets Dec. 18 visit to Philadelphia.

The Trainer

Saved by Fighting, Rivera Will Always Respect the Game

2011-08-07T04:00:00.001-07:00

Roberto Duran

Glen Johnson overlooked, not overmatched

2011-08-07T01:00:00.001-07:00

It was author F. Scott Fitzgerald who famously wrote, "There are no second acts in American lives." But even Fitzgerald never met a figure as stubborn and unyielding as 42-year-old Glen Johnson.

The fighter dubbed "The Road Warrior" has an opportunity Saturday to carve out a third act (or is it a fourth? Who's counting at this point?) when he challenges super middleweight titlist Carl Froch (27-1) in the semifinals of the Super Six World Classic at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. (Showtime,...

Holding

Photo: Joe Tonks v Robin Deakin - 30 July 2011

2011-08-06T22:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Joe Tonks Robin Deakin

Joe Frazier

MMAjunkie.com Radio: Donald Cerrone, Jeremy Luchau, Joey "CoCo" Diaz

2011-08-06T19:00:00.001-07:00

MMAjunkie.com Radio today welcomes Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, Jeremy Luchau and Joey "CoCo" Diaz.

Lightweight Cerrone previews his upcoming fight with Charles Oliveira at UFC on Versus 5, promoter Luchau talks his promotion's Tachi Palace Fights 10 card and comedian and MMA enthusiast Diaz gives his opinion on a variety of topics across the landscape of the sport.

MMAjunkie.com Radio airs from 12-2 p.m. ET (9-11 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch a video stream of the two-hour show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio, or watch it live on select television markets as part of Fight Now TV.

Reno Ballroom

Photo: Derry Mathews v Stephen Jennings - 30 July 2011

2011-08-06T16:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Derry Mathews Stephen Jennings

Wilfred Rosario

UFC 133 Ortiz vs Evans: Where Does Everyone Fit in the Title Picture at 205lbs?

2011-08-06T13:00:00.001-07:00

2011 has been an interesting year for the light heavyweight division. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua was expected to defend his title against number one contender Rashad Evans, but a knee injury in practice forced Evans off of the card.

Rising star Jon "Bones" Jones was paired to face Ryan Bader and won the bout by second round submission. After the bout it was announced that Jones would go on to face Shogun for the light heavyweight Championship. Jones won that fight in dominating fashion.

Post-fight, it was announced that Jones would defend his belt against former teammate Rashad Evans. This led to the start of a rivalry. They were set to fight at UFC 133, but Jones withdrew due to a "hand" injury. Rashad was then set to face Phil Davis, but less than two weeks later Jones announced that his hand didn't need surgery and that he would defend his belt in October.

At UFC 132, Tito Ortiz was fighting for his job. In the first round he caught Ryan Bader with a right hand, Bader went down, Ortiz locked him in a guillotine and won his first fight in over four years. One week later, Phil Davis withdrew from his fight with Evans due to injury. Machida agreed to the bout, then his camp requested "Anderson Silva" money, so then he was no longer on the card.

The last man anyone ever expected to step up did so. Tito Ortiz has all of the momentum in the world on his side and accepts the fight, and with a win puts him deep into the title picture at 205lbs. If Evans wins he faces the winner of Rampage and Jones at a later date.

Dan Henderson has officially done the impossible. He defeated the greatest fighter of all time, Fedor Emelianenko. Not only did he defeat him, but he knocked him out. Even though many are claiming early stoppage, it still doesn't change the fact that his hand was raised at the end of the fight. That was the last fight on Henderson's Strikeforce contract and Dana White has expressed interest in re-signing Henderson, which could lead to a title unification bout.

Forrest Griffin will face Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 134. They have fought once before with Griffin winning by third round submission, in what was considered at the time one of the biggest upsets in MMA history. This bout solidifies top five status for the winner, and possibly a title eliminator bout. The winner may face Tito Ortiz if he wins, or even Lyoto Machida.

That being said, there are just so many questions about the light heavyweight division. Let's take a look and try to get a handle on this.

Begin Slideshow

Floyd Mayweather Jr

Working in MMA: Agent Malki Kawa talks about the business

2011-08-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

This week, Cagewriter is taking a look at the jobs that make the MMA world go 'round. See the rest of the series here.

Today, we look at Malki Kawa, the president of First Round Management, an athlete representation agency that has on its roster of fighters UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, Chris Leben, Carlos Condit and Thiago Alves, among other fighters.

Cagewriter: What is your job title?

Malki Kawa: Sometimes I'm called an agent, sometimes I'm called a manager.

CW: What's the difference?

MK: An agent's job is to put their guy in a position to capitalize on every opportunity they can, whether it's off a fight, a movie, or whatever. A manager is supposed to guide a fighter's career. I help guys reach their financial and their career goals. In the NFL, I was an agent, but in boxing and MMA, it's more manager. I like to think I'm a great manager, where I help guide their careers, and an even better agent, where I help them secure the financial and career goals.

CW: What's an average day like for you?

MK: I like to be in control and in the know, so when I wake up, I start checking everything out to see what happened overnight and catch up anything I missed. When I get to the office, I catch up on emails and create any proposals for any East Coast sponsors, or Joe Silva [the UFC matchmaker], because he's on the East Coast. At 12:00, the West Coast starts to happen.

From 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., my phone is ringing nonstop. I check in with most fighters, I look to see what's out there, and view a lot of different information. I look into what people are being paid, I compile a lot of data, I do a lot of market research. One of the reasons I've been successful in getting guys sponsorships is that I have a better handle on what's out there.

CW: Do you talk to your fighters everyday?

MK: No. I like to check in with every fighter at least once a week. If I don't have something to talk them about, I don't call them. There might be a fighter I don't talk to for a week. That doesn't mean I'm not thinking about them. It just means that there's not anything going on right then.

CW: What's a fight week like for you?

MK: We basically mirror them the entire time. If I have a fighter fighting on Saturday, I'll land with them either Tuesday or Wednesday. It's my job to make sure that everything is very comfortable and very easy for them. My week becomes a week to service the fighter. I'm there to be an extra hand for his team. That's when I take care of their shorts and their banner, and I make sure their corner knows what they have to wear. I don't really get a chance to rest until the night of the fight and their fight is done. If I have a main event guy, that's when I get to stop, unless they have an after-party, and then I make sure they get there, that they're safe and that they get paid.

CW: What's the best part of this job?

MK: The fighters themselves. Just going through the motions with the fighters everyday, and watching them grow. Like, watching Jon Bones grow from being a potential great fighter to being a champion. Watching Carlos Condit go through the ranks, and watching Thiago Alves try to make himself a little better. I also like watching when I come up with ideas that help change a fighter's life.

Look at Kenny Florian. It was my idea for him to drop to 145. Watching guys have faith in you, and then coming up with ideas of how they can get to certain places. I think that's why guys sign with me. Beside the fact that I make them money, and I am going to do the best I can for them. I think I'm intelligent, I think I know what people want and I think I know what the UFC wants, and I'm going to fight for my fighter.

CW: But no job is perfect. What's the worst part?

MK: Watching other managers who aren't good at what they do, who undercut their fighter's careers, they'll take a guy from you and mess things up, or fighters who become disrespectful. But honestly? I can't complain. I have the best job in the world. I think the traveling sucks. After a while, you want to be home with your family.

CW: What advice do you have for someone who wants to become an agent?

MK: If there's a guy or girl who wanted to get in this business, my best advice would be to set your mind to a goal of what you want your life to be at certain points. Set timelines. Let nothing stand in the way of that goal, and don't ever be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to go after what you want to get. Look around the room at my peers, and they come from all different backgrounds, but the one thing that they lack is the desire and drive I have. That's the reason I'm at the top of this game.

Follow Malki Kawa on Twitter here.

Caution

Video: Joseph Agbeko vs Abner Mares Preview

2011-08-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

Straight Right

Sunday Morning Blackhawk Talk

2011-08-06T04:00:00.001-07:00

Mickey Walker

Tachi flyweight champ Darrell Montague baffled by rankings, says he's No. 1

2011-08-06T01:00:00.001-07:00

For the life of him, Darrell Montague can't figure out what the oddsmakers, media members and fans are thinking.

The Tachi Palace Fights flyweight champion is regarded as one of the best 125-pounders in MMA.

But the 23-year-old old said he should be considered the best flyweight. And at the very least, he should be considered the best flyweight competing at Friday's Tachi Palace Fights 10 event.

Cut Man

UFC 133 Weigh-In Highlight Video

2011-08-05T22:00:00.001-07:00

Filed under: UFC, Videos

PHILADELPHIA -- The UFC 133 weigh-ins were held at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Check out the highlights of the proceedings below.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Joe Louis

Picking & Grinning: ?Fedor vs. Henderson?

2011-08-05T19:00:00.001-07:00

Can Fedor Emelianenko right the ship? | Photo: J. Sherwood

Sherdog.com staff and contributors put their reputations on the line with bold predictions for the Strikeforce/M-1 Global ?Fedor vs. Henderson? main card, which airs on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Saturday from the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Jordan Breen: Even in spite of his recent slump, I find it hard to go against ?The Last Emperor? here. Yes, he?s facing a fighter in Henderson who is absolutely more skilled than your average heavyweight, and by a good margin. However, the foes Emelianenko fell to -- Fabricio Werdum and Antonio Silva -- are by no means average. Werdum had submission skills light years beyond Henderson, and, in addition to his overwhelming physical attributes, Silva is an underrated wrestler and top-position grappler. These are exactly the skills they used to beat the Russian. Do we believe Henderson is going to land the overhand right and fell Emelianenko? I?m not sure what future awaits Emelianenko beyond this bout, but I still think he?s good enough to submit Henderson when the bout hits the floor in a fashion not unlike how he dealt with Henderson?s former Team Quest teammate Matt Lindland, though I do think this one will be far more competitive.

Guilherme Pinheiro: I?m really intrigued by this fight. Had this fight happened 18 months ago, I would have no problem picking Fedor. However, Fedor looked mortal in his last two fights, and, now, the more I think about this fight, the less I know what to make of it. Henderson is a wrestler that gets taken down more than his reputation would indicate and has also has been submitted in the past. I?m not really sure Fedor will pursue that path, which I think is his best shot at winning. On top of that, Henderson is savvy enough to navigate through Fedor?s shots standing up until the opportunity of a takedown presents itself. I?m torn about this one. I?ll go with Henderson taking this one by decision.

Tony Loiseleur: The greatest heavyweight MMA has seen thus far in Emelianenko finds himself in the unenviable position of having to fight his way back to the top after two stoppage losses. He is trying doing so against Strikeforce?s light heavyweight champion in a heavyweight bout. Certainly, the details of the matchup are head-scratchers. Typically in these situations, we?d find the troubled fighter cutting down to a lighter division for what will hopefully be a second lease on life, but for some reason, Fedor refuses to do so. It is arguable, however, that cutting to light heavyweight would change things much since that division is deeper and more competitive than heavyweight. That?s what makes this fight intriguing; more so given Henderson?s history as a weight-class agnostic fighter in the Pride Fighting Championships days. Since ?Hendo? has been taken down regularly throughout his career by lesser-credentialed wrestlers, I like Fedor?s chances to get him down, but I don?t think we'll see a submission. It cannot stay there long if Henderson wants to exercise that clubbing right hand of his. I?m guessing the difference will ultimately be there in the striking; I don?t think either man will knock the other out, but I do favor Hendo?s power over Fedor?s. I expect a close fight, one in which Henderson might hurt Fedor at times but only enough to take a decision. However, since we all know how MMA fandom and punditry are, my only fear for this outcome is that if Fedor loses to a lighter opponent -- no matter how skilled, powerful and experienced we all recognize Henderson to be -- it won?t bode well for his future or legacy.

Brian Knapp: All the physical advantages rest with Emelianenko, but one has to wonder about the state of his mind, given his two recent losses. He will have a decided weight advantage in this one, perhaps as much as 30 pounds, along with the experience of having competed as a heavyweight his entire career. For all his accomplishments, Henderson has never been considered a master game planner. At times, it seems, his heart overtakes his brain in the heat of battle. Eventually, the fight with Emelianenko will hit the ground, and the submission will come for ?The Last Emperor,? whose demise has been grossly overstated.

Pernell Whitaker

Photo: Kevin Satchell v Delroy Spencer - 30 July 2011

2011-08-05T16:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Kevin Satchell Satch Delroy Spencer

Venues & Fight Towns

Amir Khan 'emulates' Manny Pacquiao qualities in fifth-round victory over Zab Judah for IBF title in Vegas

2011-08-05T13:00:00.001-07:00

Amir Khan's display against Zab Judah has hallmarks of Manny Paquiao, says Freddie Roach.

View Boxing Seating Charts

Photo: Adnan Amar v Matt Seawright - 30 July 2011

2011-08-05T10:00:00.001-07:00

Stephen Vaughan promoted fightnight at Greenbank Leisure Centre Liverpool.
Keywords: greenbank liverpool Adnan Amar Matt Seawright

Paradise Theater