Bisping vs. 'Mayhem' slated for five rounds at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale
(mmajunkie.com)As expected, Michael Bisping (21-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) and Jason "Mayhem" Miller (24-7 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will meet in a season-ending coaches' fight at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale.
And raising the stakes, UFC officials have booked it as a five-round non-title fight, they today announced.
The event takes place Dec. 3 at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The main card airs on Spike TV.
Bisping and Miller serve as coaches on the currently airing 14th season of "TUF." In addition to the coaches, the finale features the finals of the show's bantamweight and featherweight tournaments.
UFC champ Jon Jones suffered no serious injuries, but UFC giving him a rest
(mmajunkie.com)Jon Jones entered UFC 135's post-fight press conference with as many ice packs as bruises.
Despite a fourth-submission victory over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in his first title defense, Jones was issued a six-month medical suspension, and he needed a doctor's examination to rule out any serious injuries.
But UFC president Dana White said Jones essentially got a clean bill of health. Still, he's in no hurry to bring Jones back.
Jones, who's quickly emerged as one of the sport's biggest stars, is next slated to fight top contender Rashad Evans. December's UFC 140 event could use a headliner, but White hinted that Jones, whose medical suspension can end early with a doctor's approval, may not be back before year's end.
After Cage Warriors 44 win, Brian Foster heads to CCCW 7 on Oct. 15
(mmajunkie.com)After returning from a near-year-long layoff and scoring an impressive victory over Jack Mason at this past weekend's Cage Warriors 44 event, UFC vet Brian Foster is set for his next bout.
Foster (16-5) fights in two weeks when he meets fellow UFC vet Laverne Clark (27-18-1) at Capital City Cage Wars 7.
The fight takes place Oct. 15 at Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Ill.
It's the latest stop on the comeback trail for Foster. Although performance hasn't been an issue – he won three of his final four UFC bouts and is now 4-1 overall in his past five fights – some health scares prompted his UFC medical release.
First came a vicious blow during training that resulted in a burst testicle and its removal. Then, prior to a UFC 129 bout with Sean Pierson, Foster underwent a CT scan that detected a brain hemorrhage. A trio of doctors ultimately cleared Foster, but UFC officials suggested Foster pick up some outside wins before returning to the organization.
Foster got the first one on Saturday in London with an impressive first-round submission victory over British notable Jack Mason (17-9).
UFC 141 headliner Brock Lesnar not ailing, 'actually quite pleasant'
(mmajunkie.com)Ever since his camp began for a UFC 141 bout with Alistair Overeem, ex-UFC champ Brock Lesnar has been dogged by rumors.
Countless sources have speculated to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the once-ailing Lesnar isn't able to train and that the December heavyweight blockbuster will be canceled.
UFC president Dana White has a simple answer to that: "bull [expletive]."
"It's not true," White told MMAjunkie.com over the weekend. "And it actually can't be any further than the truth."
UFC 141 takes place Dec. 30 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The event, which takes place on a Friday to avoid Sin City's usual New Year's Eve congestion, airs on pay-per-view and marks the UFC debut of former Strikeforce champ and K-1 world champion Overeem.
For Lesnar (5-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC), the Overeem (35-11 MMA, 0-0 UFC) booking is his first fight since an October 2010 title loss to Cain Velasquez. A second bout with diverticulitis scratched a planned summer contest with fellow "The Ultimate Fighter 13" coach Junior Dos Santos. Lesnar's inactivity led some MMA pundits to speculate that a retirement announcement was in the works, but White recently branded the speculation as "ridiculous."
UFC 136's 'appreciative' Chael Sonnen willing to tip hat to Anderson Silva
(mmajunkie.com)Right about now, Chael Sonnen is kicking back on his couch with a couple of movies ("Road to Perdition" and "The Bounty Hunter") and a couple of magazines ("Soldier of Fortune," probably).
Usually, you hear that the week prior to fight week is the final push before tapering down for the rush of pre-event activities.
For Sonnen, that isn't the case, at least not this time around.
He's sick, and he'll be taking the weekend off prior to his fight with Brian Stann in the co-main event of UFC 136, which takes place Oct. 8 at Houston's Toyota Center. Sonnen (25-11-1 MMA, 4-4 UFC) and Stann (11-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) are part of the pay-per-view main card.
"I think it's just a common thing when you start to wear down," he said.
February's simultaneous Japan and Las Vegas shows both will air live on TV
(mmajunkie.com)WASHINGTON, D.C. – MMA fans should get ready for a double dose of the UFC in February.
As expected, the UFC will, in fact, hold shows in Japan and Las Vegas on the same day in February.
So how would it work logistically, specifically with TV viewers in mind? It won't be an issue, according to UFC president Dana White, who said viewers can expect an event doubleheader.
UFC boss denies pay-per-view plans for Kurt Angle, offered him 'TUF 10' slot
(mmajunkie.com)WASHINGTON, D.C. – UFC president Dana White was willing to give Kurt Angle an opportunity in the UFC.
However, the 1996 Olympic gold-medal wrestler and WWE/TNA wrestling performer wasn't being targeted for a pay-per-view fight with Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson.
According to UFC president Dana White, Angle simply was offered a slot on the heavyweights-only 10th season of "The Ultimate Fighter" a few years back.
Flyweights are coming, but UFC on Versus 6's Demetrious Johnson not ready to drop
(mmajunkie.com)WASHINGTON, D.C. – The flyweights are coming. Demetrious Johnson, though, isn't quite ready to join the pack.
Johnson failed in his attempt to take UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz's title in the main event of Saturday's UFC on Versus 6 event at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center.
But if you think the loss is going to prompt the UFC's shortest fighter to drop a weight class, think again.
Johnson (9-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) matched the usual speed and swift footwork of Cruz (19-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC). But with the champ's takedowns and controlling top game, Johnson just couldn't muster any sustained attacks, and he won a single round on just one judge's card.
Anthony Johnson, Dana White have no problem with UFC on Versus 6 stoppage
(mmajunkie.com)WASHINGTON, D.C. – It was a dominant performance for Anthony Johnson – one that moves him a big step toward a potential title fight with welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre.
But it also came with a bit of controversy.
However, following Johnson's first-round destruction of Charlie Brenneman at Saturday's UFC on Versus 6 event, both Johnson and UFC president Dana White downplayed the supposedly controversial stoppage.
Johnson (10-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) and Brenneman (14-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) met in a main-card bout at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center. The Versus-televised bout proved a lopsided affair; Johnson stuffed an early takedown and then punished a kneeling Brenneman with punches and knees. By the time Brenneman got back to his feet, he was wobbly, and he grabbed the fence to keep his balance. But that's also when Johnson blasted him with a shin to the face.
Champ Dominick Cruz suffers broken hand, Faber-Bowles winner likely on deck
(mmajunkie.com)WASHINGTON, D.C. – UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz may have a next opponent on deck, but his timetable for a return remains a question mark.
Following a decisive decision victory over Demetrious Johnson in the headliner of Saturday's UFC on versus 6 event, UFC president Dana White shared some disappointing news.
Cruz suffered a broken hand in the fight, and he's set to undergo surgery.
Cruz made his second successful UFC title defense (and fourth straight defense overall when including WEC fights). His quick feet and smothering top game led him to a lopsided decision victory over a game Johnson. The fight took place at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center and aired live on Versus.
Dana White: Strikeforce champ Gilbert Melendez is headed to the UFC, ASAP
(mmajunkie.com)WASHINGTON, D.C. – Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez's days in the organization appear over.
The standout lightweight will join the UFC's roster "ASAP," according to UFC president Dana White.
A debut date and opponent haven't been determined, but White said it'll happen sooner rather than later. And if the timing is right, it could lead to an immediate UFC title shot.
"Yeah, we do want to bring Gilbert Melendez over, and we're looking at it right now," White said following Saturday's UFC on Versus 6 event at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center. "We're looking to bring Gilbert Melendez over ASAP."
White, who also said Strikeforce heavyweight Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1 MMA, 3-1 SF) is likely to return to the organization, spoke definitively about the Melendez (19-2 MMA, 9-1 SF) move for the first time ever. After the UFC purchased Strikeforce earlier this year, he hinted at the possibility but stopped short of saying there was a concrete plan.
However, Melendez, who recently cracked the top 10 in the media-voted Yahoo! Sports pound-for-pound rankings, now is making the move.
UFC on Versus 6 bonuses: Johnson, Struve, Wiman and Danzig earn $65K awards
(mmajunkie.com)WASHINGTON, D.C. – Anthony Johnson, Stefan Struve, Matt Wiman and Mac Danzig each earned $65,000 fight-night bonuses for their performances at Saturday's UFC on Versus 6 event.
Johnson earned the night's "Knockout of the Night" award, Struve picked up the "Submission of the Night" bonus, and Wiman and Danzig took home "Fight of the Night" honors.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) learned of the bonus winners and award amounts at UFC on Versus 6's post-fight press conference.
T.J. Waldburger vs. Marc Stevens grappling superfight added to UFC 136 Fan Expo
(mmajunkie.com)Two UFC notables have been booked for a grappling superfight at next weekend's UFC Fan Expo event in Houston.
Recent UFC Fight Night 25 winner and Texas native T.J. Waldburger will meet "The Ultimate Fighter 12" cast member Marc Stevens in one of the expo's two grappling superfights.
Event officials confirmed the exhibition, which the UFC and Grapplers Quest have organized, with MMAjunkie.com.
Tim Credeur out, Dustin Jacoby in against Brad Tavares at UFC 137
(mmajunkie.com)Tim Credeur (12-4 MMA, 3-2 UFC) has been forced out of this month's UFC 137 event, and promotional newcomer Dustin Jacoby (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has stepped in as a replacement against middleweight Brad Tavares (7-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC).
The fighter's reps alerted MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the switch overnight. Jacoby and his trainer, Marc Fiore, subsequently announced it via Twitter and Facebook.
UFC 137 takes place Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
UFC officials haven't formally announced the change, and the reason for Credeur's removal wasn't immediately clear.
UFC champ Jose Aldo knows featherweight division won't be a permanent home
(mmajunkie.com)There will be a time when the UFC featherweight champ's kidneys say, "No way, Jose."
A recent video documenting Jose Aldo's weight-cut for UFC 129 is proof positive.
The 25-year-old is misery incarnate as he attempts to shed the final ounces for the 145-pound limit. At one point, he refuses to get back into a bathtub containing a chemical that aids the process but creates a burning sensation on his skin.
Of course, he cuts the pounds. What's he going to do? Not make weight?
Aldo recently pointed to a weight regimen designed to pack on quality muscle mass as the cause for the battle with the scale. But he admitted a time is coming when his growing frame will no longer support the demands he must put on it to fight in the featherweight class.
When that is, he's not sure.
UFC on Versus 6's Charlie Brenneman ready for his latest big challenge
(mmajunkie.com)It's Charlie Brenneman's time. Is he ready?
Across from him Saturday is big, scary Anthony Johnson. The guy who sometimes cuts 50 pounds to make welterweight. The guy who knocks out opponents with head kicks and can wrestle, to boot.
If you ask Brenneman, of course he's ready. He's been competing against those much bigger and more intimidating guys for quite some time, and this is just an extension of that.
MMAPlayground Interview Series - Vol. 4 (Julie "Fireball" Kedzie)
(mmaplayground.com)As with any successful professional, mixed martial artists eat, sleep and breathe their craft. They put everything on the line when they wake up, hit the gym and pour their blood, sweat and tears into the sport we all love. When they enter that cage, for the fan, it's all about the entertainment, but these athletes go through the daily rigors with more in mind. For some fighters, it's a paycheck. For others, it's the glitz and glamour, but for some it's a lifestyle fueled by a deep passion and connection to the sport of mixed martial arts.
In our newest site feature, MMAPlayground would like to introduce you to some of these men and women of MMA that you may not know much about.
Our mission? To introduce. To educate. To spread the word.
Julie “Fireball” Kedzie is a female mixed martial artist fighting out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a current record of 16-9-0. Kedzie has never been one to turn down a fight, which is apparent with a single glance at her resume where one can find such names as Gina Carano, Tara LaRosa and Jan Finney, among others.
Julie recently took time out of her busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions for our MMAPlayground.com Interview Series. Read below to find out why she’d love to be matched up against Floyd Mayweather, how she got the name “Fireball” and more!
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MMAPG: We appreciate you taking the time to chat with us, Julie. How’s the rehab coming?
KEDZIE: Much better, thank you! I have been taken very good care of and am able to (finally) jog again. I will hopefully be back in sparring and grappling fully in the next few weeks.
MMAPG: Can you give the fans some insight in to how it happened?
KEDZIE: Ha! The REAL answer is that I didn't show enough respect for my body and over-trained to the point of injury. Don't ever do that - train your ass off but take the time to recover! I'll try to explain these the way they were explained to me, although you have to bare with me because I get hit in the head for a living. The long of the short of it is that I originally suffered a patella subluxation (my kneecap popped out) in training and tried to push through it to the point of stupidity...
UFC Quick Quote: Yves Edwards willing to fight Rafaello Oliveira behind a Walmart
(mmamania.com)"I still feel like I'm 26. ...The guy that was making his debut in the UFC, he didn't know half the things I know now. The thing is, nobody gets cut off a win. Not unless you've done something and screwed up. That's my only concern, is going out there and winning, keeping my job, and keep moving up the ladder. When it comes to the fight game (being on the pay-per-view card) means absolutely nothing to me. This fight could be behind a Wal-Mart. All I have to worry about is, that's the guy I'm fighting. That's all that matters."
- Yves Edwards
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson Considering a Move to Boxing
(bloodyelbow.com)"I hate fighting people who are scared," Jackson told the ESPN UFC Podcast. "When you fight somebody who is scared you never know what they're going to do. They turn and run.
"That's why I'm gonna go to boxing. I'm gonna try boxing because they've got to stand with you. If I get knocked out I don't care because at least it's a fight.
"I've tried a lot of boxing, I'm falling in love with boxing and I know I can put butts on seats over there."
- Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
Champ Ben Askren vs. Jay Hieron targeted for Bellator 56 title fight in Kansas City
(mmajunkie.com)One of the biggest title fights in Bellator history now has a date.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today confirmed with sources close to the event that undefeated Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren (8-0 MMA, 5-0 BFC) will meet recent tournament winner Jay Hieron (22-4 MMA, 3-0 BFC) at Bellator 56.
The event takes place Oct. 29 at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan.
The night's main card airs on MTV2 (and in high-definition on EPIX), and the prelims stream on Spike.com.
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