Andrei Arlovski Postpones Boxing Debut to Focus on MMA, Sets Record Straight on Playing Russian Roulette
(fighters.com)Fighters.com’s tenth-ranked heavyweight “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-7) has postponed his previously planned professional boxing debut anticipated for the end of September or early October to focus on MMA, Arlovski announced at Arlovski.com Wednesday night.
“MMA now is number one priority for me,” Arlovski assured fans during a video chat, but he hasn’t buried his squared circle aspirations, adding, “Definitely, I want to try [boxing].” Arlovski also announced he’s considering competing at a North American Grappling Association event, saying, “I’ve been working on my jiu-jitsu.”
Urijah Faber joins ‘Cyborg’ Santos at ADCC September event
(mmamania.com)Perhaps the most prestigious grappling tournament in the world — the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) — recently rounded out its Submission Wrestling World Championships 65.9 kg weight class by adding former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber, according to GracieMag.com.
“The California Kid” joins Strikeforce women’s champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (+60kg), Luanna Alzuguir (-60kg) and Gregor Gracie (-77kg) as newly-announced participants for the September event.
UFC’s Houston Alexander Must Win At Adrenaline MMA 4
(fighters.com)UFC light heavyweight “Assassin” Houston Alexander (8-4) must beat “Tank” Sherman Pendergarst (11-14) at Adrenaline MMA 4 in Omaha 18 September to remain in the UFC, a source close to the Adrenaline MMA event has confirmed to Fighters.com.
Perhaps it goes without saying; but, Fighters.com wanted to verify the stakes for Alexander. “Oh, yeah. If he loses, that’s it with the UFC,” said Fighters.com’s source.
The Case for Chuck Liddell Appearing on "Dancing With the Stars"
(bloodyelbow.com)The stumbling block often issued against this idea -- namely, that the marriage between a dance competition and MMA is not natural and therefore meaningless -- should be discounted. DWTS is good precisely because it doesn’t force Liddell to adhere to outdated conceptions of fight sport participants. Those who fear fighting or are unaccustomed to viewing it as sport ultimately believe fighters are static characters who can do nothing but their occupation. Liddell is being given an opportunity unlike what he’s received in B-movies and HBO’s “Entourage”: the chance to demonstrate what else he can do and maybe reveal a little human personality along the way.
Sanchez Signs 8-Fight Deal
(sherdog.com)Diego Sanchez signed a new eight-fight deal with the UFC on Tuesday, clearing the path for a lightweight title bid against B.J. Penn at UFC 107 in Dec. 12 in Memphis, Tenn.
Sanchez’s representation, Jeff Clark of NCFC Management, confirmed the fighter’s re-signing with the promotion.
Evans-Jackson Postponed Until Early 2010
(sherdog.com)
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s big break has broken up a headlining bout against Rashad Evans at UFC 107.
Jackson and Evans, rival coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter 10” debuting Sept. 16 on Spike TV, will no longer face off in a culminating bout on Dec. 12 in Memphis, Tenn., where Jackson hails from.
Evans was notified Saturday that his headlining light heavyweight bout with Jackson will be postponed until early 2010, as Jackson begins shooting a lead role in the feature film remake of “The A-Team” in Vancouver, British Columbia. The 31-year-old Jackson will reprise the role of “B.A. Baracus,” made famous by iconic personality Mr. T in the 1980s.
Numerous outlets, including U.K-based “The Sun,” have reported on the jeopardized bout for the last few weeks, and UFC President Dana White even voiced his disdain for Jackson’s moonlighting aspirations at UFC 102 in late August.
Dan Stupp Defends Sean Salmon's Admission
(bloodyelbow.com)Salmon quit, plain and simple. Self-preservation and financial well-being trumped his competitive drive. But he didn’t "throw a fight" as so many have alleged.
At any MMA event, especially amateur and small regional shows, you’ll see at least a fighter or two who simply breaks mentally. He’ll stop fighting off a submission attempt, will quit fighting and cover up, or will simply tap-out. Like Salmon, they just don’t have the heart to continue that night
Rashad Evans Not Yet Told of Possible UFC 107 Fight Postponement
(mma.fanhouse.com)Rashad Evans has yet to be officially informed that his UFC 107 main-event matchup with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has been scrapped, according to his manager, Jervis Cole.
FanHouse contacted Cole on Saturday to find out whether the ex-UFC light-heavyweight champion had been informed of any change in scheduling. As of yesterday afternoon, he had not.
One Year Later, Evan Tanner's Unforgettable Life, Legacy Remembered
(mma.fanhouse.com)The people who knew him still think of him regularly. How can they not? He moved them closer to life's truths than anyone else. He pulled them in, taught them lessons, then disappeared. He made them feel alive. He challenged them to think deeper, look further, rise above. He broke their hearts, then showed them what true redemption was all about.
They remember him because one year later, the life of Evan Tanner still echoes.
Arona: 'I Can Beat Anyone,' Machida Included
(sherdog.com)"More than two years have passed since Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou knocked out Ricardo Arona at the final Pride Fighting Championships event in Japan. Viewed by most as one of the top light heavyweight fighters in the world in 2005 and 2006, Arona disappeared from the mixed martial arts scene in wake of Pride’s demise.
“The Brazilian Tiger” -- who built his reputation, in part, on the back of a 1999 victory over Jeff Monson in the absolute final of the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships -- will return to MMA this Saturday when he meets UFC veteran Marvin Eastman in the Bitetti Combat Nordeste 4 main event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It will also mark the first time Arona competes inside a cage."
Gina Carano to Star in Movie -- Knockout
(demandmma.com)Gina Carano has been cast as the star of an upcoming movie called Knockout. The movie will be an action movie and directed by Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Ocean's 11, 12, 13). Production is said to take place at some point in Jan. 2010.
Wanderlei Silva discusses facial surgery
(demandmma.com)
Wanderlei Silva checks in with his fans via his video blog, and extensively discusses his facial surgery, as well as new tattoos, and more. For those not wanting to watch the whole video, the surgery was the first thing he talks about.
Muhammed Lawal Weighs Options Following Recent Mark Kerr Victory
(mma.fanhouse.com)Muhammed Lawal defeated Mark Kerr last Friday at M-1 Global: Breakthrough in just 22 seconds, and the free agent is already looking towards his next fight. "King Mo" told FanHouse on Thursday that he is weighing offers from several organizations. He said there is a chance he will compete again for Sengoku, but not on their upcoming Sept. 23 event because "it's a smaller show."
Lawal added that he hopes to return to action come October or November, and that he still expects to be fighting in either the UFC or Strikeforce by the end of 2009.
Sean Salmon's Admission May Result In Suspension
(bloodyelbow.com)Our own Chris Nelson posted the story late yesterday regarding former UFC fighter Sean Salmon's column over at MMAJunkie.com titled "Full-Time Fighter" in which Salmon reveals that a plethora of personal struggles and stress resulted in a bad decision at a June 3rd bout with former WEC fighter Allan Weickert:
Yushin Okami Talks Anderson, Sonnen, Akiyama
(sherdog.net)--- In preparation for your fight against Chael Sonnen, have you watched any video on him?
Yes. He is a so-called "American-style" fighter. Box for a bit and then tackle, hold the opponent, use elbows, and start pounding. He's a very strong fighter - probably the strongest opponent I have ever faced.
--- In the middleweight division, Anderson Silva is the biggest star. Did you watch his fight against Forrest Griffin at UFC 101?
Yes, it shocked me. I thought Anderson would win, but the way he won was unbelievable. Griffin is a former light heavyweight champ, but Anderson made it look like he was fighting a B-class fighter. People were talking bad after the fight versus Thales Leites, so Anderson must have wanted to prove something. You don't want to get him too upset (laughter).
--- One of your training partners, Yoshihiro Akiyama, fought and won against Alan Belcher in UFC 100. What did you think about the fight?
He was more aggressive than usual, moving forward with strikes. Even when his opponent came forward, he was striking from short distance. AKiyama-san was really determined. He got the takedowns at every important point and was able to score on the UFC judging criteria. There was no other Japanese middleweight fighters, so that fight served as big motivation for me.
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