Fedor will fight Brett Rogers in November

Strikeforce announced Wednesday during an open workout with Fedor Emelianenko that his next opponent will most likely be Brett Rogers (10-0) in his Strikeforce debut this November. Emelianenko, widely regarded as the sport's top heavyweight fighter, is on a 26-fight win streak (with 20 stoppages), including victories over former UFC champions Andrei Arlovski and Tim Sylvia in his two most recent bouts. Brett Rogers is undefeated in his MMA career however has not faced any top level athletes besides his most recent 22 second knock out over Andrei Arlovski. No other details were announced regarding the fight between Rogers and Emelianenko.

Considering the talent Strikeforce has in the heavyweight division, I’m surprised they did not have Fedor fight someone of higher calibre then Rogers. Don’t get me wrong, Brett Rogers is a hell of a striker with lots of power but aside from Arlovski, he hasn’t faced any real high calibre fighters. Fedor seems to think otherwise though and feels he has nothing to prove other then representing Russia.

“Brett Rogers is a very strong opponent. He is a great opponent. And he has a really very heavy knockout punch. I do not read all the rumors and gossip that is published on the Internet. To tell you the truth, the offer from the UFC was not really the worthy one. And if they are able to give us a really good offer then maybe [one day] we could agree. Frankly speaking, when I am in the cage or ring I don’t feel like I have to prove something. There are a lot of people around me who feel I do, but I don’t think so. When I come into the ring or cage the only thing I’m thinking about is is Russia (and representing it). So I don’t think that I need to prove anything.”

http://mmamania.com/2009/08/27/fedor-emelianenko-has-nothing-to-prove-to-no-one/

http://mmajunkie.com/news/15979/showtime-fedor-emelianenko-fights-undefeated-brett-rogers-in-strikeforce-debut.mma

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Brett-Rogers-16048

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Fedor-Emelianenko-1500

Karo Parisian is back vs Dustin Hazelett

Karo Parisyan (18-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) returns to action for the first time since a March suspension to face rising prospect Dustin Hazelett (12-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC). The two welterweights have verbally agreed to the contest though nothing has been confirmed 100% by the UFC. Parisyan last fought in January’s UFC 94 and won against the undefeated judo expert Dong Hyun Kim. The decision was overturned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to a failed drug test where Parisyan was tested positive for some form of pain killer. Prior to this bout, he lost to former #1 contender Thiago Alves. Parisyan hasn’t won a fight in almost 2 years.

Dustin Hazelett is a BJJ expert who last fought in Nov 2008 when he won against Tamdam McCrory, however, he hasn’t fought since due to a torn ACL in his right knee prior to UFC 96. Hazelett is only 23 years old and already has a brown belt in BJJ under Jorge Gurgel. He’s won 9 of his 12 wins via submission and with his long lanky body type; he should have an advantage on the floor AND on his feet with his long reach but considering the experience of Parisyan and that he’s fought some of the best in the business such as: Nick Diaz, GSP, Sean Sherk, Matt Sera… this should be a good return fight for “The Heat” and should put him back in the winners circle.

I see Parisyan walking out of this one with his hand raised.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/15964/karo-parisyan-set-for-return-from-suspension-to-face-dustin-hazelett-at-ufc-106.mma

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Karo-Parisyan-5153

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Dustin-Hazelett-11481

Marcus Jones Former NFL'er to UFC fighter

One of the participants in the upcoming Ultamite Fighter season is former NFL player Marcus Jones. I'm not much of a football fanso I couldn't tell you how god he was or if he has any major accomplishments but what I can tell you is he's 36 years old (Little late to start your career in MMA), he's huge and geting alot of media time.

Considering that the season has already been filmed, all the fighters are not aloud to talk about anything related to the show to the media but many have sensed by the way Kimbo Slice talks in his interviews is like he already lost. He dosn't use his first speech he gave when they announced Kimbo was going to be on the show. "The greatest revenge I can have against him (Dana White) is success" Kimbo said

That sounded like a confident man who was determined to prove Dana White wrong for all his shit talking. Now, all he says to the media is "I'm a fighter and I will always fight, no matter what set backs I have" He still sounds confident but just seems like the same speech you hear from fighters after they lose a fight.

Narcus Jones on the other hand has been geting alot of media attention suddenly out of the blue. He's a beast and has done really good so far in his amateur career going 4-1 with only 2 years training. Remember the name and the face, something tells me the marketing machine (UFC) has something in mind for this guy.

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/former-nfl-everymen-look-for-success-in-mma/

http://mmamania.com/2009/08/27/ufc-quick-quote-how-far-can-explosive-and-athletic-nfl-players-get-in-mma/

http://mmajunkie.com/news/14930/former-nfl-lineman-marcus-jones-seeks-tuf-road-to-mma-success.mma

Frank Mir was at the Naturally Fit Gym in Fredericton, Canada promoting the Nutra-Bolics supplement line and responded to questions from his Canadian fans. The media asked Mir about his thoughts on his recent loss to Brock Lesnar at UFC 100.

“I guess I better get used to being in the gym because I am going to have to put on some serious time with the weights to gain the size I'll need for a rematch with Brock Lesnar," Mir stated. "

"My last fight showed me that strength matters, so I'm starting to hit the weights, something I haven't done since high school." Mir admits he has a major dislike for weight and conditioning training but knows the importance if he plans to face and defeat Lesnar in a rematch. "I definitely see myself fighting a third fight with Lesnar, but hopefully it will take place in more than a year's time because I need to add 20-30 pounds of muscle for that fight." Frank Mir is a big heavyweight at 6’3 255lbs but considering his significant size difference, he looks to GSP for help in evolving his own game.

"I've learned a lot from what I've seen from Georges St.Pierre and from a brief conversation I had with him," said Mir. "People say 'wow, what an athlete' but they have no idea that he is so smart and so scientific about fighting. He's miles ahead of everyone." Mir will fight next this December, when he faces Cheick Kongo at UFC 107

Jake O'brien released from UFC

Fiveouncesofpain.com is announcing that UFC veteran Jake O’Brien (11-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) has been released from his UFC contract. O”Brien last fought at UFC 100 where he lost to the up and coming Jon Jones in only his second bout at 205lbs. O’Brien’s only other loses come from Andrei Arlovski and Cain Velazquez, while he managed to notch impressive victories over the like of Heath Herring and Christian Wellisch during his time spent at heavyweight with the UFC. O’Brien, known for his wrestling background and knock out power, is only 24 years old and should not have much difficulty finding a new home to continue his fighting career.

http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/08/17/jake-obrien-released-from-the-ufc/

Shane Carwin explains his hate for Lesnar

I've made it clear how exited I am for this fight but knowing that Carwin hates Lesnar only makes it more exiting. Carwin has expressed his dislike for Lesnar in past statements and now that he will fight him, here's what he had to say regarding his comments:

"I think hate is a strong word, but yeah, I hate what he did after UFC 100," Carwin said, "I hate that he disrespected the greatest sporting fans in the world and I can't wait to fight him. ... Really it comes down to respect and I do not think that he respects the sport or the fans of this sport. He may be well known, but fame does not equal respect."

It almost seems as though Lesnar has created a reputation for himself but not in a positive way. Considering that whatever reason he's fighting in MMA, it's working and that just gets under the skin of Carwin and many other fighters who have a passion for MMA and have trained there whole lives. Aside from his own team, who in MMA respects Lesnar? I know Dana White says he does but we all know its only because he sells tickets.

Hopefully Carwin takes this. I have my money on Carwin.

Micheal Bisping will fight Denis Kang at UFC 105

Finally some news on one of my favorite fighters, Danis Kang (32-11-1). Although not officially announced, Michael Bisping (17-2) made a statement recently that he wil fight Denis Kang at UFC 105.

“I may possibly be fighting Denis Kang at UFC 105…. Denis is a very experienced fighter who has fought, and beat some of the top names in the sport. I’m sure it would make for an exiting fight and we can make it a night to remember for the fans in Manchester. If your reading this Denis, good luck in training and I look forward to meeting you in Manchester.”

From reading his comments, I think this is the first time Bisping is not arrogant or insulting towards his opponent. I suppose that knock out to Henderson showed him that in order to talk trash, you got to back it up but Denis Kang is no easy fight. Kang has fought some of the best in MMA and half of his 32 wins come via submission, an area where Bisping requires improvement. Kang has more then double the amount of fights then Bisping and considering Bispings strengths (striking), Kang shouldn't be too worried looking at his last fight against Xavier Foupa-Pokam who is by far a much better striker then Bisping.

http://mmamania.com/2009/08/23/michael-bisping-hopes-to-make-ufc-105-fight-against-denis-kang-a-night-to-remember/

Cain Velasquez Will Face Ben Rothwell at UFC 104

Following up the previous poste, Cain Velasquez is rumoured to now be facing Ben Rothwell. Rothwell is a former IFL and Affliction fighter with a 30-6 record. He was on a 13 fight win streak which include wins over Ricco Rodriguez and Roy Nelson (Who is on the TUF 10 season with Kimbo). He win streak ended when he faced Andrei Arlovski at Affliction: Banned.

Considering Rothwell's experience, I think he will come out the victor. He's faced MUCH bigger heavyweights, much better grapplers and much better strickers. His fight against Roy Nelson is a classic from IFL which showed Rothwell can handle his own against a seasoned grappler. Same for Ricco Rodriguez who is considered one of the best heavyweight grapplers couldn't finish off Rothwell.

If Velasquez can beat Rothwell, then he has proven he's the real deal. Rothwell shouold be his toughest fight to date considering he's perhaps the most well rounded fighter to face Velasquez.

Should be exiting fight but alot of GnP'ing.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/15923/cain-velasquez-vs-ben-rothwell-set-for-heavyweight-contest-at-ufc-104-in-los-angeles.mma

Shane Carwin Will Face Brock Lesnar For The Title

I'm very exited now. It's being reported that Shane Carwin will face off against Brock Lesnar for the UFC Heavyweight title at UFC 106 November 21. Shane Carwin is perhaps the only other fighter in the UFC that can match Brock Lesnar power for power. Carwin has a very similar background as Lesnar. He was a NCAA II Wrestling Heavyweight National Champion in 1999 and many more wrestling titles, he was a 2 time All-American in football and they're both behemoths.

I really think Carwin will be the man to take away Lesnar title. He is 11-0 and trains with Greg Jackson's camp in Albuquerque New Mexico, one of the best MMA camps in the world which include fighters such as: George St-Pierre, Rashad Evans, Nate Marquart, Keith Jardin, etc. This will truly be the man to test Lesnar as no one in the heavyweight division has made it out of the first round with Carwin. He wears 5X Large gloves which are even bigger then Lesnars.

Shane Carwin was originally scheduled to face Cain Velazquez at UFC 104 but considering where all the other heavyweights are scheduled to fight, UFC officials were scared Lesnar would not be able to fight before years end. It only made sense to call off the Carwin vs Velazquez fight considering these are the UFC's new prospect poster boys. Rather then having one of them lose, they both kinda win considering Carwin gets a title shot and Velazquez gets another fight to gain experience before facing someone like Shane Carwin.

More news to come on Velazquez new opponent.

http://mmamania.com/2009/08/20/ufc-106-shane-carwin-will-reportedly-face-brock-lesnar-on-nov-21/

Ortiz VS Coleman Set For UFC 106

UFC has just confirmed the previously rumoured bout between Tito Ortiz (15-6-1 MMA, 14-6-1 UFC) and Mark Coleman (16-9 MMA, 7-4 UFC) will take place at UFC 106 November 21^st. This should be for an interesting fight considering Ortiz hasn’t fought since May 2008 and Coleman reaching the end of his fighting career. Ortiz at one time mentioned this would be a good warm up match for him which is not a good mind set since Coleman recently defeated Stephen Bonnar at UFC 100. Bonnar is much younger and considered to be somewhat in his prime but couldn’t handle the wrestling abilities displayed by Coleman. On top of underestimating his opponent, Ortiz hasn’t fought over a year and recently had back sugery causing him to stop his training for several months.

Coleman on the other hand doesn’t have much to his advantage either. He’s 45 years old, terrible cardio and still fights old school with his legendary ground and pound. Ortiz is known for focusing mainly on his conditioning when he trains for a fight and with his new back allowing him to train pain free, he may e too much for Coleman to handle. My view on this fight is Coleman will push the paste in the first round, maybe even win the first round but come out in the second round gassed where Tito will capitalize and finish him off. This, of course, considering that Tito does his training right and doesn’t underestimate Coleman. The only other way I see this fight going is Coleman wins by GnP in the first round.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/15897/report-tito-ortiz-and-mark-coleman-set-for-ufc-106-on-nov-21-in-las-vegas.mma

Strikeforce recap video

For those of you who haven't seen Strikeforce: Carano vs Cyborg this past weekend, here's a video recap showing the highlights of what took place. Click the link below.

http://mmamania.com/2009/08/18/strikeforce-highlights-and-video-recap-of-carano-vs-cyborg/

Little Nog Coming to UFC Light Heavyweight Division

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira confirmed during a media conference call that his twin brother, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira will soon be announced as a new competitor for the UFC Light Heavyweight division. Minotauro is on a 5 fight win streak and holds wins over Strikeforce Heavyweight Champ, Alistair Overeem (twice), Sakuraba, Dan Henderson and Vladimir Matyushenko. As like his brother, Minotauro is a BJJ specialist and should make for very interesting fights within UFC.

One thing for sure is you wont see Minotauro fight teamates Anderson Silva or Lyoto Machida. They all hold a bond that no amount of money can break and they refuse to fight each other.

More news to come as it develops.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/15892/antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-little-nog-is-coming-to-the-ufcs-205-pound-division.mma

Chuck Liddell on Dancing With the Stars

Its official Chuck Liddell has gone crazy. He will be among 16 competitors on the ABC hit Dancing With the Stars. I've read many times how much Liddell loves to dance. He's not really good from the video's i've seen but none the less loves it. Apparently, he had 1 full month to get himself in shape for this competition. He probably wont learn much in a month but I'm assuming he wont have a problem geting into shape.

He's taking it seriously however, “I want to win,” Liddell told UFC.com. “I don’t like losing in anything, so I’ll work as hard as they’ll let me.”

Of course, he's realistic about how much this will be discussed thoughout the fight community.

“I’m gonna go out, be myself, and show what kind of people we do have in this sport,” he said. “I’m sure the reaction will be mixed (among fight fans). My friends are gonna be excited and I’ll never hear the end of it because they’ll make fun of me, but it should be fun and I think everyone will like it.”

Should be interesting to see. It would be funny if he did the reaction, as shown in the picture above, after each week he dosn't get voted off. LOL

Frank Shamrock Wants to Fight Matt Lindland

This would be a good fight. Not entirely sure what to think about it yet to be honnest. I never really thought of this match up really ever happening but considering they are both veterans of the sport and both suffering embarrassing losses recently, consider the history behind each fighter and tell me this wouldn't be an interesting fight.

Shamrock: a four-time defending undefeated UFC champion, Interim King of Pancrase and WEC Light Heavyweight Champion, Strikeforce Middleweight champion named "Fighter of the Decade" for 1990's by the Wrestling Observer, "Best Full Contact Fighter", by Black Belt magazine (1998), and three time "Fighter of the Year" by Full Contact Fighter Magazine.

Lindland: represented the United States in Greco-Roman Wrestling in 2000, winning the silver medal, NJCAA Collegiate Champion, USA University Freestyle Champion, USA Senior Greco-Roman Championships,... and more wrestling title,s...

I think Shamrock would be able to win this fight if it does happen as I see him as a much more all around mixed martial artistcompare to lindland who is more wrestling and pounding out his apponent. Thank god for Strikeforce as this can now happen. The only thing that would worry me is Shamrock just took over a year off to recover from a broken forarm only to return and get destroyed by Nick Diaz. He may have lost his drive for this. Lindland is looking to rebound from a crazy knock out by Vitor Belfort at Affliction "Day of reckoning"

Both fighters have faced equaly high caliber fighters and both have won against high caliber fighters. This would be a very interesting fight.

http://www.frankshamrock.com/forum/topics/shamrock-vs-lindland

Stalone's New Movie With UFC Fighters

Check out this link to a video of Sylvester Stalone talking about his experience working with UFC fighters Randy Couture, Nogueira, Anderson Silva,... while filming his new movie "The Expendable"

I want to see it simply for the reason those guy's are in it.

http://mmamania.com/2009/08/14/stallone-talks-ufc-102-with-couture-and-nogueira-on-the-expendables-movie-set-video/

Ricco Rodriguez Thinks He Can Beat Fedor

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez thinks he's the man to beat Fedor. Ridriguez lost the UFC heavyweight belt to Tim Silvia at UFC 41, a guy who Fedor knocked out in 36 seconds. Rodriguez at the time had a 5 fight win streak at the time which include wins over Randy Couture, Andre Arlovski and Jeff Monson but after losing to Silvia, he lost another 2 straight and never fought for UFC since. Rodriguez (36-11) may have sick BJJ but if Fedor was able to beat Nogueira twice, Rodriguez has no chance. Same for him against Lesnar. Mir couldn't do the job, Ricco wont either. Also keep in mind this guy was on Celebrity Rehab for an addiction to weed and the coca,...

“I’m serious about being a factor in this division. First and foremost I want my belt back. I know Lesnar is a huge guy but I’ve noticed several holes in his top game during his last fight that I could capitalize on. Yeah he beat Mir, but Frank Mir doesn’t possess the level of jiu-jitsu I have, which is really needed to neutralize the size advantage of Brock. Personally I don’t get the hype, I think I was more impressive against Randy than Lesnar was, it looked like Randy was breaking him mentally until he landed the last shot… Yeah I’ve been approached about [fighting Fedor Emelianenko], nothing’s final yet but that’s a fight I would definitely want. I know people will say I don’t have a chance, but I destroyed the guy who handed Fedor his only loss. Fedor is a great fighter but, the training I’ve done at Wolfslair has improved my game tremendously so I think I’ve got a great shot at beating him.”

Strikeforce Carano vs Cyborg weigh in photos

Here some photo's from the Strikeforce: Carano vs Cyborg weigh ins.

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/event/pictures-carano-cyborg-weigh-in-19103

Dana White Reverses Decision and Brings Thales Leites and Tamdan McCrory back to UFC

Thales Leites was really shocked when he learned he was being dropped by the Ultimate Fighting Championship only four months after competing for the middleweight title.It turns out, though, that Leites still has a job with the UFC.

UFC president Dana White wasn't aware of plans to drop Leitis and said he would reverse those decisions.

We all know what happened with Leitis against Anderson Silva but even with that boring, as all hell, fight, he's still one of the best submission specialists in the game. Frankly, after seeing the Leitis vs Sakara fight, I was surprised he lost. I'd love to see Leitis vs Maia. Two BJJ specialist go at it is almost like watching ballet.

White said he will be brought back to the UFC.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/15848/ufc-reverses-course-on-thales-leites-tamdan-mccrory.mma

UFC shocker, signs mult fight deal with Phil Baroni

It's official: Phil "The New York Bad Ass" Baroni (13-11 MMA, 3-5 UFC), is returning to the UFC.
On Thursday the 33-year-old fighter signed a new multi-fight deal with the UFC and in the welterweight division. Baroni announced the news on MMAjunkie.com radio;

"I just signed and sent my contract back to the UFC" Baroni said
Baroni hasn't fought in the UFC since UFC 51 in 2005, when he suffered a submission loss to Pete Sell which was his fourth consecutive loss. Baroni, a Pride, Strikeforce, Elite XC, Cage Rage, PFC and ICON Sport veteran may not have the best record but has fought some of the best in the world and is feared as one of the best knock out artist in the game.

Baroni lost 3 fights in a row to Joey Villesenor, Frank Shamrock and Kala Hose, then decided to drop to welterweight and pieced together a three-fight win streak. However, the streak ended in June with unanimous-decision loss to Joe Riggs in Strikeforce.

As a fighter, Baroni is known as a stand up fighter which we often see in the highlight reals. His conditioning and jiu jitsu has always been suspect, he improved since he started with Xtreme Couture and the American Kickboxing. Click the link below for a reminder who this guy is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYCMBYS7y_s&feature=related

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Phil-Baroni-278

Strkeforce signs Matt Lindland to 3 fight deal

Matt :The Law" Lindland (21-6), mixed martial arts veteran and Olympic silver medalist in Greco-Roman Wrestling (2000) has signed a 3 fight contract with Strikeforce. MMAmania.com confirmed the signing from Strikeforce officials Aug 14, 2009.

Lindand last fought for the Affliction: Day of Reckoning pay per view where he was unfortunately suffered a brutal knock out by Vitor Belfort in just 37 seconds. Lindland has won 3 of his last 6 fights and is looking to get back on the winners circle hopefully by Oct 2009. Lindland was widely considered at one time to be a top 10 middleweight. He holds victories over Jeremy Horn, Ricardo Almeida, Phil Baroni, Travis Lutter and others in his 11 years as a professional mixed martial artist.

Stay tuned for more information on a possible opponent in the coming weeks.

Thales Leites Cut From UFC

Thales Leites Cut From The UFC

Thales Leites has been kicked to the curb by the UFC after having lost his second fight at UFC 101 to Alessio Sakara. Leites competed less then 4 months ago against MMA’s best pound for pound fighter Anderson Silva for the middleweight title after having earned 5 straight victories in the UFC.

Leites (14-3) made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale against Martin Kampmann but lost by unanimous decision. He went on to win 5 straight which includes wins over Nate Marquart and Drew McFedries however he received a lot of criticism for his lackluster performance against Anderson Silva and required an impressive victory in his next fight in order to stay in the UFC’s good grace. Unfortunately, he lost a split decision to heavy handed Alessio Sakara at UFC 101 prompting UFC execs to make the final decision and release him.

Rest assured, the Nova Uniao member should not have much difficulty finding a new home to compete as he is still considered one the worlds best middleweight fighters and can easily be a contender in any other organization.

More news as it develops

Erin Toughill Update (Interview)

Erin Toughill Interview On Strikeforce, Severing Ties With Her Management And Future

by Chris Chenier

Erin Toughill who is considered by many as a top 3 fighter in the women’s division along with Gina Carano and Christiane “Cyborg” Santos was announced to participate in the upcoming Strikeforce event on August 15, 2009, however, to many fans displeasure; she will have to watch as a spectator. It was announced by many MMA media sites that she would be fighting on the undercard but unfortunately Strikeforce was unable to find an opponent nor able to finalize a contract with her and her management. She was eventually announced as a possible replacement in the event that Gina Carano or Cyborg were to get injured but considering her contract and management issues and the fact neither Carano or Cyborg have withdrawn, she will need to patiently wait until her time comes to shine.

Courtesy of MMAWeekly.com, Toughill explains the results of a series of events gone awry, leading her to sever ties with her management company and forced to withdraw from the historical event “Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg”.

MMAWeekly: First off Erin, explain to our readers why you are not part of this weekend’s Strikeforce event.

Erin Toughill: First thing what I think people need to understand, as far as I’m concerned or any other top fighter is concerned, if you’re going to fight, you’d like to have a contract. I never ever received one. Back in late May when they started pumping the Cyborg/Gina fight, Gina’s people were having problems finalizing the contract. (Strikeforce promoter Scott) Coker had asked me at that point if I wanted to take a fight with Cyborg and I said yes. Right around the beginning of June they announced that they (Cyborg and Carano) were going to fight. I was told from that point on that either way I was on the card, even if I didn’t go in Gina’s place. And then they also said if they couldn’t find an opponent, I would be a back-up (for the main event). I agreed to both of those things. About the end of June/beginning of July, I left for training camp out in Las Vegas. That whole time I was out here, I was going on the word of my agent (that I would receive my contract). I never got a contract for either (scenario).

MMAWeekly: What ended up happening with your agent?

Erin Toughill: At the end of July I terminated my agent, Ken Pavia of MMA Agents. I was just beyond… I can’t even say the word for how upset I was. We just couldn’t get the ball rolling and now I’m in the middle of cutting ties with them completely. I have talked to Strikeforce personally, my lawyer has spoken to them, they want me and things are going to get done, it just happens that it won’t be on August 15.

MMAWeekly: What is your current managerial status?

Erin Toughill: I won’t say I’m sealed with anybody, because I’m not. I haven’t had anyone come and court me while I’ve been under contract, nobody has done that. I have gone on my own accord and spoken to people that are pretty powerful and have big influence in this sport and with Strikeforce right now. Ken Pavia and MMA Agents are not allowed to do any business on my behalf. My lawyer right now is gonna deal with that stuff, and hopefully settle it as amicably and professionally as possible. I’m not here to slam them, that’s not my thing, but I will speak up about what things went down. Strikeforce isn’t culpable for anything. I really say my agent dropped the ball on a lot of things and put me in a really precarious situation.

MMAWeekly: To clear up another misconception, I understand there was never an opponent named to fight you on the show.

Erin Toughill: Before even the contract stuff took place, we had like four or five girls turn it down. I don’t want to name names, but some of them were top girls. They were saying that they don’t fight at 145 anymore, they only fight at 135 – and that’s the type of (expletive) that I’m tired of hearing. I dropped 20-25 pounds, and the same girls are saying that they won’t fight me. I guarantee if (Strikeforce) asked them to fight Gina, they’d jump at that chance. It’s frustrating. All those factors combined, I just couldn’t handle it anymore. It had gotten to too close to the fight, it was the end of July, and I was done.

MMAWeekly: You said that Strikeforce does want you to fight for them. When can we expect your legal issues to be corrected so you can sign with them?

Erin Toughill: From what I know, it should be settled within the month. Once I get that done, I feel that chapter is closed and I know what’s going to happen next. I just need to deal with that (agency) business first. (Strikeforce has) projected a couple dates (for my debut) and it will be before the end of the year. The understanding is that they’re going to push me on whatever show I’m on next. It will be on TV, and that’s how they’re really going to be able to build me and get a good following. The next logical choice would be to fight for the title, and they’ve been very vocal about wanting me for that too.

MMAWeekly: Speaking of a title fight, can you give us your prediction on the Carano/Cyborg match-up?

Erin Toughill: I think that Gina can win. If she comes in mentally prepared and mentally strong for this fight, that’s going to be a big plus. In my opinion, if Gina can come out and use her footwork, be more technical, maybe counter-punch (Cyborg), use straight punches, she can win the fight. The one thing I’m clearly worried about is five five-minute rounds, and that’s a long time for anybody. But if I think she plays it cool, she can out-smart Cyborg. I think she’s smarter than Cyborg. Cyborg is strong and aggressive and all that, but I do believe there’s a difference between just aggression and smart or intelligent aggression.

MMAWeekly: Thank you for letting our readers really know what happened with you not being on the Strikeforce card. Is there anything else you want to say in conclusion?

Erin Toughill: I want to thank my fans for following my career the past ten years and for sending me all the great letters, emails, photos and everything. I just want people to know that I’m not fighting because all these things are out of my control. If I could have fought, trust me, I would have fought. It will happen. I hope you can be patient, because I have to be patient too. As soon as I know when I’m going to fight, all my fans will too. Just please be patient and stick around, it’s gonna happen.