Thiago vs Evans a Big Possibility

Thiago Silva was recently called out by Rashad Evans as a possible opponent to replace Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in there Dececmber fight at UFC 107.

“I think I matchup really well with Thiago Silva. He’s a great striker, and I love his focus. He’s going to be a challenge, and that’s the kind of fight I want.”

Originally he was offered a fight with Randy Couture but declined as he felt it was a step down for him.

“That was a matchup that I didn’t think was good for me,” Evans recently told MMAFanHouse. “He’s 46 years old and coming off back-to-back losses as a heavyweight, and I feel like beating him wouldn’t move me up the rankings as a light heavyweight. Plus, I would have had to take that fight on short notice, in England, and it felt like I’m being punished because Rampage took a movie.

It all seems to be working out for Randy Couture as the UFC was able to lock in Couture vs Vera for UFC 105 instead which was lacking a main event fight.

Another plus to this who situation working out for the best is Thiago Silva was fast to respond that he is ready to fight anyone including Rashad Evans right now.

"Rashad is a former champion and a top-level fighter," Silva said. "I would love the opportunity to demonstrate that my skills are on that same level."

"I don't know what the UFC will want from me next, but I am already back training," Silva said. "I will be ready when they call."

A fight between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva would be sick. I wouldn;t even know who has faster hands but I think Rashad's feet work is going to be a factor.

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And here too,...

MMA Awards, Vote for Who You Want to Nominate

The World MMA Awards, which is operated by Fighters Only magazine, has quickly become the preeminent awards program in the sport and allows voting in 18 different MMA-related categories.

As a reminder, the nomination stage for the 2009 World MMA Awards closes this Wednesday (tomorrow), Sept. 30.

Now click the link below and vote,.... DO ITTTTTTTTTTTTT (GSP, GSP, GSP, GSP...)

www.worldmmaawards.com

Herschel Walker Sign With Strikeforce, Says he can Beat Every TUF 10 Cast Members

Strikeforce has recently signed former NFL great Herschel Walker to make his MMA debut. He's a Taekwondo black belt but also 47 years old. He seems confident that his athleticism will help succeed in this sport and even called out Dana White to a fight after some harsh remarks from Dana himself.

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Click here for when Walker calls out Dana,...

Video: Chuck Liddell on DWTS

Check out Chuck Liddell's performance in his second week on Dancing With The Stars

Check out the video here,...

Tank Abbott vs Butterbean, DMX fighting MMA on Same Event

So many people are switching from their own sport to MMA but I never would have thought a rapper like DMX would do it too. Poster says it all.

Kimbo training at ATT, Willing to Drop to Light Heavyweight

“I’m training at American Top Team. I’m a hard puncher trying to learn the ground game. You can do a lot, but you can’t master anything in two years. In mixed martial arts, the more you roll the more you learn. It’s something I’m working on. I’m a heavyweight, but if the promoters want me to come down, heck yeah I’d give it a try.”


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Dream Announces New Hexagonal Cage for DREAM 12.

On Tuesday, Fighting and Entertainment Group held a press conference at the Reversal MMA gym in Tokyo to officially announce the implementation of a hexagonal cage at DREAM 12. DREAM event producer, Keiichi Sasahara, unveiled a blueprint for the cage. At the time of press conference, the cage is still under construction and the blueprint serves as just that — a mere approximation of the overall look of the final product.

Sasahara elaborated that a possibility remains that FEG may use different materials for its hexagonal cage than are typically used by other cage-based promotions. Also, while the blueprint shows the cage in white, the DREAM staff has been ruminating the optimal color for the cage in terms of spectator- and camera-friendliness: Some have objected that a black cage makes it difficult for the crowd to see the fight, while a white cage can potentially trigger glares off the camera, depending on the angle and brightness of the light.

In light of the newly formed alliance between DREAM and Strikeforce, DREAM staff has been seeking input from Strikeforce to design the cage. While DREAM 12 will see an adoption of the three five-minute rounds, no other rule changes are scheduled. Furthermore, DREAM plans to host just one caged fight card per year.

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Couture's vs Vera's

Strikeforce is showing more and more how smart they are and proving that they have what it takes to play with the big boys in MMA. Husband vs Husband and wife vs wif.... ex wife. I love it. UFC is promoting the RANDY Couture vs BRANDON Vera fight as a main event at UFC 105 this November and with Randy being such a big draw for PPV's and ticket sales, UFC will naturally do what they do best and market the hell out of this fight.

Although there has not been any confirmaton, Strikeforce is rumoured to be looking into booking a KIM Couture vs KERRY Vera fight 1 week after the Randy vs Brandon fight. Right away, the first thing that I started thinking about was how many people will be curious to watch this fight after ALLLLLLLL the marketing UFC will put into there husbands. Fans will want to see if the wive's, (Ex's included) can perform as much as the husbands, will a couples feud start,...

Strikeforce wont even need to market Kim and Kerry as much with all the publicity around "Couture vs Vera" that will be going around. Add to the fact this might be free on CBC.

I think this was a smart move on the part of strikeforce.

Click on me for more details

Dana White and Rashad Evans Comment on the Retirement of Rampage Jackson

Dana White spoke about his thoughts on Rampage retiring for a movie career. Odly enough, I see Dana White having a better argument in the matter, from what i've heard about Rampage and from past history, he's an extremely sensitive guy who seems to often make weird decisions. Remember the police car chase? That was all because he felt he needed to "save" his friend from God's rath.

My opinion, Rampage is messed up in his own little way and its finally gone and made him quit fighting. I give him until after he's done filming the movie and suddenly there will be news that he and Dana White kissed and made up and Rampage is back. In the end, weither he was influenced by Hollywood agents, or he really is going to make movies, or if it's all just a publicity stunt to help get a better contract, keep in mind Dana White and the UFC were the ones who bailed out Rampage from jail after his little incident (Twice), they bought out his contract with World Fighting Aliance which saved his career and the bailed him out of prison after a police car chase.......that was worth mentioning twice.

Rashad Evans has been quiet throughout most of the feud with Dana White and Quinton Rampage Jackson. When asked about what he thought about Rampage retiring, he mentioned he would fight him for free.

Click the links below for Dana White and Rashad Evans's comments.


http://mmamania.com/2009/09/23/ufc-quick-quote-rashad-evans-will-fight-rampage-jackson-for-free/

http://mmamania.com/2009/09/23/dana-white-rampage-jackson-is-a-grown-man-acting-like-a-baby/

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson Retires, sick of Dana White's Attitude

Wow, Speechless.

Something tells me this is a publicity stunt where Dana White will patch things up again. Perhaps Rampage is looking for leverage for a contract re-negotiation. Who knows but I'll beleive it when I hear confirmation from Dana White.

Click the link for the statement Rampage gave regarding his retirement. Also, the link below that, its to Rampage official web site where if you sign up, you can read his own blog where he announces his retirement.

http://mmamania.com/2009/09/22/quinton-rampage-jackson-im-done-fighting-im-hanging-it-up/

http://www.rampage-jackson.com/profiles/blog/list

With UFC looking to cut Frank Trigg, retirement is only other option

After waiting more than four years to make his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, veteran fighter Frank Trigg will probably be dropped from the organization once again. And if that's the case, he's likely to retire from the sport.

Trigg, a former top UFC welterweight contender, suffered a first-round TKO loss to Josh Koscheck on the main card of this past weekend's UFC 103 event in Dallas.

"I think Trigg is one of those guys (like Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic)," White said after the conclusion of the UFC 103 post-fight press conference. "These (other) guys are young and explosive. There's just a whole other level of talent out there, man, and that's the way it works. That's the way this business is."

So, will he give it some thought before terminating the contract?

"I doubt it," White shrugged. "He got smoked tonight."

Trigg (19-7 MMA, 2-4 UFC), who suffered two title losses to....

Click on the link below to continue

http://mmajunkie.com/news/16262/with-ufc-planning-to-terminate-his-contract-frank-trigg-says-retirement-is-likely.mma

Tyson Griffin Talks Win Over Hermes Franca

Found this video online with Tyson Griffin talking about his win over Hermes Franca and how he now wants a top lightweight for his next fight.

Click the link below for the video.

http://mmamania.com/2009/09/21/tyson-griffin-video-talks-ufc-103-win-over-hermes-franca/

Cung Le Vacates Strikeforce Title

Quote:

“For me, potentially I have another project, and I know I’m not in fight shape right now, and I think I should vacate my title because it’s not fair to them who their livelihood is fighting for an interim title when I’m here running around making movies and doing something different. It does not mean that I’m retiring; I’m just doing it because I think it’s the right thing to do … because I’m not ready to step up in the next coming months and fight five-rounders. I definitely intend to return, and I know for a fact that I will return, but I can’t just jump back in and be able to go five rounds at peak level when I left (after) the fight with Frank (Shamrock).”

Click on the link below for more info.

http://mmamania.com/2009/09/21/cung-le-vacating-the-strikeforce-middleweight-title-is-the-right-thing-to-do/

Cro Cop Close to Calling it Quits

At UFC 103, Cro Cop suffered his 3rd loss in the octogon in what may have been his worst performance in his career. Throughout the entire fight, the most offence he did was pushing Junior Dos Santo away to help give himself enough room to run away from his heavy strikes. He did try to through a few high kicks but could never connect. Throughout the fight, Cro Cop was slipping and slidding all over the mat causing him to never get a clear shot on his opponent.

Judging from passed experience, you would think Dana White would have lashed out against Cro Cop for his performance however one thing you have to admit is Dana White is sympathetic to those he feels may be losing due to reaching the end of there careers.

"You get to a certain age where you remember what you used to be able to do, and you can see all the openings. You just can't pull the trigger. I think that's where he's at." Dana said. "It happens to the best of us. It takes nothing away from who he is or what he's accomplished. We just all get old." White continured. "I don't know; I've got to talk to him," White said. "I'm pretty sure that he would say that to me right now, anyway. Mirko and I have always had a pretty good relationship. We'll see what happens."

Cro Cop did not disagree with White going on to admit he was thinking about fighing rather then the fight while in the octogon and that he should have quit fighting after winning the grand pre in PRIDE.

I think White said it best that after a while and when your career has been established, you tend to lose that killer instinct. You don;t jump at the openings when they are there and you take less risks. I hate because I'm a huge Cro Cop fan but all good things come to an end.

Check the links below for more details.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/16253/lackluster-ufc-103-loss-for-cro-cop-could-be-filipovics-last-in-organization.mma

http://mmamania.com/2009/09/20/mirko-cro-cop-maybe-i-shouldve-quit-after-i-won-pride-fc-open-weight-grand-prix-in-2006/

Randy Couture vs Brandon Vera at UFC 105

UFC has been having a hard time finding a main event for UFC 105 November 14th.09 but seems like they found it. Randy Couture and Brandon Vera have apparently agreed to fight however no contracts have been signed yet. Couture had mentioned after his bout with Antonio Rodrigo Noguera that he intended to drop back down to light heavyweight and wanted to fight as soon as possible while he still felt good enough to compete with the younger fighters in the UFC.

Vera is 3-3 in his last 6 fights who has also fought at heavyweoght. Vera has always been known for his confidence and has stated he plans to one day hold the belt in both Light heavyweight and heavyweight. Surely having a victory over a man who HAS had both belts at one time or another would be a good start to eventually achieving his goal.

I see this being a clintch game. Both love the clintch however utilise it differently. Couture tends to clintch then use the dirty boxing to set up his take downs where Vera likes to clintch to set up his big knees. I don;t see Vera being able to clintch and still give himself the room to strike whn he has a fighter like Couture pressed against him. Couture will keep the gap tight and either win by decision or Ref stoppage.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/16168/randy-couture-vs-brandon-vera-at-light-heavyweight-headlines-ufc-105.mma

Bob Sapp in and Gegard Moussassi out

Gegard Moussassi has dropped out of the super hulk tournament under the DREAM banner due to injury. Many suspect he suffered a shoulder injury during his exibition match against Fedor Emelianenko.

His replacement has been announced as Bob Sapp who will now face heavy striker Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (6-4) at DREAM.11 I see Sokoudjou winning this one by overwhelming him with strikes.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/16137/bob-sapp-to-fill-in-for-gegard-mousasi-at-dreams-super-hulk-semifinals.mma

Frank Mir and Cheik Kongo agree to fight at UFC 107

MMAWeekly.com has announced that source close to the web site have revealed that Frank Mir (12-4) and Cheik Kongo (14-5-1) have verbally agreed to fight at UFC 107. Frank Mir is coming off a loss to Brock Lesnar in their second fight to unify the heavyweight title. Cheik Kongo is also coming off a lose to Up-and-comer Cain Velasquez at UFC 99. Both are kinda desperate for wins however I don;t beleive they are in due or die territory with the UFC.

Considering how Kongo lost his last fight from being out wrestled and smothered the entire fight, I don't think this will be a good fight for him style wise. Frank Mir's bread and butter is his BJJ and Kongo has not been known for having a good ground game. The only chance I think he has is if he prays Mir decide to stand and trade with him which would be silly as Kongo is a world class kick boxer. Mir has improved in his stand up game and even mentioned in an interview he would be willing to stand and strike with Kongo. I think his knock out over Noguera has gotten to his head and he feels he has sufficient striking skills now. Let's hope Mir comes back to reality and takes the fight to the ground or we'll be seing Mir knocked out real fast.

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=9546&zoneid=13

Little Noguera vs Luis Arthur Cane at UFC 106

Sherdog.com is reporting that both Antonio Rogerio Noguera (17-3) and Luis Arthur Cane (10-1) have verbally agreed to fight at UFC 106on November 21st.09. Rogerio Noguera is the twin brother of former UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Noguera and this would be his UFC debut.

Luis Cane is a pretty sick fighter with a 3 fight win streak over Rameau Sokoudjou, Jason Lambert and Steve Cantwell. He's a good striker and his only loss was his own fault when he gave a knee to a downed James Irvin and knocked him out.

Noguera on the other hand is a slick Brizilain Jiu Jitsu fighter. He's fought and won against Dan Henderson, Stikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem (Twice) and Vladimir Matyushenko.

http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/nogueira-cane-slated-for-ufc-105-19635

Wilson Gouveia vs Alan Beltcher for UFC 107

UFC is working on finalizing a bout between Wilson Gouveia vs Alan Beltcher. Should be interesting fight considering both are stand up fighters however Gouveia shouold have the advantage on the ground.

Nothing finalized yet though.

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=9551&zoneid=13

Cro Cop Determined to Get it Right

Found this good article on Yahoo-sports on Cro Cop. Its gives a good background on his success in Japan and where he stands now. Check it out, good read.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-crocop091109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Anderson and Wanderlei Now On Good Terms

Well, the feud that had two former training partners and friends become enemies is now over. At UFC 102, Wanderlei and Anderson Silva met for dinner after the show and settled their differences. I suppose we should be happy for them considering they are friends but a good grudge match would have been nice to see. I still see Anderson Silva being the better fighter.

http://www.tatame.com/2009/09/07/Anderson--Wanderlei-is-amazing

Wanderlei Silva gets face surgery and explains why

Click on the link below to see Silva talk about why he got face surgery and his future in fighting.

http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=news.detail&gid=185960

Thiago vs Thiago at UFC 107

MMAmania.com has confirmed that Brazilian welterweights Thiago Alves and Paulo Thiago will collide at UFC 107.

The "Pitbull" is looking to get back on the winner circle after he lost his last bout against George St-Pierre at UFC 100 snapping a 7 fight win streak.

Paulo Thiago is in the elite special police force in Brazil and came to the UFC with a 10-0 record. He won his first fight by knock out against Josh Koscheck but then lost his 2nd fight to Jon Fitch, a friend and training partner of Koscheck.

Paulo hasn't had any easy fights since arrivng in the UFC but he knocked out Koscheck so fast in his debut that we couldn't really see what he can do and his fight against Fitch was a classic lay and pray type fight that we were not even paying attention after the first round.

Paulo Thiago is great on the ground and has good strikes but not close to the level of the Pitbull. I think his oonly chance is to win by submission. I see this being another KO on The Pitbull's record. Should be fun to watch.

http://mmamania.com/2009/09/07/ufc-107-thiago-alves-vs-paulo-thiago-on-tap-for/