Thursday, August 21, 2008

This is a good fight at LW and I'm putting my proverbial money on Maynard!

Gray Maynard vs. Rich Clementi

Surging lightweights Gray Maynard (5-0) and Rich Clementi (32-12-1) will collide at UFC 90: “Silva vs. Cote” at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Ill., on October 25, according to Sherdog.com.

“The Bully” has kept his professional win streak intact inside the Octagon, winning three straight fights since a bizarre simultaneous knockout/tapout against Rob Emerson at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 5 Finale in June 2007.

He sustained a broken hand in his unanimous decision win over Frank Edgar his last time out, which has kept him on the sidelines until now. It was a big win for Maynard, proving that he belongs near the top of the crowded 155-pound division.

And a win over “No Love” would only bolster that claim.

Clementi, however, will not go down without a fight. He’s on a blistering six-fight tear, winning seven of his last nine fights since appearing on TUF 4 in 2006. Clementi is a very dangerous veteran who could catch the aggressive, forward-charging Maynard in a submission if he’s not careful.

This is a solid match up. To check out all the rest slated and rumored for UFC 90 click here.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

You Want More Great Fights at Lightweight? Here ya go...


UFC lightweight contenders Joe Stevenson (29-8) and Kenny Florian (10-3) are reportedly set to do battle this November at a yet-to-be-named UFC event that could determine whether or not Florian gets another shot at the 155lb title.

MMAmania.com has been able to confirm with credible sources that the proposed fight has indeed been offered to each fighter and while they are expected to sign, have yet to do so.

Stevenson is coming off an impressive rebound victory over Gleison Tibau at UFC 86 after watching his title hopes fade away under the tightly wrapped guillotine of current lightweight champion BJ Penn in their title bout at UFC 80.

Penn of course is taking a second crack at welterweight deity Georges St. Pierre this December in an attempt to avenge his controversial loss to the Canadian back at UFC 58.

As for Florian, he seems to be able to do no wrong as of late, steamrolling the competition since his decision loss to then-champion Sean Sherk at UFC 64. “KenFlo” is the winner of five straight and eight of his last nine.

Florian will likely face Penn if he can successfully get past Stevenson (once “The Prodigy” comes back from his vacation at 170lbs). While exciting for fans, Joe “Daddy” will be a dangerous test for the Boston native and could possibly interfere with his plans to go for the gold.

Tyson Griffin has been penciled in to oppose former lightweight champion Sean Sherk at UFC 90. A Florian loss coupled with a Griffin win and we could be looking at Penn vs Griffin in early 2009.

Stay tuned over the next few days for an official announcement from the UFC regarding the details of this fight, including its location. The November 15 event has recently been rumored to be taking place in Portland, Oregon.

We’ll keep you posted.

McDonald. vs. Lambert a MiddleWeight

jason macdonald vs jason lambert ufc 88
It’s Jason mania.

Jason MacDonald (20-10) will fill-in for an injured Jason Day and take on Jason Lambert (23-8) in a middleweight bout at UFC 88: “Breakthrough” at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on September 6, according to Sherdog.com.

“Dooms” apparently hurt his biceps muscle while training for the fight and was forced to withdraw, opening the window of opportunity for another Canadian to claim redemption.

“The Athlete” is coming off a third round submission loss to Demian Maia at UFC 87: “Seek and Destroy” earlier this month. It marked the third loss in his last five attempts inside the Octagon — quite a departure from his early success that earned MacDonald the nickname “TUF Killer.”

Lambert appears to be making the drop to middleweight after competing most of his career in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. Perhaps back-to-back losses to 205-pounders Wilson Gouveia and Luis Arthur Cane, respectively, convinced Lambert to try his luck in the 185-pound division.

“The Punisher” — like MacDonald — has three losses in his last five attempts within the eight-sided cage.

To checkout the latest UFC 88 card and rumors click here.

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Props: Spike.com

Monday, August 18, 2008

UFC 88: Breakthrough- Sept. 6th in Chino Hills

UFC 88

Event: UFC 88: “Breakthrough”
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view (PPV)
Location: Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia

Main event:

Chuck Liddell (21-5) vs. Rashad Evans (11-0-1)

Main card (televised):

205 lbs.: Rich Franklin (23-3) vs. Matt Hamill (4-1)
170 lbs.: Karo Parisyan (18-5) vs. Yoshiyuki “Zenko” Yoshida (10-2)
185 lbs.: Dan Henderson (22-7) vs. Rousimar Palhares (8-1)
185 lbs.: Nate Marquardt (26-8-2) vs. Martin Kampmann (16-2)

Under card (may not be broadcast):

155 lbs.: Thiago Tavares (13-2) vs. Kurt Pellegrino (15-4)
205 lbs.: Tim Boetsch (7-2) vs. James Lee (13-3)
170 lbs.: Matt Brown (7-6) vs. Dong Hyun “Stun Gun” Kim (10-0-1)
170 lbs.: Roan Carneiro (12-7) vs. Ryo Chonan (14-8)
185 lbs.: Jason Lambert (23-8) vs. Jason Day (17-7)

*All fights officially confirmed by UFC.com.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Pictured: The horrific moment Olympic weightlifter turns his elbow back to front

Ok, this doesn't have a lot to do with MMA...OK, it has nothing to do with MMA, but it's crazy!

By Daily Mail Reporter

This is the moment Hungarian weightlifter Janos Baranyai's first Olympics ended in agony when he dislocated his right elbow in the ugliest moment yet of the Olympic weightlifting competition.

Baranyai was trying to snatch 148kg in his third lift in the men's 77kg division, when his elbow popped out of its socket.

No longer able to support the weight of the barbell, his right forearm bent backward. The 24-year-old Hungarian fell to the floor in shock, shaking and crying out in pain.

Hungary's coaching staff and competition officials rushed to Baranyai's aid as he lay trembling on the floor, his arm limp and twisted out of position.

Baranyai loses control of the barbell twisting his left arm

Going wrong: Baranyai loses control of the barbell twisting his left arm

Enlarge Baranyai screams in pain after dropping the weights

Impact: Baranyai's legs buckle as his arm bends around the barbell

Baranyai

Agony: Baranyai screams in pain

Enlarge Baranyai

Pain: Baranyai crumbles to the ground

Baranyai was carried off the platform on a stretcher and taken by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, said Benny Johansson, a technical controller at the event.

It was not immediately clear how serious the injury was.

'It looked really awful,' Johansson said. 'If the ligaments are damaged then it could take several months to heal."

He said elbow and knee injuries are the most common injuries in the sport, 'but the number of injuries are quite small in comparison with the number of athletes. You cannot even compare it with football for example.'

Enlarge Baranyai

Stricken: Baranyai grimaces on the platform after dislocating his right elbow

Baranyai

Horror injury: Baranyai's elbow clearly faces the wrong way as he lies on the ground

Enlarge Baranyai

Help: the Hungarian is treated by doctors

A former judo wrestler from Oroszlany, Hungary, Baranyai was competing with the so-called B-group of lifters in the 77kg division.

Hungary's lone lifter in the Olympics, he was ninth in both the snatch and clean and jerk in the European Championship earlier this year and placed 33rd in last year's world championship.

He cleared his first snatch attempts at 140kg and 145kg before loading up the bar at 148kg - a relatively modest weight in top-level competition. The world record in the snatch is 173kg.

In the snatch, the bar is pulled overhead in one continuous motion as the lifter settles into a squat, then rises with arms extended.

Baranyai was in the squat position when his elbow popped.

Wanderlei Silva Talkin' Bout Fightin'

UFC Quick Quote: Georges St. Pierre considers shutting it down for 2008

By: MMAmania

st pierre

“Several people mentioned that my next opponent should be BJ Penn. Nothing is obviously signed yet, but fighting him is my number one goal. I think he deserves a chance to challenge for my belt, but we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks. I hope deeply [that my next fight is in Montreal]. The President of the UFC, Dana White, said he would like to return to Montreal before the end of the year. For my part, I do not know if I will go back in the Octagon before 2009. I had four fights in the past 12 months. So I need rest. I like my life, but sometimes I have to relax…. I make so many sacrifices for me prepare. During training camps I can hardly live. Therefore, I need to refuel psychologically.”

– UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre tells RDS.ca that he may not return to action this year because of his recent activity. “Rush” is expected to next put his 170-pound title on the line against UFC Lightweight Champion and former welterweight belt holder, BJ Penn, in a blockbuster mega fight. It was widely expected that the showdown would take place on New Year’s Eve weekend on December 27; however, with four straight wins over top contenders such as Jon Fitch, Matt Serra, Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck, it appears that St. Pierre may need more time to recharge his batteries to get up for the biggest fight of his career against “The Prodigy.” With more than four months until possible showtime let’s hope he takes a nice long vacation and reconsiders his most recent remarks.

Fedor Wants a Piece of Lesnar

Sunday, August 10, 2008

UFC 87 Did NOT Disappoint!

Thanks to everyone who came over and for those who brought food over and pitched in. I hate asking for money, but as a teacher and with current gas prices, I won't turn it down! Thanks again!

We had about fourteen people in the room at one point and those who've been to my house know that our living room isn't that big. Next time I'm going to take photos and post them on here.

I pulled the results from a "real" MMA blog and have posted them below, but I'd just like to say that GSP remains my favorite fighter and he didn't disappoint as he thrashed Jon Fitch for 5 rounds. Fitch looked like a cyborg as he rose after being pummeled by GSP over and over. I have always respected him as a fighter, but he is tougher than I ever imagined. Kenny Florian also looked great and although he did not finish his opponent, the ever tough Roger Huerta, he looked very good and definitely deserves a title shot in my opinion. Brock Lesnar was a brute in his fight and he punished the veteran Herring for three rounds. Finally, Maia looked looked awesome in his bout against McDonald and threw on a rear naked choke to finish the "Athlete."

Much love to you all and see you next time!

ufc 87 results

UFC 87: “Seek and Destroy” is set go off LIVE from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Saturday, August 9, 2008.

MMAmania.com will provide LIVE blow-by-blow, round-by-round coverage of the main card bouts, beginning with the 10 p.m. ET PPV telecast. In addition, we will deliver up-to-the-minute quick results of the under card action at around 8:30 p.m. ET.

Many of our readers check-in before, during and after the PPV telecast to share their thoughts on the action. Therefore, feel free to leave a comment or 10 before you leave and chat with many of our readers during the show — it always turns out to be a great discussion.

Keep in mind that we will also be the spot for the latest news, recaps and post-fight analysis after UFC 87.

Without further delay, see below for the latest UFC 87 results. (Note: This will go from the bottom up; therefore, scroll toward the bottom for the latest detailed round-by-round action!)

UFC 87 QUICK RESULTS:

UFC Welterweight Champion Georges defeats Jon Fitch via Unanimous Decision
Brock Lesnar defeats Heath Herring via Unanimous Decision
Kenny Florian defeats Roger Huerta via Unanimous Decision
Rob Emerson defeats Manny Gamburyan via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Demian Maia defeats Jason Macdonald via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) Round 3
Tamdan McCrory defeats Luke Cummo via Unanimous Decision
Cheick Kongo defeats Dan Evensen via TKO (Strikes) Round 1
Jon Jones defeats Andre Gusmao via Unanimous Decision
Chris Wilson defeats Steve Bruno via Unanimous Decision
Ben Saunders defeats Ryan Thomas via Submission (Armbar) Round 1





I was trying to pace myself, because after the first time I rock him and I couldn’t finish him I was like ‘Man, this guy, I’m gonna have to almost kill him to win’. He’s very tough, I give him a lot of props. A big heart, good, amazing guy, very big heart, [I have] a lot of respect for this guy.

-UFC welterweight champion Georges “Rush” St. Pierre talks about trying to finish challenger Jon Fitch during a UFC 87 post fight interview. GSP successfully defended his title after fighting off a very game Fitch for 25 minutes

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Faber talks about WEC title defense (Sept. 10th)

Chris Horodecki Goes to AfflictionMMA


From mmajunkie:

Aleksander Emelianenko out, Chris Horodecki in for Oct. 11 Affliction
by Dann Stupp and George Garcia on Aug 06, 2008 at 6:19 pm ET
Chris HorodeckiLAS VEGAS - Former IFL fighter and MMA prodigy Chris Horodecki (12-1) has signed a three-fight deal with Affliction and will debut with the organization at its Oct. 11 event at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

However, Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3) -- a heavyweight fighter who was pulled from Affliction's debut event just seconds before he was set to weigh in for his fight with Paul Buentello -- will not be part of the October event.

Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the fight-card updates during today's "Day of Reckoning" press conference in Las Vegas.

Horodecki, a Canadian who turned pro just days after his 18th birthday, fought for the TKO organization before heading to the IFL. There, the now-20-year-old lightweight went 8-1 to become one of the organization's biggest stars. However, in a first-ever IFL lightweight title fight, he suffered a first-round TKO to Ryan Schultz.

Affliction executives have not yet determined an opponent for Horodecki's promotional debut.

Meanwhile, Atencio confirmed that Emelianenko -- a former PRIDE fighter and the younger brother of Affliction fighter Fedor Emelianenko -- will not be part of the Oct. 11 show, as was first planned.

Just as he was about to hit the scale for Affliction's event last month, Emelianenko was unexpectedly pulled from the fight card. (Gary Goodridge was quickly announced as a replacement.) The California State Athletic Commission stated that the 27-year-old fighter failed to meet licensing requirements, though officials could not divulge the reason why due to privacy regulations. Although it was widely reported that Emelianenko had tested positive for Hepatitis B, his camp has repeatedly denied the claims.

Emelianenko was visibly distraught after the decision and said the situation came as a complete surprise. And although he was optimistic the fighter could be cleared for the second event, Atencio said Emelianenko still faces licensing problems and that the organization had to move on without him being a part of the Oct. 11 event.

For the latest on "Affliction: Day of Reckoning," including more from today's press conference and the latest rumored fight card, check out the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

Dana White Vlog

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Fitch on his fight this Sat.

I'm just starting to really think about this card and this could be a crazy night!

UFC RANKINGS

Current UFC (not MMA) Rankings According to MMAFighting:

Division Leaders:
Heavyweights - Fedor Emelianenko

Light Heavyweights - Forrest Griffin

Middleweights - Anderson Silva

Welterweights - Georges St. Pierre

Lightweights - BJ Penn

Featherweights - Urijah Faber
Home › Rankings
MMAFighting.com UFC Rankings - July 2008
Posted by MMAFighting.com 07/09/08—4:24 PM

Date: July 2008
Heavyweights
1: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
2: Randy Couture
3: Fabricio Werdum
4: Gabriel Gonzaga
5: Heath Herring
6: Cheick Kongo
7: Brandon Vera
8: Frank Mir
9: Eddie Sanchez
10: Cain Velasquez
Notable: Shane Carwin

Light Heavyweights
1: Forrest Griffin
2: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
3: Chuck Liddell
4: Wanderlei Silva
5: Lyoto Machida
6: Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
7: Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
8: Keith Jardine
9: Rashad Evans
10: Thiago Silva
Notable: Matt Hamill

Middleweights
1: Anderson Silva
2: Rich Franklin
3: Yushin Okami
4: Dan Henderson
5: Thales Leites
6: Nathan Marquardt
7: Patrick Cote
8: Michael Bisping
9: Ricardo Almeida
10: Demian Maia
Notable: Chris Leben

Welterweights
1: Georges St. Pierre
2: Jon Fitch
3: Thiago Alves
4: Matt Hughes
5: Josh Koscheck
6: Diego Sanchez
7: Karo Parisyan
8: Matt Serra
9: Akihiro Gono
10: Mike Swick
Notable: Dong Hyun Kim

Lightweights
1: BJ Penn
2: Sean Sherk
3: Joe Stevenson
4: Kenny Florian
5: Roger Huerta
6: Gray Maynard
7: Frankie Edgar
8: Tyson Griffin
9: Nate Diaz
10: Joe Lauzon
Notable: Rich Clementi
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