Las Vegas, Nevada – A five-round heavyweight showdown between contenders Travis “Hapa” Browne and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva will headline an exciting UFC card scheduled for Friday, Oct. 5 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. The event will mark UFC’s first in Minneapolis since 2008, when UFC 87 broke the Target Center live gate record with a $2.25 million mark.
Additional fights include: The Ultimate Fighter season 14 winner John Dodson vs. highly touted flyweight Jussier Formiga; Matt Mitrione vs. Rob Broughton in heavyweight action; Josh Neer vs. Justin Edwards in a welterweight contest.
Tickets for UFC on FX: BROWNE vs. BIGFOOT go on sale to the public on Friday, Aug. 10. Doors open on fight night at 3 p.m. CT with the first bout slated for 4 p.m. CT.
The main card will also air live on FX at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Unbeaten at 4-0-1 in his UFC career, the 30-year-old Browne has made an immediate impact in the heavyweight division thanks to his versatile and dangerous attack. Training alongside UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and under the guidance of renowned coach Greg Jackson in Albuquerque, N.M., the Hawaii native will face the sternest test of his career in Silva.
Owner of wins over the likes of former UFC champions Andrei Arlovski and Ricco Rodriguez, as well as former PRIDE star Fedor Emelianenko, the 32-year-old “Bigfoot” has 11 wins by knockout and three by submission. He’ll look to place himself in the title picture on Oct. 5 when he meets the hard-hitting Hawaiian.
“Travis Browne is undefeated in his career and wants to prove that he’s ready for a shot at the title,” UFC President Dana White said. “He’s got a tough test in front of him in ‘Bigfoot’ Silva, who’s beaten two former UFC champions and also finished Fedor. I’m excited to finally get back to Minneapolis and I’m confident this card is going to deliver for the fans at the Target Center!”
Tickets for UFC on FX: BROWNE vs. BIGFOOT go on sale Friday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. CT and are priced at $175, $125, $75 and $50. Tickets are available at Target Center’s box office, all ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com or charge by phone 800.745.3000. Ticket prices do not include applicable service charges.
UFC Fight Club members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Aug. 9, starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.
For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.
Kia Stevens, the artist formerly known Kharma in WWE and Awesome Kong in TNA, told TMZ that the reason she was let go from WWE was because she got out of shape after putting so much weight following her miscarriage. She also fell into a depression that didn’t help her physically.
Stevens said that during her pregnancy she put on a lot of weight which ultimately might have contributed to the miscarriage. Now she’s on a mission to get rid of the fat and get back in shape so she can return to wrestling.
TMZ reports that in the past few weeks, Stevens has recruited a team of fitness professionals and therapists and plans to document the transformation in hopes of getting a reality show out of it.
Dana White and the fighters from the UFC on FOX 4: Shogun vs Vera card appeared at the post-fight press conference following the show to take questions from the media.
Dana White said that there was nothing that Shogun showed him that he wanted to fight Jon Jones again whereas Machida was totally different and that’s why he’s getting the next Light Heavyweight title shot.
The full 30 minute post-fight press conference is available below. Please note that if you’re streaming from your mobile device, the size of the video is 128mb.
After the main event ended and the lights dimmed it is “The Dragon” Lyoto Machida who is told that he will be next in line for the light heavyweight championship.
Machida avoided most of the strikes that Bader threw at him. Whether stepping to the side or landing the counter before Bader can connect. As the fight started and Bader tried to come in close either to strike or tie him up, Machida would be waiting with big knees to the body or the short elbows.
Bader abandoned that plan until the second round when by than Machida was comfortable. Machida was waving his arms and seem to be hypnotizing Bader right out of his game plan. When Bader charged in full steam ahead it was like Machida saw him coming from a mile out and delivered a straight right hand to the jaw of a charging Bader.
Bader came to a dead stop and fell to his back out cold. Bader said after the fight that he has no idea what happened he thought he was still fighting and woke up to a bunch of people around him.
In his interview with Joe Rogan after the fight, Machida in English, exclaimed for everyone to hear the “the dragon is back!” Dana White was in agreement as after the main event came to a close by Shogun getting the TKO stoppage in the fourth round he proclaimed that Machida was next. Dana also gave props to Vera and the heart and determination that he displayed tonight.
After the fights, Lyoto sat with the Fuel TV crew and Chael Sonnen commented that he came into the fight at 201 wearing shorts and drinking water. So Chael asked him out right if he was going to take the fight or move to 185? Lyoto said that he will take the opportunity at the 205 championship but in the future may cut down since the max he gets up to between fights is 215lbs.
In the bonuses for the night the each receive $50,000 and go as follows:
The UFC makes their fourth showing on FOX tonight from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The four light heavyweights taking part in the main event and co-main event are hoping to be the next one in line for a shot at the 205 pound championship. Brandon Vera will be facing former champion Shogun Rua in the main event and Ryan Bader will be taking on former champion Lyoto Machida in the other featured bout. Dana White has made it clear the which ever winner comes out of tonight with the most impressive showing will be next up to face the winner of current Champion Jon Jones versus Dan Henderson that takes place in Las Vegas over Labor Day weekend.
Below is the card line up for tonight along with the channel and times they begin. Refresh the page or app once the action begins to see the live round by round recaps. Also follow along on twitter @wonlinemma for winners and other news as it happens.
UFC on FOX Prelims on FUELTV at 5pm Et/ 2pm PT
Flyweights
Ulysses “Useless” Gomez (@uselessgomez) vs John Moraga (@chicanojohn)
Ref: Herb Dean
Round 1-
The flyweights start off the nights action as the 2x all American wrestler from Arizona State Moraga connects with a nice left hook early. Moraga lands a right hand after receiving a few kicks to the leg. Following the right hand Moraga gets the clinch and lands some punches and knees to the body. Gomez is forehead is cut open as they separate. Moraga with a nice body shot that hurt Gomez. Moraga is unable to get the take down now. Gomez comes in for a take down and Moraga nails him with a knee to the body and shakes him off. Gomez gets hit with a left elbow than a right upward elbow as he is against the cage. Moraga follows the elbows with an uppercut and left and right crosses that end the night for Gomez.
Winner by KO at 3:46 of round 1 John Moraga
Featherweights
Manny “The Anvil” Gamburyan (@mannygamburyan) vs Michihiro Omigawa (@micci1219judo)
Ref:Luis Cobian
Round 1-
Omigawa with a lot of bouncing and switching stances early. Gamburyan trying to cut off the cage and lands a flying knee. Omigawa lands a straight left that sits Manny down on his butt. Omigawa tries to swarm but Gamburyan is already getting back to his feet and catches Omigawa with a right hand. Omigawa deflects a head kick with his fore arm and lands a straight left of his own between the hands of Gamburyan. Gamburyan with a good shot to the body and right hand up high now. Omigawa with a straight left to the body and left hook to the head. Gamburyan tries for the single leg but Omigawa pulls his leg free. Close round of action but I would give it 10-9 to Omigawa.
Round 2-
They want to bang this round as Omigawa fires that straight left inside and Gamburyan wings the big right hand. Gamburyan tries for a take down now and presses Omigawa against the cage. Omigawa is defending well and only briefly goes down twice once from a slam and once a single leg before popping back up. Gamburyan gets another slam and latches onto the back of Omigawa. Gamburyan with both hooks in. Gamburyan gives up the back after not getting the choke and into full guard. Omigawa is back up on his feet. Gamburyan with a big right as they break and he is wiping at his right eye. It looks as if Gamburyan’s right eye is swelling and a small cut under it. Another tight round but in Gamburyan’s favor this time.
Round 3-
Gamburyan with a head kick that wobbles Omigawa. Gamburyan gives chase with the winging punches and lands three clean as Omigawa retreats. Gamburyan with another head kick but Omigawa looks unfazed. Omigawa now is coming forward and Gamburyan is breathing hard. Omigawa has him on the fence and lands a nice three punch combo. Gamburyan ties him up until he can circle free. Omigawa with a left and Gamburyan lands a right of his own. Omigawa stands and fires away as Gamburyan covers up. Gamburyan gets the take down briefly and he is back up. Omigawa goes for a guillotine but can’t lock it up. Gamburyan with a two big slams. Omigawa gets up after both though and now has Gamburyan against the cage. 30 seconds left and Omigawa going for a neck crank. Gamburyan tries for one more head kick but is too tired to get his leg all the way up. This round goes to Gamburyan along with the fight in my opinion.
Winner by Judges scores of (29-28,29-28,30-27) Manny Gamburyan
Heavyweights
Phil De Fries (@phildefriesmma) vs Oli Thompson (@OliThompsonMMA)
Ref:John McCarthy
Round 1-
Two natives of England square off in this heavyweight match up. Thompson has to get into the range of the taller fighter with stiff straights and this time he eats a jab on the way in. Thompson ties him up on the cage and lands some knees to the mid-section. De Fries is able to reverse and put the back of Thompson on the cage. McCarthy separates them and De Fries ties him up and leans on him against the cage. Thompson uses a winsor to reverse briefly before De Fries spins them back around and gets a brief take down. The circle each other around and the ref separates them again with a minute left. Good right from De Fries but it was a winging akward shot. De Fries ties him back up and puts Thompson’s back to the cage and the crowd boos through the break.
Round 2-
De Fries getting the better of the stand up early and lands a straight right that drops Thompson. De Fries swarms but Thompson stays turtled up long enough to clear the cobb webs and gets back to his feet. De Fries has him pinned against the cage and lands a left right combo as they separate. De Fries with a knee to the head of Thompson now. De Fries pushes him to the mat and takes his back. Thompson is preventing any hooks from getting in though. De Fries with the punches from under the arm pit of Thompson. De Fries gets the hooks in now with under a minute left. De Fries immedietly gets the neck and Thompson taps.
Winner by face crank at 4:16 of round 2 Phil De Fries
Featherweights
Josh “The Fluke” Grispi (@joshgrispi) vs Rani Yahya
Ref:Herb Dean
Round 1-
Grispi wants to stand and trade with Yahya but Yahya wants this fight on the ground. The 2nd degree black belt Yahya gets the fight down to the mat. Yahya in the guard and is able to land a few punches but Grispi is trying to keep him close. Yahya is working hard to get free of the guard and is able to take side control. Yahya trying to get north south Grispi has his hands locked to prevent it but Yahya keeps circling them. Yahya gets him to tap with one arm under the neck clinched under the body with the other hand.
Winner by tapout to a north south choke at 3:15 of round 1 Rani Yahya
Light Heavyweights
Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (@PhilMrWonderful) vs Wagner “Caldeirao” Prado
Ref:Luis Cobian
Round 1-
Prado takes the middle early and is working the jab trying to get inside the 5 inch reach advantage of Davis. Prado with a right hook that has Davis pedaling backwards. Davis catches Prado with a finger to the eye. Prado is backing up and gets the ref to break the action. Prado is bleeding from the inside corner of the eye and the doctor stops the fight.
The fight is declared a no decision due to incidental eye poke.
Featherweights
Cole “Magrinho” Miller (@colemillerATT) vs Nam Phan (@NamPhanMMA)
Ref: John McCarthy
Round 1-
Miller with a front kick right out the gate. Miller tries another but this time Phan gets out of the way. Phan is unable so far to get in the 6″ reach advantage of Miller. Miller working the jab. Phan gets him backed into the fence and is able to land a nice combo before Miller circles out. Miller with a left right left that lands. Phan with a winging left hook that connects. Phan lands two more and Miller is hurting. Miller is firing back but Phan with a combo to the body and head. Miller with a front kick and jab. Miller lands a jab down the pipe. Phan has him backed to the cage and lands the body head combo again. Phan with a good pair of jabs and left hook to the body.
I would give that round to Phan 10-9
Round 2-
Miller eats a left but lands an uppercut in close. Miller now with a body shot and right round house kick. Miller is starting to hold his ground and trading now. Miller is striking is landing if he stands in there. Once he backs up against the cage Phan is taking advantage. Phan is throwing the punches in bunches three four or more at a time. Miller is back to circling and ends up backing into the cage and Phan goes body head head. Miller landing the left jab and right straight down the middle now. Miller eats another lunging left hook. Miller with the straight the Phan is letting through the guard. Phan lands another left hook before the close. Miller edged out this round.
Round 3-
Final round and Miller going to the jab Phan lands a left and as Phan circles Miller’s legs almost go out. Phan now charging forward. Phan landing that left and if Miller had slipped or was tired earlier that made the legs wobble now it is from eating shots to the jaw. Miller can’t get a take down in the only attempt so far in the fight. Phan with head body head head combo. Miller tries to tie him up and Phan tags him with a left and another counter left. Phan head body combo. Phan is ducking under the punches of Miller now and nailing him in the side with the left hand. Miller turning it up in the final minute and is landing straight down the middle. Miller misses a flying knee. Miller turned it on in the end but that was a Phan round to me.
Winner by judges scores of 29-28, 28-29 29-28 Nam Phan
UFC on FOX Main Card on local Fox station 8pm Et/ 5pm PT
Welterweights
Mike “Quick” Swick (@officialswick) vs Damarques “Darkness” Johnson (@DaMarques_UFC)
Ref: Herb Dean
Round 1-
Swick with a lead right hand than lands another right and ties him up. Johnson gets free and an elbow off. Johnson now with a right hand that catches Swick on the way in. Swick goes for the clinch and Johnson takes him down and is now in full guard. Swick trying to use the cage to get back up. Swick is up and lands a right hand. Both men just standing in the corner of the cage swinging with reckless abandon. Johnson gets the trip and into full guard. Johnson sitting up now dropping punches. Swick gives up his back than gets Johnson into side control. Johnson locks up a d’arce choke than lets it go to re adjust his hands and Swick gets him back into the full guard. Johnson with some good short elbows before the round ends.
Round 2-
Johnson with a counter right that lands to start the round. Swick is circling around the outside and giving the center of the cage to Johnson. Swick catches the leg of Johnson as he goes for a body kick and Swick pushes him over and follows him to the ground with the right hand that knocks him out before he follows with another right and the ref gets in to stop it.
Winner by Knockout at 1:20 of round 2 Mike Swick
Lightweights
Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) vs Jamie Varner (@jamievarner)
Ref:Luis Cobian
Round 1-
Varner with a right up high and left to the body. Varner with another left to the body. Lauzon wont want to eat too many of those. Varner with a body kick now. Varner hits Lauzon with the right hand and Lauzon almost goes down. Lauzon gets in a knee as he briefly has the plum clinch. Varner with a flying knee attempt and a pair of elbows behind it that all are deflected. Lauzon with some nice straight shots down the middle. Lauzon covers well to block a series of shots from Varner. Lauzon with the jab. Varner hits Lauzon with a right that drops him. Varner follows him to the ground and Lauzon is attempting an arm bar before Varner reaches him. Varner with some good knees to a turtled up Lauzon
Round 2-
Varner with a pair of outside leg kicks early. Lauzon with a right left combo and covers up before Varner can counter. Varner with a stepping leg kick that sweeps Lauzon as he checks it. Varner with a the right and left and goes for a clinch knee but Lauzon covers up to block. Varner gets the guillotine as they fall to the mat but Lauzon takes his back and gets the mount. Varner gets back up to his feet. Varner with two hard body shots followed by one to the head. Lauzon stands and bangs and is getting the edge now as Varner looks tired. Lauzon with some ground and pound till Varner gets up. Lauzon takes him down and gets the back. Now Lauzon is in the mount and going for an arm triangle. Varner gets the top position as he escapes and rains down some elbows. Fight of the night so far.
Round 3-
The hug coming out for the final round and Varner realizes he doesn’t have his mouth piece in. Varner gets the power double and is in the half guard of Lauzon but Lauzon sweeps and they are back standing. Varner trying to pour it on Lauzon but Lauzon covers up well. Varner with another power double but Lauzon immediately sweeps and he locks in the triangle choke. Varner taps out.
Winner by triangle choke at 2:44 of round 3
Light Heavyweights
Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (@lyotomachidafw) vs Ryan “Darth” Bader (@ryanbader)
Ref: John McCarthy
Round 1-
Machida with his wide karate stance easily steps out of the way of a leg kick. Bader comes in and Machida lands a knee to the gut and Bader is back out. BAder lunges forward and Machida side steps him. Machida with a left body kick that rings out through the building. Machida with another knee as Bader comes back in. Bader charges and Machida steps to the side and runs right past. Machida with a front kick now that just misses. Machida waves the hands at Bader and out of no where lands the right straight. Bader comes charging in to a right elbow this time but he is briefly able to get the tie up. Machida looks like he is just toying with him now. Like Anderson Silva when they get comfortable and see you coming from a mile out.
Round 2-
Machida is back flailing the arms to get Bader’s attention. This time Bader comes in and takes an elbow to the side of the head. Bader charges full speed forward this time and straight into the right fist of Machida. Its over Bader is out.
Winner by KO at 1:32 of Round 2
After the fight Lyoto Machida claims to everyone that the THE DRAGON IS BACK!
Light Heavyweights
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (@ShogunRua) vs Brandon “The Truth” Vera (@Verafied)
Ref: Herb Dean
Round 1-
Vera with a pair of hard body kicks. Shogun gets the take down. Shogun in half guard and moves Vera from the cage. Vera trying to hold him close and Shogun is trying hard to get out of the half guard. Shogun now is in side control. Vera is able to get up and fires off a pair of head kicks. Vera locks in a guillotine choke as the spin down to the mat. Shogun breathing hard but is able to pop his head out. Vera with a butterfly guard and Shogun gets to half guard and works the ground and pound. Shogun is now back in side control and moves to the mount. Vera gives up his back now and Shogun has the hooks in and drops some punches down as the first round comes to a close.
Round 2-
After the first round to Shogun. Vera is chopped down by a inside leg kick and eats a left. Shogun with another left Vera is hurt. Shogun comes forward and eats an elbow. Vera connecting now and Shogun looks hurt and tired. Vera with a left and and elbow. Shogun lands a left and Vera is hurt. Shogun takes the back of Vera briefly. Vera is back up and connects with a right. Shogun with a right and left now that wobble Vera. They tie up and exchange knees to the body against the cage. Vera gets the trip and is in half guard now. Vera with some shoulder strikes and a couple punches that land. Now Vera is kneeing him in the body. Vera postures up right before the end of the round and lands an elbow
Round 3-
Vera goes for a flying knee and Rua ties him up against the cage. Rua with some knees to the thighs. Vera gets free. Shogun with a left that connects. Vera with a kick to the thigh. Both men land the left hand now. Shogun lands a knee from the clinch and Vera drops down to take that move away. Vera with a pair of great two punch leg kick combo. Vera lands a knee to the body and Shogun gets the trip and lays in the half guard of Vera. Shogun is trying to get the mount and Vera grabs a single leg so Shogun postures up for some ground and pound and Vera goes back to protecting himself.
Round 4-
Vera with a left as Rua comes in. Vera with a knee to the body. Shogun backs him into the cage and tries for a take down. Rua with a pair of knees one to the head and one to the body. Rua with an elbow on the exit. Vera with a pair of elbows and Rua answers with an upper cut. Shogun has him back on the fence now and is working the knees to the thigh. Vera with the knee to the body. They separate and Vera with a left down the middle than a right hand. Rua with an uppercut than a left right left that last left looks like it broke Vera’s nose or at least Vera reaches up to check and than eats another left right left again and Vera face plants on the canvas. Shogun dives on top with a few more punches but Vera is out.
Winner by TKO at 4:09 of round 4 Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
Tomorrow night from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA the UFC returns to network television with UFC on FOX Shogun vs Vera. Every one taking part on the card made their contracted weights this afternoon. See the full card line up, the weight the fighters came in at and the times for the prelims and main card below.
UFC on FOX Prelims on FUELTV at 5pm Et/ 2pm PT
Flyweights
Ulysses “Useless” Gomez (125.5lbs) vs John Moraga (125.5lbs)
Featherweights
Manny “The Anvil” Gamburyan (145.5lbs) vs Michihiro Omigawa (145.5lbs)
Heavyweights
Phil De Fries (235lbs) vs Oli Thompson (232lbs)
Featherweights
Josh “The Fluke” Grispi (146lbs) vs Rani Yahya (145.5)
Light Heavyweights
Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (205.5lbs) vs Wagner “Caldeirao” Prado (205lbs)
Featherweights
Cole “Magrinho” Miller (145lbs) vs Nam Phan (145lbs)
UFC on FOX Main Card 8pm Et/ 5pm PT
Welterweights
Mike “Quick” Swick (170lbs) vs Damarques “Darkness” Johnson (171lbs)
Lightweights
Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon (155.8lbs) vs Jamie Varner (156lbs)
Light Heavyweights
Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (201lbs) vs Ryan “Darth” Bader (205lbs)
Light Heavyweights
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (205lbs) vs Brandon “The Truth” Vera (203.8lbs)
The co-main event of UFC 150 pits to former training partners against one another as Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone takes on Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard in a lightweight affair.
The 18-4 Cerrone has 5 wins in his last 6 fights since making his debut in the UFC following the WEC merger of talent. Cerrone’s only loss came in the former of an unanimous decision to Nate Diaz who is now next in line for a shot at the lightweight championship.
Cerrone and Guillard trained together at Greg Jackson’s in Albuquerque, New Mexico before Guillard transposed himself to Florida to train with the Blackzilians. While Greg Jackson will be in Cerrone’s corner for the fight he didn’t work much with the coach in camp.
Instead, he trained in Vail Colorado where he started his fight training. Cerrone said that he didn’t want to work with Jackson and have Guillard feel that he was coming into the fight knowing is former coach had divulged all his strengths and weaknesses.
Guillard also feels the strong friendship towards his opponent and says it is just business. This time unlike training they will not be pulling their punches. Guillard is open to the fact that if he has Cerrone hurt, he is going to try and finish him just as he hopes Cerrone would do.
Before Guillard was offered the short notice fight he and his wife had ran into Cerrone and been invited to Cerrone’s Ranch. Guillard is not one to turn down a fight but was glad he was able to talk to Cerrone prior to signing the contract.
Guillard figured, “for me to be getting offered the fight everyone else in the division must have turned it down because that is what they do. They say they want the big fights but there is some fighters they won’t get into the cage with.”
Guillard who is 29 years old and holds a professional MMA record of 47-11-3 feels like he is finally matured enough to be champion. While he may have had the tools necessary for inside the cage he was not ready for the rest of it. Guillard has had his fair share of hardships including the loss of his father, surviving Hurricane Katrina on a bridge for three days before being rescued, and a substance abuse problem.
The Young Assassin feels now is the time and he is more focused and quality opponents than putting together win streaks. He is comfortable training now with the Blackzilians even though their coach Mike Van Arsdale recently left the team and they are now under the guidance of Mario Sperry. Guillard has even adapted the Dutch kickboxing techniques.
Guillard was not afraid to talk strategy leading up to the fight and said he knows Donald will be using his kicks to his advantage and he plans on checking them. Guillard asked, “You listening boy?” Donald replied with, “don’t worry they are coming. I’m going to kick him and kick him”
This will be a great match up between two devastating strikers and could easily be the fight of the night.
The UFC will return to its birthplace and the home of its first two events in Denver, Colorado. On August 11th, UFC 150 will go down and feature the UFC Lightweight champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson as he defends his championship for the first time in a rematch with the man he took it from, Frankie “The Answer” Edgar.
Frankie Edgar had won the championship from BJ Penn in April of 2010 by unanimous decision. The UFC gave the long time former champion Penn a rematch but Edgar once again left the cage the victor.
His next fight would come against the only man to have defeated him, Gray Maynard. This fight would be an epic war that had the champ on the cusp of defeat again before he would mount a comeback and have the fight end in a draw. Now with an 0-1-1 record against Maynard and their title fight unfinished, they would meet again but this time Edgar would get the 4th round knockout victory.
It was Edgar’s 5th championship fight by now and he would be facing only his third opponent. In February of this year the UFC went to Japan where after a five round fight Benson Henderson would leave with the belt.
Their last fight lasted the full 25 minutes and saw spectacular kicks and Henderson’s uncanny ability to get out of tight situations and lots of back and forth action. Henderson even landed a kick that broke Edgar’s nose early in the fight.
Both men are familiar with rematches as Henderson has had his own run-ins with familiar opponents including the co-main event fighter Donald Cerrone who challenged him twice for his WEC title.
In the media conference call today both men share similar thoughts on the game of rematches and that is that the fight game is so close now and there is such a tight margin between two competitors that is anyone’s fight on any night. Edgar feels that who ever makes the better adjustments for this fight will walk out the winner.
When Henderson was asked what it will take to win and whether or not who can show something new and surprise his opponent, Henderson felt it was more about the fundamentals and who ever can improve their jiu-jitsu 1% or striking 1% will be the one who is victorious.
Edgar is taking the extra steps to prepare himself to get the title back by arriving in Denver an extra week early to adjust to fighting in the altitude. The Colorado native Henderson has plans to keep everything the same including when he arrives and fighting to win and not just hold on to the belt.
Dana White made it clear that should Henderson lose there will not be a rematch immediately following. That is no extra pressure for Henderson because his drive is to win and his mentality will not change no matter what kind of extras the company puts on the line.
Dwayne Johnson is currently in England as production for his next movie, Fast & Furious 6, has started at Shepperton Studios.
The Rock joins Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Luke Evans, and MMA star Gina Carano in this movie which will film across Europe under the direction of Justin Lin.
The former WWE champion will reprise the role of Diplomatic Security Service agent Luke Hobbs, who after he helped Vin Diesel and Paul Walker’s characters escape in Fast Five, is back in the hunt for the duo.
Jon Jones, the current UFC Light Heavyweight champion, was sentenced this morning for his misdemeanor DWI charge that he picked up back in mid-May.
Jones was fined $1,000 and will need to install ignition interlocks on all of his vehicles according to a story on New York-based PressConnects.com
Apart from those two, Jones will also need to complete a victim impact panel within 90 days and received a six-moth license suspension.
Jones pleaded guilty and avoided jail time for his May 19 arrest where he totaled his Bentley at around 5AM in upstate New York. He crashed his car into a NYSEG utility pole and he was also ordered to pay $6,563.62 in restitution to the utility company.
After Dana White was set on the Rua vs Vera getting the next shot at the champion, the UFC President changed his plans.
Yesterday, White announced that the winner of Machida vs Bader will also be considered for the number one contender spot for the Light Heavyweight championship.
After backlash from the fans on social media, White now has plans for whichever winner comes out looking most impressive to get the opportunity to face the 205 champion.
“When the fans speak, we listen. So whoever scores the best win, whoever gets the fans excited by going out there on Saturday and looking the most impressive, he will get the winner of Jones vs. Henderson,” White said.
“It is down to what these four guys do Saturday night in the Octagon. Winning isn’t enough, they’ve got to win impressively. Any one of these four fighters can take things into their own hands and make a title shot happen.”
All four men in the mix have faced and lost to the current champion.
On Saturday night from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA the UFC will return to FOX. In the main event one of the top light heavyweights of all time Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will take on Brandon “The Truth” Vera. The winner of this five round headliner will be the next in line for a shot at the 205 pound title which will next be defended at UFC 151 as the current Champion Jon Jones takes on challenger Dan Henderson on September 1.
Dana White has announced that this match-up sets up the number one contender regardless of who wins. When Mr. White was asked if Vera was deserving he had no doubts and felt as if Vera has proven himself in the octagon. Vera who is 12-5 with 1 no contest has faced some of top names that have been in the UFC such as Fabricio Werdum, Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia and holds a round 1 stoppage victory of Frank Mir. Vera who faced current champ Jones back at UFC on Versus in March of 2010 feels like he has hit the lottery and hopes to avenge that first round loss.
Vera admits that he was looking past Jones in their first encounter. He thought he was just a kid and didn’t train hard enough for him and paid the price with the loss. “The Truth” feels that this is his opportunity the UFC came calling and he has to take advantage of this chance. The opportunity to become number one contender has made all the ups and downs he has gone through in his career worth it. When Vera was asked about the critics who do not feel that he is deserving of the chance he just wants them to watch on August 4th.
Shogun is both a former Pride and UFC champion and has fought and beat some of the greatest ever. A quick run through of some of the highlights show stoppage victories of former champions that include: Machida, Forrest Griffin, Alistair Overeem x2, Rampage Jackson and UFC Hall Famers Chuck Liddell and Mark Coleman. Rua was most recently inside the octagon in November of last year when he went to war with current title challenger Dan Henderson. Their epic five round affair was the UFC’s fight of the year and will be remembered as one of the all time greatest.
Rua originally was asked to face a fairly new face to the UFC Glover Teixeira who had a first round submission victory in his debut back in May. Rua declined to and accepted the match up with Vera instead sighting the facts that Teixeira still has a long road ahead of him while Vera has already made a name for him in this sport and is more well known. When Rua was asked about his chance at rematch with Jones he stated that he is focused on Vera and that there is now more tape on Jones for him and his coaches to view preparation when the time comes.
This Saturday in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 4 Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida faces off with Ryan “Darth” Bader in a light heavyweight match up. Both of these men have earned their spots in the elite of the 205 pounders and now they are determined to show that they deserve to stay there.
Lyoto last fought in the Octagon at UFC 140 in December of 2011 when he was submitted in the second round by the Champion Jon Jones. Lyoto started off his career going 16-0 and winning the UFC’s light heavyweight crown. Since then he defended the championship successfully once before dropping three of the next four including the title to Shogun Rua and a shot a Jon Jones’ belt. Coming into this fight he admits to feeling the pressure to preform well but has learned from his losses and ready to put on a good show.
Ryan Bader, the man who will face Machida, knows he has his hands full with one of the most elusive fighters in MMA. Bader stated that Machida, who is well known for his karate base, is a big puzzle because it is not a style you see in the gym regularly. Bader didn’t want to give up his game plan before the fight but is comfortable with what he and his coaches have come up with and is happy with the people that they have brought in to train with.
Both of the fighters when asked about how they felt about the Rua vs Vera winner getting the next shot at the title have no animosity. Bader feels that a win over Machida will keep him right there in contention and that if Vera is able to beat Shogun he deserves a shot at the winner of Jones vs Henderson that will be happening on September 1. Machida also feels that the Vera/Rua winner is a good choice as Shogun is one of the best light heavyweights ever and Vera has proved himself in the UFC.
TNA’s Eric Young will be hosting a new show for Animal Planet titled Off The Hook: Extreme Catches, which premieres on Discovery Channel on July 30, with new episodes airing on Animal Planet from August 19.
The former TNA X Division and Tag Team title holder joined WNL’s co-host Trey Stone yesterday for his show TNA Chat Live to talk about his new adventure with Animal Planet and of course wrestling.
Young announced that his series is the first Animal Planet show to have its premiere on Discovery Channel, next week as part of Shark Week.
Apart from the show, topics covered during the 35 minute interview are his time working with Kevin Nash, working as a face and heel, speedos, his marriage to ODB and much much more!
You can see a 30 second trailer for his new show Off The Hook: Extreme Catches and listen to the interview below.
The website FunnyOrDie.com has a hilarious segment with Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle and his pal Rob Van Dam as Angle trains for different sports for the Olympics.
Kurt tries his hand at badminton, fencing, beach volley, and race walking, with Rob Van Dam acting as his coach and motivating Kurt.
Needless to say, Kurt sucked in all sports and then the two of them decide to do their own thing, beating everyone up!
Former TNA Knockout Velvet Sky has confirmed that she is indeed gone from TNA Wrestling after she asked – and was granted – her release from the company.
“I have been granted my release by TNA at this time. It’s what’s best for me right now and I wanted to thank TNA and all the fans for their constant support in me,” Sky wrote in a statement.
The former Knockouts champion also thanked Vince Russo in her statement for “creating and believing” in the team of The Beautiful People.
TNA President Dixie Carter announced on Twitter yesterday that a new person will take control of IMPACT Wrestling tonight while the Hulkster is recovering.
“While Hulk Hogan is recovering, I’ve asked another man to step in and take control. He appears right at 8/7 Central on @SpikeTV,” Carter wrote.
The reveal of the new man in charge will open the live broadcast. Hogan is out for several weeks after he underwent surgery yet again and there is no return date set for now.
Rumors are flying around that TNA Knockout Velvet Sky is on her way out of TNA Wrestling.
The 31 year old from Connecticut has been working for TNA since 2007, first wrestling as singles and then joining Angelina Love as The Beautiful People. She returned to singles competition and eventually went on to win the Knockout title, adding to her Knockouts Tag Team title reign.
It’s been quite a while since Sky has appeared on TNA television and she last received a title shot on the May 17 episode of IMPACT.
The first ever TNA Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 13, on the eve of Bound For Glory.
The ceremony will also include a sit-down dinner with tickets selling for $125 a piece. Sting will be the first person to be ever inducted into the newly formed TNA HOF.
“Be part of history as one of the greatest wrestling superstars of all time is honored with the induction as the very first member of TNA Wrestling’s Hall of Fame. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will never happen again,” says the TNA website.
TNA’s Samoa Joe and Magnus traveled to Tokyo, Japan, and are coming back home with the Global Honored Crown (GHC) Tag Team titles.
The duo wrestled Akitoshi Saito and Jun Akiyama during the Pro Wrestling NOAH event held today at the Ryogoku Sumo Arena in Tokyo to capture the titles.
