Archive for January, 2010

Brock Lesnar & Dana White appear on ESPN’s SportsCenter

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

As first reported by Scott Dryden, ProFighting-fans.com Editor-in-Chief, Brock Lesnar will make his return to the UFC this summer according to Lesnar and Dana White. On SportsCenter this morning UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar and UFC President Dana White made an appearance to discuss Lesnar’s return to the UFC in 2010 as well as the issues that have plagued him these past several months.

Lesnar said he headed up to Canada for a hunting trip and felt as though “someone shot me in the guts” causing him to go to the hospital. After spending some time in a Canadian hospital he said he needed to get away from Canadian healthcare and headed to Bismark, South Dakota where he learned of his colon problems, basically he had a hole in his colon. Lesnar, having already lost 40 pounds, was told he would need a major colon surgery that would effectively end his fighting career and significantly change his day-to-day life and that there were only small odds of it healing naturally. A second opinion at the Mayo Clinic confirmed this diagnosis. As a result Lesnar decided to try and beat the odds, and beat them he did. With a changed diet and a more holistic approach towards his eating, Lesnar’s January 5 appointment showed that he has little remaining evidence of the hole in his colon that caused the problems. Having now had numerous colonoscopies and CT scans, Lesnar is training again and looking forward to getting back into the sport that he says he has grown to love. Thanking his wife, family and Dana White, Lesnar appears upbeat and eager to retain his UFC Heavyweight belt.

White stated that the Frank Mir vs Shane Carwin fight on the UFC 111 fight card will not only crown an Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion, but also produce the next opponent for Lesnar. He also mentioned that should something happen in this fight to the eventual winner, the Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs Cain Velasquez winner from UFC 110 would be next in line for a title shot. Of course both of these fights will also have a major impact on the Pro Fighting Fans UFC Heavyweight Rankings, but White said that Lesnar will fight again, likely this summer, to defend his belt.

Herschel Walker talks MMA on ESPN’s The Herd

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Herschel Walker stopped by the Bristol, Connecticut campus of ESPN and made an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd today. Pro Fighting Fans has a brief summary of the interview below.

Walker will be making his Mixed Martial Arts debut fighting on the January 30 Strikeforce card on Showtime at 10 pm ET.

We learned that Walker is the largest minority owner a poultry company in the U.S. owning Renaissance Man Food Service.

Speaking to his MMA training, his stand-up game expected to be strength, but after training they now feel wrestling is his strength. Walker said he will be comfortable wherever his opponent takes the fight but he will be looking to control things.

Walker is training at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in California and several shots in the video footage showed him training with UFC Heavyweight Cain Velasquez.

Herschel said his biggest worry is not being prepared, and while he did give props to Dana White for cleaning up the sport of MMA, he said he is not a Dana White fan thanks to his negative comments about Walker debut in MMA at age 47.

Walker said he has 4% body fat and is currently at about 216 pounds and needs to get bigger. He said he will adjust based on how things go with the first fight on if he will look into a weight cut in future fights or if he needs to bulk up to remain a MMA heavyweight.

Anderson Silva’s return, Brock Lesnar will be back, James Toney to MMA?

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

MMA Update – 1-13-2010

Anderson Silva- It appears the Spider will return to action atop the UFC 112 fight card where he will face Vitor Belfort.  UFC 112 will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.   Belfort vs. Silva will be a tremendous match-up of two very quick strikers.  The difference will be Silva’s legs and length as the Spider will continue his reign.

Brock Lesnar- As reported here first, Brock Lesnar is likely to return in the very near future.  Our sources lead us to believe Lesnar will return in the June-July time frame.  However, on Inside MMA Randy Couture stated he has spoken with Brock and expects him back in the spring.  Either way the winner of Shane Carwin-Frank Mir will have their hands full when the Champ returns.

Gray Maynard- The Bully squeaked out a victory over Nate Diaz but looked worse for wear following the bout.  Maynard had difficulties dealing with the reach of Diaz and didn’t want any part of the Jiu-Jitsu practitioner on the ground.  Many speculate Maynard’s victory earns him a shot at BJ Penn but there is no way he is ready for the caliber of The Prodigy.

Herschel Walker- The former NFL star is making the media tour including appearances on Fox and Friends and The Howard Stern Show.  Can Walker make an impact?  For the latest Strikeforce news be sure to check out ProFighting-fans.com.

James Toney- According to Inside MMA the former boxing  champion is in discussion with Dana White about the possibility of competing in the UFC.  Toney, 41, compiled a career record of 72-6-3 with titles in multiple weight divisions.  Can Toney compete in the UFC?  At the very least he will have a punchers chance.

UFC 109- Two Hall-of-Famers will do battle in Las Vegas on February 6th when Mark Coleman battles Randy Couture.  This is a match-up that could have happened long ago but circumstances didn’t allow it.  Now, fans will get to see the two legends do battle.  As they both have done throughout their careers, Coleman and Couture will look to defy the odds once again in pursuit of a Light Heavyweight Title shot. Don’t miss our UFC 109 predictions to see what to expect at this Las Vegas event.

For coverage of all things MMA, visit ProFighting-fans.com.

Scott Dryden, Editor-in-Chief

WEC 46 Results: Preliminary Fights Complete

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

Live from Sacramento, California, WEC 46 is currently underway. If you are not interested in knowing the WEC 46 results from the non-televised preliminary fights, don’t read on. However, if you are interested in the preliminary WEC 46 results read on or click the link above.

As I said before, the WEC 46 undercard bouts are complete and 5 of the 6 fights went the distance resulting in judges’ decisions. The lone early stoppage was a 1st round submission victory by Mark Hominick over Bryan Caraway by armbar. In the 5 decision victories, all but on were unanimous decisions, Will Campuzano defeated Coty Wheeler, Eddie Wineland defeated George Roop, Wagnney Fabiano defeated Clint Godfrey, Charlie Valencia defeated Akitoshi Tamura in the lone split decision and Deividas Taurosevicius defeated Mackens Semerzier.

Of course for those of you fortunate enough to have the Versus network, WEC 46 is currently airing live right now after beginning at 9 pm ET. Coming up is former WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Brown facing Anthony Morrison, Dave Jansen vs Kamal Shalorus in a battle of undefeated fighters, former Featherweight Champion and WEC posterboy Urijah Faber facing Raphael Assuncao and WEC Lightweight Champion Jaime Varner vs Interim Champion Benson Henderson. For more WEC news and coverage of all WEC events look to the experts here at ProFighting-fans.com.

Brock Lesnar Update, Maynard looking for a title shot, Zaromskis vs. Diaz and Georges St. Pierre looks for a challenge

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

MMA News Update – January 7, 2010

Brock Lesnar- Its official- Brock Lesnar’s title will be up for grabs in an interim basis as Shane Carwin will battle Frank Mir at UFC 111.  The winner will likely face Brock in the July/August time frame.  What will happen?  Visit ProFighting-fans.com for a complete preview of UFC 111 once the event draws near as well as the UFC 111 results.

Din Thomas- The Former UFC veteran recently signed with up and coming promotion-Shine Fights.  Thomas, who has wins over the likes of Matt Serra, Jens Pulver and Clay Guida, will face boxing great Ricardo Mayorga in March.

Gray Maynard- The 155lb powerhouse will take on Nate Diaz at The Ultimate Fight Night this Monday.  With a victory, the Bully may earn a shot at the UFC Lightweight Champion, BJ Penn.

Marius Zaromskis- The Whitemare comes to US soil where he will face the talented Nick Diaz at Strikeforce: Miami.  The Lithuanian holds a career record of 13-3 but hasn’t faced anyone close to the caliber of Diaz.  On January 30th the world will see how good Marius really is.

Georges St. Pierre- The Welterweight division has been the GSP invitational since “Rush” regained the title in April of 2008 at UFC 83.  Fans speculated the only possible challenge would come from the UK.  That will be the case at UFC 111 in the form of the Outlaw Dan Hardy.  Hardy will bring punching power and bravado to the contest but will not have the strength to fend off GSP.  The fans are correct, GSP’s biggest challenge resides in the UK; however, his name is Paul Daley.

For the latest MMA news be sure to visit Pro Fighting Fans.

Scott Dryden
Editor-in-Chief, ProFighting-fans.com

UFC 108 Pay-Per-View Play-by-Play: Rashad “Sugar” Evans (18-1-1) vs. Thiago Silva (14-1)

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

1st round – The main event of UFC 108 is underway.  Evans immediately presses SIlva against the fnece.  Silva defends, gets taken to the ground.  Evans works into mount but Silva gets out and back to his feet.  Silva has his back against the fence as Evans tries to work his inside striking.  Silva breaks loose and exchanges with Evans.  They both connect unitl Evans takes Silva back to the ground.  Evans, working from side mount, cant get anything going.  Back to thier feet and Evans has his left hand blocked.  Silva gets a right hand through although Evans head movement is quick.  Evans hits with some rights and clinches against the octagon fence.  Silva is content landing some short punches and elbows.  As they break apart, Silva takes some body shots and is taken back to the ground.  With less than ten seconds to go, Silva throws a leg kick, but misses.

PFF scores it 10-9 Evans

2nd round – Thiago circles to his right and makes Evans chase him.  Evans catches him and clinches against the fence where he attempts a takedown.  Silva is attempting to work his knees from the clinch.  Silva hits with a body shot and a inside leg kick, but is taken down again.  Silva works from his back in half guard.  Evans goes for an armbar, makes it back up to his feet and gets slammed back to the ground.  Silva gets up and looses his footing.  Evans drives Silva against the cage fence again.  Silva hits with a big right hand that sends Rashad backwards.  Silva just misses with a right hand.  Silva lands a leeg kick to the face of Evans, who gets another takedown.  Silva is on his back against the fence.  Silva gets back up and tries to break free.  Evans works his dirty boxing from the clinch as the bell sounds.

PFF scores it 10-9 Evans

3rd round – The final round begins with Evans pushing forward and goes for a takedown.  It looks as if Silva finally stuffed a takedown but still gets tied up.  Evans backs away and gets tagged with a left.  Rashad gets a takedown but Silva gets back up.  Silva is pacing after Evans and hits with a left hook.  A leg kick by Silva is answered with a right hand by Evans.  Silva gets the crowd going and backs away from Rashad.  Thiago hits with a right hand and gains confidence as he micks Evans.  Silva hits with a right hand tha send s Rashad wobbling back and back to his feet.  Evans takes a knee and a right uppercut.  Another right hand almost gets him to the floor, however Silva doesnt go after him.  Silva presses forward but has to defend against a takedown.  With 30 seconds remaining Evans goes for the takedown but cant get him down. 

PFF scores it 10-9 Silva – making it Evans 29-28

OFFICIAL DECISION – Evans over Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC 108 Pay-Per-View Play-by-Play: Paul “Semtex” Daley (22-8-2) vs. Dustin “McLovin” Hazelett (14-4)

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

1st round – The co-main event is underway and Herb Dean has the assignment.  Hazelett rolls right at Daley, who just looks at him in amazement.  Daley hits with a left jab and blocks a head kick.  Daley hits with a leg kick and another.  They trade leg kicks now as Daley hits with another.  Daley hits with a left hand and a leg kick.  Hazelett seems to be measuring Daley up for a takedown.  Hazelett hits with a front kick but takes a couple leg kicks for it.  Hazelett and Daley trade again, this time Daley gets his through and hits with a left hook.  Daley follows him to the floor and finishes him off with a couple of extra strikes until Herb Dean calls the fight.

OFFICIAL DECISION – Daley over Hazelett via KO 2:24 1st round

UFC 108 Pay-Per-View Play-by-Play: Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon (17-4) vs. Sam “Hands of Stone” Stout (14-5-1)

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

1st round – Lauzon gets the clinch and falls on top as they hit the canvas.  Lazon grabbed his arm and Stout survived by grappling and scrambling on the floor.  Lauzon hit with a right hand and got tagged with a right by Stout.  Lauzon went for a takedown, and even though he gets popped in the face with a right hand, finishes the takdedown.  They make it back to their feet and Lauzon gets the fight to the floor again.  An elbow by Sam Stout is followed by another submission attempt, but there is nothing there.  Stout, now on top, stands up and waits for Lauzon.  Lauzon got hit with an uppercut and looks wobbly.  Stout hits with several body shots and a kick.  Lauzon gets tagged again with an uppercut.  Lauzon tags Stout with a right hand and a leg kick.  Stout hits with a ombination and a leg kick.  Stout catches a leg kick and his with a combination.  Stout is confident as the end of the round bell sounds.

PFF scores it 10-9 Stout

2nd round – Stout stuffs a takedown attempt and gets back up to his feet.  Lauzon takes another shot to the body and avoids a kick.  Stout continues to pace forward and connects with a head kick.  Lauzon is hurt and goes for a takedown and gets it.  Lauzon is on top but not doing too much.  Stout gets back up and throws Lauzon to the floor as he hits with an uppercut.  Stout has his combination blocked and takes a left hand.  Lauzon gets a right hand through and takes another body shot.  Stout is bleeding as he hits with a low leg kick.  Lauzon blocks an elbow but gets hit with a punch-kick combo.  Stout begins to overwhelm Lauzon, who goes for another takedown but is on the bottom.  Stout gets back up to his feet where he has the advantage.  Stout gets a right uppercut through and a body kick.  Lauzon gets another takedown but looks too tired to begin any offense with 30 seconds remaining in the round.  Stout hits with an elbow as the bell sounds.

PFF scores it Stout 10-9

3rd round – Lauzon attacks and Stout is on his heels as the 3rd begins.  Lauzon falls to the ground and Stout moves back sizing up a kick.  Stout hits with an elbow and a right hook.  Lauzon takes a kick to the body and another right hand to the head.  Stout connects with an uppercut and avoids another takedown.  Stout sends Lauzon backwards with a nice punch combo.  Stout pushes Lauzon aside and hits him with a body punch.  Stout looks refreshed and hits with a kick to the body.  Stout hits with a combo and an uppercut.  Lauzon looks to be just hanging on.  Stout hits with a combo but gets taken to the ground.  Lauzon, from top position, hits with punches as he attempts to pass guard.  He moves to half guard and into mount.  Lauzon grabs a guilotine and loses it as Stout gets to his feet.  Lauzon dives in and falls to the ground.  Stout continues to pick Lauzon apart with punches.  Stout hits Lauzon with a huge left uppercut.  A left hand misses but an uppercut hits as the final bell sounds.  Stout looks better than ever and Lauzon looks tired as ever.

PFF scores it 10-9 Stout ; making it 30-27 Stout

OFFICIAL DECISION – Stout over Lauzon via unanimous decision (30-27- 30-27, 30-27)

UFC 108 Pay-Per-View Play-by-Play: Duane Ludwig (27-9) vs. Jim Miller (15-2)

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

1st round – Ludwig hits with a straight right hand followed by a leg kick by Miller.  Miller lands a right jab and then a combination ending with an inside leg kick.  Ludwig hits with a combination of his own.  Ludwig hits with a hard right hand and then backs up as Miller throws his own.  Miller blocks a couple rights of Ludwig and drops him with a hard left hand.  He immediatley mounts and as Ludwig tries to escape, Miller grabs his arm.  Ludwig cant get out and is forced to tap or lose his arm, he taps.

OFFICIAL DECISION – Miller over Ludwig via tapout (armbar) 2:31 1st round

UFC 108 Pay-Per-View Play-by-Play: Junior “Cigano” dos Santos (9-1) vs. Gilbert ” The Hurricane” Yvel (36-13-1)

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

1st round – Yvel hits dos Santos with a left and makes him miss with a right hand.  Yvel hits with a spinning back kick.  They engage but nothing really lands.  Dos Santos hits with a right hand but Yvel recovers and hits with a right of his own.  Dos Santos takes a right hand but hits with a kick.  A head kick is blocked by Dos Santos and Dos Santos connects woith a left hand.  Dos Santos jumps on top of Yvel and starts his ground and pound attack.  That is where the fight ends as Yvel cant recover in time.  Yvel protests but it was obvious he was out and defenseless.

OFFICIAL DECISION – Dos Santos over Yvel via TKO 2:07 1st round