MMA Update
December 7th
Dan Henderson- Strikeforce pulled off another coup signing legend Dan Henderson; adding to an already impressive roster. Henderson was in contract negotiations with the UFC hinting at the possibility of signing with Strikeforce; few believed it would happen. Dan was unhappy with the structure of the UFC contract and finally pulled the trigger. Many expected Henderson to be the next in line for a title shot against Anderson Silva but rumors persisted that Belfort would get the next shot. No doubt this also played in Hendo’s decision. With Dan on board this sets up a likely title shot between Henderson and Gegard Mousasi at 205lbs or a shot against Jake Shields at 185lbs.
Read the Strikeforce signs Dan Henderson press release.
Rampage Jackson- According to his blog Jackson has already ended what was a very brief retirement. Jackson is still a major factor in the light heavyweight division and a major draw. It’s possible Rampage will face the winner of Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva.
Strikeforce- Henderson wasn’t the only signing by the fast rising organization, they also signed KJ Noons and Melvin Manhoef. Noons is an elite fighter who will quickly be in line for a shot at the winner of Melendez/Thompson. Manhoef is 23-6-1 holding a victory over MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba.
The Ultimate Fighter Finale- Roy “Big Country” Nelson pulled off another victory, this time on his feet. Nelson connected with a KO blow to the side of the head of Brendan Schaub. With the victory Nelson won the six figure contract and will be a factor in the heavyweight division. Kimbo Slice looked much improved in his victory over Houston Alexander. If Slice stays with American Top Team he will continue to improve his overall game and will be a legitimate mixed-martial artist. Jon “Bones” Jones dominated Matt Hamill throughout the contest. Jones took the mount and unleashed a fury on The Hammer. In most fights referee Steve Mazagatti would have stopped it but he allowed Jones to pummel Matt. Finally Jones landed illegal elbows which stopped the fight and gave The Hammer the victory via DQ. No doubt Jones was the better man in this fight and will be a major player in the light heavyweight division.
The Ultimate Fighter Season 11- UFC President Dana White announced that Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell will be the coaches on The Ultimate Fighter Season 11. The two will battle once again following the season.
UFC 107- BJ Penn will defend his title against Diego Sanchez on December 12th. This fight has the making of an all-time classic. Penn is the greatest lightweight in the history of the sport and Sanchez is a very formidable opponent. Be sure to check out the UFC 107 predictions and UFC 107 results online here at ProFighting-fans.com.
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Scott Dryden
Editor-in-Chief, www.profighting-fans.com