February 11th, 2008
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The rise to the top of the light heavyweight division for Stephan Bonnar has hit another snag.
According to Yahoo!Sports.com, the “American Psycho” has sustained a serious knee injury while training for his upcoming bout with Matt Hamill at UFC Fight Night 13 on April 2 from the Broomfield Event Center in Broomfiled, Colo., and will be on the shelf for six months.
Here’s a snip from Bonnar:
“I was doing nothing out of the ordinary, just working on my (jiu-jitsu) getting ready for my fight. I heard a pop and I thought, ‘Damn, what is this?’ I walked around on it a little, but when I got home, it was really stiff and swollen.”
The finalist on season one of The Ultimate Fighter will require surgery to repair the torn ligaments in his left knee, which will keep him out of action for the better part of 2008.
Bonnar just returned from a steroid suspension that kept him out of competition for the first half of 2007. He appeared to come back rejuvenated, winning back-to-back fights against Mike Nickels and Eric Schafer in convincing fashion.
There’s no word yet on whether or not a replacement will be announced to take on Hamill. However, there seems to be more than enough time to locate and adequate fill-in.
Hell, give Tim Boetsch another call. He likes to beat people up on short notice.
Even though it’s unfortunate that Bonnar is off the SpikeTV special, it is still absolutely loaded. To check it out click here.
Written by admin on February 11th, 2008 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Matt Hamill and UFC Fight Night 13 and UFC on SpikeTV and Stephan Bonnar and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and UFC Ultimate Fight Night (UFN) and MMA.
There’s a heavyweight fighter competing this Saturday night at “Street Certified” who EliteXC Live Events President, Gary Shaw, thinks is the best heavyweight in the world.
No, it’s not Kimbo Slice. Rather, it’s American Top Team standout, Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (9-1).
Here’s what Shaw had to say about the Brazilain in a recent statement:
“I believe Silva is the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. If there is a UFC heavyweight or, for that matter, any heavyweight out there that feels they are the best then lets make a match. We can do the fight in an Octagon, in the EliteXC cage or any venue. I truly believe ‘Big Foot’ will kick any heavyweight’s butt and look forward to giving him the opportunity to do it.’’
Perhaps it’s hard to believe Shaw — it’s not exactly a partisan opinion.
However, you might find it interesting that at one point in time “Big Foot” was supposed to fight Fedor Emelianenko, who is considered by most to be the best pound for pound fighter in the world.
The fight never happened. And here’s the reason, according to Silva:
“We had an offer to fight Fedor in Bodog and actually Fedor was the one who turned it down. I think it was because the fight would have taken place in Russia and Fedor decided that there was a risk in that fight.”
Regardless of personal opinion or truth, it’s hard to argue the potential of Silva … especially if (and it’s a big if) Fedor did indeed turn down a fight with him.
He’s 6′4″ and as big as a heavyweight can be, cutting weight to make the 265-pound limit. He has a Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, but is an extremely skilled striker with both his hands and feet.
Silva is also surprisingly agile and quick for his massive size with proven power — all nine of his wins have ended in the first round. And — perhaps the most intriguing aspect of all — Silva is only 28-years-old.
“Big Foot” has won both of his fights in the EliteXC heavyweight division thus far, most recently defeating Jonathan Wiezorek (11-2) via rear naked choke back in November. He also has an impressive technical knockout of Wesley “Cabbage” Carreira who has a battle-tested iron chin.
Silva’s lone loss came during a super heavyweight fight with Eric Pele (11-4) in December 2006.
First, the fight probably would’ve had a different outcome if it were in a cage. Silva had Pele in serious trouble in the first minute of the fight, but Pele fell through the ropes and the fight had to be stopped and moved back to the middle of the ring.
Then, the fight was stopped again a few seconds later from a questionable kick to the groin by Silva and Pele was able to recover.
Silva continued to dominate the stand up before being hit with a wild right hand from Pele, which put him on the ground and it appeared Silva was defending himself, but the referee jumped in and stopped the fight anyway.
It was a very controversial result to say the least.
Silva had this to say about the loss:
“I wasn’t feeling hurt, I was looking for an opportunity to sweep or submit him since I have very good jiu-jitsu, but they didn’t give me a chance to show it. I learned a lesson and I’m not going to let that happen again. It didn’t really frustrate me, but it bugged me because I had a perfect record and never lost. I would like to have that rematch.”
Silva certainly feels like he was robbed that night against Pele and is not happy about the lone blemish on his record. That means he’s now fighting with a chip on his shoulder, which spells trouble for every heavyweight fighter out there.
Put simply, Silva is a dangerous match up for anyone because of his combination of monsterous size, quality jiu jitsu and phenomenal speed and power in his striking.
I can’t think of any other heavyweight with an arsenal like his. If he can prove his fight with Pele was a fluke and his chin is not suspect, then Gary Shaw might just be right about this guy.
Time will tell … perhaps as soon as this weekend in Miami.
Silva is set to lock horns with former UFC heavyweight champion, Ricco Rodriguez. “Suave” is not the fighter he once was, but he still possesses a dangerous skill set and the desire to recapture his former glory.
There is not currently a heavyweight champion in EliteXC. A win on Saturday night against Rodriquez should put Silva right in line for a shot at the vacant strap.
Who knows … if Kimbo can can get past Tank Abbott, too, maybe we’ll see Silva and Slice mix it up for the first EliteXC heavyweight championship.
Talk about a fight that would answer a lot of questions. We’d find out about Silva’s chin and we’d find out about Kimbo’s legitimacy as a mixed martial artist.
It’s a nice thought.
Written by admin on February 11th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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“I promised to share some news with you today and I feel bad by not doing so. There are some reasons for this that I can’t speak of at the moment. However, I promise to make the statement as soon as possible. Thank you for supporting me and I hope that little more patience is not too much to ask.”
– Mirko Cro Cop issues a statement on his personal blog — he had indicated previously that today would be the day that the Croatian would reveal his future plans. Looks as if we’ll have to wait a little while longer … perhaps something is in the works. Last week, UFC President Dana White issued a deadline for the 2006 Pride FC Open Weight Grand Prix Champion to make a decision regarding his future. Cro Cop, on the other hand, seemed caught off guard by the brinkmanship. There’s clearly some miscommunication. Hopefully, it’s all cleared up when Cro Cop is able to speak more on the subject. It’s hard to be patient, Mirko. Chop-chop.
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Read more articles on Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic and UFC Quick Quotes and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and MMA.
This, maniacs, is UFC Heavyweight Champion, Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira at his highest … and lowest:
Fantastic tribute — one of the best I’ve ever seen.
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Props: PatriotLedger.com
Quoteworthy:
“I’m going to be as bold as to say I guarantee you either we’ll be in the Boston Garden or Madison Square Garden.”
UFC President Dana White remarks that either Madison Square Garden or the Boston Garden will host a UFC event for the first-time ever before 2008 expires. Mixed martial arts is not regulated in either New York or Massachusetts — an issue that the promotion is attempting to change. In fact, White met with the Massachusetts state athletic commission while he was in town to promote the World Championship Fighting show on February 8, according to the Boston Herald. We hear White say this often … perhaps the current situation has improved. Either way, it seems Marc Ratner still has quite a bit of work ahead of him to ensure that his boss lives up to his guarantee. Good luck.
Written by admin on February 11th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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A year ago, Leonard Garcia was just one of many up-and-coming MMA fighters looking for his big break. At that point, the “Bad Boy” had racked up a at 9-1 record competing in smaller local promotions. Little did he know that his next fight would springboard him into MMA folklore.
Houston, Texas, provided the setting for Leonard Garcia to make his auspicious Octagon debut against lightweight sensation, Roger Huerta, at UFC 69. The clash would become one of the fights of the year.
Though Huerta won a clear but hard fought unanimous decision and later beczme the first MMA fighter to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, Leonard Garcia earned a reputation as a tough as nails brawler during his three round slugfest with Huerta.
He recently told MMAWeekly.com:
“I was excited about being able to fight a guy as tough as Roger (Huerta), but this year I hope to do more. Last year I got my name out there, and I feel l should accomplish more than I did.”
After compiling a 1-2 record in the UFC with a win over Allen Berubie and a loss to Cole Miller, Garcia moved to the WEC to compete at his more natural fighting weight of 145 pounds. Garcia — a member of Team Jackson in Albuquerque, New Mexico — is looking to move into contention in the WEC’s packed featherweight division.
Here’s a snip:
“Now that I’m going to be at 145, I think it is going to allow me to get to where and do the things I was supposed to do at 155. Last year it was good to get my name out there, but this year is the year I’m going to work towards achieving my goals and get a title somewhere.”
The “Bad Boy” is already starting to reap the benefits from dropping down a weight class.
Another snip:
“I’m a little bit faster and I look leaner. Strength-wise everybody thinks I feel stronger now than what I did. I’m doing more push-ups, pull-ups, and cleans, so I’m getting a lot stronger now at 145 than I was at 155.”
Even with the new weight division and new promotion, Leonard Garcia still faces the same old task of fighting another exciting combatant. For the WEC: “Condit vs. Prater” show on February 13, Garcia will make his WEC debut against the explosive Hiroyuki Takaya.
Garcia’s thoughts on the upcoming challenge:
“Hiroyuki is a tough guy, so I think that this is going to be one huge step in my career. I don’t think it’s going to be the only step, but I think it’s a pretty big jump coming into the weight class and fighting a guy as high-profile as him.”
Finally, Garcia has a suggestion for the fans watching his upcoming fight.
“To the fans, just letting you know that on paper this looks like Fight of the Night. Don’t blink; don’t take your eyes off the fight for one second, because you’ll miss something. I’m going to give you all everything I’ve got. I don’t know what he’s bringing to the table, but he better bring everything he’s got, because I’m bringing mine.”
We wouldn’t expect anything less from Garcia … no matter who or where he fights.
Written by admin on February 11th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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Props: 82.UFC.com
(Note: Fight trailers for Silva vs. Henderson and Herring vs. Kongo are now up. March 1 can’t come soon enough … the best fight in UFC history? Anderson Silva thinks so.)
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Read more articles on UFC 82 and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and MMA.
Here’s the final fight during which Fedor Emelianenko defeats Stanislav Shushko in the Russian Combat Sambo Championship 2008:
Doesn’t seem like such a huge injury risk. For more details about the event and Emelianenko’s run through the rest of the competition head over to MMANinja.com.
Written by admin on February 11th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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Patrick Cote (12-4) slipped some ice, sprained his knee and will be unable to compete on the UFC 83: “Serra vs. St. Pierre II” card at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, on April 19, according to FightNetwork.com.
Alan Belcher (12-4) — the man who “The Predator” was supposed to take on in the middleweight bout — will instead throw leather with Jason Day (15-5). In fact, according to the report, rumors that Cote and Belcher would square off in the first place were completely inaccurate.
Here’s a snip from Cote’s manager, Stephane Patry:
“We were still talking [to the UFC] about an opponent when Patrick fell on the ice. He went for the MRI, and the doctor told him it’s sprained and he can’t train for four to six weeks – so he won’t be available to fight [in April]… We were not going to take that fight [with Belcher] anyway. It wouldn’t make sense.”
Zing! I’m not so sure about that last comment, Stephane.
Anyway, it’s bad news for Cote, who was looking forward to fighting in front of his hometown crowd. Perhaps now he will take up the UFC on its offer to be involved in the telecast as a guest announcer … stay tuned.
As for the fight, Day is a solid Canadian fighter who most recently defeated David Loiseau via controversial split decision (aren’t they all?) at Hardcore Championship Fighting: “Destiny” earlier this month. He’s on a four-fight win streak since losing to Cote via technical knockout in June 2007 in a TKO event.
This will mark his Octagon debut.
Belcher was booked to take on Ricardo Almeida at UFC 81: “Breaking Point” just a few weeks ago; however, he had to withdraw just days before the event because of a severe bronchitis infection.
“The Talent” has won his last two bouts against Kalib Starnes and Sean Salmon.
For the most recent UFC 83 fight card click here.
Written by admin on February 11th, 2008 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Alan Belcher and UFC 83 and Jason Day and UFC Canada and UFC Middleweight Division and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Patrick Cote and UFC Pay Per View (PPV) Events and MMA.