SBNation.com User Blog: Brian Oswald

A different animal: An MMAmania.com UFC 100 interview exclusive with Jon Jones

Brian Oswald — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:57:17 -0000

Jon Jones is not your average 21-year-old.

In 2008, the former state champion and junior college national champion wrestler signed a four-fight contract with the UFC, making him the youngest UFC fighter on roster at that time. Jones had captured six professional wins against unknown competition between April and July of last year before making his UFC debut in August.

"Bones" actually planned on matriculating to a four year college after graduating with his Associate’s Degree, but his plans quickly changed when the big league came knocking on his door.

Such is the case for athletes ahead of the curve.

His UFC debut came against Andre Gusmao at UFC 87. Jones took the fight on three weeks notice as a late replacement for Tomasz Drwal. He went straight to work on the the former IFL standout, dismantling him with takedowns and unorthodox striking which showcased some flashier moves such as spinning elbows and a spinning back kick.

In his sophomore effort, Jones would go on to dominate the venerable Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94. The former Ultimate Fighter finalist was on the receiving end of a barrage of slick Greco throws, a spinning elbow that dropped him and a suplex for good measure.

Despite an empty gas tank towards the end of the fight, anyone who had dismissed Jones as a one-hit wonder was quickly reconsidering their position.

"As far as the Bonnar fight, a lot of people said I gassed out a lot," said Jones. "Only I know how I really felt. I really started to realize, especially in the third round, that I really had that fight won. Call it my lack of experience, but I was satisfied with winning the fight which caused me to back up more."

"My corner told me to use my push kick more and keep my hands up. All Bonnar could do was swing and hope he could pull something off. I really wasn’t that tired. I was just trying not to get caught. I was satisfied with the win and was playing smart. Next time, it will be different."

"And just for the record, Bonnar was exhausted too. It was just a grueling fight. And I was supposed to get my ass kicked. I pull off a unanimous decision over Stephan Bonnar and people are talking about my cardio. I should be somewhat tired. I am not superman -- yet (laughs)."

Jones now carries an 8-0 record as a professional mixed martial artist, with five wins by knockout. What is most impressive is that instead of smothering opponents with his wrestling ability, he became branded as a dangerous striker almost immediately.

Now the biggest stage in all of MMA awaits Jon Jones as he takes on Jake O’Brien at UFC 100.

For Jones, he feels blessed to be on the historic card and if things go according to plan, his birthday present to himself –- which is one week after UFC 100 -– will be a 9-0 record.

"It’s an absolute blessing to be on this card. There is no other way to explain it when there are so many other big name established fighters. I believe I got on the card because of my style of fighting. I go out there and I like to mix it up and throw strikes that people don’t see coming."

"I realize it’s entertaining for the audience to see strikes that you don’t see in your everyday MMA match. So the UFC wanted to add a little flair and excitement to the undercard. I am honored they chose me."

While his fight with Jake O’Brien is on the undercard, Jones is confident that his performance will have the fight making its way onto the pay-per-view.

"Getting on the main card will help out with sponsors and get me more exposure. I am hoping something magical happens out there and the fight gets shown. I have some new tricks to show the fans. If you watch from the Gusmao fight to the Bonnar fight you will see a huge difference in technique, form and knowledge."

"I am growing every day, like wildfire. I have no clue how much better I’ve gotten until I go out there and pull the trigger again. I am on that exponential learning curve right now so with each fight, I will just get better and better. I am looking forward to going out there and showing it."

Jones realizes that the light heavyweight division is one of most stacked in the organization. When talk turned to what would allow him to stand apart, the young man who learned a great deal of his fight style from watching YouTube videos had a specific answer.

"My ability to rapidly absorb new information and add new tools to my arsenal will effectively set me apart. A lot of guys who have been in the UFC who have been around for years have their set game plan and strategies. I don’t really have a game plan or strategy yet."

"I don’t have a set way of fighting. I am learning how to fight in the UFC which is insane. This is the biggest stage in the world and I am still learning how to fight and practicing on world class athletes in the process."

"That has helped me out so much. I want to be thrown into deep waters every fight. I’m a freak about taking in new techniques, remembering old ones and combining it all together. I am fresh in this sport. I have a fresh head, a fresh chin and a fresh body. I am just ready to go out there and abuse some people."

Jones went on to explain about his personal YouTube phenomenon.

"When I first started out I didn’t have the best coaching staff so I took things into my own hands. I had to find techniques that worked so that is where the YouTube videos came in. I started out by watching K-1 videos to see how they kicked, all the angles, and went from there.

"It is a good idea for young fighters to go beyond the things they can learn in the gym. Do your own research. I was taught by some of the best guys in the world. I really sat up and took notice and it paid off. It’s a new era with the Internet, so why not take advantage?"

Jones' uninhibited confidence recently extended to him making statements about current light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida which left many asking, "Who does Jon Jones think he is?"

For Jones, all the uproar left him slightly confused.

"I was a bit disappointed in how people perceived my comments. I don’t get online much to read negative stuff but one of my buddies called me and said there were a lot of people commenting about the Machida thing."

"The bottom line is I am a fighter. If you ask me a question about another fighter I am going to respect the other guy but I am not going to sit there and stroke anyone’s ego. I am not going to talk about how great Machida is, how he has started his own era, or say he can’t be beat."

"How are you going to ask me about some other fighter and expect me to back down?"

"I am going to tell you that I can beat this guy; that I know I can beat this guy. If you ask me the same question about Fedor, I have to say that I am going to beat the guy. That’s just the way it has to be. It doesn’t mean I think I am the greatest fighter alive."

"A fighter needs ultimate confidence. If you want to win you have to believe at your core that you can win at all times. Even if the fight doesn’t happen for two or three years maintaining complete confidence is the key. You have to know with all your heart. The saying, ‘In order to achieve you must believe’ is something I take seriously. The body achieves what the mind believes."

Jones doesn’t want his confidence to come across as cockiness. What he does want is for fans of MMA to know just how seriously he takes his mixed martial arts.

"I’m trying to be cocky and speak ahead of myself. Obviously I am not saying I can beat Machida right now but when the UFC gives me a fight like that, I am going to be at that level, and I am going to believe 100% that I am going to kick his butt."

"This is just more then just a sport for me. I think of myself as a modern day warrior. When I step in that gym I am extremely serious everyday. I am teaching myself how to think like a martial artist and truly live the life of a martial artist."

"I am so into this and involved in this that I look to be a modern day Samurai warrior. I have left behind the old Jon Jones, the guy that went out and just did whatever. Those that know me now look at me as a martial artist and a fighter. I have learned to embrace it for what it is."

Back to his UFC 100 opponent, Jones is very excited about his fight with Jake O’Brien. Jones wants to give the former heavyweight fighter a proper introduction to the light heavyweight division and he thinks his style is the perfect one to do that.

"The first component of my strategy is to stay on my feet and outstrike him. I have worked on my takedown defense a lot. I think it’s going to be hard for him to take me down. He is used to fighting big, slow heavyweights. I will be a different animal. I will be something he has never seen before with my striking and speed."

"I will also look to mix it up in the wrestling department. Gusmao and Bonnar are both good at jiu-jitsu so my game plan was to take them down, score some points and not be on the ground for an extended period of time."

"It’s different with O’Brien because I can take him down, get into scrambles with him, roll with him, go for submissions and reversals and not worry about some slick Gracie technique that I haven’t seen before."

"I will fight him a lot differently. You will get to see a lot more of my fight style. You will see my ground game. You will get to see my takedowns, my takedown defense. I won’t know how strong he truly is until I grab him but I am very confident in my strength."

The third time could be the charm for Jones at UFC 100. If he can avoid the double leg takedown and punching power of O’Brien he will be 3-0 inside the Octagon and looking toward brawls with fighters in the top 10 of the division. But Jones isn’t too worried about who he fights next.

"I think of it as destiny for the most part. After the O’Brien fight is over it will be the UFC’s decision to either kick it up a notch or baby me and take it slow and let me learn and go that route. Ultimately it doesn’t matter. Let’s say they give me a Forrest Griffin next. That is going to elevate me so much. Now I am forced to train at a whole different level. It will push me to improve my striking, blocking, Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu. Stepping in the cage with the best guys in the world is eventually going to make me the best fighter and athlete I can be."

When asked what Jones saw in his future the picture of success was crystal clear in his mind.

"I visualize myself with a belt around my waist. You have to set your intentions and make it a reality. You have to think positive all the times, not just some of the time. Paint a very specific picture of what success looks like your mind. You create your own success. It is what the most successful people in the world do to achieve unlimited abundance."

In the UFC success comes one fight at a time. For Jones, his future success starts this Saturday night on the biggest stage to date.

Big Brock Lesnar and crafty Frank Mir talk UFC 100 rematch

Brian Oswald — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:07 -0000

UFC 100 is set to go down from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, July 11. The monumental fight card is poised to be perhaps the biggest pay-per-view (PPV) event in the relatively short history of the sport.

The hoopla for event reached a fevered pitch today with the second installment of the UFC 100 media call. The cast of characters got much bigger this time, however, featuring heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and interim champion Frank Mir.

The pair will collide to unify the title in just 11 days.

Today’s conference could have been titled, "The Frank Mir Show," because he dazzled with his verbal stamina. In fact, if Mir can display that sort stamina in the Octagon on fight night, he will have no problem going five rounds. Lesnar, on the other hand, was much more succinct with his comments and was surprisingly asked fewer questions.

The call kicked off with Mir being asked how he gameplans for someone like Brock Lesnar.

"I looked at what Brock was successful at in his past fights," Mir said. "Obviously I plan on him adding onto that skill set. His wrestling is the dominant area of his fighting facet but his boxing has been successful as of late. On the ground, he will look to take me down and establish a dominant position, push me up against the cage. He will use his size and power to his advantage and look to reign down punches. I can’t play a catch up game with size and strength. If I roll my dice in that department I am going to come up short. Going head-to-head is not the smartest gameplan. I will use technique to take advantage of my agility and movement."

Mir went on to talk about how much better Lesnar has gotten since their first encounter at UFC 81: "Breaking Point" back in early 2008 and how that makes it hard to gameplan for him.

"Brock started out with a great competitive background," Mir pointed out. "The hardest part has been watching tape on him because you don’t know much more he is going to improve with each fight. You look at his first fight and he flew across the cage. Then the next fight from Heath to Randy you see him very composed. It is only taking him one fight to fix certain things. It makes it a little difficult on my part to assess what we're going to prepare for. To make it easy, we prepared for the worst case scenario that Brock knows everything I know about mixed martial arts and on top of that he is bigger and stronger and faster then I am (laughs)."

Talk quickly turned to any animosity that has built up leading up to the fight.

"I don’t have any animosity," said Lesnar. "I don’t dislike Frank in any way other than he has a win over me. This is a sport and I consider myself a gentleman and sportsmanlike conduct takes precedence. When it comes to July 11 and us getting into the Octagon we definitely won’t be best friends. Like I said, I hate to lose and revenge will be the key factor for me."

"There should never be harsh feelings with someone you compete with," Mir added. "Any professional athlete, when you get him going talking about his competitor, we will get riled up and were ready to go. If there is any animosity, I think it’s coming from both of us in that we don’t have the respect we fully want in the division. Brock is coming in with only four fights. He wants to push forward with his credibility. And for me, after my accident, I had so many bad fights in a row. Now coming back on the winning streak I am looking to create that respect for myself as well."

Lesnar followed up on the respect angle by saying he doesn’t give a damn.

"I don’t run around looking for respect. I just want to get in there and do my job. I enjoy what I am doing. I have the best job in the world. I get paid to train and fight. There are four million people without jobs right now so I feel very fortunate. There are going to be critics and jealous people and those that pretend to be your friend. I don’t give a damn what they think. The only thing that matters is that I am happy and my family is happy."

When it came to the issues of weight the two fighters appeared headed in opposite directions.

"I will probably come in a little under with my weight for the last fight," Mir revealed. "It’s just the training I did this time around. I have never purposely got on the scale and thought let me cut down on or add some calories. I have always just asked myself do I feel good. I usually have to get on the scale to know what I actually weigh. So I think I will come into this fight lighter. "

"Today I finished up at about 275 pounds," Brock stated. "I’ve finished my workout for the day. Cutting weight is not that difficult. This camp I have made three or four different times already. I watch what I eat real well. It is not a huge task to make 265 pounds. I do have to put some thought into it and a little extra effort. The weight limit is 265 and that is what I will weigh the night before (laughs).

Lesnar’s laugh seemed to allude to the fact that when he steps into the Octagon Saturday night he will weigh much more then the 265 weight class limit.

When Mir was asked about Brock’s power vs. his technique he was quick to point out the limitations in that stereotype. Brock followed up by adding that he is more then just about size and power.

"Its kind of funny, it’s a real simple way to look at it," Mir said. "If I go to any gym I am likely going to be the most powerful guy there. And Brock, it’s not like he is not knowledgeable on technique. He spends every day training. He has trained with world class guys for the past few years. On paper obviously those are the two things that stand out. Frank knows submissions and Brock is a strong guy. But there is definitely a lot more to it than that."

"I have improved dramatically since my first fight," Lesnar countered. "My main focus isn’t lifting weights. I am a fighter now and I want to evolve into the most well rounded fighter. I am not going to leave any stone unturned. I am working on submissions, submission defense, striking, knees, leg kicks, learning to defend everything. It’s not just an offensive sport. I am learning both sides of the spectrum. I have brought the best trainers in to evolve. I have left no stone unturned.

The call culminated when Mir was asked, "If you are preparing for Brock to be bigger, stronger and faster and have just as much technique, if that’s the case and he has improved that much, how can you possibly win?"

Mir didn't hesitate with a response.

"A lot of fighters think about their advantages and it becomes their blanket of security. If they are more conditioned they think well at least I will be able to outlast my opponent. If they think they are better at boxing, then they will be able to out strike their opponent. Everyone looks for an advantage on paper to curve their nerves. Let’s show us and Brock does know as much about MMA as I do.

"Let’s safely assume he is bigger and stronger," Mir continued. "Why does that necessarily secure a victory? It’s a fight and you have to go out there. The supposed best football teams don’t always win because people make mistakes and their mentality and let them down. You can’t a fight perfectly every night, people make mistakes in battle. When I go into my practices I have mentally let go of the idea of advantages. You have to let go of the ego in the cage. You can’t put your confidence on advantages. I have seen fighter break that time when they had better cardio but their opponent didn’t wear out.

"Like I said, I expect the worst. So I don’t worry about anything and I can get down to fighting. It’s like a solider going into battle. If you sit there worrying about getting back home you’re not going to make it. You’re not thinking about doing what’s important. So I have prepared for the toughest Brock Lesnar people can imagine. So I won’t be mentally broke when I throw three arm bars on him and he got out. I expect him to get out. I’d be surprised if I actually submitted him. I am preparing to transition like a mad man to get to a submission. That’s how you have the strength and are mentally tough for that situation."

Mir certainly brings an interesting philosophy to the cage for this fight. Will his "prepare for the worst" mentality allow him to emerge victorious or will the bigger, stronger, faster, improved technique of Brock Lesnar be too much?

Sound off, Maniacs!

Shark Fights bites again with 'Frey vs Evans' on June 27

Brian Oswald — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:51:56 -0000

Regional MMA will be on display tonight in the Panhandle of West Texas when Shark Fights presents "Frey vs. Evans," the fifth installment from the upstart organization out of Amarillo, TX. In addition to eight MMA fights, the "Outdoor Bash and Brawl" from Gamboa’s Outdoor Event Center will feature live music from three different bands.

Shark Fights took a much smaller bite for this event whereas their last card was held in Lubbock, TX at the Citibank Coliseum and featured former UFC fighters Don Frye and Jesse Taylor along with former NFL player Rex Richards.

Still, there are a couple of well known fighters on tonight's card including former Zuffa employees Nissen Osterneck, Doug Evans and Lodune Sincaid.

Nissen started out his MMA career going 5-0 but stumbled in his WEC debut getting T(KO)ed by Jake Rosholt at WEC 36. He got a chance to redeem himself at UFC Fight Night 18 when he took on UFC veteran Jorge Rivera but dropped a split decision. Osterneck will look to get his career back on track when he takes on undefeated newcomer Kyle Bracey.

The main event will crown Shark Fights first featherweight champion.

Douglas Frey will take on Doug Evans -- who despite a losing effort gave Roger Huerta all he could handle at The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale two years ago.

They will battle to determine the best 145-pound fighter currently competing in the Lone Star State. With that title to being decided tonight, Shark Fights will have champions in place for their featherweight, welterweight and heavyweight divisions.

TJ Waldburger will be making the first defense of his welterweight title after capturing the welterweight belt at Shark Fights 4 when he submitted Shannon Rich in the first round.

The upstart organization’s most promising fighter is their heavyweight champion Darrill Schoonover.

Schoonover, who holds a perfect 10-0 MMA record, defeated Rex Richards to capture the heavyweight strap at Shark Fights 4. He is currently a competitor on season ten of The Ultimate Fighter alongside Kimbo Slice. For Shark Fights, while they are wishing the best for their heaviest champion, they have to be hoping he doesn’t go ‘all the way’ and win a UFC contract.

While this event may not have the Texas-sized heat in terms of marketable fighters, don’t be lulled into a false sense of a tepid future for the young organization. Shark Fights has big ambitions in the MMA world so be sure to keep an eye on the little fight promotion that could.

Here is the complete line up for Shark Fights 5:

145 lbs.: Douglas Frey (5-1) vs. Doug Evans (9-4) to determine Shark Fights Featherweight Champion

205 lbs.: Lodune Sincaid (14-7) vs. Marcus Sursa (9-4)

185 lbs.: Nissen Osterneck (5-2) vs. Kyle Bracey (6-0)

170 lbs.: Anselmo Martinez (4-1) vs. TJ Waldburger (10-5) to determine Shark Fights Welterweight Champion

265 lbs.: Brian Humes (4-0) vs. Elmore Nicely (0-0)

170 lbs.: Derek Campos (3-1) vs. Thomas Grissom (5-2)

170 lbs.: Oscar Granado (1-2) vs. Heath Dodgen (1-0)

205 lbs.: Conan Kano (3-3) vs. Edgar Santos (0-0)

For more on Shark Fights click here.

Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone: Ben Henderson 'is a worthy opponent

Brian Oswald — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:45:02 -0000

"I kind of figured that (Ben Henderson) is who they would put me in against. I was looking forward to maybe having a rematch with Rob McCullough. Benson is definitely a worth opponent. He is a friend of mine which is the one thing that sucks. I have grown up fighting alongside the guy. I have no problems whatsoever taking the fight; I just have to go in there with someone I like. There is nothing bad you can say about that guy, he is just a real good dude. I will be in there 100% ready to fight though. I just won’t have the hatred in my heart like I would with Jaime Varner. Benson is a solid wrestler so I see him trying to take me down right away. I don’t see him wanting to stand with me. But you never know, it would be cool if he did. My takedown defense sucks so I am going to really have to work on that. If he ends up in my guard I will be busy going for submissions at every turn. Maybe Varner will come back in 2010 to unify the belt. But they might have to break his arm off and get him a new one."

Donald Cerrone confirms the news to MMAmania.com that he is in talks to face his friend Benson "Smooth" Henderson for the WEC lightweight interim title at an upcoming event. Henderson has finished both his fights in the WEC and holds a 9-1 record overall. "Smooth" will be stepping in for an injured Jaime Varner who recently announced on Twitter that he’s still not ready to return to action because of the hand he fractured during his five-round war with "Cowboy" at WEC 38 last January. Cerrone revealed that he has re-signed with the WEC for four more fights and will look to make his UFC debut in the second half of 2010 -- with or without a Varner rematch.

Georges St. Pierre and Thiago Alves all about respect and confidence heading into UFC 100 title fight

Brian Oswald — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:38:48 -0000

The promotion heightened the hoopla today with the first installment of its tried and true media call. The cast of characters this time around featured welterweight champion George St. Pierre and number one contender Thiago Alves -- Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir are scheduled to hit the airwaves next week.

Two words can sum up the tone of today’s UFC 100 media call: Respect and confidence.

Both St. Pierre and Alves spoke with a blend of these traits when asked about their impending fight, thoughts on each other and their individual journeys leading up to this historic moment.

St. Pierre started the call by giving respect to Alves, saying he knew Alves would be a future opponent after watching his fights against Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck. He drove his point home by bringing B.J. Penn into the equation.

"I truly believe that if you put Thiago Alves and B.J. Penn in a fight, I would bet all my money on Thiago Alves, no doubt about it. Thiago Alves is more dangerous because he is a gentleman. He is not someone that needs to trash talk to promote himself. He is a very respectful guy. Skill wise he brings more problems to the table then anyone I have fought so far. These things make him more dangerous. He is the best guy I will fight so far."

Alves was quick to recognize that St. Pierre is the champion, but is ready for the challenge.

"First of all, I think it is going to be a very well rounded fight. He is a complete fighter and the champion. I am ready for every situation though -- for the stand up, the wrestling and the ground work. I have a lot of respect for him and I am 100 percent ready for whatever he throws at me."

Both fighters were also asked about their weights and both revealed they were weighing in around 190-pound mark. When asked whether weight would give Alves and advantage over St. Pierre both were quick to dismiss the notion.

"I don’t think I will have an advantage over George. We are both going to have to weigh in at 170. At this level, I don’t think size advantage is going to matter. George is a pretty big guy and he is very well rounded so I am not counting on any size advantage. I am counting on my training and everything that I know and that I have been through. I am going to let it all go on July 11."

George was specifically asked if he changed his training when preparing for a bigger opponent and affirmed he hadn’t.

"I don’t think it makes a big difference because I always train with bigger guys. I truly believe in this sport skill and technique always beat strength and size. The guy that wins this fight is the better fighter, not the bigger guy. It will be the guy that fights the best."

When Alves was pressed about the takedown defense and how he would combat St. Pierre’s effective takedowns he spoke about how the takedowns were only one part of the equation.

"The thing is that GSP is dangerous everywhere. You have to be careful with him everywhere. Not just with his takedowns. Takedowns are just one of his weapons. He is a dangerous striker and has got great jiu-jitsu. Like I said though, I am prepared for everything.

I have been training with the best wrestlers, strikers and jiu-jitsu guys in the world. I am well prepared for this fight. GSP is the champion, he is the man. I can’t just think he is going to take me down. He is going to do everything, he is very well rounded."

When St. Pierre was asked about the dangerous leg kicks of Thiago Alves he, too, pointed out the well rounded nature of his opponent.

"Thiago has devastating leg kicks. But it's not the only thing he has got. He has great knees, a great left hook. He has good heavy hands. I have been studying a lot of tape and I have a specific strategy that I will use to take him out of his comfort zone. Thiago is always a better version of what he did in his last fight but I am ready for it. I will be fighting him everywhere and taking him out of his comfort zone in every aspect of his game. But like when you play cards, you don’t want to show your hand (laughs). So everyone will get to find out in the fight."

It was clear by the end of the call that both fighters had a lot of respect for the other while being extremely confident in their own abilities. While partaking in the back and forth between Penn and St. Pierre certainly made for good theater, it was refreshing to see two athletes at the top of their games focused on the fight and only the fight.

One thing is for certain. It will be an absolute war when George St. Pierre and Thiago Alves collide in the Octagon on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Who you got in this one, Maniacs?

Remember: MMAmania.com will provide LIVE updates with blow-by-blow, round-by-round commentary of the main card action on fight night, which is slated to air at 10 p.m. ET.

For all the latest on UFC 100 event click here.

Live fast: An MMAmania.com interview exclusive with Affliction's Tom Atencio

Brian Oswald — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:01:53 -0000

In life, a man can wear many hats. Some are forced upon us and some we freely choose. For Tom Atencio, the latter is the case when it comes to fighting.

Atencio is well recognized for his role as both Vice President and fight promoter for Affliction. But beyond the limelight those roles derive, his favorite job may have become doing what he has come to promote.

Back in 2005, Tom Atencio made his mixed martial arts debut against David Martinez at Total Combat 7 in Tijuana, Mexico. Four and a half years later, Atencio will return to the ring, this time skirmishing stateside against the debuting Randy Hedderick on the under card of 'Ultimate Chaos' this Saturday, June 27 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

For Atencio, fighting is in his Mexican-born blood. Growing up, it’s how boys settled their disputes. Now fighting has become a way of life. Whether it’s battling with the UFC or competing inside the ring, Tom is living the motto of his apparel company: "Live Fast."

We had the chance to talk with Atencio before he started his morning at the Affliction head office and he spoke about his upcoming fight, the challenge he issued to Dana White and why he believes there is nothing more honest than mixed martial arts.

Check it out:

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Everyone knows you as the Vice President and fight promoter for Affliction. But you are also a fighter. How is it that you have the time to run a company, promote mixed martial arts and also train to fight?

Tom Atencio: Training is part of my weekly routine. I am fortunate to have an incredible team at Affliction so I don’t have to micromanage. Leading up to this fight, I have been doing a lot of running and a lot of sparring. I have great trainers so I do what they tell me. Training is a part of my everyday life so I will be fully prepared for the fight. I can promise you that my "day job" hasn’t gotten in the way of that.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): It has been said that fighting is a labor of love for you, a release from the everyday pressures associated with your Affliction job. You have also talked about growing up as a young kid fighting and that being Mexican, fighting is in your blood.

Tom Atencio: Growing up, it’s just what you do. If you’re a boy, you settle your issues by beating the heck out of each other. My grandfather was a boxer. I watched boxing with my Dad growing up. It’s just part of the culture. I know some people will disagree with me but I think it’s a healthy way to settle things. You can fight, shake hands afterward and move on.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): You are 1-0 in your MMA career. You hold a decision win over David Martinez at Total Combat 7. Can you tell us about the experience of having your first MMA fight?

Tom Atencio: It was pretty exciting. I don’t remember too much of it (laughs). It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve wanted to do it again ever since. I have had that itch that every fighter gets. So I am really looking forward to my second MMA fight.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Casino card dealer Randy Hedderick is making his pro debut against you on the under card of Bobby Lashley vs. Bob Sapp on June 27 in Biloxi, Mississippi. What advice would you give the rookie since you just recently made yours?

Tom Atencio: (Laughs) I don’t think I want to give him any advice. Maybe if I was a little more experienced. But it is only my second fight so I am still relatively new to all of this. He will get to learn what fighting is all about first hand.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Your opponent has said he is brawler who lives for ‘Fight of the Night’ and he is going to be looking for a knockout. Do you prepare any differently when that is the mentality of your opponent?

Tom Atencio: I will prepare for him no different than I prepare for anyone else. I’m not taking this guy lightly but I have some of the best trainers in the world and have sparred with some of the best fighters in the world, so I am not too concerned in that sense. He won’t be better than anyone I have worked with. Like I said, I won’t take the guy lightly but I don’t think he is going to bring anything that I won’t be able to handle.

I have worked on all aspects of my game, both stand up and ground. I believe I have turned myself into a well rounded fighter. I will go into this fight looking to do what I feel comfortable doing and that is what he is going to get. I don’t think there is one thing that I excel at. I am well rounded and feel comfortable letting the fight go where it needs to.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): You had a Muay Thai amateur fight and came out of it with a broken rib and nose. I am sure your employees around the Affliction office were looking at you like you were off the set of Fight Club?

Tom Atencio: (Laughs) Everyone here pretty much knows who I am and what I do. So it is not a surprise to anyone anymore.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): I have to ask you about calling out Dana White. What is the full story behind that and would you really step into a cage with him?

Tom Atencio: I would definitely step into the cage with him. He will never let it happen though. I have a lot of respect for him in terms of what he has done for the industry. But he tries to come across as this bad ass and I really don’t think he is. I am not saying I am some sort of bad ass but I don’t walk around like I think I am one either. That is really what it comes down to.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): You are 42 years old. You have said this could be your last fight depending on how you feel afterwards. We have all seen fighters get that itch to keep going past the point they should. How will you know when it is time to quit beating your body up?

Tom Atencio: You have to look at everything: Your heart, your mind and your spirit. A lot of fighters might feel like they are giving up when they walk away and that can make it hard. But there just comes a time when you have to say enough is enough. I think I could continue to train and move forward. We will see how I feel after the fight and listen to what my coaches tell me.

A lot will be based on how I perform in the fight. It will be a collaborative effort and I will trust in their opinion. I don’t want to pretend like I am better than I am. There are times when I am training and my trainer makes me keep going and I tell him I hate him and want to stop. But that is why he is such a good trainer. He pushes and he pushes hard. And when it is time to stop pushing so hard, he will let me know that too.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): What intrigues you most about mixed martial arts?

Tom Atencio: With MMA it is doesn’t ring more true than when two guys step into the ring fully prepared to fight each other. It is not a bar room brawl or a fight on the street. It’s two guys that go in there prepared and the better man wins, sometimes the better man that night. It doesn’t get any more honest than that. And after it’s done, you have a lot of respect for the person that was willing stand there in the ring with you. I don’t think you can have any more respect for someone. So for me that is what MMA is about -- the honesty, the discipline and the commitment.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): It looks like were winding down here. Time for shout-outs.

Tom Atencio: I appreciate everyone who supports me and supports our brand. I definitely owe them all my success.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Thanks for your time Tom. We look forward to seeing you back in the ring on June 27.

Tom Atencio: Thank you. I look forward to it.

WEC Quick Quote: 'Cowboy' Cerrone doesn't want to wait for Jamie Varner, eyes UFC debut

Brian Oswald — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:41:50 -0000

"Jaime Varner is what’s next but apparently he hurt his hand again. I don’t know if he is going to be ready or if they are thinking about an interim title. Right now it is kind of up in the air. The fight was supposed to be in September; now I don’t know what’s going to happen. I know that I am fighting in September though. If it is against Varner cool. If it’s for an interim title, that’s cool too. I am not going to hold up my career just to fight Jaime Varner. I have one fight left on my WEC contract. I want to move up to the UFC at some point -- whether that’s in a year, two years or tomorrow, it doesn’t matter to me. I also don’t want to rush things. I don’t want to go right in and fight B.J. Penn. I want to fight Cole Miller. He beat my friend Leonard Garcia so I got a little bone to pick with him. That will happen some day for sure. He is a great athlete and cool dude. He just beat Leonard Garcia and I have a score to settle. It’s a teammate thing."

Donald Cerrone was a guest on last week’s MMA radio show "Knuckled Up" and sounded off about his frustration with Jaime Varner’s injuries. Whether or not the WEC will actually create an interim belt remains to be seen. 'Cowboy' went on to call out UFC lightweight Cole Miller, stating that he has a score to settle with 'Magrino.' Cerrone added that he would like to move to the UFC for that fight at some point and pointed out he only has one fight left on his WEC contract. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the lightweight sensation.

Got Fight?: Forrest Griffin's book cracks New York Times best-seller list

Brian Oswald — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:20:07 -0000

Forrest Griffin has made a career out of surprising people. The former Georgia cop-turned mixed martial artist has done it again -- only this time its for his accomplishments outside the Octagon.

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner from the inaugural season and previously ranked number one light heavyweight fighter in the world now finds himself ranked number eight in the top 10 of the New York Times best-seller list for hardcover advice books.

If you have had the opportunity to spend a little time with Griffin, as well as read the book, it should come as no surprise though. His blend of biting sarcasm, self deprecating humor and down-to-earth personality lends itself perfectly to any medium fans can easily access.

His book, "Got Fight?," which is subtitled "The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat" brought all of that together in an engrossing read that went well beyond the ‘been there done that’ autobiographical.

When MMAmania.com had the chance to attend his book signing out in Long Island, N.Y., on June 1, 2009, it was enlightening to witness how well fans connected with Griffin and how well he connected back in response.

From opening line, the crowd applauded the former light heavyweight champion when he quipped, "Calm down, it’s not going to be that good. Take some of those claps back."

Griffin revealed to us beforehand he actually enjoyed the process of putting his thoughts down on paper and having people actually read them. "It’s flattering that people would give up 20 bucks to read what my dumb ass thinks."

He must now be flattered tenfold after hearing this latest good news.

Just the beginning: An MMAmania.com TUF 9 Finale interview exclusive with DaMarques Johnson

Brian Oswald — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:35:44 -0000

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

When DaMarques Johnson debuted on the ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), he never expected to be the lone surviving American contestant heading into the June 20 live finale.

But being a survivor is what helped the former soldier and competitive grappler outlast his American counterparts on a show that can be just as exhausting mentally as it is physically.

Johnson actually had to be convinced by his manager that an open tryout in Chicago for TUF 9 wasn't a complete waste of time. Already sporting a 9-6 professional record, the Jeremy Horn protege was content with his career as a fighter and jiu-jitsu instructor.

Then came the opportunity of a lifetime when TUF producers called and said he was selected to represent the United States on the "U.S. vs. UK"-themed season.

After defeating Ray Elbe by technical knockout to make the final cut for Team U.S., Johnson submitted Dean Amasinger via triangle choke to reach the semifinals. Following a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Nick Osipczak, Johnson was one fight away from UFC stardom.

We caught up with Johnson prior to his fight against Team UK's James Wilks on June 20 to discuss life as a TUF guy, whether or not he thinks he's a top 10 fighter and what his son has to say about him cursing and fighting his way to UFC fame.

Check it out:

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Tell us about your experience in the house. Obviously, you have seen past seasons -- was it what you expected or were there surprises along the way?

DaMarques Johnson: It was pretty much what I expected. The only thing that surprised me -- and it wasn't really a surprise -- was how some things were taken out of context. It was stuff that I obviously said or a way that I acted in front of the camera. But the way it was portrayed on T.V. made me come off a lot more hard-assed than I am. I do cuss a lot. My son asked me why I got beeped so much. I had to explain to my three year old that Dad wasn't saying very nice things (laughs).

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): So you let him watch the whole show? Are you going to let him be an MMA fighter?

DaMarques Johnson: He and his mom watch the show a lot. My baby's mom and I aren't together. He does watch his dad on the show so it's all well and good. And he can be whatever he wants to be. If he wants to wants to do what dad does, he can totally do it. I will help him the best I can. But if he wants to be a doctor I would love him to be a doctor. I just want him to be happy and do what he loves to do.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): So it must have been pretty hard being in the house that long and be away from your son and the rest of your family.

DaMarques Johnson: Yes. That was definitely the mental test that was pretty rough from me. The people I live for, being away from them and isolated was very hard. I was able to keep my eye on the prize though. I knew that my time on the show was going to better my life and the lives of those around me. That was the first thing I thought about when I woke up every morning on my TapouT sheets. I would think I hate this ... why am I doing this? But then I would refocus, get to the gym and do my thing.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): I am sure having a legendary fighter like Dan Henderson as a coach made up for some of that. What was that experience like?

DaMarques Johnson: Yeah. It was amazing to be coached by Dan. Wrestling is not my strong suit so to have him working with me on that was huge. It is so rare to be able to work with someone like that who is so good at what they do. Especially for a fighter like myself who is new to the big stage. Even the other coaches on the show ... everyone helped me out a lot. I feel like I got a lot better with my Thai clinch and Thai boxing.

It just rounded my game out a lot. I am still not where I need to be, but it definitely let me take steps toward becoming a complete MMA fighter. I am definitely no St. Pierre. I am not even close to being at the level of a top 10 fighter. But that is the goal, to get there. That is the ultimate goal and I am committed to getting there.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Do you look at guys from past shows who weren't in a rush to climb the ladder, but rather have a long-term plan? I know Ryan Bader recently said he has a five-year plan to work toward a title fight.

DaMarques Johnson: That is exactly what I told myself going into the show. That I was going to take my time and continue to improve. I wasn't going to go on the show and try to transform myself into some completely new fighter. And I am not in a rush to get somewhere I am not ready for yet. I am going to take what I have got and continue to improve on it and become the well-rounded fighter I need to be. The real growth and hard work is just beginning now.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Did you like the country vs. country concept for TUF 9? Did it actually motivate the fighters or was it more of a marketing tactic?

DaMarques Johnson: As far as it being a marketing tactic ... no. I think the country vs. country concept was a cool idea. I liked representing the United States. I scaled it all back in my mind though to keep things in perspective. At the end of the day it's about fighting and winning your fights.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Were you surprised at how well the British team did? Do you think some of that had to do with getting match ups that favored them stylistically?

DaMarques Johnson: I do think stylistically they had good match ups. But they did everything right as a team.

I did not underestimate any of them myself. I figured anyone in the fight was going to be a tough fight. I wasn't one of the guys that ever said the guys from team UK are a few years behind us. I was just there to win the show so I could provide for my family.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): What were toughest moments on show -- both inside the Octagon and outside of it?

DaMarques Johnson: I think the toughest moments were when I had the opportunity to act like an asshole but was forced to act like a man. Obviously, Jason Dent and I getting into it in the van was one example. A couple of years ago I wouldn't have handled it like that. Bisping squirting water in my face was another. I had my opportunities where the DaMarques of old would have screwed it up. Dealing with Jason Pierce was like dealing with a nagging injury that you knew was going to bug you the whole time, but there was nothing you could do about it.

In terms of inside the Octagon the toughest was going into a fight banged up and not having time to recover. Knowing that you're going to get kicked in the leg that was already sore and knowing it was going to hurt a lot. Nicholas Osipczak was definitely my toughest fight and best opponent in my entire career. When Nick rocked me in that last 30 seconds of the first round I went into a survival moment. I have no memory of what happened in that last 30 seconds. Nick taught me a lot about myself. You can only come back stronger and more aware in a fight. And they are only going to get better and tougher from here.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Coming out of the TUF 9 house, can you take a look at the other fighters and see future prospects for the UFC to consider?

DaMarques Johnson: Definitely. Both 155'ers fighting in the finale will have a home in the Octagon. Frankie is "tough as nails" -- he will have a good shot at making it in. Nick fought a great fight against me and I think he has what it takes to get in. Jason Dent has already fought in the UFC. A lot of people want to see Cameron fight. The Jason Dent vs. Cameron Dollar and Frank Lester vs. Nick Osipczak winners will have a lot of momentum. It is all up to Dana of course. Me, personally, I could see damn near everyone getting in.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Tell us about Santino Defranco.

DaMarques Johnson: Santino is a great guy. I have nothing bad about to say about that guy. And he is hilarious. You should ask him about some Drew Fickett stories. I love Santino and especially his cooking. He was the older wiser brother that took care of everyone. He does need to answer his phone more though. I am going to go down and train with him down in Arizona. I am also going to go train with Joe Riggs and Ryan Bader while I am down there. The guys down there are good people. I am settled on the camp I am with. They got me where I am at, but I will doing a lot of training with the best camps out there.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): So you are going to win this Saturday night, right?

DaMarques Johnson: (Laughs) Well they haven't let us watch the episode yet so I will find out when you do.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): When can we expect you back in the Octagon for your first official UFC fight post The Ultimate Fighter?

DaMarques Johnson: If all goes according to plan you will see me there. Shit yeah, I would love that. If it is up to me you'll see me soon. I just have to work things out with Dana White and Joe Silva. They are my bosses.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): We appreciate your time DaMarques and we look forward to seeing you in the Octagon representing the United States this Saturday night.

DaMarques Johnson: Thank you. And thanks for all the U.S. fans for supporting us.

TUF 9 Finale media call highlights: Sanchez calls out Florian; Guida says almost nothing

Brian Oswald — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:05:49 -0000

With just two days to go until fight night (now one), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) yesterday held its final media call to hype The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 Finale, which is scheduled for "The Pearl" at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, June 20.

The stars of the conference were supposed to be the four finalists from the show who will all compete this weekend to crown the next two TUF winners. But the final four took a back seat while the coaches from this season, Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson, as well as main event participants, Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida, stole the spotlight.

Ross Pearson, Andre Winner, DaMarques Johnson and James Wilks were on the receiving end of the majority of the questions, but when the coaches were finally asked their first question we got to hear from Henderson and the reason he called Bisping a "douche bag" on the final episode of the season.

"I don’t know," he said. "[Bisping] likes to talk a lot. He is an alright guy, a very good fighter and a tough person. I think it was a result of some of the things that happened on the show and just being together that long. I don’t dislike him at all. Calling him a douche bad doesn’t mean I hate him or anything."

Michael Bisping was asked for his thoughts on being called a douche bag and revealed he was not bothered with the name calling.

"I have always respected him as a fighter and respected him as a person. That isn’t the first time someone has called me a douche bag and I doubt it’s going to be the last. I didn’t lose too much sleep over that."

It appears that for the most part both Henderson and Bisping plan to take the high road and play nice ... at least until they step inside the Octagon at UFC 100 on July 11 .

The TUF 9 contestants were asked more questions before "The Nightmare" busted in mid call for a special guest appearance. And he had some pointed words for Kenny Florian -- a man who he beat four years ago to become the first-ever TUF winner -- who is preparing for a fight against UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn later this year.

"One of the reasons for me dropping to 155 was the fact that Kenny Florian is coming up on his second title shot, and this is a guy that I walked through four years ago," said Sanchez. "And everybody thinks that, yeah, we’ve both evolved, we’ve both changed, we’re both different fighters, we’ve both improved a lot. But the fact is that I walked through him and it wasn’t even a fight, and this is the number one contender. So in my mind, I am the number one contender right now."

Sanchez went on to suggest a rematch between the two should happen after the pair assumes coaching duties on the eleventh season of the reality show.

"I think that if he wins and I win, that would make a great fight for the fans and possibly two great coaches for the next season after Rashad and Rampage. It would be an awesome rematch. He’s going to want a shot at redemption and I want a shot at the title, so it definitely plays out for a good story line. That being said I’m rooting for B.J. Penn. I would like B.J. Penn to win (at UFC 101). That’s a guy I’ve always wanted to fight."

Think what you will of Diego Sanchez be he certainly knows how to market his career by stirring the pot. Does anyone else smell a Diego Sanchez vs. B.J. Penn title fight before the end of 2009?

His opponent at TUF 9 Finale, Clay Guida, may have something to say about that. However, it's too bad that no one bothered to ask "The Carpenter" a single question on the call. It was as if he was an after thought.

But he made a point to make his presence known, appearing out of nowhere as the call was coming to an end. As the proctor thanked everyone for their time Clay delivered his only line of the night.

"Hey this is Clay. I guess no one knew I was on the line. I thought I was on the agenda, but I didn’t want to interrupt. Anyways, I am glad I’m part of the main event."

We are too, Clay. Despite his lack of air time it’s safe to say Guida may have stolen the call single handedly. He'll try and do it again Saturday night ... and he may just surprise a few more people.

Enjoy TUF 9 Finale, Maniacs.

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action on fight night (Saturday, June 20), which is slated to air beginning at 9 p.m. ET on Spike TV. The latest quick updates of the live action will begin to flow earlier than that around 7 p.m. ET.

All is well on the Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping 'douche bag' front

Brian Oswald — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:39:54 -0000

"I don’t know. He likes to talk a lot. He is an alright guy a very good fighter and a tough person. I think it was a result of some of the things that happened on the show or just being together that long. I don’t dislike him at all. Calling him a douche bag doesn’t mean I hate him or anything approaching that."

-- The consummate professional, Dan Henderson, responds on today’s UFC media call to promote the The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 Finale, to why he called Michael Bisping a douche bag on last night’s episode of the Spike TV mixed martial arts reality series. Bisping didn't seem bothered by the remarks, saying, "I have always respected him as fighter and respected him as a person. That isn’t the first time someone has called me a douche bag and I doubt it’s going to be the last. I didn’t lose too much sleep over that." It seems as if the coaches are now playing nice with UFC 100 -- where "Hollywood" and "The Count" are booked to throwdown on July 11 -- less than four weeks away. Grudge match it isn't like seasons past. Will the pair do enough talking inside the Octagon on fight night or is this 185-pound contest destined to be a disappointment? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, Maniacs.

Nightmare revisited: Diego Sanchez TUF 9 Finale interview exclusive with MMAmania.com

Brian Oswald — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:57:17 -0000

A nightmare is a dream that causes an unpleasant emotional response for the sleeper, typically fear or horror, as well as being in situations of extreme danger, or the sensations of pain, bad events, falling, drowning or even death.

For the UFC's lightweight fighters, that pretty much sums up the arrival of Diego Sanchez to the 155-pound division.

Sanchez, a former welterweight contender and middleweight winner on the pioneering season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), "Nightmare" made a name for himself by abusing current lightweight number one contender Kenny Florian with some vicious ground and pound in the first round of their April 2005 fight.

Diego followed that up by winning his next five fights in dominating fashion. His victory over Karo Parisyan was a tipping point in his career and considered by many to be one of the better fights in Zuffa's young history.

However, the year 2007 became a nightmare for Sanchez as he would go on to drop back-to-back decisions to former TUF rival Josh Koscheck and fellow American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) standout Jon Fitch.

While Sanchez rebounded by winning his next two fights in impressive fashion, he realized a change in his pattern was in order. That change materialized after he dropped down to lightweight to fulfilling his dream of winning a UFC title.

Sanchez went to work by taking on Joe Stevenson in the main event at UFC 95. Many expected him to end the fight early if he wanted to validate his place in the division, but the venerable Stevenson held on for a trip -- albeit a losing one -- to the judges scorecards.

"The Nightmare" now looks to build off that decision win and impress upon the division that he is a future title holder. His fight with Clay Guida this weekend at TUF 9 Finale will go a long way toward validating that notion. Guida is seen by many as the proverbial gatekeeper, but "The Carpenter" is looking to distance himself from that scarlet brand and secure a future title shot of his own with a win over Sanchez.

Sanchez took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to us about his fight with Guida, submitting Demian Maia, his destiny to be lightweight champion and why his upcoming bout could be as good as his fight with "The Heat."

Take a look:

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Take us back to TUF 1. What are your thoughts on that experience four years later?

Diego Sanchez: That show was a true blessing for me. It was a perfect opportunity for me and I jumped on it. I went into the show with the mentality that I was going to win. I went in there and was able to dominate and was crowned the first-ever UFC Ultimate Fighter winner. I went on after that and have had a great career with the UFC. It has set the tone for everything that I had done and will be able to do.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): What are your thoughts on the TUF brand?

Diego Sanchez: Personally, I think it has been awesome. It is actually one of my favorite shows to watch. Watching it brings back memories of when I was on the show. It has skyrocketed mixed martial arts into a fan base that it never would have attained without the Ultimate Fighter. Whatever you think of the show, we owe a lot to what it’s done for the sport.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Your fight on the TUF 9 Finale will be your second fight at lightweight. Much was made about your weight cut for that first lightweight fight. How did your second weight cut go compared to the first time?

Diego Sanchez: It has been phenomenal this time around. I was able to focus on keeping my strength. I was to do a lot of things different. In my first camp for lightweight I had to really work on cutting the weight and did a lot of boxing. In this camp I pushed myself with hard training partners that helped me with my ground skills a lot.

I was promoted to brown belt by Saulo Ribeiro, a legend in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It has been such a better experience this time around. I am ready to get into the Octagon and execute my game plan efficiently.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): What was the final factor in you dropping down to compete at lightweight? Did you feel it was your best shot at winning a UFC title with much bigger guys like St. Pierre and Thiago Alves at the top of the division?

Diego Sanchez: The ultimate factor was that I got into the cage with Kenny Florian on the original Ultimate Fighter and beat him up. Now he is coming up on his second title shot -- that tells me something. I want my title shot so I made the commitment to cut the weight so I can go on to realize my dream of being a UFC champion.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Not to look past a tough opponent in Clay Guida, but do you feel like having wins over Stevenson and Guida is enough to earn a title shot? If Kenny Florian loses at UFC 101 do you want to fight him first?

Diego Sanchez: I want to fight both Kenny Florian and B.J. Penn. I want a title shot … that is the ultimate. If I win my fight with Clay in impressive fashion and Dana White says he is putting me in a title shot I am ready. I am even going to be ready if B.J. Penn decides to pull out of the fight. You never know with B.J. Also, if either one happens to get injured.

I will be ready for my title fight whenever it happens. This is why I do this, because I want to be a champion. Fighters live to prove themselves, to challenge themselves. I will prove that I am the best fighter at 155 pounds.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Clay Guida is known for his great cardio and wrestling. How will you counter the wrestling of Clay Guida? Will you stand and outstrike him or will you let the fight go to the ground and use your grappling to win the fight there. Also, how does your meditation factor into the fight?

Diego Sanchez: I will go with the flow. In my training I go over every single situation and scenario -- both the ground game and the stand up game. Then I go over every situation and scenario mentally. I go over it and over it in my meditation/visualization. I prepare myself mentally for it all, even the bad situations. Once I get into the fight I just let all of that go. I just ‘be natural’ and let the fight flow. I fight with my spirit man. I trust in my faith in Jesus Christ that I am his warrior for him in that cage.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): There is a rumor going around that you submitted Demian Maia. What is that about?

Diego Sanchez: I did not submit Maia in competition. We were training together in England and were doing a three, five minute round session. In the first round he caught me in a rear naked choke. So we were really rolling, we weren’t just play rolling. In the second round I caught him in a kimura during a transition. I have caught other guys in training. It happens. I have caught Jake Shields. I have caught everyone I have rolled with from Nate Marquardt to Keith Jardine. There are two guys I haven’t caught and that’s Saulo and Xande Ribeiro.

My ground game is my real bread and butter. That is why I am so dedicated to training with those two. I want to make it my real true strength. That is not to say that I am not working to become a top striker. If you’re not evolved in the in the striking your eventually going to get your butt knocked out. That is just the way it is in mixed martial arts.

I am going to make all of my people on my team proud when I get in there and get my first submission of the night.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Have you visualized submitting Clay Guida?

Diego Sanchez: Definitely. If that is where the fight goes. I am going to start out picking him apart on my feet though. If the fight goes to the ground I am prepared to take him out there. My game plan is to kick his ass and take him out anywhere the fight goes.

It is even better that I get to do in on the season finale of The Ultimate Fighter. It will be my second main event for them. My first being the fight against Nick Diaz on the season two finale. That was one of the best fights of my career and look for this to be another. They realize that I fight hard and put on exciting fights so I am grateful to be a part of it.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): One last question Diego: I have to ask about your fight with Karo Parisyan. It was an absolute war and one of the best fights fans have seen. Can you just talk to us about that fight and what impact it had on your career?

Diego Sanchez: That fight is the perfect example of when a guy comes forward and fights. That is exactly what Clay Guida is going do in our fight. It will be a war, too. That fight with Karo was a turning point in my career in that I was really starting to peak and people saw that I was a contender and one of the best in the world.

I ran into some bumps along the road in 2007. I had the split decision loss to Fitch and the decision loss Koscheck when I had the staph infection. Those are learning experiences and it was not my destiny to be a champ at 170. I feel my destiny is to be champ at 155 and I will likely end my career at this division. I will venture onward in the lightweight division. I will put my heart and soul into my training and go for it brother.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): It looks like we’re winding down Diego. Time for shout outs:

Diego Sanchez: I want to thank the Sacramento Kings and the Maloof family for helping me out. I want to thank my sponsor badboymma.com. We are taking over the MMA scene. Also, the top of the line in pharmaceutical grade supplements NUTRABOLICS. There is nothing better and I couldn’t have made the 155 cut without it. Of course, number one is my lord and savior Jesus Christ. Nothing matters without my relationship with him. That is what really drives me to be a champion.

Brian Oswald (MMAmania.com): Thanks Diego. We look forward to seeing you back in the octagon this Saturday.

Diego Sanchez: Thanks, brother.

Marcus Davis: 'I want Davis-Hardy 2 by the end of this year'

Brian Oswald — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:55:51 -0000

"Hardy had one highlight in each round. He had the elbow in the first round. He had the big knee that dropped me in the second round. And he had the elbow in the third round that opened up the cut on me and caused me to bleed. His whole win is based off those three big strikes. My performance is based off of 12-13 minutes of controlling and beating him in every other area. I took at least 12 minutes of that fight; he can have the other three. So you’re going to give him the win off that? I just don’t get it. If you break it down as a numbers game; I win the numbers. Whether it is clean strikes, wrestling, ground work, all of it. Honestly, neither of us had our best night that night or else one of us would have ended it before it went to the judges’ scorecards. I know Hardy isn’t happy winning the fight that way and I’m not happy losing the fight that way. That is why I want to do it again. Does it need to be an automatic rematch, of course not. But I want Davis-Hardy II by the end of this year."

-- Marcus Davis -- who is perhaps UFC matchmaker Joe Silva's easiest fighter to please since he essentially books his own fights -- tells MMAmania.com that a rematch with Dan Hardy must happen before 2009 expires. "The Irish Hand Grenade" dropped a controversial split decision to "The Outlaw" at UFC 99: "The Comeback" at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, on June 12. The two welterweights went to war before even stepping inside the Octagon, trading barbs and insults to promote the match. All the pre-fight talk was supposed to be settled inside the cage; however, it appears that the result just added more fuel to the fire. This ain't over folks, not by a long shot. We'll pass along the complete post UFC 99 interview with Davis as soon as possible.

Cain Velasquez talks UFC 99 and his future in the heavyweight division (Exclusive)

Brian Oswald — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:38:51 -0000

The amount of build-up bestowed upon Cain Velasquez leading up to UFC 99 bordered on "enough already." But when it was learned that Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic refused to replace Heath Herring against Velasquez, it spoke volumes about a reputation that has preceded Cain ever since he signed with the UFC.

As overhyped as some thought Velasquez was, the pounding he put on Cheick Kongo was a tipping point for him becoming a credible name among UFC fans. Credit fellow Mexican-American fighter Miguel Torres for declaring it would be Cain’s coming-out party.

Cheick Kongo is no certainly no slouch. He was considered top five in the heavyweight division. Minus a few devastating head shots dished out by Kongo, Velasquez grounded him for three full rounds.

No one will claim Cain is perfect -- including himself. In our post fight interview with the talented up-and-comer, we asked him why he was disappointed with his most recent performance.

"I was disappointed with my stand-up game. I need to improve upon that aspect. I went after Kongo, which wasn’t part of the game plan. I will go back and work on my footwork and head movement. I am still new in my career and still need to gain some experience.

Overall I am satisfied. I got the win. I just know that I am not where I need to be. I know I can get a lot better and will get a lot better. It was an average performance. I didn’t stick to my game plan so I made the fight a lot harder than it had to be."

Two components of his game that did not disappoint were his wrestling and cardio. Velazquez used his collegiate mat experience to take away Kongo’s advantage in the stand-up game while his cardio allowed him to grind out a decision win fought mostly on the ground.

"It was fun to finally get to showcase my wrestling abilities in a fight. Kongo is known for not having good takedown defense so that was part of the game plan. We knew the fight would be won there. Getting those big body slams in was fun. Kongo is big but when you have been training to do that for years, it is actually a lot easier then it looks.

As far as my cardio, I knew that it would be there. It allowed me to push the pace throughout the fight."

Everyone who watched the fight couldn’t help but notice the shots that Kongo used to momentarily stun Velasquez with. Fortunately for Cain, he recovered quickly enough to use that wrestling to get the fight where he needed it to be.

"I was never worried about being knocked out but yeah, the shots he landed stunned me. I was able to snap out of it though and do my job."

In his previous interview with MMAmania.com, Cain stated he would love to pull off an armbar in the Octagon while adding that a rear naked choke would be less likely given his style. But that’s exactly what he put himself in a position to do during the fight until Kongo escaped.

"I wanted to finish the fight with a submission but I couldn’t set it up exactly like I needed to. I couldn’t get my hooks all the way in. He was able to scramble and roll out."

While Velasquez spent most of the fight in Kongo’s guard, grounding and pounding on the powerless kickboxer, some saw his inability to finish the fight as a weak spot.

"I was able to beat and bloody him but Kongo is as tough as they come. Kongo has never been manhandled like that in a fight before. I do need to find more explosiveness and power for my ground and pound. It will come with experience like everything else. Kongo earned my respect though. He took that fight on less then a month’s notice."

People are already speculating on Cain's next opponent after passing the biggest hurdle in his young mixed martial arts career. One such foe could be fellow undefeated heavyweight Shane Carwin.

For Velasquez, he is less concerned about his next opponent and more focused on improving his own game.

"It doesn’t really matter to me who I face next. Kongo is one of the best out there. I knew after this fight my opponents would just keep getting tougher. I’m ready to climb the heavyweight ladder one fight at a time. I will let the UFC decide who they want me to fight next. I will keep training and improve on the areas that need improvement. I will be ready for when that next fight comes."

While it may be prudent for Zuffa to protect both Carwin and Velasquez by giving them different opponents, it is unlikely they can do that for much longer. Both guys are now in the top six in the division while the other four are already booked for fights this summer.

Unless the UFC is willing to feed them lower ranked opponents while UFC 100 and 102 play out, a Cain Velasquez vs. Shane Carwin fight may be coming to a pay-per-view near you later this year.

Tough road back: Joe Stevenson TUF 9 Finale interview exclusive with MMAmania.com

Brian Oswald — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:16:04 -0000

If you have ever doubted Joe Stevenson’s toughness then now is the perfect time to stop.

That's because his entire mixed martial arts career has revolved about that one attribute. And he's plans to take it to a whole new level thanks to fresh perspective training with Greg Jackson and his stable of elite fighters in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Stevenson began his UFC career by competing on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 2, proving he was the toughest of them all by winning the welterweight final. His first fight coming off the show, however, didn’t go his way when he dropped a decision to "The Dentist" Josh Neer.

It was a much-needed wake up call for "Daddy." He responded by winning his next four fights inside the Octagon, defeating guys like Melvin Guillard and Kurt Pellegrino in the process. The string of wins put Stevenson on a collision course with B.J. Penn at UFC 80 with the vacant lightweight title up for grabs.

In one of the more memorable scenes in UFC history, Stevenson was cut bad in the first round and was soaked with his own blood. In the second round, sensing that the fight would be stopped soon, Stevenson came out guns blazing. However, he was eventually forced to submit to a rear naked choke.

Despite the loss, Stevenson remained resolute.

He rebounded with a submission win over Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Gleison Tibau at UFC 86 with his signature guillotine choke. Unfortunately for Stevenson, his trip back to the top of the division was derailed shortly thereafter with back-to-back losses to Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez.

Score two for TUF 1.

Many started labeling him as proverbial gatekeeper of the division. Stevenson was left to question his place in the division. His future in the sport. And he is still just 27-years-old. He needed a change of scenery.

And what better perspective than from MMA mastermind, Greg Jackson.

For several weeks now the recently-annointed Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt has been putting his skills to the test against Jackson’s star studded roster of successful mixed martial artists, which includes some of the very best athletes in the game today, in preparation for his showdown with Nate Diaz at TUF 9 Finale this weekend.

We caught up with Stevenson after one of his intense training sessions, and it seems like toughness is all around Joe these days. And he will need every bit of it, along with an improved skill set, if he wants to get past the young and ambitious Diaz. He talked to us about his fight with Diaz, why he no longer wants a rematch with Diego Sanchez and why he does want a rematch with Kenny Florian.

Check it out:

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): Let’s go back to 2005. You won the welterweight division on season two of The Ultimate Fighter by defeating Luke Cummo. Tell us about your experience on the show?

Joe Stevenson: The experience on the show was definitely something that, when it’s all said and done, I was glad I had done. However, I have always said that is not something I would want to have to go through again though -- six weeks without being able to talk to my wife and kids. It’s something you can do once, but you wouldn’t want to do it twice.

If I was giving advice to someone going in … you have to be physically, mentally and emotionally ready to step onto the plateau because if you're not, you're going to get eaten alive. There is no way you should go into that show just wanting to get recognized. You should be going into that show with the intent of winning it. You can’t just be happy to be there.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): You were on Team Hughes. What were some key things you learned from him and do you still keep in touch with the future hall-of-famer?

Joe Stevenson: When I see Matt around I definitely say "Hi." Other than that, I have lost so many cell phones … I don’t have his number anymore (laughs). I do still use some of the techniques I learned from him and others on the show. It was a big melting pot of different people from different camps. Sharing my knowledge and experience with others to benefit them and having them do the same in return was awesome.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): You defeated Marcus Davis on the show when Marcus tapped out from elbow strikes in the first round. Today, Davis is considered a top welterweight. How do you think you’d do against Davis today and does that cause you to think about moving up to welterweight to shake things up in your career?

Joe Stevenson: It is crazy that you ask that. That was actually running through my mind recently. I had one of Marcus’s friends, Dale Hartt, here and we were talking about that fight. He was saying how awesome Marcus is now and that fight would be different. I have given it a lot of thought. He has improved his game, but I still see holes. I think I am a bad match up for him stylistically.

But just because someone beats you, it does not mean that you're better rankings wise. It doesn’t mean you can automatically beat this guy or that guy. The sport is all about styles and how you match up with a person. Just as in other sports, it's how one team matches up against another. There are so many different ways in which a fight can go so you just have to get in there and fight someone to really know.

As far being competitive with guys in the top of the welterweight division … I just had a pretty competitive fight with Diego Sanchez and he was ranked in the top 10. Rankings are subjective, though. I think I could be a threat to anyone at 170, but size does matter. Everyone said it doesn’t, but it does -- especially when someone knows what they are doing. St. Pierre vs. Penn is a perfect example.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): You are now training over at Greg Jackson’ camp, alongside fellow TUF 2 castmates Keith Jardine and Rashad Evans. Is it fair to say that your time there has taken your game to another level, and if so, what specifically have you improved upon?

Joe Stevenson: I definitely can say that my time there has been well spent and I have improved vastly. The exciting part is there is lots of room to improve. I can’t go into too much detail this close to a fight. It was definitely the best move for my career though.

Knowing Keith and Rashad were there and having the opportunity to come back and be with them again in an environment where I was going to feel a little out of touch and out of tune was huge. Having those guys here has been great. There are so many great guys here to roll with. I have spent a lot of time with Donald Cerrone and Leonard Garcia. I have trained with Keith and Rashad as well. It’s been an invaluable experience.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): According to a post-fight statement, you expressed interest in a rematch with Diego Sanchez. How would the fight go any differently a second time around?

Joe Stevenson: Well, I wouldn’t let it go to decision (laughs). You can’t let it go to those judges hands. Honestly, at the point of where I am at now, I wouldn’t want to ask Greg to coach me against one of his former students. At that point, when I wanted a rematch, I didn’t know that I would be coming over to Greg Jackson’s.

So I don’t know that I would end up fighting Diego again. Training at Jackson’s camp takes precedence. If it came down to fighting Diego for a title or number one contender match, I would go to Greg and discuss the matter with him and go from there.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): Since you will be fighting on the TUF 9 Finale, have you been watching this season. And if so, what are your impressions on the newest crop of fighters?

Joe Stevenson: I came out to Albuquerque, N.M., right when it started to air. I watched the first two episodes back home and then I was here. So I don’t have much to say because they don’t have cable at the house I am staying at. But from what I did see it looks like a great show.

Dan Henderson is one of my heroes. I think Michael Bipsing is a great fighter and has a lot of talent so that fight will be exciting. Michael is a very straight forward person, not fake at all. And Dan is just an awesome person and I am grateful to count him as a friend.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): You are fighting Nate Diaz at the TUF 9 Finale. Given you have a wrestling background, are a shorter fighter and will have a six-inch reach disadvantage, what will your gameplan be? Do you plan on going for take downs and controlling the fight on the ground (like Clay Guida did) or will you stand on box with your taller opponent before deciding whether to take it to the ground or not?

Joe Stevenson: Well, it will definitely start on its feet. My plan is to hit him, hit him hard and do so continuously. Let’s see if Diaz can take a punch. I will bring my full arsenal into this fight. I will stand and bang with Diaz and if I need to take him to the ground I will do that. That is about all I can reveal as far as my gameplan goes.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): Diaz has only been submitted once in his career and that was early on against a more experienced Hermes Franca. Could you see yourself submitting Diaz with your guillotine or is a decision win your best bet in this fight?

Joe Stevenson: Anytime I get my arms wrapped around someone’s neck they are in serious danger of being choked out. I will be looking to finish this fight. Whether it'ss by choking him out or laying down punches until he can’t answer back. I am actually pretty good at having the referee stop the fight for a T(KO) win.

Diaz is a hard guy to knockout, though, he is always in it. So it will be a challenge to knock the guy out. I will be using my hands to loosen him up before looking to do anything else.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): In terms of your overall impact in the division you were on a tear winning one fight after the other. Then you ran into a string of tough battles, losing to top guys B.J. Penn, Kenny Florian and most recently Diego Sanchez. Do you see this fight with Diaz as a pivotal fight in your UFC career? Do you see yourself getting back on track toward title contention with a win?

Joe Stevenson: Hopefully, yeah (laughs). Any fight front of you, especially in the UFC, is a pivotal fight. You have to look at each fight the same, so yes this is a very pivotal fight. This fight is the only thing I am focused on now and I have to beat him before I can think about where I fit in. If I let those thoughts run rampant, it will just distract me from the task at hand.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): Since you have fought both guys I have to ask, who is going to coming out victorious at UFC 101. Will it be B.J. Penn or Kenny Florian?

Joe Stevenson: B.J. Penn. I think he will bring too much to the table for Florian. I know Kenny is taking this fight seriously and training his butt off. Kenny has got some things he will be able to pull off against B.J., but no one is as well versed as B.J and he will have a little too much for Kenny in every avenue.

I don’t think Kenny will be able to push the pace or keep pace with B.J. Your best bet with B.J is getting him tired (like GSP did) and I think Kenny will tire out in the later rounds. You had asked me about a rematch with Diego Sanchez. I want a rematch with Kenny Florian after he loses this fight. I want that fight to get myself back into title contention.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): You are fighting alongside Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida on the TUF 9 Finale. What are your thoughts on that fight?

Joe Stevenson: I think that is going to be a great fight. I think stylistically it could actually go in Clay’s favor. But Diego is always a threat and brings a lot of tools to the table. He hits hard, has decent wrestling and great submissions. I think it will be a great fight for the fans. I could see Clay pulling out a decision win though.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): Last question, Joe: This upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter will be the biggest one ever with Quinton Jackson and Rashad Evans as coaches. And then there is Kimbo Slice. What are your thoughts on this season?

Joe Stevenson: I can guarantee you I will be watching the entire season (laughs).

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): Time for shout outs:

Joe Stevenson: I want to thank MMA Warehouse, Warrior Wear and Sprawl. They have always been there for me. I want to say Hi to everyone back home at Cobra Kai. Thank you for the support. Thanks to all the fans and I hope everyone enjoys watching the fight with Nate Diaz.

Brian Oswald (MMAMania.com): Thank you taking the time out of your training schedule to talk to us. Good luck in your fight this Saturday night.

Joe Stevenson: Thank you, man. Take care.

Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 cast revealed for Spike TV UFC show

Brian Oswald — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:10:12 -0000

The debut of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 is not for another three months — September 16, 2009 to be exact — but the roster of fighters is starting to fill out. The list includes a former IFL champion, several NFL players, a few UFC veterans and one YouTube phenomenon for good measure.

The Sun passed along the news, suggesting the cast will comprise just 16 heavyweights, all of whom will get a spot of the show. This is down from 32 fighters who have had to fight their way into the house in an opening elimination round, as seen in recent seasons.

Check out the full TUF 10 cast after the jump:

Kimbo Slice (3-1): The YouTube phenomenon and former Elite XC headliner
Roy Nelson (13-4): Former IFL champion
Wes Sims (22-12-1): Former UFC fighter
Marcus Jones (4-1): Former NFL player
Matt Mitrione (0-0): Former NFL player
Wes Shivers (N/A): NFL veteran
Jim York (10-2): MMA fighter
Justin Wren (6-1): NFL player/MMA fighter
Mike Wessel (6-1): Former UFC fighter
Scott Junk (6-2-1): Former UFC fighter
Zak Jensen (7-3): MMA fighter
Darrill Schoonover (10-0): MMA fighter
Brendan Schaub (4-0): MMA fighter
Jon Madsen (1-0): MMA fighter
Tom Blackledge (8-6): MMA fighter
Abe Wagner (6-2): MMA fighter

Commissioned to coach this eclectic band of misfits will be two former light heavyweight champions in Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "Sugar" Rashad Evans. The pair will have their hands full as this season will comprise heavyweight contenders exclusively.

In fact, TUF 10 will be the first TUF season to feature heavyweights since the second season in late 2005. That season — which culminated in a heavyweight showdown between Rashad Evans and 6’7" Brad Imes — was noted more for its light heavyweights fighting up in weight than it was for its true heavyweight contenders, including Evans, Keith Jardine, Mike Whitehead and Seth Petruzelli.

The date for "The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale" has already been slated for December 5, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following the finale, coaches Jackson and Evans are expected to duke it out for the number one contender position in the light heavyweight division.

For more on TUF 10 click here.

UFC 100: Jonathan Goulet out against Dong Hyun Kim with shoulder injury

Brian Oswald — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:05:11 -0000

Props: Facebook.com

Quoteworthy:

"I tried very hard to being back but I can't, its official I wouldn't be a part of the historical moment, I wouldn't be a part of the UFC 100. I dislocated my shoulder. I’m very angry and sad."

Coming off a 33-second technical knockout loss to Mike "Quick" Swick, a win for Jonathan Goulet over Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 100, July 11, would have been the perfect chance to get his career back on track. That's now on hold after the "Road Warrior" hurt himself while training for the 170-pound bout. No replacement for Goulet has been announced at this time. Kim is coming off a razor-thin split decision loss to Karo Parisyan at UFC 94 earlier this year. With just four weeks until fight night it could be hard for the promotion to secure a worthy welterweight opponent for "Stun Gun." We'll keep you posted.

Tim Sylvia weighs 310 lbs for Adrenaline III ‘Bragging Rights’ event on June 13

Brian Oswald — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:46:34 -0000

The June 12 weigh-in event for Adrenaline III ‘Bragging Rights,’ featuring Tim Sylvia versus Ray Mercer, is officially in the books. The troubled MMA card is set to take place tonight (June 13) at the BJCC Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

All 28 fighters who tipped the scales yesterday made weight without incident — though former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia stunned the crowd with a scale-busting weight of 310 pounds for his MMA-turned-boxing-turned-MMA fight against former pugilist powerhouse Ray Mercer.

The "The Maine-iac" typically fights in the heavyweight division, capping off at 265 pounds. In his fight with Fedor Emelianenko for example, Sylvia weighed in at 263 pounds, a staggering 47 pounds less than he is for this bout.

This new development has prompted Adrenaline officials to considered changing the name of the Adrenaline III card to "Sagging Rights."

It's unclear if this is part of a strategy that Sylvia had originally intended for his boxing match or just pure laziness on his part. For what it's worth, his cagey opponent "Merciless" weighed in at a svelte 256.6 pounds.

Not that I needed to remind anyone but this "attraction" has f'ugly written all over it.

Here are the complete weigh-in results for Adrenaline III ‘Bragging Rights:'

Amateur Bouts:
Daniel Ritchie (171) vs. Adrian Miles (171)
Barry Clifford (166.4) vs. Matt Smart (170.8)
Keith Cunagin (182) vs. Cory Hamrick (180.4)
Justin Traweek (335) vs. Brandon Esch (302)
Ron Mitchell (226.8) vs. Brandon Powell (236.8)

Professional Bouts:
Tuan Pfam (126) vs. Sean Hall (123.6)
Nick Rossborough (184.6) vs. Keith Johnson (182.6)
Josh Barnes (270) vs. Brad Tidwell (330)
Juan Zapata (160) vs. Joe Jordan (170.8)
Bryan Goldsby (135.6) vs. Joey Marimberga (136)
John Salter (184.6) vs. Roberto Traven (183)
Sasuke Zapata (165.6) vs. Rich Clementi (170.2)
Chris Davis (203.2) vs. Jeremy Horn (204.8)
Ray Mercer (256.6) vs. Tim Sylvia (310.6)

For more on Adrenailine III 'Bragging Rights' click here.

Adrenaline III 'Bragging Rights' June 13 event finalized for Birmingham, Alabama (Updated)

Brian Oswald — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:12:06 -0000

***UPDATE: The Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) has intervened and prohibited the Sylvia vs. Mercer main event to continue under boxing rules. As such, promoter and manager Monte Cox has agreed to switch the bout back to MMA rules in order for the event to continue.

If at first you don’t succeed…move to a state that has no regulatory body.

That’s what Manager and Adrenaline MMA promoter Monte Cox did when the New Jersey State Athletic commission refused to sanction a boxing match between former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia (0-0 Boxing) and Olympic Gold Medal winner and former WBO Heavyweight champion Ray Mercer (36-7-1).

Now the greenhorn and old hand will lace up their 12-ounce gloves for the main event of Adrenaline III: "Bragging Rights." The event takes place this Saturday, June 13 in the state of Alabama. The hybrid boxing-mixed martial arts event will be held inside the confines of the 17,000-seat BJCC arena in Birmingham.

Originally the bout was to be an all-MMA event but Monte Cox had a change of heart.

Mercer was made famous by his brutal knockout win over Tommy Morrison and is also known for his unorthodox style. As far as Sylvia, one can only imagine what kind of boxing style he will unveil for the fine folks of the Yellowhammer State.

Mercer added to his lore when he jump started Kimbo Slice’s MMA career, which ironically, was sanctioned as exhibition under the New Jersey Unified MMA rules. Kimbo went on to ground-and-pound "Merciless" out of commission in the first round.

Sylvia hasn't fought since challenging "The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko on the Affliction: 'Day of Reckoning' card. Sylvia was broken down within 36 seconds, submitting to a rear naked choke. The fight went on to become a "30 second" commercial for Elite XC: 'Heat.'

For those more intrigued by the MMA fights taking place that night, former UFC fighter Rich Clementi (34-14) will take on Sasuke Zapata (17-1) while long-time MMA fighter Jeremy Horn (80-19-5) will take on undefeated Chris Davis (5-0).

This will be "No Love" Clementi’s first fight since getting dumped by the organization he fought for nine times. In his last fight, at UFC 17, Clementi was submitted by Gleison Tibau in the first round.

For Horn, the beat goes on. In his last fight the outmuscled Horn somehow managed to avoid being submitted by Brazilian jiu-jitsu stud Rousimar Palhares at UFC 93.

Here is the full line up for Adrenaline III:

Main Event:
Ray Mercer (0-0) vs. Tim Sylvia (24-5)

Main Card:
Rich Clementi (34-14) vs. Sasuke Zapata (17-1)
Chris Davis (5-0) vs. Jeremy Horn (80-19-5)
Joe Jordan (44-12-2) vs. Juan Zapata (17-0)
Keith Johnson (5-2) vs. Nick Rossborough (11-10)
John Salter (1-0) vs. Roberto Traven (6-3-1)
Tony Godbold (3-2) vs. Josh Martin (6-2)
Josh Barnes (4-3) vs. Brad Tidwell (2-1)
Bryan Goldsby (10-4) vs. Joey Maimberga (5-2)
Sean Hall (0-0) vs. Tuan Pham (1-0)

Amateur Card:
Brandon Esch (0-1) vs. Justin Trawick (0-0)
Keith Cunagin (5-3) vs. Robert Rodda (1-0)
Adrian Miles (5-2) vs. Daniel Ritchie (6-1)
Ron Mitchell (7-1) vs. Brandon Powell (2-0)
Barry Clifford (11-5) vs. Matt Smart (5-1)

For more on Adrenaline III click here.

WEC Quick Quote: Donald Cerrone calls out Jamie Varner for having the runs

Brian Oswald — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:34:35 -0000

"After my fight (with James Krause) I wanted to remind people about (Jamie) Varner always getting out of the ICU. He just keeps drawing out our next fight. He needs to agree on a date so we can get it going. As a person, I can’t respect Varner anymore. For him to pull all the shit he does -- he takes the easy way out, hiding behind things and milking it as long as he can. He called timeouts in his fights against both McCullough and Franca. He pulled his shit with me. He’s always looking for a way out. Well see how he finds a way out in our next fight. I am not sure what his problem is but he thinks too highly of himself. When the shit hits the fan, Varner’s the kind of guy that would rather flight then fight. I would like to knock that fucker’s head off. Hopefully he will stand with me, but he’ll likely shoot on me, try to take me down, and lay and pray. I’ve been working on my wrestling with Rashad Evans, all the guys at Greg Jackson’s; they are forcing me to get better. Jaime ran that whole fight last time. A champion isn’t supposed to do that. Maybe it was because his hand was broken. Whatever, you just don’t run. I will be coming at him the whole time. I'm a Cowboy, it’s a way of life, it's a no quit attitude for me."

-- Donald Cerrone talks to MMAmania.com about his pending rematch with WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner following his first round submission win over James Krause at WEC 41: "Brown vs. Faber 2" on June 7. "Cowboy" and "C-4" fought a highly competitive and controversial fight back in January with Varner winning via technical split decision. The fight was stopped prematurely in the fifth round when Cerrone grazed Varner's temple with an illegal knee while Varner was still on the ground. Varner was given time to recover, but said he was unable to continue because of vision problems. The two have been jawing back and forth ever since and WEC General Manager Reed Harris has recently confirmed that Varner vs. Cerrone II is planned for sometime this fall. Who takes it?

Mirko Filipovic and Dana White discuss UFC 99 return of 'Cro Cop' on June 13

Brian Oswald — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:24:15 -0000

Mirko Filipovic (24-6-2) is back for a second run inside the Octagon with Mustapha Al-Turk preparing to welcome him at UFC 99 on June 13. Aptly titled "The Comeback," the Cologne, Germany event will begin Filipovic's quest to erase the memory of a limp 1-2 run with Zuffa that started and ended with three fights in 2007.

"Cro Cop" was successful in his UFC debut, beating an unheralded Eddie Sanchez via technical knockout in the first round at UFC 67. But unfortunately for the former PRIDE Grand Prix Champion, his next two UFC outings, both in England, were not so savory.

At UFC 70, in the most ironic kick in MMA history, Filipovic nearly had his head taken off by Brazilian Yeti Gabriel Gonzaga. In Mirko’s third and final UFC fight, French Kickboxer Cheick Kongo handed the Croatian sensation a lopsided unanimous decision loss at UFC 75.

Now we can officially "Call it a Comeback." The former Croatian cop made his presence felt earlier this afternoon during a conference call with UFC President Dana White to talk about his aforementioned return.

Right out the gate, Cro Cop was questioned about his previous struggles inside the Octagon and what preparations he was making to ensure his second go-round would yield different results.

"To tell you the truth, it is hard for me to say. I am not 100-percent sure exactly. I have spent a lot of time thinking about it. I wasn’t the old Mirko Cro Cop, that is for sure. I wasn’t adapted for the cage as well as I would have liked. Maybe I wasn’t hungry enough, I don’t know. I think I went through a phase where I didn’t smell blood in a fight at the level I used to. I know I over thought things too much."

Cro Cop pushed past his previous UFC tenure, stating he is now completely motivated and injury free, after opting to have surgery earlier this year to correct nagging injuries.

"I am hungry, I am focused and I am in great shape for this fight. The surgeries are behind me. I am completely focused on my training. I have let go of my police officer duties. I am not returning just to return. I will prove this in the cage. You will see a very different Mirko Cro Crop at UFC 99. My goal is to come in, win a few fights and work my way toward a title fight."

Cro Cop cited unfinished business as the biggest reason for his return as well as being able to deliver for the UFC fans who may not have gotten what they were expecting back in 2007.

UFC President Dana White, himself a Cro Cop fan, knew that Filipovic would one day make good on his promise to return.

"He expressed to me just how bad he wanted to return. He talked about the success of his surgery, how hard he has been training and his interest in making a run at the title. When I talked to him about fighting in Germany he was so fired up. I have always said I respect Mirko…that his return was a phone call away and there it was."

When talk turned to his UFC 99 opponent, Mirko expressed nothing but respect for Mustapha Al-Turk.

"For me every opponent is a dangerous opponent. (He) showed courage accepting the fight with only three weeks to go. We are both coming in on short notice and I respect Al-Turk for that. I will be ready for him though. I will be ready for his ground work, for his clinch, for whatever he is going to do."

When asked about the difference between fighting in the ring versus the cage, Mirko admitted that each was unique in their own way and that he may have underestimated the importance of understanding the cage back in 2007.

"They are definitely different. I know very well because I spent my whole career in the ring and I just entered the cage and underestimated it. It’s much easier to go from the cage to the ring then from the ring to the cage. The cage is set and many experienced UFC fighters like to use the cage; they like to use the wire.

It can be hard to escape from against the wire and fighters can use elbows there. In the ring you can put your head out of the ropes and they put you back in the middle of the ring. If you don’t know how to escape the wire you are in trouble."

Beyond the cage, a big question concerning Cro Cop’s return to the UFC was the type of contract he had negotiated. There was speculation that it was a one-fight deal and when Dana was questioned about the topic, he offered no definitive answers -- but did reveal the free-spirited nature of their transaction.

"Mirko and I are still sorting out the details of the contract. He ended up on this card last minute -– just a few weeks before the event. This whole deal was done verbally over the phone between me and him. In the history of the company, I have never done this with any fighter. I know how I feel about Mirko and how he feels about me. I respect his goals. We have a great relationship so we'll see what happens."

White was also asked if Cro Cop's UFC future was contingent on a win at UFC 99.

"I can’t say for sure yet. Cro Cop and I have a great relationship so it’s something we will discuss together. Just because you lose one fight in the UFC doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to leave. There are a lot of different factors. Mirko will fight this fight and we will talk after this fight and see what happens.

While betting lines fluctuate, one thing is for certain: Cro Cop’s UFC legacy is riding the line. Right now, putting his illustrious career into perspective is a precarious endeavor.

Obviously the lore of Filipovic will forever live on in the hearts and minds of hardcore fans with memorable wins over elite names like Josh Barnett, Wanderlei Silva, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, Aleksander Emelianenko, Kazuyuki Fujita and Heath Herring.

Even in losses to Fedor Emelianenko and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, he proved he could battle with the "best of the best" in their prime.

Only one thing matters now for the accomplished fighter: Cro Cop’s last stand in the UFC. It’s a stand he chose to take and one that will solidify -- or jeopardize his lasting legacy.

Urijah Faber talks about loss to Mike Brown, surgery and Jose Aldo

Brian Oswald — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:09:06 -0000

Following a gritty performance against WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown at WEC 41 this past weekend, Urijah Faber is still hungry to get back inside the cage.

In a fight that saw "The California Kid" lose weapon after weapon — first he broke his right hand, followed by what appeared to be an injury to his left — Faber refused to throw in the towel, opting to throw elbows and kicks instead.

We had the chance to catch up with the former champion the day after the fight. While a loss never feels good — nor does a broken hand — Faber’s positive spirit remained intact.

"First, I appreciate all the support from fans. I tried to do my thing out there. I burst out of the gates, and after my hand broke, I just tried to gut it out. I knew my hand was broken right away. I put it down by my hip, said fuck it, and started throwing kicks."

One of those kicks led to a Faber slip, resulting in the fighter taking himself down. Brown quickly capitalized.

"Soon after I slipped and fell. On the ground I realized I wouldn’t be able to grapple with my hand. After the round I told my Muay Thai instructor that my hand was broken, and he said, ‘Shut up … you’re a champion in your heart,’ which got my mind back in the fight. From there, I was in survival mode."

It’s difficult to gauge what might have been.

Prior to the hand injuries, Faber looked strong in the first round. His overconfidence and lack of caution from their first outing at WEC 36 was noticeably absent. Faber instead bobbed, weaved, changed levels and otherwise made for a difficult target for Brown to lock onto. It was more or less Faber’s speed vs. Brown’s power punching.

"Not to take away from Brown, but I think the first round was how the rest of the fight would have gone. It was impossible for him to hit me. I definitely think I was headed toward victory. You can’t have something go wrong in a title fight though. It’s unfortunate -- I don’t like to lose, but I will be back."

Faber even landed an overhand right that seemed to rock Brown, but it also might have been the punch that broke the former champion’s hand, sealing his fate. After that, it was all short elbows and kicks. By the end of the fight, Faber’s hands, especially his right, were virtually useless. When the opportunity presented itself to sink in a guillotine choke with just two minutes remaining in the fight, Faber went for it, but found futility instead.

"I watched the fight today and was surprised. I didn’t realize I dished out that much damage. In regard to the submission attempt, I couldn’t finish the move, man. I had it deep too but I didn’t have the hand strength to hold on and finish it."

Now winless (0-2) against the champ, Faber is looking forward to his next opportunity to showcase his skills. But he’ll first have to heal up his injuries. And at least part of this is new territory for the former number one ranked featherweight in the world.

"I’m having surgery tomorrow. I am not sure how exactly many months I will be out because I have never had my hand broken before. They gave me morphine in the ambulance, and I was pissed because I don’t take medicine. Other than that, I am going to do everything I can to heal fast and get back in the cage."

In the meantime, rising talent Jose Aldo is reportedly next in line for a title shot against Brown — a match up Faber thinks is well-deserved.

"I think Jose Aldo should get the next title shot. I think he earned it. Aldo is dangerous. He will be a tough match up for Brown. It will be speed vs. power in that one. Aldo is a great striker, an expert with his Muay Thai. Mike Brown is really good at everything though. It will be a great fight."

So what’s next up for Faber? Does he expect to get an immediate rematch, or will he have to earn it?

"I plan on healing and I would like to come back, fight one fight, and get back in there for another title fight. I don’t make the rules, but I think I proved that I was ready to compete last night and am one of the top fighters in the world. Brown is number one, and I am number two, for now."

Faber will need a few months to heal himself, but don’t be surprised to see him back in action before 2009 is over. The big question will be how many fights he needs to take before getting a second rematch with Brown. What do you think, maniacs?

In the meantime, you can check out Faber’s Web site for updates on his return right here. Here are some videos from the day after his fight, too:

Find more videos like this on Urijah Faber

TUF 10 'Project:' Roy Nelson and Wes Sims join Kimbo Slice on heavyweight cast

Brian Oswald — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:47:17 -0000

Don’t call it a comeback.

Former IFL Heavyweight Champion Roy "Big Country" Nelson -- who once chose his protruberant belly over a UFC contract -- and former UFC fighter Wes Sims will join Kimbo Slice on the cast of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10, according to an MMAMadness.com report.

Nelson (13-4) is a heavy handed hitter is known for both his knockout power and submission game. He will join the reality show coming off back-to-back losses against heavyweight contenders Jeff Monson and Andrei Arlovski.

"Big Country" should hold the advantage in the experience department over fellow cast members and will likely be viewed as the early favorite to win.

Sims (22-12) is an MMA veteran who stands 6'10" -- he is among the tallest fighters in all of MMA who is known for his unorthodox fighting style. Sims trains out of Team Hammer House with the likes of Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman and Phil Baroni.

"The Project" last competed inside the Octagon against Mike Kyle at UFC 47, losing via first round knockout. He also picked up losses at UFC 43 and 46, both to Frank Mir. Sims also has a technical knockout loss courtesy of Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia under the SuperBrawl banner for what its worth.

In addition to Slice, Sims and Nelson will join ex-NFL players Marcus Jones and Rex Richards, among others. It's certainly shaping up to be one big season.

TUF 10 will feature a cast of all heavyweight fighters and will be coached by former light heavyweight champions Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad "Sugar" Evans. The show is set to premiere on Spike TV on September 16.

Brett Rogers vs Alistair Overeem possible for August 15 Strikeforce event in San Jose, California

Brian Oswald — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:53:07 -0000

Strikeforce Executive Mike Afromowitz confirmed to MMAmania.com yesterday that surging heavyweight sensation Brett Rogers will likely meet current Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem in a title fight on the upcoming August 15 event in San Jose, California.

"It's definitely a possibility," Afromowitz said after Saturday's press conference. "I know Brett said he is ready. We will see how he is feeling next week and go from there. Overeem is locked in for the August 15 fight card."

"The Grimm" is coming off a devastating knockout win over former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski at the June 6 'Lawler vs. Shields' event from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Rogers was a +300 underdog heading into the fight but needed just 0:22 seconds to put "The Pitbull" to sleep -- the second time for Arlovski in as many fights.

At the post fight press conference, Rogers spoke out about his future within the promotion. "I was kind of aiming for (Overeem)…I was expecting the title today so he is still in my sights."

Rogers, now 10-0, looks poised to capitalize on his new found stature. "This sport is all about timing," he said. "This fight took me to the next level and now is definitely my time. Everyone saw tonight that I am not one to play with."

A potential title fight against "Demolition Man" could end up playing second fiddle to the long-anticipated "Carano vs. Cyborg" superfight. Also on the August 15 fight card, Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh "The Punk" Thomson and interim champion Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez will finally rematch to unify the 155-pound strap.

Keep it dialed in to MMAmania.com for more information on the August 15 event as it unfolds.

MMA Quick Quote: Jake Shields has no interest in wasting time on Joe Riggs

Brian Oswald — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:58:27 -0000

"I want the big fights from here on out. I think I showed I can fight at both 170 and 185 pounds. Guys are a little bigger then me at middleweight but I’m faster. My jiu-jitsu style is super aggressive...I bring the wrestling mentality of forcing things and making things happen. As far as a fight at 170, I think my fight there would be for a title fight and Joe Riggs is of no concern for me. He's not even worth my time … I’m really not even giving him the time of day."

-- Jake Shields expressed complete disinterest toward a possible match up against Joe Riggs when speaking at the Strikeforce post-fight press conference. Apparently Shields was not impressed with the "Diesel’s" dominating win over "The New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni. Shields and Riggs were originally scheduled to fight on the "Lawler vs. Shields" card last night; however, that fight was scrapped in favor of the more marquee fight against Robbie Lawler. Riggs expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, and after his win over Baroni, Riggs told the crowd he still wants a fight with Shields. If Riggs in not a worthy foe for Shields at 170, it will be interesting to see who Strikeforce pits Shields against, assuming the promotion wants to crown a welterweight champion by the end of the year. As for Riggs, his future options also appear scant ... unless, of course, a rematch with Nick Diaz interests both parties. Hmmm ....

MMA Quick Quote: Nick Diaz baited a 'burnt out' Scott Smith

Brian Oswald — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 09:15:52 -0000

"The fight unfolded like I wanted it to. It went to a third round, which is exactly what I saw in my head. I knew it would go at least halfway past the second round. I figured he was going to stand there and try not to use a lot of energy. I figured he was going to try and catch me with something good. He tried to be slow so I put my hands down, to give him opportunities, so he would come at me. I baited him and forced him to put forth some effort. I needed him to tire out, he is tough. I kept punching him and pushing him. Once he burnt out, the fight was mine."

Top Strikeforce draw Nick Diaz discusses his three round war with Scott Smith at Strikeforce: 'Lawler vs. Shields' on June 6. The wily Diaz obliterated Smith in the stand up and submitted him via Brabo choke in the third round. One has to wonder if a rematch with Robbie Lawler is in the near future considering the history between these two scrappers. Diaz won their first contest by KO and despite a loss to Jake Shields last night, Lawler would be the perfect opponent for the California bad-boy. The question here is whether or not a potential win over Lawler will put him at the top of the food chain.? He will never fight teammate Jaske Shields, so who else is there? Sound off, Maniacs.

Lyoto Machida vs Mauricio Rua confirmed for UFC 104 on October 24

Brian Oswald — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:31:02 -0000

It's time for some Brazilian-on-Brazilian crime.

MMAmania.com has learned that bout agreements have been signed for the light heavyweight title fight between newly-minted champion Lyoto Machida (15-0) and 2005 Pride FC Middleweight Grand Prix winner Mauricio Rua (18-3) for UFC 104 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on October 24.

"Shogun" is coming off a first round technical knockout of former 205-pound champion, Chuck Liddell, at UFC 97: "Redemption" last month. He defeated Mark Coleman via third round technical knockout in a lackluster performance earlier this year at UFC 93: "Franklin vs. Henderson" to earn a crack at the "Iceman."

It’s perhaps not the match up that most fans expected, especially when UFC President Dana White was quick to announce that Quinton "Rampage" Jackson would be the first to challenge Machida for his newly-won world title. But that all went out the window a few days later when Jackson apparently pressed UFC officials to settle a score with Rashad Evans via The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 first rather than compete to get his belt back.

That left "The Dragon" — who flattened Evans at UFC 98 to win the belt — all of a sudden without a number one contender … until now.

Despite his recent success, some UFC fans still aren't sold on the abilities of Rua, who must now muster up some of the mojo he had during his blistering run in PRIDE to try and overcome an opponent who went from tentative to homicidal in the span of three figthts.

Machida will also try to stop the revolving door that has continued to spin atop the division afterChuckLiddell coughed up the 205-pound belt just over two years ago. In fact since May of 2007, the light heavyweight title has changed hands a total of four times.

No question Rua will be looking to make it five.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more details on UFC 104 as they develop.

UFC vs The World: M-1 CEO invites UFCs Dana White and Co. to a rumble

Brian Oswald — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:49:35 -0000

At yesterday’s Affliction press conference, M-1 CEO Joost Raimond, in an effort to stir the MMA pot, reminded fans — as well as the UFC — that M-1 is willing to work with any organization to determine who the real champions are in each division.

He called out the UFC for choosing to keep its fighters amongst themselves, saying "We would like our best fighters from Affliction, from M-1 and from our partner organizations (Strikeforce) to come out against the best in the world, and if the UFC thinks they have them, bring them on."

Raimond went on to point out how heavyweight deity, Fedor Emelianenko, has beaten every former UFC champion he has faced. "We would like to invite the UFC, Dana White, Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir to our event to come watch a real champion fight," he said.

Later in the press conference, Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio added that, while not a priority now, it is certainly a goal to have the best fighters fight each other. "If the UFC is willing to let their top fighters in Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir fight Fedor, as a fan, I want to see it. And I am certainly not going to get in the way of that."

But Atencio admitted the likelihood of a cross-promotional event was not promising.

"It is not something I see the UFC being willing to do though," he said. "M-1 has sat down with them, we’ve sat down with them, and I just don’t think they are willing. Whether that is out of fear, I don’t know. Bottom line is I am open to it because I am a fan of MMA, first and foremost."

Josh Barnett added to the conversation when he said that he would be willing to face Mir, and Fedor could have Lesnar, or vice versa, it doesn’t matter. "When it comes down to it, only we can do what we do," he said.

While fans can salivate over the possibilities of a heavenly mini-tournament between the best fighters in the world -- regardless of affiliation -- it is unlikely the UFC would agree to put on a cross-promotional event.

As White said as recently as last week, "I would never cross-promote." But we can still dream, can't we?

MMA Quick Quotes: Youth vs Experience to co headline Affliction 'Trilogy' on Aug. 1

Brian Oswald — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:06:56 -0000

"I just had a baby two weeks ago so I was unable to fight on the Strikeforce show. My family is very important to me and Strikeforce was great with that. I’d like to apologize to Rafael 'Feijao' for not being able to fight him. I would love to fight him in the future and I will be back to defend my light heavyweight title … Now all my focus is on Gegard Mousasi. I have seen his last few fights; he is a huge challenge for me. I look forward to stepping in there against a former Dream Middleweight Champion. This fight will be champion vs. champion...Mousasi is coming up from 185 but size will not offer any advantages to me. Mousasi just beat a huge man in Mark Hunt. We both have great styles so this fight will come down to youth vs. experience. Mousasi is a young hungry fighter. He wants it. We will see which mindset wins out."

-- Renato "Babalu" Sobral

"Sobral is so tough. When he comes he comes to fight. He has a good wrestling and jiu-jitsu background. He is near the top 10 of fighters in the division so it will be a good test for me. I don’t pick my opponents and I was very happy with this choice. With Sobral, I will try to fight stand up game. If it goes to the ground I will take top position and work him over with my ground and pound. Sobral will have to watch out for my elbows; I want to use them in this fight. If I end up on my back, I can defend myself and eventually we will stand back up again. This fight will be and all out war; and exciting fight…If it were for the WAMMA light heavyweight title that would be great … After Sobral, I will fight Sokoudjou in the Dream open weight tournament. I am young and have not had injuries. So I enjoy this schedule. If I feel good I want to fight a lot. It is my profession."

-- Gegard Mousasi

-- Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Gegard Mousasi talk up their looming 205-pound showdown in the co main event at Affliction: "Trilogy" on Aug. 1 during a recent press conference. It could be a show stealer -- Sobral certainly has the experience and complete mixed martial arts arsenal to fend off the young phenom in Mousasi, but will he be able to put it all together on fight night? Sobral is currently riding a five-fight win streak, submitting Rameau Sokoudjou midway through the second round in his last appearance for the promotion at "Day of Reckoning." As for Mousasi, the 24-year-old phenom is enjoying a 12-fight win streak. His most recent win came against the "Hulkish" Mark Hunt in the DREAM 9 open weight tournament. Will he be able to defy the odds against a cagey veteran like his Brazilian counterpart or will his blistering pace finally be stopped? You tell us.

Great expectations: Affliction press conference for 'Trilogy' highlights Fedor Emelianenko vs Josh Barnett

Brian Oswald — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:40:22 -0000

Earlier this afternoon, the t-shirt company turned MMA promoter, Affliction, kicked off its whirlwind media tour for Affliction: "Trilogy" from the Trump Towers in New York, New York.

It’s an appropriate name for the promotion’s third, and according to Vice President Tom Atencio, not final show. All the suits and t-shirts were in attendance for the formal announcement, from Atencio to Donald Trump to HDNet President Mark Cuban.

Naturally, several of the fighters slated to compete on the card, which is booked for the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 1, were also in the building. Main event participants Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko and Josh "The Babyfaced Assassin" Barnett, were situated near the podium. And Gegard Mousasi and Renato "Babalu" Sobral -- the two men who will compete in the co-main event -- were located nearby.

Overall, the event was standard fare with the photo-op providing one of the lighter moments of the afternoon. As Emelianenko and Barnett worked their poses for the camera crew, Barnett, in response to someone in the crowd, yelled, "No I am not going to kiss him (Fedor)." The Russian smiled in response as the two friends continued their less than menacing-looking stare down.

While both fighters hammed it up a little for the camera, they both spoke of the seriousness of the match. Barnett was the first to add this commentary to the historic fight:

"This is a fight that a lot of people have been expecting for a long time, the press and fans alike … fighters as well. Make no bones about it, just because we are friends doesn’t mean we aren’t taking this fight seriously. This will be a serious endeavor. Because of the nature of this bout, the mutual respect we have for each other and our status as professional fighters, this fight needs to live up to a greater expectation than any other heavyweight bout that I can think of in MMA history. "

Fedor followed, but was (typically) much briefer in his eloquence:

"I would like to thank Josh -- he is a friend … a true friend. I am very happy we will be able to meet in the ring and give everyone a wonderful show."

The questions that will now be asked by fans and pundits alike: Can the less popular American in Barnett actually mount a serious offensive to thwart the seemingly unstoppable Russian "Cyborg"? Will Affliction be able to survive past a third fight card? And if so, who can they feed to Fedor next if he can topple Barnett?

The MMA world waits for answers that will only be revealed little less than two months from today.

Thanks to Sports Action Network for the great photographs of the Affliction: "Trilogy" press conference.