SB Nation User Blog: MMASuPreMaCy

Dana Confirms EA Fighter Threats and His Dislike For Japanese Promoters?

MMASuPreMaCy — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:25:38 -0000

Versus has the scoop:

On Mirko Cro Cop's potential return to the UFC:

"I hope so. Like I said at that last press conference in Germany, he and I had a deal, and I think he's going to honor the deal. ... I have said this many times and I'll say it again: there's some crooked sh*t that goes on over in Japan. They're all crooked. There's some sneaky sh*t going on over there, and that's always a big problem, you know. These guys who are in the fight business over there, for my Mexican friends, 'No bueno. No bueno.'"

Funny that he mentions this, and then turns around and says "No bueno" to his Mexican friends. I am sure that there is no corruption for him to look forward to in Mexico. Also, LOL at the "sneaky" Japanese remark from CP on this quote. Maybe his mindset is still stuck in WWII. Cage Potato has more on this story.

On the rumor that UFC fighters past, present or future are being prohibited by the organization from signing with the new EA Sports MMA video game:

"That sounds like me. That sounds like something I would say."

On whether the UFC will return to Japan in the near future:

"They're going to kill me if I ever go to Japan. Why are you trying to get me over there? (Laughs) They hate me over there."

Reporter: "They're waiting for you."

White: "They're waiting for me. Yeah, they sure are."

Shine Fights Signs Deal With HDNet To Televise "ATT vs The World"

MMASuPreMaCy — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:34:32 -0000

On the rise promotion Shine Fight Promotions, an excellent run and budding promotion, has postponed their July 25th event due to some good news. It seems that Shine Fights, which is deeptly tied with ATT, has signed a TV deal with HDNet to televise their events, starting with "ATT vs The World ", now scheduled to take place in September. Due to televising and editing delays, their next event was iniitally set to early August, but HDNet will be covering and televising Affliction during that time, so Shine Fights ultimately ended up postponing their encore event until September.

Tatame has the scoop:

Initially set to take place at Miami in July 25th, Shine Fights 2 – ATT vs. The World was postponed to September 4th, because of a good reason. "They signed with two TV channels, one of those is HDNet, and had to postpone because of the time to produce the show, and they also didn’t wanted to happen near to Affliction", revealed the manager Alex Davis to TATAME.com. According to Alex, the card will be the same, with Roan Carneiro vs. Jorge Patino "Macaco" in the main event.

The current card for Shine Fifgts 2 - ATT vs. The World after the jump.

COMPLETE CARD (subject changing):

Shine MMA 2

Miami, United States

Friday, September 4 of 2009

- Roan "Jucão" Carneiro vs. Jorge Patino "Macaco"

- Ryan Healy vs. Luiz "Buscapé" Firmino

- Jean Silva vs. Flavio Álvaro

- Milton Viera vs. Carlo Prater

- Kyle Watson vs. Junior Assunção

- Micah Miller vs. Anthony Morrison

- Vanessa Porto vs. Ingene Gomes

- Fabiano Capoani vs. Dave Branch

- Kami Barzini vs. TBA

GoDaddy Embarks Into MMA By Sponsoring Affliction Trilogy and The "Fight Of The Century"

MMASuPreMaCy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:49:08 -0000

Zak Woods over at Watch Kalib Run pointed out this interesting press release. The Business Journal has the scoop as well:

GoDaddy.com is flexing its marketing muscle as the marquee sponsor for a mixed martial arts title match next month in Anaheim, Calif.

The Scottsdale-based domain name registrar, known for its racy and provocative ads featuring the trademark GoDaddy girls, has never inked such a deal. The MMA sponsorship will include GoDaddy Ring Girls, logo placement in the center of the ring and on the poles, presentation of the "Tale of the Tape" and other in-match promos.

"The sport is exploding in terms of its growth. Its fans are fiercely loyal, the competition is exciting and the audience is Internet-savvy," GoDaddy founder and CEO Bob Parsons said in a prepared statement. "This sport has a loud attitude. It’s right up our alley."

The Internet giant, known for pulling publicity stunts, has sponsored athletes or events in other sports, including IndyCar, Nascar, PokerStars and the LPGA.

The Aug. 1 event, dubbed "GoDaddy.com presents Affliction M-1 Global’s Trilogy," will showcase Fedor Emelianenko, one of the toughest heavyweight fighters in the world, and Josh Barnett. It is being produced in association with Donald Trump and former boxing champ and gold medalist Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions Inc. The fight will be broadcast on HDNet and Showtime Pay-Per-View.

Interesting to point out that in a time when sponsorship value and opportunities have really decreased due to the recession, which have caused marketing and sales departments all over the world to slice their budgets, MMA seems to still be a venture of choice for sponsors. GoDaddy, which gained most of its notoriety due its presense in the mecca of all advertising in North America ( Superbowl commercials), became the latest to venture into MMA. GoDaddy is definitely investing a nice chunk of change in Affliction, and due to their edgy and out there approach to advertising and marketing, it is amazing that they haven't been involved much with MMA, up until now that is.

It is also intriguing that in the loom of possibly one of the biggest summers of MMA's history in North America and possibly MMA worldwide, we are deeply focused on sponsorship controversies in the UFC and new sponsorship opportunities for MMA. MMA may be the only sport that I can think of where the fans root for the CEO's and COO's of companies just as much as their favorite fighters. All this means is that big money is now in play for MMA.

The press releases after the jump...

Here is a portion of the official release from GoDaddy:

GO DADDY COMES OUT SWINGING WITH MIXED MARTIAL ARTS SPONSORSHIP TITLE

Go Daddy is Presenting Sponsor for Upcoming "Fight of the Century"

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (July 7, 2009) – GoDaddy.com is embarking on a whole new sponsorship endeavor and this one involves Go Daddy Ring Girls. The world-leading domain name registrar and Web hosting company has signed on as a marquee sponsor for one of the world’s fastest growing sports, mixed martial arts, also known as MMA.

"GoDaddy.com presents Affliction M-1 Global’s Trilogy" is a showcase of some of the sport’s premier fighters to take place August 1st in Anaheim, California. Go Daddy’s foray into MMA features a heavyweight title bout between Fedor Emelianenko, who is believed to be the best heavyweight fighter in the world, and Josh Barnett.

Go Daddy’s MMA deal takes the company into uncharted territory, as far as sponsorships. The Internet giant, known for putting millions of people online with domain names and Web sites, has sponsored athletes or events in other sports such as IndyCar, NASCAR, PokerStars and LPGA, but never MMA.

Here is a portion of the official release from Affliction Entertainment:

SEAL BEACH, Calif., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Affliction Entertainment Group, LLC, a division of Affliction Clothing, the premier label that embodies our generation's fast and loud attitude and lifestyle through contemporary fashion has announced GoDaddy.com, the world-leading domain name registrar and Web hosting company, will be the title sponsor of Affliction M-1 Global's "Trilogy," slated for August 1st, at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Included in the sponsorship are Go Daddy Ring Girls, logo placement in the center of the ring, presentation of the "Tale of the Tape" and the GoDaddy.com Fight Plan. Go Daddy branding will also be on poles within the ring and announcers will mention Go Daddy throughout the broadcast.

"We are very excited to have Go Daddy on board as our marquee sponsor," said Tom Atencio, Vice President of Affliction Entertainment. "Go Daddy and its founder, Bob Parsons, are forward-thinking visionaries who sponsor some of the most exciting sporting events. This recognition of MMA, the fastest growing sport in America, and of our amazing fight card on August 1st is a milestone."

Shields and Rogers Moved To October Event (CBS?). Vitor In Talks With Strikeforce?

MMASuPreMaCy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:05:59 -0000

The Vancouver Sun reports:

Former Rumble on the Rock, EliteXC and Shooto world champion mixed martial artist Jake Shields will not fight Olympic wrestling silver medallist Matt Lindland at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg on Aug. 15, says a source close to the fighter.

Despite the card featuring four title fights, including a superfight women's showdown between the #1 and #2 fighters in the world, Gina Carano and Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos, Shields will likely wait until October for his next fight, looking for a spot on a less crowded card.

Shields, 30, was in talks to face Lindland or Brazilian former UFC champ Vitor Belfort, but Showtime TV executives wanted to give him more prominent billing.

Very interesting to point out here that if the Lindland fight fell through, Vitor Belfort was in negotiations to fight Shields. Could Vitor land on Strikeforce next?

Another participant that has also recently announced his desire to fight on the October card is Brett Rogers.

Reilly added that he was always planning on having Rogers fight again in October, and that he would like to have him compete two more times this year.

Yes, I have another interesting quote from another less reliable source, but still, very intriguing.

"I'm in negotiations right now with Strikeforce and working with CBS and Showtime, so all three of us are going back and forth to make a contract that makes sense to me," he told MMAWeekly.com recently.

"Hopefully by October I'll be competing. We're finishing the contract I'd say with CBS, Showtime, and Strikeforce and making a deal that UFC can't match."

Rumored Card after the jump...

Rumored Strikeforce October Event:

Babalu vs TBA (Tito Ortiz for LHW Title)

Jake Shields vs TBA (MW Title, MW Interim Title, or if leaving SF, Superfight)

Brett Rogers vs TBA

Frank Shamrock vs TBA

There is a potential here to also put place Matt Lindland, Vitor Belfort, and/or a Robbie Lawler vs Joey Villasenor 2 bout on this card.

Update From Josh Gross On EA Sports MMA Plus Reactions After Zuffa Warns Fighters

MMASuPreMaCy — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:08:02 -0000

After it was reported in the UG, (and later on other websites, including BE) Zuffa issued a life time ban warning to any Non-UFC(Zuffa) fighters looking to be a part of the upcoming EA Sports MMA video game. Here is the original warning message posted on the UG:

I hear that all mma managers were informed that if any of their clients not currently under contract with the UFC..... sign to be a part of the EA game.......the will forever be banned for fighting in the UFC.

Interestingly enough, the gaming world has taken notice to what is going on between EA Sports and Zuffa (THQ). Between MMAScraps, Sherdog, GameSpot, MMAPayout, and other media outlets, many fans and writers are expressing their opinions on Zuffa's hard nosed and strong arm tactics, something EA has been accusued of doing in the video game world, although applying it to the product, or in this case the fighters via a life ban could cause those that are morally inclined to cringe.

What I can tell you is that the fighters themselves have so far seemed to dismiss Zuffa's warning. As a matter of fact, it appears that EA Sports had already contacted most and signed them months before the warning was issued. So far the following names have been rumored to be signed with EA Sports MMA:

Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Randy Couture, Frank Shamrock, Tim Sylvia, Frank Trigg, Gina Carano, Cyborg Santos, and EA Sports is currently associated with Strikeforce and Showtime, which means Affliction fighters could be on board as well. You can now also add Josh Barnett to the list of rumored fighters to appear on the EA Sports MMA game. From his twitter:

Up stoopid early but for a good reason anyway. I can't really say but it involves video game awesomness, I just have to go to LA to do it.

Nick Thompson also informed me that EA was very clear to all the fighters that they approached that all their information was meant to be confidential. It does appear that they have reached a good amount of fighters already. That could explain this quote in the Peter Moore GamaSutra article:

Although no official announcements of fighters for EA Sports MMA have been made, several leaks have indicated that top fighters not locked into the UFC are indeed stepping up and signing for Electronic Arts' title, which is due out in 2010 and developed by EA Tiburon.

Just like the UFC banned the IFL and any fighter that has signed with them, this threat is just to scare a few fighters away. At the end of the day, as we have learned in the Cro Cop situation, the UFC and the fighters will do what is best for them, and if Josh Barnett signs with EA, and beats Fedor, there is no possible way that Zuffa would not be interested in signing Barnett back into the UFC for a for sure title shot.

Update from Josh Gross over at SI:

The EA Sports skirmish

Causing a stir over the weekend were rumors — now confirmed by SI.com — of the UFC’s attempt to make it difficult, if not impossible, for fighters to sign a licensing agreement that would put their likeness in the recently announced “EA Sports MMA” title, which is set for release next year.

Beginning the week before July 4, UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, at the behest of Dana White, called managers with this message: If you’ve been in the UFC and think maybe you want to come back someday, or you haven’t had the pleasure and plan on fighting in the Octagon, you better not sign that EA licensing agreement.

White is said to be adamant that aligning with EA is no different than declaring war on the UFC and its wildly successful THQ-produced UFC 2009 Undisputed, which sold more than a million copies in its first month. Fighters, from world-class to journeyman, were told the prudent choice was to decline money offers from EA — deals with fighters on the level of Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Nick Diaz, Mo Lawal and Jake Shields, range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a one-game, two-year nonexclusive deal, according to multiple sources.

In Miller's case, potential consequences weren't enough to prevent him from aligning with EA, the middleweight told SI.com. However other fighters, such as Nathan Diaz -- who avoided signing UFC's exclusive licensing game agreement with THQ, which provides most fighters with zero compensation and was at the center of the controversy that saw Jon Fitch banished from the UFC for 24 hours -- decided against participating in the EA sports title, according to his management.

Interestingt to point out that we can add fighters such as Mayhem Miller, Nick Diaz, Randy Couture, Jake Shields and Mo Lowal to the list of fighters appearing in the game. Randy Couture will be the only fighter from the UFC to appear on EA Sports MMA, and will actually be on the cover.

After the jump is a round up of the content and heated debates the warning issued by Zuffa has spawned:

MMAPayout:

http://mmapayout.com/2009/07/robinson-the-ufc-walking-a-fine-line-between-business-and-sport/

It would seem that Zuffa, owner of the UFC, is in the middle of operation clampdown. I’m referring to the banning of numerous apparel companies (or charging them a fee of $100,000) and now the alleged threat regarding the Electronic Arts (EA) MMA game.

In most cases I’m a supporter of the UFC when it comes to business decisions. Even if I think they are harsh or delivered in a not so couth manner, they still seem to work and whether we like it or not, the running of a promotion is a business. It doesn’t take a genius to see that the UFC has done a great deal for the sport and continues to do so.

Every now and then however, an issue arises that I just can’t comprehend. The threat of banning fighters from the UFC for life if they sign on with EA’s MMA game (a game that would compete against THQ’s UFC Undisputed), even if they don’t currently fight for the promotion, is simply outrageous and bordering on tyrannical. This is why I’m not completely convinced that we’ve heard both sides of the story, but just in case we have, here are my thoughts on how such a ban could actually damage the integrity of the sport, that is as long as the UFC continues with one of its other policies.

http://mmapayout.com/2009/07/ufc-allegedly-threatening-particpants-in-ea-mma-game/

The move is one that shifts the general opinion of the UFC from that of "That is a gangster move" (in a fawning "I Love Dana White’s Ruthlessness" mindset that some adhere to) to a "That is a gangster move, hmmm…let me refresh myself on what those RICO statutes cover" mindset. But I digress….

While this move is seemingly par for the Zuffa course, it isn’t exactly fresh material. The same threats were made when the IFL were enlisting fighters for their inaugural season. If fighter that appeared in the EA MMA game becomes available , White (much like Jon Fitch during the THQ debacle) will likely lack the courage of of his convictions and follow the money in making his decision to sign a fighter or not. In the meantime it adds to a general pall of animus and retribution in the air towards and coming from the UFC brass.

GameSpot:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/blogs/rumor-control/909119209/26943052/ufc-threatens-to-ban-ea-mma-fighters.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;1

The officia l story: Neither the UFC nor Ken Pavia's agency had responded to GameSpot's request for comment as of press time. EA declined to comment on the matter.

Bogus or not bogus?: Given the UFC's strong-arm business tactics in the past, this report seems entirely plausible. However, without firm confirmation from one of the parties involved one way or the other, it's impossible to say for certain.

Sherdog:

http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/throwing-down-the-gauntlet-and-the-joystick-18346

This fits in with the company’s modus operandi. It is a "you are either with us or against us" mentality that dominates nearly every relationship the company enters into. Fighters, management, sponsors and media who don’t toe the line have all felt the wrath of the overbearing giant at one time or another.

The corporate culture behind UFC is no different than what is practiced by many Fortune 500 companies. It is a maximization of profit at any cost and is seen as a positive by many in our society.

Why are people surprised at any of the actions of a company that is just one of many adhering to the "greed is good" mantra in a country that has seen business ownership -- individuals or shareholders -- take more and more of the profit while workers incomes, in inflation-adjusted dollars, have decreased.

Like a company that pollutes because the fines cost less than the savings polluting brings them, Zuffa leaves ethics out of the equation in favor of what will bring the greatest return on their investment.

Until this is looked at as unacceptable and hits them in the one place that they understand -- their wallet -- expect more of the same from them.

The Vancouver Sun:

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/reportedly+charging+companies+right+sponsor+fighters/1749841/story.html

According to the site, which claims to have confirmed the information with several fighter managers, all of whom wish to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, many clothing companies have been contacted by the UFC to inform them of the situation, and several others, such as Dethrone, Rolling Stone, and One More Round, have been shown the door.

This is the latest of a rash of recent business decisions by the UFC aimed at locking down the sport to their financial advantage. The most recent controversy came to light when managers were reportedly warned that if their fighters appeared in EA Sports' upcoming MMA video game, they would never fight in the UFC again. The UFC and game developer THQ recently released UFC: Undisputed for the PS3 and Xbox, which has since gone platinum.

MMA Scraps:

http://www.mmascraps.net/2009/06/fighters-to-forever-be-banned-from-ufc.html

In any case, if 100% true, this just plain blows. So let me get this straight, if I am an up and coming fighter fighting for an MMA organization not named UFC. I have to turn down money that I could feed my family with, just for the very slim chance that one day the UFC may sign me to a contract.

Listen this could all be smoke and mirrors or it could be misinterpreted, but we can still discuss. What happens to current UFC fighters that still own their image rights like Randy Couture and Lyoto Machida? This is just mind blowing to me if true.>

The UG:

Where the news first hit the internet boards, heated debates have broken out between fighters + MMA fans + business owners and MMA associates against Zuffa paid posters and supporters.

http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/?go=forum_framed.frame&forum=1&thread=1482515&page=1&pc=3

lol, at "confirming".... is this like when he posted about speaking with his buddies at HBO and saying they had no interest in a Golden Boy Affliction pairing..... a couple of hours after ESPN posted a boxing article saying the exact same thing ... he tried to play it off like he was actually breaking that story...

btw, he's also the guy getting owned by Bo in this thread

Wharton > his University of Phoenix clownshoe ass

Even fighter/lawyer Nick Thompson joined in on the fun:

You are assuming that the employment supply and demand market is a perfect and free market. You are wrong. There isn't perfect information. Further, it is not a free market as the demand side is a monopoly (or at least an oligopoly) and the employees' are not unionized.

Conclusion: You should read some Nash and keep it with your copy of "Wealth of Nations."

Strikeforce Press Conf at MSG: Strikeforce announced Wednesday that they will be holding a press...

MMASuPreMaCy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:52:01 -0000

Strikeforce Press Conf at MSG: Strikeforce announced Wednesday that they will be holding a press conference at the WaMu Theatre inside New York City's Madison Square Garden on July 14 to hype the August 15 fight between Gina Carano and Cristiane Santos. The event is also open to the public.

Call me crazy, but I think that this is a historic moment for Strikeforce, mixed martial arts and, more specifically, women's MMA.

Think about it: did you ever think that a promotion not named the UFC would hold a press conference at MSG with the main participants being two female fighters? I sure didn't.

Strikeforce to Hold Press Conference at MSG For Gina Versus Cyborg

Javier Vazquez vs. LC Davis and Mark Hominick vs. Deividas Taurosevicius Added to Affliction: Trilogy

MMASuPreMaCy — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:38:03 -0000

According to MMAJunkie and Sherdog radio, two great FW bouts have been added to the Afflliction: Trilogy card - Javier Vazquez (13-2) vs. L.C. Davis (13-2) and Mark Hominick (16-8) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (10-3).

I believe Atencio and Affliction was working on putting Din Thomas on this card. An instant re-do match between Vazquez and Thomas would have been great to see, considering the war of words they have been involved in after the Ultimate Chaos weigh-in fiasco. We still are not sure if Din Thomas will appear on this card or if the damage from trying to cut so much weight was too severe for him to compete so soon.

L.C. Davis is coming off of a shocking defeat against Michihiro Omigawa in the Sengoku FW tournament. His loss, which at the time was considered a fluke, is now seen as the consequence of an emphatic resurgence of the Japanese veteran in the FW class. He followed his shocking win by dominating Nam Pham in the second round, and will compete in the Sengoku FW semi-finals soon.

MMAjunkie reported on the addition of the Hominick vs Taurosevicius bout.

Hominick, an Xtreme Couture fighter, makes his second appearance for Affliction. He hasn't fought since the organization's first show, "Banned," when he defeated Savant Young with a second-round submission in July 2008. It was Hominick's third win in four fights, which included a couple of wins in the TKO organization in his home country of Canada.

Taurosevicius, meanwhile, makes his Affliction debut after also taking more than a year off from competition. The Lithuanian hasn't fought since a May 2008 decision loss to Ryan Schultz in the now-defunct IFL organization. The loss snapped his six-fight win streak, which included wins over notables such as Dan Lauzon, Zac George, Savant Young and Bart Palaszewski.

Here is the latest rumored card for Affliction Trilogy:

MAIN PPV CARD:
Champ Fedor Emelianenko vs. Josh Barnett (for WAMMA heavyweight title)
Gegard Mousasi vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral
Vitor Belfort vs. Jorge Santiago
Paul Buentello vs. Gilbert Yvel
TBA

PRELIMINARY HDNET CARD:
Paul Daley vs. Jay Hieron
Chris Horodecki vs. Dan Lauzon
Ben Rothwell vs. Chase Gormley
Mark Hominick vs. Deividas Taurosevicius
L.C. Davis vs. Javier Vazquez
Akbarh Arreola vs. TBA

NOT TELEVISED:
Lucio Linhares vs. Mikhail Zayats
Rob Broughton vs. Jessie Gibbs

Fans can also now signup for the Street Team to get posters and flyers for the August event, just like they did for their first two events.

Update On Gomi Coming to America, Should Be Fighting In August or September

MMASuPreMaCy — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:35:37 -0000

It looks like Gomi could be coming to America to join a promotion by August of this year. Talks seem to be real close to finalizing a deal with either Strikeforce and/or Affliction.

From NightmareOfBattle:

From Gomi’s latest interview in MMA magazine Kamipro it seems that he is currently in negotiations with Strikeforce, Affliction, and UFC. However, since he showed intentions to participate at Vale Tudo Japan 2009 in November, it looks like an exclusive contract with UFC won’t work.

Strikeforce have presented Gomi the right to challenge the winner of Thomson vs. Melendez, but negotiations are quite rough going.

The reason that the negotiations with Strikeforce and Affliction are quite rough going right now is because of the fight money. It seems like there is a gap between the money that Gomi’s side wants and what the organizations are offering.

Dana White and Gomi’s side were having developments the year before last also, but they couldn’t get to an agreement because of money either.

It seems that Strikeforce’s offer with a win bonus, a title challenge, Showtime (tv, sponsors, etc.) is the best. However, because of the base pay they haven’t come to an agreement yet. If Gomi signs with Strikeforce, he will probably have his first fight on their August 15th or September events.

We also recently heard some optimism from Atencio that Gomi would participate in Affliction Trilogy, via MMAWeekly:

MMAWeekly: Any word about Gomi? Any progress with him coming to Affliction?

Atencio: Yeah, we’re still working on it, we’re finalizing everything, but it looks like it’s gonna go through. I’m not 100-percent yet, but we’re still working on it for sure.

I reported in my fighter update fanpost last week that Affliction and/or Strikeforce made the most sense for Gomi since he wants to compete in the Vale Tudo Japan event this year.

Enjoy!

Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg Updates and Rumors (Roger, Diaz, Shields, Toughill + Ralek and Tito)

MMASuPreMaCy — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:37:43 -0000

If you thought the Shields vs. Lawler card was stacked for a Strikeforce card, their August follow-up at the HP Pavilion in San Jose may change your mind. It is being reported that Strikeforce is working on setting up Diaz vs. Riggs at 170 and also giving ADCC grappling extraordinaire, Roger Gracie, his debut bout with the organization. It is also reported that Ralek Gracie, who last competed in DREAM a year ago will also be joining Strikeforce. If this is true, it will appear that Strikeforce has the full support of the Cesar Gracie camp, as well as the other Gracie prospects coming up in MMA. Gracie Magazine reports:

Not having stepped in the ring since last May, when he submitted Yuki Kondo at Sengoku and brought his record to two wins in two appearances, in MMA, Roger Gracie will be one of the attractions August 15 at Strikeforce. The bout should be officially announced by the organizers next week. For the time being no opponent has been named for the black belt's debut on American soil.

Rumored August 15 Strikeforce Card:

STRIKEFORCE: AUGUST 15, 2009 ON SHOWTIME
venue: HP Pavilion in San Jose, California

Showtime Card:
-Gina Carano (7-0) vs. Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (7-1)
-Josh Thomson (16-2) vs. Gilbert Melendez (15-2)
-Alistair Overeem (29-11) vs. Brett Rogers (11-0)
-Roger Gracie (2-0) vs. TBA

Rumored Bouts:
-Nick Diaz (20-7) vs. Joe Riggs (30-10)
-Jake Shields (23-4-1) vs. Matt Lindland (21-6)

Undercard:
-Erin Toughill (10-2-1) vs. TBA
-Billy Evangelista (9-1) vs. TBA
-Poppies Martinez (16-5) vs. TBA

Rumored Participant:
-Fabricio Werdum (11-4-1) vs. TBA (possibly Tim Sylvia?)

Nick Diaz vs. Joe Riggs, Jake Shields vs. Matt Lindland, Roger Gracie, and Fabricio Werdum are fighters that are currently rumored for this already stacked event.

More after the jump...

Roger Gracie is just coming off winning the 2009 World BJJ Championships, beating all of his 9 opponents by choke from the mount. Previous to this year's success, he had also won the BJJ world Championship the Mundials a record 8 times including 6 time in this weight class and twice at open weight. He is a great HW prospect, already 2-0 in MMA beating Ron Waterman and Yuki Kondo, both by submissions.

Ralek Gracie is 2-0 in MMA, after defeating both of his opponents by armbar, and is only 23 years old, which would be a great addition to their LHW class. He is the son of Rorion Gracie, who is one of the founders of the UFC, back in 1992. You would wonder what it would do to Strikeforce and the Gracie name if they can all grow with each other and become champions in one promotion.

Having Roger Gracie, Ralek Gracie, Jake shields, Nick Diaz, and Gilbert Melendez compete for belts in one promotion would be an incredible feat and resurrection for the Gracie name. It would also help the California based promotion grow with names that are synonymous with BJJ and MMA.

Also scheduled for the August Strikeforce event is Erin Toughill (10-2-1), who will most likely become the #1 challenger at the 145 lbs weight class with a win at the event. She would challenge the champion at that weight class, which will be crowed on the same day when Gina Carano takes on Cyborg Santos to crown the first ever women's title for the promotions. MMAJunkie reports:

"Erin brings a great deal of experience to the cage, and she's very strong," Afromowitz said. "She's been in the game for a while, and she's certainly earned the right to be recognized as one of the best fighters in the women's featherweight division.

"Erin is definitely a great addition to our organization, and we're excited to bring her into Strikeforce on the same night we award our first-ever women's title to either Gina Carano or Cristiane 'Cyborg' Santos."

Tito Ortiz Signing With Strikeforce (4 Fight Deal) For October Showdown With Babalu?

Tonight at UCFC (ultimate cage fighting championship) in pittsburgh.

he made a guest appearance in the ring, and spoke to the crowd for a few minutes.

- said he will fight again in october

- has a 4 fight deal with strikeforce

- is gonna fight babalu, and actually referred to him as "baba who?"

- said he wants to fight fedor, and if he will meet him at a 210lb catch weight, he will, and i quote, "put a crushin on that russian."

DREAM.11 Update: Andrews Nakahara vs Zelg Galesic Added

MMASuPreMaCy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:07:54 -0000

In a recent interview with Andrews Nakahara, he stated that he is scheduled to take on Zelg Galesic at DREAM.11. Also rumored for this card is Mirko Cro Cop, since he is scheduled to miss his participation in DREAM.10 due to illness, and Ninja Rua, who is coming off a loss to Riki Fukada at DREAM.8.

This was also the event were Alvarez versus JZ were supposed to square off, but that rumor was later dismissed by Monte Cox, Eddie's manager, due to Bellator Champion commitments. MMAConvert has some interesting points to make about Eddie Alvarez and his newly exclusive agreement with Bellator.

What’s unclear at this point though is if and whom the champions will be fighting during season two. Would they defend their belts against fighters who lost in season one? For example, could there be a Eddie Alvarez vs Jorge Masvidal lightweight title fight? Would they fight in non-title bouts? Or just sit out the season entirely? If it’s the latter, Rebney says Bellator is open to allowing their champions to take fights outside the organization, however, just yesterday, it was reported that Eddie Alvarez was offered a fight against JZ Cavalcante at DREAM.11 in September, but was forced to turn it down because Bellator wouldn’t let him take it. Season two isn’t supposed to start until this fall, so if Eddie isn’t obligated to fight for Bellator until months after season two concludes, timing really shouldn’t be an issue. Who knows, maybe Bellator will only let their champs take fights they’re confident they won’t lose.

Of course, previously this year Eddie Alvarez made the statements that he was going to fight in Strikeforce by the end of the year since they picked up his contract from Pro Elite. It will be interesting when Monte Cox decides to honor the 1 more fight he has with DREAM and the rest of his contract with Strikeforce, when they claim that Eddie is now exclusive to Bellator after becoming their champ. Even without the Alvarez vs JZ fight, DREAM.11 is shaping up to be another solid event by DREAM.

DREAM 11: SEPTEMBER ON HDNET

venue: TBA in Tokyo, Japan

Dream Featherweight Grand Prix Semi-Finals and Finals:

-Bibiano Fernandes (5-2)

-Joe Warren (2-0)

-Hiroyuki Takaya (11-6-1)

-Hideo Tokoro (22-16-1)

Dream Super Hulk Tournament Semi-Finals (Open Weight):

-Gegard Mousasi (23-2-1) vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (6-4)

-Ikuhisa Minowa (42-30-8) vs. Hong Man Choi (2-2)

Rumored DREAM MW Title Bout:

-Jacare vs Mayhem Miller

Non Tournament Bouts:

-Andrews Nakahara vs Zelg Galesic

Rumored:

-Mirko Cro Cop

-Murilo "Ninja" Rua