UFC 'Jones vs. Matyushenko' Prelims Preview

Check out any MMA forum or blog and the vibe is the same: The masses are going into withdrawal, and it’s starting to get ugly.

Thankfully after one week too many of no major league fights, Versus comes to the rescue of our sanity with UFC on Versus 2: Jones vs. Matyushenko. While the prelim bouts aren’t guaranteed any shine on the broadcast, I’ve been making an awful lot of pagan sacrifices lately, so the Gods should be pleased.

In anticipation of a prelim packed show, devour another top to bottom knowledge fest of awesomely awesome proportions.

Paul Kelly vs. Jacob Volkmann
Of all the fights on the prelims, the lightweight bout between Kelly and Volkmann is the most fascinating because both fighters play against each other’s weaknesses so well.



Watch Volkmann fight and it becomes obvious that he’s eminently hittable on the feet and makes some bizarre decisions on the mat despite being a solid wrestler. Kelly is certainly the better striker and has shown flashes of a strong grappling game, but he’s going to struggle against Volkmann’s wrestling. Basically, the fight comes down to whether Kelly can find a way to finagle his way into top control like he did repeatedly against Matt Veach.

For all of Volkmann’s hyped-up wrestling skill, he just doesn’t have the ironclad base to ride out top-control decisions. Kelly has the grappling savvy to avoid any submissions and work his way either into top control or back to the feet. In three UFC bouts Volkmann has yet to show discernible improvement on the feet and, despite having some pop in his fists, he makes for an easy mark because his stance is so open.

The only time Volkmann will be in control of this bout is when he’s on top, and his wrestling isn’t so great that he’ll win every takedown battle. He may win the bulk of them, but Kelly’s superior offense will make up for a few minutes’ worth of unappreciated guard work and the Brit will get the win.

By Sherdog.com

UFC 117 - Dos Santos, Nelson, Alves and Fitch Pre-fight Interviews

Alves Pre-fight Interview



Fitch Pre-fight Interview 

Nelson Pre-fight Interview

 

Dos Santos Pre-fight Interview 

 

Tito Ortiz vs. Matt Hamill Set For UFC 121 "Lesnar vs. Velasquez"


Tito Ortiz
According to a report confirmed by UFC president Dana White over at MMAFighting.com, Tito Ortiz's return fight has been scheduled.

In the ever-growing undercard of UFC 121 "Lesnar vs. Velasquez" on October 23, it will be Ortiz fighting his former Ultimate Fighter pupil Matt Hamill in a light heavyweight contest.

Ortiz (15-7-1) last fought in November of 2009, dropping a close decision to Forrest Griffin in a rematch of their April 2006 contest, which Ortiz won via razor-thin decision. "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" is coming off a coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter 11, a gig that went unfinished due to Dana White throwing Ortiz off the show for being unable to fight rival coach Chuck Liddell at the conclusion of the season. Ortiz has undergone the surgery that resulted in his exit from the show, and is ready to get back in the cage in October.

Hamill (9-2), a favorite of Ortiz during Ultimate Fighter season three, is coming off a close majority decision victory over "The Dean Of Mean" Keith Jardine in June, a victory that resulted in Jardine's exit from the UFC. Hamill is riding a four-fight win streak, if you count his disqualification victory over Jon "Bones" Jones last December, looks to improve to 5-0 over his former TUF coach.
Matt Hamill


UFC 121 "Lesnar vs. Velasquez" emanates from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California on October 23. The event's appeal continues to increase as UFC continues to stack the deck, loading the card up more than usual. Already confirmed for the event in top matches are Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez for the UFC heavyweight title, Jake Shields' UFC debut against Martin Kampmann, Diego Sanchez vs. Paulo Thiago, Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Brendan Schaub and Patrick Cote vs. Tom Lawlor. Also rumored for the card is Ultimate Fighter 11 winner Court McGee's official UFC debut against middleweight contender Ryan Jensen.

Related News: Jake Shields talks to MMANEWS.com about his UFC debut at UFC 121, his negotiations with the UFC, fighting at 170 and possibly 185 in the UFC and his thoughts on when he deserves a crack at George St-Pierre's title.

UFC on Versus: Jones vs Matyushenko

Two sides, two fighters, two styles, but there can only be one winner. Watch the UFC on Versus on Sunday, August 1st at 6pm PT/ 10pm ET.

UFC 117 Pre-fight Interviews




UFC 117: Sonnen Pre-fight Interview
July 15, 2010 at 4:05 PM

Chael Sonnen will finally find himself in front of Anderson Silva and he believes he can defeat the champion. UFC 117: Silva vs Sonnen will be Live on Pay-Per-View on Saturday, August 7th at 7pm PT/ 10pm ET. Visit 117.ufc.com for more info.
From: UFC
Views: 301
48 ratings
Time: 01:51 More in Sports
 

UFC 117: Silva Pre-fight Interview
July 15, 2010 at 3:48 PM

The UFC middelweight champion of the world is prepared to give fans the best performance possible. Watch UFC 117: Silva vs Sonnen Live on Pay-Per-View or www.UFCLIVE.com on Saturday August 7th at 7pm PT/ 10pm ET. Visit 117.ufc.com for more info.
From: UFC
Views: 305
39 ratings
Time: 01:43 More in Sports
 


Weekly News Update: GSP with Pacquiao's trainer, Kimbo vs. Pudzianowski and More!



Brendan Schaub: I'm Going to Be a Problem for Anyone Out There
July 13, 2010 at 11:20 PM

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Brendan Schaub believes he sent a message to the UFC brass with his first-round trouncing of fellow heavyweight Chris Tuchscherer at UFC 116. The gist of that message? It's time to give him a big name opponent, because the "up-and-comers" don't stand much of a chance.

Since his lone defeat at the hands of Roy Nelson during the "Ultimate Fighter" season ten finale last December, Schaub has racked up consecutive knockout victories, dispatching Chase Gormley in March, then Tuchscherer earlier this month. What's more, he put away both opponents in a hurry, spending a combined total of 1:54 in the cage in his last two outings.

Now, Schaub says, it's time to step up to the next level.

Falling Action: Best and Worst of the Weekend That Was
July 13, 2010 at 11:20 PM

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There may not have been a UFC or Strikeforce event this weekend, but that doesn't mean that there weren't still plenty of people punching, kicking, and choking each other all around the world.

Some of them might have required you to set the DVR or wake up at odd hours, and others might not be available on video at all just yet, but the point is some stuff happened. In order to give that stuff its due respect, we now take a look back at the weekend's action to examine who the big winners and losers are this Monday afternoon.

Brendan Schaub: 'I'm Going to Be a Problem for Anyone Out There'
July 13, 2010 at 8:29 PM

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Brendan Schaub believes he sent a message to the UFC brass with his first-round trouncing of fellow heavyweight Chris Tuchscherer at UFC 116. The gist of that message? It's time to give him a big name opponent, because the "up-and-comers" don't stand much of a chance.

Since his lone defeat at the hands of Roy Nelson during the "Ultimate Fighter" season ten finale last December, Schaub has racked up consecutive knockout victories, dispatching Chase Gormley in March, then Tuchscherer earlier this month. What's more, he put away both opponents in a hurry, spending a combined total of 1:54 in the cage in his last two outings.

Now, Schaub says, it's time to step up to the next level.

Waylon Lowe vs. Steve Lopez on Tap for UFC 119
July 13, 2010 at 8:29 PM

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Lightweights Steve Lopez and Waylon Lowe have agreed to meet at UFC 119, MMA Fighting has learned.

The 155-pound bout will take place on the undercard of the Sept. 25 card, which is set to take place at Indianapolis' Conseco Fieldhouse.

Jens Pulver, Tim Sylvia Highlight War on the Mainland's Aug. 14 Debut
July 13, 2010 at 5:38 PM

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Jens Pulver said in May that he doesn't have a choice; he's got to fight. Released by Zuffa last month following his fifth straight WEC loss, it didn't take Pulver long to find his next match.

Pulver (22-13-1), the first UFC lightweight champion, will face Diego Garijo (4-1) on the War on the Mainland debut event Aug. 14 in Irvine, Calif.

Pulver will try to have his hand raised for the first time since beating Cub Swanson in his WEC debut at WEC 31 in December 2007. Since then, losses to Urijah Faber (twice), Leonard Garcia, Josh Grispi and Javier Vazquez chased him from the WEC. His last four losses have been in the first round with three straight by submission. Pulver is one of just two fighters to beat former UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn at 155 pounds. The other is Frankie Edgar, who beat Penn for the title in April.

The main event features another former UFC champion, Tim Sylvia, against former UFC, Strikeforce and Affliction heavyweight Paul Buentello. Sylvia will be fighting for the first time since submitting five-time World's Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski with strikes at a Moosin event in Massachusetts last month.

Who Needs the Heavier Weights? Not Japan
July 13, 2010 at 5:38 PM

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Event Producer Keiichi Sasahara made an announcement that will have a profoundly positive long term effect on Japanese MMA after DREAM.15. In 2011, both DREAM and Sengoku will have bantamweight and proper featherweight weight classes. Finally Japan's deepest divisions will be given a chance to shine on the country's grandest stages.

But let's take this further. What if DREAM and Sengoku abolished the heavier weight divisions?

The heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions have no depth and longevity in Japan. There is little local talent at those weight divisions and the majority of Japanese fighters who do fight in the heavier weight classes should probably fighting in lighter. So does Japanese MMA need heavyweights?

Anderson Silva Can Talk Some Trash Too, In His Own Way
July 13, 2010 at 5:38 PM

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We almost expect an MMA fighter running for political office to have his pro fighting career used against him by his opponent. Just ask Matt Lindland, whose green screen campaign ads weren't quite enough to win him a seat in the Oregon Statehouse.

But now Chael Sonnen, who was the Republican nominee for Oregon's House District 37 before withdrawing from the race, is having his brief political career used against him by UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva in advance of their meeting at UFC 117.

"Chael, as a fighter, is a good politician," Silva says in a video on UFC.com. Silva then goes on to say there are "idiotic things coming out of his mouth," before adding, "With him being a politician, he should really pay attention to what he's saying."

Freddie Roach: Working With Georges St. Pierre 'An Honor to Me'
July 13, 2010 at 2:47 PM

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UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre has been spending time working out with Manny Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, and in Roach's comments about St. Pierre, he showed once again that he's one of the few old-school boxing guys who actually respects mixed martial arts, praising St. Pierre as an athlete and even hinting that he might make an appearance on The Ultimate Fighter.

Moosin to Return in October; Kimbo vs. Pudzianowski Possible Main Event
July 13, 2010 at 2:47 PM

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After a successful U.S. debut earlier in the year, the Moosin promotion is scheduling an Oct. 9 follow-up, which will take place in Chicago, MMA Fighting has learned.

Moosin executive Corey Fischer has confirmed the organization's intention for a second show, and said the current plans include bringing back previous headliners Tim Sylvia and Mariusz Pudzianowski, in separate fights.

If Moosin gets their way, they'll come to the Second City with Sylvia fighting 7-foot-2 Korean Hong Man Choi, and five-time "World's Strongest Man" Pudzianowski taking on popular former EliteXC and UFC star Kimbo Slice in feature bouts.

UFC 118 Fight Card: Edgar vs. Penn, Couture vs. Toney
July 13, 2010 at 2:47 PM

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The UFC 118 fight card features Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn and Randy Couture vs. James Toney as the two headlining bouts on Aug. 28 at the TD Garden in Boston, Mass.

Edgar, who captured the lightweight belt at UFC 112 in a controversial decision, will look to solidify himself as the champion in a rematch against Penn. Also, Toney will make his MMA debut against a Hall of Famer in Couture.

The fight card is below.

Midseason MMA Awards: Best Knockout
July 13, 2010 at 11:57 AM

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There may have been more surprising knockouts, more spectacular knockouts or more exciting knockouts, but there has been no more impressive knockout so far in 2010 than Shogun Rua connecting with Lyoto Machida in the first round of their light heavyweight title fight at UFC 113.

Just think about how difficult it is to land a clean, hard shot to Machida's head. Right up until that very moment when Rua's right hand hit Machida's temple, Machida had been the UFC's hardest fighter to hit. Whether you loved or hated his elusive style of fighting, you knew Machida was devastatingly effective at avoiding damage.

And then Shogun came along. After losing a very close decision to Machida last year, Shogun wanted to take it out of the judges' hands this time around, and that's what he did, winning the light heavyweight belt by tagging Machida with by far the hardest punch anyone has ever hit him with and then pouncing and finishing him with a few more punches on the ground. It was the best knockout in mixed martial arts so far in 2010.

After Chuck Liddell Broke His Arm, Rich Franklin Raffles His Cast
July 13, 2010 at 11:57 AM

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Weeks after Chuck Liddell broke Rich Franklin's left arm in their fight at UFC 115, Franklin has come up with a novel idea for what to do with the cast he's been wearing since: He's going to raffle it off, with the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

By purchasing a $5 raffle ticket at Franklin's web site, fans can be entered into a drawing to win the cast, which has been signed by Liddell and will be signed by Franklin after it's removed. There's no date set for the drawing because Franklin isn't yet sure when his doctor will tell him it's time to remove the cast, but it's expected to come off later this month.



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Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin UFC 116 (Gracie Breakdown)


‘Shogun’ Recovery Faster Than Expected

UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is on track for an early 2011 return -- possibly at the promotion’s annual Superbowl weekend event in February -- after undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in his left knee on June 10 in Los Angeles.

UFC President Dana White told the media earlier this month that the newly crowned titleholder wouldn’t be expected back at least until March. Eduardo Alonso, Rua’s manager, said all signs point to the 28-year-old fighter accomplishing that and possibly doing White one better.

“Off the top of my head, I think of the Superbowl card in February, but this is something that could change depending on his recovery schedule and the UFC’s business schedule,” said Alonso. “But the way things are going right now, I can tell you that he’ll be ready sooner than expected.”

The 2005 Pride Fighting Championships middleweight tournament champion’s injury and subsequent surgery were kept secret for weeks, said Alonso, to ease the fighter mentally into his recovery process.

Alonso said Rua injured his left knee during his first-round knockout victory over Lyoto Machida at UFC 113 last May in Montreal.

“It was precisely on the second takedown where he tried to take down Machida and Machida stuffed it and ended up on top,” said Alonso.



Rua had previously undergone surgery on his torn left ACL in September 2007, following a disastrous promotional debut against former 205-pound champion Forrest Griffin at UFC 76 in Anaheim, Calif. Rua also had a follow-up operation on the same knee in 2008.

“The first time he injured his knee was in training, and maybe from years of training, before the Forrest Griffin fight,” said Alonso. “He opted to fight with the injury and ended up having surgery right after. We don’t comment on it very often because we don’t like to take anything away from Forrest.”

Alonso said that the UFC helped facilitate the most recent surgery.

“We had options to do the surgery in many different places, but opted with the UFC’s advice to do it in Los Angeles with Dr. Kitvme,” said Alonso. “Honestly, I think it’s the best decision we’ve ever made.”

Following surgery, Rua traveled to Las Vegas and has spent the last four-and-a-half weeks in physical therapy with Alonso, Rua’s wife and his newborn daughter at his side.

Alonso said this recovery period has been the quickest of the three for an anxious Rua, who wanted to stop taking his pain medication a day after the surgery. Alonso praised the UFC for allotting its champion the time to heal without the pressure of committing to his next bout.

“Shogun is very happy, as he’s doing through a great moment in his life with (winning) the belt and the birth of his daughter,” said Alonso. “Mindset is very important for the recovery process, so we made sure he was comfortable. But he’s very anxious because he’s such an active guy. He has great genetics, so his recovery is going great. The challenge for us as a team has been to hold him back and make sure he takes his time.”

Alonso, Rua, and his family leave the United States for Brazil on Saturday, where the fighter will complete the rest of the physical therapy in one of the world’s biggest soccer clubs in Sao Paulo. Alonso said Rua will begin to integrate some training back into his rehabilitation and will resume his full-time regimen once his physicians give him the go-ahead.

White had said that Rua’s first title defense against Rashad Evans, who earned a unanimous decision over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 114 last May, wouldn’t be scheduled until the former Chute Boxe fighter’s prognosis was clearer. However, a projected March return has ignited recent talk of Evans fighting another candidate for an interim title. Alonso said the chatter hasn’t fazed Rua.

“Honestly, we don’t mind talk of interim titles, because this is the UFC’s decision and not ours,” he said. “Shogun has the belt and it means a lot to him and he’s the legit UFC champion right now. If the UFC decides to set up an interim title for other fighters, it’s not really for us to evaluate this. Each manager is really trying to push his fighter’s best interests.”

With Rua’s fast-improving progress, a 205-pound interim title might not sound like a necessity after all.

“Whatever happens, Shogun will have to defend his belt when he’s back sooner or later and if it’s against an interim champion or just a contender, it doesn’t change much,” he said. “The way we see it, unless a champion retires, the interim champion is just another contender.”

From Sherdog.com