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Morning Report: Ellenberger vs. Sanchez Heats Up, Matt Hughes Talks Retirement

Feb 15, 2012 - If the idea of Wednesday night mixed martial arts still seems somewhat foreign to you, don't worry, you're not the only one. But either way, it's hard to complain about a lineup of free, quality fights. So while the UFC preps for tonight's welterweight throwdown, catch up on everything else MMA has to offer with the Morning Report.

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5 MUST-READ STORIES TO START YOUR DAY

UFC on FUEL TV weigh-in results. Fighters tipped the scales from Omaha, Nebraska at Tuesday's official UFC on FUEL TV weigh-ins.

Aaron Simpson vs. Ronny Markes dissection. Dallas Winston provides the latest visual breakdown for UFC on FUEL TV's main card.

UFC 144 broadcast will be four hours, feature seven fights. Two preliminary fights have been promoted to UFC 144's main card, adding an extra hour to the pay-per-view broadcast.

Gary Goodridge diagnosed with early onset CTE/Pugilistic Dementia. Former Pride and K-1 standout Gary Goodridge reflected back on his career in combat sports and the extensive damage it has done to his health.

Gina Carano signs for 'In the Blood' starring role. Mixed martial arts has likely seen the last of former Strikeforce women's title challenger Gina Carano.

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MEDIA STEW

After some prodding, Matt Hughes admits he'd like to return to the cage for one last shot at victory.

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Check out this fight video of One FC 2's fantastic main event, Felipe Enomoto vs. Ole Laursen.

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A slew of pros pick the winner of Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva II.

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Stefan Struve's ability to comeback from adversity was tested early in his career against Denis Komkin.

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Jon Jones blatantly disregards Bob Kelly's frantic tapping during a segment on Opie & Anthony Radio.

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In case you missed it, Tim Sylvia has been waging a public campaign to get back into the UFC, even releasing this strikingly earnest video in which the former champion implores fans to help him out.

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Preaching to the choir.

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Pat Barry's Valentine's gift? He gets to refer to Cro Cop as "Your Majesty, Lord Cro Cop" for the next two weeks.

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Joe Lauzon is not impressed.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012):

UFC 144: Yushin Okami (26-6) vs. Tim Boetsch (14-4), Hatsu Hioki (25-4-2) vs. Bart Palaszewski (36-14) promoted to main card.

Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey: Mike Kyle (19-8-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2) officially cancelled, Scott Smith (17-9) vs. Lumumba Sayers (5-2) promoted to main card.

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FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's FPOTD belongs to MMA Mania reader unambig: 6 UFC prospects I can't wait to see fight again.

Nobody thought much about Jimy Hettes jumping into the UFC and subbing TUF fighter Alex Cacares. Most people assumed that "Bruce Leeroy" was simply another TUF can getting his ass handed to him by a ordinary fighter. But when Hettes absolutely dominated Nam Phan like nobody has ever dominated a fighter in a three round fight before, we knew different.

...

What Hettes needs now is clearly a giant step up in competition. Like, I'm talking a quantum leap. When you're winning fights 30-25 against an entry level UFC fighter like Nam Phan, you need a Mike Brown or a Darren Elkins. One more win over a gatekeeper like that and Hettes is looking at the top of the division.

Found something entertaining, brutal, or bizarre you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Send it to @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's post.

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Thanks for the links Shaun

especially the One FC vid since I missed it this time around.

Watching the Tim Sylvia video was kind of sad, but I have to agree with him. Granted, he needs to come in looking like this Tim:

and not this Tim:

All in all, I say sign him up and give him a fight against Russow.

Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - Seanbaby

"You are banned from bloodyelbow because Roth was being too nice and your picture" -Tim Burke

by superfknmario__ on Feb 15, 2012 8:39 AM EST reply actions  

My eyes would bleed watching that snooze fest

I am Vorn The Unspeakable the skulls of those who defy me bleach in the suns of a hundred worlds...and you are

by Roman727 on Feb 15, 2012 9:09 AM EST up reply actions  

I'm not going to lie, it could turn out to be a typical Russow fight and/or a replay of Tim's last fight

but if Tim was signed, it might motivate him to actually put on a show.

Okay okay.. Morecraft? He did pretty much call him out anyway.

Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - Seanbaby

"You are banned from bloodyelbow because Roth was being too nice and your picture" -Tim Burke

by superfknmario__ on Feb 15, 2012 9:45 AM EST up reply actions  

Better, warmer

Moorecraft goes and gets it…. been receiving it lately but i digress.

I am Vorn The Unspeakable the skulls of those who defy me bleach in the suns of a hundred worlds...and you are

by Roman727 on Feb 15, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions  

The Laursen vs Enomoto Fight was awesome

I missed it too, Laursen seemed to get really cocky thinking Enomoto couldnt hurt him, then bam!

by jim-ma on Feb 15, 2012 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

Of course. Thanks for reading.

Yeah, it’s hard not to feel somewhat bad for Tim. He’s probably not wrong, but it really seems like he burned his bridges a little too hard. It’s an unfortunate situation.

by Shaun Al-Shatti on Feb 15, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

How tatse my indifference?

Not that there is a hope Silvia gets back to the UFC but why doesn’t he realize he needs to win some fights somewhere to get back iin? I feel kinda sorry for him.

Shame about Goodrich, I like him sentimentally but he always seemed a little off and I’m wondering if some of the bizzarre things he did over the years were a hint at what was to inevitabley come. Anyway I have seen people degenerate and die from dementia and would not wish that end on anyone.

After hearing Hughes’ thoughts on trophy hunting and his belief that God put animals on the planet for him to kill … I can never view him the same way and feel a little ripped off for cheering for him over the years. I think that Serra had a good take on Matt and who he is but I would add quintessential fanatically religieos hayseed. I hope Hardy gets to fight and KO him.

It’s wed. and there is fights! I like it! Got +250 on Diego so I made a small bet even though I think Ellenberger takes it I think it’s pretty close to a pick-em. Not sure why Sanchez is regarded as such a big underdog. Got Waston as a +220 dog against Dillashaw, not getting that either but I’ll take it!

Strange, the desire for certain pleasures is a part of my pain. (Kahlil Gibran)

by AriesKJJ on Feb 15, 2012 12:09 PM EST reply actions  

Tim has won 6 of his last 7 fights...

… his last fight was just over 3 months ago.

by steven1crocker on Feb 15, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Hopefully 2 tomato cans in a row don't get you into the UFC

I like to think the top organization in the world constitutes a little a more. Of his 6 wins who are near UFC calliber fighters (other than Buentello)? Is Wagner , his loss a UFC calliber fighter? Super heaveyweight smells suspiciously like “out of shape”.

Apart from all that I think Silvia has become the punchline to too many MMA jokes, the last time I saw Dana talk about him was a goofy impression that left Lorenzo in stitches!

Strange, the desire for certain pleasures is a part of my pain. (Kahlil Gibran)

by AriesKJJ on Feb 15, 2012 1:54 PM EST up reply actions  

I don't think he is beating quality opponents...

But I would consider signing him if the price was right.

I’m not saying he should be heading PPVs, I don’t even think I’d even put him on a main card, but give him a match to see if he really has improved.

If he fights an up-and-comer and and turns out to be a bum, he would still serve as a good stepping stone.

Basically, I’d like to bring him back the same way they brought back Gabriel Gonzaga.

by steven1crocker on Feb 15, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions  

I was not impressed with that Jon Jones video...

It is very bad etiquette to not release a hold as soon as your foe taps.

by steven1crocker on Feb 15, 2012 4:51 PM EST reply actions  

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