MMA Fighting: All Posts by Bryan Tucker

Dana White thinks Evan Dunham was 'robbed'

2013-05-19T02:15:52Z

Dana White thinks Evan Dunham was 'robbed'

UFC president Dana White reacts after the decision win was rewarded to Rafael dos Anjos instead of Evan Dunham at UFC on FX 8. What did you think of the decision?

UFC on FX 8: Belfort vs. Rockhold Results

2013-05-19T01:53:22Z

MMA Fighting brings you UFC on FX 8: Belfort vs. Rockhold results. UFC on FX 8 takes place at the Arena Jaragua in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil. The event is headlined by a fight between Vitor Belfort and Luke Rockhold. In the co-main event, Jacare Souza will square off against Chris Camozzi.

Though his career is described by some as inconsistent, Vitor Belfort has few real surprises on his record. He's mostly dominated the B-level opponents he's faced, and despite 10 career losses, most have come to former champions, names like Jon Jones and Anderson Silva, Randy Couture and Dan Henderson. There is no loss that can be viewed as a major surprise, or that can be viewed even in retrospect as a head-scratcher. That can't even be said for many of the greats.

Silva, G.O.A.T. though he is, once lost to Daiju Takase (career record 11-13-2) and Couture once lost to Valentijn Overeem (career record 30-28), and the list goes on. Belfort though, has only lost to the best.

And because of that, Belfort becomes Luke Rockhold's measuring stick.

Rockhold, the former Strikeforce middleweight champion whose best wins have come against Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and Tim Kennedy, is taking a clear step up against a historical name, and on his opponent's home soil at UFC on FX 8 in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil.

Given Belfort's strong recent record (his only losses in his last 10 fights are to reigning champs Silva and Jon Jones), including a crushing KO of perennial contender Michael Bisping in his last fight, and combine that with Rockhold's 10-month layoff due to various injuries, and it's somewhat surprising that as it stands now, the public is with Rockhold. While Belfort was initially installed as a slight favorite by oddsmakers, the money has come on the 28-year-old Californian to outclass him.

Rockhold has certainly won over believers with his performances against Kennedy and Souza, and for good reason. He has shown a well-rounded striking game, a good understanding of range, and excellent conditioning. He also has shown quality finishing instincts, closing out seven of his nine Strikeforce opponents, including Keith Jardine, who he starched in less than a round.

The matchup does have some built-in advantages for Rockhold. At 6-foot-3 and with a 77-inch reach, he has three-inch edges on Belfort in both areas. His stamina has also proven to be stellar in both of his five-round fights. Against Kennedy, he threw nearly the same amount of strikes in each round, ranging from 28 to 36. In the fifth, he threw 32, and added in a successful takedown for good measure.

Against "Jacare," he absolutely poured it on in the last round, firing off 76 strikes, his second-highest round total of the fight. That round essentially won him the fight and the belt, as two of the judges had the bout tied heading into the fifth.

Now facing Belfort, who has had endurance issues in the past, it could certainly be a determining factor in the bout's outcome. In fact, if the match goes past the third round, it's very likely Rockhold will take over and out-point Belfort.

Rockhold will first have to survive Belfort's early aggression. That has historically been when Belfort is at his most dangerous. In his last eight wins, five have come inside the first round.

The Brazilian's prized gifts have always been his hand speed and natural power. Even after 17 years of fighting, they are still there. The dynamic gets interesting because of the differing individual approaches of Belfort and Rockhold. Belfort generally has two methods of attack; either he likes to hang back and counter lazy punches, or he charges forward with a barrage of power strikes. Meanwhile, Rockhold likes to stay active and create offense. If forms holds, this matchup should be explosive.

To stay away from his power, Belfort's opponents generally look to tie him up or take him down, but Rockhold rarely shows interest in doing either. In his nine Strikeforce bouts, he tried a total of four takedowns. Belfort is much the same way. In fact, his last successful takedown came all the way back in 2007, when he fought and beat James Zikic in Cage Rage. Since then he's competed eight times and hasn't attempted a single takedown.

Bottom line? These two are going to settle things on their feet. To me, the whole fight comes down to whether you think Belfort can catch Rockhold in the first two rounds or not. Statistically, knockout rates decrease round-by-round, and Belfort's conditioning is no given while Rockhold's is a near certainty.

Ultimately, as I said, the fighters' styles will make for an explosive fight, and who does that favor? I feel that Belfort will land the big shot, and Rockhold's lengthy layoff is a big reason for that. Fighters who have experienced it will tell you that adjusting to the speed of a real fight is the most troublesome part of returning from time away. Rockhold has faced the situation before. He was out for nearly 19 months when he fought "Jacare" and while he ended up winning, he struggled in the first two rounds, losing the first on the judges scorecards, and then getting wobbled in the second. Of course, there's a huge difference in power between Souza and Belfort, and I don't know if Rockhold can survive such a scenario with Belfort. If he can, he'll probably win a decision. His offense is heavy on kicks, and he can keep Belfort at bay with that mastery of range. He is more than capable of a win if he plays it smart.

If this was a three-round fight, I'd feel more comfortable in picking Belfort, feeling that he could win the opening two rounds and hold on in the third. In a three-round fight, he'd be capable of winning the bout in two ways, either by finish or decision. In a five-round fight, it's probably finish early or bust. So this comes down to pure gut feeling, and whether you think a rusty Rockhold can survive the opening 10 minutes. My guess is Belfort via TKO.

UFC on FX 8 Play-by-Play

2013-05-19T01:36:54Z

MMA Fighting brings you UFC on FX 8 play-by-play and more for the Belfort vs. Rockhold fight card. Tonight's event is headlined by a fight between Vitor Belfort and Luke Rockhold. This bout is scheduled for five, five-minute rounds. Also appearing on the main card is Ronaldo Souza vs. Chris Camozzi, Rafael dos Anjos vs. Evan Dunham, and Rafael Natal vs. Joao Zeferino. Tonight's fights take place at the Arena Jaragua in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil.

This is the UFC on FX 8 undercard live blog for the Belfort vs. Rockhold event at the Arena Jaragua in Brazil.

There will be nine fights on the undercard. Hacran Dias vs. Nik Lentz, Francisco Trinaldo vs. Mike Rio, Gleison Tibau vs. John Cholish, Paulo Thiago vs. Michel Prazeres, Yuri Alcantara vs. Iliarde Santos, Fabio Maldonado vs. Roger Hollett, John Lineker vs. Azamat Gashimov, Jussier Formiga vs. Chris Cariaso, and Lucas Martins vs. Jeremy Larsen will be featured on the prelims.

Check out the UFC on FX 8 undercard live blog below.

More Coverage: UFC on FX 8 Results | UFC news
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Lucas Martins vs. Jeremy Larsen

Round 1: Here we go, folks. Mario Yamasaki our the referee for this opening lightweight bout. Martins picks his shots from the outside early. Larsen trips Martins then lands a big right hand. Martins recovers and responds with a standing elbow to the jaw. Larsen ducks under for a single, but can't get it. Larsen catches a leg kick and tosses Martins away. Martins swings for the fences. Larsen bulldozes in and floors Martins with a straight right. Martins snatches a heel hook from the bottom, then transitions to a calf slicer. Larsen wants no part of it and backs out. Larsen wades in, eats a knee and completes a double leg. Another double from Larsen, and the boos start to trickle in from the biased Brazilian crowd. Martins stands, finds his range with a few combinations, then slips to the mat. Larsen jumps on top, landing in full guard. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Larsen.

Round 2: Huge one-two lands for Martins. Larsen just eats it. Martins chips away with a leg kick. Larsen closes the distance and lands a few knees to the thigh, but is unable to complete a single. Larsen dives in again, this time for a double, but Martins fights it off. Martins snaps off a leg kick. Larsen staggers Martins with a straight right. Martins answers with an uppercut. A huge gash is ripped open below Larsen's right eye. Body kick for Martins, followed by a flurry. Larsen cracks Martins with a giant straight right. And another. Wow. Martins still standing. Another huge right hand from Larsen. Martins is on wobbly legs. Larsen just stole the round. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Larsen.

Round 3: Larsen storms across the cage winging looping punches. Martins eats a shot then crumbles Larsen with a dagger of a right hand. Wow. Larsen is out cold. This one is over.

Lucas Martins def. Jeremy Larsen via KO (punch) at 0:13 of round 3.

Jussier Formiga vs. Chris Cariaso

Round 1: Kevin Mulhall is our referee for this flyweight bout. Cariaso pumps his jab. Formiga misses a right hook then connects with a leg kick. Formiga changes levels for a double against the cage. He gets it. Cariaso scrambles to his feet, but Formiga plants him back on the mat, landing in side control. Cariaso regains his guard. Formiga patiently advances into half guard, then side control. Formiga plants his knee on Cariaso's stomach and looks to pass to mount. Cariaso fights it off, eventually regaining half guard. Formiga relentless with his advances, but Cariaso is doing a good job stifling any damage. Mulhall stands the fighters. Leg kick from Cariaso. Formiga returns the favor. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Formiga.

Round 2: Formiga immediately plants Cariaso on the mat, then advances to mount. Cariaso shrimps out and regains half guard, then back to full guard. Formiga slips into half guard. The crowd is getting restless. Cariaso locks up his guard and scoots his back against the cage. Formiga pries him away and retakes full mount. Formiga finally postures up and rains down a few punches. Cariaso escapes back into guard. Another quick stand-up from Mulhall. Have to question that one. Formiga clinches against the fence. Cariaso breaks away. Cariaso wades forward with straight punches, but nothing lands flush. Cariaso sprawls to defend a double. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Formiga.

Round 3: Cariaso the aggressor to start the final round. Formiga avoids any danger, then locks up and trips Cariaso to the floor. Cariaso stands and defends a double. Mulhall breaks up the action again. Why? Cariaso finds a home for a straight left on Formiga's chin. Formiga slips a combination then clinches against the fence. Formiga hunting for a single. Cariaso seizes a no-hooks d'arce choke. Oh wow. Formiga falls to the ground, rolls out, then retakes his feet. Cariaso plants Formiga on the mat and starts raining down blows. Huge elbows bloody the face of Formiga. Cariaso advances to side control. Massive shots from Cariaso. Formiga stands but eats a huge knee for his troubles. Valiant effort from Cariaso. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Cariaso.

Jussier Formiga def. Chris Cariaso via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

John Lineker vs. Azamat Gashimov

Round 1: Our referee for this flyweight fight is Mario Yamasaki. Wild overhand right misses for Lineker. Huge right hook topples Gashimov. Lineker starts pounding away. Gashimov climbs back to his feet and ties up. Gashimov seems to have regained his senses. Lineker reverses a single, winding up on top inside Gashimov's guard. Lineker wings a few hard shots into Gashimov's body as he uses the cage to stand up. Gashimov sweeps out Likeker's leg. Lineker wobbles Gashimov with a big left hand. Gashimov answers with a counter right. Lineker swarms on Gashimov, and Gashimov grabs the fence while trying to defend the takedown. Yamasaki takes away a point. That was quick. Lineker floors Gashimov again with a looping hook. Gashimov clamors up, but that was a rough round. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-8 Lineker.

Round 2: Wild spinning backfist misses for Gashimov. Lineker unloads a flurry, and another. Kick to the body lands for Lineker. Lineker follows up with a massive right hand to the body that drops Gashimov. Lineker swarms. Gashimov is turtled up, eating shot after shot. That's it, folks. What of a performance by John Lineker.

John Lineker def. Azamat Gashimov via TKO (strikes) at 1:07 of round 2.

Fabio Maldonado vs. Roger Hollett

Round 1: Leon Roberts is our referee for this light heavyweight bout. Hollett misses wildly with an overhand right. Hollett charges forward. Maldonado finds a home for his right hook. Spinning back kick absolutely obliterates Maldonado's groin. Man, that was painful to watch. After watching Maldonado writhe in pain on the mat for a few minutes, we're back. Hollett times a double and gets it, landing in half guard. Hollett can't get anything going, so Roberts stands it up. Hollett pressures Maldonado against the cage then drops down for a double. Maldonado defends. Roberts splits the fighters. Hollett immediately seizes a takedown, then passes into half guard. What a weird, kind of awful round. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Hollett.

Round 2: Hollett lands a few short shots against the fence. Standing knee to the jaw from Hollett. Maldonado swings wildly and misses. Maldonado clinches Hollett against the fence, then unloads a series of short punches. Hollett reverses, but eats a flurry of jabs. Maldonado going head-body, head-body. Hollett looks exhausted. Maldonado urges him to come forward. Hollett shoots for a high single. Maldonado fights it off. Hollett is cut wide open across his forehead. More body shots from Maldonado. MMA Fighting score it 10-9 Maldonado.

Round 3: Hollett immediately secures a single leg takedown. Maldonado scrambles to his feet, then clinches Hollett against the cage. Maldonado unloads a slew of body shots. Hollett fires back and Maldonado loves it. Maldonado back to work, going head-body against the fence. Hollett eats a series of jabs. Another jab. Hollett is fading hard. Maldonado relentless with his body shots. One-two to the head dazes Hollett. Hollett just looking to survive. Hollet ties up against the fence, much to the distaste of the Brazilian crowd. Roberts splits it up. Hollett wades back inside, but Maldonado hits an inside trip and lands on top. Maldonado rains down punches. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Maldonado, and the fight 29-28 Maldonado.

Fabio Maldonado def. Roger Hollet via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-27)

Yuri Alcantara vs. Iliarde Santos

Round 1: Our referee is Kevin Mulhall. Alcantara rips a right hand into Santos' jaw. Alcantara follows with a flying knee, but Santos closes the distance. Santos hunts for a double against the fence and can't get it. Alcantara unloads a huge flurry of rights and lefts. Somehow Santos avoids any major damage. Santos connects with a body kick, Alcantara responds with a one-two. High kick from Alcantara. Huge straight left topples Santos. Alcantara swarms. Eight unanswered shots later, this one is over.

Yuri Alcantara def. Iliarde Santos via TKO (strikes) at 2:31 of round 1.

Paulo Thiago vs. Michel Prazeres

Round 1: Referee Mario Yamasaki oversees this welterweight bout. Thiago blocks a high kick, and another. Prazeres catches a leg then hunts for a single against the cage. Thiago fights it off. Prazeres nearly trips Thiago to the canvas. Thiago reverses the position into mount, but only briefly. Prazeres still looking for a trip against the fence. Boos start to rain down and Yamasaki quickly separates the action. Prazeres is really working on that high kick. Thiago connects with a big combination, starting with a shot to the ribs. More boos. The Brazilian crowd isn't too pleased with this one. Thiago backs away from a looping left hook. Prazeres ducks under a right and clinches against the fence. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Prazeres.

Round 2: Another high kick from Prazeres is blocked. Thiago storms forward and drops from Prazeres with a short right hand. Thiago pounces, raining down shots from half guard. Thiago on top, looking to pass, but Prazeres escapes. Thiago trips Prazeres to the canvas but can't do anything with it. Prazeres stands, then returns the favor to Thiago. Thiago trying to climb to his feet, and he does. Thiago with double underhooks, briefly drags down Prazeres. We're back standing and Thiago eats a huge straight right. Prazeres changes levels for a double. Thiago sweeps into top position. Thiago working short elbows from half guard. Thiago traps an arm and unloads. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Thiago.

Round 3: Both fighters touch gloves. Thiago stalking forward, unloading looping hooks from range. Thiago ties up, and the boos rain down once more. Prazeres finds a home for a big combination, but Thiago just eats it. Prazeres drops down for a double. He can't get it. Yamasaki splits the action. Strong counter right connects for Thiago. Right hook from Thiago. Thiago clearly willing to push the pace. Prazeres defends a trip then pressures Thiago against the fence. Thiago finally trips Prazeres, landing in full mount. That might've just won him the fight. Thiago transitions to Prazeres' back and works short punches. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Thiago, and the fight 29-28 Thiago.

Paulo Thiago def. Michel Prazeres via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Gleison Tibau vs. John Cholish

Round 1: Leon Roberts is our referee for this lightweight bout. Cholish pumps his jab, Tibau returns the favor. Looping left misses for Tibau. Tibau follows with a hard shot to the body. Big exchange from both fighters. Tibau catches a kick and muscles Cholish to the mat. Cholish quickly works to his feet. Cholish eats a left hook, then blocks a high kick. Tibau catches another kick, but Cholish escapes unscathed. Tibau catches yet another kick and fires off a strong jab. Tibau briefly wrestles Cholish down, but can't do anything with it. We're back standing. Tibau stalks forward. Cholish defends a double leg against the fence. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Tibau.

Round 2: Tibau storms forward with a flying knee. Cholish connects with a short shot inside the pocket. Tibau fires back. Tibau muscles Cholish against the fence. Cholish backs out into the center of the cage. Slow pace here. Just as I say that, a huge straight left staggers Cholish. Cholish shoots for a desperation takedown. Tibau brushes it off, then seizes a guillotine during the ensuing scramble. It's in tight. That's it, folks.

Gleison Tibau def. John Cholish via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:34 of round 2.

Francisco Trinaldo vs. Mike Rio

Round 1: Referee Kevin Mulhall oversees this lightweight bout. Trinaldo furiously pumps his right hand to gauge distance. Rio half-heartedly shoots for a takedown. Trinaldo defends, but succumbs to a second attempt. Rio lands on top with a front headlock and Trinaldo's left leg tied up. Trinaldo escapes to his feet and pressures Rio against the fence. Trinaldo seizes a body lock then drags Rio to the mat. Trinaldo snakes in an arm triangle from half guard. Trinaldo cranks down. Oh wow, he actually got it.

Francisco Trinaldo def. Mike Rio via submission (arm triangle choke) at 3:08 of round 1.

Hacran Dias vs. Nik Lentz

Round 1:

Round 2:

Round 3:

UFC on FX 8 Results: Belfort vs. Rockhold

2013-05-18T20:35:00Z

MMA Fighting has UFC on FX 8 results for the Belfort vs. Rockhold fight card May 18, plus live blogs of all the fights and live UFC on FX 8 twitter updates.

In the main event, Vitor Belfort will face former Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, who will be making his UFC debut. In the co-main event, Jacare Souza will also make his UFC debut when he squares off against Chris Camozzi.

Check out the full UFC on FX 8 results below.

Main card
Vitor Belfort def. Luke Rockhold via first-round KO (live blog)
Ronaldo Souza def. Chris Camozzi via submission (arm triangle) (live blog)
Rafael dos Anjos def. Evan Dunham via unanimous decision (live blog)
Rafael Natal def. Joao Zeferino via unanimous decision (live blog)

Undercard
Nik Lentz def. Hacran Dias via unanimous decision (live blog)
Francisco Trinaldo def. Mike Rio via submission (arm triangle) (live blog)
Gleison Tibau def. John Cholish via submission (guillotine) (live blog)
Paulo Thiago def. Michel Prazeres via unanimous decision (live blog)
Yuri Alcantara def. Iliarde Santos via first-round TKO (live blog)
Fabio Maldonado def. Roger Hollett via unanimous decision (live blog)
John Lineker def. Azamat Gashimov via second-round TKO (live blog)
Jussier Formiga def. Chris Cariaso via unanimous decision (live blog)
Lucas Martins def. Jeremy Larsen via third-round KO (live blog)

UFC on FX 8 weigh-in video

2013-05-17T13:06:06Z

At the UFC on FX 8 weigh-ins, all 26 fighters taking part in Saturday night's UFC on FX 8 fights will step on the scale Friday afternoon, and we'll have the live video here at MMAFighting.com.

In the main event, former UFC champion Vitor Belfort and former Strikeforce champion Luke Rockhold will have to make the limit of 185 pounds.

The UFC on FX 8 weigh-in takes place at 3 p.m. ET in Brazil, and the video is above.

Nate Diaz suspended over controversial tweet

2013-05-17T00:50:29Z

Nate Diaz has been been suspended by the UFC after using a gay slur in a tweet Thursday afternoon.

"We are very disappointed by Nate Diaz’s comments, which are in no way reflective of our organization. Nate is currently suspended pending internal investigation and we will provide further comment once the matter has been decided," the UFC said in a statement.

Diaz tweeted the above statement in his defense of Pat Healy, who was stripped of his bonus money after a positive marijuana test at UFC 159. The "guy who took the money" is believed to be Bryan Caraway, who was recently awarded the submission of the night bonus.

Diaz's troubles could be much more than a suspension.

"We are going to fine, suspend or cut him. One or two of those three will happen," UFC president Dana White told MMA Fighting's Dave Meltzer.

White also told Meltzer the UFC would ultimately decide Diaz's punishment when he returns from Germany on Friday morning.

UFC on FX 8 press conference video

2013-05-16T12:07:15Z

At the UFC on FX 8 press conference, Luke Rockhold, Vitor Belfort, Jacare Souza and Chris Camozzi will discuss UFC on FX 8 and more Thursday.

Check out the UFC on FX 8 press conference highlights above.

UFC 160 fight card: Velasquez vs. Silva

2013-05-12T23:00:01Z

MMA Fighting has the UFC 160 fight card for the Velasquez vs. Silva event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. on May 25, 2013.

In the main event, UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will defend his title against Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva. Velasquez knocked out Silva in the first round at UFC 146 in their previous meeting.

Check out the UFC 160 fight card below.

Main card (PPV at 10 p.m. ET)
Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio Silva
Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt
Glover Teixeira vs. James Te-Huna
Gray Maynard vs. TJ Grant
Donald Cerrone vs. KJ Noons

Undercard (FX at 8 p.m. ET)
Mike Pyle vs. Rick Story
Dennis Bermudez vs. Max Holloway
Colton Smith vs. Robert Whittaker
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Abel Trujillo

Undercard (Facebook at 6:30 p.m. ET)
Stephen Thompson vs. Nah-Shon Burrell
Brian Bowles vs. George Roop
Jeremy Stephens vs. Estevan Payan