MMA Fighting

MMA Top 10 Light Heavyweights: Is Randy Couture in the Mix?

Michael David Smith — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, Strikeforce, M-1 Global, Rankings, Light Heavyweights

After Randy Couture beat Mark Coleman at UFC 109, UFC President Dana White said Couture is one of the top five or six light heavyweights in the world.

But while Couture looked good against Coleman, he's going to have to win at least one more fight at light heavyweight before he makes my Top 10. The updated rankings of the Top 10 light heavyweights in MMA are below.

MMA Top 10 Light Heavyweights: Is Randy Couture in the Mix? originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Antwain Britt Targeted for Second Strikeforce-CBS Card in April

Ray Hui — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST

by Ray Hui

Filed under: Strikeforce, FanHouse Exclusive, News

Rising light heavyweight Antwain Britt will likely be competing on the next Strikeforce on CBS card in April.

MMA Fighting has learned that Britt (12-3) is expected to fight on the televised portion of the card and two possible opponents are Aaron Rosa (12-3) or Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (8-2). Bout agreements have not yet been signed.

Antwain Britt Targeted for Second Strikeforce-CBS Card in April originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Matt Major Signs with Bellator, Compares Self to Van Damme, Segal and Lee

Mike Chiappetta — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:05:00 EST

Another day, another signing for the busy Bellator promotion, which announced the addition of Matt Major to their middleweight tournament field.

Though this will be Major's first time fighting for a major organization, he gained some attention in the MMA world in August 2008 when he beat UFC veteran Shonie Carter in a decision.

Matt Major Signs with Bellator, Compares Self to Van Damme, Segal and Lee originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

JZ Cavalcante Making Sure He Is 100% Healthy Before Returning

Ariel Helwani — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: DREAM, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos

It wasn't too long ago that JZ Cavalcante was considered one of the best 155-pounders in the world. But after losing two fights in a row and dealing with multiple knee injuries, the Brazilian lightweight has fallen out of most top-10 rankings.

Cavalcante hasn't competed since May 2009, and when MMA Fighting caught up with him recently at the American Top Team gym in Coconut Creek, Fla., he said he expects to return to action in April or May, which is when he is sure to be 100% healthy.

Cavalcante also talked about wanting to fight in the United States and how he is able to fight with not one, but two, tongue rings. Check out the video interview below.

JZ Cavalcante Making Sure He Is 100% Healthy Before Returning originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Chael Sonnen Follows Blueprint of Trash Talk, Cage Success to Title Shot

Mike Chiappetta — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, News

Just days ago, Chael Sonnen was ripping Anderson Silva for wearing earrings and pink shirts, and "pretending that he doesn't speak English." He was calling him "a bum" and saying he'd really rip into the champ after he beat Nate Marquardt after UFC 109.

The rest of us couldn't help but ask if the guy was crazy. Not only was he trash-talking the man who many consider the pound-for-pound MMA king (Sonnen also takes exception to that), but he also basically promised a win over Marquardt?

Ridiculous, some thought. But the man with the golden mouth has the last word. He's had plenty to say about Silva, and now -- as the sudden and surprising No. 1 contender for the belt that Silva has owned since 2006 -- he'll have plenty of time to think about possibly fighting him.

Chael Sonnen Follows Blueprint of Trash Talk, Cage Success to Title Shot originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Wilson Reis Expects Bellator Fight on April 8, Sengoku Debut Will Have to Wait

Ray Hui — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:23:00 EST

by Ray Hui

Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive, Bellator, News

Wilson Reis (9-1) will first look to capture the Bellator featherweight title before he makes his MMA debut in Japan.

Bellator made the announcement Monday that Reis would again be entering the promotion's featherweight tournament, beginning in April. But last week, it appeared Reis was headed to Japan on March 7 to face Cage Force featherweight champion Yuji Hoshino.

World Victory Road's announcement of the Reis-Hoshino fight at Sengoku 12 was apparently premature.

Wilson Reis Expects Bellator Fight on April 8, Sengoku Debut Will Have to Wait originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

UFC 109 Medical Suspensions

Ray Hui — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:02:00 EST

by Ray Hui

Filed under: UFC, News

The Nevada athletic commission has handed down as a precautionary measure medical suspensions to half the fighters on Saturday's UFC 109 card.

Mike Swick (left elbow), Demian Maia (upper eyelid cut) and Mac Danzig (possible knee sprain) are required to receive medical clearance to compete before August 6. Melvin Guillard will need to see an eye specialist before March 26.

The seven other suspended fighters received short suspensions.

UFC 109 Medical Suspensions originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Joe Stevenson Prepares to Fight an Aussie Down Under

Michael David Smith — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: UFC

When Joe "Daddy" Stevenson steps into the Octagon against George Sotiropoulos at UFC 110, he'll likely hear the loudest boos of the night. UFC 110 is, after all, the UFC's first card in Australia, and Sotiropoulos is the UFC's top Australian fighter.

But Stevenson says he's fine with that.

Joe Stevenson Prepares to Fight an Aussie Down Under originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ryan Jensen vs. Jesse Forbes Added to UFC 114

Mike Chiappetta — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:43:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, News

A middleweight bout between two fighters in need of a win was added to UFC 114 pitting Ryan Jensen against Jesse Forbes.

Bout agreements have been signed for the fight, according to a UFC source.

Both fighters are in their second stints with the UFC, and are coming off losses.

Ryan Jensen vs. Jesse Forbes Added to UFC 114 originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Chuck Liddell 'Strong and Healthy' Preparing for Tito Ortiz

Michael David Smith — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: UFC

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- When former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell lost to Shogun Rua at UFC 97 in April of 2009, it was supposed to be the end of his career.

At least, that's what UFC President Dana White said at the time. But Liddell never wanted the loss to Shogun to be his last time inside the Octagon, and we now know that it won't be: Liddell will square off with Tito Ortiz for a third time this year, most likely at UFC 115 in June. And in a conversation with MMAFighting.com during Super Bowl week, Liddell said he can't wait to get back into the Octagon.

Chuck Liddell 'Strong and Healthy' Preparing for Tito Ortiz originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

UFC 109 Salaries: Randy Couture Makes $250,000

Ray Hui — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:45:00 EST

by Ray Hui

Filed under: UFC, News

The last six months have been very lucrative for Randy Couture. The UFC Hall of Famer has headlined three of the last eight numbered UFC events. At this past Saturday's UFC 109, Couture earned $250,000 for his fight against Mark Coleman, representing 26.5% of the entire 22-fighter payroll.

The next highest earner was former welterweight champion Matt Serra, who made $150,000 for his first-round knockout against Frank Trigg. Serra posted another $60,000 for Knockout of the Night.

Coleman, headlining his first UFC event since UFC 14 in July 1997, earned $60,000.

UFC 109 Salaries: Randy Couture Makes $250,000 originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hidehiko Yoshida to Retire on Inaugural ASTRA Card

Ray Hui — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:02:00 EST

by Ray Hui

Filed under: News

1992 Olympic judo gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida's MMA career will come to an end on April 25 at "ASTRA" at the Nippon Budokan in Japan, an event through J-ROCK, the management company of Yoshida Dojo.

Yoshida Dojo's Makoto Takimoto, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Michihiro Omigawa and Tatsunao Nagakura will also fight on the card against opponents to be announced.

Hidehiko Yoshida to Retire on Inaugural ASTRA Card originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Wilson Reis Returns to Bellator

Michael David Smith — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:14:00 EST

Filed under: Bellator

Wilson Reis, the former EliteXC 140-pound champion who was upset by eventual champion Joe Soto in the second round of Bellator's 2009 Season 1 featherweight tournament, will return for the promotion's Season 2 featherweight tournament.

Bellator announced Monday that Reis is back as the sixth confirmed participant in the eight-man featherweight tournament, a tournament whose winner will fight Soto for Bellator's featherweight title in Season 3.

Wilson Reis Returns to Bellator originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tito Ortiz's Recent Allegations Have 'Lit a Fire' Under Chuck Liddell

Ariel Helwani — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos

Chuck Liddell admits that when he was offered another crack at Tito Ortiz, he viewed the opportunity as nothing more than a tuneup fight. But after Ortiz recently accused Liddell of being an alcoholic, Liddell told MMA Fighting at UFC 109 on Saturday night that he now wants to "kill" Ortiz when they meet later this year.

Liddell also talked about how the taping of the newest season of The Ultimate Fighter is going and his new movie with Mickey Rourke. Check out the video interview below.

More Coverage: Liddell 'Strong and Healthy' Preparing for Ortiz

Tito Ortiz's Recent Allegations Have 'Lit a Fire' Under Chuck Liddell originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Five Things We Learned From UFC 109

Mike Chiappetta — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, News

I'm not sure what more we can learn from Randy Couture at this stage of his career. He is what he is, and that's pretty amazing. Even if you're the cynical type that's not impressed with a victory over a 45-year-old opponent, you have to give Couture a tip of the cap for competing three times in the last seven months. That's hard to do when you're 26, let alone 46.

Couture aside, here are my takeaways from UFC 109.

Five Things We Learned From UFC 109 originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Chael Sonnen Feels Horrible After Securing Title Shot

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:40:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos

LAS VEGAS -- When Chael Sonnen came to the UFC from WEC in 2009, he told everyone who would listen that he would be fighting for a middleweight title shot sooner rather than later. Most scoffed at his bold prediction, but after his dominant unanimous decision victory over Nate Marquardt at UFC 109, Sonnen is now the No. 1 185-pound contender.

MMA Fighting spoke to Sonnen at the post-fight press conference about his stunning climb up the middleweight title, his current health situation and why he thinks Vitor Belfort will defeat Anderson Silva at UFC 112. Check out the video interview below.

Chael Sonnen Feels Horrible After Securing Title Shot originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Matt Serra Reflects on UFC 109 Victory

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:17:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos

LAS VEGAS -- Matt Serra hadn't tasted victory since his welterweight title victory over Georges St-Pierre in April 2007, but on Saturday night at UFC 109, "The Terror" got back on the winning track and instantly became a contender once again. Serra defeated Frank Trigg via first-round TKO victory.

MMA Fighting caught up with Serra following the victory and talked about how he pulled off the win, where he goes from here and the impending opening of his new gym on Long Island.

Matt Serra Reflects on UFC 109 Victory originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Dana White Discusses Mark Coleman's Uncertain Future, James Toney Offer and More

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:41:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos

LAS VEGAS -- MMA Fighting caught up with Dana White moments after UFC 109, and the UFC president talked about a whole host of subjects: how impressive Randy Couture looked in victory, why he thinks this will be Mark Coleman's last UFC fight, the Tito Ortiz incident, Matt Serra's resurgence in the welterweight division and why he is in fact interested in signing James Toney.

Check out the video interview below.

Dana White Discusses Mark Coleman's Uncertain Future, James Toney Offer and More originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tito Ortiz Explains Mark Coleman, Chuck Liddell Incidents

Ariel Helwani — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:39:00 EST

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, Videos

LAS VEGAS -- Tito Ortiz somehow found a way to steal the spotlight following UFC 109 on Saturday night. "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" riled up Mark Coleman moments after his loss to Randy Couture, as he shouted at "The Hammer" during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.

MMA Fighting spoke to Ortiz right after the incident about what he said to Coleman and why he said it. Ortiz also talked about his recent controversial comments about Chuck Liddell and the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Tito Ortiz Explains Mark Coleman, Chuck Liddell Incidents originally appeared on MMA Fighting on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.