First things first, if you're checking this article bright and early in the morning, just a heads up, ONE FC 9 may be taking place at this exact moment. Go ahead and go check. Don't worry, I'll wait. I have all day.
Alright, now that we got that out of the way, it's time to celebrate. Yes folks, our final free weekend is almost upon us before the summer MMA blitzkrieg consumes our collective lives. The start of June brings back-to-back UFC events, Bellator's 2013 Summer Series, and even a WSOF show to boot. So needless to say, enjoy your free time while you still can.
But in the meantime we have another loaded docket in store today, from a few unfortunate accusations thrown Tito Ortiz's way, to Anthony Pettis beating the living crap of a Brazilian Jackass crew. So without further ado, let's get to some headlines.
7 MUST-READ STORIES
Ortiz responds. Jenna Jameson, the ex-partner of UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz, lobbed numerous accusations of drug abuse at the recently retired fighter while venting about the pair's custody battle on Twitter. Ortiz vehemntly denied the allegations, electing to take the high road in his response.
Shalorus out to reclaim pride. It took some time, nearly a year of soul-searching on the sidelines, before Kamal Shalorus could begin to forgive himself for the way in which his UFC career came to an unceremonious end.
UFC on FX 8 test results. All fighters screened at UFC on FX 8 passed their pre- and post-fight drug tests, including middleweight headliner Vitor Belfort.
ONE FC 9 weigh-ins. Several fighters missed weight at Thursday's official ONE FC 9 weigh-ins, including former UFC champion Tim Sylvia, who tipped the scale five pounds heavier than the heavyweight limit.
UFC launches network. The UFC announced a partnership with major Mexican network Televisa to launch a 24-hour subscription-based UFC channel within Latin America. "The channel would air all events live, and well as air historical programming from UFC, Pride, Strikeforce and WEC."
Philippou changes camps. UFC middleweight contender Costa Philippou left his long-time training camp at Serra-Longo to train with Keith Trimble at Long Island's Bellmore Kickboxing Academy. Philppou's former teammate, Chris Weidman, is currently scheduled to fight UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
Silva targeting December. Former Pride champion Wanderlei Silva told Brazil's SporTV that he'd like to return to action in December and would be open to a fight against Chael Sonnen, but would prefer it to take place in Brazil.
MEDIA STEW
We posted this a few days ago but the video got taken down within a matter of hours. Now it's back up, so for your enjoyment, Anthony Pettis clobbers a group of Jackass-type Brazilian guys.
Wouldn't you know it, looks like Chael Sonnen is a natural.
Here's a video of Anderson Silva getting smashed in 20 seconds. I swear I'm not lying. (For the lazy, jump to 0:21.)
The internet, man. It's weird sometimes.
(HT: MiddleEasy)
Did you know Nick Diaz's new promotion bans elbows on the ground because, "permitting elbows on the ground encourages holding and stalling?" I swear, sometimes this stuff writes itself.
WHOA...
My ex took my poor children away from me for NO reason. He did drugs and faked drug tests for UFC. I all my time with my babies, he partied
— Jenna Jameson (@jennajameson) May 30, 2013
And I have proof!
— Jenna Jameson (@jennajameson) May 30, 2013
You didn't even show your face while the boys grew, now you want to beat me up????
— Jenna Jameson (@jennajameson) May 30, 2013
If you don't like what I'm saying, sue me for my home your living in, sue me forfurniture YOU have, sue me for my Phantom! Keep up your lies
— Jenna Jameson (@jennajameson) May 30, 2013
I will start posting pics of Tito and his drug use. Lets talk the truth!!!!!!
— Jenna Jameson (@jennajameson) May 30, 2013
Here is 1 pic of titos drawer twitter.com/jennajameson/s…
— Jenna Jameson (@jennajameson) May 30, 2013
@normanblount he used a fake penis and ordered urine
— Jenna Jameson (@jennajameson) May 30, 2013
Here is more drugs Tito kept prior to fights... Scared me and scared my kids. I won't lie for him anymore twitter.com/jennajameson/s…
— Jenna Jameson (@jennajameson) May 30, 2013
CAMPAIGNING
When does the voting start for the next @easportsufc game cover? I think I might be able to sway some votes… @ufc
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) May 30, 2013
AND FOR ANYBODY THAT CARES:
I chose my opponent for September 14th and it's Canelo Alvarez. I'm giving the fans what they want. It will be at the MGM Grand.
— Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather) May 30, 2013
THE LIFE OF A 6'1" BANTAMWEIGHT
Over 35lbs in less than a week! twitter.com/GeorgeRoop/sta…
— George Roop (@GeorgeRoop) May 30, 2013
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Thursday, May 30, 2013):
- UFC 162: John Makdessi (11-2) out with injury, Rafaello Oliveira (15-5) in against Edson Barboza (11-1)
- UFC 163: Thales Leites (20-4) vs. Tom Watson (16-5)
- WSOF 3: Chris Gruetzemacher (11-1) out with injury, Jeff Smith (10-1) in against Jerrod Sanders (11-1)
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today's Fanpost of the Day comes to us from dpk875, who lists: Prospects to Watch this weekend
Prospect Watch: Joe Silva and Sean Shelby like to see prospects beating UFC veterans before they sign them, and there are some guys with a chance to make a statement this weekend.
ONE FC 9 - 31 May - Mall of Asia Arena - Philippines
HW:
Tony Johnson vs. Tim Sylvia
Johnson emerges from nearly 2 years off due to a contract dispute with Bellator, but has a chance to re-establish himself as one of the top prospects at HW with a win over former UFC Champ Tim Sylvia. He is a powerful, and athletic wrestler with quality wins over long time KOTC veteran Tony Lopez, and fellow HW prospect Derrick Lewis. His only loss is to current top 5 HW Daniel Cormier.
LW:
Lowen Tynanes vs. Felipe Enomoto
Tynanes is a 22 year old, former Hawaii state wrestling champion who comes from a fighting family. When he fights you can clearly see him use his wrestling, and then unleash some ground and pound. His dad, Myles Tynanes has a record of 4-2-1 spanning a decade. Lowen's is a road warrior, and his first four professional fights have come in four different countries, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, and USA. He already has plans tentative plans to return to KOTC and defend his LW title later this summer.
FW:
Honorio Banario vs. Koji Oishi
Honorio Banario is a 23 y/o Wushu style fighter who has racked up an 8-1 record along with several nice titles to this point in his MMA career. He is the URCC LW Champion, and the first One FC FW Champion. Since suffering his only career loss, he has rebounded with two solid victories.
BW:
Kevin Belingon vs. Masakatsu Ueda
Belingon is another fighter from the Philippines that comes from a Wushu background. He was the 10th rated prospect on the BE 2012 FLW scouting report. Against Ueda he is fighting a Shooto, and Bellator veteran, who should be a tough test.
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/2/7/2781265/kevin-belingon-mma-world-mma-flyweight-scouting-report
Legacy Fighting Championships 20 - 31 May - American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
BW:
Patrick Ybarra vs. Damacio Page
A 23 year old, fighter who is 5-0, gets his big chance to make a statement against a recent UFC vet. Ybarra has a compact build and some explosive athletism. Ybarra is facing a guy in Page that finished his Zuffa run with 4 straight losses between UFC and WEC, but an impressive win would help catch the attention of Sean Shelby.
FLW:
Alptekin Ozkilic vs. Antonio Banuelos
Another prospect gets a shot at a UFC veteran. Ozkilic brings a 7-1 record into this fight. His only loss is to Current UFC Bantamweight Chico Camus
Cage Warriors Fighting Championships - 1 Jun - The Helix, Dublin, Ireland
Cathal Pendred vs. Che Mills - 1 Jun, CWFC 55
Irishmen Pendred gets a big chance to put his name in the mix for a UFC or Bellator shot by beating UFC Veteran Che Mills. Pendred is 6-0-1 in his last 7 dating back to 2010, with wins over UFC vet David Bielkheden, and respected vet Bruno Carvalho.
Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in Monday's column.