Veteran welterweight Dennis Hallman returning to UFC, signs four-fight deal

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Twelve-plus-year veteran Dennis Hallman (41-12-2 MMA, 1-3 UFC) will soon fight in the UFC for the first time in more than four years.

The 34-year-old submission ace, who debuted for the UFC in December 2000 at "UFC 29: Defense of the Belts," recently signed a new four-fight deal with the world's largest MMA promotion.

Hallman's agent, Ken Pavia of MMAAgents.com, today informed MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the new deal.

Perhaps best known for his two submission wins over former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes – which came in a combined time of 37 seconds – Hallman's UFC 29 win was his only victory in the UFC. The Washington native dropped decisions to Jorge Rivera and Jens Pulver and suffered a TKO loss to Frank Trigg in his other three UFC appearances.

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Exclusive Interview With Dennis Hallman

Originally posted on MMArising.com

In an exclusive interview with MMARising.com, two-time Matt Hughes conqueror Dennis "Superman" Hallman discusses his fights with Hughes, his UFC title bout, which fighters he would most like to face and why he'd like to return to the UFC.

A head trainer at the respected Victory Athletics camp in Washington, Hallman works with many of the sport's future stars and guides them with his 12 years of experience in MMA. He has competed against many of the biggest names in the sport during his storied career, including a pair of quick and dominant victories over long-time UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes. Now refocused and hungry to compete for another major title, Hallman discusses his plans as he looks ahead.


MMARising.com: Thank you for taking the time for this interview, Dennis. To begin, can you provide a bit of background information on yourself and when you first took an interest in competing in mixed martial arts?

Dennis Hallman: I have wrestled since I was 8 years old. I wrestled through high school and won the Washington State 135-pound title in my Senior year. I decided to wrestle at a local community college, but during the preseason training, I broke my leg. The injury sidelined me for the season. December (1995) came and I was healing up from the injury. A guy that attended my high school was sending tapes to Battlecade to get on their show. Being that I was a well-known wrestler in my small city, the guy called and asked if I would fight him.

I was confused, but after a little explaining, I agreed to fight the guy. I won our match by guillotine in 30 seconds. The guy was frustrated with the loss but convinced me that, if I trained a little, I would be good. Three weeks later, I competed in my first exhibition match. I had my first sanctioned "Pankration" match on May 18th, 1996 at a Matt Hume show in Kirkland. I defeated a Japanese guy that was training with Hume at the time.



MMARising.com: Newer fans to MMA may not be familiar with your career, but your 41-12-2, 1 NC record includes fights with many of the sport's top fighters. Still just 33 years old, do you feel that you can make a run at another major title in the future?

Dennis: I have been fighting for a long time and have a lot of experience. I think that, with the right fights, I can re-establish myself as a top contender and maybe get a shot at a title.



MMARising.com: Your nickname, "Superman," has been with you for most of your career. When did people first start calling you that and what initially sparked the name?

Dennis: When I was an amateur, I used to have a lucky sweater that I wore before each fight. A local promoter by the name of Aric Wiseman was promoting an amateur event and put my photo on his event poster with my name simply written as "Superman." I have carried the name ever since.



MMARising.com: While you have battled many of the best, you are still most famous for scoring two victories over long-time UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes, in a combined total of just 37 seconds. Hypothetically, if you were to face Hughes again, now almost ten years later, would you expect a similar outcome?

Dennis: I will beat Hughes every time we fight. He can never beat me.



MMARising.com: Was there ever any animosity between Hughes and yourself, or was it simply a matter of proving that you were the better fighter?

Dennis: I had no problem with Hughes until he wrote snide comments about me in his book. I mean, what a whiner. He should just accept that he had his ass handed to him and move on.

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MMARising.com: Do you have any final comments or shout-outs to sponsors or fans?

Dennis: Thanks to Vicious Fight Gear, MMA Agents, Suplay.com, kirkwhitewrestling.com, Eric Herrholz and Fight.tv. May God Bless everyone.

Click here to read the entire article on MMArising.com

Dennis Hallman: A Life of Fighting

Originally posted on MMAleaked.com

Dennis Hallman has been fighting as a mixed martial artist for over a decade. There isn't much Dennis 33, hasn't seen during his storied career as a professional, the sport has been constantly evolving and growing, since he first began fighting. However one thing has not changed – his desire to be a champion and to be the best fighter in the world. Over the course of his career Hallman has stood toe to toe with some of the finest fighters of our generation including; Frank Trigg, Caol Uno, Jens Pulver, Jorge Rivera, and Matt Hughes.

Hallman is notorious for being the guy who has Matt Hughes' number. Dennis Hallman has twice defeated the UFC star most notably by spoiling Hughes' UFC debut back in 2000, at UFC 29. Now Hallman enters into a new chapter in his celebrated career, by fighting Justin Davis this Friday at Strikeforce Challengers II. The fight will be taking place at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington, right in Hallman's back yard.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAleaked.com

"Superman" Hallman Still Flying High

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

After years of rollercoaster-like ups and downs, both in his record and weight, MMA veteran Dennis “Superman” Hallman appears to have finally found his niche.

A 20-second submission win at the recent ShoMMA: Strikeforce Challenger Series event over late replacement Justin Davis has given Hallman a five-fight winning streak and reason to believe he could once again be in a title hunt.

After cornering Victory Athletics teammate Brad Blackburn at the recent Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale, Hallman spoke to MMAWeekly.com about his win, his year away from fighting, and what’s next.

“My opponent got changed at the last minute, so I ended up facing a guy who was a 205-pound striker, and I knew he wouldn’t have a lot of ground and it would be stupid for me to stand with him,” said Hallman of his fight strategy.

“I shot in a quick double-leg, he made a mistake when he opened his guard, and so I took his back and choked him out. It was pretty textbook and simple – I actually lucked out.”

While Hallman chuckles about how fortunate he was in his last fight, it’s actually the serious business of working on his endurance that has helped him get on such a hot streak.

“I think the big change came in my cardio regiment,” he stated. “My body is really weird, like if I eat a certain thing, my blood sugar spikes and I get out of control. But if I eat correctly, and do the right combination of cardio, it seems that I’m able to compete a lot better.”

Hallman returned to action this past March after serving an illegal substance related suspension stemming from a November 2007 fight.

Having fought for over 10 years, he was asked if he entertained thoughts of possibly leaving the cage for other avenues during his 17-month layoff.

“I never really had a thought of stopping,” he responded. “I had a whole team of guys who were fighting the whole time, and my responsibility was to prepare them for their fights; just make sure they were ready to win, and at the same time keep myself in shape.

Hallman steamrolls Davis, "Fancy Pants" shocks "Bang" on Strikeforce prelims

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

KENT, Wash. - While "Superman" was briefly in the building on Friday night, it was a different set of "Fancy Pants" that dropped the biggest "Bang."

Veteran Dennis "Superman" Hallman (41-12-2) and fast-rising, undefeated prospect Lyle "Fancy Pants" Beerbohm (10-0) each scored impressive first-round victories on the preliminary card of Friday's "Strikeforce: Villasenor vs. Cyborg" event at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Wash.

The six-bout preliminary action preceded the evening's Showtime-broadcast main card.

Hallman wasted no time with Justin Davis (11-8), an 11th-hour replacement, during the final preliminary bout of the event. Hallman immediately took Davis to the ground and won via rear-naked choke at 20 seconds of the first round.

It was Hallman's second fight – and win – of 2009. The former UFC fighter did not fight in 2008 and only once in 2007. He owns two victories over Matt Hughes, a distinction he shares with Georges St. Pierre. The fight occurred at a catchweight of 200 pounds because Davis was added to the card Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Beerbohm remained unbeaten in the cage with easily his most impressive win to date, stopping Duane "Bang" Ludwig (18-9) with a schoolyard choke from the side at 4:27 of the first round. Beerbohm, known as "Fancy Pants" for his colorful shorts, was also 12-0 as an amateur.

Brian Caraway (11-3) dominated Alex Zuniga (2-2) from the opening bell, but he could not finish the fight. Caraway held top position for most of the first and second rounds and won the fight on his feet in the third.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Hallman gets new opponent, Gurgel vs. Heun changed to catch-weight for Friday's Strikeforce

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

On the eve of Friday's "Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg" event, the card has undergone a few changes, including a new opponent for preliminary-card headliner Dennis Hallman.

Strikeforce executive Mike Afromowitz today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that Hallman, originally slated to fight Cedric Marks, will instead meet Justin Davis at a catch-weight of 195 pounds.

Afromowitz also told MMAjunkie.com a Showtime-televised bout between Jorge Gurgel and Conor Heun, originally slated for 155 pounds, will instead be held at 160 pounds.

Friday's Strikeforce event, the second held under the "Strikeforce Challengers" (formerly "SHO MMA") banner, takes place at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Wash. The five-fight main card, which includes a main event of Joey Villasenor (26-6) vs. Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (16-12), airs on Showtime.

Hallman, a Washington native, was slated to fight veteran Marks (26-18) in the preliminary card's featured bout.

But, "Marks got medically suspended," Afromowitz said. "He didn't tell us. Apparently he fought last weekend."

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Strikeforce hosts open workout in Washington with Hallman, Devela, four others

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Strikeforce fighter and 12-year-MMA-veteran Dennis Hallman – along with rising prospects Len Bentley, Brian Caraway, Cory Devela, Steve Hadsel and Landon Showalter – will conduct an open-to-the-public workout on June 17 at Vision Quest Sport and Fitness Center in Auburn, Wash in anticipation of Friday's "Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Santos" event

All six fighters are appearing on Friday's card at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Wash.

Headlined by a main event of Joe Villasenor and Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos, Friday's event is the California-based Strikeforce organizations second trip to Washington.

The day's activities begin at noon PT, and the public is invited to attend the session at Vision Quest Sport and Fitness Center, 1101 Supermall Way, Auburn, Wash., 98001. Admission is free.

Hallman (40-12-2) will be headlining the evening's preliminary card against 11-year veteran Cedric Marks (26-18). Devela (9-2) will look to bounce back from a September 2008 loss to Terry Martin when he opens the evening's Showtime-televised card against Luke Rockhold (4-1)

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

June 19 Beerbohm vs. Ludwig & Hallman vs. Marks

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

A welterweight match-up between Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm and Duane “Bang” Ludwig is set for the second installment of Strikeforce Challenger Series June 19 in Kent, Wash.

MMAWeekly’s blog, MMAInsider, initially reported that Ludwig was likely to fight Dennis Hallman at the Pacific Northwest event, but the fight did not come to fruition, according to sources close to the fight.

Hallman (40-12-2) will instead take on Cedric Marks (26-18) on the main card.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.com

Dennis Hallman vs. Duane Ludwig Possible for June 19 Strikeforce

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

A welterweight match-up between Dennis Hallman and Duane Ludwig is under consideration for the Showtime series, according to a source who chose not to be named.

If Ludwig is confirmed, the up-and-comers' main card will carry a half-dozen fighters with over ten fights on their record.

Hallman (40-12-2) last appeared at the Roy Jones promoted "March Badness," ending almost a year and a half of inactivity.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.com

Strikeforce heads to Washington June 19 with Dennis Hallman

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Strikeforce returns to Washington state on June 19 for a new installment of its "Strikeforce Challenger" series.

The SHO MMA event takes place at the ShoWare Center and airs on Showtime at 11 p.m. ET/PT.

Among those confirmed for the event include recent UFC lightweight and Strikeforce newcomer Jorge Gurgel (12-5), UFC and Strikeforce vet Dennis Hallman (40-12-2) and Strikeforce prospect Cory Devela (9-2).

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Superman Returns June 19 at ShoMMA

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

Dennis "Superman" Hallman will soon be fighting in his backyard.

The longtime MMA veteran on Monday confirmed his return to action in the second installment of SHO MMA: Strikeforce Challenger Series on June 19, though his opponent has not been confirmed.

The event will take place at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington, an arena representative confirmed to MMAWeekly.com. The venue seats approximately 7,000 fans in a fight configuration and is about an hour from Hallman's hometown of Olympia.

A lightweight showdown between Duane "Bang" Ludwig and Lyle Beerbohm is expected to headline the event, but cannot be confirmed at this time.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.com

Dennis Hallman on Hughes/Serra

Originally posted on DemandMMA.com

UFC, IFL, and Rumble on the Rock veteran Dennis Hallman is no stranger to big fights. Amassing a 40 - 12 - 2 record, Hallman has been on nearly every big stage and fought some of the best in the business, including Jens Pulver, Frank Trigg, Caol Uno, Ryan McGivern, among others. Hallman, however, is most known for his two victories over UFC welterweight legend Matt Hughes (42 - 7), submitting the “Country Boy” twice, with the total fight time barely eclipsing the forty second mark.

Click here to read the entire article at DemandMMA.com

March Badness Salary Information

Originally posted on 411mania.com

Roy Jones and Bobby Lashley did well for themselves…

- Here is the official salary information from Saturday's "March Badness" MMA/Boxing event. The disclosed payroll for the event was listed as $217,000, but that doesn't include what Roy Jones Jr. will make, as he is scheduled to take in two-thirds of net profits of event.

OFFICIAL MMA SALARIES:
* Jeff Monson: $25,000 (win bonus was $10,000) def. Roy Nelson: $30,000
* Bobby Lashley: $40,000 (win bonus was $10,000) def. Jason Guida: $15,000
* Din Thomas: $10,000 (no win bonus) def. Gabe Lemley: $5,500
* Dennis Hallman: $6,000 (win bonus was $3,000) def. Danny Ruiz: $2,000
* James Freeman: $500 (win bonus was $250) def. John Mowry: $300

Click here to read the entire article at 411mania.com

Hallman impresses in March Badness preliminary card bout

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

The evening kicked off with a welterweight contest between 12-year veteran Dennis Hallman (40-12-2) and Danny Ruiz (5-4). A quick affair, Ruiz offered little for his veteran opponent.

Hallman shot in immediately, and though Ruiz defended two efforts, "Superman" eventually worked the fight to the floor from the clinch. Once on the mat, Hallman worked from Ruiz's half-guard to side control. As Ruiz looked to roll and escape Hallman instead scrambled to back position and looked to finish the fight.

A left arm slid under Ruiz's chin, and Hallman secured the hold by grabbing a Gable grip with his right hand. Ruiz resisted briefly but tapped at 1:50 of the opening frame.

Despite seeing action for the first time in 16 months, Hallman won his fourth straight contest. Ruiz drops his fourth consecutive outing.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Dennis Hallman vs. Danny Ruiz a late addition to Saturday's "March Badness"

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Event organizers for Saturday's "March Badness" hybrid MMA/boxing card have secured a late addition for the card; former UFC fighter Dennis Hallman (39-12-2) will meet Danny Ruiz (5-3) on the MMA portion of the card.

An event spokesperson confirmed the fight with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) and said it'll join three other MMA bouts, including former UFC heavyweight contender Jeff Monson (27-8) vs. former IFL title-holder Roy Nelson (13-3), on the pay-per-view portion of the card.

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Hallman, a 12-year MMA veteran, goes for his fourth straight victory (and sixth win in his past seven fights) when he takes on Ruiz. Hallman, who's fought for top organizations such as the UFC and Strikeforce, is perhaps best known for his 2-0 record against future UFC hall-of-famer Matt Hughes. They were two of his 30 submission victories in 39 career fights.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Carson's Corner: Dennis Hallman

Carson's Corner is back with a vengeance! UFC veteran Dennis "Superman" Hallman and IFL veteran Claude Patrick are today's guests.

Hallman's name recently surfaced as a potential opponent for Jon Fitch. Listen to the show and you'll get the inside scoop as to whether this fight nearly happened. What is in the future for Dennis Hallman, particularly in light of the suspension he has served?

Carson throws his patented verbal haymakers during every interview, and this one is no exception! Will "Superman" survive? Tune in and find out.

Click here to listen to the entire interview at Carson's Corner

Talking with Superman: an exclusive PRO MMA interview with Dennis Hallman

Originally posted on ProMMA.info

PRO MMA: First off, let me just say that, being originally from Tacoma, WA and living in Yelm, Wa in the past, I am a huge fan. Thank you for agreeing to talk with me. Your agent, Ken Pavia, recently discussed a possible return TO the UFC while on TAGG Radio. Can you elaborate for us?
Dennis Hallman: Well, Pav is doing a good job trying to get me back in the mix. I guess I was in line for a fight with Fitch but Gono was able to heal up enough to accept the fight. I would love to be able to step back into the UFC and fight a guy like Fitch.

PRO MMA: Ken also aluded to the fact that you are going to drop back down to welterweight. What weight are you most comfortable fighting at and why? Also, which weight do you feel you can be most competitive at and why?
Dennis Hallman: I really need to fight welterweight or lower. I walk around between 179-183lbs. I am willing to fight middleweight if the money is good or if its the right opponent. But I will be fighting at welterweight. I think I can compete at the top level at welterweight and lightweight.

PRO MMA: Not many people know about CageSport, can you tell us a little about it and what it’s like working on the other side of the business such as match-making and owning a promotion?
Dennis Hallman: CageSport is a local MMA show that gives guys the opportunity to prove themselves at a regional level. I have been promoting amateur shows in the Northwest for almost nine years. I have been involved with over 80 shows on the amateur level so I am very familiar with the other side of the fight business. Most of the pros in the Northwest have fought on my amateur shows at some time or another, so making matches for CageSport is an easy job. I am very familiar with almost every NW pro.

PRO MMA: At age 33, you have amassed quite an impressive record of 40-12-2, with 30 wins by submission. Do you have a favorite fight, or most memorable win?
Dennis Hallman: Well really I have about 25 more fights than my Sherdog record shows. One of my favorite fights was against a guy named Shane Sandoval. I was about 20 years old and the guy was a popular local Martial Arts competitor. MMA was still no-holds-barred then (most people had only one style) and I was still pretty much just a wrestler. I shot a double on the guy, at the same time I grabbed him he jumped in the air. It made it look like I picked him up over my head and threw him. The guy fell to the floor and hit himself in the mouth with his knees. I was in awe of what happened and it looked really cool on VHS.

PRO MMA: What organization do you think best suits you as a fighter? Not just money wise, but match-up wise, where you can be competitive and/or a title contender?
Dennis Hallman: I am 100% sure that I can beat anyone on any given day.And No B.S., I honestly believe that if I am on, then the other guy is in big trouble. So as far as title contention goes, I think that with proper preperation I can win anywhere. That being said, I really like Scott Coker and Strikeforce. Strikeforce is a fighter’s organization. I like the UFC, they have the best guys at almost every weight. I would also like to fight for Bellator, just because it would be cool to get exposure to the Spanish speaking MMA fans that may not have been exposed to alot of MMA.

PRO MMA: You are an 11 year MMA veteran and 33 years old. How much longer do you think you can really be competitive? Why?
Dennis Hallman: I think that MMA mirrors wrestling more than any other sport and wrestlers really mature in their 30’s, so that is good news. I have spent the last year and a half learning about my body and proper nutrition so I think the best Dennis Hallman is yet to come. If God is willing I hope to be active in fighting as long as my body can keep healthy.

PRO MMA: I ask everyone this; Many fighters now have clothing lines, radio shows, etc. Are you working on any projects outside of the cage?
Dennis Hallman: I am pretty busy raising my three sons Ryley, Richie and Jayden. My daughter Kylar Grace is being born via C-section tomorrow morning so I will be pretty busy with my kids. I also coach a junior wrestling team with 50 kids, we have matches every weekend. I also manage about 10 up and coming pro fighters, and ask Pav, each guy is a project by themselves.

PRO MMA: If you had your choice of anyone, who would you want to fight and why?
Dennis Hallman: I will seriously fight anybody but if I have the choice I would say GSP or Penn, they are the best two in my weight range, I would love the opportunity.

PRO MMA: You have an awesome and exciting fight style. As a BJJ practitioner myself, I would like to know, what is your favorite submission and why?
Dennis Hallman: My favorite sub is the guillotine because it is so easy to get. For years I quit doing it because it was so easy to get, I would just pass it up in practice but as of late I have been bringing it back and I love it.

Click here to read the entire article at ProMMA.info

Return to UFC possible for Dennis Hallman

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Eleven-year veteran Dennis Hallman (40-12-2 MMA, 1-3 UFC), perhaps best known for a pair of quick submission wins over former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes, is reportedly under consideration for a return the sport's biggest organization.

Hallman's manager, Ken Pavia, discussed the possibility during Thursday's edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"We actually talked to the UFC at length," Pavia said ."And we almost got that (Jon) Fitch fight in January, but (Akihiro) Gono stepped up. But it was between us and Gono. And [Hallman] might come back to the UFC."

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Hallman teams up for Cagesport

Sunday, August 24, 2008 - Originally posted by MMAWeekly.com Staff

A new fight organization will soon debut in the Northwest called CageSport, which will combine the talents of promoter, Brian Halquist, and a matchmaker in former Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor, Dennis Hallman.

Halquist and Hallman teamed up to promote their first MMA show together on June 8, 2008 at the Emerald Queen Casino, which resulted in a sold out crowd. Due to the success of the show, Hallman and Halquist decided to form the new promotion set to debut in the near future.

“This is a great opportunity for both Brian and I to build CageSport as a major market competitor in the MMA community,” said Hallman. “It’s good to be working with a fellow wrestler. Our strengths together will make for a very competitive company in MMA.”

Click here to read the rest of the article at mmaweekly.com